Brasil!

So, the Versus crew has gotten into Indianapolis yesterday and we are starting prep for the season opener in Sao Paulo, Brazil! I must admit, that this is not my first rodeo when it comes to broadcasting international events, but believe me, the stress never changes. So many things become an integral part of the broadcast, and things that on the surface, don't necessarily seem like a big deal, can become huge! For one, please know, that while most of us are here in Indy to put the show together, there is also a group of us in Brazil. This brings in a huge logistics issue as we now, basically, have to be working off of Brazilian time which is +2 hours from Indy. You can almost hear the excitement in my voice when we have to be at work at 6 a.m... I know, you feel terrible for us. Having to cover racing and work at 6a.m.! Say it ain't so! I digress.

So as of right now, we're having issues talking to our crew that is in place in Brazil. Wahoo. Although late last night, a crew member down in Brazil thought it would be glorious to send me a text of the night life of Brazil. Suffice it to say, Indy in early March doesn't really compare to Sao Paulo... So a huge thanks for rubbing it in. At least the text communication is making it from Brazil. Our main mode of communication for our production meetings has been skype. Not trying to throw a plug, but if you need international video conferencing for free, skype is the way to go...as long as you have a decent internet connection...in both places...at the same time... Now we know the odds of that happening right now are pulling off at 1:28. Don't have a line yet on it from Vegas, but I'll keep you posted.

Despite the communication issues, I must admit the crew is completely upbeat, and we are all just chomping at the bit to get this season underway. There is a palpable hue of energy and excitement that you can feel around the crew, and it's definitely nice. It's like a family reunion that you're excited to go to. And the best part is, it's going to be happening all summer and fall! But honestly, we are like a family, and if you spent as much time in the back end of a semi traipsing across the country as we do, you'd be family too.

After watching the first two practice sessions, it looks like someone decided to pave the front stretch with ice and forgot to tell anyone about the decision. Although, there is a silver lining. It seems that Kanaan has gotten a boost and is sitting third, and Simona De Silvestro is the fastest of the rookies, and hasn't yet had a meeting with the wall. So it looks like we'll have some very entertaining story lines to bring you, as if starting the season in Brazil wasn't enough! So, settle down and get ready to watch qualifying with us today!

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