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[Afterburner]

2018 Verizon Indycar Grand Finale: The Grand Prix of Sonoma

The Heat is On!


apologies in advance if this is blocked in your country

For Indycar fans, the sight of footballs flying through the air on TV ads is like the moment you realise the leaves on the trees have begun to change colour. It means only one thing, and that’s Championship Day for the Verizon Indycar Series. The sun will set on the 2018 iteration of America’s premier open wheel championship as our beloved cast of drivers starts their engines for one last time in the contest for the Astor Cup. And Holy Firestones, Batman, have we got a showdown on our hands this year. In a season where the title contenders have been more consistent than ever–and two of them have already got a hand on the cup–there’s just one road-course outing left to see who’s going to take it home. You can make or break, you can win or lose–that’s the chance you take when the heat’s on you.

[Frood]

Thanks kindly, AB. Before we get to the main card this evening, let’s talk about Sears Point Infineon Sonoma Raceway. Wiggly.

 

 

Track facks.

 

Length: 2.385 mi / 3.838 km / 2.37492651 x 10³⁸ Planck lengths

Turns: I mean, I count about 18 but the map says 12

Laps: 85

Fastest lap: 1:15.520 by Josef Newgarden, 2017.

Wiggliness: High

Grass colour: Debatable

 

 

The track was opened in 1968 and closed in 1970 to be used as a tax shelter. Luckily it was reopened again in 1973 otherwise we couldn’t have endless debates on exactly what colour the grass is. The straight bit for the brick cars to drive on was opened in 1998 ‘cos the rest of it was too wiggly or something.

 

Due to the lack of space, there are extra pit garages located inside the track at the Turn 11/12 loop. These garages are colloquially known as Gilligan's Island.

 

Wait, did someone say Gilligan's Island?

 

 

 

INTRODUCING THE CONTENDERS

 

First, in the silver corner… standing at 5’10” and weighing in at 155lbs; we had to check this Powerhouse’s passport because we thought his name couldn’t be real. He’s the Australian in our IndyCar nation. He kills two birds with... two birds. Hailing from Toowoomba, Australia...

 

WILL "DJ WILLY P" POWER!

 

 

It’s been “all or nothing” for this year’s Indy 500 winner. He endured a torrid start to the year (Long Beach aside) with an embarrassing spin on the first lap of the season and two retirements at Phoenix and Barber. Yet he completely stole the show for the Month of May – first winning the road course race at Indy and dominating the 500 (despite not winning the pole thanks to Ed Carpenter’s efforts). It looked as though the momentum was suddendly with Will… and then he hit a mid-season slump, the nadir being retirements at Texas and Road America along with mechanical problems in Toronto. Indeed, in 4 races from Texas to Toronto, will scored 62 points to Dixon’s 160. Since Toronto, however, he looked to be on the ascendancy with three podiums culminating in the win at Gateway. Gearbox issues and a visit to the wall at Portland brought him right back down to Earth with a bump. Winning on double points at Sonoma would be very un-Will Power-esque… but then it would also be very Will Power-esque.

 

Next, in the other, er, silver corner… standing at 6’0” and weighing in at 177lbs; you only need to know the two big facts about this young man. Firstly, he’s young. Secondly, he’s American. What more do you need to know? Let’s hear it for Hendersonville, Tennessee’s…

 

JOSEF “THE YOUNG AMERICAN™” NEWGARDEN!

 

 

The defending champion has, like team-mate Power, not had the easiest of times this season. Indeed, it seems as though Penske have, unusually, struggled to get to grips with the new aerokit over the duration of the season. The cream tends to rise to the top, though, and Newgarden has certainly had some excellent races, most notably his three wins at Phoenix, Birmingham and Road America. The three wins also mark Newgarden’s only podiums this year which really highlight the lack of consistency that all three Penske drivers have been showing. Newgarden’s mid-season funk was arguably worse than Power’s, with the five races spanning Indy, Detroit and Texas yielding a disappointing high of 8^th at the 500. Unlike team-mate Power, Newgarden has largely managed to steer clear of mechanical woes or on-track incidents and as such comes into Sonoma on level pegging with him. Without issues for Rossi and Dixon, it’ll be a difficult defence of Newgarden’s title.

