Marco Andretti 2009 Indy 500 pic by aXe
April10 2010 POWER TOPS OPENING-DAY PRACTICE AT BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Friday, April 9, 2010 - Will Power, who has dominated the early portion of the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season with his two races victories and a pole start, topped the combined practice (two sessions) time sheet as teams began preparations for the inaugural Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by Legacy Credit Union. The Australian recorded a best lap of 1 minute, 11.1856 seconds in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske car on the 2.38-mile Barber Motorsports Park circuit. Tony Kanaan, who has started sixth and second the first two races in the No. 11 Team 7-Eleven car for Andretti Autosport, was second (1:11.3011). Power's teammate, Helio Castroneves, was third (1:11.3697) and Target Chip Ganassi Racing's Scott Dixon (1:11.4243) was fourth. Another Andretti Autosport driver, Marco Andretti, was fifth quick (1:11.5446). Sixteen drivers were within 1 second of the pace-setter, and six teams were represented in the top 10. Also on April 9, Team PBIR rookie Niall Quinn made a strong first impression by topping the combined practice sessions in Firestone Indy Lights. The Irishman, who recorded a lap of 1:16.8500 in the afternoon session, was followed by series veterans Charlie Kimball and James Hinchcliffe Vitor Meira, who made his series debut in 2002 at Kentucky Speedway (finished 15th), will make his 100th start this weekend in the inaugural Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Presented by Legacy Credit Union. Meira has 29 top-five and 58 top-10 finishes - including being the runner-up in eight races - with four teams. He jumped 13 positions to finish third in the season opener in Brazil on March 14 and led 12 laps at St. Petersburg on March 29 (his first laps led since Kentucky in '08) before finishing 15th. VITOR MEIRA (No. 14 ABC Supply A.J. Foyt Racing): "A hundred starts is proof that I've been doing a good job because I never had to pay to drive, so I always had to prove that I could do the job that people were expecting," said Meira, who is in his second season driving the No. 14 ABC Supply car for A.J. Foyt Racing. "I think that (100 starts) is one way to prove that and to feel good about it. There is a lot to be done still. I have not done nearly everything that I want to do so I'm still pushing with the same will I had at my first race."
Longtime Indy car engineer Iain Watt has joined KV Racing Technology and will work with Mario Moraes and the No. 32 crew this weekend. He had most recently been crew chief for Robby Gordon's NASCAR Sprint Cup team. IAIN WATT: "I'm looking forward to working with a new team and driver, though I've known (team co-owner) Jimmy (Vasser) for years. I liked what I saw of the team when I was at St. Petersburg, and it's a good opportunity to work with old friends again. The cars I've been working with the last few years are so different than these. I can see the evolution of changes, but I don't expect anything too surprising. An open-wheel car is an open-wheel car."
KV Racing Technology driver Mario Moraes had minor surgery in Brazil to remove a cyst from his ear canal. MARIO MORAES (No. 32 KV Racing Technology): "I needed to take last weekend to chill a little bit, but I'm OK. I could work a little in the gym the past few days and feel ready for the weekend."
The primary (black sidewall) tires are the same used at the Barber Motorsports Park Open Test in February, and are the same primary spec as Mid-Ohio last season. The alternate (red sidewall) tires are new for 2010. The Firehawk alternates are identical in body construction to the primaries but contain a softer tread compound that provides more grip and faster lap times, yet trades off compound durability in exchange for those shorter-term advantages. "While all of the teams have experience here with the primary spec, no one has yet used the alternate specification we are bringing to this event," Firestone Racing executive director Al Speyer said. "Look for the red-sidewall Firestone Firehawk race tires to add a variable that will hopefully lead to more passing on the track." Of note: Drivers will have 20 pushes of the Honda overtake assist button for 15 seconds each during the 90-lap race. There is a 10-second recharge period between pushes. … Charter Communications will be the primary sponsor this weekend of the No.22 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing car driven by Justin Wilson. … Roll Coater will be the primary sponsor of the No. 24 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing car driven by Mike Conway. He has relocated his residence to Miami. ... Suave will be the primary sponsor of the No. 10 Target Chip Ganassi Racing car driven by Dario Franchitti this weekend DAN CLARKE (No. 40 Wasteco Deans Knight Special): " I couldn't be more thrilled to join Walker Racing and to be back racing in the USA. Since 2006 I've focused my career on the U.S. open wheel scene. After unification I feel my career is back on track and competing this year in the Firestone Indy Lights Series is a great place for me to do it."
DERRICK WALKER (owner, Walker Racing): "I have always been impressed with Dan's speed when we raced against him in the Champ Car years. Back in those days the 'Road to Indy' was not as clear as it is now, so we share the same objective in racing in the Firestone Indy Lights Series, our aim is the IZOD IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis 500." Dreyer & Reinbold Racing's Mike Conway has been running around South Florida between races in St. Petersburg and Birmingham, setting up his new home in Miami. "You can be based anywhere in America because we race all over America," he says. "You don't have to be based when the team is located (Indianapolis for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing). I was lucky enough to have a chance to live where I wanted to be, which is by water and somewhere warm. "I literally got the keys (April 1) and my stuff arrived earlier this week. I'm settled in, near some friends and making new ones. (Marco Andretti) is a stone's throw away." FIRESTONE INDY LIGHTS POST-PRACTICE QUOTES: NIALL QUINN (No. 37 Team PBIR, fastest of the day): "It feels pretty good. I came here with no testing and never been in the car before. It was pretty difficult, but I got comfortable on old tires and we tried new tires to simulate a qualifying run and I'm pretty happy. P1 is a good place to be and I want to stay there now. (On being on pace right away): "It was a surprise. I've race against a lot of these guys in junior formulas and I knew how competitive it would be. The team did a great job. We're low on staff this weekend, but to do this shows how good they are." CHARLIE KIMBALL (No. 26 Levemir FlexPen, second-fastest): "Today was really good. We were quickest this morning, and this afternoon we had a problem with track grip a bit. We ended up P4 in this session, though I know some of the other guys changed to new tires. As hot as it is and the way the track takes the grip out of the tires, that's a big advantage. We're looking forward to qualifying tomorrow morning. The #26 Levemir FlexPlen car has been solid all day, and I think that'll make the difference when it comes to race time on Sunday." JAMES HINCHCLIFFE (No. 2 Xtreme Coil Drilling - TMR, third-fastest): "The track is actually a little bit difficult right now. It is a lot hotter here than when we tested back in February since Grand Am hadn't been running then. It took us a little bit of time to lay down some Firestone rubber, but we are getting there and the track is coming to us. Second is obviously not a bad place to be in and the guy who was at the top ended up putting on new tires at the end. It's a small victory and I think we have a great car for qualifying tomorrow. Let's just hope I can do one position better. " Charlie Kimball spent time this week at Long Beach participating in Toyota Celebrity Race Media Day at the Long Beach street circuit. Among the celebrities he met were Keanu Reeves, Tony Hawk and Zachary Levi, star of one Kimball's favorite shows "Chuck." CHARLIE KIMBALL (No. 26 Levemir FlexPen): "I really enjoyed being in Long Beach for the media day. Getting to drive the track in the pace cars was a lot of fun especially because all of my passengers were enjoying it so much. Also, getting to see some big name celebrities in MY natural environment was really neat! I can't wait to get back there for the race as I know the #26 Levemir® FlexPen® car will be fast- faster than the pace car and the pro celebrity cars for sure!" IZOD INDYCAR SERIES POST-PRACTICE QUOTES: WILL POWER (No. 12 Verizon Team Penske, fastest of the day): "The Verizon Wireless car definitely felt better during the second practice session. I think the fact that everyone was running around the track was better, because after the first practice session we were running on Grand Am rubble and it wasn't real compatible. This was a good start to the weekend, but I am really aware that qualifying means everything around here. This track is very physical and demanding. To me it's really a drivers track because there is a lot of commitment and technicality involved. The blind corners leading into fast entries require commitment if you want to be quick. I have a new group of guys this year and as the season progresses things keep getting better. My approach to this season has been to get points and keep finishing races, that's how you win a championship." TONY KANAAN (No. 11 Team 7-Eleven, second fastest): "I am very pleased. It feels good to be in the top five. Tomorrow is going to be very different. It will be a lot cooler and many things can change, but I will sleep well tonight. We just have to make the right changes for the morning. Today was a good day."
HELIO CASTRONEVES (No. 3 Team Penske, third fastest): "We are working very hard and I give a lot of credit to my guys. We made some big changes to get the car right for me and we made gains. We will continue to improve the No. 3 car and we will see what we can do tomorrow for qualifying."
MARCO ANDRETTI (No. 26 Team Venom Energy, fifth fastest): "We're definitely making gains and improvements, especially over where we were during testing here back in February. We've made the Venom car better today and are only a couple minor changes away from being a pole contender. I think we're looking good as far as getting out of the first qualifying session tomorrow and from there it's all about making the right decisions. The field is so close that everyone has to be on the ball and make good decisions."
RYAN BRISCOE (No. 6 Team Penske, seventh fastest): "I think we are in good shape. We did not quite find the balance that we were looking for today. We did find a good direction for tomorrow. The No. 6 Team Penske car should be fast tomorrow."
HIDEKI MUTOH (No. 06 Formula Dream/Panasonic, eighth fastest): "We made improvements to the Formula Dream / Panasonic car today. Lap-time-wise the field is very close. There are eight cars within five-tenths of a second. If you make a small gain, it might put you in the top-three, but if you lose one-tenth it would put you maybe 15th. The field is very close. Between the first session and second session, we made gains and the car was better. I am now working more on how to drive better instead of how to improve the car. We are still working on that, but I think we are in the ballpark, so we will just keep working. As everyone is saying, qualifying is almost everything this weekend. It's very important to have a good grid spot. I think the only passing zone is entering Turn 5. It is very narrow and high-speed, so you lose a lot of downforce if you get behind somebody. I woke up at 6:30 a.m. this morning so I could get used to getting up so early tomorrow to qualify. On race weekends, I try to go to bed by 11 p.m. but tonight, since I need to be at top performance for qualifying so early, maybe I need to go to bed at 9:30 p.m. like kids."
TAKUMA SATO (No. 5 Lotus - KV Racing Technology): "The track conditions were so different from the last time we were here (for the Feb. test) It was so much warmer today. And that made it so much different with the balance of the car. It changed the whole grip level. In the first session, I wasn't particularly happy with the car. It was a handful. So I sat down with the engineers and looked over the data. We then tried several different things and the car was better. I was pleased with the overall balance of the car in the second session. It was a very productive day. We won't any practice before our qualifying run on Saturday. So, having a good second session in today's practice, will be good entering Saturday's qualifying."
RYAN HUNTER-REAY (No. 37 Team IZOD, 11th fastest): "We were alright, but we've got a big chunk to go yet with the IZOD car. We could really use a practice tomorrow morning before qualifying. We just need to go make some good changes to the car. This is when it pays to have great teammates. We'll look at what Tony and Marco liked in their cars and apply it for tomorrow. We should be in the ballpark."
ALEX TAGLIANI (No. 77 FAZZT Race Team, 14th fastest): "I'm very happy about the second session. This morning I was worried a little bit. I think in the first session our car was the worst it has felt since the beginning of the season actually even in testing so I was quite nervous going into the second session. But the crew did a fantastic job. The challenge was since we hadn't run here we were coming here a little bit blind but we recovered well and now we are in the window. I think we've gotten the car where it needed to be this morning and now we just need to try to make it happen for qualifying. The engineers and crew have done a great job and now we know where the issues of the car are and hopefully we can fix them tonight and be good in qualifying tomorrow."
RAPHAEL MATOS (No. 2 HP Luczo Dragon, 16th fastest): "It was a tough day today, starting with a set-up we weren't sure about. We made some good progress during the afternoon session. It was good for the team to see what direction we need to go for qualifying tomorrow. I had some trouble getting a clean run. I think we would definitely have been in the top ten if I could have gotten some clean laps. We'll go over all of the data overnight and be ready for qualifying tomorrow."
DANICA PATRICK: (No. 7 Team GoDaddy.com, 19th fastest): "We learned a lot from both practice sessions today. I'm not too far off on where we need to be but we do have some work to do tonight. Tomorrow's qualifying session will be tight so I hope we get the GoDaddy car dialed in by tomorrow morning."
E.J. VISO, (No. 8 PDVSA-Jet Aviation KV Racing Technology): "Today's was a pretty difficult day for us. We were a little out of the ball park. We tried various things and we know what doesn't work in the car. We are going to go back to a setup we had at the test (in February) here. Qualifying is very important at this track, with the narrow pavement. And it is very difficult to overtake. Your starting position will be important here as well as strategy and pit stops. We have get through qualifying and then work on getting a good race car."
MARIO MORAES (No. 32 KV Racing Technology): "I haven't been here in over a year. So I needed to get used to the track. I have a new engineer this weekend with Ian (Watt). And we are working pretty well together. At the end of the second session, the car was a little loose. But I hope we can make it better for qualifying."
GRAHAM RAHAL (No. 67 Dollar General/Sarah Fisher Racing): "Overall it was quite a challenging day for us. We really struggled this morning and tried to improve as much as we could this afternoon. I think we got closer, but there is still a lot of work to be done. I feel like we're headed in the right direction, it's just taking a lot of effort to get there and quite frankly the reactions of the car to the changes we're making are very little, so it's pretty frustrating. Obviously, by no means, are we giving up."
TOMORROW'S SCHEDULE (all times local):
Walker Racing announced that British driver Dan Clarke will drive the team's Firestone Indy Lights #40 entry this weekend at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama.
8:15-9 a.m.
Firestone Indy Lights qualifying
9:20 -10:50 am.
IZOD IndyCar Series qualifying
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Autograph Session
April 8 2010
Today's IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines
1. Power chasing history at Barber
2. Sarah Fisher Racing adds Long Beach to Rahal's slate
3. Robbins gets 'legal' thrill at Indianapolis
4. Andretti to be honored at Long Beach
1. Power chasing history at Barber: When the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season resumes at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala., Verizon Team Penske driver Will Power will attempt to do what no IZOD IndyCar Series driver has ever done.
Power could become the first driver in the IZOD IndyCar Series era of open-wheel racing to win the first three races of a season should he prevail in the Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by Legacy Credit Union. And his chances for another victory are strong - he led Open Testing at the 2.38-mile road course in February.
"That's a fantastic start," the Australian said. "I don't think you could ask for much better. I don't think there is anything better than winning. I'm very happy for the Verizon guys, working hard over the winter. And this is my first full season on a good team, so I'm just putting it all together and using my experience over the past four years over here."
Sam Hornish Jr. (2001) and Power are the only drivers to win the first two races of a season. Should he win at Barber, Power, who has won at Long Beach in Champ Car, could take a record-breaking four-race win streak to the first oval race May 1 at Kansas Speedway.
Regardless, Power will leave Barber with the points lead regardless of where he finishes. He is 44 points ahead of his nearest challenger (a three-way tie between Justin Wilson, Ryan Hunter-Reay and defending series champion Dario Franchitti) and the most points any driver can gain each race is 43.
Still, his focus remains on taking the remaining 15 events one at a time.
"To win a championship, (you can't) win two races and then have a heap of bad ones," he said. "You've got to win as much as you can. You've got to go into every race thinking, 'OK, I've got to win.' But if you can't, you have to make the most of it. That's my thinking."
Chasing history:
Will Power can become the first driver in IZOD IndyCar Series history to win the first three races to start a season if he wins the Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by Legacy Credit Union. Here are other drivers in post-World War II Indy car history to have accomplished that feat:
Sebastien Bourdais - First four races of 2006 Champ Car season (Long Beach, Houston, Monterrey, Milwaukee)
Paul Tracy - First three races of the 2003 CART season (St. Petersburg, Monterrey, Long Beach)
Al Unser - First three races of 1971 USAC season (Rafaela Argentina-race 1 and race 2, Phoenix)
A.J. Foyt - First seven races of 1964 USAC season (Phoenix, Trenton-April, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Langhorne, Trenton-July, Springfield)
2. Sarah Fisher Racing adds Long Beach to Rahal's slate: Sarah Fisher Racing and Dollar General have added the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach to its IZOD IndyCar Series schedule with driver Graham Rahal.
"SFR is very thankful to Dollar General and Direct Supply to give us the opportunity to compete on the streets of Long Beach for the first time," said team owner/driver Sarah Fisher, who will return to her IZOD IndyCar Series car at Kansas Speedway on May 1. "Graham had been very excited about the potential of putting this together from the start of his time with the team. I am proud of where we have been able to go in such a short period of time. Certainly the idea of growing a program past the set budget was a difficult task for everyone involved, but knowing Graham will do a great job on and off the track makes every effort worth it."
Rahal, who scored SFR's first top-10 finish at St. Petersburg, will make his fourth Indy car start on the streets of Long Beach, where he finished 12th last season.
"I'm extremely excited to be joining SFR yet again for Long Beach," Rahal said. "It is certainly one of the greatest sporting events, and I am just proud to say that I will be returning again. I am very thankful for what Sarah, Direct Supply and the Dollar General folks have done to extend their program with SFR, and we will be working extremely hard to make them proud."
Dollar General continues to support SFR in its endeavors towards a full-season effort.
"We are pleased to have Graham Rahal drive the Dollar General car for an additional race this season," said Rick Dreiling, Dollar General's chairman and CEO. "Graham brings a winning record to our partnership, and we're excited to have him on our team."
Direct Supply is also partnering with the initiative of Rahal's campaign with SFR. This is Direct Supply's third season with the team.
"Direct Supply is very excited to be a part of Sarah Fisher Racing at Long Beach," said Bob Hillis, CEO of Direct Supply. "We have been a part of Sarah's great team since she started, and the team has all become a family to us. It is an added pleasure to have the terrific Graham Rahal driving for Sarah again, after his great performance in St. Petersburg. Sarah Fisher Racing is the team to watch at Long Beach."
3. Robbins gets 'legal' thrill at Indianapolis: Tim Robbins has experienced an adrenaline rush similar the Indy Racing Experience 2-seater before. But he joked he hadn't experienced any like it "legally" until he rode in the 2-seat Indy car.
The Academy Award-winning actor, known for his roles as Nuke in "Bull Durham," Andy Dufresne in "Shawshank Redemption" and Dave Boyle in "Mystic River," got the ultimate rush as he rode in a 2-seater with IZOD IndyCar Series veteran Davey Hamilton around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on April 5.
"It was exhilarating," Robbins said. "I have no other words than that."
Robbins, who was in town to attend the NCAA Final Four, was joined by his sons Jack Henry and Miles, who also rode around the Speedway in the 2-seaters.
4. Andretti to be honored at Long Beach:Michael Andretti, accomplished driver and current chairman, president and chief executive officer of Andretti Autosport, will be honored at the fifth Annual Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame induction ceremony on April 15.
Andretti will be recognized alongside 1985 Indianapolis 500 winner Danny Sullivan. Past recipients of the honor include Mario Andretti, Al Unser Jr., Bobby Rahal and Parnelli Jones.
Andretti's first win took place at the 1986 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. He also took the checkered flag in the Toyota Grand Prix in 2002, his final victory as a driver. With 42 victories to his name, Andretti is the winningest driver in CART history. He also boasts the title of winningest owner in Indy Racing League history with 34 IZOD IndyCar Series wins.
The 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season continues April 11 with the Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by Legacy Credit Union at Barber Motorsports Park. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at 3 p.m. (ET) by VERSUS. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, XM channel 145 and Sirius channel 211. The race also will be carried on www.indycar.com. The 2010 Firestone Indy Lights season continues with the Grand Prix of Alabama April 11 at Barber Motorsports Park. The race will air live on indycar.com.
Mar 31 2010
IZOD INDYCAR SERIES NEWS AND NOTES
Today's IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines
1. Power ready for season-long battle
2. Inside the numbers: St. Petersburg
3. City estimates increase in Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg attendance
4. Junqueira joins FAZZT Race Team for Indianapolis
5. Solid debut for Yacaman, Cape Motorsport w/ Wayne Taylor Racing 1. Power ready for season-long battle: Just in case Will Power wasn't cognizant of the calendar, Dario Franchitti, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Justin Wilson - and a host of other IZOD IndyCar Series drivers - will quickly remind him that the 2010 season is a marathon, not a sprint. There are still 15 races to be contested (eight ovals and seven road/street courses). Power followed up his victory in the opener March 14 in Brazil with a 0.8244-of-a-second win in the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 29. The Verizon Team Penske driver leads the IZOD IndyCar Series standings by 44 points over the second-place trio of Franchitti, Hunter-Reay and Wilson. Power became the first driver since Sam Hornish Jr. in 2001 to emerge victorious in the first two races. He'll attempt to match Scott Dixon (2007, Watkins Glen-Mid-Ohio), Dan Wheldon (2005, St. Petersburg-Indianapolis) and Kenny Brack (1998, Charlotte-Atlanta) for a series-record three consecutive wins in the inaugural Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by Legacy Credit Union on April 11. He'll enter the event as a favorite after topping the time charts during an Open Test at Barber Motorsports Park last month. "I'm just aware that it's only race two of 17," said Power, who picked up the three bonus points at St. Pete by earning the PEAK Performance Pole Award and leading the most laps (50 of 100). "To win a championship doesn't matter if you win two races and then have a heap of bad ones. You've got to win as much as you can. You've got to go into every race thinking, 'OK, I've got to win.' But if you can't, you have to make the most of it, and that's my thinking." Power's teammate, Ryan Briscoe, maintained a similar thought process in '09 - in which he had three victories and a series record-tying eight runner-up finishes - and it led him to the championship-deciding race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Briscoe, who started 19th (his lowest ever on a street/road course) charged through the field to finish third in the No. 6 Team Penske car. Teammate Helio Castroneves was fourth. "He's got a good lead but it's early and there is a lot of racing to go," Briscoe said. "There are lots of different tracks to come, obviously. At Penske, he's got a car that's going to be strong at all of the races this year, and it's going to take a lot to catch him." Team Penske has finished either first or second in the past 13 street/road course races (since Mid-Ohio in 2008). "Obviously, it was a great result overall for Team Penske," Penske Racing president Tim Cindric said. "Will has really come out of the box well in the Verizon car. To have three out of the top four spots puts us in a good position to challenge for the championship early on in the season. But we have to take it one race at a time and continue to execute when opportunities are there." Wilson finished second, Franchitti was fifth and Hunter-Reay wound up 11th at St. Pete. Raphael Matos followed his third place in Brazil with an eighth-place effort - after starting 23rd - and is 47 points back of Power. Five teams are represented in the top five. "I think (the championship is) wide open, and obviously Will had a great start to the season," Wilson said. "But the field is so deep this year. You've got to race the whole way." 2. Inside the numbers: St. Petersburg: Numbers to note following the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, the second of 17 races in the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season. 2 - Drivers who have won the first two races of an IZOD IndyCar Series season: Will Power (2010) and Sam Hornish Jr. (2001). Hornish went on to win the championship. 5 -Teams represented in the top five of the series point standings. 8 - Different leaders, tying the record set in 2008 for most leaders at St. Petersburg 10 - Lead changes during the race, including three on-track passes for the lead in the first six laps. 15 - Cars on the lead lap, one short of the series record for most cars on the lead lap in an event. 16 - Positions improved by Ryan Briscoe, the highest number of positions gained by any driver. Raphael Matos and Danica Patrick gained 15 and 14 positions, respectively. 34 - Consecutive top-10 starts for Scott Dixon - extending his IZOD IndyCar Series record. 3. City estimates increase in Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg attendance: City of St. Petersburg officials are "extremely pleased" with attendance of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg despite an extra day of activity to contest the thunderstorm-delayed IZOD IndyCar Series event. "The city's Police, Fire and Special Events staff are taking a look at the daily crowd estimates for the four days of the event and have not released a figure yet," said city Grand Prix Coordinator Kevin Dunn. "We are confident with the additional day of racing we met or exceeded the city-estimated attendance of 160,000 from last year." City stormwater crews began work early Monday, clearing the track of standing water to make it suitable for racing. Dunn credits the exceptional efforts by city departments, the Grand Prix and Indy Racing League officials, to give the race the green flag. City officials originally estimated downtown streets affected by the race would be back to normal by April 9, with all other areas open by April 18. Because of the unusual circumstances, motorists and pedestrians could see scheduled road re-openings delayed up to 24 hours. Crews are also optimistic about meeting the previously scheduled reopening of the airport runway on April 1. 4. Junqueira joins FAZZT Race Team for Indianapolis: Alex Tagliani didn't forget Bruno Junqueira's gracious act at last year's Indianapolis 500, and the Brazilian driver will compete for a starting berth this May in a second FAZZT Race Team car. Junqueira qualified a Conquest Racing car on Bump Day in the 30th position. But he stepped out of the entry for Tagliani, who had failed to make the field because of a crash in qualifications. "Because we have enough sponsorship to run a second car at Indianapolis, we felt it important to give that chance to Bruno," said Tagliani, who is competing full time in the IZOD IndyCar Series with the first-year FAZZT Race Team. "Last year, with Bruno as the second driver in the team I was at, he let his spot in the field go after I had a mishap in qualifying. And it turned out, I had a pretty good race at the Indy 500 so it is nice way to say thank you to Bruno for what he did for me last year." Tagliani started 33rd and finished 11th, earning Chase Rookie of the Year honors. In two IZOD IndyCar Series races this season, he has finished sixth (St. Petersburg) and 19th (Brazil, started second but was involved in contact early). Junqueira, a native of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, started from the pole at Indy in 2002 and has led 52 laps. "I am thrilled with the opportunity to compete for the FAZZT Race Team at the Indianapolis 500," said Junqueira, who has competed in the race five times and will drive the No. 33 entry. "The team will give me the resources and support to compete in a car that has the capabilities of winning at the Indianapolis 500. To win at Indianapolis has always been a dream of mine. "I've had some very competitive opportunities at Indianapolis and in each year I've led laps and scored two top-five finishes at the Speedway. I hope that in 2010 I am able to complete my dream of a win at Indianapolis since I have been so close in the past." Tagliani, Jim Freudenberg, Andre Azzi and Jason Priestley are co-owners of FAZZT Race Team. "When we formed the FAZZT Race Team, we had a few goals in mind," Freudenberg said. "One of those goals was that if we had the opportunity to field a second entry at Indianapolis that we wanted to put Bruno in that car. Bruno is an extremely talented driver and is the perfect complement to our current program. "We are also excited that Bruno will be piloting the No. 33 car at Indianapolis as that is the car number he drove to the pole position in 2002, and we are hoping that number will serve him well again in 2010." Opening Day at the Speedway is May 15. 5. Solid debut for Yacaman, Cape Motorsport w/ Wayne Taylor Racing: Gustavo Yacaman could describe his debut with Cape Motorsport with Wayne Taylor Racing as a wet and wild race.
The Colombian finished fifth in the opening round of Firestone Indy Lights on the streets of St. Petersburg after making two separate charges to the front. Yacamán started 10th and was able to avoid an incident on the first lap and found himself near the front of the field when the first full-course yellow flew on Lap 1. After the restart, he claimed second place by Lap 4 and remained there until he missed a turn going into 4 on Lap 15 and was forced onto the run-off area. He quickly recovered and worked his way back into the field, ultimately finishing fifth. "It was a really hard and long race," said Yacamán. "I had a good start on the outside, and I was able to make up some positions. I was really cautious on the restart, but I was able to move up to second place before they stopped the race due to conditions. From then on, it was a really long race. I made a couple of mistakes going into Turn 4 that cost us a podium finish. But at the end of the day, I kept it off the wall and a finished a solid fifth. I really want to thank all my crew for their support and determination during the weekend. They did a great job. The 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season continues April 11 with the Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by Legacy Credit Union at Barber Motorsports Park. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at 3 p.m. (ET) by VERSUS. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, XM channel 145 and Sirius channel 211. The race also will be carried on www.indycar.com.
Mar 28 2010
HONDA GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG NOTEBOOK:
Heavy thunderstorms forced the postponement of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, scheduled for Sunday, March 28, until 10 a.m. (ET) Monday, March 29.
The IZOD IndyCar Series race to be televised Monday live at 10 a.m. (ET) on ESPN2
Pole sitter Will Power will lead the field to the green flag on the 14-turn, 1.8-mile circuit on the streets of St. Petersburg. Power is the series points leader after winning the season-opening Sao Paulo Indy 300 on March 14 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
This is the first IZOD IndyCar Series to be postponed by weather since the Indy Japan 300 in April 2008 at Twin Ring Motegi, won by Danica Patrick.
Sage Karam of Andretti Autosport swept both races for the Cooper Tires presents the USF2000 National Championship powered by Mazda at this event.
The USF2000 series is the entry level of the Road to Indy ladder system to reach the IZOD IndyCar Series. The middle level is the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear; the top level is Firestone Indy Lights.
The victories were the 49th and 50th for Michael Andretti as a team owner and the first two wins since his team was rebranded Andretti Autosport in late 2009.
ESPN pit reporter Jamie Little and boyfriend Cody Selman are engaged to be married. Selman proposed to Little in a waterfront park not far from the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Street Circuit on Saturday, March 27.
JAMIE LITTLE: "He said he wanted to go by the water, and I said, 'OK.' He got on one knee and did the whole thing. It's ironic it comes on an IndyCar weekend because his (Cody's) dad and brother are here (working for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing)." (About her engagement ring): "I'm left-handed, so it's not going to be easy to hide!"
The FAZZT Race Team announced Saturday that development driver Maryeve Dufault will compete in three Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear for the team in 2010.
Dufault, from Sorel, Quebec, will race May 29 at O'Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis, June 20 at Iowa Speedway and Aug. 15 at Trois-Rivieres in her native Quebec.
Dufault has an extensive racing background in karting, Formula Jim Russell, Skip Barber, Formula BMW and Star Mazda, and has tested in Formula 3 in England.
The Star Mazda series is the middle level of the Road to Indy ladder system to reach the IZOD IndyCar Series. The entry level is the Cooper Tires presents the USF2000 National Championship powered by Mazda; the top level is Firestone Indy Lights.
MARYEVE DUFAULT: "I am really excited to get back in the race car again, and I am so grateful for the support of the FAZZT Race Team in putting this program together. I've had experience in the Star Mazda Series, and with sponsor support I am looking forward to having a competitive ride and a good opportunity to hone my racing skills. I got the chance to watch the team in action today, and they look very professional and they seem to have an experienced group supporting the drivers."
Conor Daly won the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear race from the pole today. Daly, 18, from Noblesville, Ind., is the son of Indianapolis 500 and Formula One veteran Derek Daly.
The Star Mazda series is the middle level of the Road to Indy ladder system to reach the IZOD IndyCar Series. The entry level is the Cooper Tires presents the USF2000 National Championship powered by Mazda; the top level is Firestone Indy Lights.
Brendon Cleave will change the outside front tire for #77 Alex Tagliani today in the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, replacing crew chief Don Oldenburg.
Oldenburg suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee during an incident in the first pit stop at the Sao Paulo Indy 300 on March 14 and will have surgery in late April.
GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG (Firestone Indy Lights) POST-RACE NOTES:
•J.K. Vernay earned his first career Firestone Indy Lights victory in his first start in the series. The last driver to win in his first start was Junior Strous when he won this event in 2009.
•J.K. Vernay is the eighth driver to win in his first career Firestone Indy Lights start.
•The top two finishers in today's race, J.K. Vernay and Jan Heylen, made their first Firestone Indy Lights start.
•Third-place finisher Stefan Wilson made seven road/street course starts in Firestone Indy Lights in 2009 but still is classified as a series rookie in 2010.
•There were four series rookies among the top 10 finishers in today's race: J.K. Vernay (first), Jan Heylen (second), Stefan Wilson (third), James Winslow (seventh).
•Charlie Kimball finished fourth, tying his Firestone Indy Lights career best. He also was fourth in 2009 at Watkins Glen.
GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG (Firestone Indy Lights) POST-RACE QUOTES:
CHARLIE KIMBALL (No. 26 Levemir FlexPen, fourth): "We just held on. I made a little mistake early, and I got into Saavedra. Sorry about that. He was just going a little slower on slicks in the wet than I thought he should. But then we came in, and the guys did a great job changing the car. After that, it was all about being smart. Just hitting your marks and doing every lap as clean as possible."
JONATHAN SUMMERTON (No. 40 Wasteco Deans Knight Special, eighth): "When it started drying out in the middle stint, I was really looking forward to it staying green. We had a great car when it was dry. When it started downpouring there again, the car started to have a lot of oversteer. But it was a different race. You couldn't see anything in the end there. It was just like you were looking at nothing."
GUSTAVO YACAMAN (No. 10 Cape Motorsport with Wayne Taylor Racing, fifth): "It was a really hard and long race. I had a good start on the outside, and I was able to make up some positions. I was really cautious on the restart, but I was able to move up to second place before they stopped the race due to conditions. From then on, it was a really long race. I made a couple of mistakes going into Turn 4 that cost us a podium finish. But at the end of the day, I kept it off the wall and a finished a solid fifth. I really want to thank all my crew for their support and determination during the weekend. They did a great job."
PHILIP MAJOR (No. 49 Sam Schmidt Motorsports, 14th): "I made a mistake. I outbraked myself going into (Turn) 1, and I'm sorry it turned out the way it did."
STEFAN WILSON (No. 28 Bryan Herta Autosport, third): "I want to thank all my crew guys for working hard late last night. I started the weekend off pretty happy with my car. I was position one in practice and position three in the race. I thought it was going to be a good weekend, but it was a bit of a roller coaster in qualifying. We had a small mistake and it cost me a great amount, and I had to start from the back of the field in the race. That quickly changed when the rain started to come down. People started going off the road as it was pretty slick out there. The white lines on the runway were treacherous, and a lot of people started making mistakes in front of me. I was in the P5 position, and after we went green after the break, I started moving up."
JAN HEYLEN (No. 17 Team E, second): "I hope that there will be more entrants after this race. I hope we got people motivated. The conditions were difficult, especially in Turn 1. I think we made a bad setup on the car. It was too bad I couldn't give my good friend Stefan a run for his money during the race. It was nice being back in the car. I have not been racing for almost three years. So it's good to be back, and I really hope that I can race in some more this year. I very much enjoyed it."
J.K. VERNAY (No. 7 Lucas Slick Mist/Sam Schmidt Motorsports, winner): "I am really happy today. It was a very good weekend since the start of practice. I didn't know this track, so I had to learn a lot. It helped with the work I did with my team. We had a great setup on the car. Practice after practice, I was pushing more and more, and we were there, so it was good. It was hard not to have the pole, but I was very careful on the first lap. I didn't want to crash at the start of the race. It was great to win in my first weekend in Indy Lights."
HONDA GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG RAIN POSTPONEMENT QUOTES:
BRIAN BARNHART (President, Competition and Racing Operations Division, Indy Racing League): "It's disappointing because the rain just produced a situation where on the racetrack - and even off the racetrack - some of the areas in the grass, such as the infield of Turns 13 and 14, are literally ponds right now. There is standing water inside on the grass at Turns 1 and 2. Also an issue is there's a place coming out of the pits that you can't tell where the asphalt and the grass line is. But it's less of an issue with that than it is with the standing water and rivers on the parts of the racetrack that don't have very good drainage. While our cars are equipped to run in the rain, we take the safety of our teams, event workers and fans very seriously. And with those conditions, even with the Firestone Firehawk rain tires and rain lights that we have, visibility would still be an issue. Checking the radar, there's still heavy rain coming and anticipation of the rain continuing through the middle of the night, through maybe 3 and 4 a.m. So we just felt it was in the best interest of everybody. And even if it stopped raining right now and cleared up, the standing water and rivers that are out there would take a couple of hours to clear up the way it's raining right now."
RYAN HUNTER-REAY (No. 37 Team IZOD): "It's for sure disappointing. I think it's going to be wet out there tomorrow. The biggest disappointment is for the fans. This is probably the best turnout for the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg we've ever had, so to have them all out here and have them go home and come back out tomorrow is a disappointment for us. IZOD has been doing a lot of offseason advertising, and it's really ramped up for this U.S. race debut. Nonetheless, the series is very healthy, and everybody is ready to go."
HIDEKI MUTOH (No. 06 Formula Dream/Panasonic): "I think it was a good decision to postpone the race for the safety of the fans and the teams. If we were to go out and try to race, maybe there would only be one car that would finish. The fans deserve to see a good race, so I hope the ones that were here are able to come back. The car was good in the warm-up this morning, so I know it will be good for the race in regular conditions."
ALEX TAGLIANI (No. 77 FAZZT Race Team): "It is always disappointing to not get to race not just for the teams, but especially for the fans. They came here for a great street course event expecting beautiful weather, and now this. Racing on Monday is unfortunately never the same as racing Sunday. I think we will be ready to race tomorrow. Our car was ready to race in tough conditions, so we'll wait and see what the forecast is for the weather tomorrow and make our last-minute decisions based on things tomorrow."
VITOR MEIRA (No. 14 ABC Supply Co. A.J. Foyt Racing): "You can't complain about what you can't control, but this is disappointing for the fans. This could play to our advantage, who knows? It will change the mindset because it will be a new track tomorrow. It will be green and have no grip, plus it will change a lot throughout the race. Adaptation is going to be key."
GRAHAM RAHAL (No. 67 Dollar General/Sarah Fisher Racing): "I'm disappointed the race didn't happen, but it just wasn't safe for any of us to be on track. I went around with Dario (Franchitti) and Brian Barnhart, and it was nowhere near racing conditions. I love driving in the rain and would have been the first to do it, but today it wasn't meant to be. Now we will focus on preparing ourselves and making everything better for tomorrow."
Firestone Indy Lights Grand Prix of St Petersburg
St. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Results Sunday of the Honda Grand Prix of St Petersburg Firestone Indy Lights event on the 1.8-mile Street of St Petersburg circuit, with order of finish, starting position in parentheses, driver, laps completed and reason out (if any):
1. (2) JK Vernay, 35, Running, $30,000
2. (4) Jan Heylen, 35, Running, $22,500
3. (14) Stefan Wilson, 35, Running, $19,000
4. (7) Charlie Kimball, 35, Running, $16,000
5. (10) Gustavo Yacaman, 35, Running, $15,000
6. (5) Martin Plowman, 35, Running, $14,500
7.(6) James Winslow, 35, Running, $14,000
8. (8) Jonathan Summerton, 35, Running, $14,500
9. (16) Rodrigo Barbosa, 34, Running, $13,000
10.(12) Junior Strous, 34, Running, $12,500
11.(15) Carmen Jorda, 33, Running, $13,000
12.(3) Sebastian Saavedra, 25, Contact, $11,500
13.(13) Pippa Mann, 6, Mechanical, $13,500
14.(9) Philip Major, 1, Contact, $10,500
15.(1) James Hinchcliffe, 0, Contact, $10,000
16.(11) Adrian Campos Jr., 0, Contact, $9,000
Race Statistics
Winners average 60.924 mph
Time of Race: 46:12.5228
Margin of victory: 11.2338 seconds
Cautions: 4 for 10 laps
Lead changes: 1 between 2 drivers
Lap Leaders: Saavedra 1 - 4, Vernay 5 - 35
Point standings: Vernay 52, Heylen 40, Wilson 35, Kimball 32, Yacaman 30, Plowman 28, Winslow 26, Summerton 24, Barbosa 22, Strous 20
Mar 27 2010
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., (Saturday, March 27, 2010) - Will Power continued his domination on the 1.8-mile, 14-turn temporary street course alongside scenic Tampa Bay by claiming the PEAK Pole Award for the sixth Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg with a quick lap of 1 minute, 1.6026 seconds (105.190 mph) in the Firestone Fast Six session.
