IndyCar Garage

Driver lineup for 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series starting to take shape

2012-01-10T11:59:00.003-05:00

Driver lineup for 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series starting to take shape

Team – Andretti Autosport – Chevy engines
Drivers – Marco Andretti, Ryan Hunter- Reay , James Hinchcliffe , 4th – TBA

Team – Ganassi Racing – Honda Engines
Drivers – Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti, Graham Rahal, Charlie Kimball

Team – Penske – Chevy Engines
Drivers – Will Power , Helio Castroneves, Ryan Briscoe

Team – KV Racing – Chevy Engines
Drivers – Tony Kanaan, 2nd – Rumored to be E.J. Viso , 3rd – TBA

Team – A.J. Foyt Racing – Honda Engines
Drivers – Mike Conway , possibly 2nd car TBA

Team – Panther Racing – Chevy enginesDrivers – J.R. Hildebrand, possibly 2nd car TBA (rumored to be Tomas Sheckter)

Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing – TBA Engine
Driver – Josef NewGarden

Dale Coyne Racing – TBA Engine
Drivers – Justin Wilson, 2nd –TBA (rumored to be James Jakes)

HVM Racing – Lotus Engine
Drivers – Simona De Silvestro, 2nd car TBA

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing – Lotus Engine
Drivers – Oriol Servia , 2nd car TBA (rumored to be Katherine Legge)

Bryan Herta Autosport – Lotus Engine
Driver – Alex Tagliani

Sam Schmidt Motorsports – Honda Engine
Drivers – Simon Pagenaud, 2nd car TBA

Rahal-Letterman-Lanigan Racing – Honda Engine
Drivers – Nothing confirmed, rumors include Takumo Sato, Jay Howard, and Bertrand Baquette

Ed Carpenter Racing – Engine TBA
Driver – Ed Carpenter

Michael Shank Racing – Lotus Engine
Driver – TBA (prefer a veteran)

Dragon Racing – Engine TBA
Driver – TBA

Conquest Racing – Engine TBA
Driver – TBA

Drivers in the mix for FT rides in 2012 – Tomas Sheckter, Paul Tracy, James Jakes, Raphael Matos, Ho-Pin Tung, Katherine Legge, Ana Beatriz, Pippa Man, Sebastian Saavedra, Esteban Guerrieri , Martin Plowman, Wade Cunningham, Townsend Bell,

Possible Indy 500 one off drivers
(Note all drivers listed in the mix for FT would count as Indy 500 1 offs) John Andretti, Davey Hamilton, Jean Alesi, Danica Patrick, Kasey Kahne, Buddy Rice,

Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing future is bright

2011-12-08T10:48:00.001-05:00

Yesterday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Sarah Fisher confirmed her driver plans for 2012 by announcing the signing of a three year contract with American Josef Newgarden, the 2011 Indy Lights champion. The news by all accounts, was great, Sarah Fisher Racing is a small team of 17 employees and literally started from the ground up in 2008.

The even better news was that Fisher announced her team is rebranding as Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing, (SFHR). The partnership of Wink Hartman and Sarah Fisher dates back to 2008, but the financial involvement of Hartman has strengthened and will allow Fisher’s Indianapolis based team to grow.

SFHR won their first race at Kentucky in 2011 with fellow American Ed Carpenter , but a bright moment was overshadowed by the departure of primary sponsor Dollar General to full-time NASCAR involvement, and later Carpenter’s formation of his own team. SFHR had their ace in the hole with Hartman.

Hartman, who owns a professional indoor soccer team and football teams in Kansas, will now be fully involved in the growth and development of the one car team piloted by Newgarden. Hartman, whose money is tied into oil, has deep pockets and according to sources, has pledged to take SFHR to the next step in the IZOD IndyCar Series.

SFHR has an engine contract in place, but has yet to announce it, is widely rumored to be partnering with Honda. SFHR should also have some exciting announcements in regards to their relocation of their new race shop. That announcement could happen at the start of the new year.
The hire of Newgarden will allow his sponsorship money from the Mazda Road to Indy to be applied to the 2012 season and will help off-set the costs of new equipment. Newgarden had five wins for SSM in 2011 in the Firestone Indy Lights series. Newgarden, 20, brings another American to the IZOD IndyCar Series, and is the immediate favorite to win Rookie of the year in 2012.

Continue to follow www.IndyCarGarage.com for updates on Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing and complete coverage of the IZOD IndyCar Series.

Sarah Fisher Racing Press Conference Tomorrow

2011-12-06T11:29:00.003-05:00

Sarah Fisher Racing will have a press conference tomorrow at 2 p.m. at the Indianapolis
Motor Speedway on their 2012 plans. It's widely rumored that 2011 Indy Lights Champion
Josef Newgarden will use his partial sponsorship from winning the Lights Championship and become the full-time driver for SFR in 2012.

SFR also could be announcing their engine partner tomorrow as well. They have been rumored for Honda for awhile.

Newgarden tweeted late Tuesday night that he was headed to Indy the following day,

"Only one thing I like more than an empty airport, and that's an empty plane! Flying out to Dallas. Back in Indy tomorrow."

Stay tuned for more developments on SFR announcements and the location of their new race shop.

The announcment will be streamed live on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway network, through www.IndianapolisMotorSpeedway.com

Hunter-Reay wins at Loudon and Power flashes the double bird!

2011-08-14T19:17:00.003-04:00

Hunter-Reay wins at Loudon and Power flashes the double bird!

INDYCAR returned to their small bull-ring ovals at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and it was anything but dual.

It all started on lap one when Graham Rahal made contact with Mike Conway’s spinning car on lap one. Both cars were done for the day.

Dario continued to dominate the race until light rain brought out the caution.

On the restart after a lengthy caution delay, Dario Franchitti came down on Takumo Sato and hit the inside way of the front stretch. Franchitti day was done and he put all the blame on Sato in his post-race interview.

Ryan Hunter-Reay resumed the race in position number one and that would prove to be his finish position until the race was called with five laps left.

The highlights of this race will be the call by INDYCAR race control to attempt to re-start the race with five laps to go. Rain brought out the yellow again with just under 20 laps to go in the Movethatblock.com225.

Coming off turn four on the re-start with five to go, Danica Patrick spun her tires and took out multiple cars. Among the cars, Will Power, Ed Carpenter, Takumo Sato, and Danica. The race was then red-flagged. About 15 minutes passed until the checkered was displayed and Ryan Hunter-Reay was declared the race winner.

What happened in between the red flag and the checkered flag is what will keep INDYCAR in the news for a few days.

Among the highlights of ABC’s coverage was Michael Andretti’s rant directly after the restart with five to go, with Michael being quoting

“This is the worst officiating I’ve ever seen, sorry Brian, but this was bad”

“You just don’t do that , it was wetter than when they threw the yellow earlier”

“Normally Brian does a great job, but this one, he really missed it”

Among the Will Power quotes after he flipped the double bird to race control while walking next to Penske President Tim Cindric (see picture)

“I was begging him, we were begging him, please don’t go green”

(On Brian Barnhardt) “ There is no use, he makes such bad calls all the time this is gonna be it, they can’t have this guy running the show , because this was his decision that put a lot of drivers in danger and you saw how many people crashed on the front straight and it was no condition to race in, shame on him.”

“I just can’t believe they make decisions like that, I mean what are those guys up there doing, I mean they have Al Unser Jr, he’s raced, he would never race in these conditions. So to me it was disgraceful.”

(On fines coming Power’s way) “Yeah I know I lost my temper , but it was bad of me to do that, I couldn’t help it, I was so emotional about it. We had such a good day and we begged them, begged them not to do it.”

In the end Ryan Hunter-Reay captured his first race win of 2011 and the third for Andretti Autosport. As Michael Andretti , CEO of Andretti Autosport said “ This is the third race winner of the season from our team and I just have to thank our sponsors for the decision they made this year” .

A very exciting race for INDYCAR and hopefully for T.V. ratings as well.

Zach Veach heads into Mid-Ohio with momentum and fans

2011-08-05T16:14:00.005-04:00

Zach Veach heads into Mid-Ohio with momentum and fans

Andretti Autosport driver Zach Veach continues his USF2000 summer racing schedule with a stint on his home turf at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course this weekend. Veach, 16, joins the full “Mazda Road to Indy” developmental ladder system in support of the IZOD IndyCar Series’ headliner at the 50-year-old racing facility. Veach has also been a guest on IndyCar Garage Weekly and was featured as part of Andretti Autosport’s Road to Indy week on www.IndyCarGarage.com

“Our season started out great, we won the first race of the season, captured poles at Sebring and really have been focused on finishing as high as possible in each race.”

Veach sits currently second in the points championship, trailing Petri Suvanto by 17 points. Veach’s teammate, Spencer Pigot, sits one point behind in third.

“It’s a good and bad thing when your teammate is really fast, you can learn from each other, but also it makes you push harder and do your best. “

Veach enters his very first race at Mid-Ohio on the heels of two straight runner-up finishes at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis and at The Milwaukee Mile. The Zakosi Data Backup car No. 7 is now second in series points heading into the 13-turn 2.25 mi paved road course. Already this year, Veach has taken two race wins and three pole positions to capture the inaugural Cooper Tires presents the USF2000 Winterfest Championship. This season, he has earned three pole positions, a race win and five top-five finishes.

Mid-Ohio, a natural road course, while Veach’s home race, it’s not his preference of track. Veach prefers oval racing over road/street course racing.

“I’ve always felt more in tune on the ovals, it’s all about being smooth.”

