Flare Sci-Fi Forums: Greatest Spectacle In Racing

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Posted by The359 (Member # 37) on :

This is just something I wanted to do out of curiosity. As some of you (most likely Europeans more then Americans), today was the first United States Grand Prix for Formula 1 held in 9 years in America. As almost all of you should know, Indianapolis Motor Speedway is home to what is deemed the "Greatest Spectacle In Racing", the Indianapolis 500 (formerly run by CART, now run by the IRL) in May. For the longest time, the Indianapolis 500 was the only event the track was used for. Recently, the track also added the Brickyard 400, a NASCAR event held in August, with it's tag-along IROC (International Race of Champions). All these events are held on the 2 1/2 mile 4-turn oval that is Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS).

But, today, Formula 1 has invaded Indianapolis, and it has brought along a lot of firsts. The most obvious, is the addition of a road course to the IMS infield. It's a 13-turn 2.62-mile permanant road course that also includes what would be Turn 1 and the Front Stretch of the oval. Another first is that the F1 cars will be running on the oval CLOCKWISE for the first time ever since the track was built around 1909. It will also be the first standing start (i.e. non-rolling start) since 1911. It is also the first time a race has been held in the rain, as it did during today's event. And it is also the first time Ferrari has won at Indianapolis, with Michael Shumacher winning today.

So, the curiosity element of this post is, do you F1 fans think it was a good race, and a good track to hold an event on? Should the United States Grand Prix stay at Indianapolis for many years? Should the once single event IMS expand to fit even more racing series, like American Le Mans?

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Me: "Why don't you live in Hong Kong?"
Rachel Roberts: "Hong Kong? Nah. Oh, but we can live in China! Yeah, China has great Chinese food!"

(discussion with fellow classmate, 9/5/00)

[This message has been edited by The359 (edited September 24, 2000).]

Posted by Michael Dracon (Member # 4) on :

It's a good track, although I don't like the weird S-shaped curve. It has an extreme of some 1st gear turnes and the high speed original Indy track. Pitty the McLarens didn't do well, but a nice track to watch nonetheless. I hope this track stays in a long time!

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Ivanova is always right. I will listen to Ivanova. I will not ignore Ivanova's recommendations. Ivanova is God. *And*, if this ever happens again, Ivanova will personally rip your lungs out!

- Commander Susan Ivanova, Babylon 5

[This message has been edited by Altair (edited September 26, 2000).]

Posted by The359 (Member # 37) on :

It was great to see the F1 cars screaming around the banked oval onto the straight away. Lucky no one busted a tire in there, or else we'd have a major head-on with the wall!

------------------
Me: "Why don't you live in Hong Kong?"
Rachel Roberts: "Hong Kong? Nah. Oh, but we can live in China! Yeah, China has great Chinese food!"

(discussion with fellow classmate, 9/5/00)