I know, some of you will argue the racing year has begun already. I could argue that myself, having attended the first race of the year. But it feels like so long ago now that I was in Daytona for the 24 Hours. And NASCAR hasn't done much for me lately.
But next weekend ... it really begins.
Saturday at 10:45 a.m. Eastern the green flag will fly on one of the world's best endurance races: the 12 Hours of Sebring (poster image from sebringraceway.com). I estimate about an hour and fifteen minute break before coverage of the Formula One opener begins, live from Australia.
Once you sleep off your racing coma and get a couple work days in ... the next weekend brings you the second F1 race of the year, from Malaysia (home of the afternoon typhoons that always seem to impact the racing), and on Sunday, the first IndyCar race of the year from St. Pete.
Racing is finally back!!
I've got a sportscar racing bias, right? So I'll tell you what I'm looking forward to: the all-out battle for the last American Le Mans Series title. I'd love to see Dyson get it, for their hard work, commitment, and longevity. And I'd love to see Corvette Racing repeat. It'll also be interesting to see how various teams and suppliers start positioning themselves for 2014's combined sportscar series. (Stay tuned this Thursday for the announcement of the new Series name....)
On the IndyCar side, I'm more curious to see how fans react to the seemingly ongoing chaos that is Series leadership—though, as always, props to Beaux in the booth.
In F1? Well, I'll be mighty interested to see how Hamilton's going to fare with his new team. Was his move the mistake many (including me) thought it? Will he have the pace to play with the leaders? Will we see anyone but Vettel and Alonso at the top of the boards this year?
Anyone have any opinions, predictions, or different hopes? Bring it on, 2013, we're ready for you!
I'm like you in that the Rolex 24 was just the appetizer and now we're getting down to the real deal. I'm already feeling a sense of loss going into the final ALMS season. Regardless of how the new combined series turns out, I'll have a nostalgic soft spot for the ALMS, warts and all.
ReplyDeleteIn any event, a season long fight in P1 would be great, but I think Muscle Milk will continue to have things well in hand. They're just too strong in all areas. GT will be down a bit due to the loss of Flying LIzard, but the field is still strong. I seem to remember that Risi is returning, but that may be my imagination. Field is too close to call.
Indycar's ontrack product looks to be just as good as last year. I keep predicting Power to win the championship, so I will again. Surely I'll be right eventually. I'm also going to predict two podiums for Simona and a win for Pagenaud. (On a personal note, I hope Dragon Racing finishes dead effn' last every race.)
F1 is always a crap shoot prior to the season starting. You don't know what you're going to get until the cars acutally quallify and race. So based on nothing at all… Red Bull will be strong (duh), Ferrari will win the constructor's title and Fernando the driver's. If Lotus will leave him alone, Kimi will challenge because he knows what he's doing. Mercedes will continue to disappoint and Lewis will implode. Jenson will be a bright spot, but McLaren will fade further toward mid field.
There you have it.
You're right, Rick, it's going to be awfully strange not to have the Flying Lizard pro car! And I'm with you on the Dragon Racing karma.
ReplyDeleteI just hope it's not Alonso....