 

In the blue and yellow corner… standing at 6’2” and weighing in at 161lbs. Every good story needs a villain. IndyCar doesn’t have many of those, but if someone is trying to make a name for himself, it’s this man. He’s always calm. He’s always collected. He’s never shy to push the limits of both track and his fellow drivers. And yes, he’s possibly the reincarnation of a 90’s stock car legend. Must be the moustache. Auburn, California brings you...

 

ALEXANDER “THE INTIMIDATOR” ROSSI!

 

 

Rossi has been nothing short of a revelation this season. All the signs were there, with a strong back end to 2017 leading to his first road course win at Watkins Glen. The seat swap with Marco Andretti in the off-season, placing Rossi in the Andretti A-team, seemed to invigorate the ex-Manor driver and as such has shown that he is very possibly the quickest driver in IndyCar. Quickest driver maybe; but arguably not the most complete, yet. His three wins (Long Beach, Mid-Ohio and Pocono) have come in dominating fashion. Indeed, there have been other races at which a dominant Rossi has also been a factor – Gateway and Portland being two recent ones, with only strategy and luck eluding him. But there have been chinks in the armour. The least fondly remembered of these, certainly from Robert Wickens’ point of view, was the clumsy dive for the lead during the last restart at St. Petersburg; from Rossi’s own point of view, cracking under pressure from Hunter-Reay at Detroit won’t be a highlight. The Californian has also not ingratiated himself with his fellow drivers after some robust moves during the season; for example his highly defensive driving raised the ire of both Wickens and Takuma Sato at Road America. When he’s on form, however, Rossi is the most exciting driver in the series. Just watch some of the restarts from the 500. It’ll be a tough task overcoming Scott Dixon at Sonoma, but it’s certainly not out of the question.

 

And finally, in the blue and orange corner… standing at 5’10” and weighing in at 150lbs. Known throughout the wizarding world for being “the boy who lived... through some tricky situations” and the only driver immune to the “IndyCarda kedavra” curse. You know he’s being taking his felix felicis potions on the regular. And who else can simply wave a wand and conjure up Iowa Corn™ ethanol out of nowhere? Give it up for Auckland, New Zealand’s...

 

SCOTT “THE SUNOCO SORCEROR” DIXON!

 

 

There’s a reason Scott Dixon is a 4-time champion. Grit. Determination. Never giving up. And here we are, yet another season finale, yet another chance for the Iceman to win the title. As mentioned before regarding Penske, it seems that Ganassi have, at times this year, failed to understand the new aero kit fully and as a result, Dixon has not quite had the speed as often as he would have wanted this year. But even when his speed hasn’t been there, his consistency has. Dixon has not retired once this year. He has returned 14 top ten results from 16 starts this year, with a worst finish of 12^th at Iowa. Results like that is what could win Dixon the 2018 title. Whilst the other title contenders had a mid-season slump, it was Dixon who capitalised, with 5 podiums from 6 races between the Indy Road course and Road America; apart from Iowa, he has had a top 5 in every race since May. The most recent race at Portland was classic Scott Dixon. Losing 40 seconds on the first lap would be a disaster for most; Dixon managed to not hit anything in the blinding dust, kept the engine running and emerged unscathed when the dust settled. 104 laps later, he finished 5^th. That, ladies and gents, is Scott Dixon.

 

Ov-er to our resident Mystic.

Edited by Frood, 12 September 2018 - 23:17.

[OvDrone]

Thank you, Frood

 

Hey'all; everyone ready for the final night of Indycar delight this year of '18 ? Let the seemingly always barren hills of Sonoma wash with the sound of maximum SatooooOOOoooo!!!1111

 

We are here to bathe in the fire of Indycar glory; u n l e a s h t h e h e a t

 

 

Here's my contribution and as your instinct might tell you, yes, I am here for the Race, Championship and Fantasy predictions.

 

the Stars are saying that we are in for some fullon Indycar

 

Championship decider you say; double points trickery hmmm? Well, I'll tell you one thing. You can talk to me about the weather, dogs, cats, intense inter-human relationships, Euclidian Geometry, Nuclear Physics, quantum molecular resonance, the history of the Ute tribe in Eastern Utah, the perpetual soul-trap of attachments and reincarnation, the emerald tablets of Thoth and if your hair looks good today, but never in a million years will I understand the Indycar points system. And I proudly rely on Radoye's post-race Indycar F1 points analysis to understand just what the hell is going on. That and the random esoteric shouting of Paul Tracy midrace.

