[Final Authority]

I love Indy as well. Just think how great the race would be if the rules makers would allow the present engine/chassis configuration to be turbocharged? It would require real driver skill like in the days when tires were not very good. Now, rules makers try to write the rules to minimize the risk of major injury and regulate the power of the engine and the chassis dynamics to make the tires work with a minimum of problems. F1 racing is different in that the tires are not sticky and the power available over most of the race course is excessive. This requires a fair amout of driver skill. I like that but IRL is good too. Just think, I believe the fastest Indy qualifiers were at least 15 years ago.

[NormsRevenge]

You want to have some fun? Go start an Indy 500 thread! LOL

[Solomon Grundy]

The fastest quals at Indy were actually in the firstyear of the IRL (1996). Arie Luyendyk set the one and four lap records at around 239. (This year pole speed around 232.) I think Eddie Cheever actually did a 235 lap in the 96 race.

[The Coopster]

I do like IRL. Although racing is still, pretty much for those with cash, at least IRL harkens back to the old days, when 5 or 6 guys could pool their cash, find a driver, and try to get a car in the race.

And the speeds are getting back up there.

And I'll bet this year is pretty good racing. It's a pretty competitive field.