Standing start worries prove unfounded

All the worries about Champ Car's first ever standing start proved unfounded Sunday as all cars got off the grid without incident at Portland International Raceway. And, for the first time in a long time, there was no contact in Turn 1 like there always is. (Photo right of clean start courtesy of Champ Car)

In other words 'mission accomplished.' Too bad so few fans were there to see it as Champ Car had another dismal attendance day at Portland. AutoRacing1.com lobbied for push-to-pass and standing starts for five years so we're happy to see both have added a positive element to the series.