 

So, to save my own skin ( kinda ) I'll shamelessly copy-pasted this from Indycar.com itself:

 

There are only two definitive scenarios:

>>If Dixon finishes first or second in Sunday's race, he's the champion.

>>If Rossi finishes 13th or worse, he can't win the title.

Here are  the rest of the possibilities:

Dixon wins if he finishes ...

Third and Rossi doesn't win Sonoma.If Rossi wins, he would have a 2-point edge, but Dixon could still be the series champion if he led the most laps and wins the pole. Rossi would own the tiebreaker.

Fourth, fifth or sixth and Rossi doesn't win Sonoma.

Seven or eighth and Rossi finishes no better than third. Bonus points: if Rossi finishes second and Dixon finishes seventh (Dixon has a 1-point edge) or eighth (Rossi has a 3-point edge). Rossi would own the tiebreaker.

Ninth or 10th and Rossi finishes no better than fourth. Bonus points: if Rossi finishes third and Dixon finishes ninth (Dixon is up 3 points) or 10th (Rossi up 1 points). Rossi would own the tiebreaker.

Eleventh and Rossi finishes no better than fifth. Bonus points: if Rossi is third (Rossi, 3) or fourth (Dixon, 3). Rossi owns the tiebreaker if he finishes third, Dixon has the tiebreaker if Rossi finishes fourth.

Twelfth and Rossi finishes no better than fifth.Bonus points: if Rossi is fourth (Dixon, 1). Dixon owns all tiebreakers after this point.

Thirteenth and Rossi finishes no better than sixth. Bonus points: if Rossi finishes fourth (Rossi, 1) or fifth (Dixon, 3).

Fourteenth and Rossi finishes no better than sixth. Bonus points: if Rossi finishes fourth (Rossi, 3) or fifth (Dixon, 1).

Fifteenth and Rossi finishes no better than seventh. Bonus points: if Rossi fifth (Rossi, 1) or sixth (Dixon, 3).

Sixteenth and Rossi finishes no better than seventh. Bonus points: if Rossi finishes fifth (Rossi, 3) or sixth (Dixon, 1).

Seventeenth and Rossi finishes no better than eighth. Bonus points: if Rossi finishes sixth (Rossi, 1) or seventh (Dixon, 3).

Eighteenth and Rossi finishes no better than eighth. Rossi must finish no better than eighth. Bonus points: if Rossi finishes sixth (Rossi, 3) or seventh (Dixon, 1).

Nineteenth and Rossi  finishes no better than ninth. Bonus points: if Rossi finishes seventh (Rossi, 1) or eighth (Dixon, 3).

Twentieth and Rossi finishes no better than ninth. Bonus points: if Rossi finishes seventh (Rossi, 3) or eighth (Dixon, 1).

Twenty-first and Rossi finishes no better than 10th. Bonus points: if Rossi finishes eighth (Rossi, 1) or ninth (Dixon, 3).

Twenty-second and Rossi  finishes no better than 10th. Bonus points: if Rossi finishes eighth (Rossi, 3) or ninth (Dixon, 1).

Twenty-third and Rossi  finishes no better than 11th. Bonus points: if Rossi finishes ninth (Rossi, 1) or 10th (Dixon, 3).

Twenty-fourth and Rossi  finishes no better than 12th. Bonus points: if Rossi finishes ninth (Rossi, 3), 10th (Dixon, 1) or 11th (Dixon, 3). Power and Newgarden also become factors at this point.

Twenty-fifth and Rossi finishes 13th or worse. Bonus points: if Rossi finishes 10th (Rossi, 1), 11th (Dixon, 1) or 12th (Dixon, 3).

Will Power and Josef Newgarden

Both are 87 points behind Dixon and 58 behind Rossi. So Power or Newgarden has to win the race, Dixon needs to finish 24th or 25th and Rossi 10th or worse. If the bonus points work out, Dixon and Rossi could finish a spot higher or lower. Dixon wins all tiebreakers in this scenario.

