According to Marty Smith over at the four-letter, it looks like Danica Patrick will be driving Nationwide full-time for 2012 and running select NASCAR events for Stewart-Haas in the same calendar year with the idea of her going full-time Sprint Cup for Tony Stewart by 2013's season...
A presser is being arranged at GoDaddy's HQ in Phoenix to announce the whole idea.
"Tony Stewart has always said he'd love to have her, but we're a long ways from being at that point," Stewart-Haas spokesman Mike Arning said Wednesday. "From a Stewart-Haas Racing standpoint, things aren't there yet."
No word on how this would clash with her running in the Indy 500 every year when and if this announced...
Here was the discussion during SpeedWeeks at Indy this past year...
((HT: IndyCar/ESPN on ABC/youtube))
Turns out they were right...
Showing posts with label IndyCar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IndyCar. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Will Power Tells Indycar Officials Who Is Number One...
((HT: IndyCar Series/ABC/youtube))
This is what happens when drivers see themselves on big monitors after a spat with a racing official...
While it lasts...
Power was hot that he and Takuma Sato got tangled up during a wet track situation, but he would finish 5th... the HQ anticipates a fine for Power...
This is what happens when drivers see themselves on big monitors after a spat with a racing official...
While it lasts...
Power was hot that he and Takuma Sato got tangled up during a wet track situation, but he would finish 5th... the HQ anticipates a fine for Power...
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
BREAKING: Indy 500 Winner Happens On Turn Four Of Lap 200
Danica Patrick led with 13 laps left in the centennial Indianapolis 500, but was passed by Belgium's Bertrand Baguette to cycle through on the last round of pit stops...
Baguette had not raced in the IndyCar series in 2011 having worked with the Dallara chassis folks in a simulator to prepare for the race. Dario Franchitti was paying attention to his fuel numbers and had clocked laps in the 204-MPH range.
Baguette had to pit with four laps left giving rookie JR Hildebrand the lead with Scott Dixon, Dan Wheldon, and Franchitti behind...
The 23-year-old from Sausalito, California looked like he was going to bring the National Guard-sponsored machine home for Panther Racing, but he hit the wall in turn four and ended up in the gray- which is disaster...
Wheldon survived for his second career win at Indy...
Hildebrand crossed the finish line against the wall...
You've got to be kidding all of us... and Wheldon does not have a ride for the rest of the IndyCar year... the HQ thinks that's short-term...
Here's the finish...
((HT: ESPN on ABC/IndyCar/MT89Motorsport2))
Baguette had not raced in the IndyCar series in 2011 having worked with the Dallara chassis folks in a simulator to prepare for the race. Dario Franchitti was paying attention to his fuel numbers and had clocked laps in the 204-MPH range.
Baguette had to pit with four laps left giving rookie JR Hildebrand the lead with Scott Dixon, Dan Wheldon, and Franchitti behind...
The 23-year-old from Sausalito, California looked like he was going to bring the National Guard-sponsored machine home for Panther Racing, but he hit the wall in turn four and ended up in the gray- which is disaster...
Wheldon survived for his second career win at Indy...
Hildebrand crossed the finish line against the wall...
You've got to be kidding all of us... and Wheldon does not have a ride for the rest of the IndyCar year... the HQ thinks that's short-term...
Here's the finish...
((HT: ESPN on ABC/IndyCar/MT89Motorsport2))
Friday, May 27, 2011
DEVELOPING: Freedom 100 Has a Smashing Close At IMS...
((HT: IndyCar/Versus/MT89MotorSport2))
Josef Newgarden won the Indy Lights Freedom 100 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as the set-up for this weekend's 500-miler.
Newgarden took the checkered under caution as two drivers ended up heading to Methodist Hospital for evaluation. Esteban Guerrieri was second and Victor Garcia was third.
With six laps left, Jorge Goncalvez lost control of his car between turns 1 and 2, smacked into the interior wall, bounced back into traffic, and slid down the track upside down before uprighting. It was a part of the track without any kind of SAFIR barrier.
Nearly half of the 18-car field failed to finish the race, and the HQ feels without the experience of most races that this is a precursor of what will happen this weekend.
Here's the wreck...
Josef Newgarden won the Indy Lights Freedom 100 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as the set-up for this weekend's 500-miler.
Newgarden took the checkered under caution as two drivers ended up heading to Methodist Hospital for evaluation. Esteban Guerrieri was second and Victor Garcia was third.
