Andretti Autosport Mazda Road to Indy Week - Sage Karam

Andretti Autosport Road to Indy Week – A series of interviews with the young and upcoming drivers in the Andretti Autosport stable.

As part of a preview to the 2011 season, www.IndyCarGarage.com will feature a three part series on the Andretti Autosport Road to Indy drivers. Zach Veach, Spencer Pigot, and Sage Karam all will compete in the Mazda Road to Indy ladder system this season and all currently driver for Andretti Autosport. All three drivers have been or will be guest on IndyCar Garage Weekly, be sure to check out the podcasts of their interview as well. Third in the series is Sage Karam

IndyCar Garage – 5 Questions with Andretti Autosport Road to Indy Drivers

Driver: Sage Karam, #88 Team Comfort Revolution
Series: Star Mazda
Sponsors: Comfort Revolution, The Michael Fux Foundation, Operation Smile
Interviewed on IndyCar Garage Weekly: February 23rd – Link to podcast: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/indycargarage-weekly-

Question # 1 – Explain your path of how you got started in motorsports and found the world of IndyCar

I started out in karting, like lots of other drivers, at the age of four. I practiced on the land near my house and eventually was old enough to compete in actual races. I was hooked! I raced in the Stars of Karting and WKA and eventually had a lot of wins under my belt. I also started racing with Skip Barber and gained a ton of experience.

I actually grew up living near Michael Andretti and he was always a racing hero of mine. He has been my mentor for as long as I can remember, so it was such an honor when I got the opportunity to drive for his team in the USF2000 series. I really worked hard to make him and the rest of the team proud last season. They gave me a great crew and resources to work with. I’m grateful that I’m able to move up the Mazda Road to Indy ladder this year to the Star Mazda series with Andretti Autosport.

Question #2 – Describe to the fans your feelings on a race day and what it’s actually like when the green flag drops and the race begins.

No matter how many races I’ve competed in, race day is always exciting. I’m always anxious to get in the car and get started. I really try to stay focused on the task that day, instead of getting ahead of myself. There’s nothing like seeing the checkered flag and knowing you put everything into the race, and seeing your efforts rewarded with a win.

Question # 3 - What driver have you looked up to throughout your career and why?

Definitely Mario and Michael Andretti. They are great role models and mentors for me both on and off the track. They’ve accomplished a lot throughout their racing careers while also doing a lot by giving back to charities.

Question # 4 - What’s your ultimate goal as a young and upcoming driver in the Mazda Road to Indy Series?

My dream is to win the Indianapolis 500, so the Mazda Road to Indy is the perfect place for me to start on that goal. I’m learning a lot along the way so I hope by the time I reach the IZOD IndyCar Series, I have all of the experience and preparation I need to compete at the top level.

Question #5 – What are you most excited about for the 2011 season and why?

I’m looking forward to the 2011 season in Star Mazda because it’s a new challenge for me. It’s a different car and different competitors, so there’s a lot to learn and a lot of new experiences.

Andretti Autosport Mazda Road to Indy Week - Spencer Pigot

Andretti Autosport Road to Indy Week – A series of interviews with the young and upcoming drivers in the Andretti Autosport stable.



As part of a preview to the 2011 season, www.IndyCarGarage.com will feature a three part series on the Andretti Autosport Road to Indy drivers. Zach Veach, Spencer Pigot, and Sage Karam all will compete in the Mazda Road to Indy ladder system this season and all currently driver for Andretti Autosport. All three drivers have been or will be guest on IndyCar Garage Weekly, be sure to check out the podcasts of their interview as well.
Second in the series is USF2000 driver Spencer Pigot.
IndyCar Garage – 5 Questions with Andretti Autosport Road to Indy Drivers

Driver: Spencer Pigot, #8 Team MAZDASPEED /Skip Barber car
Series: Cooper Tires USF2000 National Championship Powered by Mazda
Sponsors: MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development, Skip Barber, Parathyroid.com, California Scents
Interviewed on IndyCar Garage Weekly: February 9th – Link to podcast: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/indycargarage-weekly--


