IndyCar was attempting to sell the last race of the season at Laguna Seca as the final showdown between Josef Newgarden and Alexander Rossi for the 2019 series championship. However, the issue was never really in doubt. Newgarden had it in his hip pocket. He just had to finish in the top nine. Josef has led the series all year long starting with his win at St. Petersburg. He drove smoothly and avoided trouble. The post-race hoopla was about him and his crew. Penske teammate Simon Pagenaud nosed into second place in the final standings with a fourth place finish in the race. Rossi finished sixth in the race and third in the final standings.
The race itself was dominated by 19-year-old rookie Colton Herta. Herta won his third pole of the season (a rookie record) and dominated the race itself. He led the most laps and took his second victory of the season. He was followed by the Down Under boys Will Power and Scott Dixon. Rookie Swedish driver Felix Rosenqvist finished fifth and was also named the series Rookie of the Year. Rosenqvist showed skill and maturity all season long. Driving for Ganassi Racing and a teammate to Scott Dixon, there are big things ahead for Mr. Rosenqvist. Combined with Indianapolis 500 Mile Race Rookie of the Year Santino Ferrucci, this seems to be the most talented rookie classes in recent memory.
Twenty-two year old Floridian Oliver Askew was the Indy Lights Champion for 2019 and as such will have a ride for the Indy 500 plus at least two other races in 2020. You may recall that the 2018 Indy Lights Champion Patricio O’Ward was named as one of the drivers for the newly formed Carlin Racing Team. O’Ward had impressed everyone in Indy Lights 2018 and was thought to be a star in the making. Unfortunately he failed to qualify for the Indy 500 and lost his ride altogether after the Road of America Race so nothing is assured.
So the 2019 IndyCar season is over. Some very exciting and memorable moments, but in the end, the same-old same-old. Penske driver wins the Indianapolis 500. Penske driver wins IndyCar Championship. The series will take a few weeks off and then it’s back to preparing for the 2020 season. Oh, BTW — Congratulations to the kid from Tennessee Josef Newgarden on his second IndyCar Championship. All before age 30. Maybe in 2020 he gets his first image on the Borg/Warner Trophy.
Colts Whip Falcons
Last Sunday, the Colts got the best of the Atlanta Falcons 27-17. Offensively Jacoby Brissett enjoyed his best day as a pro. For the day he completed 28 passes on 37 attempts for 311 yards and two TDs. Marlon Mack gained 74 yards on 16 attempts and scored his second TD of the year. TY Hilton grabbed his fourth TD catch of the season even while injuring his quad muscle. Adam V. was back with three extra points and two field goals.
The defense struggled—lack of pass rush was the culprit. After some very sloppy and undisciplined play in the first half, the Falcons came close to pulling it out. The Horseshoe held strong to mark their second win of the season.
The Colts play host to the Oakland Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium this coming Sunday, September 29.