“The USF2000 cars have little downforce so you have to almost throw the car around and get in through each turn (on road courses).”

Even though Veach’s prefers the ovals, it still will be special to race so close to home. Veach expects almost two dozen family members at this race, as well as a number of representatives from his new sponsor The Young Marines. This “home field” feel makes the 2011 Mid-Ohio all the more special to Veach, who places a strong value on family.

To follow Veach’s progress at the Mid-Ohio in Lexington, OH, live timing and scoring is available on www.usf2000timing.com or for more information, please visit www.ZachVeach.com or www.AndrettiAutosport.com.

NASCAR invades IMS... but with fewer fans..

2011-07-25T21:37:00.004-04:00

NASCAR invades IMS…..but with fewer fans…

The 18th annual Brickyard 400 rolls out this Sunday for 160 laps of Sprint Cup racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. NASCAR’s first race at IMS took place in 1994 and won was by Indiana boy Jeff Gordon. From 1994 until 2007 the race played to a packed house of over 250,000 fans. The Brickyard 400 also helped finance the Indy Racing League, which split from CART in 1996. Some would say that the Brickyard 400 hurt IndyCar racing because fans could see the stars of NASCAR racing (Stewart, Gordon, and Earnhardt) at the famous 2.5 mile oval, while the stars of IndyCar racing didn’t come back to the 2.5 mile oval until the early 2000’s.

Then came 2008….

The tire debacle of 2008 happened when the NASCAR COT (Car of Tomorrow) literally tore the right rear tires off nearly ever car in the race. Drivers could barley last six laps without tires fading. Cautions were thrown every 10-12 laps and Jimmie Johnson won his second Brickyard 400 under a cloud of controversy.

If you also think back to 2008, it was the first season under unification after a nasty 12 year split in the open-wheel community. The IRL absorbed Champ Car after the 2007 season and IndyCar racing started to put back the pieces of what was left of their sport.

2008 also was the first year of the economy downturn and NASCAR was hit hard. Combined with the economy and the dislike of the COT in Sprint Cup racing, NASCAR started facing issues it hadn’t dealt with in nearly 25 years. Layoffs on all three national series, attendance issues and rating dips, all were non-factors in NASCAR’s massive popularity boom during the 1990’s and early 2000’s.

IndyCar racing, during the split years, went the direct opposite way of NASCAR. The IRL / Champ Car split lasted long enough to cripple open wheel, and in 2008 it barley resembled what it looked like in the early 1990’s.

Now, here we are, July of 2011 and NASCAR and IMS sit at major crossroads. No longer is the Brickyard 400 the highest attended race on the Sprint Cup schedule, which has been the Daytona 500 the last two years. Attendance and T.V. Ratings for the Brickyard 400 the past three years has been as followed:
2008 – 270,000 (5.1)
2009 – 180,000 (4.8)
2010 – 140,000 (4.2)
2011 – expected 100,000 (TBA)

No longer is the Brickyard 400 the anchor event at IMS, that is now reserved for the Indy 500, the way it was prior to the NASCAR invasion in 1994. While INDYCAR is still fighting for respectable T.V. Ratings and attendance everywhere, the Indy 500 appears to be headed back to where it was in the pre-split years. Attendance and T.V. Ratings for the Indy 500 the past years has been as followed:
2008 – 220,000 (4.5)
2009 – 230,000 (4.0)
2010 – 230,000 (3.6)
2011 – 300,000 (4.0)

Of course all attendance figures are estimated and IMS doesn’t release attendance figures for any of its events, so none of those numbers are official.

IMS already had major changes planned for 2012 and its “Super Weekend” for NASCAR. The Brickyard 400 will become the Crown Royal 400, and this will be announced this Thursday at 11:30 A.M. 2012 will also feature the first ever Nationwide (former Busch) Series race at IMS. The Nationwide Race will take place on Saturday and will cap a full-day of action at IMS. Sprint Cup qualifying and practice, Nationwide practice, qualifying and finally race will all take place the day before the Cup race in 2012. Also added to the 2012 slate will be the first ever Grand-Am race on the IMS road course. The expected three hour race will take place on the Friday before the Cup and Nationwide races. IMS crews are expected to work through the night to transition the road course into an oval ready track. But the real question what does this all mean?

Some of the attendance issues at the Brickyard 400 are related to over congestion of NASCAR racing in the mid-west. 18 years ago the only race within 200 miles of IMS was Michigan. Today, Chicago, Kentucky, and Michigan twice all feature Sprint Cup races. Take into account that Nationwide and Trucks race at mid-west tracks as well and you have a market that is full of tracks and races for fans to pick from. Another factor is that IMS is one of the few tracks that you can’t see every turn, combine that with NASCAR racing at IMS features little passing and often strung out follow the leader type racing.

According to reps from IMS, the relationship with NASCAR has never been better, and that was shown when their Sprint Cup points leader, Carl Edwards, and President Mike Helton were present for the 2012 Super Weekend announcement. NASCAR needs IMS now more than ever, that’s a big switch from the early 1990’s when IMS needed NASCAR for the IRL.

The underlying theme this weekend that not many NASCAR media will touch on is that the Indy 500 attendance from 2011 will literally blow the Sprint Cup attendance of the Brickyard 400 out of the water. It’s fair to say that NASCAR premiere race, the Daytona 500, blows the Indy 500 out of the water in terms of T.V. Ratings. It’s also fair to say that IndyCar racing has a long way to go before they even enter the same ballpark at NASCAR in terms of popularity, attendance, and T.V. ratings, but at least now INDYCAR is starting to defend their home turf.

Will Power cuts into Dario's Championship lead

2011-07-25T10:39:00.000-04:00

Will Power cuts into Dario’s championship lead

Will Power won his 4th race of the 2011 IZOD IndyCar season at Edmonton. Power’s win cuts Dario Franchitti lead down to 38 points with seven races left, four of which are road/street courses, Power’s specialty. Helio Castroneves finished second, his best result of the season. Castroneves now sits 9th in the points championship. Franchitti rounded out the podium with a third place finish. Scott Dixon finished a distance 23rd place after being taken out by KV Racing’s E.J. Viso. Dixon trails his teammate, Franchitti, by over 106 points and unless major breakdowns occur, it is a two driver race for the championship.

Among the other highlights of the Edmonton Race:

Paul Tracy barley completed half a lap after nearly t-boning Graham Rahal. Rahal had a flat tire after Alex Tagliani crashed into the back of his Service Central machine.

Danica Patrick finished 9th , her second best finish on a road/street course this season

Ryan Hunter-Reay appeared to have a car to win, but unsuccessfully passed Takuma Sato and received a drive-through pentaly.

Attendance seemed strong, but according to Curt Cavin, the grandstands only held around 15,000.

Sebastien Bourdais finished 6th for Dale Coyne Racing, the team’s best finish of the season.

Edmonton Race Preview & Predictions

2011-07-22T12:53:00.003-04:00

Edmonton Race Preview and Predictions

INDYCAR makes their second trip to Canada this weekend for airport/street race in Edmonton. The IZOD IndyCar Series has lots of drama heading into this weekend’s race and IndyCar Garage breaks down the storylines to watch and predicts who could be in victory lane on Sunday afternoon.

1.Dario vs Power part II

Dario Franchitti captured his fourth victory of the 2011 season at Toronto and increased his championship lead over Will Power to 55 points, but not without plenty of drama. Franchitti spun Power out in Toronto on lap 57, and Power eventually recorded another DNF a short time later when Alex Tagliani made contact with Power’s Verizon car. Power was visually and emotionally upset after the race and his displeasure with Franchitti has hardly faded away. Power has been a master in qualifying this year on road/street courses, capturing every pole on the non-ovals. Can Power capture his 6th pole of the season? Can Power cut into Dario’s championship lead? Keep an eye on the #12 Verizon IndyCar and the #10 Target IndyCar.

2. Edmonton Race layout changes

Edmonton has been modified to a 2.24 mile 13 turn circuit, which will feature three major passing zones and two long straights. (See virtual lap below). The new layout should benefit all drivers as none of the current IZOD IndyCar drivers have driven on this layout, nor do their teams have setup packages for it. Look for lots of passing and contact with double file restarts.

3. Helio’s one year anniversary

A year ago at Edmonton (under the old layout), Helio Castroneves made a late race block on Will Power that allowed Scott Dixon to pass Power. Helio was penalized by race control for blocking and refused to serve his drive-through penalty. Dixon won the race by not even leading a lap. What happened after Helio got out of his car was seen across the nation for several days. Helio went on a rampage that included grabbing INDYCAR’s Charles Burns, who is the head of INDYCAR security. Helio eventually calmed down after Tim Cindric stepped in. Helio was fined 50k by INDYCAR. Helio’s 2011 has been the worst season in his INDYCAR career, no wins, four top 10’s and just one top five. Helio is arguably the second most popular driver in the IZOD IndyCar Series and masterful driver at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but those factors are hardly overshadowing his struggles in 2011. Helio would love nothing more than to capture his first win of 2011 at the site of his most embarrassing moment of 2010.

