News update from Milwaukee Saturday

Dario Franchitti continues to be the man to beat at Milwaukee, followed by team mate Scott Dixon.  A careful examination of their rear wing showed that it was tilted back more than wings on competitor’s cars, perhaps to the Indycar mandated limit of 41 degrees.  The rest of the field seemed to be running at “full tilt". 

  – AJ Foyt’ team continues to thrash on Vitor Meira’s backup car.  Vitor crashed his primary ride after the team made changes in an attempt to find speed, and the backup car isn’t any better.  Worse yet, it developed a mysterious oil leak during morning practice, taking away valuable testing time.  Vitor’s speed is 24th fastest on the combined practice sheets after 2 practices, leading only Saavedra and Carpenter.

  – You gotta give the promoters of this year’s Milwaukee event credit for working hard.  Word has it that they are short-staffed, tight-funded and not exactly welcome by the neighbors.  From all accounts, the locals are at best ambivalent to any racing at this historic track.  Tickets for tomorrow’s race are being offered at 2 for 1 prices on the 3 least costly packages.

  – If the locals are ambivalent, the drivers on the track are not.  From the newest rookie in USF2000 to the seasoned Indycar retirees, everyone loves to drive on this track.  The quarter midget kids – all 126 off them! — are all downright giddy. Tim Wohlford reporting from Milwaukee