Comments on: An Offseason Like No Other

By: KF4LMT

KF4LMT — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:07:47 +0000

The thing I missed the most over the last 10 or so years was the anticipation of new cars or upgrades every couple of seasons or so. It’s a lot of what draws me to the other motor sports I enjoy like sports cars and F1. There are a lot of unknowns going into the 2012 season and that always makes things interesting!

By: Simon Garfunkel

Simon Garfunkel — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 21:10:03 +0000

Excellent post as alwyas Susan. You and George compliment each other very nicely with your differening writing styles. It’s always good to read your perspective.

By: Zachary

Zachary — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:34:51 +0000

Good to see you posting again, Susan!

I think one of the big things about this offseason is that we have a level of complexity that’s been missing in years past. We have the intrigue of three engine manufacturers, teams jockeying for the right deal, and a higher potential car count than anyone once thought likely. It’s just more fun having 26-30 potential full-time seats than hoping you can limp to 24 FT entries.

Losing Dan has been exceedingly terrible, but if there’s anything positive that’s come out of it, it’s been that most of the IndyCar community has really pulled together. I think it was a wake-up call in a lot of ways, and helps you remember the sort of things that are important.

No, not everything is roses and sunshine—we’re still waiting on that schedule, after all!—but I’m fired up this silly season. There’s so much to find out, so much news, and more chances for our favorite drivers to secure rides. Randy Bernard is out there fighting every single day, and I’m optimistic we’re going in the right direction. Progress is never a uniform thing, but I’m excited about what the offseason and 2012 looks to bring.

By: MadTad1

MadTad1 — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:26:50 +0000

Nice column, Susan.

I don’t always agree with George, but I do agree with him about Randy! At first I was very sceptical: never saw an IndyCar race, didn’t know much about racing and was coming from some cowboy rodeo “sport”? I was so wrong; Randy has done so much in two short years to help restore IndyCar’s prominence.

This off-season already has such a strange flavour to it. Even the drivers are commenting on it. I know they are all concerned about the teething problems with the new DW12 and everyone wants and needs time to learn and fine tune the new car before March. The loss of Dan Wheldon has spread a kind of melancolea over not just the drivers, but the teams and even some of the sponsors closest to the sport.

Lest we forget Silly Season’s Musical Chairs has started now too! Lots of talented free agents available, new teams trying to start up and established teams with holes to plug. Sponsor $$ are tight, so we may see another Kanaanian situation with some good drivers.