magician

My son and I just got home from the inaugural IRL race at the California Speedway in Fontana. I won't spoil it for those who may be waiting to see it later, but it was an exciting race, and this is from someone who is no fan of oval track racing. It'll never displace my beloved Formula One, but we had a good time.

WestSideBilly

I caught the last 40 or so laps on TV. Very exciting race, excellent finish - the way all races should end! It was much better than the average IRL race. I was also quite impressed at how much respect the guys had while still racing hard and fast. Numerous times the cars were within inches of each other going 200+ and there was only the 1 accident which was the result of engine troubles.

The Raptor

We went to the IRL qualifying and Rolex Grand Am race on the new road course on Saturday. No one was there -- maybe 5,000 people. very pathetic turnout. About 15,000 yesterday -- miserable attendance. I hope it doesn't bode poorly for the CART race in November, but it probably does. The Rolex Grand Am race was also very exciting.

Bob Moss

I dunno but I have been to all the NASCAR races and the first three CART races at Fontana and it just seems too big, smooth and well, boring....I am much more interested in Long Beach and by the size of the crowd at Fontana I would say most Angelinos are as well. I will be at the Beach next month but I am skipping the season at California Speedway this year.

I do not wish any harm to IRL.... I just hope someday there will be some sense coming over Tony George and Chris Pook and we get one big open-wheel series on all sorts of courses with hairy-sounding cars. The IRL cars just don't sound very good to me.....

The Raptor

Bob Moss-

Where are your seats at Long Beach? We're top row Grandstand 29 on Shoreline at start-finish/Toyota Bridge across from the pits. The magician and his family are joining us.

Bob Moss

Actually I believe that is where we are. This year my brother's father-in-law is getting the tickets and he likes to be opposite the pits. I won't know for sure until we meet up with my bro' (he lives in San Diego) on Saturday morning. In the past I have always sat either at the end of Seaside Way or at the bottom of Pine where they return after doing the old hairpin at the end of Shoreline.

The Raptor

If you're carrying a cell phone, page me @ (626) 402-4186. I may try to get a S2K group together for the weekend sometime. We always park in Marina parking behind grandstand overlooking the Marina and the Queen Mary and have a cooler with goodies and lawn chairs. Man, I can hardly wait.

Bob Moss

Sounds like a plan...thanks!!