It is the third pole start in his IZOD IndyCar Series career. The previous times he won at Edmonton and was runner-up at Long Beach in 2009.
Power won the season opener on another temporary street course two weeks ago in Brazil in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske entry, and had topped every practice session time chart this weekend. He set the track qualifying record in the second round of qualifications at 1:01.4816 (the record had been 1:01.6839 in 2007 by Helio Castroneves).
The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg starts at 3:30 p.m. (ET) Sunday. The 100-lap race will be broadcast live on ABC and the IMS Radio Network.
Tony Kanaan, who also participated in the Firestone Fast Six in Brazil, will join Power on the front row for the 100-lap race. He posted a quick lap of 1:01.8797 in the Team 7-Eleven car for Andretti Autosport.
Scott Dixon (1:02.0820), making his series-record 34th consecutive top-10 start, and Justin Wilson (1:02.1992) will share Row 2, while Castroneves (1:02.2118; a two-time St. Pete winner) and Marco Andretti (1:02.3461) will occupy Row 3.
Ryan Hunter-Reay, who finished second to Ryan Briscoe in the '09 race, missed advancing to the Firestone Fast Six by .0014 of a second and will start seventh in the No. 37 IZOD car for Andretti Autosport. He'll be joined on the fourth row by FAZZT Race Team driver Alex Tagliani. KV Racing Technology's E.J. Viso and Mike Conway of Dreyer & Reinbold Racing will start on Row 5.
Dario Franchitti failed to qualify for the Firestone Fast Six for the first time when he was knocked out in the first round. Franchitti, the reigning series champion, started from the pole for the season opener March 14 in Brazil and was the only driver to participate in all seven Firestone Fast Six sessions in '09. He'll start 13th in the No. 10 Cottonelle car for Target Chip Ganassi Racing, his lowest road/street course starting position since 21st in 2005 at Infineon Raceway.
Graham Rahal, competing this weekend for Sarah Fisher Racing in the No. 67 Dollar General car, will start 16th. He won the race in 2008 and was the pole sitter last year.
In Firestone Indy Lights qualifying, James Hinchcliffe earned his first career pole in the series with a top lap of 1:06.3497, 97.664. Rookie J.K. Vernay will join him on the front row after posting a top lap of 1:06.4814, 97.471.
The 45-lap Grand Prix of St. Petersburg for Firestone Indy Lights starts at 12:45 p.m. Sunday.
HONDA GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG NOTEBOOK:
James Davison, who competed in Firestone Indy Lights Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in 2008 and 2009, is at St. Petersburg this weekend working as a driver coach for Rodrigo Barbosa in Firestone Indy Lights and Milka Duno in the IZOD IndyCar Series. Davison is recovering from internal injuries suffered in a snowboarding accident in February.
JAMES DAVISON: "I'm just trying to make the best of my off time." Petraeus is the grand marshal of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. GEN. DAVID PETRAEUS: "I've had a broken pelvis and I've been shot, but none of that compares with what these great young troopers are going through, and the spirit that they display I find absolutely inspirational," he said. "They often thank us for giving them energy; it's the other way around." *** Sage Karam of Andretti Autosport won the pole today for the Cooper Tires presents the USF2000 National Championship powered by Mazda race with a top lap of 1 minute, 13.384 seconds, 88.303 mph. The USF2000 series is the entry level of the Road to Indy ladder system to reach the IZOD IndyCar Series. The middle level is the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear; the top level is Firestone Indy Lights. Karam, 15, from Nazareth, Pa., signed with Andretti Autosport earlier this month as part of the team's driver development program through the Road to Indy. SAGE KARAM: "We ended up qualifying P1 by seven-tenths of a second. We definitely picked up some speed. It really gives me a strong mental game going in knowing that I'm on the front row, and I really have a good shot at winning the race. I couldn't have done it without the crew; my manager, Michael Fux; Michael Andretti; Comfort Revolution and all of our sponsors. I'm so happy with our results today." *** Conor Daly won the pole today for the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear race with a top lap of 1 minute, 10.352 seconds, 92.108 mph. The Star Mazda series is the middle level of the Road to Indy ladder system to reach the IZOD IndyCar Series. The entry level is the Cooper Tires presents the USF2000 National Championship powered by Mazda; the top level is Firestone Indy Lights. Daly, 18, from Noblesville, Ind., is the son of Indianapolis 500 and Formula One veteran Derek Daly. PEAK PERFORMANCE POLE QUALIFYING NOTES: •This is the third career IZOD IndyCar Series pole for Will Power and his first this season. He also won the pole at Long Beach and Edmonton in 2009. Power won at Edmonton and finished second at Long Beach. •This is the 48th pole position for Team Penske in IZOD IndyCar Series competition, extending its series record. •This is the second pole at this event for Team Penske. Helio Castroneves won the pole and race in 2007. •Tony Kanaan qualified second, his best starting spot on a road/street circuit since winning the pole for this event in 2008. •Dario Franchitti failed to qualify for the Firestone Fast Six for the first time in his IZOD IndyCar Series career. Franchitti won the pole for the season-opening Sao Paulo Indy 300 on March 14, and he was the only driver to appear in all seven Firestone Fast Six sessions in 2009. Franchitti didn't race in the series in 2008, but he earned a spot in the Firestone Fast Six in all five road/street course events in 2007, when the program started. •Dario Franchitti will start 13th, his lowest road/street course grid position since qualifying 21st in 2005 at Infineon Raceway. This is Franchitti's 200th start in Indy car racing. •Ryan Briscoe qualified 19th, the lowest starting spot of his IZOD IndyCar Series career on a road/street course. PEAK PERFORMANCE POLE QUALIFYING QUOTES: WILL POWER (No. 12 Verizon Team Penske, pole): "It's a good weekend so far for Verizon Team Penske. We're still at the front, and so I'm very happy. It's been a process. We've been working away at it and go through each session and look after our reds (tires). I came away with pole. We would have been disappointed if we didn't given our pace this weekend." DARIO FRANCHITTI (No. 10 Cottonelle, 13th): "We had a good run, and the car didn't slow down at all. Briscoe had some problems of his own, and I caught him in Turn 8 and got held up. That was unfortunate. The guys made some great changes to the car, and we were pretty quick after the crash in practice yesterday." RYAN BRISCOE (No. 6 Team Penske, 19th): "We were the first car to go out on red tires and then we went to blacks, and it was really just bad timing. The track got quite a bit quicker, and we needed to be on reds at the end of the session. It's a bit disappointing as the Team Penske car has been fast all weekend and we have a good car for the race, but we're going to be starting from farther back than we should be. We'll be all right. I have a great crew and the best race strategist there is. We just have to avoid any first-lap accidents, and we should be able to have a solid race." GRAHAM RAHAL (No. 67 Dollar General/Sarah Fisher Racing, 16th): (How can you improve the car?): "To be honest, I couldn't tell you. We're going to bounce ideas off each other. I've tried to give all the ideas of all the things I remember from years past, and nothing is working. The car reacts so little to every change we make. I've run out of ideas. The problem is there's no grip for me. No matter how hard I push, it's not there. We'll just try to keep working tonight. We're not going to give up. You never know what can happen. But there's a lot of work to be done." DAN WHELDON (No. 4 National Guard Panther Racing, 15th, St. Petersburg resident): "It was a good day out there; it was just very close. The Panther Racing National Guard car is working very well. You know sometimes how it goes. But I think we have a really good race car, and as anybody knows, anything can happen on these street courses. We've got a few things to work on in the warm-up, and I think we'll have a car similar to Sao Paulo. So we're really excited about the race." (About the forecast for rain Sunday): "If it rains, it's the same for everybody. So we have to make sure we're on top of that and make appropriate decisions." MARIO ROMANCINI (H2GO Ronn Motors, 18th): "We definitely made a big improvement from yesterday. We were much closer to the fastest car and being as quick as we would like. We may not have the best starting position, but we do have the pace. I am very happy with the car setup and am confident that we will run well tomorrow." HIDEKI MUTOH (No. 06 Formula Dream/Panasonic, 12th): "The car was understeering in the morning session, and we made a change to improve it. The car was then very 'pointy' on the entry, and I had turned into the corner as I had been doing before, but the car suddenly turned too much and I brushed the wall in the entry of Turn 9 and made contact with the other wall on exit. It was my mistake. I had been up two-tenths of a second, so, for sure, the Formula Dream/Panasonic car had improved with the change. The guys did a fantastic job to get the backup car ready for qualifying. I thought I wouldn't be able to make it to the session, but at the last second I was getting in the car. The car wasn't perfect, but still I was able to make it to the next stage in qualifying. I feel so bad for the guys because I think I had a car to finish in the top six, but it just didn't work out. I couldn't put everything that had happened out of my mind today for qualifying. I was watching the guys, and they did a fantastic job. But they didn't have time to do everything they wanted to do. They had no time for the alignment and stuff like that and, in the cockpit, the steering wasn't straight. It definitely added some pressure, but I saw the effort the guys were making and knew I had to maximize my effort, as well." RAPHAEL MATOS (No. 2 HP Luczo Dragon, 23rd): "It was a frustrating qualifying for us. We did improve the car from the morning session but obviously not enough against a really good field. The team is trying really hard to figure out the problem. There is such imbalance with the car, and that has made it very difficult. We will keep working at it. It's a long race, and we'll probably have to gamble a bit on our strategy tomorrow, but we will be there to compete." MARCO ANDRETTI (No. 26 Team Venom Energy, sixth): "Looking at our last couple of years, we are to be pleased to be in the Fast Six. I think we kind of did the right thing the first two rounds, but we made a bit of a setup error in the Fast Six, so unfortunately we weren't able to have a go at the pole. But not a bad effort for the Venom crew. The good thing is I think Andretti Autosport cars are starting to show some pace. We have been working really hard in the offseason on it, so hats off to everyone." JUSTIN WILSON (No. 22 Team Z-Line Designs/DRR, fourth): "The car was really good. I felt happy with the progress we made in the week's session, and I felt we are making progress. It was good. We decided to run on the Firestone tires, with the sidewall, because we were being a bit too hard on our red options, so decided to go in the blacks and thought it was good. Came out ninth, went down to 10:10 on my second lap and the brake pedal went all the way down to the bulkhead. I just didn't have enough brakes there. It just got worse and worse as the run went on. Every trip around was an adventure and in the end, I decided to come in and park the car. I couldn't get the job done. Best to not put it in the wall trying to find one position on the grid. So I'm pretty happy with the way things are going. The whole team at Dreyer & Reinbold Racing is improving, and hopefully we'll have a good day tomorrow." HELIO CASTRONEVES (No. 3 Team Penske, fifth): "It's great. It's great to be back. It's great to see the fans, everybody to kind of give you greetings. For me, it's just awesome. This place, first of all, it's a beautiful city, beautiful place. As you can see, the people from here really enjoy having the IZOD IndyCar Series here. So, it's great. It's nice to be back on a groove. My plan here with Mr.Power, he has too much power, and I guess he is breaking his back last year, using a little more power, so might break his legs this time. Certainly he's done a great job. We just want him to obviously continue doing well, but we can't let him get too many points. Otherwise, we're going to be in trouble. Tomorrow is going to be a good race. I think as long as everybody will be OK on the start, I tried that conversation with Takuma Sato, and it didn't work, so please, here, let's make sure - (laughter). It was great, it's tough out there, the guys are really pushing as hard as they can to make the top six, and for me, it's just much better. Hopefully we collect more points than the Brazil race and keep moving forward." TONY KANAAN (No. 11 Team 7-Eleven, second): "It feels good. I haven't started in a while, actually, on the front row. I think we did a great job. We took a gamble on the tires. We went out on the blacks in the Fast Six, and it paid off. I think once I realized that we are quite a bit away from where -- we might as well just see what we can do and take a gamble. It's nice to have Michael Andretti there because I was keen to start on the reds, and he said, 'No, no, going to the blacks.' And we can't say no to the boss. So I said, 'All right, the blacks.' It's a whole different atmosphere on the 11 team right now. I am enjoying it. Hopefully no one had hits me from behind like in Brazil, and we will be able to have a good race tomorrow." ALEX TAGLIANI (No. 77 FAZZT Race Team, eighth): "I think the team did a fantastic job. We are trying to get ourselves in the window so we can roll the car out of the truck and be where we want to be, and that is tough without a bunch of data. So despite our start yesterday, we were able to make up that ground between yesterday and today, so that was good. In Round One, we were P2 and looking good and then made some changes for Round 2, and it seems like we hurt the car a little bit and we were about a 1/10th off of where we thought we should be, and that hurt us a bit and kept us out of the Firestone Fast Six. A little bit disappointing but a great job for the team. But again, we are in the top 10 for the second week in a row. Now we are thinking about the race, and it's going to be tough tomorrow and require us to make the right choice on the tire compound for the start of the race and making sure we don't get caught in a full-course yellow. We need to have a good strategy for tomorrow and hope to be right in there at the end." SCOTT DIXON (No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing, third): "I think the team did a good job. We had a seventh-place car and worked on it and generally got better. I like to think I generally race better than qualifying, because qualifying has been pretty bad the last few years on street courses. Looking forward to the race. I think weather is going to be an issue, too, so might stir it up a little bit like Brazil, but definitely looking forward to it. Should be a fun race. I think everybody had a bit of a problem at start in Brazil. Everybody got hit, maybe, but that made it interesting." E.J. VISO (No. 8 PDVSA-Jet Aviation-KVRT, ninth): "The qualifying session for the PDVSA-KV Racing Technology team didn't go as well as we had shown in practice this morning. However, we are in the top-10 and the race is long, so I think with a good strategy and car we will have a good race tomorrow." TAKUMA SATO (No. 5 Lotus-KV Racing Technology, 11th): "It was an eventful day for the Lotus-KV Racing team. I wasn't particularly happy with the balance of the car in the morning practice session, and I hit the curb. In qualifying, I was reasonably happy with the balance and was able to put the lap times together to move into the second round. However, in the second session I got a wheel-related mechanical problem, which caused the wheel to come loose. After that, we ran out of time to make to make the best use of the session. I was unable to put competitive lap times together with the little time I had left. We will work hard tonight and be ready for warm-up tomorrow, and I still think that we will have a good race." DANICA PATRICK (No. 7 Team GoDaddy.com, 21st): "It's really amazing how close the starting grid is. My lap time isn't too far off, but I'm starting in the back of the field. The GoDaddy car is stronger than the times show, so hopefully we have a result that shows just that." RYAN HUNTER-REAY (No. 37 Team IZOD, seventh): "We're disappointed with seventh, and that means the IZOD team has a pretty strong effort going. We missed out on making the Firestone Fast Six by just thousandths of a second and missed being in the top three by half-a-tenth. It's just ridiculously close, and that's the way I felt it would be. We'll go out and do what we did in Brazil. We'll do a good solid race, the guys will do great stops and we'll work our way to the front. The Andretti cars are obviously strong; Marco and Tony are right up there with us, and that is good to see." •This is the first career Firestone Indy Lights pole for James Hinchcliffe. His previous best starting position was second in 2009 at Mid-Ohio. FIRESTONE INDY LIGHTS QUALIFYING QUOTES: AMES HINCHCLIFFE (No. 2 TMR - Xtreme Coil Drilling, pole): "Pole is a fantastic place to start, and it's such a great way to start the season. Huge thanks to all the Team Moore guys. Our deal came together really late, but we were able to put together a great group of people. All their hard work paid off. Hopefully we can keep the car underneath us for 45 laps. Just a great way to start. I'm really, really pleased." J.K. VERNAY (No. 7 Lucas Slick Mist/Sam Schmidt Motorsports, second): "Being on the first row is a good thing, but I really wanted to be on the pole because it is an advantage for the first corner here. It's not bad. We have the performance, and the car is really fast. We worked really well with my engineer (Tim Neff). I know I don't have to take too much risk because I need to score points for the championship, but we will see what happens tomorrow. I'm happy, but it would have been nice to win the pole for my first race." SEBASTIAN SAAVEDRA (No. 29 Bryan Herta Autosport, third): "It was a very interesting qualifying session. I had an incredible car coming out of the second practice session, but with the temperature, the track was really slippery. We had to make some changes to compensate, but we were right there. A lot of people were nervous for those last 10 minutes. There was a very critical three minutes to go, and I was trying to save to try to do my best, but a yellow flag didn't let me. I think third place is good. I am going to try to keep it safe for the first corner and go for it in the race." STEFAN WILSON (No. 28 Bryan Herta Autosport, 14th): "I had quite a bit of understeer in the first half of the session. We came in and made a good change, and the car felt really good. We made it up into the top five on old tires, and I was feeling really confident for when we put new tires on that we were going to get right up there. I just tried pushing a bit too hard on these old tires. I went into Turn 8 and went for the downshift, and I might have had a gearbox problem because I couldn't get down the gears. I went down to second gear very late on, and it just took the rear of the car out and then it sent me into a spin and into the wall. It is very disappointing for the whole team. I think we were quick enough to be in the top three. I have a lot of work to do tomorrow, but I think we will have a good race car. I had a similar thing last year, so I am used to passing on this circuit. Hopefully, I will be able to make this up in the race." SUNDAY'S SCHEDULE (all times local): 7a.m.
Army Gen. David Petraeus, the Commander of U.S. Central Command and former Commanding General of the Multi-National Force in Iraq, was reunited with wounded Army veteran Brian Brennan at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg for the inaugural 5K Run, Walk and Wheel-a-thon Friday, March 26 to support spinal cord injury/paralysis research and wounded veterans. More than 1,200 participated in the event, including Brennan and Petraeus.
FIRESTONE INDY LIGHTS QUALIFYING NOTES:
Garages open
8:55-9:15 a.m.
Firestone Indy Lights warm-up
9:30-10 a.m.
IZOD IndyCar Series warm-up
12:45 p.m.
Start, Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Firestone Indy Lights race (45 laps)
2:45 p.m.
Pre-race ceremonies begin, Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg IZOD IndyCar Series race
3:45 p.m.
Start, Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg IZOD IndyCar Series race (100 laps, live on ABC, IMS Radio Network)
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Qualifying Saturday for the Honda Grand Prix of St Petersburg
Will Power takes the pole Position
picture from indycar.com
IZOD IndyCar Series event on the 1.8- mile Streets of St Petersburg Street Circuit
starting position, car number, driver, chassis-engine, time and speed
1. (12) Will Power, Dallara-Honda, 1:01.6026 (105.190) ST. PETERSBURG — Danica Patrick is in her sixth season of IndyCar racing and has only a month of NASCAR experience, but as the IRL adds more street-course racing to its schedule, that decision could play a role in Patrick's future in racing. "I don't think it's the greatest place for us to display excitement for the fans," Patrick said after a practice session Friday. "I just think we aren't as exciting as we could be on the road courses." St. Petersburg was the first street race in IndyCar series history in 2005. The sixth edition of the local race is Sunday with action on the track beginning Friday. This year's 17-race schedule includes nine non-oval races. Patrick said the lack of competition from different manufacturers has made the IndyCars too much alike, making it difficult to pass in the tight constraints of a street course. "People like to talk about the glory days of (open-wheel racing) when there was a whole bunch of street courses and road courses, and there was also the days of multiple manufacturers all over the place. There was some separation between people. Now you just don't have that. It's all the same. It's very difficult to be faster than someone else." Patrick said she's thinking not of herself but of the league's future when she talks about more oval racing for the IRL. "At the end of the day if people stop watching us, then no sponsors are going to go on the cars and there'll be no cars to go around the track," she said. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., (Friday, March 26, 2010) - IZOD IndyCar Series points leader Will Power, who won the season opener two weeks ago in Brazil, topped the lap time chart on another temporary street circuit March 26 at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg with a best of 1 minute, 2.3200 seconds (103.979 mph) in a Team Penske machine. Qualifying starts at 1:20 p.m. (ET) Saturday on the 1.8-mile, 14-turn course on the streets of St. Petersburg. Target Chip Ganassi Racing's Scott Dixon also was quick - second on the lap chart with a best of 1:03.0299 (102.808). Dreyer & Reinbold Racing's Justin Wilson, who finished third in last year's race, was third overall (1:03.0576) and Andretti Autosport's Tony Kanaan (1:03.0615) was fourth. Teammate Ryan Hunter-Reay, who was runner-up in both the Brazil and '09 St. Pete races, was fifth overall (1:03.0763). KV Racing Technology teammates E.J. Viso (1:03.0890) and Takuma Sato (1:03.0930) were sixth and seventh, respectively, while Marco Andretti (1:03.2866) was eighth. Two-time St. Pete winner Helio Castroneves (1:03.2884) was ninth and Graham Rahal, who is competing for Sarah Fisher Racing this weekend, was 10th (1:03.3220). Also on March 26, Martin Plowman was the quickest driver in practice for the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg for Firestone Indy Lights, turning a top lap of 1:08.1958 (95.021). James Hinchcliffe was second at 1:08.2288 (94.975), with Stefan Wilson third at 1:08:3467, 94.811. Qualifying for the first Firestone Indy Lights race of the season starts at 3:10 p.m. Saturday. HONDA GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG NOTEBOOK: St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster will wave the green flag to start the sixth Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Foster, 46, a longtime local attorney, was elected in 2009 to lead Florida's fourth-largest city. He succeeded Rick Baker, a former Indianapolis resident, who was instrumental in bringing the IZOD IndyCar Series race to the city streets. ABC will broadcast the first of its five IZOD IndyCar Series races this weekend. Marty Reid and Scott Goodyear will be the announcers. ABC's schedule also includes the Indianapolis 500 on May 30, marking the 46th consecutive year that "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" will air on ABC, as well as events at Kansas Speedway, Watkins Glen International and Toronto. Reporting from the pits will be Rick DeBruhl, Jamie Little and Vince Welch. For the Indianapolis 500, former race winner Eddie Cheever will be an analyst with Reid and Goodyear in the booth for the third year. Jerry Punch returns to Indy as a fourth pit reporter. Brent Musburger will host the Indy telecast. SCOTT GOODYEAR: "The addition of road courses has put a lot more interest back into who's driving the car. Drivers can make up the difference and the deficiency sometimes in a car that's not very good on a road course, whereas on an oval, if you don't have a good car, you're generally not going to find yourself up toward the front. I look for some surprising teams to show some new strength this year in the IZOD IndyCar Series, and although they might not be fighting for wins each and every weekend, I think they're going to surprise some people by stealing some podium spots and maybe even stealing some race victories throughout the season." (About Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg): "At the end of the high-speed straightaway there, the runway, you have a great opportunity for passing. But it's also an opportunity for people to get themselves into trouble because they get over-anxious and over-drive the car. It's one of the best places to watch." Dan Wheldon will launch his "Lionheart" photo book this weekend at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. At noon Saturday, Wheldon will make a 30-minute appearance at the IZOD IndyCar Series merchandise tent on Bayshore Drive to autograph copies of his limited-edition book. DAN WHELDON: "This 'Lionheart' book has been three years in the making, so to launch it in my hometown at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is really exciting for me. Lionheart documents my IndyCar Series career starting with my rookie year in 2003 through my Indy 500 win, to this season with Panther Racing. It gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at my life both on and off the racetrack. I think people who buy this book are really going to enjoy the candid moments captured by photographer Michael Voorhees, and I can't thank him enough for his hard work and support on this project." Ryan Briscoe and Team Penske will play host to several pilots from MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa over the race weekend. Briscoe met the pilots earlier this month when he visited the base and had the opportunity to tour a KC-135 refueling plane during an advance media visit to promote the race. Cottonelle will serve as the primary sponsor of the No.10 Target Chip Ganassi Racing car of reigning IZOD IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti this weekend. Franchitti will be making his 200th open-wheel racing start (86th in the IZOD IndyCar Series). Tampa Bay Buccaneers running backs Carnell "Cadillac" Williams and Clifton Smith were among the riders in the Indy Racing Experience two-seater Thursday, March 25 on the 1.8-mile, 14-turn St. Petersburg street circuit. Williams and Smith, a 2009 Pro Bowl selection, also plan to attend the race Sunday. CLIFTON SMITH: (About Indy Racing Experience two-seater ride): "Man, what a ride. I was thrown from side to side. I'd love to do it again." A total of $2,200 was raised for the not-for-profit Best Friends Animal Society in a charity endurance kart race at Andersen RacePark in Palmetto, Fla. Members of the public were paired with professional racers. A team including Firestone Indy Lights driver Jonathan Summerton won the race. The Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear and the USF2000 Championship will run on the same weekend with the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights for the first time in St. Petersburg as part of the Road to Indy program. Both series also will run alongside the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights in June at Iowa Speedway. The Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear opened its season last weekend at Sebring International Raceway with Tristan Vautier taking the checkered flag. ESPN on ABC's coverage of the 2009 Indianapolis 500 recently earned two Sports Emmy Award nominations, in the Outstanding Live Sports Special and Outstanding Production Design/Art Direction categories. Award winners will be announced Monday, April 26. KV Racing Technology will return the famous Lotus name and colors to the Indianapolis 500 in May with driver Takuma Sato. Lotus won the 1965 Indianapolis 500 with Jim Clark behind the wheel. Sato will debut the iconic green-and-yellow Lotus colors in the IZOD IndyCar Series this weekend at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. DANY BEHAR (CEO, Group Lotus, plc): "Racing has always defined Lotus, and on many occasions in motorsports history, Lotus' numerous innovations have redefined racing. It's only fitting that as the Lotus Racing name re-enters Formula One, we will also race and innovate again in IndyCar. The Lotus name will once again compete in the top two open-wheel racing series for the passion and enthusiasm of car fans around the globe." Andretti Autosport announced today it has signed 15-year-old American driver Zach Veach as the team's second entry in the USF2000 National Championship presented by Cooper Tires and powered by Mazda. Veach's season will start May 29 at O'Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis. Veach joins Sage Karam, a 15-year-old driver from Nazareth, Pa., as a part of Andretti Autosport's debut in the new Road to Indy ladder system. Veach, from Stockdale, Ohio, has been successful at various levels of karting and participated in an aggressive Formula BMW Americas testing program that included nearly 30 days on track. He was set in 2010 to become the youngest driver in the 37-year history of the Atlantic Championship before that series ceased operations in early March. ZACH VEACH: "I am sure with the sanction of the Indy Racing League, a bright future is ahead for the USF2000 Series. I have dreamed of driving IndyCar since I was a small child and look at this opportunity as bringing me one step closer to this dream. To be able to compete in the series with a team like Andretti Autosport is incredibly humbling for me." MICHAEL ANDRETTI (President and CEO, Andretti Autosport): "We are extremely pleased to announce Zach as our newest USF2000 driver. His quick success in the go-karting world and Formula BMW series proves his commitment to a high level of racing. I think he'll have a smooth transition into the USF2000 series with Andretti Autosport, and I am confident he will grow to become an established part of the Indy Racing League through the Road to Indy ladder system." For nearly 20 years, the Team USA Scholarship has served as a launching pad for young American drivers to immerse themselves in international auto racing. That proven track record is why the Indy Racing League will lend its support the program through the Road to Indy ladder system. Drivers such as Jimmy Vasser, Bryan Herta, Buddy Rice, Jeff Simmons, Phil Giebler, A.J. Allmendinger and J.R. Hildebrand have used the scholarship to gain notoriety at an early stage in their careers. Team USA Scholarship President Jeremy Shaw hopes that future scholarship winners can follow their path through the Road to Indy. TONY GEORGE JR. (Manager of Business Development, Firestone Indy Lights): "The Team USA scholarship gives young drivers the opportunity during our off season to go and gain valuable experience outside the country. Past scholarship winners have been successful at the upper levels of the sport and the more recent ones are coming back to race in the Road to Indy series, so it's a natural fit for us. The winners learn how to handle adversity in a completely new environment, and as we've learned from backing the program in Firestone Indy Lights the last two years, it is a successful program that we should support." JEREMY SHAW (President, Team USA Scholarship): "I'm thrilled with what the Indy Racing League is doing with the Road to Indy system. It's absolutely perfect. There are really so many opportunities for young drivers to move on up, and I think it's great that they have managed to get back on site. In fact, two of our winners are both in the Star Mazda Championship. So I think it shows the system is there." IZOD INDYCAR SERIES POST-PRACTICE QUOTES: WILL POWER (No. 12 Verizon Team Penske, first): "It was a good day. We are getting the car better each session. After this run, the car is more like what I like to drive. It feels good. There is a long weekend ahead of us, with weather and everything. But I am feeling good going into tomorrow." SCOTT DIXON (No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing, second): "Practice went OK. The car was not great. We had quite a few issues in the morning session, and the second session didn't start too well. We ended up second, but we are still a long ways from Will. Dario hit the wall, and I was expecting that he would have been pretty quick, as well. We have a lot of work to do. Hopefully we can carry some of the momentum from today into tomorrow and make some good changes." JUSTIN WILSON (No. 22 Team Z-Line Designes/DRR, third): "The track conditions were good. No problems. From the morning to the afternoon, we made some geometry changes, and the car had good balance. We just need to work on the brakes, and we will be right on. We have a chance to be a top-three car and, with any luck, win this thing." RAFAEL MATOS (No. 2 HP Luczo Dragon, 19th): "We are definitely not where we want to be, and we have a lot of work ahead of us. The good news is we made great progress from the morning to the afternoon, and there is a lot of room for improvement. Now it's up to us to study the data, sit down and talk and figure out what we're going to do for tomorrow." HIDEKI MUTOH (No. 06 Formula Dream/Panasonic, 12th): "The Formula Dream/Panasonic car was very good from the get-go, and we were fifth fastest in the first session. We made a change to the car between the sessions, and I think it was a good one. We are improving little-by-little. It was very hard to get a clear lap in the afternoon session, and it was hard for me to put everything together when we did have a mostly clear lap. And my last lap was the best lap, so we will try to continue the progress tomorrow. We have a couple more things to do to improve the car, and I need to drive better to get the most out of it." RYAN BRISCOE (No. 6 Team Penske, 13th): "It is great to be back in St. Pete. The car is good, and we learned a few things in that session. I think the Team Penske car will be strong this weekend. We just need to stay consistent throughout the weekend and execute on Sunday. It should be an interesting qualifying and I feel very good going into Sunday's race." HELIO CASTRONEVES (No. 3 Team Penske, ninth): "After not racing here in St. Pete last season, it's good to be back. I really missed this place. We have a little bit of work to do on the No. 3 Team Penske car, but we are definitely going in the right direction. Qualifying is going to be very important here, so we need to make sure we have a strong day on Saturday so we can be in a good position on Sunday to try and get the win." MARIO ROMANCINI (No. 34 H2GO Ronn Motors, 22nd): "I spent the day today adjusting this track in the new car. We were able to get some good data to use for improving the car tonight. By tomorrow, we will have made a few changes to try during the morning session, which should hopefully allow us to qualifying well in the afternoon." E.J. VISO (No. 8 PDVSA-Jet Aviation-KVRT, sixth): "The PDVSA - KV Racing Technology had a good recovery after this morning's practice session. The team did a great job, and if it wasn't for getting caught up in traffic on my last lap, I would have had a good chance of finishing second. I feel very happy with how the car felt, and I think tomorrow's qualifying will hopefully prove that. TAKUMA SATO (No. 5 Lotus-KV Racing Technology, seventh): "It was great to debut the new Lotus-KV Racing Technology car here in St. Petersburg. The circuit was very interesting, still a little bumpy but not nearly as much as Brazil, with some high-speed sections, which is great fun. We are always improving our setup to have a good car, but overall it was a very productive day, and I look forward to tomorrow." ALEX TAGLIANI (No. 77 FAZZT Race Team, 11th): "Today has been OK. It has pretty much been the same thing as Brazil. I think we are strong team, but we are still searching left and right on the scope of the setups. I think we're going to find it and be right up there in qualifying tomorrow. What we're lacking right now is the data. We don't have enough data on all the tracks right now where we can put all the setups in a funnel and have them come out and say, 'Here is the window we need to be in to unload the car from the truck and be in the top five.' So we're still trying all kinds of things each session, and we definitely still have some work to do. But we are creeping up on it; we have gotten better each outing. We are going to make some pretty big changes for tomorrow morning and hope that we are more in the scope of what this car needs to be fast." GRAHAM RAHAL (No. 67 Dollar General/Sarah Fisher Racing, 10th): "I think overall it was a pretty good day for myself and Sarah Fisher Racing (SFR). I think we made some ground up that last session and made the car a little bit better. We've still got a bit of work to do to make it more secure for me and to find some speed for the rest of the weekend, but I feel like we're headed in the right general direction. Now we've just got to hone in on what's going to make the car better and faster and keep the tires alive at the same time. We had one really good run on old tires and we went pretty darn quick, so that was good. But there's still a lot of work to be done." MARCO ANDRETTI (No. 26 Team Venom Energy, eighth): "Overall, I'm pretty happy with where we're at with the Venom car right now. We made really good improvements as a team from this morning, and that's encouraging. We still have some work to do to put ourselves in a better position for qualifying, but I think we've got something good to work with." RYAN HUNTER-REAY (No. 37 Team IZOD, fifth): "The IZOD car is pretty good, but the competition is so close - really tight here. To end the first day in the top five is a good indicator of where we're at, but we've got some work to do. The car is nowhere near where we need it to be for qualifying, by any means. And, I think this will be one of the closer qualifying sessions we've ever seen, based on the times we saw today. But, still, it was a solid day for the IZOD team. Now we'll go back, look at the data and see where we need to go next." TONY KANAAN (No. 11 Team 7-Eleven, fourth): "I'm pleased, but it's just Friday. We don't need to get ahead of ourselves yet. But it was a good start. The team, as a whole, is very competitive, which is good. We can feed off each other. Now, we just need to get all the data together, make the right changes to the 7-Eleven car for the morning and get ready to get into the Firestone Fast Six." DANICA PATRICK (No. 7 Team GoDaddy.com, 21st): "I have to say that I'm pretty frustrated with my overall times today, but at the same time, I'm only eight tenths of a second off 'P2.' I'm going to get with my teammates and see what we can do to get the GoDaddy car up to speed. So I'm grateful for the practice session we have before qualifying tomorrow." MARTIN PLOWMAN (No. 27 Automatic Fire Sprinklers/KEP Printing, first): "It is great to get this season off to a start. To be position one in practice is great. They don't give points or a trophy for practice, but it is a nice confidence-booster to know we had a fast car. I am not completely happy with the car the way it is. It is good, but we need some more things to get the pole on Saturday. I feel confident that it is going to be a great weekend." JAMES HINCHCLIFFE (No. 2 TMR - Xtreme Coil Drilling, second): "I think we had a really solid race car. We rolled of the trailer with something decent and picked away at it. Every change we made, we were able to find a gain. From our point of view, it gave us the confidence to keep on the setup track that we have been on. Not only fast, but the car was consistent at the end there. I am really proud of the team and the guys, and I am looking forward to tomorrow now." SATURDAY'S SCHEDULE (all times local): 8 a.m. for IZOD IndyCar Series ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Friday, March 26, 2010 - Gil de Ferran, co-owner of Luczo Dragon Racing/de Ferran Motorsports, was elected today to the ICONIC (Innovative, Competitive, Open-Wheel, New, Industry-Relevant, Cost-Effective) IZOD IndyCar Series Advisory Committee. Fellow Leaders Circle team owners elected de Ferran by a majority to serve as their representative on the advisory committee, which will include individuals from key fields of the open-wheel racing industry tasked with reviewing, researching and recommending a future IZOD IndyCar Series chassis and engine platform to the Indy Racing League. In addition to de Ferran representing team owners, the advisory board will include a league representative, an engine expert, a marketer/promoter and a racing engineer. The committee will be chaired by retired Air Force Gen. William R. Looney III. The remaining committee members will be selected by Indy Racing League CEO Randy Bernard. Full appointments to the advisory committee will be announced next week. Today's IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines 1. Power aims for second victory of the season 2. Q&A with advisory panel chairman Gen. Looney 3. Winslow joins Sam Schmidt Motorsports 1. Power aims for second victory of the season: Will Power, who won the season-opening IZOD IndyCar Series race on the streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil, on March 14, will challenge 23 other drivers for the winner's trophy in the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg this weekend. Power, driver of the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske car, was a guest on the Indy Racing League teleconference March 24. Select questions and answers: Q: You've had emotional victories before, obviously your first win in Champ Car, and last year winning for Penske in Edmonton. But this was different. This was different at Sao Paulo because of the injury that you recovered from that you suffered at Infineon. Explain the emotion of your victory in Brazil and how it differed from other wins. A: It was quite emotional to be honest because when you have an injury like that and you have a lot of downtime during the recovery period. You can become a little bit uncertain whether you'll come back as strong as you were and whether you'd be as quick as you were, and that was just confirmation that everything is back as it was and just helped with my confidence to be honest. Q: You have a reputation as being quite the road warrior as far as on these street circuits. What is it about street circuits, and St. Pete also coming up is a street circuit, but what about street circuits suits do you like? A: I'm not sure what it is about street circuits, but there's a lot more challenges on a street circuit than there are on ovals or road courses with uneven surfaces, bumps, different surfaces, grip level-wise, and you've got a wall. So you can't make a mistake. You've got to creep up on it all weekend. The track is constantly changing because the rubber goes down over the weekend because it's just a street during the normal day, and it's just all these little details that count to be quick. Q: Talk about the importance of getting a victory right out of the box. A: It's important for any victory during the season, but I guess it just gets the season kicked off in a good way. You get pit out of the next race, which is St. Pete coming up, and I think it gives the team, which is a new crew for me, confidence in me, and I have confidence in them that we can win this championship, we've just got to keep it together. 2. Q&A with advisory panel chairman Gen. Looney: Air Force Gen. (Ret.) William R. Looney sees the correlation to a jury foreman, though he's not tasked with delivering a verdict respective to IZOD IndyCar Series' next generation of chassis and engine. Looney equates the role more as unbiased facilitator, which is why Indy Racing League CEO Randy Bernard sought him out to chair the committee that will be comprised of a league representative, a team owner elected by vote of all owners, an engine expert, a marketer/promoter and a racing engineer. Bernard will get the process moving in earnest this weekend as he addresses team owners during the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. A recommendation is expected within 90 days. "I'm not going to drive the solution," Looney said. "My main role is to ensure everybody is heard, everybody has the opportunity to make their points and ask their questions. And then, when this is all said and done, ensure that we're all happy with what we're going to recommend is, in fact, the best mutual-shared value we can come up with for the league." Gen. Looney spoke to his outlook and responsibilities during a Q&A with indycar.com, with selections below: Q. You've had many assignments in military career; what were your initial thoughts when Randy Bernard approached your about this advisory panel. A. It was not the normal request for the consulting I do, which mostly is involved with defense matters, leadership and management. As Randy went into a discussion about what he was hoping to put together, which essentially was an advisory committee of subject matter experts - of which I am not but a casual fan - and he needed someone to facilitate, mediate and chair the discussion that had no agenda, was completely objective and had no bias with respect the businesses of racing. I do fit that bill. He wanted someone who had been in that kind of environment where you bring people with different skill sets together and you're tasked with a mission that needs to be resolved and together you work through it to come up with an answer that is good for the enterprise that is the Indy Racing League and all its different stakeholders. When you make decisions, especially one of this magnitude in respect to the next generation of race car, you have to consider all of those stakeholders - the public, car owners, drivers, the employees, the communities you race in - in order to hopefully come up with a solution that adds value to every one of your stakeholders not just one or two. I'll guide the discussions and make sure we look at it from an enterprise level as to what is best to racing and all those stakeholders. Q. You'll be seeking to build consensus then and not be bogged down or follow multiple trails. A. Hopefully, the advisory committee will be just that - we will provide a recommendation or two to the Indy Racing League that will be based on our analysis and assessment of the various options. Then it will be up to the Indy Racing League to determine whether it wants to move forward and execute those recommendations or not. Q. Do you draw correlations with your last assignment in Texas of updating the Air Force fleet of aircraft with the technology aspects that this panel will review and recommend. A. Yes, to a degree. During my 36-year career in the Air Force, I spent the majority of it in flying operations - primarily in fighters. I then spent four years in our space operations and then I went into the acquisition world. In that regard, I was responsible for the procurement of aircraft and the modernization of the aircraft fleet we possessed along with procurement of command and control capability of our forces. That experience exposed me to industry. It also exposed me to the techniques and approaches organizations use in order to create and acquire new products. So many of the things I was exposed to and learned during my command tours in the acquisition world do apply to what the Indy Racing League is doing today. A lot of the approaches in this particular process correlate to the things I was involved with in the Air Force when you look for new aircraft to replace its aging aircraft. So there was a way to make that tie. In each one of those endeavors, you go through a request for proposal from the manufacturing companies, then you have criteria you measure that against. You have discussions and have a group that comes together and take a look at what was proposed. Then, through a measurement criteria, determine what they felt what was the best value for the government and then submit that for approval. 