The Alessandro Zanardi IndyCar Thread

Cynon · Post by **Cynon** » 22 Apr 2013, 00:01

ADx_Wales wrote:GLORY!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76RrdwElnTU

That is all.

F1000X · Post by **F1000X** » 22 Apr 2013, 02:02

Beautiful.

CoopsII · Post by **CoopsII** » 22 Apr 2013, 06:44

ADx_Wales wrote:GLORY!!!

Funny but the word that sprang to my mind was 'glorius' too.

Kobacrashi · Post by **Kobacrashi** » 22 Apr 2013, 10:20

Yeeeeeesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Takuma We Love You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I always knew he could do it. Does this make him the greatest Japanese driver ever?

I think So!!!!

Yannick · Post by **Yannick** » 22 Apr 2013, 10:40

Takuma Sato! This is awesome!

johnnyCarwash · Post by **johnnyCarwash** » 22 Apr 2013, 15:25

ADx_Wales wrote:GLORY!!!

couldn't have said it better myself. The rate at which Sato pulled away at the end was mesmerizing

Onxy Wrecked · Post by **Onxy Wrecked** » 22 Apr 2013, 15:47

Kobacrashi wrote:Yeeeeeesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Takuma We Love You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I always knew he could do it. Does this make him the greatest Japanese driver ever?

I think So!!!!

There is Toshio Suzuki who won the Rolex 24 in 1992 and the 24 Hours of LeMans in 1999 overall, but between those was two F1 starts of rejectful proportions in 1993. Takuma Sato is certainly amongst the best Japanese drivers to have ever raced though.

Bleu · Post by **Bleu** » 22 Apr 2013, 16:19

Sato's win made it worth it to stay awake until 1.45 am.

My ROTR pick is Saavedra. Very stupid-looking crash early on and he also had dumb moment on Saturday.

ADx_Wales · Post by **ADx_Wales** » 22 Apr 2013, 20:22

Onxy Wrecked wrote:
Kobacrashi wrote:Yeeeeeesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Takuma We Love You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I always knew he could do it. Does this make him the greatest Japanese driver ever?

I think So!!!!

There is Toshio Suzuki who won the Rolex 24 in 1992 and the 24 Hours of LeMans in 1999 overall, but between those was two F1 starts of rejectful proportions in 1993. Takuma Sato is certainly amongst the best Japanese drivers to have ever raced though.

Toshio was in a Toyota GT-One that finished 2nd Overall behind the BMW V12 LMR of Yannick Dalmas (Reject), Joachim Winkelhock (Reject) and Pierluigi Martini (Absolute Legend). The GT-One was placed in a LMGTP class where it was only them, the Audi R8-Coupe and those flipping Mercedes CLRs. Along with Keiichi Tsushiya and none other than Ukyo Katayama, who was in the car when it burst a tyre in the dying hours of the race, were the only ones to finish in that class.

But Definitely Daytona in one of the Nissans, along with Masahiro Hasemi (Kojima at Fuji in 1976) and Kazuyoshi Hoshino ('nuff said).

Seiji Ara was in the Team Goh Audi R8 that won Le Mans in 2004, JJ Lehto and Tom Kristensen were the other two.

Bleu wrote:My ROTR pick is Saavedra. Very stupid-looking crash early on and he also had dumb moment on Saturday.

He had two spins on the way out of the pits after that crash, he looked like a drunk man walking home on his own approaching an upward escalator.

Dj_bereta · Post by **Dj_bereta** » 26 Apr 2013, 00:14

Sato is now in the 2nd position in the championship, close to Castroneves. It's time to start to believe

.

nome66 · Post by **nome66** » 26 Apr 2013, 00:32

YEEESSSS GO GO TAKUUUUUUUU!!!
also:
while i was watching the race i accidentally thought "who's that in the BAR?". i then realized it was Rahal in his vague-BAR-liveried RLL.
anyone else? it was during one of the overhead shots of the race start where you couldn't quite see the sponsors on the side.

white, red, grey, black.....BAR

F1000X · Post by **F1000X** » 28 Apr 2013, 14:45

If they replaced the grey band with the tan accent of the lucky strike logo, then yeah, I could see it.

FullMetalJack · Post by **FullMetalJack** » 28 Apr 2013, 15:46

nome66 wrote:YEEESSSS GO GO TAKUUUUUUUU!!!
also:
while i was watching the race i accidentally thought "who's that in the BAR?". i then realized it was Rahal in his vague-BAR-liveried RLL.
anyone else? it was during one of the overhead shots of the race start where you couldn't quite see the sponsors on the side.

white, red, grey, black.....BAR

The fact that there's a Honda badge too makes it look even more like a BAR.

