This week the Tokyo Olympic games begin. The biggest mystery is now the COVID-19 virus. There will be no fans in the stands as the athletes will compete in front of the world cameras. There’s lots of testing of athletes and some have tested positive for the virus and can’t compete. On the good side there are some wonderful competitors from all over the world who will be showing their best. There will be some very exciting moments as well as disappointing ones. I will be watching and rooting for the Greatest Athlete of All Time —Simone Biles. She is magnificent. Of course there are many other wonderful competitors and I will be watching them all. So let the games begin.
IndyCar News
The series announced that they have signed a multi-year deal with NBC Sports Television. For the next several years NBC will broadcast the complete racing schedule including the Indianapolis 500. NBC has done a quality job of broadcasting the series so far this season. It’s good news for race fans.
While the break in the season is allowing the teams to do some testing and adjusting, most everyone is gearing up for Music City GP August 6-8 which will feature the largest starting field of the season besides the Indy 500. Dario Franchitti will be the Grand Marshall and will drive the pace car. Helio Castroneves will be in the starting field, so everyone is looking forward to an exciting race.
Roger Penske is still looking for a third engine and drivetrain provider for the IndyCar Series. So far he has gotten noes and maybes from the automobile manufacturers he has met with. He still believes he can find a third engine partner for the series.
Chip Ganassi Racing has sold all of it’s NASCAR racing team lock, stock, and barrel. Ganassi Racing has dominated the 2021 IndyCar Series but it’s success on the NASCAR Cup series has been limited so this is probably a smart move on the team’s part. Alex Palou, who drives for Ganassi in the IndyCar series, is considered the biggest surprise of the series so far. The 24-year-old Spainard has led the series championship all season and has 2 wins and a second in the Indy 500 to his credit this year. He’s been smooth all season long.
Colts News
The Colts first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, August 12 will be broadcast on the NFL Network. It’s an afternoon game and it will start at 1 p.m.. It’s the only game that will be broadcast that day.
The news that the Colts are one of only two teams in the NFL that have less than 50% of the roster vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus is very disturbing. These guys are role models and they should have better sense. Hopefully they will do the right thing and get their vaccinations by the time preseason starts. Let’s hope.
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