3. Winslow joins Sam Schmidt Motorsports: James Winslow, who has won three international titles in as many years and four in total, has signed with Sam Schmidt Motorsports and will contest the opening round of the Firestone Indy Lights season this weekend in St. Petersburg, Fla. Winslow already has had seat time in a Sam Schmidt Motorsports car in the off-season. "The multiple years that James has had in various levels of European open-wheel racing should make him an instant contender in this series," team owner Sam Schmidt said. "He's proven to be quick across the pond, and he's showed us he's quick here in our cars. We're looking forward to seeing what he can do on the track." As a charitable effort, Winslow's car will be displaying the Bright Side of the Road Foundation logo, a non-profit organization that raises funds for ALS research (www.brightsideoftheroad.org). Winslow followed up his 2006 Asian F3 crown with similar success in Renault V6 in 2007 before adding another title in the close-fought Australian F3 series. He became a vital member of Team Great Britain in the A1 Grand Prix series and raced impressively in his debut in Australia's V8 Supercar category. "I'm very happy to be joining with Sam Schmidt Motorsports to race," Winslow said. "We were very quick together in testing, and that's no surprise given the professionalism that the team displays. I had a little taste of American racing last year, and I'm ready to get back into it for this year. The 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season continues March 28 with the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at 3:30 p.m. (ET) by ABC. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, XM channel 145 and Sirius channel 211. The race also will be carried on www.indycar.com. The 2010 Firestone Indy Lights season opens with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg at 12:45 p.m. (ET) March 28. The race will air live on indycar.car.com 1. Franchitti to make 200th open-wheel racing start 2. Castroneves a guest on 'Sports Soup' on VERSUS 3. Star Mazda Championship, USF2000 join in at St. Petersburg 4. KYMCO USA sweepstakes kicks off in St. Petersburg 5. William Rast joins Bryan Herta Autosport as sponsor 1. Franchitti to make 200th open-wheel racing start: Dario Franchitti has numerous memories and personal/team accomplishments during his motorsports career. Another will be marked this weekend in the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg when Franchitti joins Tony Kanaan (210) and Helio Castroneves (211) as active IZOD IndyCar Series drivers with 200 open-wheel racing starts. 2. Castroneves a guest on "Sports Soup" on VERSUS: Team Penske's Helio Castroneves will be doing his best John Wall impersonation in a March Madness sketch while promoting the IZOD IndyCar Series season during an appearance on "Sports Soup" March 23 on VERSUS. Check local listings. 3. Star Mazda Championship, USF2000 Championship join in race weekend: The Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear and the USF2000 Championship will run on the same weekend with the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights for the first time in St. Petersburg as part of the Road to Indy program. 4. KYMCO USA sweepstakes kicks off in St. Petersburg: KYMCO USA, in conjunction with the IZOD IndyCar Series, Andretti Autosport Team IZOD driver Ryan Hunter-Reay and Team IZOD sponsor AirTran Airways, is launching the "Live Like an IZOD IndyCar Series Driver" sweepstakes, giving fans the opportunity to win a trip to the IZOD IndyCar Series season-ending race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. 5. William Rast joins Bryan Herta Autosport as sponsor: William Rast has partnered with Bryan Herta Autosport as primary sponsor on the No. 29 Firestone Indy Lights car driven by Sebastian Saavedra. The 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season continues March 28 with the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at 3:30 p.m. (ET) by ABC. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, XM channel 145 and Sirius channel 211. The race also will be carried on www.indycar.com. The 2010 Firestone Indy Lights season opens with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg at 12:45 p.m. (ET) March 28. The race will air live on indycar.com. INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, March 22, 2010) - As the next step in its search for the new iconic IZOD IndyCar Series car, the Indy Racing League has announced plans to develop an advisory committee representing key fields of the open-wheel racing industry to review research and recommend a future chassis and engine platform. The advisory board will include a league representative, a team owner, an engine expert, a marketer/promoter and a racing engineer. The project will be named the ICONIC (Innovative, Competitive, Open-Wheel, New, Industry-Relevant, Cost-Effective) IZOD IndyCar Series Advisory Committee. "The Indy Racing League always has taken pride in its role in automotive innovation," said Randy Bernard, chief executive officer of the Indy Racing League, the sanctioning body of the IZOD IndyCar Series. "The search for a new chassis and engine has been about enhancing innovation in our sport and renewing the IZOD IndyCar Series as the automotive industry's proving ground. "As the league moves closer to making a decision regarding our new chassis and engine platform, we need to continue to have an articulate process in place that sets the criterion in a timely manner while taking into consideration the core areas of car development in our sport: competition, marketing, engineering, engine development and team ownership. "Terry Angstadt and Brian Barnhart have done an outstanding job researching and developing the future car for the past two years. Now we would like for the members of the advisory committee to review the research and make a collective recommendation, utilizing their respective industry sector's point of view. "Just as equally important in this process are the drivers and fans. The advisory committee will be encouraged to reach out to the drivers for their feedback and opinions about the engine and chassis. Additionally, we are currently conducting surveys to receive fan input on the new chassis and will look for similar ways to incorporate their voice into the committee's research in the future." The committee will be chaired by retired Air Force Gen. William R. Looney III and report its findings to Bernard, who will make the final decision on the series' new chassis and engine. The four-star general was Commander of Air Education and Training Command at Randolph Air Force Base in Texas and responsible for the recruiting, training and education of Air Force personnel. His command included the Air Force Recruiting Service, two numbered air forces and Air University. Air Education and Training Command consists of 13 bases, more than 92,000 active duty, reserve, guard, civilians and contractors, and 1,750 trainer, fighter and mobility aircraft. The general has commanded a flight, a fighter squadron, two fighter wings, an air expeditionary force, a military college, a warfare center, a numbered air force and two acquisition centers. "Gen. Looney represents many of the characteristics that are important to this process and his Air Force background provides familiarity with speed, safety, technology and integrity," Bernard said. "We are grateful to have someone with his vast experience serve as chairman, and I'm confident that he will set the appropriate procedures to oversee the advisory committee and facilitate a recommendation in a timely manner. Having an industry outsider chair should prevent any bias toward any certain industry sector when overseeing the advisory committee." Full appointments to the advisory committee will be announced next week. Each IZOD IndyCar Series full-time Leader's Circle entry will receive one vote to elect a team owner to the advisory committee, while the other experts will be selected by Bernard. A recommendation from the committee should come in less than 90 days. The Indy Racing League is currently in discussion with five chassis constructors regarding its future car. BAT Engineering, Dallara, DeltaWing Racing Cars, Lola and Swift Engineering have submitted proposed chassis designs and supporting information to the league, ranging from evolutionary to radical. "Our objectives for the chassis remain the same as they were when the league first began the process of developing its next car: safe, raceable, cost-effective, American-made, less mass/more efficient, relevant technology, modern look and green," said Bernard. Honda is currently the sole engine supplier to the IZOD IndyCar Series. In 2008 and 2009, the league held a series of automotive roundtables with OEMs and race engine builders to receive input about the future engine with the goal of developing a platform that is relevant to the current and future automotive industry. Bernard added: "Honda has been great partner as the series' sole engine supplier since 2006. We look forward to continuing to work with Honda to provide reliable and quality engines for the IZOD IndyCar Series. And just like Honda, we want a relevant engine platform that is strategically aligned with major automotive manufacturers' existing and future programs and initiatives so we can maintain and expand our position in race-bred technology." 2010 Indy 500 tickets: Tickets for the 2010 Indianapolis 500, scheduled for Sunday, May 30, are on sale now. Race Day ticket prices start at just $20. Today's IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines 1. IZOD IndyCar Series Q & A - March 17 2. Tagliani, FAZZT have strong debut 1. IZOD IndyCar Series Q & A - March 17: IZOD IndyCar Series owner/driver Sarah Fisher and IZOD IndyCar Series driver Graham Rahal participated in a Q&A session to discuss their recent announcement that will place Rahal in Fisher's No. 67 Dollar General car for the races at St. Petersburg, Fla., and Barber Motorsports Park. Below are select quotes from the interview. The complete transcript and audio MP3 file are posted at www.indycar.com/media. Graham Rahal · Will drive the No. 67 Dollar General car at St. Petersburg and Barber Motorsports Park for Sarah Fisher Racing. · Became youngest pole winner in IZOD IndyCar Series history when he won the pole at St. Petersburg in 2009. · Became youngest race winner in IZOD IndyCar Series history when he won the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in 2008. Sarah Fisher 29-year-old native of Commercial Point Ohio will compete in Her 11th season in the IZOD IndyCar Series in 2010. · Serves as owner/driver of Sarah Fisher Racing, a third-year IZOD IndyCar Series team which will field cars for Jay Howard (five races in No. 66 car), Graham Rahal (two races in No. 67 car) and Sarah Fisher (seven races in No. 67 car) in 2010. · Became first female driver to win an pole in the IZOD IndyCar Series when he earned the pole at Kentucky Speedway in 2002. Q. Sarah, It's always a tough decision for the driver to give up the seat to their car, especially one that you own. How did the decision come up to step aside and put Graham in the car? SARAH FISHER: I had two tests this winter, getting ready for the road courses and we're doing one-offs this year. We don't have a complete full schedule, and with that didn't -- the first test they didn't go that great. So I went back to the hotel and just thought about it. And I reached out to Rick Dreiling over at Dollar General and said what do you think about this idea, and he was very supportive of it. And so we started discussing who was available. Q. Graham, it's been a pretty difficult offseason looking for a full-time ride but you're ready to go next week in St. Pete and driving for Sarah. GRAHAM RAHAL: Obviously, it's extremely exciting for me, and the call came from Andy O'Gara, Sarah's husband. When I got it, it was a complete shock. Things were looking really -- it wasn't looking good for us to make St. Petersburg or Barber. Q. You're both two proud natives of Ohio. I know that you had your own hero to look for when you were a kid, and that was your father. But how much did you really hear of Sarah when she was climbing through the ranks coming up, getting a ride with Derrick Walker at that time? Was she somebody from Ohio, kind of paid attention to? Because other than your father, I mean, like I said, you Buckeyes kind of stick together. GRAHAM RAHAL: It's kind of easy, truthfully, because Sarah and I joke around, I was at Circleville, Ohio, where we both kind of started. Q. Sarah, touch on the Ohio connection between the two of you. Q. Obviously both of you guys have made some important history in IZOD IndyCar Series, Graham being the youngest racing pole winner and Sarah being the first female pole winner I believe in open-wheel racing. Since this deal, when you had time to yourselves, did you have thoughts in your head, like if we do our best and a few things break right, we could be rewriting the record books again? SARAH FISHER: I think so. That's a big picture. Graham says it best that we're quietly optimistic. But the whole point of what we're trying to accomplish here is really big picture thinking with the team and where it's going. And trying to have a shot at having good results. 2. Tagliani, FAZZT have strong debut: Alex Tagliani and his new FAZZT Race Team made a promising debut in the IZOD IndyCar Series over the weekend, qualifying second to Dario Franchitti. However, his hopes for a debut win were dashed. The 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season continues March 28 with the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at 3:30 p.m. (ET) by ABC. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, XM channel 145 and Sirius channel 211. The race also will be carried on www.indycar.com. The 2010 Firestone Indy Lights season opens with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg March 28 on the streets of St. Petersburg. The race will air live on indycar.com Today's IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines 1. Inside the numbers: Brazil 2. No rest for Hunter-Reay 3. Brazil race draws improved ratings 4. Rookie De Silvestro impresses in her debut 5. Team PBIR Forms Race Academy To Test Drivers 1. Inside the numbers: Brazil: Numbers to note following the Sao Paulo Indy 300, the season-opening race in the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season. 5 - Different leaders, including rookie Simona De Silvestro, who became the first driver since Graham Rahal to lead while in an IZOD IndyCar Series debut race. 6 -Teams represented by the top-six finishers. 6th and 7th - The finishing positions of Target Chip Ganassi Racing drivers Scott Dixon and Dario Franchitti. In 2009, Target Chip Ganassi placed at least one car in the top five in 15 of 17 events. Ironically, in those two events - Indianapolis and Kentucky - the Ganassi pair finished sixth and seventh. 7 - Lead changes during the race, including three on-track passes for the lead in the final 10 laps. 8 - Consecutive appearances in Firestone Fast Six qualifying for Dario Franchitti since his return to IZOD IndyCar Series racing in 2009. Franchitti also made Firestone Fast Six qualifying at the non-points Nikon Indy 300 at Surfers Paradise in 2008. 13 - Positions improved by Vitor Meira and Dan Wheldon, the highest number of positions gained by any driver. 14 - Cars on the lead lap, two short of the series record. 33 - Consecutive top-10 starts for Scott Dixon - an IZOD IndyCar Series record. 95 - Total passes for position during the 61-lap race. More than half the passes occurred at Turn 11, the final turn on the 2.6-mile temporary circuit. 2. No rest for Hunter-Reay: How do you spend an off weekend from the IZOD IndyCar Series? If you're Ryan Hunter-Reay, you compete in a classic endurance sports car race. Hunter-Reay, fresh from his runner-up finish in the Sao Paulo Indy 300, will join Level 5 Motorsports for the 12 Hours of Sebring. He previously raced with Level 5 in the Grand Am Rolex Series at Daytona International Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway. Hunter-Reay will join Scott Tucker and James Gue in the No. 95 Level 5 car in the LMP Challenge class, which debuts this weekend. J.R. Hildebrand , the 2009 Firestone Indy Lights champion, is also competing in the class with Genoa Racing. 3. Brazil race draws improved ratings: VERSUS' live coverage of the Sao Paulo Indy 300 on March 14 garnered a .4 national household rating, the third-highest rated IZOD IndyCar Series race on the fast-growing sports cable network. The race peaked at a 0.6 household rating between 2:15 -2:30 p.m. (EDT) and averaged 411,000 viewers, up 30 percent from the 2009 season average (315,000) and up 76 percent from the 2009 season-opening race (233,000). 4. Rookie De Silvestro impresses in her debut: Team Stargate Worlds/HVM Racing rookie Simona De Silvestro was disappointed, yet upbeat after her debut on the streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The Swiss driver qualified 11th in her No. 78 Team Stargate Worlds/HVM car and narrowly missed the five-car wreck at the start. But her car suffered a flat right-rear tire after running over debris during the full-course caution. She re-entered in 13th, and,by Lap 18, had been relegated to the 17th spot, as she had a full load of fuel to contend with. Her fortune would change when another yellow flag came out, allowing De Silvestro to gain the lead with the call to stay out. She was the first to lead in a debut race since Graham Rahal at St. Petersburg in 2008. De Silvestro soon found herself fighting with Ryan Hunter-Reay and Dario Franchitti for the lead. Their battle came to an end when the skies over Sao Paulo opened up, forcing all drivers back to their pits for rain tires. De Silvestro stayed out, but unfortunately the pits would close for another full-course caution, which forced De Silvestor to stay out on the racetrack for six laps. After the half-hour red flag period, De Silvestro came back out but was once again bitten by bad luck. She began to experience rear suspension problems causing her to take a trip back to the pits for lengthy repairs. After losing three laps, she returned to finish in 16th place. "Despite the rear braking problems and the different things that happened during the race, it was a real good experience," said De Silvestro. "I think we can be pretty competitive during the year. Now we just have to continue to work real hard and I'm sure we'll go in the right direction." Team principal Keith Wiggins was satisfied, while sharing his driver's disappointment with the result. "We started off pretty good, obviously, and we got into a pretty good position and looked very strong," he said, "but it went a bit against us when the rain came and the pits closed. It went downhill from there. It's a bit of a disappointing finish considering she was doing such a fantastic job." 5. Team PBIR Forms Race Academy To Test Drivers: Team PBIR announced March 16 that it will conduct a driver academy to assist drivers into the full time world of motorsports. Beginning this week, the team will host six drivers - five Americans and an Irishman - helping them with everything from media skills and driver presentation to evaluating their skills behind the wheel of Formula BMW and Firestone Indy Lights cars at Putnum Park near Indianapolis. The drivers will also get a fitness program lecture from Jim Leo of PitFit, which provides fitness training for drivers in the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights. "I am delighted to be able to do this for these drivers this week and provide an opportunity for them while the team readies itself for the opening round of the Firestone Indy Lights Championship at St Petersburg on March 28," said team co-owner Ron Dixon. The 2010 Team PBIR Academy drivers are: Ben Jopling, Tampa, Fla. Race Johnson, Portland, Ore. Nic Le Duc, Novato, Calif. Steve Lewandowski, Phoenix. Naill Quinn, Meath, Ireland. Jonathan Summerton, Kissimmee, Fla The 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season continues March 28 with the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at 3:30 p.m. (ET) by ABC. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, XM channel 145 and Sirius channel 211. The race also will be carried on www.indycar.com. The 2010 Firestone Indy Lights season opens with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg March 28 on the streets of St. Petersburg. The race will air live on indycar.co Today's IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines 1. Meira bolstered by strong start 2. Track improvements pay off for race 3. Fans can vote for Firestone Tire-ific Move of the Race 1. Meira bolstered by strong start: If anyone could appreciate what Will Power went through to get back in an IZOD IndyCar Series car, it's Vitor Meira. So it's fitting that both ended up on the podium in their return to the series at the Sao Paulo Indy 300 on the streets of Sao Paulo. "It could not be much better than that," said Meira, who finished third in his return to the famed No. 14 car of A.J. Foyt Racing after missing most of the 2009 season with a back injury sustained at the Indianapolis 500. "I think Will can relate with the back injury and all of that. It gets pretty uncertain sometimes, and having a team behind you, making sure that the seat is available and that they are waiting for you, it makes a big difference on recovery." Meira, who started the race in 12th, stayed among the top-12 cars until the race was halted by heavy rains. After the red flag delay, his car improved and steadily he worked his way from the back to the front of the pack. "We overcame a lot here, and it was a mixed-up racing," Meira said. "I think whoever kept their nose clean and was fast enough to make a position in all conditions, came out with a good result, and that's what we did. I know I wasn't the fastest car on normal conditions, but when the conditions became adverse, our car came alive and we started to gain position." The result was Meira's best finish since his runner-up finish in the 2008 Indianapolis 500 and A.J. Foyt Racing's best finish since Darren Manning finished second at Watkins Glen that same year. "This is good for the team," Meira said. "A.J. Foyt Racing is not one of the biggest teams out there, and a result always helps to keep people happy and everybody is happy; this is for the people that support us, because they put their faith on us, and we have to return that." Still Meira knows that one race doesn't make a season, but he hopes to make the most of his good start. "It's a long season and we have to improve. Right now we finished third, but we have a long way to go to catch the big ones. So I hope that this great atmosphere we will be able to take advantage of. That's just the start of a big thank you I have to give to A.J., and ABC Supply. I hope we get better." 2. Track improvements pay off for race: The grinding of the Sambodromo concrete frontstretch that is part of the 2.6-mile, 11-turn São Paulo Indy 300 temporary street course not only solved the adhesion issues IZOD IndyCar Series drivers experienced March 13, but improved lap times by about 4 seconds in the March 14 qualifying sessions. "The response by all parties to the concrete issue symbolized the can-do approach all of our Brazilian hosts have exhibited throughout this process," said Terry Angstadt, president of the commercial division of the Indy Racing League, sanctioning body for the initial race of the season and the series' first appearance in Brazil. "We couldn't be more pleased with all aspects of our first race here, despite the tight timeline. At each and every stage, when a problem arose, the Brazilian team found a solution." Construction of the circuit didn't begin in earnest until Jan. 15, under the director of Tony Cotman. With packed grandstand and suites - and even patron watching from trees - and plenty of excitement on the track, the event was hailed as a huge success. Verizon Team Penske's Will Power overtook Ryan Hunter-Reay in the No. 37 IZOD car for Andretti Autosport with eight laps left and went on to his second series victory. Brian Barnhart, president of the competition and racing operations divisions of the Indy Racing League, praised Mayor Gilberto Kassab, race promoter Bandeirantes and Cotman. "Every track we have been to since 1996 has had a challenge at one time or another, but I can't remember a better and quicker response than we have had here in São Paulo," Barnhart said. "I especially want to comment the city workers who worked through the night grinding and cleaning the track giving us a fast surface for qualifying and the race. "We race on temporary street tracks in Long Beach (Calif.), St. Petersburg (Fla.), Toronto and Edmonton (Alberta) -- all excellent tracks, all with a history of competition. Despite the limited time to design and execute this track, it ranks with the best quality and the best racing environment of any of those. The people of São Paulo should be very proud of what they have accomplished." 3. Fans can vote for Firestone Tire-ific Move of the Race: The $10,000 prize is awarded after each IZOD IndyCar Series race to the driver who best utilizes his or her Firestone tires to make a bold, dramatic move during the event. This week's nominees are Will Power for his dramatic pass on Lap 58 for the lead and win, Ryan Hunter-Reay for being the first to switch back to slicks after the red flag for rain and leading the race and Vitor Meira for an inspired drive to third place. Fans can vote at www.indycar.com. Mar15 2010 INDY RACING LEAGUE STATEMENT ON VERSUS-DIRECTV AGREEMENT INDIANAPOLIS, March 15, 2010 - The Indy Racing League, the sanctioning body for the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights, issued the following statement from its Chief Executive Officer Randy Bernard regarding the carriage agreement reached today between VERSUS and DIRECTV: "I would like to thank Derek Chang (executive vice president of content strategy and development of DIRECTV) along with Jamie Davis (VERSUS president) for working diligently to getting this deal done. Everyone wins - DIRECTV, VERSUS and most importantly the fans of the Indy Racing League." VERSUS is the cable home to the IZOD IndyCar Series, broadcasting 12 races this season. A re-airing of Sunday's season-opening IZOD IndyCar Series event - the season opening Sao Paulo Indy 300 - will air tonight at 10 p.m. EDT on VERSUS. Mar 14 2010 SÃO PAULO, Brazil - Will Power overtook Ryan Hunter-Reay in Turn 11 on Lap 58 of 61 to win the rain-shortened IZOD IndyCar Series season opener, the inaugural Sao Paulo Indy 300 on the Streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Power, driving the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske car, won by 1.8581 seconds. Vitor Meira was third, followed by Raphael Matos, Dan Wheldon and Scott Dixon. PEAK Pole Award winner Dario Franchitti, who claimed the pole earlier in the day, finished seventh. Power and Meira suffered 2009 season-ending injuries (Power in August, Meira in May), and both wound up on the podium in their first race back in the series. The race was red-flagged for 36 minutes after a thunderstorm swept over the Anhembi section of the city, and it became a timed race. It was also the first time that an IZOD IndyCar Series event held qualifying and race on the same day. DAY 2 NOTEBOOK: Ana Beatriz painted her fingernails blue to match the accents on her firesuit. She is carrying the yellow and blue colors of Brazilian oil company Ipirangal Carbon emissions connected with the São Paulo Indy 300 will be offset by 14,165 trees to be planted throughout the state of São Paulo by sugarcane, ethanol and bioelectricity mills. A study commissioned by the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA), with support from the Indy Racing League, has identified the emissions produced by the event in the Anhembi section of the city as 1,137 tons of carbon and calculated the number of trees (8,128) required to make the event carbon neutral. UNICA went a step further, with plans to plant 6,037 additional trees in an area about the size of 30 acres. "This is a first for an automotive event in Brazil, making the race a sustainable event," UNICA president and CEO Marcos Jank said. IZOD IndyCar Series driver Davey Hamilton helped officials determine the status of the concrete surface in the Sambodromo by running the Indy Racing Experience Two-Seater over portions of the circuit. Hamilton is the regular driver of the two-seat race car. DAVEY HAMILTON: ""I've never been in a race car at that time of the day. The good thing is the (grinding) worked and it was all worth it." While in Brazil for a trade mission, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard attended the IZOD IndyCar Series' season-opening São Paulo Indy 300 on March 14. Also in a frontstretch suite of the scenic temporary street circuit as guests of Apex-Brasil and the Indy Racing League were Scott Miller, CEO of Indianapolis Economic Development Inc., and Michael Young, its energy director. They also attended a news conference in which Apex-Brasil - the Brazilian government's export development agency - extended its official trade and energy partnership with the IZOD IndyCar Series through 2012. "We had a team come down earlier this week for some economic development and I wanted to come down to make sure we supported the first race in Sao Paulo. I think that's important for the IRL," Ballard said. "We've been warmly received in this very large city. This is the second time we've been in Brazil in the last few months. We want to create these relationships that are long-lasting and help both Brazil and the City of Indianapolis." PEAK PERFORMANCE POLE POST-QUALIFYING NOTES: • This is Dario Franchitti's first pole of the season and the 12th of his IZOD IndyCar Series career. • Franchitti was the only driver to qualify for each Firestone Fast Six session in 2009 and has made eight consecutive Firestone Fast Six appearances. • Alex Tagliani qualified second, his career-best qualifying performance and his second Firestone Fast Six appearance. • Ryan Hunter-Reay qualified fourth in his first Firestone Fast Six appearance since Watkins Glen in 2008. PEAK PERFORMANCE POLE POST-QUALIFYING QUOTE: DARIO FRANCHITTI: (No. 10 Target Chip Ganassi Racing, PEAK Performance Pole Award winner): "I was a little surprised to get into (the Firestone Fast Six). I didn't have a very good day yesterday. We struggled to get my car the way I wanted it to work. We all sat around the table and came up with some ideas, and I think we saw the results. I give all the credit to the team. Today, the track is great. The tires are lasting very well. It will be a good race." 1. (5) Will Power, Dallara-Honda, 61, Running 2. (4) Ryan Hunter-Reay, Dallara-Honda, 61, Running 3. (16) Vitor Meira, Dallara-Honda, 61, Running 4. (12) Raphael Matos, Dallara-Honda, 61, Running 5. (18) Dan Wheldon, Dallara-Honda, 61, Running 6. (7) Scott Dixon, Dallara-Honda, 61, Running 7. (1) Dario Franchitti, Dallara-Honda, 61, Running 8. (19) Mike Conway, Dallara-Honda, 61, Running 9. (9) Helio Castroneves, Dallara-Honda, 61, Running 10. (6) Tony Kanaan, Dallara-Honda, 61, Running 11. (3) Justin Wilson, Dallara-Honda, 61, Running 12. (17) EJ Viso, Dallara-Honda, 61, Running 13. (22) Ana Beatriz, Dallara-Honda, 61, Running 14. (8) Ryan Briscoe, Dallara-Honda, 61, Running 15. (13) Danica Patrick, Dallara-Honda, 60, Running 16. (11) Simona De Silvestro, Dallara-Honda, 58, Running 17. (20) Mario Romancini, Dallara-Honda, 46, Contact 18. (15) Alex Lloyd, Dallara-Honda, 30, Contact 19. (2) Alex Tagliani, Dallara-Honda, 28, Contact 20. (14) Hideki Mutoh, Dallara-Honda, 27, Contact 21. (24) Milka Duno, Dallara-Honda, 20, Contact 22. (10) Takuma Sato, Dallara-Honda, 0, Contact 23. (21) Marco Andretti, Dallara-Honda, 0, Contact 24. (23) Mario Moraes, Dallara-Honda, 0, Contact Race Statistics Winners average speed: 76.733 Time of Race: 2:00:57.7112 Margin of victory: 1.8581 seconds Cautions: 5 for 19 laps Lead changes: 7 among 5 drivers Lap Leaders: Franchitti 1-23, De Silvestro 24-27, Hunter-Reay 28-36, Franchitti 37-42, Hunter-Reay 43-49, Briscoe 50-53, Hunter-Reay 54-57, Power 58-61. Points: Power 50, Hunter-Reay 40, Meira 35, Matos 32, Wheldon 30, Franchitti 29, Dixon 28, Conway 24, Castroneves 22, Kanaan 20. SAO PAULO INDY 300 POST-RACE NOTES: • This is Will Power's second IZOD IndyCar Series victory. His other win came on the temporary circuit at Edmonton in 2009. This is Power's first race since he suffered a back injury at Infineon in August, 2009. • This is Team Penske's 36 win in the IZOD IndyCar Series. The team's last victory came with Ryan Briscoe at Chicagoland Speedway in 2009. • Ryan Hunter-Reay finished second in his debut race with Andretti Autosport. Hunter-Reay also finished second at the 2009 IZOD IndyCar Series season opener, on the streets of St. Petersburg. • Vitor Meira finished third, his first race since he suffered a season-ending back injury at Indianapolis in 2009. It is his first top-three finish since he finished second at Indianapolis in 2008. • Raphael Matos finished fourth, a career best IZOD IndyCar Series finish for the sophomore driver. SAO PAULO INDY 300 POST-RACE QUOTES: WILL POWER (No. 12 Verizon Team Penske, winner Sao Paulo Indy 300): "It was probably the most mixed up race that I have ever been in, but it created an opportunity for me to come back through the field and end up winning the race. The improvements that they did to the track last night, were like night and day. Not a problem at all going down the frontstraight. I think it is just a really good day for racing. If you were fast you could pass, because there is such a good track layout here. I'm pretty sure it was an exciting race for the fans. RYAN HUNTER-REAY (No. 37 Team IZOD, finished second): "It is great to have a race in Brazil. This has been a long time coming. The country and the fans are so passionate about racing. It's great to do it here. And that was a great show we put on. That's what we need on these street circuit and road courses is a lot of passing like that. We definitely have the tools to do it. We have two straightaways that were pretty long and provided pretty good passing zones. The only shame about the whole race is that it went red for some puddles because there were a lot of big dips out there and our cars hydroplane pretty easily. It would have been great to get some good rain racing in. Maybe next year we will fill in those things and see where it goes. It was just great to get the IZOD car up on the podium in second place to start of the season. VITOR MEIRA (No. 14 ABC Supply Co./A.J. Foyt Racing, finished third): "It couldn't be much better than that. I think Will (Power) can relate to it with a back injury and all that, it gets pretty uncertain at some times and having a team behind you making sure that the seat is availble, makes a big difference during the recovery. This is the start of the big thank you I have to give to A.J. (Foyt) and ABC Supply. I hope we get better. We overcame a lot here. Like Will said before, it was a mixed up race. I think whether you were able to keep your nose clean and were fast enough to make up position in all conditions, you could come out with a good result and that's what we did. RAPHAEL MATOS (No. 2 HP Luczo Dragon Racing, finished fourth): "It was a long and very physical day, but I'm very proud of the HP team, especially with our pit stops. They did a great job. We all feel good about the fourth place finish. We wanted the podium, but we started 12th and made a lot of progress. This week was like a dream come true racing in my home country and in front of my friends and family. There was a lot of tension and pressure but we kept everything together and brought the car home. It was extremely important to finish this race and to get my best finish in Brazil was very rewarding. DAN WHELDON (No. 4 National Guard Panther Racing, finished fifth): "It's really great for all of us at Panther Racing to start the season with a top-five, but first I have to apologize for taking Tag (Alex Tagliani) and TK (Tony Kanaan) out of the race. Tag had a bit of a bobble coming onto the straight and I got a really good run; he defended a little bit and I was going to look to the inside, but decided to pull in just a touch, and when I braked I hit a really big bump and it just lifted my front wheels off the ground. When that happens you can't stop. That was a really good effort from the National Guard boys, and I think it goes to show that we work really hard as a group, and the continuity around here has been really strong, and I'm sure it will continue. If we keep coming in the Top Five we're going to break into Victory Lane. We were really strong today - the car was really nice to drive and I was able to dive down inside people. It was an exciting race, and it's going to be an exciting IZOD IndyCar Series season." SCOTT DIXON (No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing, finished sixth): "It was a very tough race. I'm proud of the Target Team for rebounding after the accident at the start. I'll take this any day especially after the start we had last year in St. Petersburg." DARIO FRANCHITTI (No. 10 Target Chip Ganassi Racing, finished seventh): "If I had my crystal ball it would have been easier. We get it right quite often here at Team Target but we had a lot of unknowns with the weather. We played it as best we could, so I can't be too disappointed." MARIO ROMANCINI ( No. 34 Conquest Racing): "I learned a lot this weekend. Everything was new to me and we experienced some difficulties, preventing us from running as much as we would have liked each session. Things improved during the race after the first pit stop and we were doing great lap times. We were running competitively until the rain came. After the restart that we were a lap down and I was working to improve my position when I caught some water on the curb and lost the car. Unfortunately the race was over for us there. Now we have to turn the page and look forward to the St. Petersburg race, using the things that we learned here this weekend." SIMONA DE SILVESTRO (No. 78 Team Stargate Worlds/HVM): "Despite the rear braking problems and the different things that happened during the race, it was a real good experience. I think we can be pretty competitive during the year, and now we just have to continue to work real hard. I'm sure we'll go in the right direction. A big thank you to my Team Stargate Worlds/HVM Racing crew for working so hard and to everyone who had a part in getting me to this point. I am very grateful to them all" TONY KANAAN (No. 11 Team 7-Eleven): "The weekend could have been better; but on the positive side the whole 7-Eleven team did a great job on stops and we had a fast car. Unfortunately, we had to pay for the mistakes of others. It happens. I don't think it was on purpose and I believe I've made mistakes like that before. It's a shame it had to happen here in Brazil, in my hometown. I enjoyed the weekend, I enjoyed the crowd and I enjoyed the racing. My car was really good. I had the fastest lap of the race and I passed cars right up until the last corner. That's the positive. The negative is that I'd love to be on the podium right now with the Brazilian flag." DANICA PATRICK (No. 7 Team GoDaddy.com): "I think the weekend started really tough for the No. 7 car and then we made a lot of progress at the end of the first practice day and that was really good. I'm proud of everyone for staying together and forging ahead instead of getting down. We missed the setup a bit in qualifying, but for the race I think my engineer (Eddie Jones) got the downforce right and my car was really good. We made it up to eighth and were making passes happen. Then when the rain started not everyone came in right away and we gambled on staying out. I mean, you've got to try and win the race. The front half of the track was wet and I locked up going into Turns 1 and 2, but worst off the car stalled. At the end of the day I think the GoDaddy.com car is going to be strong this year and the team overall is a lot stronger than we've been. It was a good first out for us. E.J. VISO (No. 8 PDVSA-Jet Aviation-KVRT): "It was definitely a tough race for the PDVSA - KVRT team. The circumstances were very weird, we had a lot of rain, no rain, problems with the track and a lot of accidents but in the end we did what we set out to do and finish the race and get some points. I am looking forward to St. Petersburg and believe this is just the start of a good championship. TAKUMA SATO (No. 5 KV Racing Technology): "After yesterday's practice session, we knew a lot of work had to be done. The KV Racing Technology team did a great job in coming together this morning and I was able to improve my lap time by quite a lot. I felt a lot more comfortable than yesterday and very happy that we recovered well during qualifying however I was very disappointed with the start of the race. It was very packed and there was a lot of dust. Unfortunately I got caught up in an accident in Turn One, it was not a good memory for my first IZOD IndyCar race, but seeing E.J. (Viso) finish solid and the KVRT team working well together makes me feel overall that we have learned a lot and I look forward to my next race in St. Petersburg, Florida. MARIO MORAES (No. 32 KV Racing Technology): "It was a disappointing day for me and the Panamericano-KV Racing Technology team. The start was very dusty and drivers in front of me were braking early into Turn One. By the time I realized it was about 500 metres into the corner and when I applied the brakes I lost the rear and hit another car ending my race on the first lap." HIDEKI MUTOH (No. 06 Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing): "It was a disappointing race for the Formula Dream / Panasonic team. We had moved up as high as sixth, and when I was in seventh I went into the marbles in Turn 3 and couldn't turn the car and many cars passed me while I was sliding everywhere. Then I almost hit Vitor (Meira), who was fighting with another car. Vitor slowed so I had to brake harder and lost the back end and had nowhere to go. They were my mistakes. We have to move on and focus on having a good weekend in St. Pete." MARCO ANDRETTI (No. 26 Team Venom Energy): "It's obviously dusty. I think if you have any common sense, you're not going to stay flat out if you can't see the car ahead of you. I don't know, I got hit from behind." *** The 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season continues March 28 with the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at 3:30 p.m. (ET) by ABC. