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Formula 5000–an Idea for Today?

Wing things at Lime Rock 1970, the last year F5000 allowed high, suspension-mounted airfoils. Running from 1968, when they were called Formula-As, the brawny open-wheelers lasted through 1976 and made champions of Lou Sell, Tony Adamowicz, John Cannon, David Hobbs, Graham McRae, Jody Scheckter and Brian Redman (three times). Photo: Pete Lyons - www.petelyons.com

The late news—very late—that U.S. open-wheel racing’s long uncivil war has finally staggered to its hemorrhagic conclusion, fell with less than seismic impact in the motor sports world at large. As someone emailed in to SpeedTV’s “Wind Tunnel,” the only reason for many fans to bother talking about IRL’s muffled victory over Champ Car in February was their boredom with the rain delay in that weekend’s NASCAR event.

Pete Lyons
Pete Lyons

I think it was host Dave Despain who opined that two-time Indy 500 champion Helio Castroneves is better known to the public for his ballroom dancing than his Speedway driving.

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