Thursday, May 03, 2007

You can't run from them anymore...

The throaty roar coming from the Milwaukee Mile earlier this week was a sure indication the NASCAR Busch series guys were here doing some testing in advance of their July race. Well, the noise, and the gazillion cars in the parking lot belonging to people who played hookey from work or school to go watch.

But tonight's sound from the track was a bit different, and it was accompanied by...sirens?

According to the local news Brazilian Tony Kanaan, former ChampCar driver/2004 IRL Champ/Indy 500 winner, was in town to lead the local LEO on a merry chase. Driving a 5-speed Honda Civic (my car! well, not literally, although I would have loaned it had he asked) he led them at 80+ miles an hour in, out and around the infield and oval course as part of training in high-speed chases. Kanaan has an extensive background in road racing, not just ovals, and he is a fount of information on car-handling at high speeds.

It's heartening to know they are learning from one of the best - even if he did have to keep slowing down so he wouldn't lose them.

PSA for anyone in Milwaukee or the surrounding area: This Sunday, May 6th is the annual Drive the Mile day. For fifteen bucks and two cans of food, you can take 3 laps on the oval (roughly 60-65 mph, and in a group) and pose with your car in victory lane. Classic car show and other fun stuff also going on...

Valid drivers license and proof of insurance required.

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