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2019 ABC Supply 500 – More Racing, More Controversy

August 21, 2019 by ponycargirl Leave a Comment

Rain and more rain was predicted for the 2019 ABC Supply 500 at Pocono Raceway, but the dark clouds weren’t just in the sky. The specter of Robert Wicken’s 2018 horrific crash into the fence at Turn 2 lurked overhead as NTT IndyCar Series teams set up in the paddocks and welcomed race fans for the weekend. The 2.5 mile (4.023 km) Tricky Triangle seems to have its own micro climate with weather unlike anywhere else in Pennsylvania. Saturday’s first practice was scuttled when low cloud cover prevented the MediVac from flying to the track, then a torrential downpour quashed Qualifying. A two-hour practice session was scheduled for the afternoon once the track was dried. Championship points determined the starting grid, putting Josef Newgarden in pole position followed by Alexander Rossi, Simon Pagenaud, Scott Dixon, and Will Power. A hopeful Tony Kanaan had the fastest lap in qualifying, a blistering 216.354 mph.

There was hope for Sunday’s race – more rain wasn’t predicted until late afternoon, giving the drivers just enough time to finish the 200 laps before thunderstorms were supposed to blow through. The race didn’t stick to plan, though, and after the safety car pulled away and the racing started, it was deja-vu “all over again”. Three deep in the corner in the first lap, Takuma Sato pulled forward on the high side of the turn and clipped Rossi, who then went into Ryan Hunter-Reay on the low side. Sato careened into the wall collecting Felix Rosenqvist, whose race car eerily rode along the wall but fortunately avoided barreling into the fence.  James Hinchcliffe – who can’t seem to catch a break at Pocono, and was also involved in last year’s Turn 2 crash along with Sato – hit the wall while trying to avoid the crash. Sato’s #30 Rahal Letterman Lanigan car turned upside down and was on fire, but he walked away after extracted. All except Rosenqvist were cleared by medical fairly quickly; Rosenqvist was alert and walking but went to hospital as a precaution. A 45-minute red flag delayed the race while the fence was once again repaired in Turn 2. Hinch returned to the race after being cleared. Despite the severe penalties for repairing the cars under caution, Rossi’s team fixed the car and re-entered the pit on Lap 75, and Hunter-Reay followed soon after.

Pagenaud snagged the lead early on, then his Team Penske mate Will Power took the lead in Lap 48, jockeying for the lead several more times during the race. By Lap 115, Power was in the lead followed by Dixon and Pagenaud. They would stay the top three until a full course yellow came out on Lap 126, quickly followed by a red flag to return to the pits because of lightning in the distance. The race was soon called and Power declared the winner as fans evacuated the stands. As the trophies were awarded in the cramped media center sans champagne and confetti, the violent storm arrived to unleash a barrage of hail.

While originally contrite about the crash, Sato holds firm that he didn’t turn into Rossi as he shot forward. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing issued a rare statement supporting his insistence that on the cockpit camera footage, he didn’t move his hands to turn. Rossi begs to differ, and the debate continues. The controversy over the crash was immediate on social media. Robert Wickens tweeted, “How many times do we have to go through the same situation before we can all accept that an IndyCar should not race at Pocono. It’s just a toxic relationship and maybe it’s time to consider a divorce. I’m very relieved (to my knowledge) that everyone is okay from that scary crash.” Sage Karam also tweeted, “Glad to see everyone is ok. Never a good feeling when you see something like that especially when it’s your brothers. Think the answer is clear that we should not be here. In my opinion that question was answered awhile ago.”

Commenters weighed in in various forums echoing Wickens’ sentiment, even calling for a suspension or full ban on Sato from the sport. However, the response from the three winners in the post-race press conference was a bit more measured. Regarding the actual crash, Power said. “Looking at that replay, I don’t know what happened there, whether Sato got a seam or something, but man – you just can’t do that. The seams down the back there, like you’ll see cars move around a lot. And maybe that’s what happened. Being three wide is pretty tough, going in there and getting close because it’ll move half a foot, it moves six inches either way when you’re on them. It sucked too to see it in Turn 2 on the first lap, I feel bad for the guys that were taken out that were in the championship too, especially for Rossi. But man, you just gotta respect these places, you do, in every situation, you can’t screw around much.”