Question # 1 – Explain your path of how you got started in motorsports and found the world of IndyCar

My dad used to race back in England and a little bit in America so I got my passion for the sport from him. My start in motorsports came when I was seven years old and I got an old go-kart for Christmas. I didn’t get to drive it much because there were no tracks near my house; we had to drive from North Carolina all the way to Ohio to race! But when I was nine we moved to Florida and I was able to start racing regularly in the Florida State Championship. From there I moved into national level karting and into the Skip Barber Racing Schools. I won the Skip Barber Karting Shoot-out in late 2009 and then the National Championship in 2010. Now I am on the Mazda Road to Indy in the USF2000 National Championship thanks to the prize I was given by MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development for winning the Skip Barber National title. Although I just entered the Mazda Road to Indy I have been watching IndyCar races for as long as I can remember. I went to my first IndyCar race when I was 10 years old at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, ever since then I have loved IndyCar racing and have wanted to be an IndyCar Driver.


Question #2 – Describe to the fans your feelings on a race day and what it’s actually like when the green flag drops and the race begins.


Race day is a little different than the other days of the weekend. All of the work has been done to try and maximize the car for the race so there is always a little more pressure on race day. I do my best to stay calm leading up to the race and I like to be alone so I can focus. When I am sitting in the car waiting to pull out on to the track I am always a little nervous but as soon and the engine starts it all goes away and I’m very calm in the car. The start is usually the most exciting part of the race. You are always watching the flagman to see when he will wave the green, as soon as you see it, its all out from that point on. It’s quite tricky to get it right because you can’t start to accelerate too early because you will get a penalty for jumping the start but obviously can’t wait too long or else you will get passed.
Question # 3 - What driver have you looked up to throughout your career and why?


I don’t have one specific driver that I have looked up to throughout my career. When I started racing it was always Michael Schumacher because he was always winning the Formula One World Championship. Recently, I’ve looked up to Mark Webber. I love his aggression, attitude and determination. I also admire his talent because I think he is one of the fastest guys on the F1 grid.

Question # 4 - What’s your ultimate goal as a young and upcoming driver in the Mazda Road to Indy Series?

My ultimate goal is to win the Indianapolis 500. It’s been my goal ever since I have started racing and being on the Mazda Road to Indy is exactly where I need to be in order to have the best chance at making that goal happen.
Question #5 – What are you most excited about for the 2011 season and why?

I’m really excited to race at some of the IndyCar events, especially at St. Pete. I’ve been to that race for the past few years and I love the event. It will be my first ever street course experience so I’m not really sure what to expect but I’m looking forward to it!

Andretti Autosport Mazda Road to Indy Week - Zach Veach

Andretti Autosport Road to Indy Week – A series of interviews with the young and upcoming drivers in the Andretti Autosport stable.

As part of a preview to the 2011 season, www.IndyCarGarage.com will feature a three part series on the Andretti Autosport Road to Indy drivers. Zach Veach, Spencer Pigot, and Sage Karam will compete in the Mazda Road to Indy ladder system this season and all currently drive for Andretti Autosport. All three drivers have been or will be guest on IndyCar Garage Weekly, be sure to check out the podcasts of their interview as well. First in the series is USF2000 driver Zach Veach.

IndyCar Garage – 5 Questions with Andretti Autosport Road to Indy Drivers
Driver: Zach Veach, #7 Team Zakosi Data Backup car
Series: USF2000 National Championship Series
Sponsors: Zakosi Data Backup, Mazda, Cooper Tires, Arai Helmets, OMP, ArtRotondo.com, ADS, Retail Pro

Interviewed on IndyCar Garage Weekly: January 25th – Link to podcast: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/indycargarage-weekly-

Question # 1 – Explain your path of how you got started in motorsports and found the world of IndyCar
When I was 12, I started racing go-karts near my home in Ohio. I started getting serious about driving and quickly moved into the Formula BMW series. I planned on racing in the Atlantics series, but after it folded I was left without a ride. Thankfully I was noticed by Andretti Autosport and before I knew it, I was meeting with Michael Andretti. He gave me the opportunity to race in USF2000 and I spent a lot of last season learning the car and getting used to it. I’ve always wanted to race in the Indy 500, so it’s great to be able to race on the same tracks and courses as the IndyCar drivers. It really sets us up to gain a lot of experience.