4. Rumors around INDYCAR

Several rumors are circulating around the INDYCAR paddock, good and bad. First, Danica Patrick appears to be headed to full-time NASCAR in 2012. Robin Miller of SpeedTV reported last week in his weekly mailbag that Patrick will be full-time Nationwide, part-time Sprint Cup, and one-off Indy 500 participate next season. Miller’s mailbag response was followed up the last few days with ESPN.com NASCAR reporter David Newtown responding to a question in his chat about Danica. The question and answer is below:
Q - Have you heard anything more about Danica's decision? If she comes to NASCAR will she be with JR Motorsports?
A - Still working through details, but she'll be in NASCAR next year, JR Motorsports fulltime in Cup and seven Cup races likely . . . perhaps Stewart-Haas.
Other news and rumblings around the INDYCAR paddock circle around the Las Vegas season ending race. The five million challenge for any non-INDYCAR driver to participate against INDYCAR’s regulars is starting to come into focus. Travis Pastrana, who is a former X-Game star and current part-time Nationwide driver, has publicly said he wants to try IndyCar racing, and INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard has stated he is optimistic that Pastrana could be at the season finale. Sports Car driver Joey Hand, one time INDYCAR winner Airton Dare, NASCAR Cup driver Kasey Kahne, and former INDYCAR Alex Zandari are also among the many names that have been rumored as possibly participates.

5. Predications for Sunday’s race on VERSUS at 2 p.m. EST.

Firestone Fast Six: Will Power, Scott Dixon, Oriol Servia, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Dario Franchitti, Helio Castroneves

Indy Lights Winner: Josef Newgarden

IZOD IndyCar Series top three finishers:
1. Oriol Servia
2. Will Power
3. Helio Castroneves

Dallara Building update with Stefano de Ponti

2011-07-19T11:42:00.004-04:00

Tyler Carmichael of www.IndyCarGarage.com talked with Stefano de Ponti about the new Dallara building that will build the next generation of INDYCAR's. Watch below:

A virtual lap of Toronto

2011-07-08T12:58:00.001-04:00

Toronto Preview & Predications

2011-07-08T10:57:00.002-04:00

(Can Will Power repeat as race winner?)

Toronto Preview and Predications

INDYCAR travels north to Canada for the first of two races in July, both being held in the homeland of Alex Tagliani, James Hinchcliffe, and Paul Tracy. Toronto is the 9th round of the championship and signals the halfway point of schedule. IndyCar Garage breaks down the story lines to watch heading into the weekend.

1. Back to the right turns
The Honda Indy Toronto kicks off a stretch of three straight road/street courses and six of the next seven races will be non-ovals. Team Penske driver Will Power couldn’t be happier as his strength and background is non-oval racing. Power currently sits second in the point’s championship and trails leader Dario Franchitti by 20 points. This next stretch of races will have some drivers screaming that they hate road/street courses and others like Power smiling from ear to ear.

2. Paul Tracy and Sebastien Bourdais return
Two long-time rivals will be back on a track that they both have taken the checkered flag at. Paul Tracy and Sebastien Bourdais will return to the IZOD IndyCar Series with Tracy driving for Dragon Racing, and Bourdais back with Dale Coyne Racing. Both drivers are not behind the wheel of power-house teams, but both bring a fierce desire to win and be successful. Bourdais and Tracy are tied for 7th all-time in the INDYCAR record book with 31 wins a piece. Tracy won at Toronto in 1993 and 2003, and if he could win this weekend it would be his third win at a track in as many decades. Bourdais who captured four straight Champ-Car championships, won in 2004 the year of his first championship. Keep an eye on both drivers at they continue their storied INDYCAR careers.

3. A Sunday afternoon time slot that is prime for a good T.V. Rating
Everyone who follows INDYCAR knows that T.V. ratings are struggling, especially on VERSUS. Yes, in due to credit, attendances is up this year and so are A.B.C. ratings, but VERSUS ratings have been low since they started broadcasting INDYCAR races in 2009. Where am I going with this? INDYCAR’s race on Sunday at 2 p.m. will be up broadcast against? Let’s start with NASCAR, Nationwide running on Friday and Sprint Cup Saturday night. How about F1? Their race in Silverstone will be over at 2 EST on Sunday. The best outcome INDYCAR could hope for on Sunday is that somehow VERSUS can pull over a 1.0 T.V. rating for the Toronto race. How did the 2010 race far? It was on ABC and it pulled a .9, which is about what Milwaukee pulled this year as its replacement.

4. Dario eyes history
Dario Franchitti could make history this weekend if he takes the checkered flag after 85 laps. Dario, who currently holds a 20 point in the championship over Will Power, is tied for 9th on the all-time career win list with former Penske driver Rick Mears. Dario, with 29 wins could move into sole possession of 9th with his 30th INDYCAR win this weekend. Dario, who turned 38 in May, accent up the record books should be worth tracking as Al Unser Jr (34), Bobby Unser (35) and AL Unser (39) could be passed if Dario races into his 40’s.
Dario also could be only the second driver in the history of the Toronto race to win in three different decades, as only Michael Andretti, who the race seven times, was the first to accomplish the feat. Dario previously won at Toronto in 1999 and 2009.

5. Canadian flavor
Canadian race fans, traditionally are very passionate and dedicated about racing. Toronto is the first of two races in Canada, with Edmonton two weeks later. Paul Tracy, Alex Tagliani, and James Hinchcliffe are all natives of Canada and should have rock-star type following this weekend. As James Hinchcliffe says “ I’ve been going to this race since I was 18 months old, I love this track, and I love that it’s on the schedule.”

6. Randy Bernard Quotes
Randy Bernard spoke to the Canadian media last week and was quoted on several topics most notably that Chicago and California would be on the schedule next year. We know now that California will be back on the schedule in the fall of 2012, Chicago is expected to follow, possibly the weekend after the Indy 500. Bernard also mentioned that a second Brazil race and a race in China are in the works as well. China has been rumored for awhile, and while some fans are unclear or unhappy on the series going global. China reportedly is offering huge sums of money that would help INDYCAR’s bottom line. Rumors also have China wanting to build a track that is a replica to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with the track being able to hold 400,000 to 500,000 people.

7. Predications for the weekend

Indy Lights winner – Josef Newgarden

IZOD IndyCar Firestone Fast Six – Will Power , Dario Franchitti, Justin Wilson , Tony Kanaan, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Scott Dixon

IZOD IndyCar Series top three finishers
1st – Justin Wilson
2nd – Scott Dixon
3rd – Will Power

Former Toronto Indy winners

2011-07-07T10:31:00.001-04:00

The IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights travel make their first of two trips into Canada in July this weekend for the Honda Toronto Indy. IndyCar Garage will have coverage throughout the weekend. Today we look at former winners of Toronto racing, dating all the way back to Bobby Unser in 1967.

Year - Winning Driver – Sanctioning body –
*denotes still active and will race this weekend

1967 – Bobby Unser - USAC
1968 – Dan Gurney - USAC
1977 – A.J. Foyt - USAC
1978 – Danny Ongais - USAC
1986 – Bobby Rahal - CART
1987 – Emerson Fittipaldi – CART
1988 – Al Unser Jr – CART
1989 – Michael Andretti – CART
1990 – Al Unser Jr – CART
1991 – Michael Andretti – CART
1992 – Michael Andretti – CART
1993 – Paul Tracy – CART *
1994 – Michael Andretti – CART
1995 – Michael Andretti – CART
1996 – Adrian Fernandez – CART
1997 – Mark Blundell – CART
1998 – Alex Zanardi – CART
1999 – Dario Franchitti *
2000 – Michael Andretti – CART
2001 – Michael Andretti – CART
2002 – Cristiano da Matta – CART
2003 – Paul Tracy – CART *
2004 – Sebastien Bourdais – Champ Car *
2005 – Justin Wilson – Champ Car *
2006 – A.J. Allmendinger – Champ Car
2007 – Will Power – Champ Car *
2009 – Dario Franchitti – INDYCAR *
2010 – Will Power – INDYCAR *

Notes:

Michael Andretti holds the record for most wins with seven.
Five former winners will participate in this weekend’s race.

Randy Bernard on the Vegas season finale

2011-06-30T08:37:00.002-04:00

Tyler Carmichael of www.IndyCarGarage.com talked with INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard during the Texas Motor Speedway twin 275's about the 2011 season ending race at Las Vegas.

Dallara building update part 2

2011-06-29T11:49:00.002-04:00

In the second part of our trip down main street in Speedway, Indiana, Tyler Carmichael of www.IndyCarGarage.com gives you more views of the developing Dallara building. Watch below:

Dallara building update part 1

2011-06-29T11:43:00.002-04:00

In a two part feature, Tyler Carmichael of www.IndyCarGarage.com gives fans an update on the construction of the Dallara building that will build the next generation of IndyCar's.

Watch below:

Marco Andretti wins the Iowa Corn 250

2011-06-25T23:54:00.000-04:00

Marco Andretti wins the Iowa Corn 250

Marco Andretti came from 17th position to capture his second career win at the Iowa Corn 250 at Iowa Motor Speedway. Andretti had late race duel with former teammate Tony Kanaan, but managed to hold for the win. Full results below:

Check www.IndyCarGarage.com tomorrow for a full race recap

1 – Marco Andretti
2 – Tony Kaanan
3 – Scott Dixon
4 – J.R. Hildebrand
5 – Dario Franchitti
6 – Ryan Briscoe
7 – Helio Castroneves
8 – Ryan Hunter-Reay
9 – James Hinchcliffe
10 – Danica Patrick
11 – Ed Carpenter
12 – Justin Wilson
13 – Alex Lloyd
14 – Oriol Servia
15 – Graham Rahal
16 – Alex Tagliani
17 – E.J. Viso
18 – Vitor Meira
19 – Takuma Sato
20 – Sebastian Saavedra
21 – Will Power
22 – Charlie Kimbal
23 – Ana Beatriz
24 – Mike Conway
25 – James Jakes

WOW qualifying at Iowa - Sato on Pole & Danica P2

2011-06-24T17:55:00.000-04:00

WOW qualifying at Iowa – Sato on Pole & Danica P2

Qualifying Iowa Corn 250 featured several surprises. Among the biggest, Scott Dixon, Charlie Kimbal, and Graham Rahal of Ganassi.

