February 13, 2008

The races to see in 2008.

By Dr. Bud E. Bryan

Austin, Texas. In keeping with this weekend's Daytona 500, I thought I'd put together my ultimate wish list of races to see this year, whether it be on TV or in person. It's always better in person, but hey, this wish list would have to be powered by unlimited funding to do it right, so let's just dream for a bit, okay?

The Daytona 500. It's one of only a handful of NASCAR races I deem worth watching during the year, plus it's the 50th Anniversary of the event. I wouldn't miss it.

The 12 Hours of Sebring. It's a party for some, it's a race for others, but I'd say it's both. And it's still the most historic and significant long-distance race in the U.S.

The Grand Prix of Long Beach. It looks like, by all indications, that this will be the first time in years in which a unified IndyCar series will race at the West Coast's premier road racing event. Halle-frickin-luja.

The Indianapolis 500. The greatest single motor race in the world, period. If you've never been, go, because the start of the Indy 500 is the most electrifying moment in all of sports. And with a full grid of competitive teams and drivers this year the race should be a real barn burner.

The Grand Prix of Monaco. I've never been, but I'm one of those guys Peter was talking about in his "Fumes" column today. I can't tell you how many times I've seen the movie Grand Prix, and one day I'll get there to see the GP of Monaco in person. F1 basically sucks for the most part, but this is another race I wouldn't miss.

The Milwaukee Mile. The traditional stop for the Indy cars after the Indy 500, it's still wild to see those racers at that track.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans. The greatest single road racing event in the world and one of the big three in all of motorsport (along with Indy and Monaco).

The Kohler International Challenge at Road America. The Monterey Historics get all the media attention, but for my money the Kohler International Challenge (with Brian Redman) at Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI, is the finest vintage racing event in the country. Not only does it take place on America's premier natural-terrain road racing circuit, the postcard town of Elkhart Lake provides a backdrop that Laguna Seca just can't match. Of course, just about any event at Road America is worth attending, just to see the most magnificent circuit that this country has to offer.

The two NASCAR road races. Until somebody goes and reinvents the Trans-Am series with the new Mustang, Challenger and Camaro, then the NASCAR road races at Sears Point (Infineon Raceway) and Watkins Glen will have to suffice. These races have displayed the best road racing in this country - hands down - for the last several years.

The IRL road races. Take your pick from Watkins Glen, Mid-Ohio or Sears Point in Sonoma, but the unified Indy Car series on these natural terrain circuits will be sizzling. Other than Long Beach, you can have the other street circuits these guys run on.

Eldora. Tony Stewart saved this dirt track by buying it, and it's worth the trip. Doesn't matter which race, just go.

Talladega. It's outrageous and uproarious, and that's just the infield. If you want the full-on southern NASCAR experience, you can still find it at Talladega.

The Bristol night race weekend. Seeing NASCAR at Bristol - at night - is a religious experience, I just can't express it any other way.

Sure, there are plenty more races to see. The NHRA Finals at Indianapolis. The Vintage weekend in September at Watkins Glen. A F1 race at Silverstone, England, or at Monza, Italy - the two spiritual homes of that sport. The ALMS weekends at Road America and at Road Atlanta for Petit Le Mans. The fantastic vintage events in England at Donnington that I've always salivated over. Or hell, it could be just going out to see your favorite little local short track on a Saturday night.

The important thing is to select a handful of events, do the planning, and go. It's always worth it...

Adios until the next time.