 

If you want some more in-depth shenanigans, just click here:

 

https://beyondthefla...sonoma-raceway/

 

Here's my own 3rd eye imagery of the championship battle:

 

great

 

In order to make some bloody sense of all this Indycar kaos, I will shuffle and draw one last Obligatory Indycar Tarot. One card for each of the four main title rivals and four more cars for all your occult Fantasy picks to finally get that last victory in our cursed championship. Here we go:

 

Newgarden,  The Young American™  ( smooth Capricorn ) - King ov Wands

 

 

 

Astrology: 21° Cancer to 20° Leo
Element and world: The Air in the Fires of Atziluth
Tree of Life: Tiphareth

 

The King of Wands represents the Air within the Fire, intellect and storm within the spiritual flaming. As the husband of the Queen, he bears a certain heritage of the waters inside of him, expressing in romantical beliefs and a most generous nature.

Though, the attributes of fire are excessively strong, combined with the flying airs the first impression is that of a hot storm, filled with action and wilful, impulsive energies. Lacking the patience of the earth, the Prince of Wands wants it all and he wants it now, refusements or delays might provoke explosive outbursts. He has endless courage and tenacity, he can fight far superior forces until he has won.

With the airs whirled up by the hot breath of fire, he can be a juggler and trickster, wanton and frolic, recklessly abusing the powers of his mind to fool and ridicule the slow and harmless. He doesn't mean bad but usually storms forward too fast to recognize the ruins left behind.

At the shadowy side, all his attributes can exaggerate to their worst, resulting in reckless destruction and even in cruelty and sadism. His impatience can mount into instability, always seeking for novelty without getting anything done, with all his powers burning out unused.

Drive: Activity, energy, impulsiveness

Light: Energy, creativity, passion, swift, strong, rather violent

Shadow: Restlessness, insatisfaction, impatience, destructive powers, cruel, intolerant, prejudiced

 

Expect confidence and self-surety from Josef.

 

Will Power, DJ Willy P ( psycho Pisces ) - The Tower

 

 

 

Saturn and Uranus - the sudden breakout of realization, destruction of old values
Planet: Mars
Tree of life: The Axis Netzach - Hod
Element: Fire
Number: 16 as 4 x 4: induration. But the cross sum is 7

The Tower is a symbol of endurance and its destruction, an allusion to sudden, maybe shocking realizations that crushes old views and persuasions, maybe the view of the whole world.

The area of relative security starts wavering, our tower then falls and with it the walls around us that have become too narrow. It is rarely the evil, but rather the necessary development we meet when there is a change in the armor of destruction.

So in the positive aspect, this most violent trump will mean that we proceed to learn that losing the old secure fortress of our beliefs will reward us with a major step forward.

And a good step forward sometimes requires a kick in the ....

Drive: Breaking up structures, destroying the old, getting rid of obsolete loads

Light: Sudden realization of the truth, the will to change old ways, to recreate life and start something new

Shadow: Blind destruction

 

Expect the unexpected from Will Power; well... duh.

 

Alexander Rossi, The 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 2016 Champion Alexander Rossi ( hardball Libra ) - The Lovers

 

 

 

Venus and Mars - on a higher level Sun and Moon - as the combination of the contrasts
Zodiac: Gemini
Tree of life: From Binah to Tiphareth
Element: Air
Number: 6 as combinantion of contrasts and their mutual penetration

The Lovers are one of the most complex cards in the Major Arcana, standing for the love in common and the alchemy of the universe. The trump represents the power of life, the creative love, which can be quite impressive, but also destructive when one happens to disregard the fire of instinct, burning down rationalism.

The card also represents a decision, the farewell to a former way of life and the full acceptance of love uncompromising. It doesn't necessarily mean that the 'love' is a person that you tie your knots to with fancy tungsten wedding bands - it can be a passion, a desire, or even a profession, like going to sea or working with horses. Many people who lead an adapted, settled life actually have deep desires and hidden wishes, that they don't dare show, that they constantly fight back, surpressing their own happiness.

The Lovers can mean that someone should be honest, make a clear decision for this love, the fulfilling of a wish, of a desire, and stand by it.
Apart from this, the Lovers can say that a peaceful combination of existing contrasts or contradictions is a better solution than any confrontation - diplomacy instead of war.

Drive: Devotion, melting into one another, being one with it, love

Light: Full-hearted confession, trust, optimism

Shadow: Displacement, repression, giving up on one's self

 

Expect balanced aggression from Rossi. We all fell in love with his driving this season.