With six laps left, Jorge Goncalvez lost control of his car between turns 1 and 2, smacked into the interior wall, bounced back into traffic, and slid down the track upside down before uprighting. It was a part of the track without any kind of SAFIR barrier.
Nearly half of the 18-car field failed to finish the race, and the HQ feels without the experience of most races that this is a precursor of what will happen this weekend.
Here's the wreck...
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Indy 500 Bump Day Leaves Casualties
((HT: Versus/IMS/msnbc.com))
Bump Day at Indy is just as frantic as it always has been...
Weather was the big culprit this time- sun, rain, and then sun again for the last 75 minutes- and the drivers needed it.
Especially, Danica Patrick...
She was waiting in the queue as the last rain fell on the speedway just to get a qualifying run. She would get one and would end up 25th overall and bump out Alex Lloyd...
Here's Danica's 10-mile run for her spot in the field...
Bob, Wally, Jan, and Dan Wheldon are in the booth...
But it got better...
Alex Lloyd went for broke and found some speed- knocking out Marco Andretti and putting Ryan Hunter-Reay on the bubble...
James Jakes tried to knock out Hunter-Reay, but his attempt was waved off after two laps by the IndyCar folks for not having enough speed.
That left Marco as the final qualifier. The gun went off to end the session about 45 seconds into his run, but with an average speed of 224.628 mph, he jumped to the inside of Row 10 and Hunter-Reay was out of the field altogether.
That left three cars in for Andretti and two out. Michael Andretti said it was the worst day he's ever had, emotionally, as a car owner.
Bump Day at Indy is just as frantic as it always has been...
Weather was the big culprit this time- sun, rain, and then sun again for the last 75 minutes- and the drivers needed it.
Especially, Danica Patrick...
She was waiting in the queue as the last rain fell on the speedway just to get a qualifying run. She would get one and would end up 25th overall and bump out Alex Lloyd...
Here's Danica's 10-mile run for her spot in the field...
Bob, Wally, Jan, and Dan Wheldon are in the booth...
Breaking sports news video. MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL highlights and more.
But it got better...
Alex Lloyd went for broke and found some speed- knocking out Marco Andretti and putting Ryan Hunter-Reay on the bubble...
James Jakes tried to knock out Hunter-Reay, but his attempt was waved off after two laps by the IndyCar folks for not having enough speed.
That left Marco as the final qualifier. The gun went off to end the session about 45 seconds into his run, but with an average speed of 224.628 mph, he jumped to the inside of Row 10 and Hunter-Reay was out of the field altogether.
That left three cars in for Andretti and two out. Michael Andretti said it was the worst day he's ever had, emotionally, as a car owner.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
DEVELOPING: De Silvestro Injured In Indy Crash
((HT: WXIN-TV Indianapolis))
IndyCar driver Simona de Silvestro was injured in a crash at IMS this afternoon...
Her top speed during practice this afternoon was 221-plus MPH, but according to the Indy Star's Phillip Wilson, something broke on the de Silvestro machine sending it airborne before it came to rest in turn four at the speedway.
She was taken to Methodist Hospital and released about four hours later with burns to her hands and a second-degree burn to her right hand. IMS medical personnel have not given a final say on de Silvestro's condition as drivers are qualifying for the pole position this weekend...
Here's the crash, at about the :45 mark...
More when we know more...
IndyCar driver Simona de Silvestro was injured in a crash at IMS this afternoon...
Her top speed during practice this afternoon was 221-plus MPH, but according to the Indy Star's Phillip Wilson, something broke on the de Silvestro machine sending it airborne before it came to rest in turn four at the speedway.
She was taken to Methodist Hospital and released about four hours later with burns to her hands and a second-degree burn to her right hand. IMS medical personnel have not given a final say on de Silvestro's condition as drivers are qualifying for the pole position this weekend...
Here's the crash, at about the :45 mark...
More when we know more...
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Indy Sao Paulo Can't Get Out Its Own Way
((HT: IndyCar/Versus/MT89Motorsports2))
For another year, the Indy Sao Paulo race had rain ((which rain forests have a little to do with)) and another botched start... and another botched start...
Rain will do that...
The HQ is shocked...
The red flag came out after lap 5, and again after lap 7 and a two-hour delay...
Apres moi deluge...
Monday at 1PM is the continuation of the race... or what's left of it and the cars that got crunched on Day One...
