THE ISSUE
The possibility of a Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
OUR VIEW
With its ties to Indy, a series race is overdue at the Brickyard.
Early this month, Grand-Am Road Racing drivers and officials participated in a sanctioned test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Nine Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series teams sped around the track in a pair of two-hour sessions. Most of the test was spent on the 2.534-mile, 13-turn Formula One course, although teams spent some time on the 2.621-mile, MotoGP track.
“Let’s go racing,” said Scott Pruett, who, with Memo Rojas, pilots the No. 1 TELMEX Lexus Riley. “I think we’d put on a heck of a show. I have no question in our mind, compatibility is not an issue. The biggest question for me is, ‘When are we going to race?’”
Pruett’s question likely will be answered in the coming weeks. If history is any indicator, Indy will host a Grand-Am event in 2010. Not long after NASCAR and MotoGP racers tested at the track, race dates were announced.
In the case of Grand-Am, an Indianapolis event is overdue. Formed in 1999, the series has had many Indy connections.
Between 2003 to 2007, two of the seven sanctioned chassis constructors for the series’ Daytona Prototype racers were headquartered in Indianapolis: Fabcar and Riley, though Riley relocated to North Carolina in 2006.
Also, EMCO Gears, one of two sanctioned transmission builders, has its technical support for its racing products located in Indy.
“We put on spectacular racing, and I think we’d be able to do that here, too,” said No. 99 GAINSCO Racing Pontiac Riley pilot Jon Fogarty, who, with co-driver Alex Gurney, leads the Daytona Prototype points race.
“Judging by the number of fans we had here, just for the test, there seemed to be a lot of interest, which is great,” Fogarty said after the Sept. 3 Speedway test. “As a driver, you want to go where people appreciate what you do, and people in Indianapolis know racing.”
Hoosier racing fans certainly would appreciate Grand-Am. We hope series and Speedway officials soon announce a 2010 contest for Indianapolis.
Opinion
Say yes to Grand-Am
- Opinion
-
-
White shouldn’t return to office
The issue: The conviction of Indiana’s secretary of state.
Our view: Charlie White’s ouster from office should be permanent.
-
Editorial - Feb. 8, 2012: Grand success for Indianapolis
The issue: The Super Bowl.
Our view: Indianapolis left a great impression on thousands of visitors.
-
Letters to the Editor: Feb. 8, 2012
As Hoosiers celebrate the conclusion of a truly remarkable Super Bowl experience, there is even more good news that should fill us with pride. More Indiana students are graduating from high school than ever before.
-
Which religions will we include?
The Indiana Senate last week approved a bill that would allow public schools to teach creationism, as long as they include theories from multiple religions.
-
If you say so
In an opinion piece we published Thursday, state Rep. Mike Karickhoff announced why he voted against “right-to-work” legislation. His reason: The community told him to.
-
Cheers and jeers - Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012
Karickhoff acted ‘cowardly’
The Rev. Robin Wentworth Mayer and Horst G. Mayer of Kokomo send the Jeer for state Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s silence during the “right-to-work” debate:
“Mr. Karickhoff, for someone who’s new to office, you’ve certainly learned the art of talking out of both sides of your mouth.
-
Let’s drug test our lawmakers
Perhaps it’s appropriate that a measure passed by the Indiana House this week would ask not only welfare recipients but Indiana lawmakers to consent to a drug test.
-
Editorial - Feb. 2, 2012: Peru delivers a message
The issue: Peru’s collection of $20,000 last year from property owners who failed to keep their yards mowed.
Our view: Aggressive enforcement can help a city’s finances, but the benefits go beyond dollars and cents.
-
Karickhoff: Reason behind my ‘right-to-work’ vote
There is no doubt the “right-to-work” debate has brought mixed emotions, not only to our state but District 30 as well. There were only a handful of House Republicans who did not vote in support of this legislation. Let me explain why I felt it was necessary for me to vote in opposition to right to work.
-
Heinig: ‘Right-to-work’ law to arouse continued resistance
I wouldn’t call Gov. Mitch Daniels a charismatic leader, but he does possess some leadership skills. If he didn’t, he couldn’t have brought us this far along the happy trail to his economic Valhalla.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
White shouldn’t return to office
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
