So, I hear you're suffering from the post-Indy 500 blues. Well, you've come to the right place - my name is Dr. Frood, and I can write you the best prescription possible... how does MORE INDYCAR sound? But I don't want you taking just one IndyCar race this weekend. I need you to go for a double dose. That'll clear the blues right up.*
*Side effects of a double-dose of IndyCar may include: heart palpatations, TV addiction, motion sickness and a large amount of Will Power
The dust has barely settled, the bricks have only just been kissed, but the world of IndyCar moves forever forward. Just a week after Will Power's maiden Indy 500 victory, the IndyCar circus rolls into Motown. Detroit is around 5 hours north-east of Indianapolis, sitting on the Detroit River, which connects Lake Huron and Lake Erie in south-eastern Michigan. Detroit is widely known as being one of the most beautiful cities in... er, the Detroit area.
Well, Belle Isle isn’t that bad, anyway.
The Raceway on Belle Isle has been an on-off fixture on the American open-wheel racing calendar since 1992. IndyCar had previously raced at the circuit at the Renaissance Center in Downtown Detroit, where The Other Series had previously raced between 1982 and 1988. The track was known to have poor viewing for both drivers and spectators, and was also known to be incredibly bumpy (where have I heard that before?) A disastrous race in 1991 saw a disintegrating track, a horrific financial loss (and subsequent fraud investigation) and tribulations for the Andrettis. Mario crashed into a course vehicle trying to retrieve Dennis Vitolo’s stricken Dale Coyne Racing Lola; Michael, in trying to avoid his father’s accident, crashed into Vitolo’s car. An embarrassing moment for the Andretti family, not to be repeated until Marco decided that he also wanted to be a race car driver.
https://www.youtube....h?v=KwEqjuvAZzE
As a result, for the 1992 race, the organisers decided to move out into the Detroit River onto Belle Isle, sitting just on the right side (or the wrong side, depending on your point of view) of the US-Canada border. Contempary articles showered the track with praise for being “not the Renaissance Center circuit” and especially the fact it was incredibly smooth. Safe to say, the drivers are not saying that today.
Tell me more about the track
It's on an island. Called Belle Isle. In the middle of the Detroit River. Near Canada. Please keep up.
Look, here's a map.
Length: 2.35 mi / 3.78 km / 2043.24 Froods
Race laps: 70
Track record: 1:10.3162 by Scott Dixon, 2012
Last year’s winners: Graham Rahal2
Places where James Hinchliffe can be bumped from Qualifying: 0
What happened last year?
Graham Rahal. Race 1 was not a classic; Hinchcliffe crashed at Turn 1, Kimball crashed into Daly. Rahal led 55 of 70 laps. Alotion was 6th, which was his only decent result before SPM fired him. Race 2 saw SATOOOOO on pole, but he was jumped by Rahal during the first round of pitstops and he never looked back. There was a bit of argy-bargy between Castroneves and Hunter-Reay and there was a caution near the end of the race when Hinchcliffe and Pigot simultaneously broke down (not emotionally). Rahal led 41 of 70 laps. It was quite the performance.
What’s the schedule for this weekend?
Glad you asked, ‘cause it’s a bumper one! You’ve got the Sports Car Club of America ® Trans-Am ® Series by Pirelli ©; the IMSA© WeatherTech ® SportsCar Championship and the SPEED Energy ® Stadium Super Trucks Series alongside the Verizon ® IndyCar ® Series ™
Hopefully I won’t get sued now.
