Watercooler Wednesday - Nov 5/08

On the day after last night's historic U.S. election, where the first African American has been elected to the highest office, we would be remiss if we were not to point out that open wheel racing made a little history of it's own over the weekend. In a spectacular, drama filled season finale on Sunday, Lewis Hamilton became not only the youngest Formula 1 champion, but also the first person of color to win a major world racing title.

Fans worldwide were riveted to their seats as the final laps ticked away, and along with it the hopes of the young Brit for a second year in a row. But a final desperate pass on the final corner of the final lap locked in Hamilton's history making championship by one point. (the same singular margin he lost the championship by in 2007)

Hamilton and McLaren weren't the only ones celebrating his accomplishments. A long time fan was rewarded for his support and belief in the up and coming driver, betting on his success many years ago, and reaping the rewards this week.

A celebration of innovation...
Back on this side of the pond, the giant SEMA trade show kicks off it's annual stop in Las Vegas this week, bringing together the brightest minds and most innovative products and services related to the automotive industry worldwide. As part of the 4 day event, a handful of open wheel drivers, both young and old, will be making appearances throughout the event: (most are in town for the IndyCar end of season banquet. )

Wed Nov 5: Tony Kanaan, Bobby & Graham Rahal, Scott Dixon, Mario Andretti
Wed (5)/Thurs (6): Frankie Muniz, Carl Skerlong, Johnny Unser
Thurs Nov 6: Alex Tagliani

Check the Sema website (clicking on Celebrity appearances) for appearance times.

To the victor go the spoils...
IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights Champions, Scott Dixon and Raphael Matos, are among several who will receive their awards and accolades in front of their peers on Wednesday evening at the IndyCar end of season celebration at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

Fans are invited to watch the awards portion of the event live exclusively on www.indycar.com via streaming video. Log on at 11:37 p.m. (ET) Nov. 5.

waiting in the wings...
While fans, teams and drivers sit in limbo awaiting the final decision (apparently to be decided in the coming weeks) on Surfers Paradise for 2009 and beyond, the ALMS is the latest series to throw their hat in the ring as a potential replacement should IndyCars back out. While they aren't actively pursuing it at this point, Panoz said he wouldn't be adverse to considering the possibility. A1GP has also expressed interest in taking over as the headliner at the popular event.

Police blotter...(this is not something we wish to make a permanent feature)
Sadly yet another driver has made headlines for something other than his driving prowess. Arie Luyendyk Jr was pulled over twice in as many weeks, once for driving with a suspended license and once for driving without a valid registration. No official statement was made by Luyendyk or his representatives regarding the charges.

a change of scenery...
Paul Tracy and Max Papis made their Craftsman Truck series debuts in Texas over the weekend. Papis, who qualified 5th, crashed out after only a handful of laps. Tracy, who qualified 22nd, made his way comfortable up into the top ten until caused handling issues, dropping him to 20th overall.

there is still something to vote on!...
While IndyCar rookie E.J. Viso managed to make it onto just about everyone's naughty list this year among his fellow drivers, he must have been doing something right as he also made in onto the prestigious list of contenders for the 2008 Autosport Rookie of the Year. If you haven't already done so, head on over to www.autosport.com and show your support for one of our most exciting up and coming drivers.

more next Wednesday...

Written 11-05-2008, 02:14 pm

Updated 11-05-2008, 02:47 pm

Written by M. Beer

Photography Michele-Marie Beer / OWW.net

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