The 2003 CART season has pretty much run to form, with the more experienced drivers and teams riding herd on all the rookie drivers and teams in the depleted ranks.
But even though Paul Tracy owns four wins and the points lead after 10 races, he hasn't been able to shake Bruno Junqueira or Michel Jourdain while Patrick Carpentier and Sebastien Bourdais are still within striking distance.
Despite only 19 cars, the racing in Champ Car has been better than the past couple years because traction control was eliminated, CART's aero package for ovals is much improved and the spec Ford-Cosworth engine has been so reliable.
So here are the midterms. Remember, experience and equipment do factor into the final grade.
Player's/Forsythe: Tracy has always possessed the speed and talent to be a champion but was short on discipline. The 34-year-old Canadian still hates to follow anyone (he's led 448 laps) but he's settled for second or third instead of throwing it away. He's never been in better physical shape and his Toronto masterpiece showed his focus. Teammate Carpentier dominated Laguna Seca but has run hot or cold since. GRADE: A-minus.
Team Rahal: Jourdain bounced back from a devastating loss at Long Beach (had the race won before his gearbox broke on the final pit stop) to score his initial CART win at Milwaukee. His outside pass of Tracy in that one may have been a defining moment in a career that seems to finally have that necessary edge. GRADE: B-plus.
Newman/Haas: French flyer Bourdais has upstaged his teammate with three wins and four poles. The 24-year-old rookie's four DNFs have really hurt his title chances (he's 53 points behind Tracy) but he's clearly the most impressive new face since Juan Montoya. Junqueira is only 15 points out of first place yet, incredibly, doesn't have a first place. But he'll get a couple before the year is out and keep Tracy honest. GRADE: B.
Rocketsports: Alex Tagliani owns two podiums for Paul Gentilozzi's tidy first-year operation and had another sure one before a mistake last Sunday at Toronto. Will Tags ever get that elusive first win? GRADE: B-minus.
Herdez Competition: Maybe it's seasoning or the fact he's finally got a teammate, but Mario Dominguez has gone from pretender to contender. Should have won Germany and finished third at Brands Hatch. After a year off, Roberto Moreno still a little rusty but has perked up recently. GRADE: C-plus.
Walker Racing: If he didn't have an old Reynard chassis, rookie Darren Manning wouldn't be 10th in the points and probably would have a victory. He's got the fire and ability. He simply needs a Lola. Teammate Rodolfo Lavin is about what everyone expected. GRADE: C-plus.
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| Tracy and Player's have set the pace in 2003. |
Patrick Racing: Following a slow start, Oriol Servia hasn't run worse than sixth in the last seven shows. But, considering the miles this team has among them, only leading five laps is unacceptable. Mr. P. (that doesn't stand for patient, by the way) hasn't won a race in a looooong time. GRADE: C.
Mi-Jack Conquest: Rookie Mario Haberfeld busted out with an impressive fourth in his debut at St. Pete and flogged his Reynard to fifth at Laguna Seca but has slumped recently. GRADE: C.
Fernandez Racing: Yes, Adrian Fernandez became the first owner/driver to score a CART win since Bobby Rahal in 1992, but the "Muchacho" would be the first to admit he isn't proud to be seventh in points. GRADE: C.
Fittipaldi/Dingman: Rookie Tiago Monteiro has shown glimpses of potential but, like his team, needs lots and lots of miles. GRADE: C-minus.
American Spirit: Jimmy Vasser is trying hard to compensate for his Reynard and it's obviously not a good starter kit for rookie Ryan Hunter-Reay, who probably needed another year of Toyota Atlantic. This team just hasn't jelled either. GRADE: D.
Coyne Racing: Six different drivers in 10 races. Gee, I wonder why this group can't get it together? GRADE: D-minus.
P.K. Racing: After watching Patrick Lemarie, mercifully replaced after six races, it was easy to see why BAR's Formula One team is so out to lunch. Lemarie was BAR's test driver. Veteran Max Papis hasn't fared too well in his three starts and this is definitely a rookie team learning the ropes. Co-owner Craig Pollock hiring Lemarie instead of Mika Salo speaks for itself. GRADE: F.
Robin Miller covers open wheel racing for ESPN and ESPN.com
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