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, XM channel 145 and Sirius channel 211. The race also will be carried on www.indycar.com. The 2010 Firestone Indy Lights season opens with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg March 28 on the streets of St. Petersburg. The race will air live on indycar.com SAO PAULO, Brazil (Saturday, March 13, 2010) - Verizon Team Penske driver Will Power topped the speed charts as IZOD IndyCar Series teams began preparations for the inaugural São Paulo Indy 300 on the streets of São Paulo, Brazil. IZOD IndyCar Series qualifications were postponed to four hours before the start of the race March 14 based on driver feedback relating to the slippery concrete surface of the one-third-mile Anhembi Sambodromo frontstretch. Brian Barnhart, president of competition and racing operations for the sanctioning Indy Racing League, met with drivers and team owners/managers mid-afternoon March 13 to devise a schedule that seeks to provide a safe racing environment and a good show for spectators and the worldwide viewing audience. The scheduled qualifications were replaced by an hour-long third practice session for all cars. Drivers had two earlier sessions totaling 150 minutes. Verizone Team Penske driver Will Power topped the time chart with a quick lap of 1 minute, 31.2980 seconds. Andretti Autosport driver Tony Kanaan was second (1:31.3403) with his teammate Ryan Hunter-Reay third (1:31.3858). Promoter Bandeirantes and race circuit designer Tony Cotman brought in grinding equipment following the final practice session to work on the concrete surface where drivers transition from the asphalt and the 180-degree Turn 11 of the 2.6-mile, 11-turn course. After a 15-minute warm-up session at 8 a.m. (local; 7 a.m. ET), qualifications will follow. VERSUS' race coverage begins at 11:30 a.m. (ET). The Indy Racing League issued this statement: We continue to work with circuit designer Tony Cotman and the promoter to fine tune the track with the feedback we've received from the drivers. This process is no different than any other new circuit we visit for the first time. Tony Cotman has done a great job creating a fast and racy track that will be a challenge to these world-class competitors while putting on a great show for our enthusiastic fans. We appreciate our drivers' feedback as we want to make this a track they will enjoy to drive. DAY 1 NOTEBOOK: This is the first IZOD IndyCar Series event held on the streets of Sao Paulo Brazil and the first held in South America. The 2.6-mile (4.18 kilometers) temporary street circuit features 11 turns and the longest straightaway of any circuit on the 2010 schedule - the 9/10 mile (1.45 kilometers) back straightaway that incorporates the Marginal. Luczo Dragon Racing/de Ferran Motorsports has added Cemig, one of Brazil's leading energy companies, as one of its sponsors for the 2010 Sao Paulo Indy 300. Cemig, headquartered in Minas Gerais (the home state of driver Raphael Matos) will place its logo on the front wing of the No. 2 HP Luczo Dragon car. "We are pleased to have the support of Cemig, a company of international prestige. It is a privilege and a great responsibility to take the name of a great Brazilian brand to an international audience," Gil de Ferran, managing partner and president of Luczo Dragon Racing/de Ferran Motorsport said. *** Andretti Autosport driver Marco Andretti is celebrating his 23rd birthday today. *** Helio Castroneves and his girlfriend Adriana Henao brought their infant daughter, Mikaella to Sao Paulo for her first IZOD IndyCar Series race. Castroneves showed off the 10-week-old off to his team during the break between sessions. *** The Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) has renewed its fuel supply agreement with the Indy Racing League for the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season. The IZOD IndyCar Series will continue to utilize sugarcane ethanol to fuel its race cars, including at its signature event, the Indianapolis 500. The agreement calls for UNICA to cover the cost of about 53,000 gallons of the 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol to be used in 16 of the 17 IZOD IndyCar Series races as well as the renewable diesel for the fleet of trucks that delivers cars, related gear and fuel. The only Indy race not covered by the series' commitment to use primarily sugarcane ethanol is the Iowa Corn Indy 250, which will utilize locally-produced ethanol made from corn under a separate sponsorship arrangement. "We're pleased to continue our partnership with Indy, a global showcase for clean, renewable biofuels since 2007," said Marcos Jank, UNICA's President & CEO. To offset carbon emissions from the season-opening race, UNICA will plant 14,165 native trees in the state of Sao Paulo. *** Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing driver Hideki Mutoh took the opportunity in Sao Paulo to visit Morumbi Cemetery, where his idol, Ayrton Senna, was laid to rest. "Senna has always been my idol," Mutoh said. "I watched him race when I was a little boy and I am still amazed at his ability to this day. Since I was in Brazil for the first time and so close to Morumbi I wanted to go there and pay my respects to him. "I have been asked before 'If you could meet anyone and ask them a question, who would it be?' My answer was Senna. He won three World Championships and was still racing. I would ask him what it was that motivated him." *** POST-PRACTICE QUOTES: TONY KANAAN (No. 11 Team 7-Eleven, second-fastest): "I'm extremely happy with the team effort - not just Team 7-Eleven, but the whole (Andretti Autosport) team. It was a good day, but tomorrow is another day, and we need to have another good one then. I don't think the changes to the track will force us to change a lot - at least I hope not." RYAN HUNTER-REAY (No. 37 Team IZOD, third-fastest): "I wish we had qualified today because this team really deserved to qualify today. We came out prepared, the cars are great, the team is doing a great job and we have two cars in the top three. But you play the cards you're dealt - it is what it is. Team IZOD and everyone at Andretti Autosport really did its homework over the winter. Hopefully, with the changes to the track, it won't be a completely different game tomorrow." RAPHAEL MATOS (No. 2 HP Luczo Dragon, sixth-fastest): "We had a huge improvement in the last outing. I improved some of my lines in the corners and found some more speed in the car. We found a good balance between our aerodynamics and mechanical grip and now we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. We improved by a second and a half and hopefully we can now be a little more aggressive and find some more performance out of the car. The conditions have been difficult, but postponing qualifying really gave us all a chance to get more time on the track and that was essential to improving our performance. I'm happy, I like the direction we are going and I'm looking forward to tomorrow." ALEX TAGLIANI (No. 77 FAZZT Race Team, eighth-fastest): "We were very pleased today. This is the first year for the team and the FAZZT crew has just been fantastic so far, and I'm very proud of the boys and the job they have been doing. The Bowers and Wilkins car has been good. We rolled out and have been in the top-eight pretty much all day long. We finished the day with a very strong car and even though we didn't get a clear lap, I think we're looking to be very strong tomorrow. We'll see where we stack up tonight on the charts but I think we have a very good car for the race tomorrow." (About event): "I think the promoters have done a fantastic job to facilitate the travel, the teams, the garages. It has all been great. The track itself is a very unique track with the long straightaway, the longest in the series, and it's going to make for a good race and a lot of action. We have little issues here and there with the track but everyone was very good and responsive and said they would get it all fixed overnight. Those are just first year glitches for a new track, in a new city and a new circuit but for the long term it is going to be really good to be racing here in Sao Paulo." WILL POWER: (No. 12 Verizon Team Penske, fastest of the day): "I like the circuit. I think it was a good decision to qualify (March 14). It is a little tough going down the slippery start/finish straight. It will be a very physical race. Everyone got closer (in lap times) toward the end of the (final practice) session, which will make qualifying tighter and make it better for the fans." MARCO ANDRETI (No. 26 Team Venom Energy, ninth-fastest): "The schedule changes today will definitely make tomorrow interesting. Qualifying can take its toll on you both mentally and physically - and then you have to enter the race. I'm really optimistic though; hopefully we make it through all three rounds and into the Firestone Fast Six. We made a lot of good changes during this last session but I don't think we've seen the best of the Venom car yet." DANICA PATRICK (No. 7 Team GoDaddy.com, 12th-fastest): "This track is challenging for unique reasons that I know the league is paying attention to and trying to fix. But, I'm glad that we had this last session to practice before qualifying. I think the more time for me the better and I think that we were really pretty competitive at the end of the session. We're certainly going in the right direction with the GoDaddy.com car." VITOR MEIRA (No. 14 ABC Supply/A.J. Foyt Racing): "Overall it wasn't too bad of a day especially since we found something in that last practice session which really helped the car get the power down. We were on older tires so we knew when we jumped into the top 10, it was due to the changes we made. We slipped down in the final five minutes, but we have a good starting point for tomorrow's qualifying. The track conditions were not ideal today, but tonight they are making changes which will make it better for tomorrow. We are going to do the same with the ABC Supply car." HELIO CASTRONEVES, No. 3 Team Penske, 10th-fastest): "Certainly for the first day, there was a little bit of a blip on the radar on track with the straightaway, but it was a great call by the IZOD IndyCar Series to think about safety first for the drivers and the fans as well. So, we will have the morning practice and then Team Penske will see what we can do in qualifying. It's awesome to race here in front of my hometown fans - they have been great, and we're all looking forward to putting on a good show for them tomorrow." RYAN BRISCOE (No. 6 Team Penske 11th-fastest): "We are reasonably happy with the Team Penske car. We would have loved to qualify today, but the IZOD IndyCar Series officials made a great decision to put safety first. We will be ready to go out and give 100% tomorrow. We did some race set-up today. The car feels great and we are looking good for qualifying and the race." SIMONA DE SILVESTRO (No. 78 Team Stargate Worlds/HVM Racing): "It was pretty crazy out there today. Considering how track conditions were throughout the day, I'm pretty happy about how we did. I'm learning all the time. Every corner I go by I'm learning. I think we are on the right track. We made some adjustments early on that did not quite work so we went back and now I believe the car is very good and now it's on me. I think we're good for qualifying tomorrow and we just have to complete tomorrow's race. I'm very excited about tomorrow and looking forward to driving in my first IZOD IndyCar Series race in Brazil" HIDEKI MUTOH (No. 06 Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing): "The track is quite amazing especially the length of the back straight. It's very bumpy; the bumpiest track I have been on. There is very low grip so it's hard to find the limit of the car. It was hard work today. But I think we can overtake during the race so it will be a good one to watch. (About contact): "I'm not sure what happened; the car just went straight suddenly. We couldn't find anything on the data that was strange but my engineer Martin (Pare) was watching on the TV and said he thought it looked strange too. Maybe something broke but we couldn't find anything. Fortunately it wasn't a big amount of damage and we were ready to run in the next practice session. I want to thank my guys for fixing it. About the race): "I think the race is going to be a little crazy and I hope I am not part of that. There are a lot of rookies in the race so it will be interesting. Because of the very long straight, there is a chance to overtake. The hairpin is quite tight though so I think there is going to be a lot happening there. If it rains I think you can aquaplane on the backstraight because it is so bumpy. It will be a survival race if it rains. It might be anyway." TAKUMA SATO (No. 5 KV Racing Technology): "It was a busy day, but I think in the end, I am happy to say, it was a good day for us. We did a lot of work on the car for new circuit and tried to find the right approach for the set up. Today was another step for me and gave me some more experience with an IndyCar. It was obviously very difficult circumstances because of the track surface situation, but hopefully, we will have a good qualifying tomorrow. E.J. VISO (No. 8 PDVSA-Jet Aviation KV Racing Technology): "Today was an exciting day for the PDVSA KV Racing team. We started from scratch on a track we have never been to before. It was a little bit crazy today especially with the conditions at the start/finish line straight. It is just so slippery and it is a challenge to be fast on the straightaway. We spent most of the day working on the setup of the car. Trying different things and comparing the data and now I think we are in a much better position for tomorrow's qualifying. MARIO MORAES (No. 32 KV Racing Technology): "I am very happy to be back in the car for KV Racing Technology. Unfortunately my day didn't go as planned because I made a mistake in the last practice which put in the wall. I feel bad for the crew. They have worked so hard, but I am confident they will be able to repair the car and we will be ready for qualifying tomorrow morning." DAN WHELDON (No. 4 National Guard Panther Racing): "We had a really productive last session. We made some dramatic improvements on the National Guard car and it was really fun to drive. When we made those changes it really changed the way I felt about the track, and I think it's going to be an exciting race for IZOD IndyCar Series fans, because you have that long straight where you can get a really good draft, which will certainly present many overtaking opportunities. The mechanics did a really good job because (Chief Engineer) David Cripps threw a really big change at them for this last session and they got it completed really quickly and it worked out perfectly because it really changed the balance of the car. We'll see what happens with the track overnight, and obviously take that into consideration with some of the stuff we're going to change, and hopefully go even better tomorrow." SUNDAY'S SCHEDULE: (all times local) 8 a.m. - IZOD IndyCar Series warmup (all cars) 8:30 a.m. - IZOD IndyCar Series qualifying (knockout group qualifying and Firestone Fast Six) 12:30 p.m. - Sao Paulo Indy 300 pre-race 1 p.m. - Sao Paulo Indy 300 (75 laps/195 miles/313.8 kilometers) Today's IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines 1. Sao Paulo mayor is biggest promoter of event 2. Moraes returns to KV Racing Technology for full season: 3. Around the world with Duno 4. Tagliani makes cameo in film 5. Choosing between red and black 1. Sao Paulo mayor is biggest promoter of event: São Paulo Mayor Gilberto Kassab is comfortable with multimedia members following him as he strolls through the Anhembi Sambodromo section of the racetrack that will play host to the season-opening IZOD IndyCar Series race. He's only too happy to show off the facility that's been constructed in two months (the first form of the concrete barriers cast Jan. 15), to discuss the sense of pride felt by residents of South America's largest city in hosting the IZOD IndyCar Series and its seven Brazilian drivers, and to promote the city as a tourist destination. "For the city, it is a privilege to hold the race here and we hope this is the first of many years that IndyCars come to São Paulo," Kassab said. "There is great satisfaction having this partnership (with the sanctioning Indy Racing League). There is wonderful public spirit for the race and pride for the country and São Paulo. "There has been much dedication to building this racing facility and all the organizations should be congratulated. We trust this stage will be astonishing. There are huge expectations from the drivers, either Brazilian or foreigners. I would like to thank all the supporters, all the partners that are making this race possible." Kassab said that the São Paulo Indy 300 will generate about R$100 million to the city's economy in its first year. Suites are sold out and general ticket sales aren't far behind. The city will receive additional promotion via the international TV broadcast. "Great events are very good for our city," he said. "We are going to generate jobs and income. The event generates full occupation of our hotels, moves our restaurants and businesses." Terry Angstadt, president of the Indy Racing League's commercial division, said that choosing São Paulo as the host of the first Brazilian/South American event in league history was a consequence of the city's attributes. "The city of São Paulo is Brazil's financial heart," said Angstadt, who presented the mayor an IZOD Indy garment bag filled with Philips-Van Heusen apparel. "I have always believed in the city and in the project. Our expectations are very high for a great event. This race course is beautiful, it's in a perfect setting, the race will be very competitive, our top Brazilian drivers are looking forward to one of them hoisting the trophy, so we could not be more exiting to start our season here." Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard will attend the race along with Scott Miller, CEO of Indianapolis Economic Development Inc., and Michael Young, its energy director. They are in Brazil for a trade mission. 2. Moraes returns to KV Racing Technology for full season: Mario Moraes will drive the No. 32 Banco Panamericano-KV Racing Technology entry on the streets of São Paulo and will continue in the car for the remainder of the season. "It has been a long time waiting, but I'm pleased that I have this opportunity," said Moraes, a native of Sao Paulo who will join Takuma Sato (No. 5 car) and E.J. Viso (No. 8) this season. "I want to thank (team co-owners) Kevin Kalkhoven and Jimmy Vasser for putting this all together. For the race in Brazil, I want to thank Banco Panamericano, the Holiday Inn Parque Anhembi and Itatiaia Group for their sponsorship. "It's great to be back working with the team. I didn't make the preseason test (Feb. 24-25 at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama), so it's straight to the race weekend. It will be a challenge and work to get used to the new engineers and new people, but I think we're going to have a good weekend." Moraes, 21, recorded six top-10 finishes (three top fives) - highlighted by a third place on the Chicagoland Speedway oval. His road/street course best finish is fourth at Infineon Raceway. "We are very pleased to have Mario back in the seat with KVRT," general manager Mark Johnson said. "Mario showed last season he can be very competitive and is in the process of becoming one of the top talents in the series. He has grown and matured on and off the racetrack over the last year due in part to the support of his family and the many positive influences in his life. "Mario finished the 2009 season with very strong results and I would expect more of the same starting this weekend." 3. Around the world with Duno: Because of a speaking engagement at the Women of Independence Conference in celebration of the 2010 International Women's Day in Malaysia, Milka Duno traveled 22,176 miles before arriving in São Paulo. The stats: In the air for 47 hours, 25 minutes. She was on four different planes, on three separate airlines, that stopped at six airports, with three customs checks and traveling through about 22 time zones. 4. Tagliani makes cameo in film: Alex Tagliani got his first opportunity as an actor, with a small speaking role for the upcoming film "Score: A Hockey Musical." The FAZZT Race Team driver played himself in the film along with other Canadians such as Walter Gretzky (father of Wayne Gretzky), Marc Jordan and Margaret Atwood in a scene that was filmed at an ice hockey rink in Toronto. "This was an incredible opportunity," he said. "I got to put on my hockey skates again and it's been quite awhile since I had those on my feet. And I completely enjoyed meeting all of the actors and singers who are in the film. I don't think I will be pursuing a career in movies, but I had a great time and was honored to be invited to participate in the film." 5. Choosing between red and black: All cars must use at least one primary set of Firestone Firehawks and one new alternate set during the 75-lap race on the 2.6-mile, 11-turn circuit for a minimum of two green flag laps. The primary Firehawks are derived from the same spec as last year at Long Beach and Toronto. The alternate spec for São Paulo is identical to the 2009 primary spec for St. Petersburg. The alternate tires are identical in construction to the primaries but contain a softer tread compound that will provide more grip and faster lap times, yet trade off compound durability in exchange for those shorter-term advantages. Also available, if needed, are street course rain specification tires (five sets per entry). "The Firestone tires chosen for this event - both the primary and alternate specifications - are race-tested, so even though this is a new track, we anticipate that the Firehawks will stand up to whatever the streets of São Paulo have to offer," Firestone Racing executive director Al Speyer said. As a refresher, three rounds of qualifications are used on street and road courses. Oval events employ the aggregate of four timed laps to set the grid. In Round 1 of the São Paulo event, two sets of 12 cars each have 20 minutes (including full-course yellow) to post their best lap times. The top six from each group advances to Round 2, with the remaining cars assigned positions 13-24. The 12 advancing cars receive 15 minutes of track time. The top six advance to the Firestone Fast Six, with the remaining cars ranked in positions 7-12 based on their fastest lap time in the session. The cars in the Firestone Fast Six shootout receive 10 minutes of track time. Each car receives an extra set of Firestone Firehawk primary tires for the segment, with the PEAK Performance Pole Award winner and the next five cars determined by lap time. Firestone Fast Six fast facts (16 events) The 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season begins March 14 with the Sao Paulo Indy 300 on the streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at 11:30 a.m. (EDT) by VERSUS. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, XM channel 145 and Sirius channel 211. The race also will be carried on www.indycar.com. The 2010 Firestone Indy Lights season opens with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg March 28 on the streets of St. Petersburg. The race will air live on indycar.com. Today's IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines 1. Gearing up: IZOD IndyCar Series 2010 season preview 2. Drivers pick champion, top rookie, next winner, biggest surprise 3. IZOD IndyCar Series Q & A - March 10 4. Lloyd joins Coyne in Brazil 5. HVM to field Firestone Indy Lights entry with Strous 1. Gearing up: IZOD IndyCar Series 2010 season preview: The start of every IZOD IndyCar Series season begins with high expectations, but the 2010 season may be one of the most anticipated. With 17 races across three continents, 12 teams competing over an extended race calendar. This season seems to have it all: new title sponsor, fast ovals, historic road courses, tricky street circuits, new venues, fresh teammate combinations, young drivers and returning champions. All could add up to another unbeatable season. With the first practice session now less than three days away, the season is just beginning to build to what could be another final race crescendo. THE BIG STORIES: IZOD Enters First Year of Entitlement The 2010 season marks the first year of IZOD's title sponsorship of the IZOD IndyCar Series. The partnership marks the series' first entitlement in nearly a decade. In Novemeber 2009, Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. announced a six-year agreement with the Indy Racing League for the IZOD brand to become the title sponsor of the newly renamed IZOD IndyCar Series. Over the past two years, both entities have seen pieces fit to mutual benefit. Speed, competition, athleticism meets vibrant and well-known lifestyle apparel brand appealing to the entire family. "Our relationship with the IZOD brand has been on the fast track since the day we began our partnership in 2008, and we are thrilled they have taken a bigger and more vital role in our sport," said Terry Angstadt, president of the commercial division of the Indy Racing League. League officials have been seeking to align with a company that would expand the scope and demographic as the IndyCar Series title sponsor (its first since 2001) through activation beyond race markets. IZOD's proven that repeatedly. "Their strong marketing skills, national retail partnerships and ability to bring fresh eyes to the sport have already proven powerful in our short time together," Angstadt said. "We're confident that we have found a partner with a strong brand, a bright future and a vision for growing the IZOD IndyCar Series that will benefit fans, drivers, teams, owners and tracks." Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. knows a thing or two about marketing and positioning itself with brands that make a statement. It's the world's largest shirt and neckwear company and markets a variety of goods worldwide under its own renowned brands (Van Heusen, Calvin Klein, IZOD, ARROW, Bass, and G.H. Bass & Co.) and licensed brands such as Nautica, Timberland and Tommy Hilfiger. "Our involvement with the IRL began shortly after the unification of U.S. open-wheel racing and, despite the recession, we have seen growth and sense the potential for even greater opportunity as the sport is re-energized on the American sports landscape, as well as abroad," said Allen Sirkin, president and COO of Phillips-Van Heusen. Randy Bernard named CEO of Indy Racing League Randy Bernard, longtime CEO of Professional Bull Riders, Inc., was named CEO of the Indy Racing League, the sanctioning body of the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights, on Feb. 2. He began his new duties March 1. "Randy is the right person at the right time to head the Indy Racing League," said Jeffrey Belskus, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation, the home of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race and owner of the Indy Racing League.. "He brings a superb sports marketing and promotion background, proven CEO skills, energy and enthusiasm at a time when the IZOD IndyCar Series is positioned for growth." "I truly believe I can make a difference with the Indy Racing League, and I see tremendous potential," Bernard said. "The IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights have intense action, high-stakes competition, extreme athletes, a diverse international schedule, great sponsors and a very passionate fan base." Bernard, 43, produced one of the eight PBR events in its inaugural 1994 season while with the marketing and entertainment department of the California Mid-State Fair and "fell in love with the sport." He was named CEO in 1995 and worked with the PBR founders in the succeeding years to develop and expand the brand, events and the popularity of the sport worldwide. Under Bernard's leadership, PBR's Built Ford Tough Series regular-season attendance increased 12 percent in 2009, and ratings with television partner VERSUS increased nearly 30 percent last year. The PBR was quick out of the chutes in 2010 with attendance up 23 percent in its first five weeks of competition. Familiar faces in new places: • Will Power, who competed in six races with Penske Racing in 2009, will be a full-season entrant in 2010 in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske car. He'll join forces with Helio Castroneves, a three-time Indianapolis 500 winner, and Ryan Briscoe, who placed third in the 2009 series championship. It will be the first time since the mid-90s that Penske Racing will field three full-time cars in Indy cars (Paul Tracy, Emerson Fittipaldi and Al Unser Jr.). • Ryan Hunter-Reay will compete with Andretti Autosport with Phillips-Van Heusen's IZOD brand as the primary sponsor of the No. 37 entry. Hunter-Reay will open the season in Brazil and also compete at St. Petersburg, where he finished second last year for Vision Racing. Hunter-Reay moved to A.J. Foyt Racing in June as a replacement for the injured Vitor Meira, posting a best finish of fourth at Mid-Ohio. He'll join Marco Andretti, Danica Patrick and Tony Kanaan at the team. • FAZZT Race Team joins the IZOD IndyCar Series for 2010 with veteran driver Alex Tagliani, who competed in six races last season with Conquest Racing. The team announced a partnership with Bowers & Wilkins, the world's leading producers of reference quality hi-fi and home theater speakers, as the primary sponsor for the season opener in Brazil. • Justin Wilson, who won at Watkins Glen International and finished ninth in the '09 standings with Dale Coyne Racing, will compete in 2010 with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing as a teammate to second-year driver Mike Conway. Also in a Dreyer & Reinbold Racing car for the Brazil opener is Ana Beatriz, who competed the past two seasons in Firestone Indy Lights. She recorded one victory each year - becoming the first female to win a Firestone Indy Lights race (2008 at Nashville). • Hideki Mutoh, the rookie of the year in 2008, will drive the No. 06 car for Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing. He had competed the past two seasons with Andretti Autosport. • Mario Romancini, who won two oval races in 2009 in his first Firestone Indy Lights season, has jumped to the No. 34 Conquest Racing entry. • E.J. Viso, who drove for two seasons with HVM Racing, moved to KV Racing Technology in the No. 8 car. • Jay Howard, the 2006 Firestone Indy Lights champion, will compete in five IZOD IndyCar Series races with Sarah Fisher Racing (starting with the Indianapolis 500). "Since 2008, I've been pretty driven," said Howard, who competed in five races with Roth Racing that year. "I have a lot of confidence going into it. I think Sarah Fisher Racing as a team will raise some eyebrows this year." • IZOD IndyCar Series veteran Davey Hamilton will compete in three races with Luczo Dragon Racing/de Ferran Motorsports - the Indianapolis 500, at Texas Motor Speedway the following week and another event to be determined. • For the second consecutive year, Sam Schmidt Motorsports and Chip Ganassi Racing will team up to compete in the Indianapolis 500. The No. 99 SSM/CGR entry with primary sponsor Herbalife will be driven by IZOD IndyCar Series veteran Townsend Bell of San Luis Obispo, Calif. He finished fourth in the 2009 race for KV Racing Technology. New Rules and Regulations: "Teams and drivers can still save fuel because they can develop their own fuel strategy, but instead of having a mechanical device to achieve it they can use their right foot," Indy Racing League senior technical director Les Mactaggart said. "It will allow the drivers more strategy during the event." • A reverse gear supplied by promotional partner Xtrac will be incorporated for the nine road and street course races and be available to drivers through the paddle shift system. Drivers will retain six forward gears, and the kit won't be required for the eight oval events. "It doesn't make any of the parts obsolete; you just add the new kit," IZOD IndyCar Series technical director Kevin Blanch said. "It's on the drop gear side, so when the crew is making gear changes it doesn't interfere. It just stays in the car the whole time." • Honda Performance Development will incorporate a refueling lockout device on IZOD IndyCar Series cars in an effort to further reduce the possibility of fuel spills and fire during pit stops. A sensor next to the refueling coupling behind the driver's shoulder will recognize the proximity of the fuel probe and prevent the driver from shifting into gear (from neutral) until it has cleared the pre-set distance. The system will receive testing during the Open Test on May 4 at Kentucky Speedway. It is scheduled to be added following the Indianapolis 500 on May 30, according to HPD technical division manager Roger Griffiths. • A "floating back" headrest configuration that has been researched and tested by Indy Racing League director of engineering Jeff Horton was recommended for implementation by teams. Horton developed the "floating back" to curb the disparity in G forces between the car and head in rearward crashes. The Kevlar skin of the headrest is attached to the front of the foam and the sides are allowed to float, "so the driver only feels the effect of the foam during impact," according to Horton. THE DRIVERS: Race winners: In addition to the four series champions, seven drivers who have won at least one race winners return to the series in 2010. Team Penske and Andretti Autosport feature three race-winning drivers in their lineups (Penske has Helio Castroneves, Ryan Briscoe and Will Power. Andretti Autosport has Marco Andretti, Ryan Hunter-Reay and Danica Patrick). Justin Wilson (Dreyer & Reinbold Racing) is the other returning race winner. THE SCHEDULE In addition to the race on the 2.6-mile, 11-turn circuit in the Anhembi section (north-central) of São Paulo, on April 11, both the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights will have races for the first time at the 2.38-mile Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama. PRE-SEASON TESTING The top 14 cars of the 21 that participated in the test were separated by 0.8399 of second. Last season produced another competitive championships in recent history, with the points lead swapping hands 15 times over the course of 17 races and the championship once again coming down to the final race of the season. 2. Drivers pick champion, top rookie, next winner, biggest surprise: Using an unscientific survey, several returning IZOD IndyCar Series drivers were asked to pick their choice for the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series champion, IZOD IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year, the driver who will be the next first-time winner and biggest surprise of the season. Below are their results: Champion: Most of the drivers agree that Target Chip Ganassi Racing's two-year reign atop the championship standings will end, but the driver to take title was open for debate, though the top three vote getters all came from the same team - Team Penske. The Team Penske's triumvirate of Helio Castroneves, Ryan Briscoe and Will Power drew 75 percent of the vote with second-year driver Mike Conway and two-time champions Scott Dixon and Dario Franchitti splitting the remaining 25 percent of the vote. Castroneves was mentioned the most of the Penske drivers with five votes, while Briscoe and Briscoe had four votes and Power had three. Drivers Poll 1. Helio Castroneves 5 2. Ryan Briscoe 4 3. Will Power 3 4. Dario Franchitti 1 Scott Dixon 1 Mike Conway 1 Rookie of the Year: The drivers were unanimous in their pick for the series' top rookie in a class that features four drivers graduating from developmental series and a Formula One veteran. Japanese driver Takuma Sato, who will compete with KV Racing Technology, was the overwhelming selection receiving all votes in the poll of drivers. Drivers Poll 1. Takuma Sato 12 Next winner: The drivers were split in their pick for the series' next first-time visitor to Victory Lane with five drivers receiving votes. E.J. Viso, who switches to KV Racing Technology for 2010, received the most votes in the survey with four. 2009 Rookie of the Year Raphael Matos and Mike Conway were the only other drivers to receive multiple votes, each securing two. Takuma Sato and Vitor Meira were also mentioned as potential first-time winners by the drivers surveyed. Drivers Poll 1. E.J. Viso 4 2. Raphael Matos 2 Mike Conway 2 3. Vitor Meira 1 Takuma Sato 1 Biggest Surprise: Another category that drivers were split on was their pick for the series' biggest surprise with six drivers receiving votes and most drivers opting to abstain. Takuma Sato, received the most votes in the survey with three, with his teammate E.J. Viso among the other five drivers receiving one vote based on his "speed." Ryan Hunter-Reay, Danica Patrick, Mario Romancini and "one of the rookie," also received votes in the poll. Drivers Poll 1. Takuma Sato 3 2. E.J. Viso 2 3. Mario Romancini 1 Ryan Hunter-Reay 1 Danica Patrick 1 Takuma Sato 1 "One of the rookies" 1 3. IZOD IndyCar Series Q & A - March 10: IZOD IndyCar Series driver Helio Castroneves participated in a Q&A session to discuss the Sao Paulo Indy 300, the opening race of 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season. Below are select quotes from his interview. The complete transcript and audio MP3 file are posted at www.indycar.com/media. Helio Castroneves · 34-year-old native of Sao Paulo, Brazil will compete in his 10th season in the IZOD IndyCar Series in 2010. · Will drive the No. 3 Team Penske car after finishing fourth in the IZOD IndyCar Series point standings in 2009. · Won the Indianapolis 500 for the third time in 2009, becoming the ninth driver to win the famed race at least three times. · Became a father in the offseason, after his daughter Mikaella was born in Dec. 29 2009. Q. You're one of the several Brazilians racing in the series in 2010. How exciting is it for you to be racing in your home country for the first time in almost 10 years? HELIO CASTRONEVES: It's great to give the opportunity to the Brazilian fans to see am IndyCar (Series) race right there, going right past by them. It's been 10 years that the Indy car has not been in Brazil, but there are people that are really fans (of the sport). They follow on TV, but the general public sometimes doesn't know about it. Now it's a great, great opportunity to show them what American fans are able to see. It's been great. And I'm excited to be racing close to my home fans. Q. How much of a little bit of incentive is there amongst the Brazilian drivers to win this race on their home territory? There's always a little bit of rivalry between you and T.K. (Tony Kanaan)You throw in the Vitor (Meira), I'm sure this would be a big victory. Talk about that a little bit. HELIO CASTRONEVES: You're absolutely right. In fact, the guy that wins here, or the girl, we have Ana Beatriz, the first Brazilian woman to be in (the) IndyCar (Series), no question, for every Brazilian here right now, it will be exciting to win because everybody will know this person. It happened in the past with Andre Ribeiro when he won in 1996. He became a big star of Indy car over here. Like I said, we're talking about 14 years ago. But certainly it would be huge. It would be great. I'm sure we're going try everything we can to have one of the Brazilians win the race. Hopefully it will be a Brazilian. If it's not, it's OK. Q. After the up-and-down year of 2009, how has becoming a father helped you get past that and lay those emotions to rest? HELIO CASTRONEVES: Yeah, it's a great experience. So far I've been very fortunate to experience the life that I have. And I can't wait. I cannot wait to be on the podium with my daughter. That's going to be my biggest goal this year to have that experience. In the future one day, she can see that she was there with me. That will mean the world to me. Q. You've won the Indy 500 three times, you've done just about everything there is to do in the sport except win a championship. How important is it for you to have a championship before you retire from the sport? HELIO CASTRONEVES: Like I said before, I'm always going out there to win as many races as I can, to do the best I can. That's what I love to do. Now, the rest of it, it's a matter of putting all the chips together. You know, if it does not happen, it's will not because of a lack of preparation, but it just wasn't meant to be. So if that does not happen, no, I won't regret it because every time I went out there, I did everything is possible to make it the way it's supposed to be. So I'm very fortunate what I've accomplished already. Sure I'm going to continue working four times harder to achieve that. Hopefully this year will be the year. But I won't get frustrated. I won't get disappointed. I won't be upset because I didn't win the championship, no. I enjoy what I love to do. As long as I'm competitive, I'm going to pursuing my goals. 4. Lloyd joins Coyne in Brazil: Dale Coyne Racing announced that 2007 Firestone Indy Lights champion Alex Lloyd will drive the No. 19 Boy Scouts of America car in the season-opening Sao Paulo Indy 300 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Lloyd, a 25-year-old native of Manchester, England, will make his first IZOD IndyCar Series start on a road course after making three oval appearances over the past two seasons. Lloyd, who dominated the 2007 Firestone Indy Lights season and made his IZOD IndyCar Series debut in the 2008 Indianapolis 500, started two IZOD IndyCar Series in 2009, finishing a career-best eighth for Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing at Homestead-Miami Speedway. 5. HVM to field Firestone Indy Lights entry with Strous: HVM Racing will participate in the 2010 Firestone Indy Lights season with a car driven by Junior Strous, with the intention of progressing the Dutch racer to the IZOD IndyCar Series. The 23-year-old driver won two races and led the series point standings in 2009, will pilot the Shell/HVM Racing car, beginning with the series-opening event on the Streets of St. Petersburg on March 28. "I'm now closer to reaching my ultimate goal and that's racing the big IndyCars," Strous said. "If I have a chance to improve my position, I'll always go for it. The HVM partnership offers me good opportunities both for the short and long term in my racing career. HVM is the place to be to achieve my goals." HVM Racing team principal and owner Keith Wiggins recognizes the benefits of a ladder system to develop drivers for the premier-level IZOD IndyCar Series and welcomes the opportunity to work with the young driver. "Junior is a proven talent," Wiggins said. "He's won races, so we know he has good skills behind the wheel. We will start him in a (Firestone Indy) Lights car and plan to do some testing with him in the (IZOD IndyCar Series) car at some point this season also. I have no doubt that with continued development he will be in an IZOD IndyCar Series car in the future." Strous will run with sponsorship from Shell and the European-based Car Channel Television Network. Car Channel has acquired the live television broadcasting rights for the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights in the Netherlands. "The IZOD IndyCar Series has a large fan base in Europe," said Etienne Marijnissen, CEO of Car Channel. "Junior driving for Keith Wiggins and HVM is a great development for European televisions viewers, who will get a better understanding and feeling for the fast and exciting Indy Racing League. We will follow Junior and the team on and off track. It will be an exciting racing season in the highest level of motorsports." HVM Racing currently fields the No. 78 Team Stargate Worlds/HVM Racing entry, driven by Simona De Silvestro, in the IZOD IndyCar Series. The 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season begins March 14 with the Sao Paulo Indy 300 on the streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at 11:30 a.m. (EDT) by VERSUS. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, XM channel 145 and Sirius channel 211. The race also will be carried on www.indycar.com. The 2010 Firestone Indy Lights season opens with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg March 28 on the streets of St. Petersburg. The race will air live on indycar.com. Today's IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines 1. Franchitti expects another close fight for 2010 title 2. Beatriz gets noticed on Streets of Sao Paulo 3. Straight ethanol for the cars 4. Brazil race holds special place in de Ferran's heart 1. Franchitti expects another close fight for 2010 title: Through 17 events in 2009, on the most diverse set of racetracks in motorsports, four IZOD IndyCar Series drivers swapped the points lead a record 15 times. Dario Franchitti earned the driver championship by outdueling Target Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Scott Dixon and Team Penske's Ryan Briscoe in a season-finale shootout at Homestead-Miami Speedway. That the title was determined in the closing stages of the race was fitting - the three competitors entered the 200-lap race on the 1.5-mile oval separated by eight points. The final margin was 11 points (the third-closest in series history and the fourth consecutive year it's been less than 20 points). No more than 33 points separated first to third in the standings over the course of the season. Franchitti's second series championship in three years was forged by five victories, eight other top-five finishes that piled up points and 11 bonus points from pole starts and race laps led. "I didn't think I'd win five races and a championship in my first year back (after the shortened by economics foray into stock cars)," Franchitti said. "Scott is a better driver than he was in '07 and Ryan came in every single week, as well as other people who made appearances and won races. It just seemed that Scott and Ryan every week were tough competition." Franchitti expects Dixon to again contend for the title during the 17-race schedule that kicks off March 14 on the streets of São Paulo, Brazil, along with the Team Penske triumvirate of Briscoe, Helio Castroneves and Will Power, and Tony Kanaan of Andretti Autosport. He also expects a couple of dark horses to emerge, such as Justin Wilson of Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and former Formula One driver Takuma Sato. Again, the road to the championship will be challenging - with the first four races on road/street circuits and the final four on 1.5-mile ovals; in between is a mix of short and long ovals and street/road courses. "(At dinner recently with team members) I said this year is going to be harder than last year and we all kind of nodded," Franchitti said. "We know the competition is going to be tougher. There will be the usual suspects that were in the title fight last year and I think you'll add a couple more. We'll have to work harder if we want to come home with another championship. "To even challenge for another championship we'll have to work even harder. If we do our best, we'll see if we can repeat. Right now, we're just going to with the same attitude as last year, which was let's do our best and hopefully that will put us in contention." Of the 40 drivers who started at least one race last season, 27 earned a top-10 finish, 18 a top five and 15 wound up on the podium. Castroneves, who has won the Indianapolis 500 three times but is looking for his first series title, has been in the hunt almost every year since entering full time in 2002. He finished fourth in '09 -- missing the season opener because of his federal tax evasion trial. Briscoe, who recorded three victories in '09 and tied the series record with eight runner-up finishes, predicted that several title contenders will emerge because of the diverse schedule. "This year, with nine road and street courses, it's going to be very challenging," he said. "There are going to be lots of different drivers vying for wins so we're going to have to be very focused and paying attention all the time." Franchitti became the fifth different series champion in the past six years. Another battle to the finale is expected. Attempting to repeat Dario Franchitti will attempt to be the third driver to follow up an IZOD IndyCar Series championship season with another. How the title-holders have fared: Year 2. Beatriz gets noticed on Streets of Sao Paulo: Ana Beatriz, who will make her IZOD IndyCar Series debut in her home country this weekend in a Dreyer & Reinbold Racing-prepared car, had an early morning wakeup call to drive the Indy Racing Experience street-legal two-seater in sections of Sao Paulo, Brazil. 3. Straight ethanol for the cars:The sugar cane ethanol that will fuel IZOD IndyCar Series cars this weekend won't be denatured with 2 percent gasoline (as in other race markets). It will be 100 percent ethanol with a red dye added that has no chemical properties other then adding color to the fuel. The IZOD IndyCar Series is the only form of motorsports that utilizes a renewable and environmentally conscious fuel to power its engines. 4. Brazil race holds special place in de Ferran's heart: The São Paulo Indy 300 will mark the IZOD IndyCar Series' first race in Brazil and its first trip to South America. CART hosted five races on a 1.864-mile oval in Rio de Janeiro from 1996 to 2000. It will have special significance to Luczo Dragon Racing/de Ferran Motorsports president and 2003 Indianapolis 500 winner Gil de Ferran, who grew up in Brazil and raced at the Rio circuit. "All races count the same number of points and pay the same money, so why should I approach racing in Brazil any different, right?" he said. "This race, however, has many special landmarks for me personally. Although I have owned a (sports car) team for the past two seasons, it is my debut in IndyCars, a series that has had a great significance in my motorsports career. In addition, racing at home at a location where in fact I learned to drive karts at age 6 will be quite special." The 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season begins March 14 with the Sao Paulo Indy 300 on the streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at 11:30 a.m. (EDT) by VERSUS. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, XM channel 145 and Sirius channel 211. The race also will be carried on www.indycar.com. The 2010 Firestone Indy Lights season opens with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg March 28 on the streets of St. Petersburg. The race will air live on indycar.com.