For another year, the Indy Sao Paulo race had rain ((which rain forests have a little to do with)) and another botched start... and another botched start...
Rain will do that...
The HQ is shocked...
The red flag came out after lap 5, and again after lap 7 and a two-hour delay...
Apres moi deluge...
Monday at 1PM is the continuation of the race... or what's left of it and the cars that got crunched on Day One...
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Helio Wins Edmonton, But Doesn't Win Edmonton...
When Helio Castroneves "blocks," or at least when the folks in the tower think Castroneves ((as the leader)) blocks...
As the leader of the race...
With three laps to go after a caution ended, Will Power tried to catch up to Castroneves and looked ready to pass for first.
Castroneves looked like he held his line past Start-Finish and then, maybe, moved off his line up to the outside to block.
Iffy at best...
"At the end of the day I was always going to do a clean move on Helio," Power said later. "I wasn't going to take a risk of taking us both out. I wouldn't do that to a teammate. I race my teammates clean."
As Castroneves moved high to block Power, Scott Dixon found a lane and passed Power for second.
With two laps to go, race officials black-flagged Castroneves. He ignored the order and raced to the checkered flag. He declined comment after the race.
You see below how Castroneves felt after getting jobbed...
((HT: Indycar/Versus))
Oh, and by the way, Milka Duno finished dead last...
As the leader of the race...
With three laps to go after a caution ended, Will Power tried to catch up to Castroneves and looked ready to pass for first.
Castroneves looked like he held his line past Start-Finish and then, maybe, moved off his line up to the outside to block.
Iffy at best...
"At the end of the day I was always going to do a clean move on Helio," Power said later. "I wasn't going to take a risk of taking us both out. I wouldn't do that to a teammate. I race my teammates clean."
As Castroneves moved high to block Power, Scott Dixon found a lane and passed Power for second.
With two laps to go, race officials black-flagged Castroneves. He ignored the order and raced to the checkered flag. He declined comment after the race.
You see below how Castroneves felt after getting jobbed...
((HT: Indycar/Versus))
Oh, and by the way, Milka Duno finished dead last...
Friday, July 23, 2010
Should Milka Be Parked Permanently...? Duno...??? Probation For Now...
It has long been thought of that Milka Duno is nothing more than a field filler for the IndyCar Series... and she's a pretty bad one at that...
She's slow, she's discourteous, and she simply doesn't know how to drive open-wheeled cars very well- even with four Masters degrees and a resume that includes a naval engineer...
Maybe if she raced submarines...??
You remember her run-in with Danica a few years ago...
((HT: ESPN/IndyCar/amichi10))
Things grew again at Watkins Glen earlier this season...
((HT: Indycars))
And now, we go to Edmonton... this week's stop on the circuit...
Milka lost control of her car in her first practice, smashed into the tire barrier and shredded her rear wing. She spun out again in the second practice session and finished last.
Duno has been pulled by track officials from two races this year, including last week in Toronto, for driving so slowly she was referred to as a "hazard." She hasn't finished higher than 14th- ever. Ad the series has decided to review her status at the end of the year...
One comment from Hunter-Reay: "The scariest situation is coming up to her the first time during a race on the ovals. We're already doing 220 miles an hour. We don't need to throw another curveball in the mix. Not at that speed."
Dale Coyne would, probably, differ since Duno is his meal ticket until Alex Lloyd becomes a household name... that won't happen soon...
And this guy might disagree, too...
SATURDAY UPDATE: According to the IndyCar folks their own selves, Duno has been placed on probation for the rest of the calendar year.
From the league:
Duno's probation requires immediate and substantial improvement to her driving during the remaining events on the 2010 schedule.
Substantial improvement is defined as consistently meeting the performance standards set by the league on a particular circuit. On road and street courses this is measured in terms of time (107 percent of lead car), and on ovals it is measured in terms of speed (10 mph of the lead car). In addition to time and speed, other requirements include car control/placement and interaction with other cars on track.
Here's video of the last practice before the Edmonton Indy Sunday...
There is a cutaway in the video of Duno blocking traffic...
You REALLY have to look for her, though...
((HT: IndyCars/Versus))
Duno doesn't have a qualifying time for the race since she wrecked in practice and will start 25th in a field of 25...
She has the right, as does Dale Coyne Raacing, to appeal the penalty pursuant to the IndyCar rules. But how do you appeal that you don't suck...???
Jus' axin'...
