[Alvin]

Chamber of commerce weather this weekend for the Indy Houston Race.

Issues reported that street circuit "bump" to be ground down prior to the Sat & Sun races.

http://www.indycar.com/News/2013/10/...n-Race-1-setup

"Houston Excitement At Every Turn" banner still on Garage wall from the Inaugural Texaco Indy Car race...

Comical IndyCar Houston GP Forumn commentary w Baltimore v Houston comparo:
http://forums.autosport.com/topic/18...ix-of-houston/

[65WJ]

not soo much a fan of temp street circuts. they are too bumpy.
Looking forward to the Indy cars using the road course for a race the first weekend of may then the 500/
They made some changes taking out a few slow corners to maka a fast track. think of Monza.
should be enjoyable.

patrick

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by 65WJ

not soo much a fan of temp street circuts. they are too bumpy.
Looking forward to the Indy cars using the road course for a race the first weekend of may then the 500/
They made some changes taking out a few slow corners to maka a fast track. think of Monza.
should be enjoyable.

patrick

Have to agree re temp "parking lot" circuits. We normally do not watch or follow the Indy Car series. Was hoping for the best for the Houston event as I attended every day of the inaugural "city street circuit" in 1998, however...

My Mrs and I are watching today's DVRd now race and her comment..."this race takes forever to run the cars; it's nothing like the NHRA Drag Racing or F1 Races we like and attend, where there always are cars running or something to see going on..."

Glad we didn't attend live yesterday having a four hour or more delay...and quali cancelled and moved to today.

On the positive: IMO the new Indy config looks to be a good move for the series and attendance. IIRC - the sports casters said the previous Indy Car road coarse attendance was 4,500? Wow! Damage control needed for sure. Sounds like decisions are being made in the best way for the future.

[Alvin]

Local weather conditions this morning: rain, and 20+ degree F temp drop...currently @ 59.

No doubt, will have washed away tire buildup on track for grip and lower temps will do the same...

Rain tires? No.

Was/is always great to see local hero AJ Foyt... Gotta love that "old school" racing guy.

[Alvin]

Sundays' Sunday morning rain cleared to a sky blue beautiful day.

Glad we missed this event (video): http://youtu.be/RHwfzK0KX6k

"Franchitti breaks back, has surgery after crash" Franchitti injuries: "Two broken vertebrae, fractured right ankle and concussion.

Spectator and Official injuries: "Debris from his car...into the stands injuring...13 spectators and an IndyCar official. Two people are being treated at a local hospital."
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports...dixon/2932683/

Local spectator stands view of crash http://www.click2houston.com/news/lo...u/-/index.html

Wishing all involved a quick recovery from their injuries. Stay safe my friends.

[The Champ]

While attending the NASCAR race in Kansas City yesterday, overheard the radio broadcast announcers discussing (listening to our scanner - during a commercial) Franchitti being involved in a serious wreck down in Houston. At first they had no info on his injuries - just that it was a real bad wreck.

Hope Dario has a speedy recovery!

The race in KC was a good one. Will post photos on a separate thread later. The driver I love to hate (Kyle Busch) the most was involved in three separate spins right in front of me - and I caught some of the action of each incident. Even got a shot of the wrecker bringing in the remains.

Also - the touring princess didn't even make a lap...

[Alvin]

Even with 2 fences, 13 spectators injured. http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/06/us/tex...ash/index.html

[ho428]

After the stands were cleared the camera showed a huge section of fencing that landing high up in the bleachers. Bad deal all around for everyone.

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by ho428

After the stands were cleared the camera showed a huge section of fencing that landing high up in the bleachers. Bad deal all around for everyone.

Bad deal indeed. Local news reported that a woman spectator was trapped under the section of fence (that was peeled away from the race cars impact) and was assisted and able to get free with the assistance of fellow nearby fans. Also reported: All injured spectators have been released from local hospitals. Good to hear.