A Lot Going On For An Off Week

April 23, 2007

By Chuck Abrams

Chuck Abrams

While the Sprint Cup regulars were off this past weekend, a lot of other racing related news happened.

Kyle Busch won his third Nationwide race of the year by winning the race in Mexico City. A teenager by the name of Colin Braun won the pole, Scott Pruett lost another race in Mexico and has to be wondering what he has to do to get a win, Marcos Amrose drove the wheels off his car and was once again embroiled in controversy from a race incident.

On top of all that, Danica Patrick won her first IRL IndyCar race and no one saw it. This is the first time in racing history that a woman won a major series race. Unfortunately, the IRL race was in Japan so as she crossed the finish line shortly after midnight few Americans saw her win.

Still it is big news and a history making accomplishment. Patrick has been better known for her PR events and her magazine swimsuit expose. She has placed well in several races but as a woman, she has been under the microscope with many questioning not only her ability but her choice of magazine placement. Of course, few questioned Carl Edwards’ choice to bear HIS upper torso or tie that to his ability to race and compete.

Patrick’s emotional win came at a good time for open wheel racing in the U.S., which makes it all the more disappointing that she won in prime time Japan, not prime time USA. With the merging of the IRL and Champ car racing, open wheel racing in the US needs a huge shot in the arm. While many well-known drivers may not be in the Indy 500 and may be looking for rides of any consequence this year, Patrick and young Graham Rahal may become the face for American open wheel racing. Sarah Fisher has only a three race deal that includes the Indy 500 and only time will tell if Patrick’s win will benefit other female racers.

For the first time in quite a while I may actually watch the Indy 500 this year. Now if only Paul Tracy can get a ride for the 500… and for the rest of the year for that matter.

Always wanted to sponsor a truck race?

Let me know your thoughts on all this.

Drive fast, turn left and keep the shiny side up.

Feel free to send Chuck your thoughts on this and other race topics at Insider Racing News.

The thoughts and ideas expressed by this writer or any other writer on Insider Racing News, are not necessarily the views of the staff and/or management of IRN.

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