She's slow, she's discourteous, and she simply doesn't know how to drive open-wheeled cars very well- even with four Masters degrees and a resume that includes a naval engineer...
Maybe if she raced submarines...??
You remember her run-in with Danica a few years ago...
((HT: ESPN/IndyCar/amichi10))
Things grew again at Watkins Glen earlier this season...
((HT: Indycars))
And now, we go to Edmonton... this week's stop on the circuit...
Milka lost control of her car in her first practice, smashed into the tire barrier and shredded her rear wing. She spun out again in the second practice session and finished last.
Duno has been pulled by track officials from two races this year, including last week in Toronto, for driving so slowly she was referred to as a "hazard." She hasn't finished higher than 14th- ever. Ad the series has decided to review her status at the end of the year...
One comment from Hunter-Reay: "The scariest situation is coming up to her the first time during a race on the ovals. We're already doing 220 miles an hour. We don't need to throw another curveball in the mix. Not at that speed."
Dale Coyne would, probably, differ since Duno is his meal ticket until Alex Lloyd becomes a household name... that won't happen soon...
And this guy might disagree, too...
SATURDAY UPDATE: According to the IndyCar folks their own selves, Duno has been placed on probation for the rest of the calendar year.
From the league:
Duno's probation requires immediate and substantial improvement to her driving during the remaining events on the 2010 schedule.
Substantial improvement is defined as consistently meeting the performance standards set by the league on a particular circuit. On road and street courses this is measured in terms of time (107 percent of lead car), and on ovals it is measured in terms of speed (10 mph of the lead car). In addition to time and speed, other requirements include car control/placement and interaction with other cars on track.
Here's video of the last practice before the Edmonton Indy Sunday...
There is a cutaway in the video of Duno blocking traffic...
You REALLY have to look for her, though...
((HT: IndyCars/Versus))
Duno doesn't have a qualifying time for the race since she wrecked in practice and will start 25th in a field of 25...
She has the right, as does Dale Coyne Raacing, to appeal the penalty pursuant to the IndyCar rules. But how do you appeal that you don't suck...???
Jus' axin'...
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
IndyCar Heading To Baltimore For 2011
((HT: WJZ-TV))
The Baltimore Grand Prix is will roll out for August of 2011.
Something called "The Baltimore Racing Development" formally announced that the city will be part of the IZOD IndyCar Series. It will take place on a 2.4-mile street circuit around the city's downtown Inner Harbor area.
The race will be the Indianapolis-based league's only event in the mid-Atlantic region.
The announcement was made after a Baltimore City Council resolution and a vote by the Maryland Stadium Authority to formally throw support behind the idea of the race.
This comes a few days after Austin, Texas was added to the schedule- to the tune of an 8-figure backing.
Weijia Chang got to do her liveshot downtown to explain...
The Baltimore Grand Prix is will roll out for August of 2011.
Something called "The Baltimore Racing Development" formally announced that the city will be part of the IZOD IndyCar Series. It will take place on a 2.4-mile street circuit around the city's downtown Inner Harbor area.
The race will be the Indianapolis-based league's only event in the mid-Atlantic region.
The announcement was made after a Baltimore City Council resolution and a vote by the Maryland Stadium Authority to formally throw support behind the idea of the race.
This comes a few days after Austin, Texas was added to the schedule- to the tune of an 8-figure backing.
Weijia Chang got to do her liveshot downtown to explain...
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Dario Takes the 500 Under Yellow... Still Counts As A Win
Dario Franchitti survived the last lap with a huge crash to win at the Indianapolis 500 Sunday.
Franchitti held on with 1.6 gallons of fuel left in the tank...
"Still running," the winner told his crew over the radio as he crossed the finish line.
The victory made Franchitti's boss, Chip Ganassi, the first owner to win Indy and NASCAR's Daytona 500 in the same year ((Jamie McMurray)).
Here's the last lap where Mike Conway and Ryan Hunter-Reay caused a lot of a stir when they collected each other and caused a yellow-flagged finish...
((HT: ABC/IndyCar Series))
Conway complained of a left leg injury following the wreck. He was immediately taken to Methodist Hospital for evaluation. He was flown because of the heavy post-race traffic.
Franchitti held on with 1.6 gallons of fuel left in the tank...
"Still running," the winner told his crew over the radio as he crossed the finish line.