Regarding the question on whether INDYCAR should continue racing at Pocono, Dixon weighed in saying, “Honestly, I feel bad for Pocono, the group of people here work extremely hard… some of the race was fantastic, it’s getting some really good momentum and hopefully it does continue, but (it’s) down to weather and some mistakes that happened on track that honestly could happen anywhere… I think the drivers in a lot of situations could do a better job to help that situation. Honestly, I hope we come back and I want to say a big thank you to everyone here at Pocono, the fans and everyone that comes out because it’s definitely a tough place. Will can tell you how rewarding it is to win here because it is so difficult to get it right.” Power continued, “I agree, it’s a great oval for us. Obviously it’s an unfortunate accident that, like Scott said, could happen anywhere, they kind of got a bad rap for that. But the crowd’s up 15% every year we come back so it’s getting better… It’s a good race track, man, it’s a good track for racing and I really hope we come back, I do… it’s hard to find good ovals these days that suit our cars.” Pagenaud added, “…it is a fun track to drive on, and really unfortunate because we’re close to New York, it’s a great market for IndyCar… And personally I love superspeedways, I think it’s been a bad – exactly what they said, a bad set of circumstances – and obviously when you’re travelling at such high speed a crash is a big crash. Hopefully we can come back and keep working with the people at Pocono, as a driver I really enjoy coming here.” INDYCAR at this time has not announced whether or not they will renew at Pocono for 2020.






















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ABC Supply 500 at Pocono Raceway

August 23, 2018 by ponycargirl 1 Comment

After the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio, five drivers had solid chances for the 2018 championship: four-time Verizon IndyCar Series champions Scott Dixon leading in points with Alexander Rossi, Josef Newgarden, Will Power, and Ryan Hunter-Reay in chase. Before the tenth lap of the ABC Supply 500 at Pocono, a shocking shunt on Turn 2 sent rookie Robert Wickens flying into the fence with only the car’s tub landing back on the track, bringing out the red flag and ending the race for the five drivers involved, including Hunter-Reay. Wickens was airlifted to hospital after Takuma Sato, Pietro Fittipaldi, Hunter-Reay, and Schmidt Peterson Motorsport team mate James Hinchcliffe were evaluated by medical staff and cleared.

How to even write about the race after that? Its importance pales in comparison to the health of the 29 year old driver hanging in the balance. At the time of publishing, Wickens has undergone spinal surgery, placing titanium rods and screws to stabilize a thoracic spinal fracture. Other injuries include a pulmonary contusion and fractures to his lower legs and right arm. 

Pennsylvania has been getting a lot of rain. So much rain, in fact, there have been destructive floods in the Pocono region. The rain didn’t spare INDYCAR the weekend; a light drizzle started at the end of afternoon qualifications. Verizon Team Penske Chevy driver Will Power’s qualifying run averaged 219.511 mph winning him his 53rd career INDYCAR pole, tying with A.J. Foyt for second and picking up a bonus point for being the fastest on the track. Then came a downpour, and the last practice was cancelled. Crucial in hindsight, perhaps, as Pocono isn’t called the Tricky Triangle for nothing; the 2.5 mile track’s three turns are modeled after turns at other famous tracks paired with long straightaways. Turn 2’s 9 degree banking after Indianapolis Motor Speedway is said to be the fastest. INDYCAR has been back at the family-friendly Pocono Raceway since 2013 after a 23-year absence, and at the start of the ABC Supply 500 weekend the series announced they will be back for 2019.

