TRACK: Vancouver, it definitely is not. But, like I said last week, passing spots are still at a premium at Laguna Seca.

RACE: Despite a parade like appearance, this race was one of the most tension-filled, nail-bitting races ever seen. It was like a classic Hitchcock movie where the suspense is slowly and methodically built up until you have to let out a scream before the climax.

HERTA: Absolute, complete domination! Bryan didn't just get the monkey off his back. He threw that monkey into a cauldron of boiling (Shell) oil.

ZANARDI: Fears he would back off with the championship and apparent F1 contract in his hands were greatly exaggerated. Alex is still Alex, and he tired, once again, his damnest to prevent Herta from getting that first win.

UNSER: Even though he may not have been in contention for the win, he was very strong the entire weekend. Even changed his ways by admitting that he threw caution to the wind during qualifying. I believe the Penske chassis is just one design change away from being a force.

KANAAN: He'll definitely be a championship contender next year.

HEARN: Nice bit of driving to miss Rahal.

GORDON: Sit down for this one folks. Robby Gordon recorded the fifth fastest time of the race. Maybe Pruett isn't make such a bad move after all.

PAPIS: Excuse me Max, but you are aware that Bobby Rahal will be your boss next year? Just checking...

BARRON: Well, that was stupid.

VITOLO: Ho hum. Another day, another spin.

SOSPIRI: Not an auspices CART debut. I don't understand it. He sat on the front row at Indy. The IRL has the best open wheel drivers in the world. Well, that's what Eddie Cheever tells us...

QUOTE OF THE WEEKEND: Bryan Herta on Alex Zanardi always being right behind him: "If I could get this little Italian guy off my butt it would be easier."

QUOTE OF THE WEEKEND RUNNERUP: Bobby Rahal's first comment to his crew when he pulled in at the end of the race, "Finally."

SCHEDULE: Now is not the time to have a three week break, when the championship is already wrapped up and the casual sports fan is paying attention to football and the baseball playoffs. It's not the way to maintain interest. One surprising thing -- the Houston race will be on ABC. Is this the first time a network broadcast a CART race during the NFL season? But, more importantly, just what the heck did we need another street course for? By the way, watch out for Herta.

Deep Throttle

Copyright © 1998 by Deep Throttle. All Rights Reserved.