2. (11) Tony Kanaan, Dallara-Honda, 1:01.8797 (104.719)
3. (9) Scott Dixon, Dallara-Honda, 1:02.0820 (104.378)
4. (22) Justin Wilson, Dallara-Honda, 1:02.1992 (104.181)
5. (3) Helio Castroneves, Dallara-Honda, 1:02.2118 (104.160)
6. (26) Marco Andretti, Dallara-Honda, 1:02.3461 (103.936)
7. (37) Ryan Hunter-Reay, Dallara-Honda, 1:01.8979 (104.689)
8. (77) Alex Tagliani, Dallara-Honda, 1:01.9692 (104.568)
9. (8) EJ Viso, Dallara-Honda, 1:01.9807 (104.549)
10. (24) Mike Conway, Dallara-Honda, 1:02.0434 (104.443)
11. (5) Takuma Sato, Dallara-Honda, 1:02.4205 (103.812)
12. (06) Hideki Mutoh, Dallara-Honda, 1:02.5113 (103.661)
13. (10) Dario Franchitti, Dallara-Honda, 1:02.1944 (104.189)
14. (78) Simona de Silvestro, Dallara-Honda, 1:02.4493 (103.764)
15. (4) Dan Wheldon, Dallara-Honda, 1:02.2557 (104.087)
16. (67) Graham Rahal, Dallara-Honda, 1:02.5044 (103.673)
17. (14) Vitor Meira, Dallara-Honda, 1:02.2688 (104.065)
18. (34) Mario Romancini, Dallara-Honda, 1:02.7366 (103.289)
19. (6) Ryan Briscoe, Dallara-Honda, 1:02.3205 (103.979)
20. (32) Mario Moraes, Dallara-Honda, 1:02.8294 (103.136)
21. (7) Danica Patrick, Dallara-Honda, 1:02.4904 (103.696)
22. (19) Alex Lloyd, Dallara-Honda, 1:03.4793 (102.081)
23. (2) Raphael Matos, Dallara-Honda, 1:03.0144 (102.834)
24. (18) Milka Duno, Dallara-Honda, 1:08.5058 (94.591)
Danica Patrick: Too much street racing not good for IRL
By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
From Tampabay.com
Posted: Mar 26, 2010 01:12 PM
Mar 26 2010
SERIES LEADER POWER TOPS FIRST DAY IN ST. PETERSBURG
FIRESTONE INDY LIGHTS POST-PRACTICE QUOTES:
Garages open
9:55-10:55 a.m.
IZOD IndyCar Series practice (all cars)
11:15 a.m.-noon
Firestone Indy Lights practice (all cars)
1:20 p.m.
PEAK Performance Pole Qualifying and Firestone Fast 6
3:10 p.m.
Firestone Indy Lights qualifyin
GIL DE FERRAN ELECTED TO ICONIC IZOD INDYCAR SERIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Mar 25 2010
IZOD INDYCAR SERIES NEWS AND NOTES
Mar 24 2010
IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines
"It's definitely a milestone," says Franchitti, who has 13 IZOD IndyCar Series victories in 84 races. "There are a lot of good memories, a lot of fun. I'd say it's a milestone but hopefully there will be more along the way."
Franchitti, who is tied for 15th on the all-time Indy car victory list, wants to add to the memories.
"The first 200 have been a lot of fun and let's hope we can reach another couple of big milestones and be as competitive and have as much doing it," he says.
Franchitti by the numbers
• Has covered 41,792.15 miles in open-wheel racing career.
• Of 23 victories, nine have been on a street course, three on a road course and 10 on an oval.
• Has raced with four different teams in 12 years: Hogan Racing, 1997; Team Green, 1998-2002; Andretti Green Racing, 2003-07; Target Chip Ganassi Racing, 2009-present.
• In four starts at St. Petersburg, has claimed three top-five finishes with a high of third in the inaugural event in 2005.
• Will make his 45th start on a street course (35 in CART and 10 in IZOD IndyCar Series).
• Of 199 races, has been running at the end of 140.
• Has finished on the podium 60 times in open-wheel racing career.
• In past two seasons (2007, '09), has only finished outside the top 10 in only three races: 2007 - Michigan, 13th; 2009 - Kansas, 18th, Watkins Glen, 15th.
Castroneves, a former "Dancing with the Stars" champion, also appeared on the season premiere of the hit ABC show March 22. He's in Southern California to promote the April 16-18 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.
IZOD IndyCar Series drivers have fanned out across the country to participate in media activities in support of upcoming races at Barber Motorsports Park (Will Power), Kansas Speedway (Raphael Matos) and St. Petersburg (Ryan Hunter-Reay).
Both series also will run alongside the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights at Iowa Speedway in June. The Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear opened its season last weekend at Sebring International Raceway with Tristan Vautier taking the checkered flag.
The sweepstakes launch will coincide with the IZOD IndyCar Series race on the streets of St. Petersburg on March 28. During the six month sweepstakes period, fans will have the opportunity to pick up a free entry coupon at IZOD IndyCar Series events by visiting the IZOD IndyCar Series Fan Zone and at participating KYMCO dealerships. After entering their information and code on the sweepstakes Web site, the winners will be notified by Sept. 15.
The grand prize is a weekend trip for two to the season finale race, including airfare provided by AirTran Airways, hotel and race tickets along with VIP credentials so they can truly "Live Like an IZOD IndyCar Series Driver." First prize is a KYMCO UXV 500 Side X Side Off Road Vehicle and there are two second prizes: KYMCO Driver Autographed Super 8 49cc Scooters.
"We are so happy to be able to work with the IZOD IndyCar Series on this promotion and further integrate our fan bases," said Rick Pawelka, KYMCO USA Marketing Director. "The IZOD IndyCar Series drivers have been very enthusiastic about our product and really enjoyed signing the two scooters we're giving away."
KYMCO USA is the official scooter and off-road utility vehicle of the Indy Racing League.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, William Rast was launched in 2005, and has evolved from a denim-only line into a complete lifestyle collection sold worldwide.
"We are thrilled to be able to partner with such a globally recognized, forward-thinking and exciting brand," team co-owner Bryan Herta said. "William Rast's enthusiasm and creativity is infectious, and we are looking forward to developing innovative ideas to showcase their premium lines. They add considerably to our already high level of momentum heading into the start of the season this week."
Mar 23 2010
INDY RACING LEAGUE PLANS ADVISORY COMMITTEETO AID IN SEARCH OF NEW IZOD INDYCAR SERIES CAR
Mar 18 2010
FANS CAN GET INSIDE ACCESS IN MAY WITH BRONZE BADGE CREDENTIALS
INDIANAPOLIS, Wednesday, March 17, 2010 – Bronze Badge credentials for the 2010 Indianapolis 500 can be purchased from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Credential Office starting April 26, 2010, on a first-come, first-served basis at the discretion of IMS.
Fans may request an advance order form from now until April 12 from the IMS Credentials Office by calling (317) 492-6500. Upon order, a credential coupon will be mailed to the purchaser, which can be redeemed for a Bronze Badge beginning April 26 in the Credential Office.
Each Bronze Badge is a value at only $100 and grants gate and garage access from Opening Day, Saturday, May 15 through Saturday, May 29. The badge is not valid on Race Day, Sunday, May 30.
Bronze Badges are non-transferable and individuals must be at least 18 years old to use the pass. Call the IMS Credentials office for additional information.
The Bronze Badge continues to be one of the most sought collectible pieces of racing memorabilia. This year’s badge represents the IMS front gate from the 1960s, a classic first glimpse of the hallowed property that many Indianapolis 500 fans will quickly recognize.
Fans can order tickets online at www.imstix.com, call the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area or visit the ticket office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street. Online orders can be made at any time. Hours for phone orders and the ticket office are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday.
Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information
IZOD INDYCAR SERIES NEWS AND NOTES
· 21-year-old native of New Albany, Ohio will compete in his third season in the IZOD IndyCar Series in 2010.
And Graham was. So it all just worked itself out from there.
And so obviously being that there was one race, other than the 500, I don't want to miss every year is St. Pete. So when the opportunity came from Sarah and obviously Dollar General for me, I just had to jump right at it.
Extremely excited and obviously very enthusiastic about everything that's gone on at or with SFR so far. And I think as we look to St. Pete and Barber, I think a lot of people are pretty optimistic.
I feel like we should have a pretty good run at both places.
So it's easy for us. I think the connections go pretty far back. Actually, one of the Fishers -- I don't know if Mike is your cousin, but he's worked for my dad and has for a long time.
And a guy who works for my family, Jason Temple, used to race go-karts down at Circleville. So for many, many years obviously known about Sarah and followed her, and certainly I think the local media is very proud of what we've done.
So it's pretty cool for me to sit here and be in this position. Although I signed my contract with Sarah and then she decides to throw on me that I have to introduce her to Jim Tressel, otherwise I'm not allowed to drive.
SARAH FISHER: It's incredible. We really didn't think about it until after the fact, or at least I didn't. And talking with Rick and our partners and just what Graham has done in this sport as an athlete, as a driver, his contributions already at such a young age.
And then after we get done, I'm like, "Oh, by the way, he's from Ohio." It's really neat to have this team teaming up together and being able to go after the two races and being from the same place. I don't think you find it very often in sports. So it's a neat affiliation.
And I didn't see that as being a part of the big picture when I was testing at Barber. So obviously my team is a whole lot more important to me than my ego, and Graham's going to do a better job than I would have at the wheel for those two particular events.
So there's a hope that he comes away with that we're going to be proud of and they're going to shine no matter what. And it would be really great to rewrite the books. I think Dollar General would be really happy about that.
GRAHAM RAHAL: I think I feel the same. And I think a lot of the credit has to be given to Sarah, I think, for the way that she's thought about this. And no matter what, no matter where I end up in the future, what happens, the way that the team has approached this situation, myself in particular, I think they deserve a lot of credit.
And I think that no matter what happens, we'll certainly try to do what we can to help Sarah and help Dollar General and the program as they move forward and who knows what can happen in the future.
As I said, I think this is a starting point, but I'd love to see where things go. And hopefully we can go out there and open some eyes and ears over the next couple of weeks, the next couple of races, and I think we've got a great opportunity to do so.
So I'm really looking forward to it, and, I don't know, has there ever been a female owner, race team owner that's won a race. So hopefully we can make something happen.
Tagliani ran second to Franchitti until lap 19, when he was passed by Ryan Hunter-Reay. Tagliani was still running in the top five when he was hit by Dan Wheldon's Panther entry following a restart from a full-course caution. The impact knocked the Bowers and Wilkins-backed car into the outside barrier and into Tony Kanaan and ended Tagliani's race on the spot.
"We definitely came here and showed what we can do, but it's always a shame to finish like this - especially when it's out of your control and it's a race incident that could have been avoided," Tagliani said. "I'm a little bit bummed out but I'm also relieved that we came here to our first race and we were on the front row. That is a huge accomplishment for everyone and a good tribute to all the work everybody has done."
The performance buoyed Tagliani's confidence as the series heads to another challenging street circuit in St. Petersburg, Fla. - site of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
"We are anxious to go back and race again because we know we can do it and I think we will be pretty strong on the road and street courses like St. Petersburg, Barber, and Long Beach," Tagliani said. "It's very exciting and we can't wait to get back racing. I'm still just a little disappointed because the Bowers and Wilkins was a car to finish in the top three without doing anything special, so it's going to be a long two weeks to wait for St. Petersburg and to get back to racing."
Mar 17 2010
IZOD INDYCAR SERIES NEWS AND NOTES
Mar 16 2010
IZOD INDYCAR SERIES NEWS AND NOTES
The 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season continues March 28 with the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at 3:30 p.m. (ET) by ABC. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, XM channel 145 and Sirius channel 211. The race also will be carried on www.indycar.com. The 2010 Firestone Indy Lights season opens with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg March 28 on the streets of St. Petersburg. The race will air live on indycar.com
The 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season continues March 28 with the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at 3:30 p.m. (EDT) by ABC. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, XM channel 145 and Sirius channel 211. The race also will be carried on www.indycar.com. The 2010 Firestone Indy Lights season opens with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg March 28 on the streets of St. Petersburg. The race will air live on indycar.com.
POWER SCORES WIN IN INAUGURAL SAO PAULO INDY 300 in IZOD IndyCar Series
Results Sunday of the Sao Paulo Indy 300 IZOD IndyCar Series event on the 2.536-mile Sao Paulo Street Circuit, with order of finish, starting position in parentheses, driver, chassis-engine, laps completed and reason out (if any):
Mar 13 2010
POWER LEADS OPENING DAY OF PREPARATIONS IN BRAZIL
Mar 12 2010
IZOD INDYCAR SERIES NEWS AND NOTES - March 12, 2010
34 - Drivers who have improved their starting position (34.5 percent).
20 - Drivers who have participated in the session.
15 - Helio Castroneves leads all drivers by participating 15 times. Tony Kanaan is second with 14.
12 - Drivers who have improved to the pole position during the session.
2.25 - Average starting position of the driver who entered the Firestone Fast Six with the fastest lap from the previous segment.
Rumor or ? go here to see about Sarah hiring Graham for 2 races?
http://www.trackforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=134571
IZOD INDYCAR SERIES NEWS AND NOTES
• Removal of the four-position fuel mixture switch. The Honda overtake assist system will remain and receive almost a doubling of horsepower boost (it was between 5 and 20 horsepower in 2009 depending on fuel position). The "yellow" position will remain - to be used during caution periods if the driver chooses.
The Champions: The four drivers who have combined to win six of the last seven IZOD IndyCar Series championships return to the series in 2010. Target Chip Ganassi Racing features a pair of two-time champions with Dario Franchitti (2007 and 2009) and Scott Dixon (2003 and 2008). Andretti Autosport features 2004 champion Tony Kanaan, while Panther Racing features 2005 champion Dan Wheldon.
The 17-race calendar features two new additions to one of the most diverse schedules in motorsports. The season kicks off on a temporary circuit in South America's largest city. (Sao Paulo, Brazil, March 14) and ends in on an oval in South Florida (Homestead-Miami, Speedway, Oct. 2). In between drivers will be challenged by a mix of seven superspeedways, including the 2010 Indianapolis 500 (Indianapolis Motor Speedway, May 28) a short oval, five temporary circuits and four permanent road courses.
In the only pre-season open testing session at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama, Team Penske set the bar as the team to beat. Will Power, Ryan Briscoe and Helio Castroneves set the fastest times and have clearly established that they will be the drivers to beat.
Mar 8 2010
IZOD INDYCAR SERIES NEWS AND NOTES - March 8, 2010
Champion
Finish following year
2008
Scott Dixon
Second
2007
Dario Franchitti
Did not compete
2006
Sam Hornish Jr.
Fifth
2005
Dan Wheldon
Second
2004
Tony Kanaan
Second
It wasn't a simple morning commute. Under the auspices of the CET (Traffic Engineering Company of Sao Paulo), the operation incorporated about 400 people. There really isn't a time when streets in the largest city in South America are not congested. The helicopter hovered overhead as TV Bandeirantes filmed the five-mile ride for promotion of the race event.
"I would like to thank São Paulo City and Bandeirantes Group for believing in the making of this race," Beatriz said. "I have driven so many times by the Marginal (Tietê River road) at 40 kilometers an hour that I can hardly wait to ride here at 300 kilometers an hour without getting a ticket."
On March 8, the two-seater was transported to the Northeastern region of the state of São Paulo for media rides and display. Team Penske's Helio Castroneves was honored with the title of Citizen of Ribeirão Preto (his hometown) by Mayor Dárcy Vera and he showed her around the car (photo above). The city of 570,000 is a technology business hub in Brazil.
On March 9, the mayor of Piderão Preto will be one of the riders in the two-seater. Castroneves will attend the public event with a few of his former race cars/karts.
Mar 4 2010
IZOD INDYCAR SERIES NEWS AND NOTES - March 4, 2010
Danica Patrick: Too much street racing not good for IRLBy Greg Auman, Times Staff WriterFrom Tampabay.com Posted: Mar 26, 2010 01:12 PM
Danica Patrick: Too much street racing not good for IRLBy Greg Auman, Times Staff WriterFrom Tampabay.com Posted: Mar 26, 2010 01:12 PM
Today's IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines
1. Indianapolis Motor Speedway To Host First "Road To Indy" Summit
2. Duno signs for full season with Dale Coyne Racing
3. DB Schenker helps move IZOD IndyCar Series to Brazil
4. Andretti Autosport to field Karam in USF2000 National Championship
1. Indianapolis Motor Speedway To Host First "Road To Indy" Summit: The Road to Indy, the Indy Racing League's official development ladder system, will host its first Road to Indy Summit at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May during preparations for the Indianapolis 500 and Firestone Freedom 100 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Night Before the 500 at O'Reilly Raceway Park.
Drivers and teams from the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear and Cooper Tires presents the USF2000 National Championship powered by Mazda will participate in this invitation-only event that includes track tours of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Rick Mears and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser Jr. Both series will be competing as part of the Night Before the 500 at O'Reilly Raceway Park.
"One of the goals of the Road to Indy is for drivers to develop skills needed to be successful off track and having this summit every year is key way for us to reach that goal," said Tony George Jr., manager of business development for Firestone Indy Lights and an instrumental figure in the development of the Road to Indy. "Every Road to Indy participant will be racing on the biggest open-wheel weekend of the year, but the valuable lessons that will be taught by our legends and the behind-the-scenes access the teams will receive make this a must-attend event."
Included on the schedule are:
Road to Indy drivers' meeting with Indy Racing League President of Competition and Racing Operations Brian Barnhart focusing on oval racing.
A breakfast seminar presented by Mazda focusing on the business of motorsports, which is designed to help improve the off-track performance of the drivers.
A seminar to teach drivers and spotters how to work together.
Pace car rides around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Meet and greets with Firestone Indy Lights and IZOD IndyCar Series drivers who have competed in either Star Mazda or USF2000.
A tour of the Indianapolis Hall of Fame Museum with racing historian Donald Davidson.
A Road to Indy reception at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
"Athletes in motorsports need more help than any other kind of young talent," said Gary Rodrigues, founder of the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear. "Drivers not only must hone remarkable physical ability and incredible powers of concentration. They must also develop an infrastructure around them that will meet the engineering and business challenges of organizing a winning racing program. The Road to Indy launches a system that will identify talent and train drivers how to successfully function in the sport and in the business."
"The Road to Indy Summit is exactly the type of assistance career-minded drivers need and want as they climb the ladder, and it is why the USF2000 National Championship has been revived with the Indy Racing League's sanction," said Dan Andersen, co-owner and chief executive officer, Andersen Promotions, administrator of the Cooper Tires presents the USF2000 National Championship powered by Mazda. "We are very pleased to have this opportunity for our participants, and it will certainly be beneficial for them and for the series. With the involvement of Mazda as well, this will be a terrific event."
The Road to Indy is the Indy Racing League's developmental ladder system for drivers who wish to reach the IZOD IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis 500. Made up of Firestone Indy Lights, the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear and the Cooper Tires presents the USF2000 National Championship powered by Mazda, the system was designed to create a defined career path for young, career-minded race car drivers and to teach them the skills needed to advance to the highest level of open-wheel racing on and off the track.
2. Duno signs for full season with Dale Coyne Racing: Milka Duno has participated in IZOD IndyCar Series limited-season programs the past three years. This year, she'll compete in all 17 races in the No. 18 Dale Coyne Racing car.
"I look forward to competing with Dale Coyne Racing," said Duno, who was running at the finish in six of nine races in 2009. "I've had the chance to speak with Dale and the team to discuss goals for the season and we are in harmony in all areas. For the past three seasons I've only run partial schedules and I'm anxious to be competing in all the races this year. Doing so builds momentum and maintains consistency that I feel is a key factor to good results.
"The full schedule includes seven races at tracks that I have yet to compete on so I will be doing my absolute best to learn these new tracks as quickly as possible. This full season will be challenging, but I'm very thankful for the opportunity."
The season begins March 14 with the Sao Paulo Indy 300 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
"We are very excited about the challenges and rewards that lie ahead for Milka," team owner Dale Coyne said. "We have seen Milka's competitiveness on the ovals and now we look forward to focusing on the road course effort on a full-time basis in 2010."
Duno has won on road courses before in other categories, but 2010 represents her most serious attack at the road courses of IndyCars. The team has planned an extensive testing program for the coming season with a focus on road and street circuits. An announcement regarding the driver of the No. 19 entry for Dale Coyne Racing is expected early next week.
3. DB Schenker helps move IZOD IndyCar Series to Brazil: The Point A to Point B and return trip of the IZOD IndyCar Series is relatively straightforward for DB Schenker. Still, the Indy Racing League's Official Freight Logistics sponsor is moving an entire racing series to São Paulo, Brazil, and back to Indianapolis.
That's 400,000 total pounds swallowed by two Atlas Air 747-400F cargo planes for the 5,000-plus-mile ride between two continents, while making sure it arrives at the venue safely and on time for the season-opening São Paulo Indy 300 on March 14.
That's why teams unloaded their race cars, equipment and consumables March 3 at a staging area at the Indianapolis International Airport. In a free-form ballet of forklifts, equipment was weighed, placed on pallets and wrapped in plastic. Chassis, along with front and rear wing assemblies, were stacked and secured on specially-made racks. It all will be loaded March 6 (seeking an even distribution of weight in the cargo bay by the loadmaster) for the flight to Viracopos-Campinas International Airport in the state of São Paulo. Firestone Firehawk tires departed via ocean cargo vessel on Feb. 4.
DB Schenker has been associated with the sanctioning body since 2009, providing logistics for the Honda Accord Safety Cars between North American event venues and promotional units such as a show car to Panama for an IZOD photo shoot in autumn. DB Schenker's role expanded with oversight of the Sao Paulo event logistics.
DB Schenker combines all transport and logistics activities of Deutsche Bahn, employing more than 91,000 people across 2,000 locations in about 130 countries.
"We've been working on sports events dedicatedly since 2000," said Nick Kashiparekh of DB Schenker sportsevents - USA. "We started with the sports events division in '99 primarily to work on our contract with the Sydney Olympic Games. After that success, we were an official logistics provider from 2000 to 2008. Although we didn't have an official capacity with the Vancouver Games, we provided logistic services for broadcasters, national Olympic committees and quite a few of the sponsors and marketing groups.
"Moving broadcast equipment and athletic gear is all time-sensitive and it takes careful coordination - not just from the country of origin or the host country, but many times you have accounts that spread over numerous countries. From a coordination standpoint, (the IZOD IndyCar Series move is) a lot easier than an Olympic Games or a FIFA World Cup when you have multiple countries and multiple entities to deal with."
Upon arrival March 7, the freight is transferred to trucks to continue the journey to the Anhembi complex in the north-central section of the largest city in South America. Manifests are checked and spot customs inspections are conducted at the track in time for team personnel to unpack March 10 and begin preparations for the race weekend.
"The most difficult part is making sure the (six copies for everything) paperwork is in order for customs," Indy Racing League director of operations Bill van de Sandt said. "We're a racing league and not a shipping company, so all we can do is get everything ready and count on DB Schenker to get us there and back."
Before the champagne is uncorked in Victory Circle, packing is underway for the return trip.
"It's multiple processes, but it's very well-organized," van de Sandt said. "The cooperation of the governments, the help of DB Schenker and the airlines works very well. It's a process that is very effective and efficient.
4. Andretti Autosport to field Karam in USF2000 National Championship: Andretti Autosport announced March 4 it has signed 15-year-old Sage Karam to drive for the team in the 2010 Cooper Tires presents the USF2000 National Championship powered by Mazda, the entry level series for the Indy Racing League's Road to Indy.
The entry marks Andretti Autosport's debut in the Indy Racing League's new Road to Indy driver development program. Comfort Revolution, a developer and distributor of specialty bedding mattresses and accessories, and The Michael Fux Foundation will sponsor the effort.
"We look forward to bringing Sage on board as Andretti Autosport's first USF2000 National Championship driver and hope to make him the first driver to go all the way through the 'Road to Indy' program - all the way to the IZOD IndyCar Series," said Michael Andretti, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Andretti Autosport. "I've watched him grow to become an accomplished young driver, and I think his experience in karting and Skip Barber will serve him well this year in the USF2000 series. I'm very confident Sage will be successful with Andretti Autosport."
Karam, a native of Nazareth, Pa., has spent the last few years competing in the Skip Barber National championship, a part of the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development ladder program, as well as the World Karting Association (WKA). He was the only American driver to compete in both a national karting championship and an open-wheel professional series full time in 2009.
"The opportunity to drive for my mentor, Michael Andretti, has always been a dream of mine," Karam said. "I've worked very hard to get to this point, but I know I have a long way to go. Driving in the USF2000 with Andretti Autosport is the best way to reach my ultimate goal: racing in the IZOD IndyCar series and winning the Indy 500."
Karam began competing in karts at the age of five. He has since established himself as a 35-time WKA and Indy Racing League (IRL) Stars of Karting national champion. Karam also stands as the only driver ever to win a WKA Triple Crown Championship and titles in the IRL Stars of Karting (East, West and National) all in the same year (2007). In 2008, Karam - then 13 -- established himself as the youngest winner in the history of the Skip Barber Shootout.
The 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season begins March 14 with the Sao Paulo Indy 300 on the streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at 11:30 a.m. (EDT) by VERSUS. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, XM channel 145 and Sirius channel 211. The race also will be carried on www.indycar.com. The 2010 Firestone Indy Lights season opens with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg March 28 on the streets of St. Petersburg. The race will air live on indycar.com.
Mar 1 2010
IZOD INDYCAR SERIES NEWS AND NOTES - March 1, 2010
Today's IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines
1.Indy Racing League re-launches official Web site
2.Angstadt co-chairman of "Good Scout" luncheon
1. Indy Racing League re-launches official Web site: The Indy Racing League re-launched www.indycar.com today, the official Web site of the Indy Racing League, IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights.
In addition to a new design, the Web site re-launch features several new interactive aspects to further immerse fans into the sport.
Highlights of the Web site include:
• The re-launch of IndyCar Race Control presented by iRacing.com, providing quick access to live video streaming that features multiple camera views (including up to four in-car cameras) in HD quality.
• Race Control also includes multiple timing and scoring views so fans can track all of the action, including Pit Board strategy that charts individual pit stops, and Leader Graph, which visually charts the cars around the track based on speed differentials.
• An emphasis on social media on the homepage and driver/team pages. All driver and team Twitter accounts are aggregated into their respective pages on the site along with individual team Flickr and YouTube accounts.
• Another unique feature is Nomee Cards, which allows fans to download their favorite drivers to their desktop and follow all social networks that the drivers participate in.
• Simple navigation and seamless integration of news, photo and video content. In addition to up-to-the-minute news stories and off-track driver profiles, the site features up to four different video blogs from various drivers that take fans behind the scenes and provide track access.
• PEAK Performance Fantasy Racing League will be offered to fans that are part of IndyCar Nation, an online fan community that provides extra benefits to members free of charge. Fans can create their own league or play individually to win prizes throughout the season.
"The newest version of indycar.com is designed to enhance the fan experience," said John Lewis, vice president of marketing and league development, Indy Racing League. "Our new media team has focused on centralizing fan, drivers and League social media campaigns within one access location. We will continue to provide in-depth editorial news, behind the scenes access, IndyCar Nation, Race Control and more. Indycar.com will be a one-stop shop for all IZOD IndyCar Series fans, both rookies and veterans."
The Indy Racing League has partnered with RACERSITES to create the new indycar.com. RACERSITES has provided design and development. The Indy Racing League will produce all editorial content for the site as well as overall strategy.
"This is a proud day for our company", said Chuck Tate, founder and president of RACERSITES. "As avid fans of open wheel racing ourselves, we couldn't be happier to announce, in partnership with the Indy Racing League, the launch of the new indycar.com. We are excited about our relationship with the league, and are committed to doing our part to continue to raise the profile of the series online over the next few years."
2. Angstadt co-chair of "Good Scout" Luncheon: Indy Racing League commercial division president Terry Angstadt is co-chairman with National Hockey League commissioner Gary Bettman of the 2010 "Good Scout" Award Luncheon on March 2 that honors VERSUS president Jamie Davis.
The "Good Scout" Luncheon benefits tens of thousands of boys and girls of the Greater New York Council, Boys Scouts of America. VERSUS will broadcast 12 IZOD IndyCar Series races this season, beginning with the opener March 14 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The network also broadcasts NHL games.
Feb 26 2010
HINCHCLIFFE PACES FIRESTONE INDY LIGHTS OPEN TEST AT BARBER
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Friday, Feb. 26, 2010 - Four drivers who competed for the full season in Firestone Indy Lights last year have been projected to contend for the 2010 championship. During the series' only preseason Open Test. - they stood 1-4 on the time chart.
James Hinchcliffe, driving for Team Moore Racing, posted a quick lap of 1 minute, 14.9714 seconds to pace the 13 drivers participating in the test Barber Motorsports Park - a month before the opener on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla.
"It was a great day for us on the No. 2 car," Hinchcliffe said. "I'm really happy, especially coming into a new team with new people. We are all working well together right off the bat and that translated into the speed we showed on the track. Everyone at Team Moore Racing deserves a huge pat on the back because there have been some long hours getting everything ready in time for this test. I'm happy that the hard work paid off."
Martin Plowman in the No. 27 AFS Racing/Andretti Autosport car was second-quick at 1:15.1319, while teammate Charlie Kimball was third at 1:15.1715. Sebastian Saavedra, who finished third in the 2009 series standings, was fourth with a best lap of 1:15.3817 in the No. 29 Bryan Herta Autosport car. All four are with new teams this season.
"I was pretty happy with today," Plowman said. "I'm never going to be truly happy unless I am P1 or on pole, but it was a solid day. We got a lot done with our testing program. We started off the day strong with a good base car and fine-tuned it the rest of the day. I don't think we showed a true potential today, but we did some long runs in the afternoon that leaves me very optimistic for when we come back."
The top seven were separated by only 0.6326 of a second. Veteran racer Jan Heylen made his debut in the No. 17 Team E entry and was fifth quick (1:15.5407). Stefan Wilson, who competed in six races in 2009, was sixth (1:15.5912) in the No. 28 Bryan Herta Autosport entry.
Another newcomer to the series, Frenchman J.K. Vernay, was seventh (1:15.6040) in the No. 7 Sam Schmidt Motorsports car.
Fourteen drivers participated in the test with rookie Adrian Campos having the only major incident during the 1,074 laps recorded. Campos was uninjured. Drivers/teams return to the scenic facility in early April for their second of three in a row races on road/street circuits to kick off the season.
DAY 1 NOTEBOOK:
Charlie Kimball's car sported a new paint scheme featuring his sponsorship from Novo Nordisk, a world leader in diabetes care. Kimball will drive the No. 26 Levemir® FlexPen® car for AFS Racing/Andretti Autosport in Firestone Indy Lights.
"This is a big year for me and expectations are high," Kimball said. "I am fortunate to not only be part of one of the top teams in all of racing at AFS Racing/Andretti Autosport, but to have the support of Novo Nordisk, one of the world's leading healthcare companies that is committed to helping me live my dream."
Kimball, 25, is the only licensed racer with type 1 diabetes in the history of the Indy Racing League. Diagnosed in 2007, he monitors his blood sugar before, during and after each race, and uses Novo Nordisk insulin Levemir® (insulin detemir [rDNA origin] injection) and NovoLog® (insulin aspart [rDNA origin] injection). The partnership with Novo Nordisk includes primary sponsorship of Kimball's race car, racing suit and helmet. Kimball also will make appearances on behalf of Novo Nordisk throughout 2010.
"Charlie Kimball is the perfect example of how people living with diabetes can successfully manage their disease without letting it get in the way of their dreams," said Camille Lee, Vice President of Diabetes Marketing at Novo Nordisk. "We are proud of our association with Charlie and we look forward to a successful year on and off the track in 2010."
***
Ana Beatriz, the first female to win a Firestone Indy Lights race, is slated to become the latest driver to graduate from Firestone Indy Lights to the IZOD IndyCar Series.
Beatriz, the first female to win a Firestone Indy Lights race, will compete with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing in the season opener March 14 on the streets of the most-populated city in South America.
"We are excited about going to Brazil for the first time with the IZOD IndyCar Series and putting Ana Beatriz in our car at Brazil adds another dimension to our program," team co-owner Dennis Reinbold said. "We are happy to have her on board for the Brazil race."
Beatriz finished third in 2008 in the Firestone Indy Lights standings for Sam Schmidt Motorsports with one win (at Nashville Superspeedway), nine top-five finishes and 11 top-10 finishes. In '09, she won at Iowa Speedway in the No. 20 Healthy Choice/Sam Schmidt Motorsports car among seven top-10 finishes in 13 races.
"It's great to be with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing for the Brazil IZOD IndyCar Series race," she said. "Hopefully we can get the rest together for the whole season. I think the team is very professional and I have great teammates with Mike Conway and Justin Wilson. I hope that I can learn a lot from these British drivers.
"This is very special for me doing my debut race at my home event. It's also very special to be the first female Brazilian race car driver to race there and it will be a great experience."
***
The 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season begins March 14 with the Sao Paulo Indy 300 on the streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at 11:30 a.m. (EDT) by VERSUS. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, XM channel 145 and Sirius channel 211. The race also will be carried on www.indycar.com. The 2010 Firestone Indy Lights season opens with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg March 28 on the streets of St. Petersburg. The race will air live on indycar.com.
Feb 25 2010
POWER LEADS AS BARBER OPEN TEST CONCLUDES
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010 - Will Power led a Team Penske sweep of the top three sports of the time charts as IZOD IndyCar Series teams concluded a two-day Open Test at Barber Motorsports Park.
The Australian had a quick lap of 1 minute, 9.8724 seconds on the 2.38-mile, 17-turn circuit.
Helio Castroneves (1:10.0084) in the No. 3 entry was second and Ryan Briscoe (1:10.0459), who topped first day lap times, was third in the No. 6 car. Target Chip Ganassi Racing's Scott Dixon (1:10.0594) was fourth and Dreyer & Reinbold Racing's Justin Wilson (1:10.0869) was in the top five for the second consecutive day.
Former Formula One driver Takuma Sato, participating in his first IZOD IndyCar Series test with KV Racing Technology, had another impressive outing with the sixth-best time of 1:10.2070. Mike Conway of Dreyer & Reinbold Racing climbed to seventh (1:10.2497) and Marco Andretti of Andretti Autosport was eighth (1:10.3956).
Twenty-one driver/car combinations totaled 2,009 laps in the three sessions (all drivers posted their best laps times in the Thursday's session). The top 14 cars were separated by 0.8399 of a second.
Firestone Indy Lights teams take to the track on Feb. 26 for a one-day test at Barber Motorsports Park.
DAY 2 NOTEBOOK:
The session, which started at noon (CT) due to cold temperatures, was delayed further just after its start by an accident involving reigning IZOD IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti, whose car slid off the track in Turn 12 and made hard contact with the barrier, ending his test after two laps. The session resumed nearly an hour later after repairs to the guardrail and grass were made. Franchitti was uninjured in the incident.
2009 Rookie of the Year Raphael Matos also saw his test end early following an incident later in the afternoon
2006 Firestone Indy Lights champion Jay Howard made his debut for Sarah Fisher Racing, driving 37 laps in Fisher's No. 67 car.
"It was a great opportunity to complete as many laps as I did under the circumstances here today," Howard said. "We were hoping to do a little better, but as long as we learned something as a team, the test was beneficial."
Team owner/driver Fisher, who originally intended on sharing her car with Howard, opted instead to let Howard get seat time. "We changed our plan slightly with Jay due to our on track time availability being shorter today," she said. "We only had a 12- 4pm window, along with a big accident taking up an hour of that time. We thought it was within our best interests to keep him in car the entire three hours available and learn as much as we could about the car for when we come back. We saw him and the team making big gains with an hour and a half to go, which will give us a good starting point come race weekend in April. We did learn a lot and improved as a team over our test in Sebring, which is the bottom line at day's end."
DAY 2 QUOTES:
WILL POWER (No. 12 Verizon Team Penske): "It was a good day. We certainly found some good things. We went through a lot of things during the two days. Today, towards the end of the day, we focused on getting outright speed. You can see how tough the championship is going to be- There are so many good drivers and so many good cars and teams. I think it's going to be a very exciting year. You're going to have to really be on your game if you want to win."
HELIO CASTRONEVES (No. 3 Team Penske):"It was a good test for Team Penske. We came here to get back in the groove and get our rhythm going again. We learned some things that will be useful for the race in St. Petersburg and for when we come back here to Barber. I am excited for the team, coming out on the top of the timing chart is great and I hope we do that all season."
RYAN BRISCOE (No. 6 Team Penske): "We had a real good couple of days testing. We found some set-up information that will be helpful in Brazil, St. Pete and for when we return here, to Barber. The test went very smooth. We were able to work through a long list of testing points. It is real nice to see the Team Penske cars 1-2-3 at the end of the test."
SCOTT DIXON (No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing): "It was alright. I think we definitely made drastic improvements on the car today for this course. We've been concentrating on just getting development programs scratched off the test list that we've been working off of for the winter. This afternoon was good. I messed up my second to last set of tires by spinning in Turn 13. That was on my second lap so we had to scratch them and go to our last set, but the car was good and pretty close on time. On the last lap I was up a couple of tenths (of a second) but got caught up in traffic. Overall, the car is pretty decent and we're in the hunt which is nice because the last time we came away from this test we were struggling and were four or five tenths (of a second) off. So it's nice to know that we've made some gains to the car and we've got some development items on our test list checked off."