Friday 1st June
07:30 – 08:00 Trans Am Practice 1
08:15 – 09:45 IMSA Practice 1
10:05 – 10:35 Super Truck Practice/Qualifying
11:20 – 12:05 IndyCar Practice 1
12:20 – 12:50 Trans Am Practice 2
13:05 – 14:55 IMSA Practice 2
15:15 – 16:00 IndyCar Practice 2
16:05 – 16:20 IndyCar Pitstop Practice
16:35 – 17:05 Trans Am Race 1 Qualifying
17:20 – 18:00 IMSA Qualifying
Saturday 2nd June
08:00 – 08:20 IMSA Warm-Up
08:45 – 09:45 Trans Am Race 1
10:05 – 10:55 Super Truck Race 1
10:30 – 11:15 IMSA Autograph Session
10:55 – 11:25 IndyCar Race 1 Qualifying
11:45 – 12:30 IMSA Open Grid Walk
12:30 – 14:30 IMSA Race
12:45 – 13:30 IndyCar Autograph Session
14:45 – 15:30 IndyCar Pre-Race Ceremonies
15:30 – 18:00 IndyCar Race 1 (Green Flag at approx. 15:50)
18:00 – whenever Some concert no-one cares about
Sunday 3rd June
09:30 – 10:00 Trans Am Autograph Session
10:45 – 11:15 IndyCar Race 2 Qualifying
11:45 – 13:00 Trans Am Race 2
13:00 – 14:00 A concert that someone, somewhere, cares about, presumably
14:05 – 14:35 Super Truck Race 2
14:45 – 15:45 IndyCar Pre-Race Ceremonies
15:30 – 18:00 IndyCar Race 2 (Green Flag at approx. 15:50)
All times GMT -4, so adjust accordingly for your time zone!
So, who’s competing in the IndyCar race and can you present it to me like a makeshift music chart with badly-photoshopped album covers tenuously linked to each driver because there’s a link between Detroit and Motown and music and that kind of thing?
That’s an oddly specific request. Luckily for you, I came prepared...
THE TOP 20 INDYCAR ALBUMS THIS WEEK!
#1 (up 6) | DJ WILL.I.P - #WILLPOWER
A huge leap this week for DJ will.i.p. Coming off of the back of his biggest gig ever in Indianapolis, will.i.p has finally delivered the album everyone knew he could, but for various maladies, hasn't quite managed to produce. The man has managed to put so much emotion into this new record, containing new hip-hop beats and covers of old techno classics. Just listening to the screams of a man who's managed to produce his finest work has been enough to warm everyone's soul.
Frood's track pick: (I GOT) THE POWER
#2 (non-mover) | ALEX ROSSI - FEARLESS
And Fearless is exactly what Alex Rossi has been this year. He's not afraid to talk the talk, he's not afraid to walk the walk; he's got the moves to back him up as well. We've seen some fine acts of bravery this season from the Californian. The only low point was a small feud with New Kids on the Block's Robby Wickens, but that seems to have blown over. In contention for album of the year.
Frood's track pick: FOREVER & ALWAYS (THE WINNER OF THE 100TH INDIANAPOLIS 500)
#3 (down 2) | NEWGARDEN - SUPERKNOWN
Another solid album from the charismatic Tenessee grunge outfit. However, the label-mate of DJ will.i.p performed a solid but anonymous gig at the weekend (as well as losing a battle of the bands with Simon Pagenaud's Earth Band), which has resulted in him losing the top spot in the chart this week. Penske Records will be expecting a lot better of the erstwhile chart-topper here in their home city.
Frood's track pick: (YOUNG) AMERICAN BOY
#4 (non-mover) | DIXIE CHICKS - TAKING THE SUNOCO WAY
They're a group fueled by passion. The identical triplets Dixie Chicks are back with Taking the Sunoco Way, an album full of pumping anthems and a refined sound. The new album has been in the pipeline for some time and as a result, there is a refreshing lack of filler. The girls have gallons of experience and you're sure to experience a well-oiled machine if you're seeing them on the Detroit state this weekend.
Frood's track pick: WIDE OPEN THROTTLE
#5 (up 4) | JOHNNIE (HUNTER) REAY - TURKETARIAN
Who knew that a Thanksgiving album would perform so well on Memorial Day? 12 songs dedicated to the humble turkey may seem like gobble-dygook to you or I, but (Hunter) Reay has turned in another polished effort. Look for him (and manager Michael Andretti) to inject some heat into this weekend's proceedings. There's also news afoot that the American may be picked to represent Turkey in next years' Eurovision Song Contest.
