RACE: The Fernandez-Montoya battle alone, even though it was cut short, was worth the price of admission. Overall, this race had enough moments to keep you interested.

TRACK: Would someone please build a bullet train to this track. It's possibly the greatest facility in the world, but nobody can get to it.

FERNANDEZ: There is no truth to the rumor that Adrian is going to become a Japanese citizen.

PATRICK RACING: What Buddhist Temple did these guys pray at before the race? Just because they happened to win the race does not mean their decision not to pit for a splash of fuel was the dumbest one in years.

de FERRAN: Winner of the Roberto Guerrero Memorial Award. At least his on-car camera placement was one of the best in years.

CIGARS: First it was Monica, now it's the Carl Haas "cigar-slap" move. The stogie industry never had it so good.

GORDON: Owning his own team may be the best thing ever to happen to Robby's career.

LOLA: This chassis could be the best car out there as proven by the fact that it turned the fastest lap in Japan and the second fastest at Homestead.

TOYOTA: Pretty soon the Toyota Spotlight will be able to spotlight the Toyota.

MONTOYA: Most likely, CART fans are either going to love or hate this guy. No in between. There certainly will be no question how Nazareth fans are going to greet him.

ANDRETTI: Look at it this way Mikey fans. He may have messed up chances at a victory both races this year, but he still finished strong in the points. This did not happen last year.

S. HATTORI: Give this man a Carl Haas cigar. He went through an entire weekend without touching the wall.

GUGELMIN: Did you see the right front tire man as Mauricio came sliding in with his brakes locked on the first pit stop? He didn't budge. Stayed right in his position still kneeling down. Nuts? Guts? Is there is a difference?

VASSER: Is he once again going to be upstaged by a more flamboyant teammate?

JONES: Another opportunity to prove himself with a good car. And his teammate trounces him.

FITTIPALDI: There was Christian having another nondescript race being totally outdone, as usual, by his teammate. Then he finishes third. Well, it's tough to argue with that strategy.

TV: Well, the NTV coverage was a little better than last year. Slightly better. Okay, a teenie-weenie better.

SCHEDULE: It will be interesting to see how the Toyota's do at Long Beach. They seemed to have a way to maximize their strengths late last year on the street circuits.

Deep Throttle

Copyright © 1999 by Deep Throttle. All Rights Reserved.