After almost a year of hype and hoopla, the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix is finally here. There has been more hype for this new race than any I can remember – and I don’t think it is because I am a Nashville resident. It seems the entire racing community has been anticipating this race for months. The question is – can any event live up to such hype? With what the event organizers have done within their control, I think it can. They have tried to make the fan experience as fulfilling as possible in their planning.
Nashville Preview
Posted in IndyCar on August 6, 2021 by OilpressureTaking a Lap of the Music City Grand Prix
Posted in IndyCar on August 4, 2021 by Oilpressure
Before getting started, I have a medical update on my wife, Susan. As most of you know, Susan was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer thirteen months ago. After six months of grueling chemo, then surgery in February followed by oral chemo and radiation – her treatments were completed in early June. She had her first post-treatment scans this past Monday. Tuesday morning, we learned the results of her scan. I am ecstatic to announce that her scans on Monday were clear!
In fact, her oncologist used the M-word (miracle). While it’s a little to early to proclaim her to be cured, this is a very good sign. She has no treatments or anything cancer-related scheduled in her immediate future. Her next scans are scheduled for November 9. Thanks for indulging me as I try to keep everyone updated on her condition. This news will make this race weekend more special than it already was going to be. – GP
The track for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix is finally built and in place. Still, there has never been an IndyCar wheel turned on it. That won’t happen until Friday afternoon at 3:10 local time, for Practice One. IndyCar drivers will be given a total of an hour and fifteen minutes on Friday, and another forty-five minutes on Saturday to learn all of the nuances of a track no one has been on before trying to qualify late Saturday afternoon.
Will it be Enough?
Posted in IndyCar on August 2, 2021 by Oilpressure
As I sit down to write this, I’m trembling with fear that it won’t be up to the standards that one of the readers of this site has apparently set. Friday’s post sure didn’t measure up to what one reader thought it should be. I’m fearful that this post won’t either. If it doesn’t, let me apologize in advance. That was sarcasm, by the way.
A Cautionary Tale for Street Races
Posted in IndyCar on July 30, 2021 by Oilpressure
One week from today, practice will begin for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. While there is a tremendous buzz around town about this event, there seems be even more anticipation throughout the IndyCar community. Several teams are introducing special paint schemes for this race. On Trackside the other night, they reported that Jimmie Johnson says he is receiving more ticket requests for this race, than any other on the schedule – and that includes the Indianapolis 500.
IndyCar Jumps Back Into the Virtual World
Posted in IndyCar on July 28, 2021 by Oilpressure
Some of you may be surprised to learn that about twenty years ago, I was a fairly active simmer. I never got into any of the shoot-‘em-up video games; but I owned my fair share of PC flight and race simulators.
Let the Speculation Begin!
Posted in IndyCar on July 23, 2021 by Oilpressure
It’s still July, and the silly season seems to be in full swing. A couple of weeks ago, Michael Andretti kicked things off when he remarked that a couple of cars could be in play at his team for 2022. He noted that Colton Herta and Alexander Rossi were both under contract, but that the other two cars could see some changes. It could be that he meant team personnel, but I think most took it to mean either James Hinchcliffe of Ryan Hunter-Reay could be gone at season’s end.
NBC and IndyCar Reach an Extension
Posted in IndyCar on July 21, 2021 by Oilpressure
Not long ago, I publicly ate crow after the double-header at Belle Isle. I had predicted a boring set of races that turned out to be very exciting. I led off the Random Thoughts post with hat in hand and publicly admitted I was dead wrong. It wasn’t fun, but at least I acknowledged it.
Oilpressure 