Takumo Sato of KV Racing captured his first career IZOD IndyCar pole and Danica Patrick’s starting position is the best for her in a long long time.

The top five drivers in the championship are scattered all over the field as Dario (P6) and Power (P5) will start next to each other. Oriol Servia will start 11th, Scott Dixon 23rd , and Graham Rahal 20th. The entire field is below.

Starting Lineup for Iowa Corn 250

Row 1: Takuma Sato, Danica Patrick
Row 2: Tony Kanaan, J.R. Hildebrand
Row 3: Will Power, Dario Franchitti
Row 4: James Hinchcliffe, Ryan Hunter-Reay
Row 5: Mike Conway, Ryan Briscoe
Row 6: Oriol Servia, Justin Wilson
Row 7: Helio Castroneves, Ed Carpenter
Row 8: Alex Tangliani, Vitor Meira
Row 9: Marco Andretti, Ana Beatriz
Row 10: E.J. Viso, Graham Rahal
Row 11: Charlie Kimbal , Alex Lloyd
Row 12: Scott Dixon , James Jakes
Row 13: Sebastian Saavedra (No time)

Iowa Corn 250 Preview

2011-06-24T16:17:00.009-04:00

Iowa Corn 250 Preview

INDYCAR will have three of the series on display this weekend at the Iowa Motor Speedway. Star Mazda, Firestone Indy Lights, and the IZOD IndyCar Series will race on the 7/8 tri-oval track in Newton, Iowa. Tyler Carmichael of IndyCar Garage attended the Iowa race last year, when Tony Kanaan, then of Andretti Autosport, took the checkered flag for his only win of the 2010 season. Tyler breaks down the storylines heading into the weekend.

1. The points championship is back to square one

Will Power of Team Penske and Dario Franchitti of Ganassi both have scored 271 points through seven races. Both drivers have three wins, both driver for super teams, and a budding rivalry is starting between the two. Power qualified on pole at Iowa in 2010 and finished 5th. Franchitti qualified 5th, led 68 laps, but suffered a broken gear box and finished 18th, easily his worst result of 2010. Dario lead practice number one and was one tenth faster (181.403) than Power’s pole speed of a year ago. Dario has two twice at Iowa, 2007 and 2009. The next IndyCar driver in the championship is Oriol Servia, followed by Scott Dixon, and Graham Rahal. Anything can happen in the championship, but 2011 is looking like a two horse race between the two hottest drivers in the series.

2. Iowa Motor Speedway

Iowa Motor Speedway, located in Newton Iowa, is arguably one of the best tracks on the INDYCAR schedule. Iowa Motor Speedway is also the home track of the famous IndyCar blogger Pressdog, and loyal ICG member Linda W.

A short oval with high banking, Iowa provides lots of side by side action and a packed house. Attendance for Saturday’s night IZOD IndyCar race is expected to be a sellout, a far cry from the 13,000 that showed at Milwaukee last weekend. Iowa’s faculity is top notch, with hardly a bad seat in the house. INDYCAR will display the Star Mazda Series, and Firestone Indy Light Series prior to the IZOD IndyCar Series taking the track. 2011 will be the fifth race at Iowa for INDYCAR and with attendance, great racing, and a great facility; Iowa should be a mainstay on the schedule for years to come.

3. Danica’s last chance

Danica Patrick made it very clear at Texas Motor Speedway that she prefers oval racing, not the road and street courses that demand much more driver skill. Danica has finished in the top 10 , three out of the last four races and is coming off her best finish of the season (5th) at Milwaukee. If Danica fans plan to see her victory lane, Iowa offers the best chance. Danica was 4th quickest in practice one.

4. Simona De Silvestro ruled out for this weekend’s race

HVM’s Simona De Silvestro, who has several interviews with IndyCar Garage under the driver interview tab, has been ruled out of Saturday’s race due to concession like symptoms. Simona who suffered through a nasty crash at Indy, and wrecked again in qualifying at Milwaukee started experiencing the symptoms mid-week according to various reports from different media outlets. In Simona’s defense, her team is stuck in neutral with the 2003 chassis nicknamed PorkChop. HVM bought a brand new chassis for this year and it was destroyed at Indy in the turn four crash. Simona is one of the nicest drivers in the paddock, the girl needs a break.

5. Many Decisions coming

INDYCAR wants to make headway with their racing during the season, but many decisions are coming that will impact the series long term and short term. Among the decisions that we can expect INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard to announce within the next month:

The Aero Kit rules for 2012 – will they be allowed or held back for 2013?
The five drivers for the IZOD World Championship race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

6. Predications for the IZOD IndyCar Race at Iowa Motor Speedway.

I am making predications before qualifications (they start in about an hour) this weekend, as to help better my chances. Note: I was spot on with the top three at lap 196 of 225 last week at Milwaukee.

Race Winner: Scott Dixon
Runner up: Ryan Briscoe
Third: Danica Patrick

Note: I don’t know how I am leaving Dario and Power out of the top three, but call it a hunch.
Tune in later tonight for qualification results and tomorrow for your race day coverage.
http://www.indycargarage.com/
Twitter: @IndyCarGarage
Facebook: facebook.com/IndyCarGarage

Milwaukee 225 Race Recap - Live from the Mile

2011-06-19T19:18:00.003-04:00

Milwaukee 225 post race recap
INDYCAR had a weekend full of racing at the Milwaukee Mile and Tyler Carmichael of www.IndyCarGarage.com was there to cover all the action.

1. INDYCAR racing at Milwaukee should be a mainstay

After a year off from racing, INDYCAR was the first form of racing to return to the Milwaukee Mile since its financial problems with the promoters. The racing featured over 250 race cars and lots of side by side action. Sunday’s crowd didn’t represent the true Milwaukee race community, as previous racing has shown that The Mile can be a jammed packed place to be for INDYCAR racing. Give some of the blame to the promotions company, give some more to INDYCAR who took on the promotion task, but don’t blame the racing one bit. The racing was outstanding in the IZOD IndyCar Series and Milwaukee should be a mainstay on the schedule for years to come.

2. Dario wins and pulls even with the championship

Dario Franchitti had a dominating race car on Sunday and it showed. Dario led the most laps, and clearly was hooked up throughout the race. Dario captured the two bonus points for leading the most laps and pulled even with Will Power for the IZOD IndyCar Championship. Sunday’s victory for Dario was his third of the 2011 season, moving him into a tie for 9th all-time in the IndyCar record books with IndyCar legend Rick Mears. The win was Dario’s 29th win of IndyCar style racing.

3. Big finishes by different drivers

Graham Rahal 2nd, Oriol Servia 3rd, Danica Patrick 5th, James Hinchcliff 6th, and Justin Wilson at 10th. Those five drivers made up a diverse top ten, and created drama throughout the final laps. Although Dario , Tony Kanaan, and Helio Castroneves led laps, finishes by the drivers listed above gave their teams something to ride home about. Graham continues to move up in the Championship , and media darling Danica Patrick had a good showing on a network TV race.

4. The Indy Lights controversial race

Firestone Indy Lights contested their second oval of the 2011 season, but under a cloud of controversy. On Friday, appartleny Sam Schmidt Motorsports cars #7 & #11 failed tech after qualifying. 15 minutes later, they didn’t fail tech and were allowed to retain their starting positions of 1st and 2nd. Esteban Guerrieri went on to lead every lap of the Indy Lights race, but not before Peter Dempsey pulled into road right before the green flag in protest. According to sources, both Schmidt Lights cars failed tech after the Freedom 100. The word around the Lights paddock this weekend was frustration and confusing as Schmidt cars have failed tech in the past but received no penalties. Look for this story to develop as the word starts to circulate.
5. Predication follow up

In the race preview , I had Helio as the race winner, Tony Kanaan in second and Dario finishing third. As of lap 195 I was in great shape as Helio led, TK was 2nd and Dario was third. TK spun in turn four and my predications were shot. Dario went on to win, Graham Rahal 2nd and Oriol Servia 3rd. Better luck next time.
Coming tomorrow and throughout the week: Driver post race interviews, Andretti Autosport Road To Indy driver interviews and more Randy Bernard interviews from Texas. Check out www.IndyCarGarage.com for all your INDYCAR news and notes.

Milwaukee 225 Preview

2011-06-18T19:48:00.007-04:00

Milwaukee 225 Preview
IndyCar Garage is live at the Milwaukee Mile for qualifications and all the action on Sunday. Tyler Carmichael, moderator of www.IndyCarGarage.com breaks down the story lines to watch for this weekend.

1. Ovals get shorter at Milwaukee
INDYCAR had just one oval last year less than one mile, this year they will have three, and it starts this weekend at the Milwaukee Mile. Milwaukee took a one year break from the INDYCAR Schedule, due to financial issues with the promoter. This year, it will feature over 250 race cars and seven races in two days. Milwaukee is a very flat track and as some have described it, a road course type that requires driver skill and not flat out type racing. Marco Andretti about the Milwaukee Mile "The Venom car will start ninth tomorrow and I think we can get the job done from there. This is always a fun race but the track is really tough on equipment because there's no banking. If you get the balance off even a little bit it can hurt you. You really want to start mid-pack or better and make sure you don't go a lap down - the leaders are going to be fast. We're in the ballgame so hopefully we get it right tomorrow and have a strong finish."

