HAMMER TIME AT THE FOUNDRY

Up in the air again and time for another update…

HOLA AMIGOS

Off we went to Monterrey for the first of our three back-to-back weekends this season. Alas, I remember a time – not too fondly, however – when we had numerous “doubles” and even some “triples” on our schedule.

A big warm U.S. gringo “Gracias” must go out again from the entire Champ Car family to Fritz Herrmann, Hector Gomez and their 100 strong crew from “Oficiales del Pista de Mexico” or OPM. The dedication and sacrifice that these marshals make – enduring two all night bus rides to and from Mexico City where most of them live – is phenomenal. This year there was also a third bus from Puebla, where 30 or so “new recruits” of OPM have been found due to the World Touring Car race that happens there in the fall. The first Mexico City bus arrives mid-day Thursday, and for those who can only squeak out but one day off, the second bus leaves at dusk Thursday night and arrives at the circuit only a few hours before the first green flag! And remember, the distance between Mexico City and Monterrey is approximately the same as Chicago to Washington DC!! Carrrrrrumba! (Nobody down there ever says that.)

I must also take time to point out that OPM was more than ready after the shoddy treatment they received from the organizers in Mexico City. They took charge of securing their own provisions, which was a relief to all, but we owe yet another debt of gratitude to Champ Car’s Billy Kamphausen for providing a pickup truck and three vans to ferry marshals out to their posts each morning, one of which expertly driven by myself… “Proximo puesto, por favor?”

EL DIA DE CARRERA

As I am not the prime communicator on a non-English land line, I spent more time than usual tuned in to watching the various battles up and down the field on our race control TV monitors. There were plenty at this race, and off track excursions and mishaps were at a bare minimum, so the race had an “old school” feel. Race Director Tony Cotman and our stewards were very busy, handing out hinderance penalties during qualifying and three drive-thru penalties during the race for blocking. No warnings, no regrets, just in you come. Done. It got a lot of attention in the paddock, and Tony is now trying to get out from under a new Race Control nickname of “TC Hammer”… It’s not that we enjoy handing out penalties, but it was all at the request of the drivers this time!!

But despite the TVs, we certainly cannot see it all. So just a reminder again that the marshal calls during the race do get noticed whenever you see signs of blocking – remember any driver during the race that alters his normal racing line due to the presence or actions of a following competitor is blocking, and when Race Control can verify it the trigger gets pulled. Our Mexican marshals are not overly aggressive, but they aren’t shy either when they see something irritating! They were all over our blue flag calls from Race Control, and promptly verified to all on the line when the crucial passes were completed. So I would say that with each race (and they are the only collective group that does two CCWS events a year) their skills get sharper, they get more in tune with our operations, and I daresay they even think a little more like us in Race Control each time!

BUT YOU CAN TOUCH THIS…

When I return from Portland, I will be putting up an image of the 25th Anniversary Cleveland GP print I have spent most of the month on. Although I know that all but 33 of you are NOT working the event (ahem,) The 18 x 24 print will be sold that weekend by Speedgear at the Champ Car Merchandise Trailer. After Cleveland, I can ship them to any of you who may be interested for a MERE $25 via FedEx Ground. The concept is similar to the 20th Anniversary piece I did last season for Toronto (which sold out) that features scenes and moments from some of the great races we have had there, and the central organizing element in the composition is a stunning aerial plan view of a field of Champ Cars streaming though the infamous Turn One. So please just drop me a line at jhs@champcar.ws for more info!

Talk to you next month, and see you at the race track!

JHS