RACE: It was more like a rally event than a race event. The two lead cars were separated on the track, running time trial like laps for the fastest "overall" time. That can sometimes be riveting, especially with two very quick drivers, and we enjoyed it.

TRACK: One writer to another, "This is going to be the toughest ticket in town next year. When the general public sees the kind of access they can get to the cars and the drivers, they'll sell twice as many tickets."

FRANCHITTI: Both times Franchitti has had a championship caliber year, he has been up against drivers having a year like none other. First it was Juan Montoya in 1999, and now it is Cristiano da Matta.

DA MATTA: Getting 18 points out of the weekend when you are already over two races worth of points ahead of the field just solidifies his title hopes even more.

KANAAN: We've always believed that Tony is one of the most talented drivers on the circuit. He only needs a team equal to that task. Mo Nunn should be that team, but they haven't on a consistent basis.

CARPENTIER: And the crowd sits back down.

TAGLIANI: And the crowd slumps in their seats.

TRACY: The French Canadian crowd "reluctantly" cheers for Paul.

VASSER: Hey, it's good to be competitive, but smile once in a while Jimmy. Fifth place was a fine run.

JOURDAIN: In the points. Again.

ANDRETTI: Did you notice that Michael no longer appeared on any of Speed Channels "Faster" commercials? Hmmm...

BRACK: We're not experts on Canadian history, but we're pretty sure that Canada has never declared war on Sweden. So, just what was up with the Canadian gang up on poor Kenny?

DIXON: One has got to wonder where Scott will end up next year. Especially since he has often shown more speed than his highly touted teammates.

NAKANO: Hey, he was just returning the favor his fellow countryman pulled in Monterrey.

FERNANDEZ: Ouch! That's got to hurt when you already have a broken pelvis.

SERVIA: He's really starting to show his stuff again.

DOMINGUEZ: He still hasn't taken over the rookie points lead!

ATLANTICS: For all those who complain there is not enough passing in CART, or F1 for that matter, you really should check out the Toyota Atlantics series. Large fields, young hungry drivers, pack racing, three a breast even on street circuits, banzai moves, and passes galore. It's gr-r-reat racing! Check it out next week in Denver. In fact, it's the last chance you'll have in 2002. And, if you get Speed Channel, it's live.

LOBOTOMY OF THE WEEKEND: We introduce a new feature to the Thoughts. This one should be self explanatory. Shockingly, the inaugural version does not go to Paul Tracy. It goes to the Newman-Haas team, or more specifically, the guy who made the call for an extra pit stop strategy for da Matta, a move you never need to make when you are the leader.

STAT OF THE WEEKEND: 27. The number Gilles made famous, and the number Franchitti wore en route to victory in CART's first visit to Le Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

HISTORICAL STAT OF THE WEEKEND: Quebec was the only place CART ever ran on an oval in Canada. From 1984 to 1986, CART ran at Sanair, a .826-mile oval. Danny Sullivan, Johnny Rutherford, and Bobby Rahal won those three races, respectively, but Sanair is more infamous for the track that nearly tore the feet off of Rick Mears in the first year.

QUOTE OF THE WEEKEND: Cristiano da Matta explains how money doesn't buy everything, "I said I thought we'd be within five to seven seconds of F1, and I was right. But I think that's pretty impressive considering we only have one tire company and our budgets are about $200 million less. It shows how smart our engineers are."

QUOTE OF THE WEEKEND RUNNERUP: Patrick Carpentier on his disappointing big bang, "I think there might be a couple of pistons out there on the track."

SCHEDULE: Last time CART went to Denver, it was a huge success. The race failed because the local store owners kept asking for a larger and larger kickback, and the promoters finally folded. That won't happen this time with Dover Downs Entertainment running the show. They will organize this race on their terms, not special interest groups. Denver should be another CART success story.

Copyright © 2002 by Deep Throttle. All Rights Reserved.

Agree with Deep Throttle? Disagree? Let others know what your Montreal thoughts are by visiting the Forums.