Comments on: Helio Has A New Bounce In His Step

By: Mike R

Mike R — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 08:01:15 +0000

Not to mention that the apparent issue regarding the Dragon-doesn’t-have-a-motor story was in fact a financial matter. If Dragon is struggling, it’s only going to hinder both drivers, but it will be more evident with Bourdais, who’s certainly capable of running at the front in the right car.

By: Mike R

Mike R — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 07:56:53 +0000

Agree completely. This will likely (potential engine mfg issues notwithstanding) be the most competitive season we’ve seen in a very long time. More potential winners and title contenders. I’m excited more than I’ve been in quite a while.

By: Mike R

Mike R — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 07:53:37 +0000

Laughed out loud at that comment, JPindycar.

By: JamesO

JamesO — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 20:30:08 +0000

My opinion, unencumbered by facts, is that Penske really cares about the 500. Helio is a 3-time winner and #3 was recent. If he’s mediocre during the season but looks like he’ll win Indy, Penske will keep him. If Penske thinks he can’t win Indy anymore, he’ll be gone.

By: Steve K

Steve K — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 18:30:40 +0000

I obviously have no faith in Lotus which was a change from a few weeks ago. What kills Bourdais within the Lotus camp is he will be taking a big ZERO in Milwaukee.

By: Tom G.

Tom G. — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 00:43:27 +0000

Don’t worry George, while negative comments about pre-season testing are taboo, Japan bashing is always in style.

By: delta3

delta3 — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 23:19:03 +0000

I agree with you about Helio; and I basically concur with your placements, except I would add Servia to your third tier list (I would definitely place him in the second tier if he was driving a Chevy or Honda). Oriol will be the top Lotus driver, with Tagliani and Bourdais fighting it out for second (My money would be on Bourdais).

By: JHall14

JHall14 — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 21:58:35 +0000

A.J. Foyt, Al Unser, and Rick Mears. Do you really think he belongs with the BIG 3? I don’t think so and I am sure several others agree, especially with no championships.

By: Mike (15daysinmay)

Mike (15daysinmay) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 19:53:36 +0000

I’m with you, George, I think Helio getting his fourth (and possibly more) 500 win in the Penske stable is a big deal to Roger. That would mean three of the four drivers to win four would have won their fourth driving for his team. He lives for Indy and always has. Still not sure where I am with Briscoe, very likeable guy and has shown some flashes of brilliant driving. What he has had very little of is luck. I think he is an above-average driver that is third fiddle on his team so he has to struggle with that. That and the No. 1 driver on his team is an absolute beast, that is tough to compete with.

By: Steve K

Steve K — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:47:58 +0000

Helio just isn’t consistant enough to win a Championship. But he can win every given weekend…Just like Ryan Briscoe. This seems similar to what Ferrari has right now. Will Power is Fernando Alonso while Felipe Massa (Helio and Briscoe) is their to pick up the scraps. Of course Ferrari does this on purpose. Penske doesn’t.

If Power, Dario, or Dixon doesnt win the championship it will be an upset. I would put Rahal, TK, and Rubens in the second tier. Helio and Briscoe in the third with RHR and perhaps Marco.

The question I have is who replaces Helio in the coming years (perhaps next)? Penske missed its chance at Rahal. Newgarden? Daly? Too early to actually know but fun to speculate.