The month of July is just about in the rearview mirror, but it’s been a relatively brisk one when you take in to account all there was to offer in terms of this week’s opening of the Indianapolis Colts training camp.
Four NTT IndyCar Series races, and the return of both the Nascar Xfinity and Cup Series to tackle the oval at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The Colts fan base has been eagerly awaiting the start of the NFL regular season and will begin the annual migration to Westfield, Indiana this week to get their first look at rookies along with returning veterans. Some of the more logical questions surround the younger players on the camp roster including the strength of Anthony Richardson’s surgically repaired throwing shoulder and if truly healthy, can he corroborate with Jonathan Taylor to form the duo the Colts organization envisioned last season before injuries occurred?
Will their number one draft pick Laiato Latu out of UCLA be a factor as an edge rusher from the defensive end position and can their number two pick Andonai Mitchell from Texas be the augmentation for Michael Pittman Jr. at wide out?
Add to that list of questions who their lock down cornerback will be, and one can quickly see the decisions Head Coach Shane Steichen has forthcoming soon.
The NTT IndyCar Series had a very busy month with four races ln July. The picturesque Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course kicked things off with McLaren Racing’s Pato O’Ward winning for the second time this season. Next up was the popular doubleheader event in Iowa which was a Team Penske parade to Victory Lane with Scott McLaughlin capturing race one and teammate Will Power winning on day two.
The month of July schedule concluded with Andretti Global driver Colton Herta hoisting the trophy in the Grand Prix of Toronto.
Both the Nascar Xfinity Series and Cup Series invaded IMS this past weekend with a return to the oval format. Riley Herbst won an epically close Penzoil 250 presented by Advance Auto Parts and Kyle Larson took the checkered flag in the coveted 30th running of the Brickyard 400 which was presented this year by PPG Industries.
Notes: All Colts training camp practices are open to the public but require a downloaded ticket from the Ticketmaster website.
Each season Jim Irsay meets with the media seated in his custom golf cart. Some say he will not do such this year but I predict the mercurial yet benevolent owner will again hold court in his usual fashion.
The next race for the NTT IndyCar Series is Aug. 17 in Madison, Illinois, just before one enters St. Louis. It will take place at Worldwide Technology Raceway, which is yet another fast oval on this season’s calendar. It’s an easy four-hour trek and if you decide to purchase some of the remaining tickets, please find me and I’ll buy you both a hotdog and a soda.
Alex Palou of Ganassi Racing will look to add to his points lead under the lights at this great venue.
Kyle Larson’s victory this past Sunday was well earned and quite the popular one with those in attendance at IMS. While there was a reported twenty-five percent increase in ticket sales since the last oval event, I do not feel there was a crowd of 70,000 as reported.
Danny Bridges, who virtually overdosed on televised racing while recovering from successful surgery, can be reached at 317-370-8447 or at bridgeshd@aol.com.