The victory made Franchitti's boss, Chip Ganassi, the first owner to win Indy and NASCAR's Daytona 500 in the same year ((Jamie McMurray)).
Here's the last lap where Mike Conway and Ryan Hunter-Reay caused a lot of a stir when they collected each other and caused a yellow-flagged finish...
((HT: ABC/IndyCar Series))
Conway complained of a left leg injury following the wreck. He was immediately taken to Methodist Hospital for evaluation. He was flown because of the heavy post-race traffic.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Kanaan Problems Continue On Bump Day
((HT: IndyCars/IMS))
Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse for Andretti Autosports...
Tony Kanaan crashed for the second day in a row as he tries to qualify his machine for the Indianapolis 500.
Here's the crash...
AA spokesperson Al Larsen says the team is taking part of Kanaan's backup car, the one he drove in Sunday's 1-hour practice session, and will piece it together with parts from Kanaan's primary car and the 17th-place qualified car of Ryan Hunter-Reay.
Talk about a jigsaw puzzle...
If that idea doesn't work, they may even go to a back-up car of one of the already-qualified Andretti machines. The team has until 6PM eastern time to qualify.
Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse for Andretti Autosports...
Tony Kanaan crashed for the second day in a row as he tries to qualify his machine for the Indianapolis 500.
Here's the crash...
AA spokesperson Al Larsen says the team is taking part of Kanaan's backup car, the one he drove in Sunday's 1-hour practice session, and will piece it together with parts from Kanaan's primary car and the 17th-place qualified car of Ryan Hunter-Reay.
Talk about a jigsaw puzzle...
If that idea doesn't work, they may even go to a back-up car of one of the already-qualified Andretti machines. The team has until 6PM eastern time to qualify.
Castroneves Takes Indy Pole, Danica Booed...
((HT: WXIN-TV Indianapolis))
The format is a little different, but it seems the results are the same for Indy qualifying in Indy...
Castroneves and Team Penske are littered all over the leaderboard at the Pagoda.
Helio averaged just under 228 miles-per-hour on his four lap average, and as a part of the new format, the drivers who were 2 through 8 got a chance to shuffle the deck in their own practice period.
Here's your top seven...
1. Helio Castroneves 227.970
2. Will Power 227.682
3. Dario Franchitti 226.990
4. Ryan Briscoe 226.554
5. Alex Tagliani 226.390
6. Scott Dixon 226.233
7. Graham Rahal 225.519
Danica Patrick qualified 23rd at 224.217 and will start behind two other women -- Brazil's Ana Beatriz and Switzerland's Simona de Silvestro, who were 21st and 22nd.
She called out her team on the public address after her run and got booed by the crowd...
Here's when Fox59 caught up with her...
The format is a little different, but it seems the results are the same for Indy qualifying in Indy...
Castroneves and Team Penske are littered all over the leaderboard at the Pagoda.
Helio averaged just under 228 miles-per-hour on his four lap average, and as a part of the new format, the drivers who were 2 through 8 got a chance to shuffle the deck in their own practice period.
Here's your top seven...
1. Helio Castroneves 227.970
2. Will Power 227.682
3. Dario Franchitti 226.990
4. Ryan Briscoe 226.554
5. Alex Tagliani 226.390
6. Scott Dixon 226.233
7. Graham Rahal 225.519
Danica Patrick qualified 23rd at 224.217 and will start behind two other women -- Brazil's Ana Beatriz and Switzerland's Simona de Silvestro, who were 21st and 22nd.
She called out her team on the public address after her run and got booed by the crowd...
Here's when Fox59 caught up with her...
Sunday, March 14, 2010
IndyCar Season Gets Off The Ground... Literally...
((HT: Versus/IndyCar Racing))
The 2010 IndyCar season got off to an auspicious start with a lot of help from cement dust...
The race in Sao Paulo, Brazil has just gotten underway, and when all the cars were heading into Turn One, the dust kicked up and the cars went everywhere...
Combine that with the rain forest-based gullywasher that red flagged the race for 45 minutes, and you get a sprint to the finish in a timed event.
Will Power made a pass with a few laps to go sending Ryan Hunter-Reay to second place. Brazil fave Vitor Meira finished third. Ryan Briscoe actually had the lead late, but a late wreck sent him packing.
Bob Jenkins has your play-by-play of your early fireworks alongside Jan Beekuis and Robbie Buhl...
The 2010 IndyCar season got off to an auspicious start with a lot of help from cement dust...
