F1, IndyCar, NASCAR: Previews and Predictions of Sunday's Races

Greetings and welcome to the fourth edition of the Slipstream, and as promised, this is the second part of the run up to the weekend's races (IndyCar Series, NASCAR, Formula 1).

The Grand Prix of Monaco has been quoted many times on this forum and in publications as the "Crown Jewel of F1." For the most part I agree and for the record I would like to say that it should remain essential to the F1 calendar as long as the technical limits of the cars and safety are not compromised.

Formula One prides itself on it's heritage, and how over the years it has not turned it's back on the technical pedigree and driver DNA that is infused with the series. 

Watching qualifying I was impressed by Nico Rosberg's continued efforts to push his Williams to the limit, and I just hope he turns out with a good points paying finish and not wind up like Mark Webber when he was on track to score big in the Principality several years ago. Alonso did his best with what he had, although I am sure that he is very light and will have to pull in early.

This race also seems to have placed McLaren against the wall in terms of being able to fight back against Ferrari. Barring a first corner scrap, this race should play out like qualifying.

A big upset win, and yes it would be an upset if Hamiton managed to beat both Kimi and Felipe is what the Woking squad needs to stem the tide and if possible, begin to claw back the points lost in the early phases of the season. 

If the weather stays positive, I can predict with confidence Raikkonen, Massa, and Hamilton will finish on the podium in that order. 

Ferrari will try and gain more ground on Hamilton and it is very likely that Massa is running light and will have to pull in before Kimi.

Also, I am sure Felipe has been reminded of the current driver market, just as he was reminded of his new contract during the final phases of Interlagos, 2007.

In the middle of the United States the month of May, sounds of American open wheel racing swarm around the massive Indy Motor Speedway as the 92nd Indy 500 rolls to a start. 

This 500 has much more importance than previous editions of the classic test of man and machine.  Ever since the end of the open wheel civil war the public and even the published media have warmed up to the new Indy Car Series. 

I know the mainstream press and Tony George would love to see their darling, Danica F'ing Patrick hoist the Borg Warner and elevate Danica-mania above the plague like state it is in right now, but it does not look like Andretti Green will be able to beat Penske and Ganassi.

Oh did I mention that Milka Duno and Sarah Fisher are in the race as well?  You might not have heard that in the mainstream press this week or after Danica's moment of glory. 

Expect to see a dog fight between Scott Dixon, Dan Wheldon, Helio Castroneves, and Ryan Briscoe slice and dice around the speedway, their bosses setting up their chess pieces until the right time to attack for the win. 

The three drivers that I am predicting to place will be Scott Dixon for the win, Dan Wheldon for second and either Ryan Briscoe or Macro Andretti closing out the top three. 

The closest thing the NASCAR drivers have to an endurance race takes place after Monaco, and the 500 are all said and done.  One of the secondary story lines of NASCAR aka pro wrestling on wheels, is that the Hendrick Racing super team has struggled so far. 

I am sure the powers that be are anxious for Dale Jr. to nab his first win in almost two years (I must admit, Kyle Bush pulled a BS move on him and needs to be cooled off.) 

Look for  Toyota to be very strong Sunday night and for Tony Stewart  to  win  with Dale Jr. close behind  and  Carl Edwards  fighting for third. 

Now I am very aware that I am bound to these predictions just as I am bound to the ones I made in the first edition of "The Slipstream". During your weekend however, at least for all of the readers hailing from the United States, please stop for a second and remember all of our fighting men and women past and present, across the globe, and also their allies who are alongside them in this global struggle. 

Also, to keep the victims of the Burma cyclone and China earthquake in your thoughts as you sit back and soak in wall to wall racing from dawn to dusk.  Enjoy your holiday everybody.