2002 Racing Season Predictions

The appeals have been heard now it is up to Tony George to tell us who won the Indy 500. But more than just telling us who won the race, I hope he has the cajones to show us the evidence to support whichever decision he makes. Those of you who know me know who I want to be declared the winner, but as much as I don't like Paul Tracy, I don't want to see him get screwed out of a race he really won. Show us the evidence Tony!

With that I will just make my predictions for this years champions. The easiest is of course Michael Schumacher in F1. What with allowing him to win when he should be second, he is a lock. Schummi has said since that day in Austria that the team wouldn't do it again. Yeah, not this year when the championship is in the bag. I would have liked to see Juan Pablo make a run at Michael, but reliability has hurt the BMW engine as of late and I fear the cause is lost.

In the taxi cabs we've had two leaders all season and one since the second race. Sterling is solid, he finishes races, he's not hard on equipment and that equipment seems solid. There seems to be a rotating cast in second, but ol' Silverfish just keeps them at bay. Can he do it all season? I predict he can. Jarrett has been showing some of his old form lately and it's just a matter of time before 24 gets a win, but the steady approach by Marlin makes him the favorite.

Two weeks ago I really thought Paul Tracy would take his loss at the Brickyard to heart and go on a tear. Well for a week he did. Then CART hit the road courses and it seems no one can catch Christiano Da Matta. He is on a tear and there seems to be no rival for him on the road courses. He may struggle at the ovals but there aren't enough of those for him to worry about. Of course we should wait to hear the outcome of Tony George's decision and see how it affects Tracy, but Da Matta is the man to beat.
Finally the IRL. Let's make it a sweep and predict that Hulio(sic) will win the title. Everyone knew there was a new dawning when Roger Penske came in. But let's face it, he comes to the track prepared week in and week out with two outstanding drivers. Sam Hornish Jr. lost his points lead for the first time in a year after Indy and he may have a long wait until he sees it again. Gil DeFerran may be able to overtake Castroneves but I doubt it. Here's to all of you who have made it to the halfway (or near) point of the season and made it with the lead in your respective series. Well done and stay focused, the big prize will be yours!

Just a prediction!