TAKUMA SATO (No. 5 KV Racing Technology): "It was a very successful day for the KV Racing Technology team considering the weather. It was extremely cold this morning so we were unable to run, but once the temperature had improved, we were out on track. I was able to learn a lot again from how the car reacted to the different setups we tried, which was good preparation for the Brazil race. However nothing is ever perfect and I am never satisfied, but I am very positive that I have a good feeling of how the car handles and look forward to going racing in a few weeks time."
MIKE CONWAY (No. 24 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing): "Today was a lot more enjoyable day. We had a lot more comfortable car. We learned a lot from some things that we tried and from Justin and as a result we came away with a proper setup. We just need to keep working on it and I think we are in a good position when we come back to race."
JUSTIN WILSON (No. 22 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing): "The test went quite well. We were quick early on and we just continued to work through a few changes. Right at the end of the day we set our quickest lap, which was on the end lap, and finally I got what I was looking for. It's a shame that the lap times aren't shown on the results sheet, but we ended up pretty quick and I am pleased. I'm looking forward to our next test and then onto Brazil."
MARCO ANDRETTI (No. 26 Andretti Autosport): "The Venom car laid a good foundation in practice yesterday and we were able to really build on that today. I think we're still a couple small changes away from being in the ballpark, but we learned a lot this weekend. I'm looking forward to Brazil and putting what we've learned to good use."
HIDEKI MUTOH (No. 06 Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing): "I think the Formula Dream/Panasonic team had another good day today. We stopped at 2:30 to make a change on the car and it made the car much better. It was a huge, good change. My engineer Martin (Pare) and the team understand my driving style more now and what they should do for me to make the lap time quicker and I understand as a driver how to work better with them. We are getting closer."
MARIO ROMANCINI (No. 34 Conquest Racing): "I'm very happy to finish in the top ten today considering it was our first time at this track. Yesterday I spent the day just trying to learn the new car. I felt pretty comfortable in the car today so I was able to work with the engineers on a few different setups. We obviously still have some work to do, but I think these two days show that we have potential to be competitive and I'm really looking forward to the Brazil."
JAMES ROSSITER (No. 32 KV Racing Technology): "Today was my first proper afternoon testing an Indy car and with KV Racing Technology. I learned a lot. We did a bit of a qualifying simulation with three sets of new tires as well as a couple of long runs, running from full fuel tanks to empty so I could understand how the car reacts in these situations. We have made some good progress in setup changes and hopefully the team have learned enough to have a good first race in Brazil."
TONY KANAAN (No. 11 Andretti Autosport): "We had a great start to the afternoon today and found some things we really like. Then we decided to go back and make some big changes to see what direction it would send us. And, I knew if those things didn't work, that we would not have time to change things back. But, that is what a test is for. So, we found out some things later this afternoon that we know won't help us, and that is good. We learned and we learned on all four cars. There is no question that we still have a lot of work to do, but we have a much better idea of what we want for ourselves."
VITOR MEIRA (No. 14 A.J. Foyt Racing): "Overall the test was very good. We have a very good race car. For me, it's good to get back in the car. I've been out of it for too long. Working with Jeff Britton is like we never missed a beat. We started right where we left off in 2005 which put us ahead of where we were last year. I feel very good about the season the way everyone is working so well together."
RYAN HUNTER-REAY (No. 37 Andretti Autosport): "We're working hard to get where we need to go. The IZOD team learned a lot of what we don't want and that is just as valuable as learning what you do want. It was a good test for getting through some things. We're not happy with our pace right now, but I know I can go fast and this team knows it can go fast. We'll put it all together and we'll make it work, for sure."
E.J. VISO (No. 8 KV Racing Technology): "Today was a day with a lot of different issues. It was not as good as yesterday but the other drivers for KV Racing Technology team worked well together, so hopefully we will have a good amount of data and a productive race weekend when we return in a few months."
DANICA PATRICK (No. 7 Andretti Autosport): "It was good to get back into the Go Daddy car this weekend and get working again with my teammates. I'm disappointed with our times, but we were able to gather a lot of data that I think will be beneficial for the season. I'm looking forward to starting the season in a couple weeks.
The 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season begins March 14 with the Sao Paulo Indy 300 on the streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at 11:30 a.m. (EDT) by VERSUS. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, XM channel 145 and Sirius channel 211. The race also will be carried on www.indycar.com. The 2010 Firestone Indy Lights season opens with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg March 28 on the streets of St. Petersburg. The race will air live on indycar.com.
Feb 24 2010
BRISCOE LEADS OPENING DAY AT BARBER OPEN TEST
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010 - Team Penske teammates Ryan Briscoe and Helio Castroneves topped the time sheets as IZOD IndyCar Series teams opened a two-day Open Test at Barber Motorsports Park.
Briscoe toured the 2.3-mile road course in 1 minute, 10.5020 seconds (117.438 mph) in his No. 6 Team Penske Dallara/Honda/Firestone, while Castroneves was just behind at 1:10.7146 (117.090 mph) in his No. 3 Team Penske Dallara/Honda/Firestone. Both laps were set in the afternoon session when the sun helped heat the track surface on an unseasonably chilly day at the picturesque road course.
The third Team Penske member - Will Power in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske car - was fourth quick (1:10.7637). Scott Dixon, the 2009 championship runner-up, was fifth (1:10.8927). Justin Wilson, driving the No. 22 Z-Line Designs car for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing for the first time, slid into third on the chart with a lap of 1:10.7397.
Twenty cars piled on 1,025 laps, with a second day of testing scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. (local time) Feb. 25.
DAY 1 NOTEBOOK:
Panther Racing and driver Dan Wheldon decided to forgo this week's IZOD IndyCar Series Open Test at Barber Motorsports Park and instead test at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Fla., due to the cooler than expected temperatures.
Panther Racing Chief Engineer David Cripps explained the decision to test in Sebring, saying, "The inclement weather that's being predicted for Barber, is not really going to be conducive to what we had planned for our test for São Paolo. Our current setup is based on warmer environments in São Paolo, Long Beach, and St. Pete, and Barber's not going to present that for us. We felt it would be more advantageous to get to Sebring and…a warmer climate. Hopefully, Sebring will be more advantageous for our preparation."
Also skipping the test due to the forecast was first-year IZOD IndyCar Series entrant Fazzt Race Team with driver Alex Tagliani.
FAZZT Race Team General Manager Rob Edwards elaborated on the decision saying, "We are in the fortunate position of having had very successful tests at Homestead and Sebring in January. Since those tests, our engineers have continued testing on the seven-post rig, gearbox rig and in the wind tunnel to further develop our race package. Given the inclement weather forecast for Barber over the next few days and after much discussion, we believe the best use of our time is to continue our preparations for Brazil here in Indianapolis."
Luczo Dragon Racing, fresh off its merger with de Ferran Motorsports, has strengthened its team by adding a second car and veteran driver Davey Hamilton for three races during the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series, it was announced today.
Hamilton, who joins 2009 Apex Brazil IndyCar Rookie of the Year Raphael Matos as the Luczo Dragon drivers, is scheduled to enter the Indianapolis 500, the Bombardier Learjet 550 at Texas Motor Speedway and another oval race. It will be his first multi-race IndyCar schedule since he retired with injuries in 2001.
Hamilton, the IndyCar Series runner up in 1997 and 1998, has more than 25 years of experience as a competitive racecar driver, including nine years and 51 races in the IndyCar Series. He has posted eight podiums and 15 top 10 finishes, including three top 10s at the Indy 500. He retired as a driver after a serious crash at Texas Motor Speedway in 2001. After enduring 21 surgeries to reconstruct his feet, Hamilton courageously returned to the cockpit for the Indy 500 in 2007 and finished ninth. He has entered the last three Indy 500s. When he takes the track on June 5, it will be Hamilton's first race back in Texas since the horrific accident.
Raphael Matos: "It helps a lot. It's extremely difficult to be a one-car team. There's no comparison for data or driver input. Adding Davey with his experience, as well as Gil, they've been through a lot of the situations I have not. I was fortunate to run the full season last year, and I was able to learn a lot but there's still a lot of learning for me. You don't learn everything in just one year. There's a lot of hard work for me and a lot of hard work for the team. We must improve at a lot of the tracks and we have a really good direction. We have good support from our new sponsor, HP, and I'm just very honored to be on my second year with the team."
Davey Hamilton: "It's exciting for me to back and able to run the Indy 500. It's always been something I wanted to do, run more than Indy and I haven't been able to put that together the last several years. I'm able to do that finally. This team coming together, Luczo Dragon already has some success and with Gil joining this team, I'm very excited about the possibilities. Rafa has done a fantastic job. He's out of his rookie season now so he's been to these tracks before and has experience. We're hoping to be able to give each other a lot of information to excel the team and to get a victory. Hopefully we can do it sooner than later."
Gil de Ferran: "(Davey) is one of the best oval drivers out there so I'm sure he's going to contribute to the performance of the team and also help Rafa quite a bit given there's a vast gap in experience here between the two. I feel that he's very much a positive for our team, particularly regarding the Indy 500. "
Danica Patrick participated in the today's luncheon to discuss April's Alabama Indy Grand Prix presented by Legacy Credit Union. Following are selected quotes from her availability.
DANICA PATRICK (No. 7 Andretti Autosport): "The thing about Barber Motorsports Park is that every time we've been here there have always been fans out to the track. I think that's one of the big things that drew us to come here. Our cars are very high-performance and are fun to see out there. To give people that chance to see us is good. It lets us know that we are wanted here." (About testing at Barber): "It's nice to be able to test at a track that we race at. We're going to work on the car and make it the best it can be."
Holmatro Incorporated, an important resource for the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights since their foundings, will be the sponsor of the Indy Racing League Safety Team, it was announced today during the IZOD IndyCar Series Open Test at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham.
The Holmatro Safety Team unveiled its new look for the 2010 season that opens in Sao Paolo, Brazil, next month. Holmatro has provided trackside support at every Indy Racing League race since its January 1996 inaugural event at Walt Disney World Speedway. In 2010, the Holmatro Safety Team will accompany the Indy Racing League, the sanctioning body for the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights, at 17 events in the United States, Canada, Brazil and Japan.
"Holmatro is excited to take our involvement with the Indy Racing League to the next logical level. We have worked with the men and women of the Indy Racing League since the league began in 1996 to ensure that the on track response to accidents is as efficient and effective as possible," said William "Giff" Swayne, President of Holmatro. "As a world leader in rescue equipment, our gear is called upon everyday to save lives. What we learn in racing helps us to keep ahead of the new technologies that will ultimately make their way into the cars that our customers will deal with on the street. The Holmatro Safety Team will continue to be the world leader in motorsports safety and on track response."
Under the supervision of Dr. Mike Olinger, Indy Racing League director of medical services, and Mike Yates, Indy Racing League manager of track safety operations, the Holmatro Safety Team consists of approximately 24 safety personnel with a minimum of 14 attending each event--two trauma physicians, three paramedics and nine firefighters/EMTs. Team personnel have an average of 20 years of experience in their respective areas.
The team travels with four safety vehicles and brings the most sophisticated racing technologies with its state-of-the-art, high-performance Holmatro rescue equipment to each venue. It continually evaluates its on-track procedures to be at the forefront of motorsports safety for participants and spectators. The Holmatro Safety Team works in conjunction with and coordinates the safety personnel staffing each venue, including firefighters, ambulance and tow-truck providers and track maintenance crews. An eight-hour instructional course is held at every new venue on the schedule and the team meets with tracks for update sessions before each event.
"Holmatro tools have been a staple of our safety team's equipment over the years, and we're excited to now have the company serve as the title sponsor of the crew," said Terry Angstadt, president of the commercial division, Indy Racing League. "We continue to take pride in our role as a leader in on-track safety in the motorsports community and with Holmatro's support, we look forward to further expanding our leadership position."
DAY 1 QUOTES:
RYAN BRISCOE (No. 6 Team Penske): "It's nice to be at the top of the speed charts. It's important because it is our only test before the first race, so we're all comparing times. It's nice to have the Team Penske cars on top. It's a great way to start the year."
HELIO CASTRONEVES (No. 3 Team Penske): "Today was about getting a rhythm. The last time I was in a Team Penske car on a road course was Infineon (last August). You need testing to get your muscles back into shape. Even if you've been working out, you still need to get your rhythm back and get to work. That was the goal today. Tomorrow we'll work on the small details."
JUSTIN WILSON (No. 22 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing): "The first day in the car was really good. It was a pretty positive day and we kept making improvements. All in all, I think that it went well and I'm pleased with P3. I'm getting comfortable in the car and with my new engineer and crew. I'm looking forward to tomorrow. Unfortunately, at the end of the day I just clipped the grass going into Turn 1 and the car snapped around on me. The car isn't too badly damaged and I'm OK."
WILL POWER (No. 12 Verizon Team Penske): "It felt great to be back in the car. This has been the longest offseason of my career. We were able to learn a few things today. The No. 12 Verizon Team Penske car ran great today. The team worked together nicely and we had a productive day. I am looking forward to getting back on track tomorrow."
SCOTT DIXON (No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing): "We worked on a combination on aero and mechanical items today. There's still a lot more work to be done tomorrow so I hope it's going to be a bit warmer for us."
E.J. VISO (No. 8 KV Racing Technology): "It was a pretty good day for the whole KV Racing Technology team. It was the first time we had three cars on track and I think it was a successful day. I am very happy to be part of this team. With the little time that I have had with them, the KVRT crew guys have done a great job and I think we showed the hunger make this a very positive year for KV Racing Technology."
TAKUMA SATO (No. 5 KV Racing Technology): "It was a great day. The KV Racing Technology car was reliable and once I had got used to the way an Indy car handles and how the track layout was I enjoyed it. The track is superb, a lot of fast corners and elevation. The day started off slowly, with cold temperatures and difficult conditions, but by the end we had a very successful first test. We went through some setups which helped me to learn a lot and had a very productive first day."
TONY KANAAN (No. 11 Andretti Autosport): "It was a lot better than I expected. It was good to be back in the Team 7-Eleven car. It's a tough track, actually, and it takes you a while to learn it. I think it was a productive day for us. We made huge improvements on the car from the start of the practice to the end. Hopefully, the weather will be a little bit better tomorrow. It's our last practice day before the first race of the season, so we need to take advantage of it."
DARIO FRANCHITTI (No. 10 Target Chip Ganassi Racing): "We went through a list of test items today that we've been working on in the offseason. The weather has changed things slightly. Overall, we learned some things not to do. Hopefully, we'll just keep working our way through our list of items tomorrow."
HIDEKI MUTOH (No. 06 Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing): "The last time I drove an Indy car was at Sebring in November with this team for a one-day test, so it has been three months since I was in a race car. It took a while to get up to speed but once I got there the car felt really good. By the end of the day, I was starting to have good communication with my engineer Martin (Pare), who I knew when we were both at Andretti Green Racing. It takes time because of my (English) and also I need to understand what they are talking about, but so far, I am very happy. I feel the car has a lot of potential to do a good lap time. I like the course. There are a lot of elevation changes and nice, fast corners, quick Esses and also some slow corners. It's very fun and challenging to drive."
MARCO ANDRETTI (No. 26 Andretti Autosport): "If anything today, we were able to make the 26 car different. It started to feel more like a race car and we got some normal qualities back that we've been looking for. I'm a little disappointed with our time, but we're heading in the right direction. I think we'll see good results from the Venom car if we stick to our plan."
MARIO ROMANCINI (No. 34 Conquest Racing): "I am very happy with our first day of testing with the team. We had a productive session and we used well our track time. It's good to see that we are within one second of the best time for our very first day. I adapted to the car very easily. Tomorrow we will start to test different things versus today where the team focused on giving me as much seat time as possible."
JAMES ROSSITER (No. 32 KV Racing Technology): "It felt good for my first experience with KV Racing Technology and driving an Indy car. I have lots to learn and lots to think about tonight and I am sure we will come back stronger tomorrow. I certainly have a lot of information to take onboard and digest and will work with the engineers tonight and hopefully have a more productive day tomorrow."
VITOR MEIRA (No. 14 A.J. Foyt Racing): "We accomplished what we came to do which was to establish a baseline today working with Jeff (Britton, chief engineer). It's been over 10 months since I was on a road course and as you can see it's taken its toll. I'm still getting myself in the game. I didn't push it as much as I normally would—I never even put a wheel off today. But today was more about gathering data to know where we are at so we can move forward tomorrow. It was a good day for the ABC Supply team."
RAPHAEL MATOS (No. 2 Luczo Dragon Racing): "It was a difficult day for us. We were working on the balance of the car all day, but were never able to find a good balance. The good thing is we know the direction we are going to take, we'll make a few changes to the car and hopefully will be much better tomorrow. It has been helpful being around Gil. I think we are understanding each other better and better every time and that will help communicating about the car with the engineers. Now we will try to make the necessary changes and hopefully that will translate in performance.
RYAN HUNTER-REAY (No. 37 Andretti Autosport): "It was a bit of a strange day, but an expected day for Team IZOD. We had to get some things sorted out for my liking and we went back to the transporter a number of times to do that. They were lengthy changes, but we got it sorted to where we could run for about two hours." (About the track): "Barber, like Sonoma, is a place where you have to know your way around to get a good time around it. It has a lot of blind entries and exits, so I needed to learn the track. I took my time with that and we took our time getting the settings right on the car. By the end of the day, I was finally able to start to push. Hopefully, it's not too cold tomorrow and we'll get some better track time."
MIKE CONWAY (No. 24 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing): "Today was a tough day and we were just trying to get a good balance with the car, but struggled a little bit. Tomorrow we are just going to keep up the hard work and try and get through all of the test items. Luckily, we were able to get some laps in and hopefully we can do the same tomorrow."
DANICA PATRICK (No. 7 Andretti Autosport): "Today's test was definitely a challenge. The GoDaddy car wasn't handling the way that I would've liked; the cold weather doesn't help either. So tonight we're going to take a look at the data and see what we can learn from it. Hopefully tomorrow's session will go better."
SARAH FISHER: (No. 67 Sarah Fisher Racing): "Not necessarily my most fantastic day, but we did learn a lot. The fastest lap we had was the last one, which just shows there's a lot more to learn tomorrow. We fought the weather all day, temperatures weren't on our side for grip right off the bat, all in all - I'm more comfortable in the car which will help allow me to learn these techniques quicker. With the smaller window of experience there's a lot to be learned in a short amount of time. The plan tomorrow is for Jay to be in the car in the morning, learn from him with his time on track - leading up to me in the car again in the afternoon."
The 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season begins March 14 with the Sao Paulo Indy 300 on the streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at 11:30 a.m. (EDT) by VERSUS. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, XM channel 145 and Sirius channel 211. The race also will be carried on www.indycar.com. The 2010 Firestone Indy Lights season opens with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg March 28 on the streets of St. Petersburg. The race will air live on indycar.com.
Feb 23 2010
IZOD IndyCar Series Preseason Open Test
Track --- Barber Motorsports Park A 2.38-mile, 17-turn road course
Faces in New Places:
The Open Test at Barber Motorsports Park will be one of the last opportunities for several drivers and key personnel to gel with their new teams as they prepare for the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season. Ryan Hunter-Reay joins Andretti Autosport, Justin Wilson joins Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, Jay Howard joins Sarah Fisher Racing, 2003 Indy 500 winner Gil de Ferran joins de Ferran Luczo Dragon Racing as co-owner, managing partner and team president and veteran team manager Tom Anderson joins Andretti Autosport as senior vice-president of racing operations. How much time is needed for the chemistry to set in with these new pairings before the first race of the season?
First four races on streets/road courses: Nine road/street circuits are part of the 17-race IZOD IndyCar Series schedule, and the season kicks off with four non-oval events for the first time. A temporary street course in São Paulo, Brazil - the largest city in South America - plays host to the IZOD IndyCar Series for the first time on March 14 to start the season.
The domestic opener is March 28 in St. Petersburg, Fla., where in 2008 Graham Rahal became the youngest winner in major open-wheel racing history. Last year, Rahal became the youngest pole sitter in IZOD IndyCar Series history. Four drivers have won in the five years of the event. The inaugural Indy Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park is on the schedule for April 11, followed by the 36th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Dario Franchitti will seek to successfully defend his race victory. How will these early races set the tone for the championship hunt?
Another tight championship expected: Through 17 events, on the most diverse set of racetracks in motorsports, four IZOD IndyCar Series drivers swapped the 2009 points lead a record 15 times. Dario Franchitti wrested the driver championship away from Target Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Scott Dixon and Team Penske's Ryan Briscoe in a season-finale shootout at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The final margin was 11 points (the third-closest in series history and the fourth consecutive year it's been less than 20 points). Another close battle to the finish is expected, with multiple drivers in championship contention. Who are the drivers most likely to sustain a run through Oct. 2?
We'll be back in six weeks: IZOD IndyCar Series drivers return to Barber Motorsports Park for the inaugural Indy Grand Prix of Alabama on April 11. The 2.38-mile natural-terrain road course played host to an Open Test in 2009 in addition to this week's preseason test for all teams. Teams will work through multiple car set-ups and collect pages of data that they will use to create a race weekend plan, and drivers will use every inch of the circuit to understand its nuances and formulate their own plans of attack for qualifications and the race. How does a test at a new venue carry over to the race weekend?
Where's the fuel-setting dial? The four-position fuel mixture dial has been removed from the cars, though the Honda overtake assist system will remain and receive almost a doubling of horsepower boost (it was between 5 and 20 horsepower in 2009 depending on fuel position). "Teams and drivers can still save fuel because they can develop their own fuel strategy, but instead of having a mechanical device to achieve it they can use their right foot," Indy Racing League senior technical director Les Mactaggart said. What goes into a fuel strategy at a road course such as Barber Motorsports Park?
At-Track Schedule (all times local):
Wednesday, Feb. 24
9 a.m. to Noon - IZOD IndyCar Series Open Test
Noon - Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Press Conference
1 to 5 p.m. - IZOD IndyCar Series Open Test
Thursday, Feb. 25
9 a.m. to Noon - IZOD IndyCar Series Open Test
Noon - Driver Availability in Media Center (Andretti, Wheldon)
1 to 5 p.m. - IZOD IndyCar Series Open Test
Feb 17 2010
Today's IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines
1. IZOD IndyCar Series Q & A - Feb 17
2. De Ferran looks forward to working with Matos
3. Teams get jump on 2010 at Sebring
4. Find Tag in Toronto
5. Drivers On TV
1. IZOD IndyCar Series Q & A - Feb 17: IZOD IndyCar Series driver Ryan Hunter Reay and Firestone Indy Lights driver Charlie Kimball participated in a Q&A session to discuss the Open Test at Barber Motorsports Park. Below are select quotes from their interview. The complete transcript and audio MP3 file are posted at www.indycar.com/media.
Ryan Hunter-Reay
28-year-old native of Boca Raton, Fla., will compete in his fourth season in the IZOD IndyCar Series in 2010.
Will drive the No. 37 IZOD-sponsored car for Andretti Autosport.
Has one win, three top-five finishes and 16 top-10 finishes in 40 IZOD IndyCar Series starts.
Was 2007 IZOD IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year and 2008 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year.
Charlie Kimball
24-year-old native of Camarillo, Calif., will compete in his second Firestone Indy Lights season in 2010.
Will drive the No. 26 Levemir Flexpen car for Andretti Autosport/AFS Racing.
Finished 10th as a rookie in Firestone Indy Lights in 2009 with best finish of fourth at Watkins Glen.
Q. Ryan, talk about the change to Andretti Autosport. This is the first opportunity you've had with a team of this caliber.
Ryan Hunter -Reay It's an amazing opportunity. I have everybody at Andretti and IZOD to thank for it. We've already got to work. The atmosphere on the team is unreal. I mean, they're really pushing to get back to where they were winning races constantly. That's what matters most. It's been an easy transition. We're working really well together. I'm really looking forward to having three other teammates, too.
Q. You mentioned some of that pre-season testing you've done with the team. You have to be champing at the bit to get to next week, can't come soon enough for you.
RYAN HUNTER-REAY: Oh, yeah, for sure. The Barber test is something I've been really looking forward to. I haven't been to that track yet. I wasn't able to make that test last year because of my ride coming together late with Vision. I've looked at it on videos, seen it on TV, I've done some iRacing with it. I can't wait to get there and get on track and see where we are stacked up against everybody else. Most importantly get to work with the team, with everybody being there, all three teammates on track at the same time.
Q. How is working with Michael Andretti?
RYAN HUNTER-REAY: Michael is great. He's got so much passion for racing, it's contagious. He's pushing hard. He's in the office every morning before the sun comes up and leaves when the sun goes down. He's pushing the hours. He's working as hard as anybody else. He's at the top of the team. There's no other partners, it's just Michael. He has a clear vision of what he wants to do. He's really determined to make it happen. It's a really good atmosphere on the team because of it.
Q. Ryan, I know you got engaged last year. How are the wedding plans coming and if they are coming along, is it you or your fiancée Beccy (Gordon) that has more say in that?
RYAN HUNTER-REAY: Well, she has all the say. We've been just so busy with everything from moving, we just moved from California to Florida. My mom recently was very ill late in the season, into the early off-season. We're still in that moving process, in transition. We're starting to talk more about it. I'll get a date here pretty soon. But, yeah, that's our ship, and she's definitely sailing that one.
Q. Charlie you feel much pressure entering the season going into the car and the team that won last year's championship?
CHARLIE KIMBALL: Well, I think I always put more pressure on myself than I feel externally. Obviously, jumping in the No. 26 car means that I know I've got some of the best equipment out there. At the end of the day, it comes down to me to perform. I think that testing has been going really well. I'm really excited. The crew is a lot of fun to work with. I can't wait to get to the open test next week and the first race at St. Pete.
Q. You mentioned you've already tested with the team. What have you learned about yourself and the team going into next week's test at Barber, which is essentially like a race weekend?
CHARLIE KIMBALL: You're right, going into Barber, we're sort of treating it like our first competition. There's no prizes or rewards for results at Barber, but it's a chance for us to unveil the new paint scheme for the No. 26 Levemir car. We have a line item list of stuff to test. Hopefully we'll end the day near the top of the charts.
I've learned a lot this year just about how a professional team works. Stepping into Andretti, having someone like Michael Andretti with his hand on the tiller, giving me the benefit of his experience has allowed me to learn a lot more quickly than I have in the past.
Q. The test is at Barber Motorsports Park. Have you been there? What are your thought on that facility?
CHARLIE KIMBALL: I actually did a test day at Andretti/AFS Racing last fall down at Barber. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was surprising how much fun it is. It's very technical and pretty quick in places. It's got a really good mix. I think it benefits a driver that's on top of it as well as a good car.
So not only am I looking forward to the test next week, but also to the second race of the season.
Q. You're the first Indy Racing League driver to compete with Type 1 diabetes. Does being diabetic affect the way you go racing?
CHARLIE KIMBALL: Having diabetes definitely affects how I prepare to get in the car. From the moment I get up in the morning, before a test day or a race day, I'm preparing. I'm checking my blood glucose levels. I'm injecting Levemir and NovoLog, the two insulins I use as needed. Everything is getting ready for the moment I put my helmet on. I check my blood glucose level 15 minutes, 10 minutes, five minutes before I get in the car. It's the last thing I do before I put my gloves on. That management routine allows me to go out and compete on a test day or race day equally and not have to worry about the diabetes.
I'm there proving that diabetes doesn't have to slow you down. It doesn't slow me down on the track or off the track. Together, partnering with them allows me to get that story out there and be proof that you don't have to have diabetes in the drivers seat; it can be in the passenger seat while you drive your life.
2. De Ferran looks forward to working with Matos: When 2009 IZOD IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year Raphael Matos heard that Gil de Ferran was joining forces with Luczo Dragon Racing, he hung up the phone and quickly dialed his new boss.
"He was so excited he could barely stand it," team co-owner Jay Penske said. "He's been so excited and just welcomes the opportunity to race with Gil this year."
Matos first met de Ferran as the 2003 Indianapolis 500 winner began his preparations for a return to the driver seat in 2008. The two quickly became friends and that led to de Ferran recommending Matos to Penske and Steve Luczo as they searched for a driver to build their team around.
"Here's a guy that really kind of struggled a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get to where he is," de Ferran said. "The only reason that he got to where he is is because he has actually been successful at every level that he's raced on so far.
"I guess he's not a rookie anymore, but still, when you compare him to people like Helio (Castroneves) and (Scott) Dixon and Tony (Kanaan), he's a relative rookie, but nevertheless, a rookie with impeccable credentials. First of all, I would say the raw material I believe is of very high quality."
But more importantly, Luczo and Penske feel Matos is very accepting of advice and criticism. With de Ferran's background as a driver and ability to communicate with Matos in their native language they feel like they have the right fit in guiding Matos to race wins and championships.
"Frankly I'm only getting to know Rafa now, and I think for you to be able to transmit some of your experience and your knowledge to somebody, first you have to understand what makes them tick, because my belief on this is horses for courses," de Ferran said. "Everybody has a few different buttons, and I have to learn how Rafa operates because clearly already he does a decent job. I think his success has proven that.
"Plus Gil can say 'stay calm' in Portuguese much better than Jay or I can," Luczo joked.
And if de Ferran needs to fall back on experience, he can look at the last young driver he worked with.
"I started my relationship with Simon Pagenaud as a boss, and today I would say he's my good friend and a mentor," de Ferran said. "I really don't see any issues there. He's a great guy, and we struck up a good personal relationship, and I was happy for him that he had a great break with Steve and Jay last year, and I look forward to working with him. I really don't see any issues here."
3. Teams get jump on 2010 at Sebring: E.J. Viso, Raphael Matos and J.R. Hildebrand got a jump on track time with testing at Sebring International on Feb. 15.
Viso, who competed the past two IZOD IndyCar Series seasons with HVM Racing, tested with KV Racing Technology. Hildebrand, the 2009 Firestone Indy Lights champion, was testing with Dale Coyne Racing. Matos, the 20009 Apex-Brasil Rookie of the Year, was back in the Luczo Dragon Racing car.
"I've been itching to get back in a car," said Hildebrand, who drove for Andretti Green Racing/AFS Racing last season. "I've been talking to Dale (Coyne) the last couple of weeks and he had scheduled this test day, so he invited me to come out. We're still trying to sort things out because the season is coming very quickly, but we are both in that boat. We'll just see how things look in a couple of weeks. Those important decisions have to be made quickly, but from both of our standpoints (the) test day went well.
"Most of the guys here were trying to prepare for street course races. I know, for sure, we weren't tuning to go fast at Sebring. We we're tuning the car to prepare for the bumpy tracks that start the 2010 season. St. Pete is pretty bumpy, and Brazil looks pretty rough from that standpoint. We still had a very good day. We didn't think we would be real competitive from a time standpoint, because as I said, we were working on street course testing packages, but we ended up being right in the quickest windows in terms of time."
Viso ran 103 trouble-free laps in KVRT's first test of 2010. Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama plays host to an Open Test next week.
"KV Racing Technology had a successful test and I am very pleased with the way both the team and E. J. performed," team general manager Mark Johnson said. "The team did a great job preparing the car and it performed flawlessly. The engineering staff had a solid plan and we accomplished everything on our check list. I also want to complement E. J. on the job he did. This was his first test with our team and he was professional and worked well with the engineers and crew. Based on his feedback and the plan the engineers had in place, we were able to collect some valuable data.
"At this point, we will sit down with E. J. and discuss further plans for the 2010 IndyCar Series season. I do anticipate testing him again at the Open Test at Barber next week."
Viso, 24, of Caracas, Venezuela, has posted one top-five finish in 32 races.
"I am very happy with the way the test went with KV Racing Technology," Viso said. "The car was prepared well and we got a lot of work done. This is a very professional team, a great group of engineers and mechanics. I felt very positive and comfortable working with them."
4. Find Tag in Toronto: FAZZT Race Team driver Alex Tagliani will greet attendees and sign autographs Feb. 20-21 at the Canadian International Auto Show at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Tagliani's No. 77 Bowers & Wilkins FAZZT Race Team car will be on display ono Centre Stage of the North Building, where the Quebec native will sign autographs from 1-3 p.m. Feb. 20 and noon-2 p.m. Feb. 21. His appearances are in conjunction with the team's partnership with Autonet.ca.
"I am excited to be back in Toronto and to get an opportunity to greet my Canadian fans who have been so supportive of my racing career," Tagliani said.
5. Drivers On TV: Before Danica Patrick gets on track Feb. 24 at Barber Motorsports Park in the No. 7 GoDaddy car for the IZOD IndyCar Series Open Test, she's making the rounds of Southern California media outlets. So to catch up with Patrick on your favorite talk show:
She appeared on "The Ellen Degeneres Show" on Feb. 17 and made stops at "Good Day LA" on KTTV FOX 11, "The Bonnie Hunt Show" (airs Feb. 19, check local listings), the "CBS Evening News" and CNN for future air dates. She will be a guest on the syndicated "On- Air with Ryan Seacrest" radio show on Feb. 18 and "Chelsea Lately" for air Feb. 23 on E! Check local listings. She will also be a guest on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on ABC (show airs 12:05 a.m. ET Feb. 19).
Also making the rounds are three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves, who introduced his daughter Mikaella to the world on on Feb. 17's episode of "Entertainment Tonight.
Feb 4 2010
IZOD INDYCAR SERIES ANNOUNCES OBJECTIVES FOR NEW CHASSIS TO DEBUT IN 2012
INDIANAPOLIS, (Feb. 7, 2010) - The Indy Racing League announced today objectives for its next IZOD IndyCar Series chassis, which is scheduled to debut at the start of the 2012 season.
Attributes desired by the Indy Racing League in developing its next iconic chassis look include:
· Safe: The new chassis must adhere to the league's already high safety standards while exploring new technology to improve safety in all aspects of the car.
· Raceable: The new chassis must continue to produce the exciting racing that has become signature of the IZOD IndyCar Series while not affecting other cars on track (i.e. less sensitive to the turbulence).
· Cost-effective: The league continues to work to reduce the cost of participation for teams in the IZOD IndyCar Series, which remains an important priority in this economic climate. The new chassis must have a price point that adheres to that goal.
· American-made: The new chassis must be built in the U.S., preferably at an Indiana-based facility.
· Less mass/More efficient: A lighter chassis with less mass that produces the same aerodynamic effect in an efficient way.
· Relevant technology: The league would like the new chassis to be relevant to the future of the consumer auto industry; innovative technology that is born on the racetrack and can translate to consumer cars.
· Modern Look: More space for sponsor logos, cars easily identifiable.
· Green: The Indy Racing League prides itself on its role in the greening of racing and wants to maintain its position as a leader in environmentally-friendly initiatives with this chassis.
"Two years ago the league engaged both the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena (Calif.) and College for Creative Studies in Detroit in conceptual exercises about the next generation of car," said Brian Barnhart, president of competition and racing operations for the Indy Racing League, the sanctioning body of the IZOD IndyCar Series. "For the last year we have engaged in ongoing conversations with four chassis makers on two different design tracks. Now we are receiving concepts and will make a decision soon."
The league is in discussions with Dallara, DeltaWing, Lola and Swift about designing, manufacturing and supplying the new chassis, focusing on two parallel paths - one radical and one more evolutionary in design.
"Our chassis is the most complex challenge in world motorsports because of the variety of race courses where we compete," Barnhart said. "It must be designed to run at 235 mph at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and protect drivers and spectators in high-speed crashes. It must be able to perform on superspeedways, speedways and short ovals well as natural terrain road courses and temporary circuits."
Barnhart said the first and foremost requirement for the new chassis is safety, based on three decades of experience with the current chassis.
"Our drivers take the greatest risks in the world of sports driving Indy cars and it is paramount we have the best safety features designed into this next generation of cars," he said. "It is also important that we continue to develop more relevance between the new generation of IndyCars and the cars that world manufacturers will be producing in the future. Finally, we have stipulated that the new chassis must be made in the United States, preferably Indiana, to take advantage of more competitive pricing and the existing American supplier network for parts and protect our team from issues with currency fluctuations."
The current chassis utilized by teams is produced by Dallara and was last updated in 2003.
BERNARD NAMED CEO OF INDY RACING LEAGUE
INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 2, 2010) – Randy Bernard, longtime CEO of Professional Bull Riders, Inc., has been named CEO of the Indy Racing League, the sanctioning body of the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights.
His hiring was announced today by Jeffrey Belskus, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation, the home of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race and owner of the Indy Racing League. Bernard will begin March 1.
“Randy is the right person at the right time to head the Indy Racing League,” Belskus said. “He brings a superb sports marketing and promotion background, proven CEO skills, energy and enthusiasm at a time when the IZOD IndyCar Series is positioned for growth.”
Bernard said that for the 15 years he has been the CEO of the PBR he’s been “blessed to work with such a great sport, and I enjoyed the success that we all shared together.”
“But I was ready to make a change in my life,” he said. “Josie George was determined that the change should be with the Indy Racing League, and after significant research I was excited about the opportunity.
“I truly believe I can make a difference with the Indy Racing League, and I see tremendous potential. The IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights have intense action, high-stakes competition, extreme athletes, a diverse international schedule, great sponsors and a very passionate fan base.”
Bernard, 43, produced one of the eight PBR events in its inaugural 1994 season while with the marketing and entertainment department of the California Mid-State Fair and “fell in love with the sport.” He was named CEO in 1995 and worked with the PBR founders in the succeeding years to develop and expand the brand, events across North America and the popularity of the sport worldwide.
Under Bernard’s leadership, PBR’s Built Ford Tough Series regular-season attendance increased 12 percent in 2009, and ratings with television partner VERSUS increased nearly 30 percent last year. The PBR has been quick out of the chutes in 2010 with attendance up 23 percent in its first five weeks of competition.
Professional Bull Riders, the governing body for the stand-alone rodeo event of bull riding, was formed in 1992 in Scottsdale, Ariz., by 20 bull riders who each invested $1,000 to launch an athlete-owned and operated bull riding tour apart from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Their goal was to increase the opportunity to earn more money as well as to gain some control of their sport.
In April 2007, Bernard successfully executed a merger between Professional Bull Riders, Inc. and Spire Capital Partners, a New York-based private equity firm, and remained CEO under the new ownership structure.
The announcement was made at a news conference at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway attended by members of the IMS Board of Directors including Nancy George, Josie George and Jack Snyder. IMS chairman Mari Hulman George, who was traveling, and board member Kathi George Conforti, who lives in California, were not in attendance.
Bernard thanked the Hulman-George family “for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of this great tradition. I have had the opportunity to meet with Ms. George, Josie, Nancy, Kathi, Jack Snyder and Jeff Belskus several times and really look forward to sharing their vision.
“I also look forward to working with Terry Angstadt and Brian Barnhart. They both are highly regarded, and I am confident we will make a great team.”
Ms. George, who has served as chairman of the family-controlled corporation since 1990, praised Bernard’s selection. “Our family has been the steward of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway since 1945 and has owned and operated the Indy Racing League since its founding in 1994. This is our family business, and we have a new generation of family members beginning to be involved. I believe Randy is an excellent choice to head our growing IZOD IndyCar Series and assure that it will continue to be a positive asset for racing and for our family business.”
