IndyCar wrap-up - Iowa shines as host to 4th annual event

Today is catch-up day. I will take you back in time a week or so, and then tell you a little about last night a couple of posts down the road today.

Many of you have already put June 20’s IndyCar race in the memory bank, but if you were there, you know it was the best of the four so far at Iowa Speedway. There was a lot of racing done on the track, and plenty to watch.

I have always been an Indy fan, and always will be, so my bias in favor of the series is probably greater than most of yours. Indy has seen some darker days in recent history, but as of late, things look to be turning around. With just one series, and new engine and chassis rules coming into play in 2012, the series looks like it is regaining some of its power. This year’s Iowa race featured 25 cars, and in talking to some of the Indy officials, there may be some fields with even more as the schedule plays out this year. Another good sign.

Any of you that watch Wind Tunnel on Speed are familiar with the “teachings” of Robin Miller. Very outspoken, Miller speaks his mind. He is also a champion of open wheel racing in this country and provides some decent insight of where things are and where things are going. To gain a full picture of the significance of this year’s Iowa Corn Indy 250, be sure and check out his story, “Short Ovals are the Future.” It speaks well of this last race, provides some interesting stats, and I think bodes well for the future of IndyCar in Iowa.

If you haven’t checked out this race yet, get your tickets for 2011 when the time comes. You’ll have a good time, see some decent racing, and get to meet some neat drivers. Despite what television may lead you to believe, there is more to an Indy race than Danica Patrick. I always enjoy getting to work with the drivers when I help IndyCar with pit reporting. They offer up good quotes and seem genuinely pleased to be at the speedway.

Below are some highlights from the main event courtesy of Conrad Nelson. As always, thanks Conrad!

Quick end - The race saw a caution on the first lap as a spinning Justin Wilson (22) collected Mario Moraes (32) ending both of their days. - Conrad Nelson photo

Short day - Sarah Fisher met with misfortune in turn four. - Conrad Nelson photo

Power Trio - Rusty Wallace, Chip Ganassi and Roger Penske hold a pre-race pow-wow. - Conrad Nelson photo

Kanaan wins - Tony Kanaan celebrates his Iowa Corn Indy 250 win with Miss IZOD. Uh, guys, that's TK on the right. - Conrad Nelson photo

Winning team - Tony Kanaan and the winning Andretti Autosport team. - Conrad Nelson photo