The race in Sao Paulo, Brazil has just gotten underway, and when all the cars were heading into Turn One, the dust kicked up and the cars went everywhere...
Combine that with the rain forest-based gullywasher that red flagged the race for 45 minutes, and you get a sprint to the finish in a timed event.
Will Power made a pass with a few laps to go sending Ryan Hunter-Reay to second place. Brazil fave Vitor Meira finished third. Ryan Briscoe actually had the lead late, but a late wreck sent him packing.
Bob Jenkins has your play-by-play of your early fireworks alongside Jan Beekuis and Robbie Buhl...
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Danica Nearing Deal To Race For JR Motorsports
((HT: ESPN))
IndyCar Series driver Danica Patrick is nearing completion of a two-year contract with JR Motorsports, the NASCAR Nationwide Series operation owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., and a source close to the negotiations described the talks as being "in the final phase."
A second source close to the situation confirmed the deal is moving forward, saying "talks are moving in a very positive direction and it would probably be a surprise if it didn't happen."
A deal is likely to be closed in the next week to ten days, but won't be announced until the off-season.
Patrick is trying to secure the number 7 for her ride, and it looks like her main sponsor in IndyCar will follow her to the Nationwide Series.
Here's Mike Massaro, Marty Smith, and Ryan McGee discussing the idea of Danica driving for Junior and in the Nationwide Series...
Those of us at OSG HQ hope that she learns the appropriate lessons of driving in NASCAR and carries them over to open-wheel...
If she doesn't she'll end up like her predecessors- Patty Moise and Shawna Robinson
IndyCar Series driver Danica Patrick is nearing completion of a two-year contract with JR Motorsports, the NASCAR Nationwide Series operation owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., and a source close to the negotiations described the talks as being "in the final phase."
A second source close to the situation confirmed the deal is moving forward, saying "talks are moving in a very positive direction and it would probably be a surprise if it didn't happen."
A deal is likely to be closed in the next week to ten days, but won't be announced until the off-season.
Patrick is trying to secure the number 7 for her ride, and it looks like her main sponsor in IndyCar will follow her to the Nationwide Series.
Here's Mike Massaro, Marty Smith, and Ryan McGee discussing the idea of Danica driving for Junior and in the Nationwide Series...
Those of us at OSG HQ hope that she learns the appropriate lessons of driving in NASCAR and carries them over to open-wheel...
If she doesn't she'll end up like her predecessors- Patty Moise and Shawna Robinson
Sunday, August 23, 2009
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...
Monday, July 27, 2009
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))
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Ganassi "Interested" In Adding Danica... But...
((HT: Sporting News/Reid Spencer))
IndyCar and NASCAR owner Chip Ganassi made no attempt to hide his interest in hiring Danica Patrick—for the IndyCar Series—with the possibility of allowing her to test the NASCAR waters through an alliance with a Nationwide Series team.
IndyCar and NASCAR owner Chip Ganassi made no attempt to hide his interest in hiring Danica Patrick—for the IndyCar Series—with the possibility of allowing her to test the NASCAR waters through an alliance with a Nationwide Series team.
"If I told you I didn't have any conversation about that, or I wasn't interested in that, I'd be lying to you," Ganassi said Friday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "Like a lot of teams, they've had discussions, and she's on the market right now, and she's ready to make the next step in her career, wherever that takes her."
Ganassi, however, cautioned reporters not to make assumptions about the progress of any discussions with Patrick, the most marketable star in the IndyCar Series.
"I wish I could tell you I'm a lot further down the road on that, but I think the fact of the matter is—like most other teams—we're in the top of the first inning on that subject," said Ganassi, who fields two IndyCar teams in addition to Sprint Cup teams for Juan Pablo Montoya and Martin Truex Jr. through Earnhardt Ganassi Racing.
"You might characterize it as we're on the pace lap yet here, so it's way early."
If Patrick decides to make a full-time move to NASCAR racing, however, Ganassi feels she'd be better off with a team other than EGR.
"If she wanted to do NASCAR on a full-time basis, I would suggest that there are better places for her to go and do it with," Ganassi said. "I don't think our team's in a position to do that."
Ganassi has six Cup wins as an owner since he began fielding cars in NASCAR in 2001. His last Cup Series win came from Montoya in 2007. It was Ganassi's first Cup victory since 2002. Ganassi has six wins in the Nationwide Series.
Monday, July 20, 2009
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.
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