Question #2 – Describe to the fans your feelings on a race day and what it’s actually like when the green flag drops and the race begins.
Race day is what we work for during all of the tests and practices, so it’s something I definitely always look forward to. During those warm-up laps on race day, I’m thinking about my preparation and the laps ahead of me. I know what I have to do and don’t worry about what is behind me.

Question # 3 - What driver have you looked up to throughout your career and why?
Michael Andretti! I was speechless when I first met him, and I can’t even describe what an honor it is to be able to drive for him. I look up to Michael because of his racing success and his professionalism. He’s just done so much with his career and I hope one day I can say I’ve done the same.

Question # 4 - What’s your ultimate goal as a young and upcoming driver in the Mazda Road to Indy Series?
I’d have to say that driving in the Indianapolis 500 is definitely a goal for me, along with racing in the IZOD IndyCar Series. The Indy 500 has always been a dream goal for me, so having the chance to race in USF2000 and the Mazda Road to Indy puts me on the right path.

Question #5 – What are you most excited about for the 2011 season and why?
Last year was a steep learning curve for me. The USF2000 car was a lot different than I was used to in the Atlantic car, so I had a lot to learn before I could really race with the leaders. My crew was a huge help and I had the best team behind me the whole time. After winning the Winterfest, I have a lot more experience and confidence going into the 2011 season, and I hope to be up on the podium again!

Podcast up with USF2000 driver Shannon McIntosh

IndyCar Garage Weekly returned for its half hour program with host Tyler Carmichael, moderator of www.IndyCarGarage.com. Tyler discussed the latest INDYCAR news and also welcomed guest Shannon McIntosh of Cape Motorsports and Wayne Taylor Racing. Shannon announced on Tuesday that she will compete in the 2011 USF 2000 National Championship powered by Mazda, USF2000 is part of the MAZDA Road to Indy program. McIntosh, 21, was previously the USAC Ford Focus Midget Series driver of the year and looks to better her career by moving into the Road to Indy program, with one day hopes of competing in the IZOD IndyCar Series and Indy 500.

Check out the podcast of last night’s IndyCar Garage Weekly with host Tyler Carmichael and guest Shannon McIntosh

Randy Bernard coming to IndyCar Garage Weekly

Randy Bernard coming to IndyCar Garage Weekly
INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard will be a guest on IndyCar Garage Weekly on March 9th at 6EST. IndyCar Garage Weekly is streamed live on http://www.indycargarage.com/ and www.blogtalkradio.com/IndyCarGarage-weekly-.

Tyler Carmichael, the moderator of IndyCarGarage.com and host of IndyCar Garage Weekly will interview Randy for twenty minutes and wants your questions for Randy. Members of http://www.indycargarage.com/ can submit questions for the interview by one of three ways:

1. Email IndyCarGarage@Gmail.com
2. Tweet IndyCarGarage on twitter @IndyCarGarage
3. Reply to the forum thread on the home page of http://www.indycargarage.com/

Tune in live on March 9th at 6EST with INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard on IndyCar Garage Weekly streamed live on www.IndyCarGarage.com

St. Pete is right around the corner

The first blocks for the first INDYCAR race of the 2011 season were set yesterday on the streets of St. Petersburg. The 1.8 mile, 14 turn race course will be the opening round of the IZOD IndyCar series as well several other series involved in the MAZDA Road to Indy ladder system. The construction process takes over 41 days and will involve over 20 million pounds of concrete laid down along the streets of downtown St. Petersburg for what organizers are calling the “World’s fastest Spring Break Party.

