IndyCar Suspends Entire Racing Team

((HT: Sportsnet Radio/FAN590 Toronto))

IndyCar has suspended the membership of O2 Racing Technology and the individual membership of team owner Mark Olson until December 31, 2012, for actions during The Milwaukee Mile event June 18-19.

The O2 team runs in the IndyLights series with Peter Dempsey and Mikael Grenier behind the wheel.

This was the release O2 put out before the Milwaukee race from their website:

Due to recently discovered integrity issues (outside of our control) with the 2011 Indy Lights series championship, O2 Racing Technology’s sponsors and investors have decided to temporarily take a step back and to reconsider their participation. Unfortunately, this also impacts the teams’ ability to participate.

After a series of discussions with the other team owners, drivers, and INDYCAR, we have been generally assured that INDYCAR is aware of the issues with the tech inspection reporting and penalty procedures and will be addressing them at some point in the future.

We’re heartbroken over the knock-on affects that this situation has on our team members’ families and on the careers of our drivers, but we’re hopeful that confidence will be restored in the integrity of the Indy Lights championship in a timely manner and that our partners will be encouraged to resume their participation.

From IndyCar their own selves:

Olson was suspended for attempting to impede the conduct of the event by encouraging others to breach contracts with INDYCAR and withdraw from the David Hobbs 100. O2 Racing Technology was the only entrant to withdraw, removing its No. 36 and 63 entries from the participant list.

The actions were in violation of multiple rules as listed in the Firestone Indy Lights rulebook:

• Rule 1.1: Actions threatening the integrity of INDYCAR, Firestone Indy Lights and/or orderly conduct of an event.

• Rule 2.11 (C): Conduct creating adverse notoriety with respect to INDYCAR, Firestone Indy Lights or an event.

• Rule 9.3 (A): Attempting to or engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct or conduct detrimental to racing, INDYCAR and/or Firestone Indy Lights.

• Section 14 of the Event Entry Form: Engaging in tactics which would disrupt or delay the events.

“The mere act of attempting to impede the conduct of the event is something we will not tolerate,” said Roger Bailey, executive director, Firestone Indy Lights. “We believe we have a great championship with Firestone Indy Lights that will help develop drivers and teams to prepare to move to the top level of open-wheel racing in North America, and we must maintain the integrity of our series.”

Oops...

So, basically, it looks like O2 was trying to get other teams to bail on the IndyLights series event and couldn't get anyone to come with...

And now, they're done...
Nice job...

Ironically, here's some video of Grenier running laps at Milwaukee before the even that they didn't even run in after all...
((HT: O2RacingTechnology))


1630 UPDATE: IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard was on "Prime Time Sports" with Bob McCown on the FAN590 this afternoon. When BobCat asked Bernard about what went down with O2, he admitted that O2 thought they had not failed inspection and tried to encourage others to walk.

"One bad apple makes bad apple cider," Bernard said. "We want people to fix problems, not create them. We brought in our chief steward and the team owner actually showed what he did to the other team owners and tried to used a rule to his benefit."

There is an appeal process, and Bernard wants to see how Olsen's attitude is at the time at the end of the suspension. IndyCar can also choose not to even renew O2's option at the end of the 2012 calendar year.

Celeb Training For Long Beach Begins

((HT: MyFoxLA))

And they take this stuff seriously- just ask guys like Patrick Dempsey or Brian Austin Green...

Fastlane held their training day and we got a behind the scenes look at the preps for the April 16th race... led by Jillian Reynolds...

The HQ almost typed Barberie...

Here's Jillian at Training Day...


Oops... sorry, wrong Training Day...
This one...

Jillian's Grand Prix Preps: MyFoxLA.com

Will Power Suffers Concussion, Breaks Vertebrae In Sonoma Crash

((HT: CP))

Team Penske No. 3 driver Will Power ((pictured, thanks CP)) broke two vertebrae in his lower back and sustained a concussion Saturday after crashing into Nelson Philippe of Conquest Racing during a practice session for the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma.

Philippe also sustained a concussion along with an open fracture to his left foot that required surgery.

The 28-year-old Power, the former road course specialist who finished fifth in this year's Indianapolis 500, crashed into Philippe coming out of a blind corner at Infineon Raceway. He was scheduled for an MRI exam later Saturday, but IndyCar officials didn't expect any further updates on his status until Sunday.

Power, Penske's third driver, was airlifted to nearby Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. Philippe was taken by ambulance to the same hospital, where he was undergoing surgery on his foot.

IndyCar officials said both drivers were reported to be awake and alert and were to be hospitalized at least overnight. They each withdrew from the race, meaning no new driver will fill the seat.

Philippe lost control at the top of the hill on Turn 3A, and the front end of his car was initially clipped by E.J. Viso. Power arrived moments later and couldn't avoid an ugly crash, T-boning Philippe's car.

Here's the crash with Philippe, EJ Viso, and Power.
Power is the second car that makes impact with Philippe's machine...
Thanks to the IndyCar Series for the video...

IndyCar Heads To Birmingham, And We Don't Mean England...

((HT: TSN))

IndyCar racing will make a return to the U.S. Southeast next season after confirming a three year deal with Barber Motorsports Park((pictured thanks to them)) in Birmingham, Alabama.

The "Indy Grand Prix of Alabama," will be contested the weekend of April 9-11, 2010.