 

Scott Dixon, Sunoco Wizard ( King Crab ) - King ov Cups

 

 

 

Astrology: 21° Libra to 20° Scorpio
Element and world: The Air upon the waters of Briah
Tree of Life: Tiphareth

The King of Cups represents the Air above the waters, as the Father of the Knight and husband of the Queen - Fire and Water - he combines both the fiery flames and the watery depths of his parents, bringing them up in the heights of the Air, storming towards Yetzirah.

So the King of Cups has all the emotional depths of the water, but also the intellectual values of the Air. He is clever and open minded, and his emotional soul can make him a sensitive artist or philosopher. Due to the heritage of Briah, he appears introverted and reversed, and indeed he tends to keep his secrets to himself. Like both his parents, he seems to be easy susceptible, but the sharpminded air makes him choose fairly what to accept in the end.

On the shadowy side, the Prince of Cups can be reckless and selfish, always striving to improve his own goals and studies, carelessly sacrificing relations in order to perfectionate his art or passion , and he can be quite shifty in dealings.

Drive: The combination of Spirit and Soul

Light: Compassion, warmth, love, artistic intentions

Shadow: Selfishness, unscrupulousness, cruelty

 

This well, this is the card that always came up when Dixie did amazing. So... yeah.

I actually pulled another card out to see more details of what it means, and it just says that if Dixon doesn't push his limits, and overexerts... this is all his. But it is not free of worry and toil.

 

And now, for the rest of our amazing Fantasy picks, we have the following four cards for four picks:

 

Card A: The Emperor

 

 

fathering
    establishing a family line
    setting direction and tone
    protecting and defending
    guiding growth
    bringing security and comfort
    offering explanations

emphasizing structure
    creating order out of chaos
    categorizing
    being systematic
    providing shape and form
    being organized
    applying reason
    coordinating
    sticking to a plan

exercising authority
    taking a leadership role
    commanding
    exerting control
    representing the establishment
    being in a position of strength
    coming in contact with officials
    setting direction

regulating
    establishing law and order
    operating from sound principles
    applying rules or guidelines
    working within the legal system
    setting standards of behavior
    following a regimen

 

Card B: 7 of Pentacles

 

 

assessing
    evaluating the status
    reflecting on progress to date
    reviewing what's been done
    pausing to check results
    making sure you're on course
    finding out where you stand
    taking stock

reaping a reward
    finally seeing some results
    enjoying the first fruits
    getting returns on investments
    receiving payoffs
    being able to let up a bit
    reaching a milestone

considering a direction change
    weighing a different approach
    pondering alternatives
    thinking about change
    opening to a new strategy
    questioning your choices
    standing at a crossroads

 

Card C: The Devil

 

 

experiencing bondage
    accepting an unwanted situation
    being obsessed
    feeling tied down against your will
    losing independence
    allowing yourself to be controlled
    being addicted and enslaved
    submitting to another

focusing on the material
    being caught up in appearances
    believing only in the physical
    forgetting the spiritual
    getting and spending
    overindulging the senses

staying in ignorance
    being unaware
    operating within a narrow range
    experiencing limitation
    choosing to stay in the dark
    fearing the unknown
    being taken in by appearances

feeling hopeless
    believing the worst
    despairing
    lacking faith
    seeing a cold world
    thinking negatively
    foreseeing a bleak future
    doubting

 

Card D: 8 of Cups

 

 

seeking deeper meaning
    focusing on personal truth
    leaving the rat race
    looking for answers
    concentrating on what is important
    starting on a journey of discovery
    finding out the facts
    devoting more time to the spiritual

moving on
    realizing the current cycle is over
    abandoning a hopeless situation
    disentangling yourself
    starting on a trip of unknown length
    letting go
    finishing up and walking away

growing weary
    feeling drained by demands
    dragging through the day
    feeling tired and listless
    lacking energy
    losing hope
    getting weighed down by worries
    becoming burned out

 

I guess that last card is how we'll all feel after the race. Pick from that what you will.

 

And with that my part is done, and I welcome my fellow Motorsport loving friends, fiends and colleagues to take over from here.

 

Let's have a good, fun and safe one. Get well soon, Wickens; we miss ya.

 

 

Back to you Afterburner

Edited by OvDrone, 12 September 2018 - 22:50.

