2003 Laguna Seca Thoughts
RACE: Unlike the typical Laguna Seca parades, this year had something different and exciting -- no
traction control. This meant the drivers had to drive this difficult track which was quite entertaining
to watch.
TRACK: If the fans don't support this event, it will be hard to get upset if this great track winds
up on the scheduling cutting floor.
CARPENTIER: Every year, he breaks out in the middle of the season. And he sure does break out.
Problem is, Patrick is never able to maintain it over the long run.
JUNQUEIRA: Looked strong again.
TRACY: Not what he wanted, but Paul has to be happy with a podium finish after his dismal luck
the past few races.
PLAYER'S: The battle in the pits between the two crews of their team cars was some of the most
intense pit action ever.
JOURDAIN: Sometimes, it is not a victory that defines your career. This race was Michel's best
performance, by far. He drove hard. He drove aggressively. He made unheard of passes at Laguna Seca.
He drove brilliantly. If Michel wins the championship, it will be because of this race.
TEAM RAHAL: There are certain times in life when you don't want to lose weight.
HABERFELD: Mario has now taken over the spot as the top Reynard runner. And, he looked pretty
darn good in the process.
SERVIA: An eventful weekend.
FERNANDEZ: Needs a spark this year.
VASSER: It almost seems like there is no fire in Jimmy.
HERTA: Did not run as fast as many expected. The PK Racing team needs more work than many realized.
Max Papis will have his hands full.
CAMATHIAS: Sigh...
MORENO: Just why is it that Roberto is basically doing nothing this year? The amazing thing is,
he turned the third fastest lap of the race!
BOSS: First Roberto Gonzalez then Alex Yoong then Gualter Salles and now Geoff Boss. And they
still can't find somebody who is capable of driving this car.
VARSHA: Please, Bob, stop saying "Before you can race, first you must qualify." Besides the fact
that it is completely untrue -- a driver will still start even if he never posts a time -- it never had
any ring to it the first time it was said. And now, it is just a downright annoying slogan.
OVER/UNDER: 162 -- number of drivers who will race a Dale Coyne car this year. If you think that is
mathematically impossible, you have little faith. We are fully confident that Dale Coyne will manage to achieve
this feat.
WORD OF THE WEEKEND: Lockup.
STAT OF THE WEEKEND: The elevation change from the entrance of the corkscrew to Turn 11 is equivalent
to a three-story building.
HISTORICAL STAT OF THE WEEKEND: The original Vanderbilt Cup made one stop in Northern California
competing on a 3.849-mile circuit on the San Francisco roads in 1915. Dario Resta won the 77-lap 300-mile event
driving a Peugeot at an average speed of 66.443 mph.
QUOTE OF THE WEEKEND: For those of you who thought the race was boring, you weren't paying attention.
Paul Tracy said it best, "Pat was in the dirt. I was in the dirt. We were trying all kinds of different lines."
QUOTE OF THE WEEKEND RUNNERUP: Tell us how you really feel, Paul, "I think the [Fernandez Racing]
guy was purposely trying to make things difficult for me. To be honest, he was just a dickhead."
SCHEDULE: The heart of the season is underway. The championship will be won and lost over the
three summer months.
Copyright © 2003 by Deep Throttle. All Rights Reserved.
Agree with Deep Throttle? Disagree? Let others know what your Laguna Seca thoughts are by
visiting the Forums.
|