The Atlanta Falcons led the New England Patriots 28-3 last night in the third quarter of Super Bowl LI, and suddenly, it felt like a car that had a massive lead in the Indianapolis 500 or 24 Hours of Le Mans.
And if they lost, it would be a case of massive heartbreak.
And that’s what happened. In racing terms, this loss was probably on par with Michael Andretti’s engine woes having dominated the 1992 Indianapolis 500 or Toyota losing at Le Mans last year.
Both victories seemed uncertain but went begging in the dying stages. The ’92 500 is probably an even more apt racing-to-football comparison; with Andretti having lost the sure win, but the race the ending in the closest finish in race history after Al Unser Jr. edged Scott Goodyear. That was the Patriots then winning by six, 34-28, in a game they trailed by 25.
Here’s a few thoughts from the Verizon IndyCar Series world as it all went down last night.
First, we’re checking to make sure that Patriots fan and Indianapolis 500 champion Alexander Rossi has regained his breath:
I'm about to pass out. #sports
— Alexander Rossi (@AlexanderRossi) February 6, 2017
246 yards in the fourth. What in the world.... 🙌🏼 https://t.co/AIZ7khrF1W
— Alexander Rossi (@AlexanderRossi) February 6, 2017
Here’s some more from the IndyCar world:
Gotta give it to #Patriots #SuperBowl champs. Unbelievable comeback!!!
— Mario Andretti (@MarioAndretti) February 6, 2017
Shut the front door. #SuperBowl
— Conor Daly (@ConorDaly22) February 6, 2017
Tom and the boys got a shot!! Gonna be fun to watch the end of this. #SB51
— Josef Newgarden (@josefnewgarden) February 6, 2017
Unreal... this game is bananas on yo chocolate Sunday. No pun. #SB51
— Josef Newgarden (@josefnewgarden) February 6, 2017
Love or hate the Pats, you can't deny their greatness. Love watching sports history being made. Congrats.
— James Hinchcliffe (@Hinchtown) February 6, 2017
What a game. Epic rally for the #Patriots #SB51
— Scott Dixon (@scottdixon9) February 6, 2017
What a game. What a come back #Patriots #SB51
— Tony Kanaan (@TonyKanaan) February 6, 2017
An example of : "Never give up" !! #SuperBowl2017 #Patriots pic.twitter.com/2Op0ZsEAe6
— Carlos Munoz (@CarlosMunoz034) February 6, 2017
Edelman's catch during big helmet to helmet contact was unreal. The focus there is insane! #SuperBowl
— Ryan Hunter-Reay (@RyanHunterReay) February 6, 2017
There was also a lot of Lady Gaga support:
Best part however @ladygaga halftime pure class. Come back to #Indy500 please, please!!
— Mario Andretti (@MarioAndretti) February 6, 2017
#GagaforPresident she killed that and she loves the #Indy500! #SuperBowl @IndyCar @IMS pic.twitter.com/IoYRKO4lAJ
— Simon Pagenaud (@simonpagenaud) February 6, 2017
Remember, big @ladygaga fan here guys #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/MX2aoyW2sD
— Conor Daly (@ConorDaly22) February 6, 2017
I'm not shocked at all @ladygaga is crushing this. When we spent time w/ her in May I was blown away. Great performer, but a better person!
— Graham Rahal (@GrahamRahal) February 6, 2017
Great halftime performance by Lady Gaga tonight. Remember when @SageKaram met her at the 100th #Indy500 with @MarioAndretti & other drivers pic.twitter.com/P1PdreTRzu
— Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (@DreyerReinbold) February 6, 2017
And lastly, this aired in Indianapolis and a couple other local markets, in a preview to the 101st Indianapolis 500 via this commercial from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It puts in perspective how much longer the ‘500 has gone on - that this year will be the 101st running and this was only the 51st Super Bowl.
Lemme just say this, havin been to them both- Super Bowl is best enjoyed @ home. #Indy500 is best enjoyed in person, an event like no other!
— Graham Rahal (@GrahamRahal) February 6, 2017
Testing for the Verizon IndyCar Series goes fast and heavy this week, with Ed Carpenter Racing and Schmidt Peterson Motorsports testing at Sonoma Raceway early this week before the open test Prix View on Friday and Saturday.