[Afterburner]

Caught up in the Action

All times are local (US Pacific Time)

Friday, September 14

08:00 – Gates Open
09:10 – Porsche GT3 (Practice 1)
10:15 – Formula Car Challenge (Practice 1) (I mean, we call our series ‘Indycar’)
11:00 – Verizon Indycar Series (Practice 1)
11:45 – Sonoma Raceway Girl Autograph Session (Shirt, pants, and shoes required at all times)
12:00 – Historic Trans-Am (Practice 1)
12:35 – Porsche GT3 (Practice 2)
13:30 – Formula Car Challenge (Practice 2)
14:00 – Grand Prix of Sonoma Trophy Photo Session (Because this is the closest any of us will ever get)
14:15 – Historic Trans-Am (Race 1)
15:00 – Verizon Indycar Series (Practice 2)
16:05 – Verizon Indycar Series Pitstop Practice

Saturday, September 15

08:00 – Gates Open
09:00 – Indycar Full Field Autograph Session (Where Charlie Kimball accidentally signs your wrist)
09:00 – Formula Car Challenge (Qualifying)
09:30 – Verizon STEM Day
09:45 – Porsche GT3 (Qualifying)
10:20 – Historic Trans-Am (Practice 2)
11:00 – Verizon Indycar Series (Practice 3)
11:15 – Porsche GT3 Driver Q&A
11:30 – Porsche GT3 Driver Autograph Session
11:45 – Historic Trans-Am Driver Autograph Session
12:15 – Formula Car Challenge (Race 1)
12:30 – Sonoma Raceway Girl Autograph Session
13:00 – Porsche GT3 (Race 1)
13:00 – Charlie Kimball and Max Chilton Q&A
13:45 – Kids Q&A with Tony Kanaan and Matheus Leist
14:00 – Grand Prix of Sonoma Trophy Photo Session
14:15 – Historic Trans-Am (Race 2)
14:30 – Porsche GT3 Driver Q&A
15:00 – Verizon Indycar Series Qualifying

Sunday, September 16

08:00 – Gates Open
10:30 – Historic Trans-Am Grid Walk
11:00 – Historic Trans-Am Warmup
11:00 – Porsche GT3 Driver Autograph Session
11:30 – Formula Car Challenge (Race 2)
12:00 – Historic Trans-Am Driver Q&A
12:15 – Porsche GT3 (Race 2)
13:30 – Historic Trans-Am (Race 3)
13:30 – Sonoma Raceway Girl Autograph Session
14:15 – Grand Prix of Sonoma Trophy Photo Session
14:30 – Grand Prix of Sonoma Pre-Race Ceremonies
15:30 – Verizon Indycar Series Grand Prix of Sonoma (85 laps)


Lookin’ Out for You

North American Viewers: The race will be broadcast on the NBC Sports Network, where Leigh Diffey will join former driver Townsend Bell, the gloriously uncouth Paul Tracy, veteran reporter Robin Miller, and a band of firesuit-donning pitlane scouts to BRING THE ACTION live from the scorched Sonoma hills. The pre-race show starts about an hour before the race.

UK Viewers: BT Sport or ESPN should have your midnight funtime covered.

Dutch Viewers: Credit to SenorSjon putting the word out to Dutch viewers that Ziggo Sport Totaal broadcasts every Indycar race live!

Other Viewers: Check your TV listings! If there is any information you have for all of us that you’d like others to be able to find in the OP, let me know and I’ll update it here.

This race will mark the close of Verizon’s stint as series title sponsor. If you want to figure out what a soon-to-be-obsolete app will look like, you can check out Verizon’s Indycar app, where (presumably) you’ll get access to live, exclusive in-car cameras in footage provided by the network that’s considered America’s MOST ANNOYING AD CAMPAIGN Best.

