Wasn't that Roseburg we just drove by via Duh
"Super Slab" I-5, and didn't that sign say to Oceans? And does Bobby
Rahal still need tickets...
Obviously, Y'all know by now that thou
Ballyhooed leader of Hulman & Co, the High 'N Mighty Mark "I've Gots
Ah-Plan" Miles... Has decided that Indy Cars should return to the Pacific
Northwest, specifically Portland, 'cause it's steeped in a rich Open Wheel
Racing history; Blah-Blah-Blah... Uhm, now where's Interstate 5 once again? And
what exit is it after crossing some river called the Columbia?
As Juan' observant
friend has noted my lack of having said anything' here on No Fenders about the
return of Indy Cars to Portland, which I suppose makes some sort of statement,
Eh?
While my Austin
Seeing Eye Guide Guy Claudio said you're gonna go, right?
Since although I'd
originally intended to voice my opinion in a post titled IndyCar goes Trick or
Treating in Portland on Halloween, but I'd Done ran outta Steam before leaving
for F1 in Austin...
I first heard what I thought was just wistful
chatter 'bout Portland returning in 2018 sometime before the Month 'O May Me
Thinks? And then a second voice told me of its impending return the week before
being confirmed, noting how now I should be happy, to which a third voice
repeated this sentiment, even sending me the official press release.
Yet when the series confirmed Portland's
return, it brought ZERO Euphoria to Mwah, since I'd given up several years ago
that Indy Cars would ever return to the Pacific Northwest, and simply moved
along in life and was quite content with Indy Cars never returning, as Been
Thar', Done That!
Since
although I know it was an economics decision, I still bristle over Duh IRL giving
Portland International Raceway the Shiv' 10yrs ago, since Portland had spurned
'lil Napoleon's 3yr Dealio to join his rival Indy Racing League previously - and
PIR didn't get to celebrate its 25th Anniversary in 2008...
As
it's kind of Sad, that one of my strongest lasting memories of Portland's final
Champ Car World Series, or was that Chump Carz? Event at Portland was watchin'
Thy Memorex upon returning home.
Viewing
Robin Miller's scintillating report over the anemic crowd I believe he kindly
noted between 15-20,000 - for SPEED from Portland, which I attended the final
three events Solo.
As
umpteen Mazda Killer Bee Miata's' encircled the circuit behind Robin as he
chatted with the wonderful Bob Varsha during that Sunday Night's Speed Report Wayback
in '07.
While
Y'all know how I've already Opined over what race venue should truly be held on
this Holiday weekend Up North Eh! Uh, let's see, how many Labour Day races that
DON'T exist can I name? Vancouver, BC, Denver, Baltimore, Boston and Watkins
Glen... I Dunno, did I leave somebody out?
Adding
another STEEEE-RIKE to Portland's return for Mwah, is the fact that it'll be
held during our Primo Camping weather, for which I've become quite fond of,
having reveled in a most enjoyable 9-day Jaunt this past Labour Day...
As why is that 'Ol
Gordon Lightfoot song suddenly clangin' it's ship's bell in my head? And is
Portland just helping IndyCar keep from festerin' from the early Gail Winds of
the Northwest's Winters; Err, keeping the series afloat for Mother Speedway's
benefit...
Since if I'd gotten a "Sawbuck" ($1.00)
for every time the past decade everybody told me if simply Portland had a
Sponsor to pay the Sanctioning Fee... I'd be dining on Caviar, Steak Tar-Tar
and some fine Ste Michelle vino; Botta-boom, Botta-bing!
Hmm? Funny, how Thars' absolutely ZERO mention of
who's footin' Duh bill for Indy Cars to return to Portland, nor a title Sponsor
announced...
Although
I suppose I've peppered Yuhs with enough negativity, Eh? but it's funny how
Portland's return to its rightful place on the IndyCar calendar really AIN'T
making me go Vroom-Vroom right now...
Yet
obviously, I sincerely wish for Portland's success. And hope it'll once again become
a longtime fixture on the IndyCar Series calendar. Along with plenty 'O Open
Wheel Racing support series, like can Y'all say the entire Mazda road To Indy
Clan joining the party.
And with Portland filling in the Glen's calendar
spot. Does that mean PIR should get the added bonus of deciding the respective
MRTI Championships as their season's finales...
Hmm? Or
may be the Trans Am series should return? Although I believe it's also a shell
of its former self during those heady Factory backed Ford, Chevy Dodge Dazes...
Whilst Don't forget the Ferris wheels; Hya!
But at
least they've gone with a very good promoter this time, as Green Savory Racing Productions
currently promotes the Mid Ohio, St Pete and Toronto IndyCar events...
Whilst
I've got to say I was pleasantly surprised to hear that PIR or whatever it's
now? Has apparently made some race course improvements for which naturally thou
Graminator, nee Graham Rahal approved of.
Since
another of my countless Portland Raceway memories involves 'Ol Boobie Ruble'
needin' two tickets for Indianapolis adorning him resplendent in Miller Beer
Firesuit full size cutout Wayback in '94 at our favourite Portland waterin'
hole! And now his son will be chauefferin' his Pappy's IndyCar next year.
But the irony wasn't lost on me when Graham was
toolin' round the 1.967 mile permanent road course in the RAIN! And why would
he Diss' Portland publicly, eh?
(1987-96 Portland Ticket stubs & Molson Indy
Vancouver Ticket stub image c/o The Tomaso Collection)