Cynon · Post by **Cynon** » 28 Apr 2013, 19:21

Foyt's team used to be a minnow with the influence of one of the top teams. I'm hoping Sato is able to keep this form going because that team hasn't been this good since the strong CART teams moved to the IRL.

Do it for SuperTex, Taku!!

Ferrarist · Post by **Ferrarist** » 29 Apr 2013, 06:44

The speedway and the team owners are considering to option of holding next year's season finale at the Indy road course: http://www.indystar.com/article/2013042 ... ck_check=1

My opinion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UU_GhqVgc9M

Cynon · Post by **Cynon** » 29 Apr 2013, 09:11

Ferrarist wrote:The speedway and the team owners are considering to option of holding next year's season finale at the Indy road course: http://www.indystar.com/article/2013042 ... ck_check=1

My opinion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UU_GhqVgc9M

I don't really like the idea either but if it puts on a good race I'll like it.

Yannick · Post by **Yannick** » 02 May 2013, 04:41

And to think Sato is now 2nd in points behind Helio Castro Neves. If he can keep this up over the next few races, he may even have a chance at the championship ... one can always dream, I guess. But current champion Ryan Hunter-Reay was not expected to become champion before his mid-season winning streak last year, so a surprise champion could happen again.

Onxy Wrecked · Post by **Onxy Wrecked** » 02 May 2013, 17:08

Yannick wrote:And to think Sato is now 2nd in points behind Helio Castro Neves. If he can keep this up over the next few races, he may even have a chance at the championship ... one can always dream, I guess. But current champion Ryan Hunter-Reay was not expected to become champion before his mid-season winning streak last year, so a surprise champion could happen again.

Takuma Sato is weakest on ovals. If he runs well enough at Indy, I would say he's good for the championship.

nome66 · Post by **nome66** » 02 May 2013, 23:24

in my eyes thast means either winning, or taking dario with him this time

Salamander · Post by **Salamander** » 02 May 2013, 23:37

nome66 wrote:in my eyes thast means either winning, or taking dario with him this time

FantometteBR · Post by **FantometteBR** » 02 May 2013, 23:44

The 'original' Pippa Mann takes Indy again!

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/107118

dr-baker · Post by **dr-baker** » 03 May 2013, 22:59

FantometteBR wrote:The 'original' Pippa Mann takes Indy again!

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/107118

Made my week, this did! And did you know she and I were born in the same hospital, 366 days apart!

Dj_bereta · Post by **Dj_bereta** » 03 May 2013, 23:35

There's a speculation around here that Bruno Senna was invited by Ganassi team to drive in the remaining road courses of the season and the invite is open to next year, also.

Ferrarist · Post by **Ferrarist** » 04 May 2013, 10:43

Kurt Busch will test an Andretti-Chevy at Indy: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/107184

If Kurt really takes the 500, he should also bring Kyle along. :mrgreen:

TomWazzleshaw · Post by **TomWazzleshaw** » 04 May 2013, 10:46

Ferrarist wrote:Kurt Busch will test an Andretti-Chevy at Indy: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/107184

If Kurt really takes the 500, he should also bring Kyle along.

I smell a new episode of 'Kurt Busch Radio Sweetheart' :lol:

Yannick · Post by **Yannick** » 05 May 2013, 08:46

I'm not too sure if I like the thought of that former Busch Series driver joining the Indy 500 entrants whilst during the ongoing Brazilian Indy race weekend, Brazilian media have hinted at their local heroes Castro Neves and Kanaan getting older with no younger Brazilian drivers anywhere near a top ride in the series. Where is Rafael Matos if you need him? Here's hoping Bia Figuereido's sponsorship will continue to fund her Dale Coyne ride after the Indy 500. Might Bruno Senna Lalli join IndyCar one day? Or who else might be the next top driver from Brazil in the series to keep Apex Brazil happy?

Salamander · Post by **Salamander** » 05 May 2013, 10:53

Yannick wrote:I'm not too sure if I like the thought of that former Busch Series driver joining the Indy 500 entrants whilst during the ongoing Brazilian Indy race weekend, Brazilian media have hinted at their local heroes Castro Neves and Kanaan getting older with no younger Brazilian drivers anywhere near a top ride in the series. Where is Rafael Matos if you need him? Here's hoping Bia Figuereido's sponsorship will continue to fund her Dale Coyne ride after the Indy 500. Might Bruno Senna Lalli join IndyCar one day? Or who else might be the next top driver from Brazil in the series to keep Apex Brazil happy?

... are you referring to Kurt Busch? Because he is a NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion. He's also been doing awesome things in a backmarker team this year.