A Wilder Ride

- Eleven different drivers hold lap records around the Sonoma Circuit.
- Sonoma Raceway can hold in excess of 100,000 spectators. If history is anything to go by, we could teleport all the TV viewers to the track during the race and still have about 30,000 seats left.
- Marco Andretti is the only American to win an Indycar race at Sonoma, in 2006 (though Dan Gurney won a USAC race here in 1970). This was the last time Andretti Autosport won a race here.
- The longest running time for this race was in 2013, at an astonishing 2:20:47.
- That race was also Tony Kanaan’s 311th consecutive start.
- Indycar’s points system allows a tie to be broken based on qualifying positions should two drivers record the same finishing positions throughout a season.
- Fernando Alonso’s test at Barber saw him running car 29. Alexander Rossi trails Scott Dixon by 29 points going into this race.
- The Indy 500 has been the only race this year that didn’t see two Honda-powered cars on the podium.
- All four drivers in contention for the title at this race have won three races this year.
- 3⁴ is 81–which is 18 backwards.


Don’t Forget the HEAT!

It’s the end of the line, boys and girls! While Power and Newgarden are in with an extremely long shot, given Honda’s form this year, this race is really about Dixon v. Rossi. Will the Iceman capture a fifth Indycar crown this year, or will his young nemesis become the second American driver in a row to win the Verizon Indycar Series? Join us all on Sunday in Sonoma to find out. The pressure’s high just to stay alive–‘cause the heat is on.

Edited by Afterburner, 12 September 2018 - 20:30.

[thegamer23]

Best (double) OP ever?

Won't miss the action from Sonoma after that.        

Edited by thegamer23, 12 September 2018 - 20:32.

[sportyskells]

Also it the last time for a while for Sonoma to host the last race as this time next year you will be talking Laguna Seca

[stewie]

I've got to say, I prefer the NASCAR version of the track - on paper at least. I wonder what sort of race Indycar would have on it (bar the total lack of run off at the last hairpin).

[Anja]

If nothing comes up to prevent me from watching, this will be the first IndyCar season in which I've seen every race. 

 

Go Alex!

[FLB]

Hey, Ov... Didn't Marco win his first race at Sonoma?

 

(runs and hides)

Edited by FLB, 12 September 2018 - 21:14.

[Frood]

We have a spotter's guide! Have fun trying to tell O'Ward and Herton Colta apart!

[LeClerc]

Holy ****!!!

 

Spectacular multi-OP!

 

I haven't been this excited since the impending Mayan apocalypse     

 

Great job, guys.

[Vielleicht]

My money would be on Scott, he's just too good, but I really think Rossi is in with a decent shot of this. Delicious.

[noriaki]

I sense that if something heavenly is gonna conspire against Scotty D's title, our favorite DJ is somehow going to have his part with that

[paulb]

Another Indycar OP treasure!

 

While I cannot wait for this race, once its over it means another ungodly long off-season.

 

I hope Mr Dixon pulls this one out. I expect Rossi to be at the front all weekend so Scotts job is not going to be easy.

 

Btw, fantasy league reminder that whoever emerges champion and lives in the continental US, a gift from Sato can be on its way to you.

[H0R]

Awesome OPs. I hereby grant you some bum

 

 

 

[LeClerc]

Remind me, that tomorrow's gonna be a long-ass day.

[maximilian]

You know what?  I love you guys! 

[paulb]

[jonpollak]

Crowd sorced OP... We ARE da business !

[Myrvold]

Whatever happens now. The race cannot live up to the OP's. Damn nice work ya'll!!

[jonpollak]

Just a quick note for you all.
The 3:30 PDT broadcast time is only 7 mins before the Green flag so no time wasting on this one.
Jp

[Afterburner]

Just a quick note: y’all should totally thank paulb for the OP(s) because none of us would’ve started on that crazy train if it weren’t for him. Three cheers for Paul!

Also, that Gilligan’s Island photoshop is a masterpiece. Needs to start doing the rounds on Twitter ASAP, with the caption ‘Ginger or Mary-Anne? #sonomagp’ or however the hell you get Indycar’s attention on social digital things.

[loki]

We have a spotter's guide! Have fun trying to tell O'Ward and Herton Colta apart!

The cars or the guys?...  

 

Outstanding crop of opening posts for the finale.  Well done.

[Muppetmad]

Thanks for the awesome collaboration guys!   Alas, I doubt I'll catch the race live, but I'll otherwise watch it first thing Monday morning - and then come here to lament the end of the season!

[jonpollak]

Also, that Gilligan’s Island photoshop is a masterpiece. Needs to start doing the rounds on Twitter ASAP, with the caption ‘Ginger or Mary-Anne? #sonomagp’ or however the hell you get Indycar’s attention on social digital things.

