Watercooler Wednesday - Nov 12/08

It's Wednesday, so it's time to take a quick spin and catch up on what's been happening in the racing world. The big news this week of course was the word from down under that the Surfers Paradise race was being taken over by the A1GP. We have since received official confirmation from IndyCar that the long running event will no longer be part of the IndyCar schedule.

"We are disappointed that we could not find suitable solutions for both the IndyCar Series and Gold Coast Indy organizers, but it was not due to lack of effort," said Terry Angtsadt, president of the commercial division for the Indy Racing League. "Chairman Terry Mackenroth and general manager Greg Hooton rolled out the red carpet for the IndyCar Series last month and they are to be commended for their efforts in conjunction with the Queensland government."

A silver lining in this dark cloud was the not so subtle mention of the possible addition of one or two other events with a long AOW history that fell by the wayside post unification.

"We're happy with '09, but what it does do give us flexibility for 2010," Angstadt said. "A Cleveland, a Portland - some of these venues that have real historical significance on the Champ Car calendar -- are very interested in holding a race."

And the award goes to...
The teams and drivers weren't the only ones receiving accolades last week. IMS and Indy Racing League CEO Tony George was named the Indiana Chamber of Commerce's 2008 Business Leader of the Year for his impact on the community.

What happens in Vegas...
It's not just Joe Q Public that is trying to figure out how they are going to muddle through the economic hardships everyone is facing heading into 2009. According to Robin Miller the IndyCar series team owners took a little time out from the celebrations in Las Vegas to all sit down for a tête-à-tête to discuss the economy, testing, spare parts, rules and communication. Though no one would get into specifics, those quoted seemed pleased with proceedings.

Eventually something will stick...
After his mildly successful debut in the Craftsman Truck series last weekend, Paul Tracy suddenly found himself on a plane heading to Dubai. The last minute travel plans were to accommodate a test with the Speedcar, a European stockcar series that runs in conjunction with GP2 Asia. Tracy was 6th fastest on day one and 8th fastest on day two out of the 14 drivers in the two day test. There will be one final weekend of testing at the end of November before Season 2 of Speedcar gets underway Dec 4-6th.

Police Blotter... (apparently this is going to be a weekly feature)
U.S. District Judge Donald Graham set a trial start date of March 2nd, 2009 for Helio Castroneves and 2 others to answer to the charges of tax evasion. Considering this is a mere 4 weeks prior to the start of the 2009 IndyCar season, now the speculation begins on whether Castroneves will be piloting the #3 car next season or if Penske will be securing the services of another driver just in case.

Mario Dominguez is still being dragged through the mud in the Mexican tabloid media, stories which are seeping stateside, despite not being charged with anything following his car accident and subsequent altercation with a cab driver. Apparently innocent until proven guilty is not common practice in that part of the world.

Drivers in the news for good reasons...
Indy Lights driver Arie Luyendyk Jr will be joining NASCAR drivers Geoff Bodine and Scott Wimmer, and NHRA driver Hillary Will on the 2008 Racing Heroes Goodwill Tour from December 9 to 20th visiting US Military bases in Iraq and Kuwait.

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