More overnight showers left the track wet and the paddocks plagued with puddles. The morning of race day, all that could be heard was the track blowers drying the track, but the tarmac finally dried and was approved for racing. All of Team Penske took the front row – Will Power had pole with Josef Newgarden, Alexander Rossi, Hunter-Reay, Simon Pagenaud and Wickens rounding out the first three rows on the starting grid. Prior to driver introductions, spectators were treated to a parade of classic race cars. Country singer Lee Greenwood took the stage to sing the national anthem, the grid was cleared, and everyone waited for the drivers to start their engines. 

As the safety car peeled off into the pits for the green flag, Ed Carpenter Racing’s Spencer Pigot in the 21 car and Graham Rahal’s #15 RLL Racing turned each other around at the back of the pack – and the first yellow flag of the day. After racing resumed, Alexander Rossi passed Will Power to take the lead.

Under Lap 8’s red flag, the cars headed to the pits, and drivers were allowed to leave the cars. There was an instant pall over the Tricky Triangle, punctuated by the occasional roar of an engine revving to keep the cars ready to race. The track crew removed debris and repaired an entire section of the catch fence, while other drivers on the ground were interviewed and the crowd was updated when more news was released on the driver’s conditions. After nearly two hours, the track was once again ready for racing, though unapproved work on their cars during the red flag got drivers Graham Rahal and Spencer Pigot each a two-lap penalty.

For the remaining 192 laps, there seemed to be a concerted effort by all drivers to keep the rest of the race free of further incident. Will Power passed Rossi and briefly took the lead in leap 137, but Rossi passed him again and maintained the lead for the rest of the race. Power took the second spot on the podium, and Scott Dixon worked his way up to third from 13th on the grid.

Going into Saturday’s Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline at Gateway Motorsports Park in St. Louis, Missouri, there are now only 29 points between leader Scott Dixon and ABC Supply 500 winner Alexander Rossi. Newgarden is 36 points behind Rossi with 464 season points, and Power is in fourth with 449 points. 

Will Power in qualifying
Mario Andretti and Dick Vermeil

the track
Rossi wins


Will Power
Pitting during race
Takuma Sato

WP leaving pits
Last practice cancelled

Starting grid

Fan



Marco Andretti
Dark clouds over Turn 3


The race resumes after nearly 2-hour red flag
Scott Dixon


Double seater rides
Putting car to bed for the night

Simon Pagenaud

Waiting

Mario Andretti

Safety car as race restarts
What Turn 4?

Tony Kanaan


Scott Dixon


Rossi wins

Rossi on podium
Handing champagne to the team
Champagne spray

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IMPA Test Days at Split Rock resort rocked by explosion

October 1, 2010 by Gary Grant 3 Comments

Split Rock's indoor water park while under construction in 2008

This week is the International Motor Press Association’s Test Days in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. The first day centers around the old ski hill at the Split Rock Resort, while day 2 takes place at Pocono Raceway. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend this year, this being the first one I’ve missed since joining IMPA 4 years ago. On second thought, maybe I picked a good year to miss.

At 7:30 this morning, a gas leak in the Split Rock Resort sports complex caused an explosion that leveled the sports complex. The building is separate from the main lodge, being joined by a tunnel. It contains contained tennis courts, bowling alleys, an arcade and a mini golf course. Due to the early hour, there were no guests in the building. One employee who was on site sustained minor injuries.

In past years, my kids have spent part of their day in that building while I was out testing cars.

While Test Days wrapped up yesterday afternoon, many IMPA members stay at Split Rock on the final evening before making the trek home. Our man Tom Williams and friend of The Garage, Crash Corrigan are at Test Days. We are waiting to hear a report from them and will keep you up to date as soon as we get word from them.

Once they get home, we may actually have some stories about cars!

Source

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Video review: 2010 BMW Z4

November 24, 2009 by Gary Grant 5 Comments

z4 tom

The boys have outdone themselves this time. Tom Williams and Scott Simmons spent a good part of an afternoon traipsing around the Poconos in BMW’s wonderful Z4. The resulting video is nothing short of spectacular except those darned Americans keep calling it a Zee4! Come on people, get it right! Zed!