2. Dario and Helio take the front row

Superpowers Ganassi and Penske will be represented on the front row with defending series champion Dario Franchitti and Team Penske veteran Helio Castroneves. Franchitti has won twice this year (St.Pete and Texas #1), while Castroneves has struggled to post a solid finish in any of the six INDYCAR races. See the full starting field below

3. Simona De Silverstro crashes in qualifying and is transported to the local hospital.

Fan favorite Simona De Silvestro of HVM Racing crashed in turn four during her two lap qualifying effort. Simona hit the outer portion of the wall and slide into the inside part of the strong straightway. Her car, AKA: Porkchop, is the team’s only car this weekend and is a 2003 Dallara, one of the oldest in the series. The team is trying to repair it for the race tomorrow, but it’s unclear on the status of the car and Simona herself. Simona had a nasty crash at Texas in 2010, Indy in 2011, and has been very mentally challenged since her wreck at Indy. With tomorrow’s race on ABC, and sponsor dollars probably big on the network TV races, don’t be surprised if Simona gets cleared, for her to participate in some form
tomorrow.

4. The third of five races will be televised live on ABC – Prerace at 3:30 EST – Green Flag 4EST
INDYCAR drew an overnight T.V. rating of 1.4 for the opener at St. Pete , and it settled at 1.2. INDYCAR drew an overnight T.V. rating of 4.3 for the Indy 500, and it settled at 4.0. The two races have ABC network T.V. in common. Versus ratings for INDYCAR this year have been down from 2010, but ABC races are up. INDYCAR needs another solid rating of over 1.0 for ROI in sponsors, and creditability as well. INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard is in the middle of contract talks for a new TV deal for 2013 and beyond, and if he wants any leverage, he needs high ratings this season. Bernard was recently quoted in the IndyStar as saying he would like to see at least eight INDYCAR races on network TV in 2013.

5. Attendance for Milwaukee

INDYCAR didn’t race the Milwaukee Mile in 2010 and it will probably show in tomorrow’s attendance. Expect race attendance to anywhere between 20,000 to 25,000. A nice re-start to regaining traction at Milwaukee but not close to the peak of 50,000 back in the early 1990’s. The sad thing is, that the racing is still outstanding at Milwaukee, but the fan base isn’t what it used to be.

6. Starting Grid for tomorrow’s Milwaukee 225
Row 1 – Dario Franchitti , Helio Castroneves
Row 2 – Scott Dixon , Tony Kanaan
Row 3 – Takuma Sato, E.J. Viso
Row 4 – Ryan Hunter-Reay, Ryan Briscoe
Row 5 – Marco Andretti, Oriol Servia
Row 6 – Ana Beatriz, Graham Rahal
Row 7 – Justin Wilson , Alex Lloyd
Row 8 – Danica Patrick, James Hinchcliffe
Row 9 – Will Power , J.R. Hildebrand
Row 10 – Alex Tagliani , Mike Conway
Row 11 – Charlie Kimball , Vitor Meira
Row 12 – James Jakes , Sebastian Saavedra
Row 13 – Ed Carpenter , Simona De Silvestro

7. Predications for the IZOD IndyCar Series race
1st – Helio Castroneves
2nd – Tony Kanaan
3rd – Dario Franchitti

Coming Tomorrow: Driver interviews and complete race day coverage of all four races

Live coverage at the Milwaukee Mile

2011-06-17T12:26:00.004-04:00

IndyCar Garage will have live coverage from Milwaukee Mile this weekend.

Tyler Carmichael of www.IndyCarGarage.com will be on site for IZOD IndyCar Series Qualifications and throughout the day on Sunday for coverage of all four races. Tyler will also team with Doug Patterson of www.Openpaddock.net for additional coverage.

Coverage to watch for www.IndyCarGarage.com

Interviews from Andretti Autosport Mazda Road to Indy drivers: Spencer Pigot, Sage Karam, Zach Veach, and Stefan Wilson.

2004 Milwaukee Mile winner Ryan Hunter-Reay is scheduled to give us a race day preview on Sunday.

Coverage and results from the USF2000 , Star Mazda, Firestone Indy Lights and IZOD IndyCar Series.

Follow us on Twitter @IndyCarGarage and on Facebook - Facebook.com/IndyCarGarage

Simona De Silvestro previews the Texas twin 275s

2011-06-11T17:01:00.004-04:00

Simona De Silvestro talks with IndyCar Garage in the Texas Motor Speedway Club about what the twin 275s will be like and her thoughts on racing at Texas.

Simona De Silvestro Texas Interview part 2

2011-06-11T16:53:00.004-04:00

Simona De Silvestro talked with IndyCar Garage at the Texas Motor Speedway prior to the twin 275's in the second part of the interview Simona talks about the future of INDYCAR and the expectations of being a young superstar in the IZOD IndyCar Series

Simona De Silvestro Texas Interview part 1

2011-06-11T16:40:00.003-04:00

IndyCar Garage talked with Simona De Silvestro at the Texas Motor Speedway Club about road racing vs oval racing.

Randy Bernard Texas Interview Part 2

2011-06-11T14:34:00.002-04:00

INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard talks about who gave him the idea for the Texas Twin format and about keeping a balanced schedule between ovals and road/street courses

Randy Bernard Texas Interview Part 1

2011-06-11T13:43:00.004-04:00

INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard talked with IndyCar Garage prior to the Twin 275's. In part one of the interview Randy talks Momentum after the Indy 500 and how IndyCar can turn the page on T.V. Ratings.

Texas INDYCAR Preview

2011-06-10T20:25:00.002-04:00

Texas INDYCAR Preview

The IZOD IndyCar Series will saddle up for two 114 lap races at Texas Motor Speedway on Saturday Night. IndyCar Garage is live at Texas with coverage throughout the weekend.
Five stories to watch at Texas Motor Speedway

1. Twin races return

The last time INDYCAR had twin races, it was 1981 at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Rick Mears swept both. The format of two races in the same night returns to arguably the most exciting track to watch INDYCAR racing. The first 114 lap race will start at 7:45 Central time follow by a one hour half time. During the halftime, a victory lane celebration will be for race winner #1 and then the pre-race stage will be brought back onto the front stretch for the random draw of the starting positions for the second race. Starting with the last-place finisher of race 1 and closing with the race 1 winner, each driver will walk onto stage and spin one of the 30 Firestone tires to reveal their starting position for race #2.

2. Oval Racing is exciting
INDYCAR arguably offers the most excitement and drama when they race on ovals. Texas Motor Speedway offers INDYCAR at 215 mph and allows for two and three wide pack racing. Danica Patrick is a huge fan of ovals, was quoted as “This is IndyCar racing at its best “ when asked about the racing at Texas. Oval racing at Texas also can be very dangerous, just ask Davey Hamilton of Dryer and Reinbold Racing. 10 years ago at Texas, Hamilton was involved in a scary backstretch crash that nearly paralyzed him. Hamilton was scheduled to race last year at Texas, but was unable to participate because of the lack of cars for Dragon Racing. Hamilton will get his chance tomorrow night as he prepares for his second race of the 2011 season and first at Texas since 2001.

3. Dan Wheldon is in Texas but…..

Two time Indy 500 Champion and reigning Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon will be at Texas Motor Speedway for the race on Saturday night but will be in the broadcast booth for VERSUS and not the cockpit. Wheldon, drove for Bryan Herta Autosport in a one off effort for the Indy 500, won on a last lap pass of J.R. Hildebrand, who hit the wall in turn four. Wheldon’s winning car actually is being driven by Wade Cunningham of Sam Schmidt Motorsports for this race, and it’s a 2003 model. Bottom line is that INDYCAR needs its Indy 500 champ in a full-time ride, not in the broadcast booth two weeks after he won the season’s biggest race. Wheldon turned down a one off ride at Texas with KV Racing, and also has offers from NASCAR as well. It’s likely it could be 2012 before fans see Wheldon in an INDYCAR Ride.

4. Alex Tagliani makes it two for two

Alex Tagliani of Sam Schmidt Motorsports captured his second pole of the 2011 season, and his second in a row. Tagliani was the feel good story of the Indy 500 when he started on the pole at Indy for the first time in his career. Tagliani was the only driver over 215 mph, and his teammate Wade Cunningham will start 8th, driving the same car Dan Wheldon took to victory lane two weeks ago at the Indy 500. Hopefully Tagliani can translate his qualifying good luck into a trip into victory lane.

5. Predication's for the race

Texas will have two winners, I get two chances make predication's on who will win the race. Let’s not forget that I predicated Ryan Briscoe would win last year at Texas and he took home his only victory of the 2010 season at Texas last year.

Race one
Winner: Dario Franchitti
Second: Will Power
Third: Marco Andretti

Race Two
Winner: Tony Kanaan
Second: Danica Patrick
Third: Dario Franchitti

Tune in tomorrow for more live coverage from Texas Motor Speedway. IndyCar Garage will have a pre-race interview with Simona De Silverstro and another live IndyCar Garage Weekly at 5 p.m. Central Standard Time.

Check it out and tune in!

Mike Conway previews the Texas twin 275s

2011-06-10T12:23:00.002-04:00

Mike Conway of Andretti Autosport talks about the Texas twin 275s

IndyCar Garage talks with Mike Conway about Indy & Oval racing

2011-06-10T12:11:00.002-04:00

Mike Conway of Andretti Autosport talked with Tyler Carmichael of IndyCar Garage about the Indy 500 and his return to oval racing.