Frood's track pick: BIRD IS THE WORD
#6 (non mover) | RAHAL AND OATES - AT THEIR BEST
Graham Rahal and John Oates are back with their greatest hits! A steady performer over the years, the Detroit festival is a happy hunting ground for Rahal as he wowed the crowds at last year's festival, selling out both days. The duo has sometimes been slated as "unimaginative" and "derivative", but a string of good records and performances over the last few years is turning that perception around.
Frood's album pick: YOU STEAK (AND SHAKE) MY DREAMS
#7 (up 1) | NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK - ROOKIES
The New Kids have been mixing it up this year, both on their tracks and in their line-up. The band's face this year has been mainstay Robby Wickens. The young Canadian is a protégé of the hitherto best-seller Mr. Mayor, but has been stepping out of his spotlight and eclipsing his elder label-mate. Not to be discounted in the New Kids lineup, however, is Mat Leist. The Brazilian has been making fans on their tour this year and has been working closely with countryman Tony Kanaan. The ever rotating lineup on this album is completed by Jordan "J-K" King, who works well for inner-city gigs (but not stadiums), and a fresh face in Tino Ferrucci who will be eager to show that he's a talent for the future. The new album also features a mysterious fan who has apparently paid a lot of money to feature on the cover, but will not be getting a gig until later in the year. Critics have warned, however, that the singer, rumoured to be Mexican, will not be a success.
Frood's track pick: YOU GOT IT (THE LEFT TURNS)
#8 (down 5) | BELL AND SÉBASTIEN - THE LIFE PURSUIT
Now, who saw this collaboration coming? Townsend Bell has stepped out of the commentary booth to record this lovely indie duet album with Sébastien Bourdais. Bell's dulcet tones and easy-listening background would not usually be a fit for Bourdais' harsher, introspective, and some may say whiny lyric writing; however, the result has been somewhat surprising and very listenable.
Frood's track pick: FUNNY LITTLE FROG
#9 (up 3) | SIMON PAGENAUD'S EARTH BAND - BLINDED BY THE LIGHT
Bursting onto the scene with a flash of colour and a dazzling array of genres has been Simon Pagenaud's Earth Band. The bestselling artist of two years ago, Pagenaud has been struggling to find artistic form since. This season's album has been faltering somewhat, with slow sales, bad timing and even a run-in with fellow artist Graham Rahal. It's been one to forget from Pagenaud this year, but a good showing in Detroit could hope to turn things around. Anyway, as you're probably not reading this, I could in theory say anything controversial and you wouldn't even know.
ESTEBAN GUTIERREZ WAS THE BEST DRIVER IN INDYCAR LAST YEAR
Frood's track pick: Sunglasses At Night (And Every Other Time of the Day)
#10 (down 5) | MR. MAYOR - BUMP AHEAD
Oh dear. Technical difficulties at the Indianapolis gig two weeks ago meant a lot of press for James Hinchcliffe, and none of it good. Having been left off the line-up for the Indy festival, Hinchcliffe and his team have made some management decisions and have vowed to come back stronger than ever. Detroit has never been a happy hunting ground for Mr. Mayor, but with the bad publicity behind him, now is the time to change that.
Frood's track pick: MY BUMPS
#11 (down 1) | MARCO ANDRETTI - MARCO SINGS THE BLUES
Years in the wilderness have taken their toll on Marco Andretti. Once touted as the next big thing, he has never really hit the right notes throughout his career. Moving to a side label of his father's main company looks as though it may have invigorated him to put out his best material for years, but he still hasn't quite hit his stride with this year's string of releases.