Ms. George also praised Belskus, who heads all businesses owned by IMS. “Jeff has stepped in during a challenging time in our business, and he is making the changes necessary to insure a healthy future for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway that we can hand over to future generations of our family and the public.”
Belskus noted that Angstadt, president of the commercial division of the Indy Racing League, and Barnhart, president of competition and racing operations, are doing excellent jobs. “Never in the history of the Indy Racing League have we been as strong or as well positioned. Terry has led a superb sales effort that has brought IZOD, Apex-Brasil and others to our sport, injecting many millions of new dollars. Brian has provided racing fans exciting competition with many of the world’s greatest drivers while leading advances in safety and technology, with much more to come. Randy’s leadership will add another dimension to our company, complementing Terry and Brian and allowing them to concentrate on what they do best.”
Belskus assumed the duties of president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in June 2009. He subsequently succeeded Tony George as CEO of the Indy Racing League, which is a subsidiary of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Bernard, who attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, is married and has three children.
IZOD INDYCAR SERIES NEWS AND NOTES - Feb. 1, 2010
Today's IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines
1. IZOD IndyCar Series has Super Bowl XLIV ties
2. Wilson co-drives runner-up car in 24-hour race
3. Wheldon goes back to his karting roots
4. Drivers to meet with Brazil president
5. Tickets on sale for Sao Paulo Indy 300
1. IZOD IndyCar Series has Super Bowl XLIV ties: The Indy Racing League Championship Cup, hoisted by Dario Franchitti at Homestead-Miami Speedway in October, will be on display in downtown Miami this week as part of the Eats, Beats and Cleats fan event preceding Super Bowl XLIV.
Eats, Beats and Cleats, which replaces the NFL Experience, will showcase more than 75 current and former NFL All-Stars and other sports legends during the four-day event on Lincoln Road.
Also, the Indy Racing Experience street-legal two-seater will be in town to shuttle media and personalities around Miami. Three IZOD IndyCar Series show cars will be in Miami, too.
Ryan Hunter-Reay, who tested the No. 37 IZOD car for Andretti Autosport at Sebring International last week and co-drove the third-place car in the Rolex 24 At Daytona over the weekend, will be among the participants in the Super Bowl Hall of Fame Players Classic presented by Van Heusen on Feb. 4 at the Biltmore Golf Club and Resort in Coral Gables. The event's goals are to raise awareness and funds for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinees Assistance Fund, which lends assistance to fellow Hall of Fame alumni.
Andretti Autosport driver Danica Patrick will be a guest on "Super Bowl's Greatest Commercials" on Feb. 3 (8 p.m. EST, CBS). Patrick has been featured in GoDaddy.com spots during the Super Bowl the past few years.
As a side note, Patrick is included in BusinessWeek's 2010 Power 100 list of athletes. Tiger Woods, who ended '09 embroiled in scandal, still topped the list as he raked in an estimated $103 million on and off the golf course. The issue is on newsstands and online now.
2. Wilson co-drives runner-up car in 24-hour race: IZOD IndyCar Series driver Justin Wilson co-drove the No. 01 Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates car to a runner-up finish in the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 31.
Wilson teamed with Scott Pruett, Max Papis and Memo Rojas. The No. 01 entry was just one of two Daytona Prototypes to finish on the lead lap, finishing 52.303 seconds behind the No. 9 Action Express Racing car.
"I really enjoyed being part of this team for the weekend," Wilson said. "We seemed to always be first or second. What a great experience."
Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates' second entry, driven by reigning IZOD IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti, Scott Dixon, Juan Pablo Montoya and Jamie McMurray, retired with mechanical issues to finish 15th in the Daytona Prototype class. The two cars combined to lead 285 of the 755 laps (No. 01 led 146 laps).
Ryan Hunter-Reay, who will drive the No. 37 IZOD car for Andretti Autosport this season, teamed with Scott Tucker, Richard Westbrook and Lucas Luhr to finish third overall.
KV Racing Technology co-owner Jimmy Vasser, 2009 Apex-Brasil Rookie of the Year Raphael Matos of Luczo Dragon Racing, 2004 Indianapolis 500 champion Buddy Rice, and IZOD IndyCar Series driver Darren Manning also competed in the event.
3. Wheldon goes back to his karting roots: It's difficult to keep IZOD IndyCar Series driver Dan Wheldon off a racetrack.
Over the weekend, he drove in the Rotax Senior division of the CKI Florida Cup in Homestead, Fla. - the first of 13 scheduled karting events he'll compete in around the IZOD IndyCar Series schedule.
"Kart racing is something that is very close to my heart," said Wheldon, the 2005 IZOD IndyCar Series champion who will compete for the second season in the No. 4 National Guard car for Panther Racing. "It's how I got my start in racing when I was 4 years old. And once you develop a love for kart racing it never goes away, no matter how successful a racing career you might develop over the years in other disciplines."
Wheldon, who earned second place at the World Karting Association event in Daytona, Fla., in December, will participate in two karting events before the IZOD IndyCar Series Open Test at Barber Motorsports Park on Feb. 24-25. He'll return to Homestead (Fla.) Feb. 26 for the second round of the CKI Florida Cup.
"I couldn't say no to an opportunity to race with some of the best up-and-coming talent out there," said Wheldon, 31. "Those kids are keeping me on my toes … and that is not something that I take lightly."
Vitor Meira, who will drive the No. 14 ABC Supply car for A.J. Foyt Racing in the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series, also competed in the Rotax Senior division at the Homestead facility.
4. Brazilian drivers to meet with President Lula: IZOD IndyCar Series drivers Helio Castroneves, Tony Kanaan, Raphael Matos, Vitor Meira and Mario Moraes and Firestone Indy Lights standout Ana Beatriz are scheduled to participate in a photo opportunity with Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Feb. 2 in the capital city of Brasilia.
The meet and greet is in advance of the inaugural São Paulo Indy 300 on the streets of the state capital March 14. It will be the first IZOD IndyCar Series race in South America and will kick off the 17-race season.
5. Tickets on sale for São Paulo Indy 300: Tickets for the São Paulo Indy 300 on March 14 are on sale by visiting www.saopauloindy300.com.br or www.livepass.com.br. Most of the grandstands for the 75-lap race on the 2.6-mile, 11-turn circuit are part of the Sambodromo - permanent structures mainly used during the colorful parades of Carnival this month.
The 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season begins March 14 with the Sao Paulo Indy 300 on the streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at 11:30 a.m. (EDT) by VERSUS. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, XM channel 145 and Sirius channel 211. The race also will be carried on www.indycar.com. The 2010 Firestone Indy Lights season opens with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg March 28 on the streets of St. Petersburg. The race will air live on indycar.com
Jan 29 2010
More on
Tony George halting his IndyCar Series racing team Lacking sponsors
IRL founder suspends Racing team
By Curt Cavin
IndyStar.com
Tony George suspended operations of the IndyCar Series team he owns Thursday, capping a tumultuous seven months for the former king of U.S. open-wheel racing and signaling the end of his association with the sport, at least for now.
Indianapolis-based Vision Racing, which George owns with his wife, Laura, does not have the outside sponsorship to continue, and he has decided not to fund the team with his personal holdings.
George, 50, said Thursday that releasing Vision's 16 employees was the most emotional thing he's had to do, but he vowed to return to motorsports.
"I can't begin to put that into words," he said after meeting with Vision staffers. "We're going to continue to try and put together a program so that we can reactivate the team. It's been the greatest group of (people) I've ever had the chance to work with."
George called the suspension "a necessary thing."
Since last year, his diminishing involvement in the sport he once ruled has been startling. On June 30, the longtime leader of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the founder of the Indy Racing League was forced to resign several key positions within the Hulman-George business empire amid pressure from his family.
The IMS Corp. board is controlled by George's mother, Mari Hulman George, and his three sisters, Josie George, Nancy George and Kathi George-Conforti, and they were concerned about the financial health of the company.
Earlier this month, George resigned his board position. He has consistently refused to discuss the family feud that led to his departure.
Vision was formed in 2005 for George's stepson, Ed Carpenter, to drive the car. Discussing Thursday's developments, emotion was also evident in Carpenter's voice.
"We're suspending operations, but I don't know fully what that means," he said.
Another member of Carpenter's generation, Kyle Krisiloff, lacks the funds to keep racing. Krisiloff is the youngest son of Josie George, considered the strongest voice among George's siblings.
Tony George declined comment on speculation that he is organizing a group to purchase the IndyCar Series. But friend Zak Brown, the founder and CEO of Zionsville-based Just Marketing Inc., said George recently has admitted unfinished business in the sport he loves.
More than 250 IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights Participants
The Drivers and team Representatives descended on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Jan. 12 for the Indy Racing League's annual winter meeting, in which several updates for the 2010 season were announced, including financial savings for teams and a new driver safety feature.
Teams will receive financial savings of $27,000 through decreases in the Honda engine full-season lease program and a savings of $75,000 for Indianapolis 500-only lease program.
A lease for the 17-race season has been reduced to $935,000 ($15,000 lease and removal of $12,000 shipping fee) - about half of the 2005 lease program cost. For the Indianapolis 500, the $150,000 lease package includes 800 miles of practice and qualifications, Miller Lite Carb Day and the race. A fresh engine for Miller Lite Carb Day and the race will be available for $60,000.
A "short Indy" program - commencing Thursday, May 20, two days before qualifications - will be offered for $90,000. It includes 500 miles of practice and qualifying, with the engine carried over to Miller Lite Carb Day and the race.
Additionally, a "floating back" headrest configuration that has been researched and tested by Indy Racing League director of engineering Jeff Horton was recommended for implementation by teams to curb the disparity in G forces between the car and head in rearward crashes. The Kevlar skin of the headrest is attached to the front of the foam and the sides are allowed to float, "so the driver only feels the effect of the foam during impact," according to Horton.
Another major update for the 2010 season is the inclusion of a reverse gear supplied by promotional partner Xtrac that will be incorporated in cars for the nine road and street course races and be available to drivers through the paddle shift system. Drivers will retain six forward gears.
"We've been making updates every year (changing gear size, adding the paddle shift system) and it just happened to be the right time to put the gear in the car," IZOD IndyCar Series technical director Kevin Blanch said. "It doesn't make any of the parts obsolete; you just add the new kit. It's on the drop gear side, so when the crew is making gear changes it doesn't interfere. It just stays in the car the whole time."
Additional changes include removal of the four-position fuel mixture switch from the cars. The Honda overtake assist system will remain and receive almost a doubling of horsepower boost.
The Honda overtake assist was added for the race at Kentucky Speedway in August 2009 and carried through the remainder of the season on ovals and road courses. It provides drivers a boost in horsepower and RPMs for a predetermined number of uses and durations by activating a button on the steering wheel.
Jan 28 2010
Tony George shuts down racing team
By Curt Cavin
indystar.com
January 28, 2010
Tony George's Indy-car team suspended operations today due to a lack of sponsorship, completing a downfall of his involvement with major open-wheel racing.
George was asked to resign his position as chief executive officer of Indianapolis Motor Speedway last summer, in part because of his commitment to Vision Racing. George subsequently resigned his leadership role with the Indy Racing League, a series he started in 1996 as an alternative to CART.
George's Indianapolis-based team was a family entity. It was co-owned by George, his wife, Laura, and actor Patrick Dempsey with the George's son, Ed Carpenter, as the driver. Carpenter's sister, Lauren George, wrote for the team's Website.
The team was formed in 2005 as the Georges purchased the assets of former IRL team Kelley Racing. It operated out of a 32,000 square foot facility on the Northwestside.
The team's best result in 121 starts was a second-place finish at last year's event at Kentucky Speedway. Team Penske's Ryan Briscoe edged Carpenter at the finish line by 0.0162 seconds.
Many of Vision's staff of about 16 were released today in what Carpenter described as emotional as George addressed team members.
"We're suspending operations, but I don't know fully what that means," Carpenter said. "We're still pursuing opportunities to resume operations."
Jan 25 2010
IZOD INDYCAR SERIES TO CONTEST 2.6-MILE, 11-TURN TEMPORARY STREET CIRCUIT IN SÃO PAULO
INDIANAPOLIS (Jan. 25, 2010) - Indy Racing League officials today released the course design for the IZOD IndyCar Series' inaugural race in Brazil, the São Paulo Indy 300.
The IZOD IndyCar Series will open its 2010 season March 14 on the 2.6-mile, 11-turn circuit that mirrors the metropolis - built for speed and excitement. The course, located in the north central section of São Paulo known as Anhembi, incorporates the Sambodromo - permanent grandstands lining the route primarily used for parades during Carnival - that will include the start/finish line and forms one of three long straightaways. The backstretch is nine-tenths of a mile long, leading into a sharp right-hand turn into the Sambodromo. Seventy-five laps will constitute the São Paulo Indy 300.
"Two of the long straightaways have relatively slow corners leading onto them," said Tony Cotman, who designed the course and is overseeing the construction through his new company, NZR Consulting. "There are some good 90-degree turns at the end of them, and on one occasion a little tighter than that. It's a track that's challenging but can create some exciting racing. I like to see a course that is really quite challenging on a driver and has potential for the driver to either A, take multiple lines or B. entice them into mistakes.
"Running through the middle of the stadium that hosts Carnival, which holds about 30,000 people, I think will be an electric atmosphere for the drivers. That portion of the track through the stadium is concrete and everywhere else will be asphalt, so there will be some surface changes. That's always good for the racing."
The design received positive response from Team Penske's Helio Castroneves, a native of the state of São Paulo who plans to tour the site later this week.
"With long straightaways, it's certainly going to be fast, and you definitely will have challenges," said Castroneves. "No question it will be a good race and the people are so excited to have the IZOD IndyCar Series come to Brazil."
Representatives of the state and city of São Paulo and event promotional partner Bandeirantes (Brazilian TV network) echoed those comments during a presentation at the Indy Racing League season preview meeting Jan. 12.
"Brazilians love motor racing and most Brazilians know the names of the drivers - not only the five Brazilian drivers in the (IZOD IndyCar Series) - but all of them, the cars they drive and even the owners of the teams," said Milton Longobardi, director of marketing for the São Paulo Tourism board. "This is really exciting for the people of São Paulo; they're waiting for the race and very proud to host the opening of the 2010 season."
The event will be the first for the IZOD IndyCar Series in South America. Cotman and dedicated groups of workers from multiple trades are constructing the circuit in four sections based on events in the area and not hindering the flow of traffic (there are more than 7 million vehicles in the city). A convention center and major hotel inside the circuit will be utilized by teams and IZOD IndyCar Series officials.
"Everybody we're working with is incredibly motivated to showcase the event," Cotman said. "I'm sure there will be some fine-tuning in the future, but to be perfectly honest it's no different than going to any of the temporary circuits where we currently race. It will be fast. It will be fun. It will be exciting. It will be safe. Most importantly, from a fan's perspective, they'll see a lot of action."
For more event and ticket information in Portuguese, visit http://www.saopauloindy300.com.br/
Jan 18 2010Jan. 18, 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines
1. Franchitti Wins Titus Award From American Motorsports Media
2. Brian Stewart to field Star Mazda team in 2010
1. Franchitti Wins Titus Award From American Motorsports Media: Dario Franchitti received more recognition for his 2009 IZOD IndyCar Series championship Jan. 16 by being named the recipient of the Jerry Titus Award during the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association's All-America Team dinner in Brownsburg, Ind.
The Titus award, given in remembrance of the late racer/journalist, signifies the top vote-getter among All-America Team members as the driver of the year. Franchitti also won the award following his 2007 series championship and Indianapolis 500 victory.
"It's a privilege to win this award," said Franchitti, who won the season finale to secure the title by 12 points over Target Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Scott Dixon. "It's the kind of thing that you share with your team. Winning the Titus Award makes you think of all of the guys on the team and the effort that they put in, as well. I really feel that they should be up there with me, accepting this award. It's a great honor."
Franchitti, J.R. Hildebrand (Firestone Indy Lights champion), Donny Schatz (World of Outlaws), Tony Schumacher (NHRA), Mark Martin (NASCAR Sprint Cup), Ron Hornaday (NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series) and Jon Fogarty and Alex Gurney (Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series) were first-team selections among drivers representing Open Wheel, Stock Car, Road Racing, Drag Racing, Short Track, Touring Series and At-Large.
Target Chip Ganassi Racing owner Chip Ganassi was honored as the organization's Pioneer in Racing.
"Receiving an award like this lets me look back on my career and affords me the opportunity to thank everyone who has helped me along the way," said Ganassi, whose drivers have won the past two IZOD IndyCar Series titles. "I want to thank my parents; they were there on day one about 50 years ago. And I want to thank Target; they were there on day one about 20 years ago. They've both been with me throughout it all. I'm also fortunate to have a guy like (team managing director) Mike Hull to keep everything together.
"I live this sport, I breathe it. That's why I like to be involved in so many different levels of racing. I'm at home at the racetrack, and my family is at the racetrack. There is no other place that I'd rather be. I heard once that working in sports is like the toy department of life. I think that's true about racing, too. It's my toy department of life."
Target Chip Ganassi Racing will seek another entrant and driver championship when the IZOD IndyCar Series kicks off March 14 on the streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
"It was great to see Chip being honored," said Franchitti, who joined Chip Ganassi Racing for the 2008 season in a stock car program curtailed because of a lack of sponsorship. "He's a guy that has led the way in motorsports. A lot of team owners are quite cautious by nature, but he's a real gambler. He's taken some big chances over the years, and it was good to see him get honored for that tonight."
Team Penske's Helio Castroneves, who won his third Indianapolis 500 and finished fourth in the series standings in 2009, was voted to the second team.
2. Brian Stewart to field Star Mazda team in 2010: Firestone Indy Lights championship-winning team Brian Stewart Racing announced its intentions to field a team in all three series that make up the Indy Racing League's Road to Indy developmental ladder.
Brian Stewart Racing, which has fielded a Firestone Indy Lights team since 2002, announced it will add a team in the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear to its previously announced plans to field a team in the Cooper Tires presents the USF2000 National Championship powered by Mazda.
"In our 45-year history, we have consistently graduated drivers through the various levels of open-wheel racing. Since 2005 we have sponsored the Brian Stewart Racing Karting Championship (BSRKC) and we recently added a USF2000 team to our Driver Development Program," said team owner Brian Stewart. "With the addition of our Star Mazda team, we now have a seamless series of stepping stones for a driver moving from karting right through to our Firestone Indy Lights team."
BSR's Star Mazda Team will compete in 13 races in 2010 and will be supported by Firestone Indy Lights-quality staff and technology.
"Each driver will be supported by all of the resources of our Driver Development Program, which includes many of the most skilled personnel in auto racing," adds BSR Business Manager Janet Stewart. "The addition of this team provides drivers as well as sponsors with a wide spectrum of ways to get involved with one of the most respected racing teams in the industry."
Jan 8 2010
Girls of FHM
Indianapolis 500 IRL Driver and Now about to be in NASCAR
Driving for the Dale Earnhardt Jr team
is Danica Patrick
This interview appeared in 2006 on this web site http://www.fhm.com/
Formula race-car driver Danica patrick is the hottest thing on wheels since Roller Girl
You can't blame FHM for taking 24-year-old Danica Patrick a bit lightly upon first meeting her back in 2003. After all, at 5-foot-1 and barely 100 pounds, she's hardly intimidating. She is, however, plenty tough enough to hold her own in a male-dominated sport. Few people know better than Sam Hornish Jr the two-time IndyCar champ and winner of this year's Indianapolis 500 who battled Danica on the go-cart circuit when the two were teenagers.
"He tried to knock me off the track, but I drove over top of him," Danica says of the time she embarrassed Hornish at a championship race. "He didn't like getting beat by a girl."
Hornish might want to check his rearview mirror because Danica was named IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year in 2005 and has very high hopes of eventually capturing the checkered flag at the Indianapolis 500. With her dominance and determination, very few people would be surprised to see this happen. At present, she’s idling at 10th place in IndyCar standings.
Danica struggled a bit mid-season when her current team, Rahal Letterman Racing, made the switch to Dallara-Honda chassis. Her first go-round with the Dallara was on June 10 at Texas Motor Speedway. Danica started 14th and finished 12th, consequently breaking a streak of placing in the top 8. Danica's best finish to date has been fourth place.
"I'm confident and I'm dominant," says the Roscoe, IL, native. "I'm aggressive—both on and off the track. I like to be in charge.
Granted, you have to be aggressive on the track, but why be that way off of it?
To maintain that level, you can’t be shy and have a weak handshake. Your overall opinion of me would go down if you thought I couldn’t hold my own off the track.
Do you think you scare men off?
I hope that’s what it is.
Wouldn’t it be just as easy to treat them sweet and kind?
No, I need to kick their asses. I need to beat them, belittle them and make them feel small. Trying to run them off the road at 170 mph isn’t sweet and kind.
What’s the sexiest part about you?
You tell me.
The red leather boots you’re wearing for the FHM photo shoot aren’t bad. What goes on under that flame-retardant suit?
I wear a fireproof shirt and underwear. So, if you pulled my suit down. . .
Please continue.
If you pulled my suit down, it’s regular underwear, like boys’ underwear. Definitely not a thong. And it’s not flame retardant.
Are you a road-rage driver on the regular streets?
Yes, and everybody in town knows it. I use my horn more in one day than most people do in their whole lives. If I can make people know they’ve done something wrong on the road, then I’ve helped them. And they won’t be dumb again—they won’t go 65 in the left lane. Some people give to charity, I run ’em off the road.
Are there times of the month when you are a more aggressive or angry driver?
Not that I’ve noticed. It’s just a different mindset. I do everything in my power to not overdrive.
You’ve been quoted as saying you like to sweat.
It makes you feel like you’ve really done something. I know the way you’re going to write that: “Sweating makes her feel like she’s done something,” wink, wink. Whatever, that’s cool.
You got some publicity when you led fellow racer Tommy Kendall around the garage by a leash and collar.
His idea. Imagine that.
Who’s the dream guy you’d like to return the favor to?
Enrique Iglesias. I used to be a Leonardo DiCaprio fan, but he’s let himself go. He doesn’t look so great lately. Enrique is a Latin sex bomb.
So which is the better scenario: uninhibited, incomparable sex with the man of your dreams, or winning the Indy 500?
Winning the Indy 500. The recognition is far greater.
IZOD INDYCAR SERIES NEWS AND NOTES - Jan. 6, 201
Today's IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines
1. Firestone test at Miami signals start of 2010
2. Wheldon takes on bobsleds
3. Howard gets back on the track
4. Fisher invites Ellen to Indianapolis 500
1. Firestone test at Homestead-Miami signals start of 2010: The sounds of IZOD IndyCar Series cars returned to South Florida as Target Chip Ganassi racing and Team Penske participated in the first day of the first Firestone tire test of the 2010 season at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
The two-day test features reigning IZOD IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti and Team Penske's Ryan Briscoe. Though it was 40 degrees cooler than it was the last time the drivers toured the Homestead-Miami Speedway 's 1.5 oval, everyone seemed excited to get back on track and get to work.
Franchitti said he's enjoyed the off-season (only two visits to the shop in Indianapolis), which included the wedding of his brother, Marino, to Holly Mason (daughter of Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason).
"He's still in one piece and the wedding came off," Franchitti said. "It was an amazing wedding and I really enjoyed that a lot."
The Franchitti brothers will be at Daytona International Speedway this week for Rolex 24 At Daytona testing. They'll be driving separate Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates prototypes. The race is Jan 30-31 "I'm looking forward to being on the same team with him again, though it's not in the same car," Dario said.
Also back to work was Briscoe, who was married last month in Hawaii where he said everything went off without a hitch.
"It was absolutely perfect," said Briscoe, who wed Nicole Manske. "We had all our closest friends and family there. It actually was a big turnout for being a destination wedding; we had about 100 guests. We're really happy."
2. Wheldon takes on bobsleds: IZOD IndyCar Series driver Dan Wheldon will be among the racing stars attending the Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge - an annual event hosted by the former NASCAR star to raise money for the USA Olympic Bobsled team.
While there are no scheduled plans for the 2005 IZOD IndyCar Series champion to race a bobsled, the thought is that his natural competitive fire combined with some good ole fashioned peer pressure from his friend in the National Guard could sway the Panther Racing driver into making a run in a sled.
"I'm really excited about it," Wheldon said. "It's certainly a form of racing that I'm not terribly familiar with, but I'm sure we're going to learn a lot this weekend with our friends from the National Guard."
Bodine, a former Daytona 500 champion and winner of 18 other stock car races, has held the event in Lake Placid, N.Y. for the past four years. Wheldon will join other drivers from NASCAR and the NHRA as the event kicks off this weekend in advance of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
The event is being supported by the National Guard, which is having some of its soldiers work as brake men on the sled during the race. In addition to Bodine, the event will feature Joey Logano, Boris Said, Johnny Benson, Ron Hornaday, Morgan Lucas and others.
3. Howard gets back on the track: Jay Howard, the 2006 Firestone Indy Lights champion who will compete in four IZOD IndyCar Series races this season for Sarah Fisher Racing with backing from Tire Kingdom, will be back in a go-kart for the CKI Florida Cup at the circuit adjacent to Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Round 1 of the Florida Cup is scheduled for Jan. 29-31. The others are in February and March. He'll compete in the Rotax Senior Division at the Florida Cup in addition to select WSK North American Series events.
Also, Howard has formed an on-site engine building, repairing and service support program with a recent partnership with British and European champions Ogden Racing Engines of the UK.
"I am excited to get back in a kart," said Howard, a Florida resident. "I try and do select events each year and with the way the CKI program is headed, I had to jump at the opportunity on my off weekends from the professional circuit. I am very excited about the opportunities and possibilities in 2010."
4. Fisher invites Ellen to Indianapolis 500: Sarah Fisher wants day-time talk show host Ellen DeGeneres to be her guest at the Indianapolis 500 and is taking a unique approach to invite her, via the social networking site Twitter.
Fisher, the only female owner/driver in the IZOD IndyCar Series, has started a twitter account, @ellen2Indy500, and invited race fans to support her grassroots campaign to get DeGeneres to come to the 2010 Indianapolis 500.
"1 of my resolutions is 2have @TheEllenShow (DeGeneres) n my book & n return give her tix 2 the Indy500 this May. Follow how we reach her @ellen2indy500," Fisher wrote on her own twitter account, @sarahfisher67.
Fisher also hopes to include a quote from DeGeneres in her book, "99 Things Women Wish They Knew Before You Got Behind The Wheel Of Your Dream Job," which will be published in May. In the book, Fisher includes quotes from pioneering women who have made a name for themselves in their chosen field.
Today's IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines
1. Briscoe Weds Manske in Hawaii
2. Castroneves ready to welcome new member of Penske Racing
3. Target Chip Ganassi Racing featured on VERSUS program
4. Brian Stewart Racing to field USF2000 team
1. Briscoe Weds Manske in Hawaii: IZOD IndyCar Series driver Ryan Briscoe was married to ESPN anchor Nicole Manske in Maui, Hawaii, Dec. 19.
The couple kicked off their tropical wedding celebration Dec. 18 by treating each of their 100 guests to a traditional luau celebration. The following day, the Team Penske driver and Manske said their vows during a cliff-side ceremony under the Hawaiian sunset.
Following the ceremony and a beach-side dinner, guests were treated to a club-like "after party" that featured a 12-foot ice martini bar, an ice cream sundae bar and the couple's favorite indulgences: french fries for Manske and salt and vinegar chips for Briscoe.
Briscoe, who finished third in the 2009 IZOD IndyCar Series standings after he recorded three wins and four poles for Team Penske, proposed to Manske last year during the holidays when the two were vacationing at the Great Barrier Reef in Briscoe's home country of Australia. The couple chose Hawaii as the location for their wedding because it was roughly the midpoint between their two hometowns of Sydney, Australia (Briscoe) and Roscoe, Illinois (Manske).
The newlyweds will spend their honeymoon in Fiji before visiting Sydney for a few days. The couple will then return to their home in Charlotte, N.C. before Manske resumes her hosting duties for "NASCAR Now" on ESPN and Briscoe takes his place behind the wheel of the No. 6 Team Penske Dallara/Honda in January for pre-season testing.
2. Castroneves ready to welcome new member of Penske Racing: Team Penske's Helio Castroneves and his girlfriend, Adriana Henao, are preparing for a very special gift this holiday season.
The couple is expecting their first child - a little girl that will be named Mikaella - over the holidays and they could not be more excited. The baby is due shortly after Christmas.
"Adriana is doing great and we are just waiting for the little one to arrive," said Castroneves, the three-time Indianapolis 500 champion with Team Penske. "Like we do at Team Penske, we are trying to make sure we are well prepared for the big race. We have been working on her room and getting everything ready - basically just making sure we are set to go when we get the green flag."
The expectant mother and father are in Atlanta, where the baby will be born and where Henao and her family reside. They have prepared the baby's room with all the necessities, including a beautiful crib and all the stuffed animals a newborn could possibly need.
"It has been a crazy year but this is the best ending we could hope for in 2009," said Castroneves. "Adriana and I are so happy and we are looking forward to the best Christmas present of all!"
3. Target Chip Ganassi Racing featured on VERSUS program: NFL linebacker Junior Seau smelled the ethanol, got his hands dirty and lifted a few tires during his weekend with the No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing crew for Scott Dixon during the Infineon Raceway race weekend in August.
What he learned and experienced will be shown on "Sports Jobs with Junior Seau" on VERSUS. The first airing of the pit crew episode is 10 p.m. (EST) Dec. 23.
Seau, a 19-year veteran who played with the San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots, experiences a different sport each episode of the show, trying behind-the-scenes jobs that make the athletic activity possible.
4. Brian Stewart Racing to field USF2000 team: Two-time Firestone Indy Lights championship winning entrant Brian Stewart Racing announced plans to field a team in the Cooper Tires presents the USF2000 National Championship powered by Mazda in 2010.
The new team will serve as a development step for the team's Firestone Indy Lights program, which claimed back-to-back entrant championships in 2005 and 2006.
"Since 2005, we have sponsored the Brian Stewart Racing Karting Championship (BSRKC) in an effort to enable all young people to be able to participate in a competitive karting series while developing their driving skills," said team founder, Brian Stewart. "Now we want to take our Driver Development Program one step further by establishing a new stepping stone between karting and our Firestone Indy Lights team. The decision to enter a team in the USF2000 Series also helps us to support the 'Road To Indy' ladder program that was recently announced by the Indy Racing League."
Participants in BSR's Driver Development Program will compete in 12 USF2000 races over the course of the year and will be supported by Firestone Indy Lights quality staff and technology, including driver coaching by Tommy Byrne and physical training from the staff of PitFit.
"Each driver will have a team of people to support them, including top-notch mechanics and engineers," added BSR business manager, Janet Stewart. "We will be bringing 45 years of experience and our history of excellence with us to this series."
IZOD INDYCAR SERIES UNVEILS 2010 BROADCAST SCHEDULE- Dec. 1, 2009
Five races to air on ABC; 12 others broadcast on VERSUS
INDIANAPOLIS
The schedule is highlighted by ABC's coverage of the Indianapolis 500 in addition to VERSUS' extensive coverage of the final seven races of the 2010 season. "We are very excited about the return of VERSUS and ABC for the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season," said Terry Angstadt, president of the commercial division for the Indy Racing League, the sanctioning body of the IZOD IndyCar Series. "Having two television partners during the 2009 season assisted the growth of our sport and its accessibility to fans, and we have confidence that the 2010 season will reap even bigger gains with ABC and VERSUS' enrichment of their already outstanding programming." ABC will offer high-definition broadcasts of five races in 2010 produced by ESPN, including the Indianapolis 500 on May 30 for the 46th consecutive season. ABC will air the season's first domestically-run race on the Streets of St. Petersburg on March 28. The network will begin its month of May IZOD IndyCar Series coverage May 1 when it televises the series event at Kansas Speedway, the lead-in race to the Indianapolis 500. ABC finishes its 2010 coverage with the broadcasting of back-to-back events at Watkins Glen International and the Streets of Toronto in July. VERSUS will televise the remaining 12 IZOD IndyCar Series events and will begin its in-depth and all-encompassing coverage with events from Sao Paulo, Brazil and Barber Motor Sports Park in Alabama — two new events on the 2010 schedule. VERSUS' live race coverage will continue following the Indianapolis 500 with the Texas Motor Speedway and Iowa Speedway telecasts. VERSUS concludes its 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series coverage with the final seven races on the schedule, including the season finale, for the second consecutive year, at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 2. All 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series events on VERSUS will be produced and shown in high definition where available. The IZOD IndyCar Series announced multi-year multimedia partnerships with ABC and VERSUS in August 2008. The 10-year partnership with VERSUS includes at least 12 live races per year, with each telecast featuring three hours of live race action with extended pre- and post-race coverage. VERSUS' commitment to super-serve motorsports fans with the most coverage than ever before is also extended beyond the 12 live races with a one-hour preview show the day before each race that features qualification highlights and all of the relevant IZOD IndyCar Series stories of that weekend as well as in-depth coverage of the qualification events leading up to the Indianapolis 500. The partnership with ABC is highlighted by the network's continued coverage of the Indianapolis 500 through 2012 as part of a four-year rights agreement between the Indy Racing League and ABC. ABC will also broadcast four other races on the IndyCar Series schedule in each year of the agreement.
The complete 2010 IndyCar Series television broadcast schedule: Date Location Venue Television Sunday, March 14 Sao Paulo, Brazil 2.3-mile street course VERSUS Sunday, March 28 Streets of St. Petersburg, Fla. 1.8-mile street course ABC Sunday, April 11 Barber Motorsports Park 2.38-mile road course VERSUS Sunday, April 18 Streets of Long Beach, Calif. 1.968-mile street course VERSUS Saturday, May 1 Kansas Speedway 1.5-mile oval ABC Sunday, May 30 Indianapolis Motor Speedway 2.5-mile oval ABC Saturday, June 5* Texas Motor Speedway 1.5-mile oval VERSUS Sunday, June 20 Iowa Speedway .875-mile oval VERSUS Sunday, July 4 Watkins Glen International 3.4-mile road course ABC Sunday, July 18 Streets of Toronto 1.721-mile street-course ABC Sunday, July 25 Edmonton City Centre Airport 1.973-mile airport course VERSUS Sunday, Aug. 8 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course 2.258-mile road course VERSUS Sunday, Aug. 22 Infineon Raceway 2.245-mile road course VERSUS Saturday, Aug. 28* Chicago Land speeday 1.5-mile oval VERSUS Saturday, Sept. 4* Kentucky Speedway 1.5-mile oval VERSUS Saturday, Sept. 18 Twin Ring Motegi 1.5-mile oval VERSUS Saturday, Oct. 2* Homestead-Miami Speedway 1.5-mile oval VERSUS * Denotes night race Schedule Subject to Change
IZOD INDYCAR SERIES NEWS AND NOTES - Nov. 30, 2009
Today's IZOD Indy car series and Firestone indy car lights headlines
1. Patrick re-signs with Andretti Autosport
2. Franchitti, Hildebrand named to All-America Team
3. Tickets for St. Petersburg event on sale Dec. 4
1. Patrick re-signs with Andretti Autosport: With the backdrop of New York's Times Square, Danica Patrick unveiled the car she will race in the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series on ABC's "Good Morning America."
"We've got the new IndyCar Go Daddy car for Andretti Autosport here," Patrick said. "Go Daddy has been part of our car for the last three years, but now we've got them as the primary sponsor. With these bright colors, you can't miss me."
Andretti Autosport announced Nov. 30 that Go Daddy, the world's largest domain name registrar and Web hosting provider, had signed a multi-year primary sponsorship agreement with the team and Patrick had signed a new multi-year deal to be the driver of the team's #7 Go Daddy IZOD IndyCar Series entry.
"All of us at Andretti Autosport are looking forward to having Danica back with the team and are excited about working with (Go Daddy CEO and Founder) Bob Parsons and everyone at Go Daddy as the primary sponsor on Danica's car," said team owner Michael Andretti, who helped Patrick unveil the black and neon green-liveried car. "Go Daddy brings a lot of energy to our team and to the IZOD IndyCar Series. We're very excited about the opportunity to work with them in 2010 and beyond."
Patrick joined Andretti Autosport before the start of the 2007 season and became the first woman to win an IZOD IndyCar Series event at the Indy Japan 300 in 2008. She finished third in the 2009 Indianapolis 500 -- bettering the fourth-place mark she established during her breakout 2005 season. Patrick also drove to a career-best fifth-place finish in this year's IZOD IndyCar Series championship.
"Michael Andretti has helped me become a better driver, and we hope to accomplish a great deal during the next few years together, "Patrick said. "Bob Parsons and Go Daddy have believed in me from the start. You know, my lifelong goal is to win the Indy 500, and I'd love to do that in the GoDaddy.com car."
Go Daddy is a leading provider of services that enable individuals and businesses to establish, maintain and evolve an online presence. Go Daddy provides a variety of domain name registrar plans and Web site design and Web hosting packages, as well as a broad array of on-demand services. Go Daddy is also well-known for its Super Bowl commercials, in which Patrick has been featured three straight years.
"Danica is the quintessential Go Daddy Girl," Parsons said. "Danica is a beautiful woman competing in a male-dominated sport. She's passionate. She's focused. She's all about doing what it takes to win and we love that about her. Not to mention she's edgy, smokin' hot and as tough as any competitor anywhere. We are very good together."
As part of its continuing relationship with Andretti Autosport, Go Daddy provided the team with a redesigned company Web site, which was also launched Nov. 30 at www.andrettiautosport.com.
2. Franchitti, Hildebrand named to All-America Team: 2009 IZOD IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti and 2009 Firestone Indy Lights champion J.R. Hildebrand were among the seven drivers honored with first-team honors on the 2009 American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association's All-America team.
Franchitti, who won five races and the IndyCar Series championship in his return to the series after a year in NASCAR, earned his second first-team honor by earning the most votes in the open-wheel category. Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves earned the second-team honors in the voting of more than 300 members of the media.
Hildebrand, who won four races en route to the Firestone Indy Lights title, was the top vote-getter in the at-large category. It's the second time Hildebrand has been named to the All-America First team. He also was a selection in 2006 after winning the F2000 Championship.
Franchitti and Hildebrand, along with the rest of the first team - NASCAR Sprint Cup star Mark Martin, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday Jr., NHRA Top Fuel Champ Tony Schumacher, Rolex Sports Car Series co-champs Jon Fogarty and Alex Gurney and World of Outlaws titlist Donnie Schatz - will be honored at the 40th AARWBA banquet Jan. 16 in Brownsburg, Ind.
The winner of the Jerry Titus Award, which is awarded to the top vote-getter over the seven categories, also will be announced at the banquet.
3. Tickets for St. Petersburg event on sale Dec. 4: Tickets for the 2010 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, featuring five racing series headlined by the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights go on sale Dec. 4.
The three-day racing event, scheduled for March 26-28 on the streets of downtown St. Petersburg, features five unique racing. In addition to the featured classes, the SPEED World Challenge, including both GT and Touring classes also returns while the Star Mazda Championship and the U.S. F2000 National Championship will debut on the 1.8-mile temporary circuit that includes a combination of adjacent downtown streets circling Pioneer Park, the Bayfront Center and extending onto runways at Albert Whitted Airport that overlook the Bay and picturesque St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina.
