INDYCAR Thoughts And Review, Black Friday Edition

-We have to start with the loss of Jim Rathmann this week. The 1960 Indy 500 winner will long be remembered for his truly epic duel with Rodger Ward, as part of a race that saw the most lead changes in 500 history. There was a lot to tell in his story on the track--switching names with his brother "Dick", his multiple runner-up finishes at Indy before finally having his day, winning the Race of Two Worlds at Monza, and even being named to the Greatest 33 list during the Centennial Celebration.

Rathmann at Indy in 1961.
(Courtesy IndyCar Media)

His career is one that stretched from the tail end of the post-war era, to the final glory days of the roadsters, to the beginning years of the rear-engine revolution. His legacy stands on its own, but his passing is also a reminder for us to learn what we can while we can from the heroes of a classic era gone by.

-With Takuma Sato looking like at least a decent possibility for a seat at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing next year, I put up a poll over at Trackforum asking which driver out of the current names being circulated they'd like to see in a second RLLR seat. The responses were all over the place, with Paul Tracy, Buddy Rice, Bertrand Baguette, and Pippa Mann the top vote-getters. It doesn't prove a thing, except to illustrate that seat has become one of the more intriguing ones of this silly season, perhaps only behind Andretti's GoDaddy Car and the second seat at KV in terms of intrigue.

-In case you missed it, here's a neat story on IndyCar technology coming to child safety seats.

-Lastly, it is Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year. If you're deranged dedicated enough to be out shopping in the midst of the pandemonium, don't forget Brickyard Authentics will be having special sales now through November 28, perfect for that loved one or favorite blogger on your list.

Have a great weekend, sleep off that turkey, and we'll catch up on Monday.