Congratulations to Ryan Hunter-Reay- the 2012 IZOD Indycar Champion. Boy that has a nice ring to it. Personally, I’m glad that we have an American driver as champion again, after all- it is an American series. Although I have never been a huge fan of Will Power, I can’t imagine the range of emotions he must be dealing with.
While I understand that the difference between myself and IZOD drivers is about 5-6 million dollars a year, I would like to think we are the same on the inside. I remember the joy of 2010 and our Late Model Championship, and the sting of 2012 at Mid-Ohio is still acutely felt. For me, winning the championship made day to day life much happier and easier to deal with- and conversely; breaking the transmission at Mid-Ohio made even the smallest things seem like a big deal.
I’m sure the Monday morning meetings were very different as well. The guys at Andretti Autosport were probably still celebrating, while it might have been a little uncomfortable over Penske Racing. I believe that you run every lap of every race to the fullest- or at least as full as you can make it. I believe each lap counts, and as a driver it’s your job to make sure you run all the laps. Which is why I don’t believe Ryan “lucked into it” or “got lucky”. Sure, when Will Power spun and crashed, it made Ryan’s job easier, but he could have just as easily crashed as well, or broke, or any number of things. That’s why you never give up- ever.
On the other hand, I don’t think it’s completely fair to blame Will Power for “losing” the Championship. Yes, he did spin, and effectively ended his chances. However, was there a time this season, when maybe his crew made a mistake or two? Maybe. Was there ever a time when Will had 10th place car, and was able to bring it home 5th? Again, maybe. In the end, it really doesn’t matter, because the driver is like the quarterback- they are the ones who shoulder that responsibility of winning or losing.
All that being said, Ryan edged Will by 3 points. 3 points. 3 points. 3 points can make you go crazy. 3 points can make you say “what if” all winter long. 3 points can get you fired, or it can get you another deal for next year. A lot can be said by 3 points.
As for me, the off season is here. Time to regroup, and move forward for next year. Getting back on the winter training schedule, and keeping in shape for next year. It’s not a time to lay back, it’s a time to get ahead. Getting budgets together, renegotiating contracts, signing new sponsors- its time to get to work.
I’m going to switch to a bi-weekly format for the blog for the offseason. It will give me chance to focus on all of the aforementioned items, and make it more interesting when I do get to update you. I would like to wish my wife Marisa a Happy Anniversary, we will have been married 1 year on September 24th. Now, I know its not 10 years, but you have to give her most of the credit, living with a racer is measured like dog years- it always feels longer than it really is. She’s pretty amazing- and I’m glad to be with her. Anyway- enough with the mushy stuff, this is a racing blog- so follow me on twitter- @justinonderko, and we will be unveiling something new and pretty cool in the next few weeks, so stay tuned. Till next time. . .
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