Sunday, August 19, 2012

2012 Indy MotoGP: The Passion Lives!

Dani Pedrosa- pic by H H
Andrea Dovizioso- Pic by H H
Casey Stoner- pic by H H
Jorge Lorenso- pic by HH
Yamaha helps kids get in on the action
Vendors- pic by HH

Over 65,000 fans shared in the excitement of the fifth Indy MotoGP! Even before the race or qualifications or even the practice began, excitement was in the air. The vendors had a huge  selection of the latest technology and gear. The virtual experience had upclose looks at the newest bikes. Even the kids could experience biking, as Yamaha had a place for them (see photo.) Many organizations got in on the excitement, and some let us know that their love for the sport brings with it a heart, too.  For instance, ABATE had 5 gear checks, free, with donations accepted, for the Hoosier Burn Camp, to send kids who have had  serious burn injuries a specially designed camping experience.  So the excitement went beyond the track. But the track was really something to behold. In spite of several crashes, not the least of which kept Nikki Hayden out of the race, the race went on. The riders voiced concerns over the track condition, notably the three different kinds of surfaces on the Indy track. Even so, Saturday’s practice saw Dani Pedrosa come up with a record lap of 1 minute 38.850 seconds.

 But even track conditions and a crash during Saturday’s practice did not keep Casey Stoner from competing Sunday in the big race, pulling off a major victory, even if it was fourth place, considering his right ankle injuries (fractured ankle, torn ligaments) that would have kept all but the most vigilant of riders from getting back on the bike so soon. He used special Alpinestars boots to accommodate the injury. Ben Spies had mechanical failure 14 minutes into the race, an incredible disappointment, as he was at the front of the pack. At the end of the GP, Dani Pedrosa took first place, for the second time in three years at Indy (He was first in 2010.) Jorge Lorenzo was 10 seconds behind for second place, and Andrea Dovizioso took third place, his fifth podium of the 2012 MotoGP season.

After this exciting race (actually it was three races, Moto2, Moto3, and GP) was yet another- the AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 series race. The motorcycles used in this race- these Harleys have minimal variations in their mechanics and adjustments, so essentially it is a race showing the skills of the riders. These engines have more of a grumble-roar than the higher pitched GP bikes. And in the first few minutes, three riders were down, but none seriously injured. A quick race, in which the winners were: 1st place Tyler O’Hara, second place Kyle Wyman, third place Benjamin Carlson.

The GP continues to give Indy one more way in which to share the passion of an awesome sport!