"The Barber Motorsports Park is the finest road track in North America and deserves an event of this caliber and prestige," said Gene Hallman, President of Zoom Motorsports, the track's exclusive promoter. "This will be the only IndyCar Series race in the deep-south meaning it is a great tourist draw for the region. Plus, having the automotive world focus on our state enables us to highlight our growing automotive industry."

CART first staged races in this region of the United States at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 1979 and 1981 to 1983. The IRL visited the same track from 1998 to 2001.

Barber Motorsports Park has been attempting to lure the IndyCar series south since 2007. Series officials have staged two test sessions at the 2.38-mile circuit.

"We are thrilled to bring the speed and excitement of the IndyCar Series to Barber Motorsports Park, the greater Birmingham area and the state of Alabama,” said Terry Angstadt, president, commercial division for the Indy Racing League. "The nearly two-year pursuit to bring IndyCar Series racing to Birmingham only reinforces the professionalism and planning put into this by our newest scheduling partner."

Barber Motorsports Park opened in 2003. It is said to be the largest philanthropic project in the history of the state of Alabama, with more than $70 million private funds contributed. The track features 17 turns and 80 feet of elevation changes.

While the 2010 schedule has yet to be announced, the Birmingham event is expected to be the second of the season, slotting in behind the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and Long Beach.

Here's one of the funnier moments from one of the race at Atlanta back in 2001...
Funny unless you're Buddy Lazier...
((HT: ESPN2/IRL))

Chitwood Second To Leave IMS

((HT: IndyStar/Cavin))

Joie Chitwood ((pictured, second from left, thanks daylife.com)) resigned today as president of Indianapolis Motor Speedway to become vice president of business operations of International Speedway Corp., the parent company of NASCAR.

Chitwood was elevated to the Speedway's position in December 2004 after serving various roles with the Indy Racing League, Chicagoland Speedway and the Speedway. He was one of the IRL's first employees.

Chitwood's last day will be Aug. 6. He said he began considering new challenges after last year's inaugural MotoGP race at the Speedway and the start of the Centennial Era, a celebration of the first 100 years of the facility.

In a statement, Chitwood said he plans to return to his native Florida.

Jeff Belskus, who became chief executive officer of Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corp. on July 1, will assume daily responsibilities at the Speedway. The statement released by track officials said it was unclear if Chitwood's position will be filled.

"With his history in the sport combined with his business acumen, Joie was well-suited for the role of president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and we appreciate how he has represented IMS. We wish him all the best,'' Belskus said.

Chitwood was one of the Indy Racing League's first staff members and his family has connections to the Speedway dating to the late 1930s, when his grandfather began competing in the Indianapolis 500.

"I had a lifetime of memories for this place before joining the company in 1996,'' Chitwood said in a statement.

Tony George Resigns As IndyCar/IMS CEO

((HT: IndyStar.com/Curt Cavin))

Tony George ((pictured, thanks Greg Griffo/IndyStar)) resigned his position as chief executive officer of Hulman & Co., the Indy Racing League and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corp. today, but he will remain on the board of the family’s organization.

He will be replaced by Curt Brighton (Hulman & Co.) and Jeff Belskus (IMS Corp.).

George, 49, became president and CEO of Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corp. in January of 1990 after the death of Joe Cloutier.

George brought NASCAR, Formula One and MotoGP to the Speedway, founded the IRL, oversaw the redevelopment of the facility and led the development of such safety initiatives as the SAFER barrier and the Delphi Safety Team, a group of medical personnel that travels to each Indy-car race. Last year, he was the driving force behind unification of the sport.

But he came under criticism from family members for his financial commitments, particularly the IRL — now in its 14th season — and Vision Racing, the team his stepson, Ed Carpenter, drives for. Last month, board members declined to continue funding the second Vision car that Ryan Hunter-Reay was driving.

Here's a look at the details from our friends at WISH-TV
Anthony Calhoun gets to sit at the adult table for this one...


“Our board had asked Tony to structure our executive staff to create efficiencies in our business structure and to concentrate his leadership efforts in the Indy Racing League,” said Mari Hulman George, IMS chairman of the board. “He has decided that with the recent unification of open-wheel racing and the experienced management team IMS has cultivated over the years, now would be the time for him to concentrate on his team ownership of Vision Racing with his family and other personal business interests he and his family share."

Mrs. George underscored the confidence in the leadership of Belskus and Brighton, who both were originally hired by Tony George.

“Jeff and Curt have both been with the company for many years in positions of top leadership,” Mrs. George said. “Tony, as well as the entire Board of Directors, has the utmost confidence in their capabilities.”

Joie Chitwood is president and chief operating officer of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, LLC. Terry Angstadt is president of the commercial division of the Indy Racing League. Brian Barnhart is president of the competition division of the Indy Racing League. Charlie Morgan is president and COO of IMS Productions. Gary Morris is president and COO of Clabber Girl.

“These changes underscore our family’s commitment going forward to all of our companies, especially our commitment to the growth of the Indy Racing League and the sport of open-wheel racing,” Mrs. George said. “We believe the Hulman-George family’s long stewardship of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, beginning in 1945, and our significant investment in the Speedway and in the IRL demonstrates that we have full confidence in all of our companies and that we intend to grow them in the future.”

More facts and figures from WISH are in black...