On October 6th, Rick and his friend from Italia, Pietro, took in the inaugural Grand Prix of the Americas, a motor race even featuring CART cars. It was the third from last race of the season and a race in which Brazilian Cristiano da Matta clinched his first CART championship driving for the Newman/Haas Racing Team.

Adrian Fernandez' car gets ready for the race in the "garage" area.

Toro Takagi's car, pre-race

Detail of a racecar's sidepod. Note the various aerodynamic "tricks" employed to manipulate airflow.

No, this isn't Brenda driving her Acura Type-S on the race, but a CART pace car.

The fans climbed the grandstands opposite the "pits" in anticipation of a great race (and a few choice corn dogs)

Thanks to Pietro, who got us the best seats in the field!

BMW WilliamsF1 Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya waves the green flag to start the race!

The cars speed down the straightaway!

The Target/Ganassi pits were directly opposite our seats.

Loaded up and ready to move on...to Australia for the next race!

The End, Miami Booty style!