"The 2010 schedule at the Honda Grand Prix is packed with exciting racing," said Tim Ramsberger, vice president and general manager of the event. "We have kept our ticket prices at the same level for the past four years and we are looking forward to staging another great event in St. Petersburg this March."
Tickets for the event range in price from $25 for adult general admissions tickets to $110 for an adult three-day reserved seat pass. Three-day general admission passes are $45 and a general admission ticket for Sunday's featured races is $40. Reserved seat for Sunday range from $60 for seats in the lower rows to $80 for seats in the upper rows and three-day reserved seat passes start at $85. Reduced rate tickets are available for juniors, ages 12 and under, in certain ticket categories.
Race fans purchasing a three-day reserved seat ticket, purchased by December 31, 2009, will also receive an IZOD IndyCar paddock pass, valued at $55. To purchase tickets, visit www.gpstpete.com.
IZOD INDY CAR SERIES Q & A - Nov. 19, 2009
Penske Racing President Tim Cindric and IZOD Indy Car series driver Will Power participated in a Q&A session following the announcement that Power will race in the IZOD IndyCar Series in 2010 for Penske Racing's No. 12 Verizon Wireless Dallara/Honda. Below are select quotes from their interview. The complete transcript and audio MP3 file are posted at www.indycar.com/media.
Tim Cindric
President of Penske Racing, which fields the IZOD IndyCar Series entries of Helio Castroneves and Ryan Briscoe under the Team Penske banner and Will Power under the Penske Racing banner.
Since Cindric joined Team Penske in 1999, it has scored three open-wheel titles, including the 2006 IndyCar series title with Sam Hornish Jr., and five Indianapolis 500 race wins including in 2009 with Helio Castroneves.
Will Power
28-year-old Australian who has competed in the IZOD IndyCar Series for the last two seasons, including six events with Penske Racing in 2009. Will drive the No. 12 Verizon Wireless entry in the IZOD IndyCar Series full-time in 2010.
Won his first IZOD IndyCar Series race at Edmonton and recorded four top-five and six top-10 finishes in his six starts in 2009. Won pole positions at Long Beach and Edmonton.
Suffered season-ending back injury in practice accident at Infineon Raceway.
Q. What does Will bring to Penske Racing and why make this decision to bring him on board full-time?
TIM CINDRIC: Obviously the results speak for themselves last year. We're excited to be able to give (Will) the opportunity to come on full-time, because he's done an excellent job in a very difficult situation. It seems like so long ago that he was sitting here and his fate was depending on Helio (Castroneves') fate. Now he's independent of all of those things and continues to perform. It was great that Verizon was able to support us going forward, and we were in a position to be able to keep Will and that Will continued to believe that this is the place to be, even though he kind of had to wait this out a little bit.
Q. This the first time since the mid '90s, that Penske Racing will field three full-time cars in the Indy Car series Last time you had Paul Tracy, (Emerson) Fittipaldi and Al Unser, Jr. Can you tell us why the team made the decision to expand?
TIM CINDRIC: The opportunity was there. It's not every day that you have an opportunity like we have to put three proper programs together with your three very capable drivers. All the moons aligned for us, and we feel obviously that this is a great opportunity for all of us.
Q. If I could, Will is considered to be a gasser, a guy that's not afraid to push it. You have two other guys there that are pretty good drivers themselves. How much do you kind of see the three of them pushing each other and getting all three of them maybe to step up a notch or two?
TIM CINDRIC: It's always a challenge, but it's a good problem to have. The guys not only the drivers, but the crew itself, you know, we have to remember that we're an organization. We're not three one-car teams. That's always a challenge.
Whether it's this series or the Cup series or whatever else it is. For us it's pretty easy when you have a guy like Roger, it works for us -- or we work for it, I should say. For us when things get out of line, we usually hit the reset button and sit down and talk about it. The good news is we've got the right kind of personalities to be able to do that.
We're all competitive, and sometimes that gets the best of you. But I've seen all these guys in difficult situations that way. They've all come to the right conclusion at the end of the day. You know, that's the respect we have for the guy we all work for.
Q. Will, last time you were in a car, a little bit of a nightmare situation, getting injured. What is your status? How are you feeling?
WILL POWER: I'm feeling good. Everything's going well. It's actually ahead of schedule the way my back healed. I'm in the gym every day. I'm working out with the PitFit guys. I can't believe in a mont, in just one month, how far I've come. I'm swimming. I'm on the row machine, doing weights.
I don't think there's going to be any problem getting back in the car in January. That is sort of my plan. I'll probably be cleared to drive before then, but to get back to full cardio fitness I think I need to wait until January.
Q. Will, obviously you were very impressed with what Penske Racing could do for you last year. With the victory that you had at Edmonton and all that, even after you got injured, how confident were you that you were going to be able to stick with the plan and stick with this team?
WILL POWER: It was like Tim said, it was a matter of waiting it out. I think I would have stayed there no matter what, because it was a great situation for me to be driving there. Every time I was in the car, it was a good car. It's no use running around the back of the field with a team that's sort of not up for the job, because you don't do yourself any favors.
But it was for me a great year, although it ended badly, now it's turned out to be, it was just a very good decision for me to go there. I really look forward to it. I'd like to thank Verizon Wireless, and Lowell McAdam, and John Stratton for putting all this together and giving me this fantastic opportunity.
Q. Beyond getting yourself fully healthy again, do you see any areas of improvement that you can work on to kind of bring yourself up to the level of a title contender? And by areas I mean getting better on specific tracks, car setups, things of that nature? What is your perspective on that?
WILL POWER: I believe you have to learn every year. Every year you have to come away with a plan for the next year at places where you're going to be better. I've always done that throughout my career. I already have in my head where I'm going to improve on the tracks that I raced at this year. So that's just a constant process with me. I'm always searching. I think to be successful in this business you have to be because it's always a development going on. It's always moving forward. So that's my normal plan of attack.
IZOD INDYCAR SERIES NEWS AND NOTES - Nov. 18, 2009
1. In Her Own Words - Danica Patrick: It's hard to look back at 2009 and not feel a little bit frustrated or just want to shrug your shoulders and wonder why or how things went the way they did for us this year.
That's not to say that it was all bad. I finished fifth in points, which is the best finish I've had in the points in my career. So that's a good thing and it's not something you want to take lightly. But let's face it - at the end of the day you want to be contending for wins every weekend and battling for the championship until the last lap of the season, and we just weren't at that level this year.
There's no question that our team knows what it's like to be in that position. AGR has obviously won a lot of races and has three championships to show for its time in the IndyCar Series so far. We have talented drivers - all of us have won races and Tony Kanaan has a championship on his resume, so we all know how to get it done. But, in the last couple years, we've just not been doing that like we used to.
In general, I think one of the bright spots for me this year was having Michael Andretti call my races and run my pit. Mike has seen just about everything during his career as a driver and now as an owner, and having that insight is really a plus. He made some good strategy calls this year and helped us make up for some of whatever we missed in qualifying at some races. Long Beach comes to mind, specifically, and Toronto, too. The street circuits and road courses this year were particularly tough for us in qualifying, and we really made the best of those two specifically with strategy.
We finished third at Indy, which was my best career finish there and, of course, the best finish ever there for a woman. But the nice thing about it this year - as strange as this sounds - is that people didn't make that big a deal of it. I kind of appreciated that because it made it clear to me that people expected me to be there and weren't shocked by it. I certainly wasn't satisfied with third; I go to Indy every year with the idea of winning it. That's all I want to do. Third is a decent day in the biggest race of the year, but it's not a win.
Indy was also part of a good stretch for us early in the season and that's when we really put ourselves in a good position in the championship. We had four straight top fives between Long Beach and Milwaukee and had eight top 10s in nine races there. It's by far the best stretch I've had in my career so far. But we needed a couple wins in there to stay with the Penske and Ganassi guys and we just didn't have the pace to do it. That's when we kind of lost touch with them for the title and had to focus on holding on to fifth.
All in all, I'm happy with the season. We've got a lot of good people on the team and have a lot of work to do. But I know everybody at AGR is ready to dig in and do what it takes.
2. In His Own Words - Graham Rahal: The 2009 season was both an up and down one for both myself and the McDonald's Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing crew.
We started with two extreme highs in St. Petersburg and then shortly after in Kansas by getting poles in both places, but what we quickly learned was starting up front was the easy part. It seemed as though through only the first few races that we knew our luck would challenge us through the entire season, which became oh so true.
In St. Pete, we got hit from behind at the very start. Perhaps this was slightly my fault as I was very careful due to the fact it was my first pole in my IndyCar Series career and I didn't want to screw it up. Well, when Tony Kanaan hit me, I quickly realized maybe I was too cautious. We struggled for the remainder of that day, but again our luck would strike us in Long Beach. We ran a fantastic race, staying out of trouble, running fast laps, saving fuel, and found ourselves in second place with only 20 or so laps to go. Well what happens then -- a freak incident where I got waived out of the pits too early and pulled the fuel tank with me.
This is something that our team hasn't seen in years, and hopefully will never see again. But as mentioned before, you can see luck would challenge us all along.
I don't need to bore you with race-by-race stats, but everyone knows that NHLR had lots of ups and lots of downs this year. I am, and was, very proud of my guys for all their effort this season, and especially over the 2008-09 inter when we made most of our strides.
During the off-season, the team hired Martin Pare as my race engineer. He came from Andretti Green Racing and he had a wealth of experience in this series. I think we can give him credit for a lot of the gains we made, but as a team we did a great job adapting to the new rules package, and updating our cars to reach the maximum performance for our experience level. Few people realize this but our team did not enter into a single test this season. We ran off a more limited budget and I think when people take that into consideration, what we accomplished is even more impressive.
We came to every race weekend flying blind in some sort of manor, and after a lot of hard work we always seemed to do alright. I think when you do look at the stats we qualified outside the top 10 only once - in Texas, and then our worst qualifying sessions other than that were when we were rained out in Iowa and Kentucky. That shows the strength of this team, and the efficiency in which we worked this season. Especially considering it was only our second one in this series.
As the season went on and slowly came to a close, I think everyone could clearly see that the McDonald's car was always the best of class. And when I say best of class I'm speaking about non-Ganassi and Penske teams. We really had a lot of strong runs, and if I had limited my mistakes at both Mid-Ohio and Indy and if the driveshaft wouldn't have broken at Sonoma, we probably would have finished fifth if not better in the championship.
I think for the entire team to at least say we ended on an upswing gives us a lot of high hopes and strong feelings toward the 2010 season. We remain very positive that with the crew, engineers, and ownership surrounding the NHLR group, that we as a team should expect a very strong and competitive championship fight in 2010.
We have shown the speed and pace during qualifying and gradually made our race cars better. And now that we will have another off-season to test and prepare, we ought to be a contender on every race weekend. We did a great job closing the gap of five years to the Ganassi and Penske boys, and I think as the years roll on we are a team that can provide them with some major headaches.
3. In His Own Words - Marco Andretti: It's easy to get down on the season we had, especially with the way it ended in Homestead, but it's over with and we can't go back. So that leaves us with having to find the good and learn from where we've been.
We didn't win races, but out of 17 starts we had 11 top-10 finishes. We finished eighth in the points - still inside the top 10. It wasn't a great season, but made we progress throughout the year.
It was a frustrating season, for sure, and it was a strange feeling. People would congratulate us for a sixth-place finish. We got pats on the back for mediocre results, and the team was working so hard for it. There's no getting used to bad luck and low results. And, for us, it was twice as frustrating because we used to be able to compete with Penske and Ganassi - and not just that - we were able to beat them not that long ago. I think we just have to stick to it and keep some faith that we'll come back from whatever low point we've fallen into. We might be down, but we're not out.
I don't know how to do it though. I don't know what we need to make that jump back to the top. This season, guys like Scott Dixon and Ryan Briscoe were in a race of their own most weekends. We were lucky if more than three cars finished on the lead lap. The league helped by changing some aero options and the push-to-pass helped with overtaking, but there's still such a big gap from the front of the field to the back. How do we fix that? Again, I don't know the answer. I'm not sure many people really do. All I can do is keep working hard with my team and my engineers, and hopefully things will turn around next season.
A lot of good things are happening at AGR. I have great hopes for 2010. By now, everyone knows about the changes coming at the team and we're all really positive about things. I think Kim Green and Kevin Savoree are going to continue putting on great events, and dad can be focused on the team and what we need to be on top again. It's really the best option for everyone involved.
I can't be 100 percent certain what the future holds for me, but I've said before that in IndyCar right now there's nowhere else I'd rather be than with this team. But it takes more than just me. Of course, the biggest step is funding to run the car. We hope to have that taken care of soon, so with funding out of the way we can really focus on making the car better. On top of that I have a great crew. I think we have all the right pieces, we just have to get them to fall together in the right way, and that's what we'll be working on all winter.
4. In His Own Words - E.J. Viso: I'm very happy that I made the decision in early 2008 to come to this great racing category. I've had a great time; I think among the best years of my career. Maybe not talking about success, but it's been a great challenge to be working really hard to get up to speed with this very competitive category. There are so many good drivers.
It's been a big challenge to be on a small, new team in this category, so the work that we did was twice as difficult as everybody else because we needed to get up to speed with them.
I think we've done a decent job. In 2008, we had a great year - better than 2009. This season has been difficult. We had some mechanical problems, also some accidents. But we can never forget that it's from these types of years that we learn the most. And I'm sure, as a team, we learned a lot and we will improve ourselves as human beings and as professionals. That's all that matters.
I'm sure we are all in a much better position for 2010. Hopefully, in the coming year I am going to achieve everything that I'm looking for after these two years of preparation.
This year we had a nice mix of races. I really need to thank the series for adding some more street and permanent road courses because it's on those tracks that we can achieve our best results. This year I had a blast going back to Japan. It's such a nice place. The people are very respectful and very nice, and it's a beautiful racetrack. I spent some time with my sponsors over there - Herbalife and Arai. I also spent some time with Honda. I would definitely look forward to going back there.
All the other places we went in Canada and the States, they were also very nice. Some challenging tracks like Indy, and Miami is also a very tough place. I think the series is making the right decisions and I'm very happy to be part of it.
5. Stewart honored with award: Firestone Indy Lights team owner Brian Stewart was honored by Canadian Automobile Sport Clubs - Ontario Region with the Wayne Kelly Memorial Trophy.
The award is named in honor of Kelly, a respected driver and constructor who lost his life in a racing accident, and is awarded to the Ontario region member who has brought recognition and prestige to Ontario Motorsports.
The award had an added meaning to Stewart, who also was close friend with Kelly though they were racing rivals.
INDYCAR SERIES NEWS AND NOTES - Nov. 12, 2009
Today's IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines
1. In His Own Words - Ed Carpenter
2. In His Own Words - Richard Antinucci
3. Drivers take to links for IZOD 4. New team to race in Firestone Indy Lights 5. Wilson to raise funds for Operation Helmet
6. Fisher, AAA Hoosier Insurance renew partnership 7. Duno to sign books at Miami event 1. In His Own Words - Ed Carpenter: While we achieved some new highs as a team and made definite progress this past season, the end result wasn't up to our standards either. But you probably knew that already, so let me break it down for you on a personal level. The obvious high for me this season was the race at Kentucky. We have been working for a long time to win a race, and getting that close really reaffirmed to the team that we can win, and that we are doing the right things to get to that point. But we did not win, so we still have some work to do to make it happen. Another positive achievement for the team was that we completed the third-most laps of all cars. The Ganassi cars of (Scott) Dixon and (Dario) Franchitti were the only cars to complete more. However, with that stat I would have expected to finish higher than 12th in the standings. I was disappointed not to be in the top 10 in points, but I was happy for my team and mechanics to be able to complete that many laps. That stat says a lot about our team's preparation and the quality of team that we have become. Qualifying in the season finale at Homestead was certainly a bright spot, but it was also a "what could have been" moment because we did not back up our qualifying performance in the race. When we start up front, we must finish up front. It's as simple as that…we must capitalize on those types of things. The biggest low for me this season came at St. Pete. I made a mistake in season opener that gave us our only DNF of the year. That was not how I wanted to start our season, and I plan on not repeating that next year. Switching gears, as I look back on the season it's difficult to come up with any one humorous or funny thing that's happened over the year. We have so much fun as a team no matter where we go and I think that's evident on our Facebook page, Twitter feeds and team web site. We have a great core of guys, many of whom have been with the team since the beginning, so we get along very well…probably a little too well at times. And we've had quite a bit of fun bringing our fans in on it this year, too. It was also fun to watch our Indy Lights team get some victories with James (Davison) and Daniel (Herrington) and really improve each race weekend. Our Indy Lights operation partnered with Bryan Herta Autosport, which was a real bright spot for the organization this year and I think it raised our overall game. What they were able to do in just one season was impressive. That said, I feel good about the outlook for 2010. We are establishing a lot of continuity on the team, and are keeping our core group of people together, which will allow us to continue growing and improving as a team. Next year's schedule starts mostly with street courses, so I am really trying to focus on that as I prepare over the off season, including some of the karting events that I've been competing in. The reality is I need to maximize my results in those early races next year until we get to an oval where I feel like we can compete for wins. Obviously, we'll be taking the good with the not-so-good from 2009 and we'll set our sights on 2010. This year we proved to ourselves that we have what it takes to win and to consistently achieve positive results. In 2010, we just have to do it. No pressure. 2. In His Own Words - Richard Antinucci: This season I achieved one of my lifetime goals. I managed to race in the IndyCar Series for five straight events. As a kid, I used to watch Emerson Fittipaldi battling it out with Mario and Michael Andretti, Al Unser Jr. and Rick Mears. What great battles. Those were the days. Ever since then I've aspired to be either an IndyCar driver or a Formula One racer. In a nutshell, I aimed for the top. There were times this year, especially early on, when I wondered if I'd ever get a break in the top-flight series. We were still in the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, and things were looking tougher than ever. I had no funding and was therefore at the back of team's priorities. These are still times where teams need sponsorship or funding of any type. So you can imagine how powerless I felt. I actually thought for a while that I'd be sidelined all year. Then Greg Beck and Steve Sudler came into my life. I was at the Indy 500 as a spectator and Steve and Greg shouted my name. I turned around and had a talk. The rest is history. They gave me the biggest break of my career - five straight IndyCar races from Watkins Glen to Sonoma. I hope and believe that our partnership will continue to grow into the 2010 season. With adequate funding, we'll soar up the grid. No doubt. I plan to cement myself in the IndyCar Series and fulfill some of my other lifetime goals. I want to be champion. Looking forward to 2010. 3. Drivers take to links for IZOD: Maybe Ryan Hunter-Reay and Graham Rahal will follow in the spike marks of Tom Brady and Phil Mickelson with cameo appearances on HBO's "Entourage." The IZOD IndyCar Series drivers proved their mettle Nov. 9 as they participated in the Budweiser and "Entourage" Celebrity Golf Tournament at the Wilshire Country Club in Los Angeles. It was among the first activation elements by IZOD, which last week became the title sponsor of the series. "It was a lot of fun being out here with the IZOD people and I think this just shows the bonus that they will add to our series," said Rahal, whose group was the overall winner. "It was great for me to be able to come out and play and enjoy myself with these guys. We played far better than our handicaps may show and had a lot of fun, which is what counts. "It was a great experience and I look forward to continuing to do these things." Hunter-Reay, whose group included actor Joe Pesci, and Rahal mingled with the cast of the hit series and A list celebrities including "Mad Men" star Jon Hamm, James Denton of "Desperate Housewives," Greg Kinnear and Don Cheadle. The golf and poker tournament helped raise funds and awareness of the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation. "We're just trying to create opportunities, especially for at-risk youth," said Wahlberg, an actor and co-executive producer of "Entourage." "A lot of people don't have the opportunity to really get a second chance, so we try to create an opportunity for kids. We try to send them to school, try to send them to camp, try to give them positive role models." On Nov. 7, Hunter-Reay participated in the 13th Alice Cooper Pro-Am Golf Tournament at the Rancho de Los Caballeros Golf Club in suburban Phoenix. 4. New team to race in Firestone Indy Lights: Brooks Associates Racing, a long-standing competitor in developmental series racing, announced plans to compete in Firestone Indy Lights in 2010. The Tucson, Ariz.-based team, which won the 2008 Champ Car Atlantic title with Finnish driver Markus Niemela, recently acquired a Firestone Indy Lights Dallara chassis from Guthrie Meyer Racing and plans to begin testing potential drivers shortly. "After winning the 2008 Atlantic Championship, we have taken the last year to review all of our opportunities in North American racing series," said team owner John C. Brooks. "We wanted to examine the various series to see where we could best continue our history of preparing young drivers for successful futures in professional motorsports. The Firestone Indy Lights series is such a clear steppingstone to America's premier open wheel series (The IZOD IndyCar Series), that it meets our objectives and our drivers' objectives as well". Brooks, a former driver, founded his team in 2000 and has fielded cars for drivers such as Neimela, Al Unser III, Andreas Wirth and Kevin Lacroix. The team scored victories in 2005 (Denver with Wirth), 2007 (Portland with Lacroix) and 2008 (Utah and Atlanta with Niemela). "We are delighted to welcome another quality team to our grid for the 2010 championship, " said Roger Bailey, Executive Director of Firestone Indy Lights. "Brooks Associates Racing has shown the ability to be a championship contending operation in other forms of motorsport and we fully expect them to continue that success in the Firestone Indy Lights." 5. Wilson to raise funds for Operation Helmet: IZOD IndyCar Series driver Justin Wilson will join Jim and Monica Sexton of Z-Line Designs furniture and NASCAR star Kyle Busch at an event in Miami on Nov. 19 to raise funds for Operation Helmet.
The event, which will be held at Nikki Beach Club on South Beach, is a fundraiser for Operation Helmet, which provides helmet upgrades for U.S. soldiers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Jack Arute, a IndyCar Series commentator for ESPN on ABC and VERSUS, will serve as emcee for the event, which includes a silent auction with scores of valuable gift items including a private jet flight to Las Vegas with accommodations for two at Caesar's Palace and two tickets to a spectacular concert featuring Cher as the Grand Prize. Also on the auction block will be two "Indy Racing Experience" two-seater rides; two suite level tickets and hospitality at the Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400 and the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Wilson is also donating items from his 2009 season to help the cause. "I'm very excited to help out Operation Helmet," said Wilson, who finished ninth in IZOD IndyCar Series point standings and claimed Dale Coyne Racing's first win in 2009. "I know my helmet is a very important piece of safety equipment and I want to make sure that the soldiers have what they need to be safe." 6. Fisher, AAA Hoosier Insurance renew partnership: AAA Hoosier Insurance announced Nov. 10 that it has renewed its contract with IZOD IndyCar Series driver/owner Sarah Fisher and Sarah Fisher Racing. AAA Hoosier Insurance will continue to be a personal sponsor of Fisher and will remain an associate sponsor on Fisher's No. 67 Honda-powered Dallara for both the 2010 and 2011 Indianapolis 500. Additionally, Fisher will continue to serve as the official spokesperson for AAA Hoosier Insurance. "We are very proud to be moving into a 4th and 5th year partnership with AAA," said Fisher. "Their ongoing support of SFR illustrates both sides of a successful partnership. As the 'Indiana Tradition' continues, I am ecstatic about their confidence in our team and its plans moving forward. They have believed in us since the very beginning." AAA Hoosier Insurance added Fisher in 2007, quickly becoming prominent in collateral materials throughout much of Indiana by way of billboard, television and radio advertising. Since that time, AAA Hoosier Insurance and AAA Hoosier Motor Club have leveraged the partnership by cross-promoting Fisher and her team through the organization's Teen Driver Program, Public Service Announcements, involvement in the Miracle Ride to benefit Riley Hospital for Children and through the annual RTV6 Toy Drive presented by AAA Hoosier Insurance. The Toy Drive initiative begins later this month. "Sarah has been a great spokesperson for AAA Hoosier Insurance and we have enjoyed our association with her and Sarah Fisher Racing," said Steve Vernick, Vice President of Insurance for AAA Hoosier Motor Club. "She has helped us build the AAA Insurance brand in a highly competitive marketplace. She is a very disciplined and skilled athlete as well as a successful businesswoman. She also possesses the traits and values that are Hoosier 'traditions.' In short, Sarah is a fantastic person and we are very happy to continue our relationship with her." 7. Duno to sign books at Miami event: IZOD IndyCar Series driver Milka Duno will autograph copies of her bilingual children's book "Go, Milka Go!" and greet fans from noon to 3 p.m. (EST) Nov. 14 at the bububooks.com booth as part of the 2009 Miami Book Fair International Street Fair. The event will be in Miami's Central Business District surrounding Miami Dade College. The bububooks.com booth will be located in section E of the fair located on NE 3rd Street, between 1st and 2nd Avenues. "Go, Milka, Go!" -- about Duno's life and racing career -- was awarded the Best Young Adult Sports/Recreation Book of 2009 at the 11th Annual International Latino Book Awards. Duno also will answer questions, pose for photos and offer words of encouragement that embody her "Milka Way" program. The program's mission is to inspire children and young adults to "Aim for the Stars" and achieve academic excellence. Duno has taken this message to schools across the nation and internationally. "I am very passionate about education and I want to do everything that I can to inspire young people to study hard and aim for the stars," Duno said. "I'm honored to be involved with bububooks because we share the same passion and have similar goals."
IZOD NAMED TITLE SPONSOR OF INDYCAR SERIES
IZOD Brings IndyCar Series a Strong Brand, Bright Future, And Vision For Growth
NEW YORK, NY and INDIANAPOLIS, IN (Nov. 5, 2009) – Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation (NYSE: PVH) announced today a multi-year agreement in principle with the Indy Racing League (IRL), the sanctioning body for the IndyCar Series, for its IZOD brand to become the title sponsor of the newly renamed IZOD IndyCar Series.
The IZOD IndyCar Series, which will mark the League’s first title sponsorship since 2001, introduced its new logo and key partnership details today, with additional activation, promotional plans and marketing initiatives to be revealed in the coming months, prior to the start of the 2010 season.
Under the new arrangement, IZOD will also retain its designation as the official apparel partner of the Indy Racing League, which began in 2008. Key elements of the agreement are expected to include:
• Multi-year, multi-million dollar activation plans and brand-building efforts around the IZOD IndyCar Series intended to broaden the promotion of the sport both off the track and beyond its traditional audience. These include:
-Increased and enhanced national media initiatives with IRL’s two television partners – ESPN on ABC and VERSUS
-Access to drivers and 100 years’ worth of motorsports assets and graphics from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum, including current and vintage cars, for both on- and off-track events, both in and out of race markets.
• Multi-year, multi-million dollar commitment to participate in the IZOD IndyCar Series Team Enhancement/Allocation Matrix (TEAM) fund. Introduced in 2008, TEAM provides a guaranteed financial foundation for all teams committed to running the entire IZOD IndyCar Series schedule
• Shared Web initiatives and online promotions
• Rights to use one of the most dynamic marketing events in all of sports – two parade laps in the IZOD IndyCar Series two-seater at the start of the Indianapolis 500 and other selected races –providing a one-of-a-kind experience to an IZOD-selected VIP or fan sweepstakes winner
“The combination of young, dynamic drivers representing over 14 countries, events in key domestic and global markets and its strong American racing heritage make the IndyCar Series a perfect fit for the sport-spirited IZOD brand lifestyle,” said Allen Sirkin, President and Chief Operating Officer of Phillips-Van Heusen. “Our involvement with the IRL began shortly after the unification of U.S. open-wheel racing and, despite the recession, we have seen growth and sense the potential for even greater opportunity as the sport is re-energized on the American sports landscape, as well as abroad. We’re excited at the opportunity to become the title sponsor of the IZOD IndyCar Series and look forward to taking our partnership with the fastest form of motorsport in the world, along with its ‘cars and stars’, to a new level of marketing and activation both on and off the track.”
“Our relationship with the IZOD brand has been on the fast track since the day we began our partnership in 2008, and we are thrilled they have taken a bigger and more vital role in our sport,” said Terry Angstadt, president of the Commercial Division of the Indy Racing League. “Their strong marketing skills, national retail partnerships and ability to bring fresh eyes to the sport have already proven powerful in our short time together. We’re confident that we have found a partner with a strong brand, a bright future and a vision for growing the IZOD IndyCar Series that will benefit fans, drivers, teams, owners and tracks.”
The move by Phillips-Van Heusen follows a series of recent similar decisions to shift IZOD’s marketing mix towards sports and sponsorship activation. In 2008, IZOD was awarded the naming rights for what was then Continental Airlines Arena at the Meadowlands in New Jersey, home of the New Jersey Nets, renaming it the IZOD Center. Phillips-Van Heusen’s efforts helped lift the IZOD Center to become the fourth-ranked venue of its kind in North America. Phillips-Van Heusen also recently announced its VAN HEUSEN brand’s sponsorship of the Pro Football Hall Of Fame fan vote, a first of its kind for any professional sport.
The 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series, the premier open-wheel racing series in the U.S., showcases some of motorsport’s leading personalities, including Danica Patrick, Helio Castroneves, Dario Franchitti, Scott Dixon, Ryan Briscoe and Tony Kanaan, as well as Graham Rahal, Marco Andretti and Tomas Scheckter, heirs to some of auto racing’s greatest legends. The 2010 season is scheduled to feature 17 races in the United States, Canada, Japan and Brazil, with the first green flag dropping March 14 in Brazil. The races will be broadcast in high-definition on ABC and VERSUS.
Background of Sponsorship
In July 2008, PVH announced an agreement with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy Racing League that designated the IZOD brand as the official apparel sponsor of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights. In this capacity, PVH provides apparel to IRL executives and crew – from pit officials and track flagmen to the on-air broadcast talent and track announcers. This exclusive collection was inspired by the uniquely American heritage of IndyCar Series and designed to address the performance needs of the IRL and IMS staff.
Prior to the start of the 2009 season, as a natural extension of the sponsorship, IZOD introduced an IZOD/INDY vintage clothing line commemorating the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Centennial Era. The collection was launched initially at select Macy’s stores nationwide and was supported by a national advertising campaign that included an IZOD/INDY themed 30-second spot shown during all nationally televised ABC and VERSUS IndyCar Series race broadcasts, as well as through additional spot broadcast purchases and in movie theaters across the country. The media plan also included print advertisements that appeared in Sports Illustrated and ESPN The Magazine and on high-profile billboards in New York City’s Times Square and Toronto. The advertisements featured IZOD-sponsored 2008 Watkins Glen winner and 2008 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year Ryan Hunter-Reay.
Available in March 2010, IZOD has created a new “Winning Series” sportswear collection, inspired by the historic INDY 500 “Winning Car Series” including the first Indianapolis 500 winner, the 1911 Marmon Wasp, along with the 1939-40 Maserati and the 1948 Novi.
Sponsorship Activation
Throughout the 2009 IndyCar Series season, and to coincide with the series race schedule, in-store events took place at select Macy’s stores around the country to further support the launch of the IZOD/INDY sportswear line. The events displayed vintage driver suits, archival photography and one-of-a-kind cars on loan from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum and were highlighted by both legendary and current driver appearances.
In one such event, at the Macy’s Herald Square flagship store in New York, the entire field of 33 starting drivers of the 2009 Indianapolis 500 posed for a photograph on a closed Broadway in front of display windows showcasing winning cars from nearly every decade of Indy racing.
Promotional activities for the IZOD/INDY sportswear collection included a text messaging and Web-based national sweepstakes hosted at macys.com/izod. The grand prize was an all-inclusive package for four to the 2009 Indianapolis 500.
About IZOD and Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation:
IZOD, one of the best-known and best-selling apparel brands in the United States, is known for its sport-inspired, clean designs and colorful product lines. With a history in the United States dating back to the 1930s, the IZOD brand is licensed to 21 companies in the U.S. and 17 other countries. IZOD brand products include apparel and accessories for men, women, and children, soft home goods and men’s fragrance. The IZOD brand offerings include products sold under the IZOD PerformX (technical and performance fabricated sportswear), IZOD Jeans, and IZOD LX (a luxury sportswear collection sold exclusively at Macy’s) sub brands, which are sold in over 6,000 retail venues worldwide, including department, specialty and company-operated stores. For more information visit www.izod.com.
Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation is one of the world’s largest apparel companies. It owns and markets the Calvin Klein brand worldwide. It is the world’s largest shirt and neckwear company and markets a variety of goods under its own brands, Van Heusen, Calvin Klein, IZOD, ARROW, Bass, and G.H. Bass & Co., and its licensed brands including Geoffrey Beene, Kenneth Cole New York, Kenneth Cole Reaction, unlisted, A Kenneth Cole Production, BCBG Max Azria, BCBG Attitude, MICHAEL Michael Kors, Sean John, Chaps, Donald J. Trump Signature Collection, JOE Joseph Abboud, Tommy Hilfiger, DKNY, and Timberland.
About the IZOD IndyCar Series:
The IZOD IndyCar Series is the premier open-wheel series in the United States, competing on a challenging combination of superspeedways, short ovals, scenic road courses and temporary street circuits. In 2010 the IndyCar Series will conduct 13 races in the U.S., two in Canada and one both in Japan and Brazil, all available worldwide through comprehensive, long-term agreements with ABC and VERSUS in high-definition. The IZOD IndyCar Series continues to the be the fastest and most competitive racing series, attracting a diverse lineup of drivers including Marco Andretti, Ryan Briscoe, Helio Castroneves, Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti, Tony Kanaan, Danica Patrick, Graham Rahal and Dan Wheldon. A leader in motorsports technology, the IndyCar Series is the first racing series to power its Honda engines on 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol, a renewable and environmentally friendly fuel. For more information on the IZOD IndyCar Series, visit www.indycar.com.
INDYCAR SERIES NEWS AND NOTES - Oct. 28, 2009
Today's IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines
1. Wheldon returns to Panther in 2010
2. In His Own Words - Dario Franchitti
3. In His Own Words - Hideki Mutoh
4. Teen driver gets help from Howard 5. IndyCar Series drivers head to SEMA 1. Wheldon returns to Panther in 2010: Wheldon, the 2005 IndyCar Series and Indianapolis 500 champion, finished 10th in the final point standings, with a second-place finish in the Indianapolis 500 in May as his best result in 2009. "I'm excited for next season, honestly," Wheldon said in a story posted on the team's website www.pantherracing.com. "Anytime I'm out of a racecar for too long I get restless. But I feel like we made some progress towards the end of the season after some struggles that show we're heading in the right direction." Wheldon led just eight laps last season - his fewest since 2003 and never finished better than eighth over the final half of the season. But despite what some consider a poor season, team officials remain positive about their team. "What I can tell you is that we're going to be fighting tooth and nail to improve," team owner John Barnes said. "We've got a group here that we really like, and I've made clear in the last two weeks what my expectations are for our team and driver." Wheldon's return to Panther in 2009 concluded with the former Indy 500 winner earning three top-five and nine top-10 finishes. "My goals are to win races," Wheldon said when asked of his expectations for next year. "Obviously we haven't achieved everything we wanted for the season, so for next year I'd like to build on the momentum that we've created this year and make it a winning season." 2. In His Own Words - Dario Franchitti: Winning a second IndyCar Series championship is very sweet, especially after the year I went through in NASCAR in 2008, when we had to park the car because of lack of sponsorship. Luckily, team owner Chip Ganassi gave me the opportunity to do what I do best and that is driving an IndyCar. I have to really thank Chip for giving me the chance to come back. So to say I was very motivated would be an understatement. It was a tough year last year for all kinds of reasons. The first time I drove the car was at a road course test and then I got to race in Australia. I have such good memories of that place and getting back in the car got me so motivated about this team and the equipment they give you. I wasn't out to prove a point; I just wanted to win again. The Australia race last year was a great way to get started off with Chip's team. With testing the way it is limited in the IndyCar Series now they say, `Hey, we're going to let you go to Australia.' I was, `Oh, fantastic.' That really helped give it a jump-start with the guys on the team. I knew a lot of the guys to say hello to them but I didn't know their names. And working with Scott Dixon for the first time gave us a four- or five-month head start. That was really helpful. Scott and I had enjoyed racing against each other on different teams but now we were teammates. We are still learning each other's ways. We definitely have different ways of going about things. Scott is fairly relaxed about the way he does everything. I'm more focused. Don't mistake Scott being relaxed with a lack of application; it's just he is so comfortable with his engineer. I'm more into the details of things and I always have been. At St. Petersburg, I had the best start of the year for me to go from fifth to second in the first corner. I was really happy to get away with that one. I was running second to Justin Wilson and Ryan Briscoe and Ryan Hunter-Reay got a little lucky with the yellow and jumped us. We finished fourth but we had a car that could have won. So we moved on to Long Beach where I won the race and Scott finished 15th. Will Power parked in his pit at St. Pete and that screwed his race and then Ryan Briscoe took him out under yellow at Long Beach. He was a bit ticked at the Penske boys for a while. As for myself, Long Beach was great. For everything Chip Ganassi and I went through last year it was the point where `yes, this is why I came back.' The car was really good. I got into that street course rhythm again and didn't have to drive above 80 percent the rest of the race. Long Beach was always the signature event in the CART series so this year to win Long Beach and Toronto was big for me. I had won Toronto 10 years before and finished second to Juan Montoya at Long Beach. That was the one I wanted to win so to get that was great. But then it was off to Kansas where I started on the pole and they got me for crossing the white line, then I had the brake failure in the pits, which was very entertaining. Indianapolis was a very big indicator for us. The first time we went out and had the car dialed in we managed to get my car exactly how I wanted it and was driving it well, then I started thinking Indy is as tough a place as we go to and if I can run as well as we did there; we can do that anywhere. Helio Castroneves got most of the attention that month but that didn't really matter to me. I've done this long enough that I don't pay attention to what is being said or written because I'm under the team bubble. I had as good a car this year as the year I won it in 2007 but that last pit stop just killed us. After being at Indy for the month of May, then the schedule really picks up with races every weekend but I just take them one at a time. If the races are five days apart - whatever -- I just take them one at a time. That seems to have worked for me. There were a lot of races this year where we had the fastest car and didn't win for a variety of reasons. Then, at the end of the year at Homestead, we didn't have the fastest car but we got the job done. This year when I won at Iowa, at least our dog, Shug, didn't run off. That was a stressful time when he ran off in 2007. Iowa worked out well for me. When we had to go, we went. We did what we had to do in the middle of the race and then at the end, we turned up the wick and went. To win at Iowa again was really cool. That it was obvious that nobody with the points lead would hold on to it from one race to the next. It was so close that one little slip each week; the other guys were right on you or vice-versa. It was so intense. Tony Kanaan to start off with was strong but Indy was the tipping point and he struggled after that where everything that could go wrong did. After that, it was pretty much a three-man race.
Panther Racing confirmed that Dan Wheldon will return to the cockpit of its familiar No. 4 machine for the 2010 season.
Throughout the offseason, IndyCar Series drivers will discuss their 2009 season. Here is the perspective of Dario Franchitti, the 2009 IndyCar Series champion: