A.J. Foyt Enterprises

In the aftermath of yesterday's Road Runner Turbo Indy 300, I read a strange comment about the girth of Vitor Meira's right front tire changer.

Sorry, I don’t know how much the guy weighs who changes Ryan Briscoe’s left front tire.

I only know that he didn’t locate the wheel on the drive pins during one of the pit stops yesterday. The loss of the wheel and the track position was not a killer, as both the botched stop and the second one were under the same yellow.

The result was that Briscoe lost a set of sticker black tires that he was prepared to make a charge with. He went back out with a set from qualifying, and they lost grip long before the stint was to end.

That was the race. Vitor should be quite content that a fat guy who isn’t nearly as speedy didn’t botch his.

One day last October, when the ISC ticket package amendments were announced, was the day that dedicated promotional efforts should have begun to attract fans for the Kansas event. A lot of fat guys and skinny guys missed the drive pins. So another wheel fell off yesterday.

Just to clarify, neither of these tasks are abstract concepts to me. What I will not understand is how the immersion in all the festivities and tradition of the month of May will continue to distract people from what kind of shape this deal is in.

There has to be a party to race to. And you had better have all four wheels in place before you think about racing to it.

Can't Stay On Track otherwise.

Link to other posts:

http://bleacherreport.com/users/268808-andy-bernstein

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Whether or not you liked  "Stay On Track: Let's Play Two", at least you can appreciate the day/ night doubleheader idea as a new flavor.

“You have the Indianapolis 500, then you have a bunch of vanilla events,” Bernard said at the Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Thanks for that quote from the AP sports writer John Marshall (Yahoo Sports). Also from his April 17 article:

"For race introductions, Bernard said he’d like to have a video that shows the legends of the series and the stars to show where the series has been and where it’s going."

Now that one, that strikes a chord with me too. No offense to P. Diddy, but the picture of the gentleman above says "IndyCar" to me. I'm glad A.J. Foyt has remained as a pillar in the Series, and we have all benefitted from his dedication.

Mr. Foyt doesn't get much pub these days. Perhaps that's by his own choice, and close-talking him through an unwanted interview wouldn't be my first suggestion.

How about a brief cameo, A.J?

This was an idea from last fall for a commercial, and all we'd ask is for you to say a few words. You know, light a little spark for some longtime fans. And shed a little light for some new ones.

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Larger Than Life

There's been a bit of a shunt in turn four.

The IndyCar, shorn of its right sidepod and suspension, dangles from the hook of a wrecker as it returns to the garage area.

Adorned in their spiffy Izod attire, the crew sets the wounded warrior on stands and begins the task at hand.

Up tempo music accompanies the quick sequences of the Izod crew in action. Suspension corners are rebuilt. New rear wing and sidepods are fitted, with the sponsor's name prominently displayed. Air guns scream as the work nears completion.

Outside the ropes of the garage, men in their Izod shirts tilt their heads with concern as they watch the progress. Flashbulbs are going off. Women in their Izod shirts are standing by, captivated by the action.

The crowd parts as the driver approaches, and he resolutely strides into the garage. He's wearing a fashionable Izod shirt atop the driver's suit tied off around his waist. He approaches the car, and we see the scene from his point of view.

The crew is standing in rank behind the rear wing... and still looking smart in their Izod shirts, thanks to the wonders of Permanent Press fabric.

The Izod race car is perfect, resplendent in its sponsor's colors and ready to rip. Standing beside is the proud team owner, waiting to hand the driver his helmet and send him back into the fray. The driver approaches.

"Here you go, kid", says A.J., offering the Izod helmet to his young charge.

"Everything's gonna be allright"
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Link to previous "Stay On Track" entries: 

http://bleacherreport.com/users/268808-andy-bernstein/archives/newest?rel=nofollow

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May is right around the corner.

As I count the days till opening day, and the 93rd running of the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." I figure, I would be productive and write a little bit on what I hope is to come for the Month of May.

The entry list has come out and there are many TBA.

Roth Racing, Vision/Herta Autosport, Sarah Fisher Racing, Foyt Racing, Dale Coyne Racing, KV Racing Technologies, Hemelgarn, Rahal Letterman Racing, Dreyer and Reinbold Racing, and Conquest Racing, all have seats available.

Who will fill these?

1. Hopefully, Tomas Scheckter gets one of these rides. He showed patience in last year's race and will defiantly be able to get the full potential out of any car.  No speculation of where he will land, but I think Foyt Racing would be a great fit. With AJ looking over, Tomas has the chance to learn and perform on and off the track in the No.48, ABC Supply Company, Honda.

2. With an entry open at Rahal Letterman, maybe a possible reunion could be arranged for Buddy Rice to drive again.

3. I think Milka Duno will get the fourth car at Dreyer and Reinbold.

4. Darren Manning is searching for a ride as well, even though he's been running with Dreyer and Reinbold through the first two races. If he doesn’t land there, I think the second No.68, Sarah Fisher Racing, car could be entered for him in the second weekend of qualifications.

5. I also see Townsend Bell running the third KV Technology car, future behind teammates Mario Moraes and Indy Vet Paul Tracy.

6. Other possibilities include Nelson Phillipe at Roth Racing and Alex Tagliani for Conquest Racing.

7. As for Bryan Herta, Buddy Rice could wind up there.  Who knows, maybe Bryan will pull out the ole racing shoes and give it a go again!

8. Jay Howard is also another worthy candidate, after being screwed by Marty Roth last season, no one has the urge more the Jay to prove he belongs out there.. maybe the Fisher car? or possibly Conquest? 

Any or all of these possibilities could happen, or I could just be way off.

This year’s competition is going to be fierce. It might be one of the most competitive 500s since the 1995 race. The former Champ Car teams getting stronger now that they have a year under their belts.

For the first time, we technically have two defending champions, and whata know, their teammates.

Dario Franchitti will make his return to the 500 after a year in Nascar, and I am ecstatic about that. He is my pick to win, in his first 500 since winning the, rain shortened, 2007 race. Dario wins and then we get to hear Ashley rants of absolutely nothing. So can we please stop interviewing her?

Doesn’t she get enough TV from her movies, or maybe I will have her sign a baseball this May. (Simon and Birch) I'm terrible I know.

Depending on if you’re a CART and Paul Tracy fan, you might argue that we have three drivers defending their last Indy 500 Victory. He has joke in every news conference that he won the race in 2002, and it was fitting that his announcement at Long Beach was over shadowed by Helio's freedom.

With Geico colors, Paul will be strong, as we all know he can still get it done as we saw last year and Edmonton.

It is great to have Helio back!

Penske Power, no pun intended will be strong in the Month of May, with three drivers for the first time since 1994. Will Power will be in the No.12 Verizon Honda, Ryan Briscoe in the No.6 and Helio back in the No.3. All three have an excellent shot at winning.

Well I will wrap this up.

I have been working on some articles for the Month of May in a series called "where have they gone?" It is a series on former IRL drivers, and what they are up to these days. I have three or four drivers done so far, and waiting on a few others.

The first one will be publish on here by this time next week! Thanks everyone! Please leave feedback! Or email me... tdonohue66@yahoo.com