Here's one
https://twitter.com/...130010567176193

EDIT !
SAVE MARY-ANNE.
Jp

Edited by jonpollak, 13 September 2018 - 06:56.

[king_crud]

there's a Mexican with the surname O'Ward?

[paulb]

Just a quick note: y’all should totally thank paulb for the OP(s) because none of us would’ve started on that crazy train if it weren’t for him. Three cheers for Paul!

Also, that Gilligan’s Island photoshop is a masterpiece. Needs to start doing the rounds on Twitter ASAP, with the caption ‘Ginger or Mary-Anne? #sonomagp’ or however the hell you get Indycar’s attention on social digital things.

You flatter AB!

 

I only had the idea, the killer content is what makes it memorable!

 

there's a Mexican with the surname O'Ward?

 

Si!

Edited by paulb, 13 September 2018 - 11:11.

[MikeV1987]

Great OP guys, indycar threads are the best.

[Frood]

there's a Mexican with the surname O'Ward?

More common in Latin America than you think. My Chilean friend was telling me recently about a Chilean war hero called Bernardo O’Higgins.

[PayasYouRace]

there's a Mexican with the surname O'Ward?

I’m very confused.

[PayasYouRace]

I don’t think the Gilligan’s Island (or should that be Gillan’s Island for us?) has existed at Sonoma for years since they extended the pitlane all the way along the drag strip.

[sblick]

The Irish just didn't come to the United States

[maximilian]

https://en.wikipedia...ation_to_Mexico

[prommer]

If there are multiple OPs then do we call them OPP? If so, then I am down with OPP!     

 

25 cars on the grid. Get used to it boys and girls!!

[loki]

Young American ™ Colton Herta knocks off the front left corner of the car in crash during his test.

 

https://www.motorspo...cident/3176289/

 

EDIT:  Oh and Ginger was quickest of all on the day.

Edited by loki, 14 September 2018 - 01:49.

[rghojai]

 

EDIT:  Oh and Ginger was quickest of all on the day.

 

Serene Ginger IndyCat approves

 

[king_crud]

The Irish just didn't come to the United States

at it like rabbits they were

[paulb]

When is the last time you saw a "Raceway Girl" autograph session?!

 

Another reason to love Indycar!

[jonpollak]

Riverside 1980.

[DS27]

I can't believe no one else currently thinks Indycar will fulfil it's remit of going full Indycar in the last race, thus enabling Power to take the title after Rossi & Dixon clash.

 

I have booked Monday off work, so that I have time to recover.

[OvDrone]

I can't believe no one else currently thinks Indycar will fulfil it's remit of going full Indycar in the last race, thus enabling Power to take the title after Rossi & Dixon clash.

I have booked Monday off work, so that I have time to recover.

Very cool. I wish I could do the same. Alas, I already used my Mulligans for this month. I didn't use hindsight and I forgot Sonoma ends at 3:30 am here.

Oh well, the gods of Motorsport desire sacrifice.

[jonpollak]

I'll be in Portland with no TV or internet at a shitty venue .... A hunting we will go.

[jonpollak]

PS... Practice 1 in an hour. https://youtu.be/VpT5V8RwWS4

Edited by jonpollak, 14 September 2018 - 17:04.

[FLB]

Can't believe we'll have close to six months off...

[ANF]

[LeClerc]

Can't believe we'll have close to six months off...

 

Which we can fill with baseless speculation. Almost the funniest part of the year 

 

I will be championing the "Van-done to indy" campaign. Join up, it's a way of life! 

[maximilian]

Hey guys, is there a "raw" scoring and timing page without the video frame on top?  That scroll-jump when trying to look down the list has been driving me crazy for months and months, and my complaints to IndyCar have remained unheard...

[LeClerc]

Hey guys, is there a "raw" scoring and timing page without the video frame on top?  That scroll-jump when trying to look down the list has been driving me crazy for months and months, and my complaints to IndyCar have remained unheard...

 

What?!? They didn't feel the heat?

[ANF]

Hinchcliffe found a tyre barrier again.

[thegforcemaybewithyou]

Hey guys, is there a "raw" scoring and timing page without the video frame on top?  That scroll-jump when trying to look down the list has been driving me crazy for months and months, and my complaints to IndyCar have remained unheard...

 

http://livetiming.net/indycar/