Sunday, August 12, 2007

The Flying Franchitti

Talk about having double vision… As I’m sure that Dario “REO Speedwagon” Franchitti certainly isn’t singin’ the ‘ol Juicyfruit ad; “Double your pleasure, Double your FUN!”

Although I didn’t watch the Michigan race. Well HELL! I suppose nobody did after Danny B had me in hysterics over the Herculean troubles he went thru trying to find the flippin broadcast. You see there was a FIVE hour rain delay…

Is it on ESPN? NO it’ll be back on in an hour on ESPN2… Err; it’s still raining so we’ll put it on ESPN Classic… WHAT? Who in the HELL has ESPN Classic??? Isn’t that for vintage archival footage? Hey I know, I’ll watch it on the internets… No they’ve got really SHITY resolution… So I’ll just listen to the friggin’ race via Indycar. com… Do you feel the PAIN yet? (“I Am Indy?)

Anyhow, I found the following video clip of this frightening accident. Check it out if you want to see Dario Franchitti Flips. (Flip No. 1!)

Although I had planned on NOT watching any further IRL Oval Track races this year… And I’m sure Danny B. was having a fairly miserable day sweltering in the Kentucky heat, having signed up to work the Sparta, KY event.

Yet after riding around Indy at 170+ mph, I’ve gained a whole new respect for this type of racing. And I promised myself I wouldn’t make fun anymore of these amazing Indy Car drivers…

BUT!!! How can I refrain after another made for TV “Drama-fest” courtesy of “Princess” (Danica Patrick) as I found myself hitting the mute button once again during her interview during the race. But I digress…

As I found the opening segments interview with Dario to be hilarious, upon being asked to show off his bruised nose from his Michigan high wire act. While showing off his “Schnoz.” Franchitti quipped” I got the bruise because I have a large nose, but NO-Where as big as TK’s! (Teammate Tony Kanaan)

And the race seemed fairly mundane thru the firs 3/4ths
With the exception of Sam Hornish Jr. loosing control upon hitting Franchitti’s dirty air. And to think Danny had told me to try sticking my hand up while racing ‘round Indy…

Then all hell broke loose as first Franchitti drifted high, dropping back to 8th. Then trying to make up for his mistake, he hit the traffic cone denoting the pit lane speed blend line while trying to overtake teammate Danica. This resulted in Dario needing to have a new nose fitted. (To his car…) But while all of this was happening, Danica looped it exiting the pits on old rubber. Having taken fuel only during her pit stop… Then having severely flat spotted her tires, KABOOM! The right rear let go, causing Danica to go spinning into the wall after nearly hitting the safety vehicle…

But wait, it gets better? With the race completed Kosuke Matsuuralike all drivers ahead of him lifted off the throttle. But Dario didn’t realize it was the chequered flag and rammed into the hapless Matsuura. And wallah, Franchitti went flipping down the race track. Landing upside down for the second weekend in a row…

As the onboard camera shows, Dario shifted up a gear as if getting ready to pass Kosuke before hitting his rear wheel and launching himself skywards! With the camera showing blue sky before turning into static…

Talk ‘bout tryin’ to rack up your frequent flyer miles, eh? And to think that Franchitti had flown Kanaan into the racetrack aboard his helicopter…

Yet with four races left, Dario now holds a slim 8 point lead over Scott Dixon.