Frood's track pick: WE ARE FAMILY (AND YET THEY'RE ALL FASTER THAN ME)
#12 (down 1) | TONY KANAAN - PREHISTORIC: THE ORIGINAL 1966-67 EARLY RECORDINGS
It's unusual to see a legacy album on these charts, yet here we are with Tony Kanaan. 1966-67 represents some of Kanaan's most up-to-date work, although the earliest recordings of the man who is rumoured to have invented music. It's unusual to hear a lute or a harpsichord in modern music, but there are here in spades on this re-released collection. The sound quality may not be up there with today's standards, but Kanaan is still a man who knows how to pen a good melody.
Frood's track pick: BACH TO THE FUTURE
#13 SATO (up 1) | TAKUMA SATOOOOOOO - HEART
No attack, no chance. Destined to be the biggest album of the year. Will not settle for less
Frood's track pick: ALL OF THEM, THEY'RE ALL FANTASTIC
#14 (up 1) | CHAVIRA - CHAVIRA
Something something Gabby Chaves something something Colombia's favourite son. I have to admit something at this point, out of character. I adore Shakira. The making of the above picture was uncomfortable for everyone involved and it means I cannot concentrate. Or ever look at Gabby Chaves again.
Frood's track pick: HIPS DON'T LIE (THEY JUST SHOUT AT SIMON PAGENAUD INSTEAD)
#15 (up 1) | PIGOTBAG - DR. HECKLE AND MR. DRIVE
Pigotbag is one of those artists quietly putting in the work but never really reaping the result. Lead singer Spencer Pigot has been putting in his best efforts to make the post-punk outfit relevant, and they seemed to have turned a corner with the last few releases. There is a way to go, though, before Pigotbag can become relevant in today's music scene.
Frood's track pick: THE INVISIBLE MAN
#16 (down 1) | THE VEACH BOYS - LITTLE HONDA
The VEACH Boys have been a little hot under the collar for the last few weeks. They have had one big song on the California scene this year, but have yet to follow that success up with some real results that stick. Little Honda comes at a time when everyone is looking at the big American label in Motown, but can they manage to get themselves some notice this week?
Frood's track pick: GOOD VIBRATIONS (OR IS THAT JUST A FLATSPOT?)
#17 (down 3) | ED JONES - GREEN, GREEN GRASS OF SONOMA
The grass isn't always greener on the other side, or so they say. A move to big label Ganassi has had some people wondering whether a big-time contract has come too early for Ed Jones. The latest album, extolling the virtues of running at a certain California track earlier in the year, has not been a big success and has seen the Emirati singer crashing down to Earth. Jones has to start churning out some hits soon, or you start to wonder whether the label will start to lose their patience with the youngster.
Frood's track pick: WHAT'S THE (SEARS) POINT?
#18 (down 1) | CHARLIE KIMBALL - KIMBALL WIZARD
"Smash Hit" is a phrase that comes very easily to Charlie Kimball. Unfortunately, words tend to have two meanings.
Frood's track pick: Something from a different album
#19 (up 1) | DJ WILLY P & MAXIMUM CHILTON - MAX POWER, MAX BASS
The second best of the two collaborations on the chart this week, and a mis-step for the chart-topper will.i.p (known at the recording of this album as DJ Willy P). This, a collaboration with big-haired money-man Maximum Chilton, is an ode to all the boy racers out there, with their odious body kits and their 6 million exhausts. Play it at deafening volume in your car with the bass turned up as far as possible and you might suffer hearing loss before is over. You hope.
Frood's track pick: UHN-SS UHN-SS UHN-SS UHN-SS
#20 (up 6) | RENÉ & RENATO - ONLY YOU (UNTIL THE MONEY RUNS OUT)
Certainly not the best album to ever make the IndyCar chart.
Frood's track pick: SAVE YOUR LOVE (AND YOUR EARS)
NOT MAKING THE CHART THIS WEEK
Apologies, I ran out of inspiration a bit towards the end!
sblick said something about fantasy league
Edited by Frood, 01 June 2018 - 21:40.
Thank you for a brilliant OP. I look forward to catching up next week.
