Friday Pre-Race: Mid-Ohio

Twitter-bitching.  A rampaging Helio.  A driver winning without leading a lap.  Will Power losing a roadie event.  Danica in the top 10 of a roadie event.  Too many cars announced for an IndyCar series race.  Delta Wing dead.  Robin Miller happy.  Robin Miller mad.  The spirit of the Crapwagon living on.  Lotus returning.  Shane Hmiel getting a Lights ride. 

What the HELL has happened to IndyCar since July 14th???

I can't figure it out either.  Such madness can be good for IndyCar, but not all of this is positive.  It's like the 2010 IndyCar season can really be divided into two parts: Pre-July 14th announcement and post.  The Canadian races have basically been "Went to an IndyCar race and a hockey fight broke out" affairs.  Not surprising.  Our "friendly neighbors up north" are anything but.  They invented hockey after all.  NO, I am NOT complaining (hockey and Canadians rule)….the race results aside IndyCar's Canadian Vacation has been quite good for most of those reasons listed above....at least it WOULD'VE been had that darn Helio didn't "block" (I guess).

Now that we're on US soil in Mid-Ohio this weekend perhaps all will return to normal.  Who takes the win at Bobby Rahal's stomping grounds?  Hopefully it's the Prodigal Son of 'Stache (just avoid Briscoe, young Grahammo), but with his defeat at Edmonton Will Power has to be ever so pissed. 

Anyways, is it just me or did Bobby Rahal from the glory days remind you of a bowling league team captain?  Just look at that picture.  The bald head, mustache, and barley-pop sponsorship just oozes of manliness.  If Super Mario got drunk while playing Mario Kart and later took up bowling the end result would look EXACTLY LIKE THAT.

THE FAVORITE (BEST RED CAR):  Will "Vengeance on Maximum" Power

He lost Long Beach.  Came back to win the next twisty event.  He lost Edmonton.  Result?  Probably a victory by one-lap.  Or two.

THE BEST OF THE REST (BEST NON RED CAR):  Graham "Where's your old lady at, Briscoe?" Rahal

What better way than to return to your home track with some twitter-based motivation?  With him laying low (somewhat) missing Edmonton Briscoe probably let off some steam and probably forgot it all.  HA.  Doubt it.  He's married.  Nicole is probably lecturing him as we speak on what lap to punt Grahammo.  Penske, break out the checkbook….

THE MARTY "SLOTH" ROTH BACKMARKER (NOT NAMED MILKA): Jay "Don't get the boss lady mad again" Howard

According to the entry list he's racing this week.  Last time we saw him he didn't exactly make Sarah proud of him.  Hell, the time before that it didn't look pretty.  Third time's a charm?  Oh, wait….he's in SFR equipment on a ROAD COURSE.  D'oh.  Wait a minute....Grahammo made it work once.  Yea, ONCE.

Only two more twisties left meaning only two more chances a non-Red Car can steal a win.  Sure, Kanaan proved that it's possible to beat the Empire on an oval, but lightning doesn't exactly strike twice like that on IndyCar ovals anymore.  It's also the last two times I'll ever see a couple of my favorites Justin Wilson and Simona De Silvestro look competitive.  Not having Red Cars can be such a drag on ovals. 

2012 can't get here soon enough….