Our journey to the Chicagoland Speedway began how I never imagined it would: in a Magic Bus on a sun-drenched dirt road to nowhere. It was there to pick us up from the windswept fields we were calling home, and it smelled of wet burlap & mystery. It was taking me to parts unknown.
It was taking me to my first race not named the [...]

The incomparable Lindy Thackston shares her race-related — and race-unrelated — thoughts every Friday in these here parts. Such is the wonderful, productive power of blackmail. Lindy … the Pagoda is yours.  
Predicted winner: Scott Dixon. He’s starting sixth, but he’s repeatedly been a force to be reckoned with on the ovals. He’s finished second here [...]

When we last left Chicagoland we were reeling from a race so close that the winner had to be determined AFTER the race when (ahem) an improperly installed transponder in Scott Dixon’s car incorrectly showed him as the race winner. Dixon had already pulled into Victory Lane before the error could be corrected, depriving the [...]

► Our designated gully slot in the prison yard is now most likely a moat. And yet, we will not be deterred. The Pagoda arrives in Chicago tomorrow. Live blogging may or may not happen, depending on a whole host of variables. Like, for instance, whether or not we get mauled by predators whilst setting up camp. (Damn [...]

… now with 100% less swimwear!!! Or so goes the rumor. For more on this, let’s send it down to Jack Arute in the pits. Jack?
 

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Well tuck my tallywacker in the griddle — daddy’s comin’ home!!!
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Indeed.

{this morning’s telephone call with the Pagoda Overlord, Terry Angstadt}
Terry: Hello?
Me: Hey, it’s me – just letting you know that the Pagoda’s going to Chicago this weekend. Here’s what I need from you. I need a kick-ass, wireless ready RV that sleeps 12 and is fully equipped with anti-aircraft weaponry … and also a reserved slot in the Chicagoland infield. You know what? Make [...]

High expectations are dangerous, and should be avoided at all costs. Some might call that pessimistic. I’d call it wise.