IndyCar Garage live coverage from Texas Motor Speedway

2011-06-08T13:06:00.005-04:00

IndyCar Garage live coverage from Texas Motor Speedway

Tyler Carmichael, moderator of http://www.indycargarage.com/ will have live coverage of the IZOD IndyCar Series at Texas Motor Speedway this coming weekend.
Check out live radio shows of IndyCar Garage Weekly on Friday and Saturday
Interviews are scheduled with Andretti Autosport driver Mike Conway and HVM Racing Simona De Silverstro.
Follow IndyCar Garage on Twitter - @IndyCarGarage and on Facebook at IndyCarGarage

We will also have a live in race chat throughout both 114 lap races and will be your source for all INDYCAR news this weekend.

TUNE IN!

IZOD Hot Wheels Stunt - Pre-race Indy 500

2011-06-03T15:09:00.003-04:00

The video below is the Hot Wheels stunt performed in the pre-race activities of the Indy 500. The secret driver of the stunt truck was Tanner Foust. The jump was varfied at 332 feet, smashing the previous jump of 301 feet.

Overnight T.V. ratings up from 2011 Indy 500

2011-05-31T09:54:00.003-04:00

Per AndyHall from ESPN the Indianapolis 500 telecast on ABC overnight T.V. Ratings earned a 4.3 , that is up from the 2010 overnight rating of 4.0

Indianapolis lead all national markets with a 14.5 rating. Note, the race was tape delayed in the Indy market.

No word on final ratings, as those probably won't settle until the end of the week.

For the entire 2011 ratings thread for the IZOD IndyCar Series - click on the link below:

http://www.indycargarage.com/forum/topics/2011-tv-ratings-indy-500-now

Indy 500 Preview & Predictions

2011-05-26T21:53:00.003-04:00

Indy 500 Preview & Predictions

IndyCar Garage caught up with several drivers that will compete in the 2011 Indy 500, check out all of the Indy 500 interviews at the Indy 500 Interviews tab or click on the link below:

http://www.indycargarage.com/video

IndyCar Garage also is predicting who win the 2011 Indy 500 and round out the top five:

1st Place : Scott Dixon – Ganassi Racing
2nd Place : Oriol Servia – Newman/Haas Racing
3rd Place : JR Hildebrand – Panther Racing
4th Place : Ryan Briscoe – Team Penske
5th Place : Marco Andretti – Andretti Autosport

Give us your Top five for the race on Sunday and follow IndyCarGarage on twitter for updates throughout the weekend!

A.J. Foyt #41 Car for Ryan Hunter-Reay

2011-05-26T12:33:00.002-04:00

IndyCar Garage caught a sneak peak of A.J. Foyt's #41 Car for Ryan Hunter-Reay in the 2011 Indy 500.

Recapping the last 72 hours

2011-05-24T14:09:00.004-04:00

(Danica's garage after the second rain shower)

Recapping the last 72 hours of INDYCAR

The IZOD IndyCar Series completed its second most important weekend of May 48 hours ago and a lot transpired, IndyCar Garage recaps it all.

1. Alex Tagliani captures the pole

Tagliani, driving for Sam Schmidt Motorsports captures the pole in dramatic fashion during the fast nine shootout, easily the biggest story of the day correct? Well , kind of of. Still not in the race are four Andretti Autosport cars, led by the ever so interesting #7 of Danica Patrick and the #26 of Marco Andretti.

2. Simona captures a spot after a horrific crash

Simona De Silverstro, who talked with IndyCar Garage last Wednesday, somehow put her 2003 “PORKCHOP” Dallara in the race, after suffering second degree burns on her hands from a Fast Friday accident in turns 3 and 4. Simona, easily one of the most popular drivers in the IZOD IndyCar Series, will compete in her second Indy 500 on Sunday.

3. Good runs for non Penske/Ganassi drivers

Drivers like Jay Howard, Dan Wheldon, Oriol Servia, Bertrand Baguette, Pippa Man and Davey Hamilton all have to happy excited to be involved in the 95th running of the Indy 500. Outside of Servia, these drivers are not full time participates in the IZOD IndyCar Series. Howard , unlucky in his last two attempts to qualify at Indy, will finally get a chance to take the green flag with 32 other cars.

4. Bump Day lives up to the hype

Bump day lived up to the hype that had been building up to it since late April, two rain delays, several big names not in the field, and rumors of Charlie Seen in the garages all were examples of how bump day played out. In the end, Danica was safe, Tracy found a way, Briscoe put the backup in, and four women will start for the second straight year. Drivers like Jakes, Matos, and sebastian Saavedra didn’t surprise many when they couldn’t find the speed, but the entire Dragon program, and the meltdown of Andretti Autosport were hardly forgone conclusions.

5. Bump day spills into Monday

In a business decision, Ryan Hunter-Reay replaces Bruno Junqueira in the #41 A.J. Foyt ABC Supply IndyCar. The decision wasn’t popular with many of the drivers, nor with many fans, but deep down you have to understand the logic behind it. This isn’t the first time it’s happened, nor will it be the last, unless Randy Bernard changes it. Hunter-Reay is an American with big-name sponsors , Junqueira is a one-off driver, but a damn good one for that matter.

Coming Thursday:
Indy 500 Preview and more Indy 500 driver interviews from media day, check it all out at http://www.indycargarage.com/

Live at Bump Day

2011-05-22T12:39:00.002-04:00

IndyCar Garage is live at Bump day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Graham Rahal and Ana Beatriz qualified before a quick rain shower passed through. Rahal four lap average was 224.38- and Beatriz speed is 223.879, it will be interesting to see if those speeds hold up

Pippa Man Interview

2011-05-18T12:49:00.007-04:00

IndyCar Garage had the chance to talk with Pippa Man of Conquest Racing, check out the interview below

http://www.indycargarage.com/video/pippa-man-interview

Alex Tagliani talks with IndyCar Garage about his new Helment

2011-05-15T13:55:00.002-04:00

IndyCar Garage caught up with Sam Schmidt Motorsport driver Alex Tagliani about his new helment design, watch the video below.

Katherine Legge partners with Sam Schmidt Motorsports for possible races in 2011 and in 2012

2011-05-14T15:47:00.008-04:00

Katherine Legge partners with Sam Schmidt Motorsports for possible races in 2011 and in preparation for 2012.
IndyCar Garage has the pleasure of talking with Katherine Legge at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Katherine announced that she has partnered with Sam Schmidt Motorsports for a package of possible races for 2011 and also a program in 2012.

Check out the link below for the full interview with Katherine.

http://indycargarage.blogspot.com/2011/05/katherine-legge-talks-with-indycar.html

The goal for 2011 is to put her in events that showcase her abilities, preferably on a road/street course, because that is primary background from Champ Car. Katherine has been racing DTM sports car in Germany the past three years, prior to DTM she drove in Champ Car for two years, and she also tested a Formula one car in 2005 for Minardi, which is now team Red Bull.

We could possibly see Katherine at Toronto, Edmonton, or maybe Mid-Ohio, no races are official yet though.

Continue to follow IndyCar Garage for more coverage throughout the Month of May

IndyCar Garage Weekly returns tonight w/guest Stefano De Ponti of Dallara

2011-05-12T08:48:00.000-04:00

IndyCar Garage Weekly returns for its 30 minute program of INDYCAR Conversation streamed live on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/IndyCarGarage-Weeky-.

Tyler Carmichael, moderator of IndyCarGarage.com will host and welcome special guest Stefano De Ponti. De Ponti is the executive director of Dallara's U.S. operation. Dallara is currently in the process of building the new INDYCAR Chassis for 2012.

Among the topics that will be covered with De Ponti, include:

Why Dallara choose Speedway, Indiana as their new and only U.S. home

The new 2012 designs that Dallara reveled on Tuesday

The features of the new building that is currently being built.

Tyler will also recap the Rookie Orientation Program that took place today at IMS. Eight rookies are scheduled to participate.

Tune in live at 6EST on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/IndyCarGarage-Weekly--

Open the gates and let the Speed start flowing - ROP / Opening Weekend Preview

2011-05-11T14:24:00.000-04:00

Open the gates and let the Speed start flowing – ROP / Opening Weekend Preview

The 95th running of the Indianapolis 500 will take place on Sunday, May 29th, and the preparation officially starts Thursday May 12th. Officially opening day is Saturday May 14th, but Thursday May 12th will mark the first day cars take to the track, with eight rookies expected to complete Rookie Orientation Process. IndyCar Garage tells you what to watch for the first weekend of track activity.

1. Eight Rookies highlight a strong crop of newcomers

Eight rookies will try and complete ROP two days before the track officially opens for practice. Jay Howard, James Hinchcliffe, Charlie Kimball, Pippa Man, Scott Speed, James Jakes, Ho-Pin Tung and J.R. Hildebrand all will take laps at the 2.5 mile oval. Only Jay Howard has completed laps in the current IZOD IndyCar, as he failed to qualify for last year’s race with Sarah Fisher Racing. Rookies that struggle during ROP could be an early indicator of drivers on the hot seat to make the field of 33.

2. The search for speed will be immediate

Over 40 driver/car combos are confirmed, and there could possibly be one more if Sarah Fisher Racing decides to run the #57 entry. 40 represents the highest number of car/driver combos entered for the race since 2002, the year before the current car was introduced. Milka Duno, Paul Tracy, Jay Howard, and Jacque Lazier all failed to qualify on bump day, and this year that list will grow to seven, possibly eight drivers. The current car hasn’t changed much over the last year, so finding every second of speed will be very important for all teams.

