What makes a good race? Tony back in Indy 500?

There's always the debate out there about what is a good race to fans (I'll get to the issue of Tony Stewart and others possibly getting the chance to race in Indy 500 again lower). I get the notion that it doesn't matter how good or bad the first 90 percent of a race is if the finish is great that's all that matters. Is that the case?

This year folks have talked more about the Pocono races and how the end of those races were exciting especially with the double-file restarts. Typically, a lot of what you hear about Pocono is that the races are too long. Didn't hear it this time.

What about both Michigan races? While some fans decry fuel-mileage _ frankly I don't understand that because fuel mileage is a key component in many races _ it would be hard to argue the finishes of both Michigan races this year with Jimmie Johnson running out fuel while leading (unless, of course, you were a Johnson fan)

Is it passing? Since the double-file restarts made their debut at Pocono, lead changes are up in six of the 11 races from last year _ but lead changes are only up in 4 of those 11 races when you compare them to the 2007 events.

Another way to look at things is the winner's average starting spot since the Coca-Cola 600 is 13th this season. Last year, during the same stretch, the winner's average starting spot was further in the field at 10.0. In 2007, the average starting position of a winner was 15.9.

Comparing this year to last year, fans are seeing more lead changes recently and the winner is coming from deeper in the starting lineup to win. Isn't that exciting?  Since the Coca-Cola 600, seven of those 12 races saw the race's final lead change in the last 10 laps. Twice during that time the final lead change took place on the last lap (Michigan I and Daytona II). The same stretch of races last year saw six races witih the final lead change in the last 10 laps.

So, what makes good racing and how does this year compare for you?

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxx

While it appears that Dancia Patrick will remain in the Indy Car series (don't be surprised if she doesn't find a way to do some stock car stuff after the Indy Car season ends), Patrick was on Speed Channel's "Wind Tunnel'' show Sunday night. Here's a bit of what she said:

When asked about what series officials are doing to keep her in the league _ which they are _  she said: "

"I don’t know entirely everything going on with the talks. My agents have had conversations with lots of people. Really what I know about is the racing side of things.  I’m sorry I’m being so boring for you.  The racing side of things is that they are looking for things to change in performance. They’re looking for ways to make passing out there, make the racing more exciting. If anyone watched the Chicago race last night (CHECK OUT CLIP OF END OF RACE HERE), it’s almost so close of racing, it’s not fun even.  It’s crazy. You just hope you don’t crash every lap because you’re three-wide and there’s row after row of that going on. We’ve got ‘Push-to-Pass’ (button that provides a series of 12-second horsepower boosts) and the option red tires on the road courses and the new downforce pieces for the mile-and-a-halves and I think that that’s making really great racing.  I think that from what I experience as a driver in the IndyCar Series, they’re making good steps forward but I don’t think they’re big enough yet.  But they’re in the right direction.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Indy Car owners are lobbying Indianapolis Motor Speedway to start the Indy 500 again at its traditional 11 a.m. time instead of 1 p.m. to get NASCAR drivers in the Indy 500.

It's been 2004 since a driver did both in the same day. Tony Stewart, Robby Gordon and John Andretti are the only drivers to do it. But you certainly could have beyond those three Sam Hornish Jr., Juan Pablo Montoya, Max Papis, Scott Speed, Casey Mears and maybe others at least ponder such a move. I don't think Lowe's Motor Speedway officials would be too upset about sharing their drivers with the Indy 500. That day is the biggest day of racing in the world with F1 in Monaco, then the Indy 500 and Coke 600. Having drivers do double-duty would certainly add even more buzz the day's events. How many of you would like to see Tony Stewart attempt to win both races in the same day?

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

One more thing race fans. The Cup series is back in action Sunday night at Atlanta. It's a change. Past few years the series raced at California on Labor Day weeekend. So is it a big deal the Labor Day race is back in the South?

So, let me know about good racing, the South hosting a Labor Day race and anything else on your mind.

Also, a reminder, you can follow me on twitter at www.twitter/dustinlong

COMMENTS ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here; comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its websites. Users must follow agreed-upon rules: Be civil, be clean, be on topic; don't attack private individuals, other users or classes of people. Read the full rules here.
- Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the report violation link below it.