2006 IRL Rd.7--SunTrust Indy Challenge
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 4:58 pm
And to think........it's been a year since my first posting here. Time does fly when you're doing something you enjoy.
Anyway............
After six rounds and several close finishes, the teams and drivers of the IRL IndyCar Series return for their sixth visit to Richmond International Raceway, hard on the banks of the James River just outside of Richmond, Va. Known in American history as "The Capital of the Confederacy", the Richmond area is steeped in historical sites, numerous battlefields and lots of historical places galore. But the focus of the drivers isn't on St. Paul's Church, or the Confederate White House.......it's on the 3/4-mile "bullring", where cars will fly around the track in 16+ seconds, turning each lap for 12-13 secs. of each lap, with lateral g's of 4 per lap. Drivers will deal with traffic all night long, so a good qualifying effort is essential, if not anywhere else, then here. But don't think that just qual. P1 is a ticket to victory lane; in the IRL's five previous visits, only Scott Dixon in 2003 has started P1 and finished P1. But some of the sport's best, drivers such as Helio Castroneves, Sam Hornish, Jr. and Dan Wheldon have put their own stamps on the track's record, and when the checkered flag falls June 24th, someone else will get to add his (or her) name to the list. Here is the event schedule for the weekend..........(all times U.S. EDT, -4 hrs. GMT)
Practice Session #1} 12:15 pm, 23 June 2006
Practice Session #2} 3:00 pm, 23 June 2006
Qualifying Session} 4:45 pm, 23 June 2006
Final Practice Session} 8:00 pm, 23 June 2006
SunTrust Indy Challenge} 8:00 pm, 24 June 2006, on ESPN-2(radio broadcast, as always, will be on the IMS Radio Network, both on AM radio and webcast through indycar.com, along with XM Satellite Radio, Ch. 145). Radio/TV simulcasts will also be broadcast through the United States Armed Forces Network.
As always, I'll have qual. and race summaries, commentaries, observations and whatever else crosses my way........that is, when I'm not enjoying the sights and sounds of one of America's more interesting cities( which, in my humble opinion) should've been an international capital for, oh.......the past 145 years.
Anyway............
After six rounds and several close finishes, the teams and drivers of the IRL IndyCar Series return for their sixth visit to Richmond International Raceway, hard on the banks of the James River just outside of Richmond, Va. Known in American history as "The Capital of the Confederacy", the Richmond area is steeped in historical sites, numerous battlefields and lots of historical places galore. But the focus of the drivers isn't on St. Paul's Church, or the Confederate White House.......it's on the 3/4-mile "bullring", where cars will fly around the track in 16+ seconds, turning each lap for 12-13 secs. of each lap, with lateral g's of 4 per lap. Drivers will deal with traffic all night long, so a good qualifying effort is essential, if not anywhere else, then here. But don't think that just qual. P1 is a ticket to victory lane; in the IRL's five previous visits, only Scott Dixon in 2003 has started P1 and finished P1. But some of the sport's best, drivers such as Helio Castroneves, Sam Hornish, Jr. and Dan Wheldon have put their own stamps on the track's record, and when the checkered flag falls June 24th, someone else will get to add his (or her) name to the list. Here is the event schedule for the weekend..........(all times U.S. EDT, -4 hrs. GMT)
Practice Session #1} 12:15 pm, 23 June 2006
Practice Session #2} 3:00 pm, 23 June 2006
Qualifying Session} 4:45 pm, 23 June 2006
Final Practice Session} 8:00 pm, 23 June 2006
SunTrust Indy Challenge} 8:00 pm, 24 June 2006, on ESPN-2(radio broadcast, as always, will be on the IMS Radio Network, both on AM radio and webcast through indycar.com, along with XM Satellite Radio, Ch. 145). Radio/TV simulcasts will also be broadcast through the United States Armed Forces Network.
As always, I'll have qual. and race summaries, commentaries, observations and whatever else crosses my way........that is, when I'm not enjoying the sights and sounds of one of America's more interesting cities( which, in my humble opinion) should've been an international capital for, oh.......the past 145 years.