3. The Weather can’t be an issue

The weather forecast looks spotty for next week, but there should be enough track time for everyone to figure out the nine year old Dallara. With the condensed, but action packed schedule in year two, (one weekend of qualifications) a big weather front that moves in could drastically impact the rookies and the hype of Pole Day/Bump Day weekend.

4. Pole Speed?

Helio hit 227 during the fast 9 shootout last year, could we see 228 or higher this year? It would be cool to see 230, but I just don’t think we’ll see much past 227 or tops 228. I am sure some of the cars will pull some high numbers in ideal temperatures and with a toe, we could possibly see 229, but for pole speed.,Expect about what we saw last year.

5. Several new livery’s will debut

With the expanded entry list of 40 car/driver combos, several cars will be sporting different looking rides. Helio Castroneves will the Shell designed car, Ryan Briscoe will be back with the IZOD car, Bruno Junqueira will carry the orange coyote colors from A.J. Foyt’s 1977 winning car, Tomas Sheckter will show off the Redline Extreme colors, Scott Speed will bring back Fuzzys Vodka on his Dragon Racing car, and Ed Carpenter will show off Dollar General for the first time in 2011. Find a spotter guide when you get to the track!

VOTE for IndyCar Garage to participate in the VIRTUAL INDY 500

2011-05-10T10:50:00.004-04:00

VOTE for IndyCar Garage to participate in the VIRTUAL INDY 500

IndyCar Garage is now featured on http://www.indycar.com/ as part of their official blog series in preparing motorsport writers for the Virtual Indy 500. IndyCar Garage wants your vote to participate was one of the ten motorsport writers who will participate in a Virtual Indy 500 on Carb day, May 27th.

All you have to do is go to the link below and check out the information on the site.

http://blog.indycar.com/2011/05/09/should-indycar-garage-rep-for-fans-at-the-virtual-indy-500/

Scott Speed comes to INDYCAR for Indy 500

2011-05-05T23:19:00.004-04:00

Scott Speed is ready to make his INDYCAR debut next week at rookie testing for the 2011 Indy 500.

Read the link below from Speedtv.com

http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-scott-speed-set-for-indy-debut-with-dragon/

Then go ahead and read the Blog that IndyCar Garage wrote back in the summer of 2009 about the top ten drivers not in IndyCar racing.

Posted: June 11th, 2009

IndyCar Garage breaks down ten drivers that aren’t driving in the IndyCar Series and what their impact would have done or could do to the IndyCar series. This includes drivers that have raced partial schedules in years past or in the present season.

IndyCar Garage continues it’s countdown of the top ten drivers not currently driving full-time in the IndyCar Series with driver # 7
SCOTT SPEED – AMERICAN – AGE 26 – Chances of Joining the ICS = 25%

Scott Speed began karting at the age of 10 in 1993 and remained in that role until his 18th birthday in 2001. At the age of 18 he began a four year journey toward Formula 1 by moving up through their development series. At just the age of 22, Scott Speed became the first American driver since Michael Andretti to drive a F1 car as a test driver for Red Bull Racing. In 2006 Toro Rosso was created through Red Bull Racing and gave Speed a full time ride in the Formula 1 series. Speed would have a less than spectator two years in F1 as he would struggle to find the top ten in any capacity. Speed’s best finish was ninth at the Monaco Grand Prix in 2007. After his departure from F1 in mid 2007, he immetidaley started driving in the ARCA RE/MAX series for Eddie Sharp Racing. His success for Eddie Sharp Racing lead to ride with Bill Davis Racing in the 2008 Craftsman Truck Series. He now competes full time as a Sprint Cup Driver and has found moderate success as a full-time rookie.

Speed is the type of driver that should have joined the IndyCar series developmental series in 2001 after he turned 18 and been a full time driver by his early 20’s, similar to the route of Marco Andretti. Instead, in 2001 the split was in full-force and allowed Speed to progress through the F1 minor leagues and eventually have an unsuccessful attempt in F1. It should be noted that in 2004 he tested for the Red Bull Cheever Racing team in the Indy Racing League, but nothing else came of it.

When Speed’s F1 career hit the rocks, where else would you take your sponsorship, well of course NASCAR. The bottom line with Speed is that he is a young American driver with talent, and he really never had a good opportunity to join the IndyCar series. Don’t count out Speed to be in the IndyCar series at some point. Speed’s career is still very young and if the NASCAR thing doesn’t pan out, you possibly could see him back in a IndyCar

Power wins at Brazil, re-takes championship lead by 14 points

2011-05-02T10:40:00.002-04:00

Power wins at Brazil, re-takes championship lead by 14 points

Team Penske Road Course ace Will Power captured his second win of the 2011 season and repeated his feat from the inaugural Sao Paolo race in 2010. The race was shortened due to weather and postponed from it’s original time on Sunday May 1st. Graham Rahal captured his first podium of the 2011 season with a second place finish, and Ryan Briscoe was third. Rahal currently sits 9th in the championship standings while Briscoe is 5th.

The race was televised live on VERSUS at 8:05 EST and featured a wet track that produced lots of spin offs and passing. Takuma Sato of KV Racing overtook Power on the second restart, and led several laps. When a caution from a Dario Franchitti spin, brought several leaders into the pits, Sato, along with Marco Andretti, and E.J. Viso choose not to pits. Viso quickly got around Andretti and gave KV Racing their first 1-2 combo of the entire year, but it was short lived. Viso was penalized by INDYCAR blocking and received a black flag, forcing him to the tail end of the lead lap. Sato would eventually pit for fuel and Andretti would suffer electrical issues that would force him to pit as well. Power took the lead and held on to win in the time shortened race. Graham Rahal was second, easily his best finish since winning at St. Pete in 2008. Ryan Briscoe backed up his second place effort at Long Beach, with a third place finish.
Full results are below:

1. (1) Will Power, Dallara-Honda, 55, Running
2. (5) Graham Rahal, Dallara-Honda, 55, Running
3. (4) Ryan Briscoe, Dallara-Honda, 55, Running
4. (6) Dario Franchitti, Dallara-Honda, 55, Running
5. (16) Oriol Servia, Dallara-Honda, 55, Running
6. (9) Mike Conway, Dallara-Honda, 55, Running
7. (8) Justin Wilson, Dallara-Honda, 55, Running
8. (10) Takuma Sato, Dallara-Honda, 55, Running
9. (11) James Hinchcliffe, Dallara-Honda, 55, Running
10. (22) JR Hildebrand, Dallara-Honda, 55, Running
11. (23) Sebastian Saavedra, Dallara-Honda, 55, Running
12. (3) Scott Dixon, Dallara-Honda, 55, Running
13. (26) EJ Viso, Dallara-Honda, 55, Running
4. (15) Marco Andretti, Dallara-Honda, 55, Running
15. (24) James Jakes, Dallara-Honda, 55, Running
16. (18) Charlie Kimball, Dallara-Honda, 54, Running
17. (14) Vitor Meira, Dallara-Honda, 53, Running
18. (2) Ryan Hunter-Reay, Dallara-Honda, 50, Running
19. (20) Alex Tagliani, Dallara-Honda, 48, Running
20. (13) Simona de Silvestro, Dallara-Honda, 46, Running
21. (7) Helio Castroneves, Dallara-Honda, 46, Running
22. (21) Tony Kanaan, Dallara-Honda, 46, Running
23. (17) Danica Patrick, Dallara-Honda, 46, Running
24. (25) Ana Beatriz, Dallara-Honda, 31, Mechanical
25. (19) Raphael Matos, Dallara-Honda, 28, Contact
26. (12) Sebastien Bourdais, Dallara-Honda, 20, Contact

Race Statistics
Winners average speed: 67.442
Time of Race: 02:04:05.2964
Margin of victory: 4.6723 seconds
Cautions: 6 for 21 laps
Lead changes: 2 among 3 drivers
Lap Leaders: Power 1 - 25, Sato 26-48, Power 49-55
Point Standings: Power 168, Franchitti 154, Servia 110, Conway 102, Briscoe 101, Kanaan 99, Tagliani 85, Dixon 84, Rahal 82, Sato 80.

What to watch for at Brazil

2011-04-29T11:46:00.005-04:00

What to watch for at Brazil

The IZOD IndyCar Series enters round four of their 2011 season, traveling to Sao Paulo, Brazil for the Itaipava Sao Paulo Indy 300 presented by Nestle. In 2010, this race was the season opener, it was a very exciting race, with many overtaking opportunities, 2011 looks to be just as good. The race will be televised live on VERSUS , with coverage starting at Noon EST. IndyCar Garage gives you five things to watch for heading into Brazil.

1. Will Power and everyone else
Power has started on pole for every race of 2011 and won the 2010 Brazil race with a late pass of Ryan Hunter-Reay. Power dominance early in 2011 has made him a near lock to repeat as the Mario Andretti Road-Course Champion, and even stronger effort to capture his first championship. Unless Power gets punted again by his teammate Helio Castroneves, he will be
around at the end, probably on the podium.

2. The best road/street course to pass on.
Brazil offers the longest stretch of IndyCar racing on the entire schedule, over a mile straightway awaits after turn 10, and heading into turn 11 many drivers are offered the best passing zone on the track, as Ryan Hunter-Reay found out in 2010 while running in P1.

