Texas Two-Step: Second-Best Race Weekend of the Year?

The next couple days mark another great weekend for racing fans. No, it is not as good as the Memorial Day drama that is the Indy 500, Monaco Grand Prix and Coca Cola 600…but, it is right up there. Here is a quick look at the big five this weekend:

The IZOD IndyCar Series hits the 1.5 mile banked oval of Texas Motor Speedway for what is always a great race under the lights on Saturday night. Alex Tagliani took the pole for the second consecutive week.

But this year, there is a twist as there are now two races on one night. The dual format is back for open-wheel fans. This race (and now races) showcases the side-by-side racing that the league is known for. Plus, winning the race is never guaranteed for the drivers until they cross the line. We’ve seen numerous photo finishes here.

Meanwhile, Formula 1 is in North America for the only time this year as the most technologically advanced racecars in the world invade Montreal. For U.S. F1 fans, it is the only opportunity to see the cars in the area until Austin next year (hopefully). (Note: That is why I am up in Canada this weekend.) The race is one that features the unexpected every year. And this year, it is supposed to rain, which would make it that much more interesting.

Toss in the 24 Hour of Le Mans in France, one of the biggest races in the world. There is no question that this race means more than any other race to certain drivers. Just ask Sebastian Bourdais. If you win this race, you prove that you are a heck of a driver and a heck of a team being able to go 24 hours with a quality car. It is hard to understand the importance of this in the States, but it is definitely a crown jewel.

Also, MotoGP is in Silverstone. It’s great anytime to see the Silverstone track in use because of its rich history. And MotoGP is already having a crazy year. Casey Stoner has basically dominated the year, but still finds himself second in points.

The ONLY down point to this weekend has to be NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono. It is ALWAYS a snoozefest. Expect Denny Hamlin to win without any passing.