Video after the break
[Read more…]

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A tragic loss at Talledega: Pit Road Commitment Cone

November 3, 2009 by Gary Grant 6 Comments

cone2

Jay Busbee at From The Marbles has reported that every driver’s friend, Pit Road Commitment Cone, has passed as a result of an off track incident. Cone was guarding his post when Kurt Busch left the racing surface and mowed down the Talledega employee, who has been on the job for years.

Busbee reports:
Cone had served faithfully at the track for many years, and was a visible and reliable presence at the superspeedway. “I don’t know anybody who didn’t respect Cone,” a visibly shaken Jimmie Johnson said afterward. Other drivers echoed the sentiment; Cone’s word was law around Talladega, but he was evenhanded. So to speak.

As one who has caused the demise of many of Cone’s distant relatives, my heart goes out to his family.

The graphic video following the break may not be safe for work.

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Getting wet in the 2010 Kia Soul

October 27, 2009 by Gary Grant 1 Comment

Anyone who has known me for a while knows that my taste in cars can be best described as somewhat eclectic. Why else would I decide we should do a wet track day video of the Kia Soul. Funky and fun it is. Fast is ain’t. Really though, the rain at Pocono had been coming down really hard and the whole team was getting fed up with feeling like a bag of soggy buns. We needed a nice warm, dry spot to perk us up a bit and some kind soul had left the Soul running. With the defrosters on full. It was just what the doctor ordered, so we thought we’d shoot a bit of video from the inside.

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Angry Kitty: 2010 Jaguar XK-R

October 19, 2009 by Gary Grant 2 Comments

Next up in our series of videos from the 2009 IMPA Test Days in the Pocono Mountains, we let the 2010 Jaguar XK-R out of the cage. There is little more to say other than this is one serious cat.

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Mitsubishi Evo X MR: Have your cake and eat it too

October 12, 2009 by Gary Grant 6 Comments

evo mr

During our recent travels to the Poconos for the IMPA Test Days, Tom and Scott got out on the road in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo MR and, well, tested. It turns out that Tom knows a thing or two about the Evo and looks a damn sight better than I do on camera! See what Mr. Williams thinks of Mitsu’s quick shifting four door after the break,
[Read more…]

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Challenger SRT8: Did I mention that it was Orange?

November 30, 2008 by Gary Grant 4 Comments

Leading up to the 2008 IMPA Test Days at Pocono Raceway, we had compiled a short list of must drives. Top spot on that list was held by none other than the Dodge Challenger SRT8. Few cars have created so much buzz in recent years and few cars have stirred the memories of so many. Getting behind the wheel and looking around, the car truly does feel like a bit of a time warp. The low roof and the cut of the C-pillar truly feel like the Challenger of old. I couldn’t wait to take it out on the track.

Oh yeah, having just spun the Viper, I managed to behave myself and keep the pumpkin on the pavement!

Video after the break
[Read more…]

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Lotus Exige S: more track porn

November 8, 2008 by Gary Grant 2 Comments

I don’t think there are many gearheads who don’t truly get the mystique of the Lotus name. The heritage behind the marque comes from years of racing success and innovation. The modern cars are nothing short of spectacular, combining lightweight construction that would do Colin Chapman proud with modern Toyota drivetrains which are infinitely tuneable and absolutely bulletproof. Oh yeah, they look killer too!

Now, I’ll let our video guru, Scott Simmons take up the story:

As the creator of the Garage Blog videos I had to indulge myself by creating a little piece of car porn. The Lotus Elise and Exige are two of my favorite cars. Brian Shepherd of Lotus Cars USA brought a yellow Exige S to the 2008 IMPA test days. At the end of the event I was able to hop in the car and take the last lap of the day around the track with Brian at the wheel. We didn’t have time to mic up for on track commentary but the lap around was one of the best of the day. The Exige S is one helluva car. Thanks Brian!


Lotus Exige S at IMPA 08 from Scott Simmons on Vimeo.

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