2013 ISF Predictions

IN THE PITS: ISF 2013 Season Predictions
by
Steve “The Wrench” Ratchett

It has been a little while since I had to write one of these dog and pony columns about the silly season as I've been in Asia covering the HO Scale Sumo League.

The 14th season of the ISF Series is on the books. 12 races. 7 different tracks. So what do we  will the drivers that made up the season of competitionthink or wish will happen in 2013?
Here are my thoughts based on my own observations:

Lets start with Mark Walczak. This driver missed many events in 2012 and was never a factor although he took two wins. He'll remain a threat in both LMP and F1. 
Odds of him winning either championship: 1:12 


Dean Strom: He's improved immensely over the last two years and with a level playing field in equipment perhaps he can add to his Jean Alesi tally of one win in his F1 career. That would be a popular win:
Odds of winning a race in F1: 1:11

John Wiedemann is coming off his first championship in F1. He is driving well and is definately a force in either division. Odds of winning the F1 championship: 1:3


Mike Lack is moving to a part time schedule. While that is a loss, if there is a driver that could win a championship with a part time schedule and the advantage of dropping low scores that the ISF allows it is him. Odds of winning either championship: 1:20

Mike Fitzlaff is still the dominant driver and has proven to be even more so since John Shea's departure. Mike Fitzlaff is always one of the fastest but has some bad luck. He will continue to win races and could win both championships. 
Odds of him winning the F1 title: 1:3 Odds of winning the LMP title 1:4 


Everet Kamikawa will fly the colors of his own team, Super Kamikawa. A rumor is Ferrari wants him back in the fold. Maybe for 2014.  He'll finally win a race in LMP since it is an equal playing field and should take an F1 win as well. Odds of him winning a championship: 1-15
Odds of him winning a LMP race 1:2

John Shea retired to race stock cars in the south. Odds of him coming back for a race this season aren't good although I think the paddock would love it.

Larry Rotter ran a few races. The three time champion's over under appearances in the next season is four. He retired at the end of season 12. Now that he has mostly been away for a season will the siren song of racing lure him back? Not yet I think although he will have a chance to win a race or two on his home track. Odds of him winning a race in either division: 1:12

 

Dan Margetta won his first GTP race last year after eight years of futility. He also took an F1 win where he has been a victor on a fairly regular basis. He will win again I believe.
Odds of winning in F1: 1:12

 Other drivers potentially making a start in 2013: Amy Butler
Mike Kristof
Cory Galbraith
Nick Bartolone
Matt Hayek

There is a long way to go this off season. Anything can happen. In terms of an interesting season…lets hope it does!

My predictions:
F1 Division:
John Wiedemann
Mike Fitzlaff
Mark Walczak
Everet Kamikawa
Dean Strom
Dan Margetta
Mike Lack
Larry Rotter

LMP Division:
Mike Fitzlaff
Mark Walczak
John Wiedemann
Everet Kamikawa
Dean Strom
Dan Margetta
Larry Rotter
Mike Lack         

Until next time…It’s not bad being in the pits!

Steve “The Wrench” Ratchett