Overall, it lacked the festive atmosphere of downtown San Jose's GP, but the race itself completely blew San Jose out of the water. This was the first time I've seen Infineon (GT4 does not count) and I was impressed that you could see virtually 80% of the track at any spot around it. I got a grandstand seat behind the pit this time, more expensive, but worth more by the fact that we got to sit in the shade; shielded from the hot Sonoma summer sun. Will defintely return next season, and I wouldn't even mind watching next year's NASCAR run here, too.
Next up: American Le Mans at Mazda Speedway - Laguna Seca in October.
Presenting: The Black Chainlink Fence at Infineon Raceway - Sonoma
Green flag and the rolling start.
Down the 'S's - drivers averaged about 150 mph on this stretch.
Last chicane before Turn 10.
Turn 8 - AJ Foyt leading Tomas Scheckter.
Turn 1 - Where it starts to get tricky...
Scott Sharp going outside towards Turn 2.
Turn 2 - It's hard to tell from the photo, but it actually banks towards the outside. You have to watch your speed coming up this hill.
Giorgio Pantano watching his speed while I watch the plumes of dirt as he completely screws up his exit out of Turn 1.
Emergency crews got there FAST.
Overall it was a very tight race with not much passing. Drivers were forced to rely on fuel and pit strategies. And the winner is...
...Tony Kanaan! Patient driving pays off as the top field pretty much eliminated (crashed) themsevles little by little throughout the race.
The Winner's Circle is actually is more like a square.