Ferrarist · Post by **Ferrarist** » 05 May 2013, 11:06

Yannick wrote:I'm not too sure if I like the thought of that former Busch Series driver joining the Indy 500 entrants whilst during the ongoing Brazilian Indy race weekend, Brazilian media have hinted at their local heroes Castro Neves and Kanaan getting older with no younger Brazilian drivers anywhere near a top ride in the series. Where is Rafael Matos if you need him? Here's hoping Bia Figuereido's sponsorship will continue to fund her Dale Coyne ride after the Indy 500. Might Bruno Senna Lalli join IndyCar one day? Or who else might be the next top driver from Brazil in the series to keep Apex Brazil happy?

I think getting more American drivers is more urgent for IndyCar. If at least half of the field are from the US, things may not look so bleak for Indy.

nome66 · Post by **nome66** » 05 May 2013, 17:50

that has got to be the greatest IRL-era finish i have ever seen on a roadcourse

Dj_bereta · Post by **Dj_bereta** » 05 May 2013, 17:51

Oh man, Sato lose the victory in the last corner

. But at least, Sato is now the Leader of the championship!

Thrilling Last laps.

The Dutch Bear · Post by **The Dutch Bear** » 05 May 2013, 17:58

Wow, those last 20 laps were a thriller.
Well, Sato deserved to win, although that doesn't make it a stolen win from Hinchcliffe.
Shame that Newgarden didn't get on the podium, he deserved a win here.
Honourable mention to Oriol Servia for finishing fourth, could have been even higher.
That would have been very nice, considering the dire financial straits Panther DRR is in.

Salamander · Post by **Salamander** » 05 May 2013, 17:59

What a goddamn race. Seriously. Sato drove brilliantly at the end there but he just got a little crossed up on the last corner and that let Hinchcliffe through. It's impossible to be mad about a Hinchtown win though - and now Sato leads the championship regardless. If he has another Indy run like he did last year, Takuma Sato could very well prove to be a serious title contender.

nome66 · Post by **nome66** » 05 May 2013, 18:06

any word on Zanardi?
time trial week is coming up and i'd like to know if there will be a car with no throttle/brake pedals

The Dutch Bear · Post by **The Dutch Bear** » 05 May 2013, 18:14

nome66 wrote:any word on Zanardi?
time trial week is coming up and i'd like to know if there will be a car with no throttle/brake pedals

Ganassi and Vasser have backed out of the idea. It would probably too dangerous anyway, when it's hard to get out of the car even under usual circumstances.

johnnyCarwash · Post by **johnnyCarwash** » 05 May 2013, 18:30

Wow, that's what I call a race, very entertaining last few laps. I loved the crowed roaring louder than the engines at the end and every time TK took the lead.

Yannick · Post by **Yannick** » 05 May 2013, 20:59

BlindCaveSalamander wrote:
Yannick wrote:I'm not too sure if I like the thought of that former Busch Series driver ...

... are you referring to Kurt Busch? Because he is a NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion.

That was just a bit of wordplay ... maybe not a good pun though, since most NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers are former Busch Series drivers, regardless of their surname ...

But now, for something completely different ...

Here's your new points leader: Takuma Sato!!!

TomWazzleshaw · Post by **TomWazzleshaw** » 05 May 2013, 21:30

Yannick wrote:
BlindCaveSalamander wrote:
Yannick wrote:I'm not too sure if I like the thought of that former Busch Series driver ...

... are you referring to Kurt Busch? Because he is a NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion.

That was just a bit of wordplay ... maybe not a good pun though, since most NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers are current Busch Series drivers, regardless of their surname ...

Let me fix that for you

Dj_bereta · Post by **Dj_bereta** » 05 May 2013, 23:05

Time for the ROTR.

I give my ROTR for KV Racing. Kannan could have won this race or, at least, a very good result.

Penske deserves a mention, also.

Salamander · Post by **Salamander** » 05 May 2013, 23:21

ROTR was clearly Penske. Both Castroneves and Power's races were utter disasters.

go_Rubens · Post by **go_Rubens** » 06 May 2013, 00:43

Another brilliant run by Takuma Sato. It seems that he has been fixed by A. J. Foyt. As BCS said, a Hinchtown win isn't something to get mad about. I also agree with Penske being ROTR. Pitiful day.

Seriously, Takuma Sato is turning into a Japanese racing God

Only Kobayashi runs him close. Or Aguri Suzuki.

Kurt Busch will do testing with Andretti Autosport at Indy in hopes of doing a future Coca Cola 600/Indy 500 in one day. There is an award which goes to a driver that wins both races in a day. As much as I hate him, go Kurt!