St. Pete Expectations (a self-mantra)

Beaux Barfield has outlined his competition expectations to the teams and drivers.

Even a nobody/megalomaniac like me has been bold enough to suggest a lap one, turn one melee will cause people (who only have just turned their eyes back since October) to have many reasons to question the validity of the sport's claim of having the 'best, fastest, and most versatile drivers' and lose interest quickly. 

I think it's not out-of-line to suggest that Indycar can ill afford a bad first 're-impression' since Las Vegas BUT, verily I say unto thee... 

...it is going to be what it is going to be. 

The die-hard fans of this sport will be legs, arms, and fingers-crossed in hopes we get though those first few laps until Marty Reid and ABC take a moment to step away to the side-by-side for the first time in 2012. 

I, too, will be one of those pretzel-people (and it's gonna make holding my Fuzzy's Push-to-Pass beverage in my Pressdog (tm) official Drink ye Bastards glass fairly difficult), BUT the simple fact remains that no matter how much I want a magnificent first race of the season and how important that momentum (DyB) can be for the upcoming races, and how much it would mean to a sport rising from the dead, things are gonna happen and no matter of wailing and gnashing of teeth will help. Certainly don't ruin your beautiful flat screen TV by throwing something at it.

So, dear fans, you can do your level best to support this sport and 'activate' the sponsors and go to races and buy the gear and even go out of your way to introduce others to this sport that we hold so dearly, yet the events that unfold on Sunday (to re-use an oft-dropped phrase by Dr. Phil) "...AIN'T ABOUT YOU"!

The action will be whatever it will be and we're going to watch it unfold just like everybody else. It may be a classic race. It may be a stinker of a snoozefest. It may be unlike anything we hoped or feared it may be.

It is going to be what it is going to be, so sit comfortably, breathe deeply, relax, have a tasty beverage, and just let it be.

That will have to do.

Equinox

The Equinox is a moment in time when the orbit of the Earth (on its tilted axis) crosses a point in the orbit where it is directly aligned with the plane of the sun.  As the earth rotates on this day, March 20, 2012, the sun will appear directly overhead when viewed from the equator and always on the horizon when viewed from the geographic poles. It is also one of only two days of each year when the sunrise to sunset time is closest to being 12 hours difference.


Symbolically this day signals change: days become longer than nights; and, as the sun marches northward in the sky, a welcome warming begins the spring season in the Northern hemisphere. 


I happen to think it is terrific, even if perhaps unintentional, that the first race of this Indycar season occurs on the weekend following the March equinox. After this long and tumultuous off-season, especially following the October race in Las Vegas, and on the cusp of   seeing the newest generation of Indycars, I am more than ready to step into the light of a new season. 


Despite my eagerness for racing action (and fears of driver impatience), I also wish to take this symbolic moment for one last thoughtful pause before the Indycar wheels again are turned in full contest in this newest of seasons. You'll pardon me while I borrow from the spirit of the annual prayer prior to the start of the Indy 500...

• Remember and honor those who've gone before us. Pass on to others the goodness they gave.
• Help us continue to wish for the safety of all involved in this sport of racing - drivers, crews, engineering, track personnel, fans, families, media, and everyone involved.
• Allow us to find examples of the goodness to be found in witnessing sporting competitions.
• Bless this sport with continued energy and growth.
• Give us all moments to cherish and celebrate.

In doing so, may we all, through this sport, find the light within ourselves and others.

Ladies and gentlemen, let's go racing again!

Indycar Parody Lyrics - Pippa Nation

DZ’s Indycar Parody Lyrics
Parody of ‘Rhythm Nation’ by Janet Jackson'
‘Pippa Nation’ by Dammit Hackson (aka:DZ, aka:@groundedeffects)

With Twitter by our side
To break the gender lines
Let's work together to improve a racer’s life
Our voices to contest
a racer in distress
A racer nation full of courage come and Tweet with me

-CHORUS-
(Tweeple of the world Indy, are we looking for a better racer’s life - sing!)
We are a part of the Pippa Nation
(Tweeple of the world unite, strength in numbers we can help tonight - one time!)
We are a part of the Pippa Nation

With fans she is the best
No struggle, no progress
Lend a hand to help your Pippa do her best
Time is getting close
we have to make it better
It's time to give a damn let's work together - come on!


-CHORUS-
-CHORUS-

Piiiiiiiiii-paaa Nation (we are a part of the Pippa Nation)
Piiiiiiiiii-paaa Nation (we are a part of the Pippa Nation)
Piiiiiiiiii-paaa Nation (we are a part of the Pippa Nation)
Piiiiiiiiii-paaa Nation (we are a part of the Pippa Nation)