Alexander Rossi, who won lasting fame as the rookie winner of the 100th Indy 500 in 2016, took his 2nd career IndyCar victory at the Grand Prix at the Glen this last weekend. It was the 25-year-old Californian’s weekend for sure as he won the pole and led the most laps on his way to the victory. With three podium finishes since the Toronto race and two more 6th place finishes, he has emerged as Andretti Autosports’ top competitor and Honda’s best driver. It was a big weekend for Honda as well for that matter as their engines powered the top three finishes. Scott Dixon finished 2nd and pulled within 3 points of the championship lead. Ryan Hunter-Reay was third, and Helio Castroneves held up Team Penske and Chevy honors with a 4th place finish. He is 22 points away from the title.
Josef Newgarden, who has been phenomenal up to now, experienced his worst luck of the season. Pulling out of the pit he came behind teammate Will Power too hard and had to brake. He was rear ended by Sebastien Bourdais. He had to have the rear replaced, putting him 3 laps down. He finished 18th and leads the series championship race by just 3 points. Simon Pagenand, whom Newgarden tangled with at Gateway last weekend, finished 9th. Will Power finished 6th. Team Penske was not a factor in this race. Highly unusual.
With Michael Andretti electing to stay with the Honda engines in 2018 that means Rossi can stay with Andretti Autosports and that’s good news for everyone. So the title chase all comes down to California and the Sonoma Raceway Road course on September 17th for the GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma, Dixon and Newgarden. It will be an exciting day!
Colts Down to 53 for Opening Day
The Colts made their final cuts for the regular season Sunday. The biggest surprise was not a cut but a trade with the Patriots. Colts wide out Phillip Dorsett, the team’s number 1 pick in 2015 was traded for quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Brissett was a 3rd round pick in 2016. In this third preseason with the Horseshoe, Dorsett still had not made an impact to justify his high pick and contract. Brissett will not be of immediate help but could develop down the line. Quarterback Stephen Morris was waived and rookie Phillip Walker was placed on the Practice Squad. There were no real surprises among the cuts. Lineman Brian Schwenke was released and resigned with his old team the Titans. The Colts signed power running-back Matt Jones after he was released from Washington.
The big news is that while quarterback Andrew Luck was taken off the PUP and is technically cleared to practice he definitely will not be in the starting lineup for this Sunday’s game against the Rams or anytime soon for that matter. The Colts have been less than candid about Luck’s progress and status which has driven the media, along with Las Vegas, and Fantasy Football Leagues across the land, purely crazy. Scott Tolzien is definitely the starter for game 1. I am figuring Luck doesn’t see the field until the third game of the season against Cleveland. Anyway, like it or not, the regular season opens for the Horseshoe this coming Sunday against the Rams in Los Angeles.
snicewanger@yahoo.com