Plenty of motor sports going on this weekend
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If you consider yourself a good, red-blooded American, then you need to break out the old foam-dome and watch one of the three big motor races going on this weekend. Gearheads already treat Memorial Day as more of a religious holiday than a federal one, but here’s a quick rundown of this weekend’s action for the folks who are clueless on drafting, tradin’ paint and KERS:
- Indianapolis 500, 10 a.m. Sunday, ABC -- The most American of American races, the Indianapolis Motorspeedway is the world’s most-recognized speed shrine (sorry Daytona and Le Mans). Check out this story by Jim Peltz for more on the Indy’s 100-year history. As for the race itself, the 500 always produces some surprises, but wouldn’t it be something if Helio Castroneves won again? Here’s a guy who will be starting the race from pole position less than two months after being acquitted for tax fraud. Still, there are 32 other drivers looking to win -- be sure to read Peltz’s race preview for more.
- Coca-Cola 600, 2 p.m. Sunday, Fox -- The world’s longest oval race will be banging wheels under the lights in Charlotte, and it’s anybody’s guess who’ll be taking a Gatorade-Coke shower in victory lane. Three-time winner Jimmie Johnson is a favorite despite having not won the race since 2005. Of course, I have a gut feeling Tony Stewart will finally break his Coca-Cola curse and earn his first victory of the season.
- Monaco Grand Prix, 4:30 a.m. Sunday, SPEED -- OK, so the tiny European principality of Monaco isn’t on American soil, but it’s about as capitalistic as any place in the universe. And since 1929, its bending boulevards, hairpin corners and oceanfront scenery have played host to world’s most-famous street race. Brawn GP’s Jenson Button, winner of four grand prix this season, is the obvious favorite. Still, even though the race is a visual masterpiece, don’t get up at 4:30 a.m. -- just TiVo or tape it.
Here’s Felipe Massa weaving his Ferrari through the barriers during qualifying in 2008:
-- Austin Knoblauch
