Change is a good thing.

With a title like that, one would think I was a really bad Lutheran.  Ha.  :)

The IICS Series world has been turned on its ear since I last blogged.  Here's a recap:
1.  Tony George stepped down from his remaining official positions.  Like him or hate him, this was and will be a big deal.  He was a force in the American Open Wheel Racing and had a tremendous impact on it.  I don't care where that infamous event from 14 years past hit you... that's a moot point now.  He served as a figure-head and has become the scape-goat for the division that deprived young fans like me of growing up with a strong open-wheel racing series of which I could be proud.  No, this is not a stab at TG.  Rather, think of it as a blunt delivery of uncomfortable facts.

2.  Vision Racing suspends operations due to lack of sponsorship.  I'll probably catch hell for this, but I wasn't ever a fan of Vision Racing.  That being said, I'm saddened that the team and its employees are in this position.  You know all those posts and tweets about the letter-writing campaign?  Go do it.

3.  The IICS has a new CEO.  You know, arguing about whether or not he's qualified is rather senseless at this point:  he hasn't had time to get anything going yet.  Let's do ourselves a favor and pass judgment after he has time to set things in motion.  His resume looks good.  Besides, the IICS is looking for the casual fan; it seems to me that a CEO that is currently in that category would best understand that fan's mindset.

4.  Silly season keeps getting sillier and sillier.  Justin Wilson to D&R Racing, Coyne to field two cars, NHL possibly down to one car (with Hideki driving)?  What is the world coming to?  We don't have long to wait for answers; they'll come with the the season opener.  With all these announcements, I have my concerns especially given the fact that I'm a Rahal fan.  Let's hang tight, though, until we have our answers.

5.  The Dallara concepts are posted.  Let the debate ensue.  I advocate waiting until we see all options before forming an opinion.  Why?  I'm not an engineer-y type and as such, I don't know what is best.  I'll be cheering anyway.

As I look at this list, there are some big happenings.  We've had quite a bit of drama over the course of the offseason.  Honestly, I can't wait for the real buzz to begin.  All the change has given birth to a heightened sense of anticipation in me.  Let's get this party started!