Topic: Indy MotoGP this weekend - who's going?

[tsflstb]

If this f'n hurricane doesn't come straight for my house I'm leaving Thursday and will be there all weekend.  Plan to take it all in - practice, qualifying, 125s, 250s, the Indy Mile dirt track on Saturday night.  Sunday is the big race.  Sensory overload baby.

We've got a room at the swank Budget Inn a couple of miles from the track.  Every review I've read contains the words roaches or urine - or both.  I may end up sleeping on the ground at the track if it doesn't rain.

Any locals have info for a first timer?  Can you bring coolers (full of beer obviously) into the the track?  Where's the place to be after dark in that part of town?

[ieism]

No tips, but have a great raceweekend. I go the Assen GP in my country every year. It's a spectacle every time.

Should be interesting with Pedrosa on Bridgestones, and with the new engine.

Who are you cheering for?

[Sam Green Racing]

Steph, like my cloggie neighbour ieism, I can't offer any help but I sure wish you a good weekend and hope to God that the hurricane dies down before making land fall.
I hope there's no more for next month during my visit.

Have a good un mate.

Sam.

[tsflstb]

Thanks guys.  I'll take plenty of pictures for you.

I'm conflicted on who to cheer for.  Colin Edwards and his family live just a couple miles north of me.  Nicky is a great kid and showed me some of his dirt-track skills before he got really famous.  Ben Spies is a serious talent that came up through the local club races here in Texas and Oklahoma.  He will be up to speed right away since he's one of the few that have tested at the track already.

With all the local connections, I'll still wear my #46 shirt on race day.  Rossi is the best ever and a big reason I'm going is to say I saw the guy race in person.  I just hope Michelin and Bridgestone both have good tires available.  The races are much more entertaining when they both hit the mark.

My prediction:  The young guys will steal the show.  This is a new track with huge concrete barriers instead of the acres of runoff they're used to.  You'll have to be young and foolish to push it hard at Indy.

Way to early to pick a top 5, but anyway:
1.  Lorenzo
2.  Dovizioso
3.  Rossi
4.  Spies
5.  Stoner

[Sam Green Racing]

Have a shout for JT for me Steph

Sam.

[tsflstb]

Right, forgot about your boy there.  He may find his form again soon.

He's giving a piano concert with the symphony at the track Friday night.

[tsflstb]

Nature is against me.  Hurricane Ike is headed my way and I can't leave the wife and kids home alone.

See the "Parts For Sale" section.  I'll overnight two 3 day passes to whoever can use them if you cover the postage.

[bwaller]

Bummer man, keep your heads down.

[Sam Green Racing]

How close to the coast are you Steph ?

Sam.

[tsflstb]

I'm about 65 miles from the coast - there's no immediate danger from the surge, but they still expect 80 mph winds up here.  My in-laws are farther south and will probably ride it out with us.  We should be fine.  I've got insurance and the essentials covered - dry goods, flash light, a 30 pack of Busch Light...actually about 26 now.

[Sam Green Racing]

That's sad Steph, I know you were looking forward to it, but family first every time.

Sam.