The party kicks off on March 25th. Listed below are former winners from the IZOD IndyCar Series past events at St. Pete

2003 – Paul Tracy , 2005 – Dan Wheldon , 2006 & 2007 – Helio Castroneves, 2008 – Graham Rahal, 2009 – Ryan Briscoe, 2010 – Will Power – 2011 - ?

IndyCar Garage Weekly podcast up w/guest Spencer Pigot & Katherinne Legge

IndyCar Garage Weekly returned for its weekly dedicated INDYCAR program with host Tyler Carmichael, moderator of www.IndyCarGarage.com. Tyler welcomed onto the show Andretti Autosport USF 2000 driver Spencer Pigot. Katherine Legge was the second guest on the program, Katherine recently drove sports car in Germany and for Dale Coyne Racing in 2007. Katherine is working toward a INDYCAR program in 2011.

Among the other topics that were discussed:

The Graham Rahal and Tomas Shecketer Twitter fued
Rides for Dan Wheldon and Paul Tracy
Motegi, Japan not returning to the schedule in 2012
New Edmonton race layout
Goodbye to Hideki Mutoh

Next's week IndyCar Garage Weekly will be on Thursday, February 17th live on www.IndyCarGarage.com and on www.Blogtalkradio.com. Call in # is 1-347-826-9019, or if you have a question ask IndyCarGarage on Twitter or by email, IndyCarGarage@gmail.com

Say Goodbye to Hideki MUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUTTOOHH

Say Goodbye to Hideki MUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUTTOOHH

The first post Super Bowl INDYCAR news comes from the Hidekit Mutoh camp, as he is moving back over the Pacific Ocean. Mutoh’s best finish in an IndyCar was 2nd at Iowa in 2008, best Indy 500 finish was 7th in 2008, and his best season was 2008 when he finished 10th in the standings. Mutoh drove for Andretti for 2008 and 2009, and moved to Newman/Haas in 2010. In my opinon, the best part of Hideki being in the IndyCar series, was yelling his last name for over 10 seconds.

The news is below:

Honda has announced that Hideki Mutoh will end his IndyCar Series stint and switch to Japan's Super GT category for 2011.

The 28-year-old has competed in America since 2007, when his second place finish in Indy Lights led to a promotion to IndyCar. He spent two years with Andretti Green Racing before joining Newman/Haas last year, with a second place at Iowa in 2008 his best result.

Mutoh will now be paired with Japanese Formula 3 N class champion Takashi Kobayashi in an Aguri Suzuki-run Honda in Super GT.

With Mutoh leaving the series, KV Racing's Takuma Sato looks set to be Japan's sole full-time representative in IndyCar this season.

Podcast up for IndyCar Garage Weekly 2-2-2011 w/guests St. Pete VP Tim Ramsberger and Lights driver Bryan Clauson

IndyCar Garage Weekly returned for its weekly program with host Tyler Carmichael, moderator of www.IndyCarGarage.com. Tyler talked with Tim Ramsberger who is the VP & General Manger of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, which is the first race of the 2011 INDYCAR season. Tyler also welcomed Bryan Clauson as the second guest on the show. Bryan won the first ever USAC National Drivers Championship in 2010 while driving for Tony Stewart's USAC team. Bryan will run the six ovals on the 2011 Firestone Indy Lights schedule as part of his scholarship for winning the USAC National Drivers Championship.

Among the other topics that will be discussed, include:

Penske picks up new sponsorship for Helio Castroneves and Ryan Briscoe

Mike Conway signs full time with Andretti Autosport as their fourth driver in the IZOD IndyCar Series

Dale Coyne surprising test at Sebring with Sebastien Bourdais and Firestone Indy Lights race driver Martin Plowman

Check out the podcast on www.IndyCarGarage.com from February 2nd for thirty minutes of IndyCar conversation with Tim and Bryan.