Considering the teams for the 2006 Road Rally

I had time this weekend (while dodging raindrops) to think about early odds for the 2006. Akina All Stars (the 2005 champs) and Isoceles (winners in 2003 & 2004) need serious consideration. There's little not to like about these two squads - they've got the right blend of intelligence, reckless abandon, foolhardiness and curiousity to make the case for "favorite" status.

Big Red is a perplexing choice to win. Skeptics point to a series of dismal showings in 2003 and 2004 and then a heartbreaking 1 minute loss in 2005 and think they're done. Darren is confident, but there's something unsettling about a team that isn't solidified until the evening prior to the big event.

Popped Biscuits popped their cherry in 2005 and this prognosticator thinks they learned a lot on their virgin journey. But a recent post by Greg suggests they might compete in the Thing once again in 2006, so we're not sure how much they learned? While speed is not critical, braking and acceleration are helpful and both are sorely lacking in Big Orange.

At press time, it's unclear whether Erik and team will field Procrastinators II and whether TBird and Bill will have a go again in the mini cooper? There are also several 1st timers in the mix that may field teams. It's too early to tell, but expect an old-timer to take the Plaque o' Green again in 2006.