Torontoeer....

[bornaneer]

Two-time Formula One champion Fernando Alonso needed about one hour of track time today to pass his rookie orientation test for the 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil.
“It was fun,” Alonso said during a break on pit road after his No. 29 McLaren-Honda-Andretti car had completed 51 laps just before noon ET. “At this moment, everything looks good. Now it’s time to start the real thing.”
Alonso made quick work of the three rookie orientation phases with 10 laps at 205-210 mph, 15 laps at 210-215 mph and 15 laps at 215-plus mph.
Andretti Autosport teammate Marco Andretti shook down the car, which is painted in classic Team McLaren papaya orange. McLaren is returning to the Indy 500 on May 28 for the first time in 38 years.
A day after preparing in a racing simulator, Alonso said his confidence grew with each passing lap. When the test concluded, shortly after 3 p.m. ET, he had completed 110 laps with a top speed of 222.548 mph.

 

[torontoeers]

Two-time Formula One champion Fernando Alonso needed about one hour of track time today to pass his rookie orientation test for the 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil.
“It was fun,” Alonso said during a break on pit road after his No. 29 McLaren-Honda-Andretti car had completed 51 laps just before noon ET. “At this moment, everything looks good. Now it’s time to start the real thing.”
Alonso made quick work of the three rookie orientation phases with 10 laps at 205-210 mph, 15 laps at 210-215 mph and 15 laps at 215-plus mph.
Andretti Autosport teammate Marco Andretti shook down the car, which is painted in classic Team McLaren papaya orange. McLaren is returning to the Indy 500 on May 28 for the first time in 38 years.
A day after preparing in a racing simulator, Alonso said his confidence grew with each passing lap. When the test concluded, shortly after 3 p.m. ET, he had completed 110 laps with a top speed of 222.548 mph.

Somethin else eh!?! Can he do it? Maybe he can...I'd love to see it. Not sure , but would think it's his first time on a superoval? Also love the livery on that car, classic McLaren orange...definitely tuning in for this years race!

 

[bornaneer]

It will be tough......He has never driven on an oval. Looks like its the same ol story with those sorry *** Caps.

 

[torontoeers]

It will be tough......He has never driven on an oval. Looks like its the same ol story with those sorry *** Caps.

Yes...and they are somethin else as well! Something is SERIOUSLY wrong in that Capitals structure, as a team. It runs thoughout the lineup to my eyes. Even Holtby seems a bit off. Fleury is standing on his head at times in the other end but, one would expect a Vezina goalie to be at top form when its win or else. Ovechkin seems to still get his goals but I dont see him when the game is tied or hangs in the balance, this is a problem imo, nevermind Backstrom looks positively dreadful at times in the faceoff circle. Not sure the answer....switch out a few bodies for a few experienced Cup winners? I'm honestly thinking its time for SERIOUS re-tooling throughout. I bandied about the idea that they should consider trading Ovechkin a few years back with my buddies, overall we came to the conclusion that he means too much in terms of marketing...now I am thinking it again. Perhaps the team and him need a fresh start? What do you think?

 

[bornaneer]

Yes...and they are somethin else as well! Something is SERIOUSLY wrong in that Capitals structure, as a team. It runs thoughout the lineup to my eyes. Even Holtby seems a bit off. Fleury is standing on his head at times in the other end but, one would expect a Vezina goalie to be at top form when its win or else. Ovechkin seems to still get his goals but I dont see him when the game is tied or hangs in the balance, this is a problem imo, nevermind Backstrom looks positively dreadful at times in the faceoff circle. Not sure the answer....switch out a few bodies for a few experienced Cup winners? I'm honestly thinking its time for SERIOUS re-tooling throughout. I bandied about the idea that they should consider trading Ovechkin a few years back with my buddies, overall we came to the conclusion that he means too much in terms of marketing...now I am thinking it again. Perhaps the team and him need a fresh start? What do you think?

Great observations.....I've thought the same exact things. Ovi is no leader.Backstrom disappears and Holtby will never be a Cup caliber goalie. I wish they could get over the hump because they have a very devoted fan base. I used to attend a lot of their games when they played at the Cap Center but I don't go to any games now.

 

[torontoeers]

Great observations.....I've thought the same exact things. Ovi is no leader.Backstrom disappears and Holtby will never be a Cup caliber goalie. I wish they could get over the hump because they have a very devoted fan base. I used to attend a lot of their games when they played at the Cap Center but I don't go to any games now.

I can remember that rink well on TV...always seemed to translate as very dark in terms of lighting in the stands, and quite bright on the ice ,always seemed to notice that for some reason lol...I have a feeling the crowd will be right amped up on Sat night, my Pens will have their work cut out for them....I am just hopeful for a good clean played game between them. That Bonino acting job last night was worthy of oscar performance. I hate that ****...it's not soccer...then I heard Oshie did same with him last year apparently? Grow up guys, and play the damn game...

 

[torontoeers]

Btw I did notice tix in Washington are going for a HANDSOME buck! I'd estimate about 50 bucks more a lower seat than in The Burgh which has seen prices rise slightly this year...that is a good sign for fan support imo...
We are going to the WV beatdown (hopefully) on the Chokies this year at FedEx....decided the other day, right after my WV season holder rights expired on the pre sale unfortunately...now I will likely be saddled with a crappy seat at dollars paid if I go through my account. I'm thinkin maybe
wait and stubhub or outside stadium but that entails some risk....have 4 nights and seems a lot to do/see, never been to DC before and always wanted to go for years...Wife likes the look of Georgetown (it's a football wknd so I need to placate her in some way) so hopefully can find someplace at reasonable dollars over that weekend...perhaps a pipe dream lol....any suggestions are helpful and much appreciated!

 

[bornaneer]

Btw I did notice tix in Washington are going for a HANDSOME buck! I'd estimate about 50 bucks more a lower seat than in The Burgh which has seen prices rise slightly this year...that is a good sign for fan support imo...
We are going to the WV beatdown (hopefully) on the Chokies this year at FedEx....decided the other day, right after my WV season holder rights expired on the pre sale unfortunately...now I will likely be saddled with a crappy seat at dollars paid if I go through my account. I'm thinkin maybe
wait and stubhub or outside stadium but that entails some risk....have 4 nights and seems a lot to do/see, never been to DC before and always wanted to go for years...Wife likes the look of Georgetown (it's a football wknd so I need to placate her in some way) so hopefully can find someplace at reasonable dollars over that weekend...perhaps a pipe dream lol....any suggestions are helpful and much appreciated!

The Annapolis area would be a good spot. Close to FedEx,Baltimore, DC,its fairly reasonable and close to Metro which gives you easy access to meto DC.