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It was their fault, I wrote, that the U.S. Grand Prix turned into a fiasco, with only the six Bridgestone-shod cars running.

This year, let me be the first to get a shovel - and dig Michelin out.

At last week's U.S. Grand Prix in Indianapolis, the French tire company did a fantastic job of making amends.

It bought 20,000 tickets and gave them away.

It made all its drivers accessible to interviews. I know this doesn't sound like much. But in the world of Formula One, getting an interview with a driver, any driver, is like having a green lawn this summer in New Mexico.

And, instead of pushing the limit with their tires, Michelin went conservative and pretty much gave the race to Bridgestone and Ferrari.

This became clear on race morning, when Speed Channel interviewed Renault team manager Flavio Briatore, aka Mr. Playboy. He said Renault would be all right in the race, but he didn't know whether they could catch Ferrari.

Later, Renault driver Fernando Alonso went one step further. The Spaniard said the Renaults were fighting for third place behind the two Ferraris and would be back on pace at the next race in France.

And Michelin didn't have to make up with the fans.

The company has already announced it is leaving F1 after this year, leaving Bridgestone as the sole tire supplier.

In the world of Formula One, it's easy come, easy go. Companies use the sport for their own advancement.

So, although Michelin gave Bridgestone the race, the French tire-maker kissed and made up with U.S. Formula One fans.

Good job, Michelin.

Dominant: Earlier this year, Speed Channel's Robin Miller predicted Team Penske and Chip Ganassi Racing would win all 14 Indy Racing League events.

Baloney, I thought.

Another team (perhaps Andretti Green Racing?) would catch the big two napping.

But after this past Sunday's dominating performance by Penske and Ganassi at Kansas Speedway, I'm starting to doubt if another team will win.

All four drivers from those teams (Team Penske's Sam Hornish Jr. and Helio Castroneves, and Ganassi Racing's Dan Wheldon and Scott Dixon) have at least one victory. They are Nos. 1 through 4 in the standings.

And, with just six races left, the chances of another team winning are dwindling.

Maybe Miller was right.

Googe's auto racing column appears on Saturday. You can reach him at cgooge@abqtrib.com or 823-3634.