Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/47076
better it would be to award more points for winning, at least five and more like 10, to really spur the teams toward the checkered flag. A CALENDAR FOR INDYCAR IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard needs to wake up and realize the only way his series can break out of NASCAR's shadow is to get on TV when the sports schedule isn't overstuffed. The first six weeks of the year, from New Year's Day until the Daytona 500, are wide open on the racing calendar, and Bernard needs to schedule as many races as possible in that fallow period. Surely the Indy cars could run at Homestead, Phoenix, Las Vegas and Fontana, Calif., without too many early-year weather issues. In fact, a spanking new calendar might make it clear that IndyCar chiefs ought to just yank their whole schedule forward by a few months. They should dominate the first few weeks of the year, then run their normal spring and summer schedule and finish the season with that highly successful Baltimore street race on Labor Day weekend, before college football and the NFL crank up. AN ANKLE CAST FOR BRAD KESELOWSKI No, Santa, I'm not wishing any injury on Brad. But since he had such success this past season in the Sprint Cup races following the bro- ken ankle he suffered during a test session at Road Atlanta, Keselowski and team might want to try to re- create the situation as much as pos- sible next year. That's right, driving with the bruised, bone-chipped joint, BK won at Pocono and Bristol and notched three other top-six finishes to jump from 21st to 11th and secure a Chase wild card spot. A GIGANTIC MEDAL FOR KIP HUGHES The 27-year-old Hughes, who com- petes in regional events at Okla- homa Sports Park, is my racer of the year. During a race a few months ago, Hughes literally saved a fel- low driver's life. Terry Muskrat was trapped in his car after it flipped during a multiple-car accident and was engulfed in flames. Hughes immediately stopped his car in the middle of the track, ran to the burning car, ripped down Muskrat's window netting and pulled the trapped driver out in time to save him from serious injuries. Hughes' heroism sure makes it clear there's more to life than rac- ing. And with that in mind, here's wishing readers a wonderful, safe and satisfying holiday season. May Santa bring you everything on your wish list, and we'll see you in the grandstands next year. Kay Bell is an Austin, Texas-based writer. When she's not yelling at her television during NASCAR races, she blogs about taxes and other financial topics at www.dontmesswithtaxes. typepad.com. Circle 302 on Reader Service Card or visit truckersnews.hotims.com DECEMBER 2011 TRUCKERS NEWS 29