"The circuit in Sao Paulo will be challenging. They've really repaved a lot of it and done away with some curbs. It was new last year and I think it will be pretty new again this year. It's going to keep us on our toes, being that it is a two-day weekend - practice, practice, qualify, race. It's going to happen quick and we're going to have to adapt" said Ryan Hunter-Reay .

3. Heading back home for several drivers
Five IZOD IndyCar drivers are natives of Brazil, including Helio Castroneves, Vitor Meira, Raphael Matos, Ana Beatriz, and fan favorite Tony Kanaan. Meira took home his only podium of 2010, with a third place finish, and Matos captured 4th while driving for then Deferran-Dragon Racing. Tony Kanaan is the highest of the five in the championship, as he trails only leader Dario Franchitti and second place Will Power. Watch on Sunday as the expected capacity crowd of over 50,000 cheers for their native drivers.

4. Second chance for Marco Andretti
The 2010 season started horribly for Marco Andretti, "Last year's incident took me out of the race way too early. I was disappointed I didn't get to do more in Brazil so I'm looking forward to going back. I think the Venom car and the team as a whole should be strong this weekend. We've made some big gains on street courses and the cars are starting to feel good on these types of circuits." Marco needs a strong finish to makeup for his mistake at Long Beach when he took out himself and Sebastien Bourdais in the pits, and also to get back in the championship hunt. Good news for Andretti is that Mario Moraes will not be in a IndyCar at Brazil.

5. A fourth different winner?
The IZOD IndyCar Series has had three races with three different winners, two of those, Franchitti and Power were to be expected, but the third, Mike Conway was a huge surprise two weeks ago at Long Beach. Will there be another shocking winner? Or will it be another Penske/Ganassi car visiting victory lane? Read below to see IndyCar Garage’s predications for the Fast Six and the top three finishers.

Race Predications for Sunday:
Firestone Fast Six: Will Power, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Scott Dixon, Justin Wilson, Ryan Briscoe, Dario Franchitti

Podium: 1st Ryan Hunter-Reay , 2nd Tony Kanaan, 3rd, Helio Castroneves

Mazda Road to Indy: The US F2000 Oval Clinic

2011-04-27T09:44:00.005-04:00

A lot of young drivers coming to race open-wheel cars here in the United States often underestimate the challenges of oval-track racing. Its a mistake that a lot of fans make as well frequently chanting the mantra, "Go fast, turn left, go fast, turn left..." As those of us who have followed Indy car racing over the years, there's a heck of a lot more to being successful on an oval that "go fast, turn left." As a fan, that lack of respect for ovals just results in one looking silly, but as a racer, it can result in career-ending meeting with the wall. One the biggest strengths of the Mazda Road to Indy system is that oval racing is a part of each rung of the ladder.

"The USF2000 series has prepared hundreds of drivers to advance in their careers over the past 17 years and many have climbed the ladder to the top rung of the IZOD IndyCar Series. One of our main goals is to provide complete training on all types of circuits to enable our drivers to achieve positive results as they climb today’s Mazda Road to Indy ladder. This oval clinic is an integral part of that plan. Our instructors are all experienced professionals on ovals, and some came up through the USF2000 ladder on their way to the top. The clinic will provide significant assistance to drivers and we are proud to present it for the first time." -- Dan Andersen, Owner and CEO of Andersen Promotions

Drivers in the program are running ovals right from the start in the Cooper Tires Presents the USF2000 National Championship Powered by Mazda along with the Star Mazda Championship Presented by Goodyear beginning on the Saturday night before the Indianapolis 500 at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis (*sigh*), a tricky 5/8-mile oval on the Northwest side of Indianapolis. The Firestone Indy Lights drivers face an even tougher challenge with their first oval of the season being the extremely challenging Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Always in the past, drivers new to the challenges of oval racing only had the advice of their teams or perhaps the occasional interaction with the official league driving coaches. By no means do I mean to slight the great driving coaches INDYCAR has made available, but you're not getting the intense one-on-one coaching for days on end that some of these young drivers need.

Dan Andersen, Owner and CEO of Andersen Promotions which promotes the US F2000 National Championship, has created an Oval Clinic to take place at the Indianapolis Motor speedway on May 6th to give drivers new, or minimally experienced, to oval racing an intense tutorial with advice and wisdom from some seriously successful oval-track racers. The instructors for the clinic include Indianapolis 500 Mile Race winners Dan Wheldon and Al Unser, Jr., Johnny Unser, and 1998 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year Steve Knapp. That's a pretty talent-laden line-up for the young up and coming drivers to tap, and in Wheldon's case, someone who been where these young drivers are now having never raced an oval before.

"When I first started with USF2000 in 1999, ovals were not only new in terms of driving but I had never seen one before. It is difficult when you come over from Europe. You underestimate the challenge of oval racing. It is not a lack of respect; it is just difficult to understand. USF2000 provided experienced drivers to help people like me utilize their knowledge and make the transition. It was a great learning experience. You need to have this type of input and be a sponge to learn all you can. USF2000 worked incredibly well for me and I am very happy to participate in the oval clinic to help up-and-coming drivers in the same way I was guided at the start of my career." -- Dan Wheldon, 2005 Indianpolis 500 Mile Race Winner

Will this help? Well, it certainly couldn't hurt! Also, the clinic attendees from US F2000 and Star Mazda will be able to apply their lessons the very next day on May 7th at the Lucas Oil Raceway. If you're going to be in town for the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, I'd encourage you to make it out to Carburetion Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday to see the Firestone Freedom 100, and to Lucas Oil Raceway on Saturday night to see the US F2000, Star Mazda, and USAC Midget racers for the Night Before the 500. You won't be disappointed, and these young racers deserve our support.

Doug Patterson is the Mazda Road to Indy Editor and Chief Photographer at www.openpaddock.net and a long time member of the www.IndyCarGarage.com

Find him here at ICG as

http://www.indycargarage.com/profile/xorpheous

And on twitter www.twitter.com/xorpheous

IndyCar Garage Weekly tonight w/guest Indy500 Flagman Tom Hansing

2011-04-26T09:36:00.008-04:00

IndyCar Garage Weekly returns for 30 minutes of INDYCAR conversation with host Tyler Carmichael, moderator of http://www.indycargarage.com/.

Tyler will catch up on all the latest INDYCAR news and rumors and welcome special guest Tom Hansing. Tom serves as the starter and one of the flagmen for the Indy 500 and other events in theIZOD IndyCar Series. Tyler will ask Tom about double file restarts, the flying start of the Indy 500 and the experience of waving the flag for INDYCAR races.

Tyler will also talk about the new partnership between IndyCar Garage and Openpaddock.net.

Tune in live at 6 EST on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/IndyCarGarage-Weekly-

Championship Standings after 3 races with comments

2011-04-18T10:44:00.004-04:00

Championship Standings after 3 races with comments

The IZOD IndyCar Series concluded their third race of the 2011 season with their third consecutive new race winner, in the Andretti Autosports, Mike Conway. Ryan Briscoe finished second and Dario Franchitti rounded out the podium. Surprising rookie James Hinchcliffe finished 4th and fellow Canadian Alex Tagliani rounded out the top five. IndyCar Garage gives you the updated point standings through three rounds and brief comments for each racer. (spots gained or lost)

1. Dario Franchitti +1

Comment: three consecutive podiums have the reigning champ in prime form.

2. Will Power -1

Comment: If Helio doesn’t take Power out, he is on the podium again at Long Beach

3. Tony Kanaan

Comment: Still maintaining as he chases his second championship, first since 2004

4. Oriol Servia +2

Comment: Proving that he is a very good driver and that Newman/Haas is still good

5. Mike Conway +19

Comment: First career win bumped him 19 spots in the Championship and highest AA driver

6. Alex Tagliani +3

Comment: Quietly having a strong start with SSM, and don’t forget he started P2 at Brazil last

year

7. Scott Dixon – 3

Comment: Big let down at Long Beach after strong Barber race

8. Ryan Briscoe +17

Comment: Briscoe was do or die for Long Beach and he delivered, huge race for him

9. Simona de Silvestro - 4

Comment: It will be interesting to see how she bounces back from her first bad race of 2011

10. Vitor Meira

Comment: Vitor hanging in the top ten and his best finish of 2010 (Brazil) is up next

11. Danica Patrick +5

Comment: If Danica can survive one more twisty, and be in the top 10 heading into the ovals, she could be a threat to crack the top five

12. Raphael Matos

Comment: Solid start and consider this, he sits higher in the points than fellow Brazilin Helio

13. Takuma Sato -5

Comment: The fifth place finish at St. Pete feels like forever ago,

14. Helio Castroneves -3

Comment: The biggest disappointment so far of the Penske drivers, he needs Indy to be here

15. Marco Andretti -8

Comment: Another driver that suffered a big let down and a big F Bomb on T.V.

16. JR Hildebrand -3

Comment: His ROY of the lead is only 5 points on Hinch, started last at Long Beach

17. James Hinchcliffe +10

Comment: Young Canadian finished a career best 4th at Long Beach

18. Justin Wilson -3

Comment: Qualified strong (Fast 6), but spun during the race, needs a strong race at Brazil

19. Charlie Kimball -5

Comment: Ganassi Rookie struggled at Long Beach

20. Sebastian Saavedra -2

Comment: Another rookie that is still trying to find his way

21. Graham Rahal -1

Comment: 21st in the standings after three races is not how Graham envisioned his season after three races

22. Ryan Hunter-Reay -5

Comment: Had the car to win at Long Beach, but technical issues forced a DNF

23. James Jakes -4

Comment: Still learning the ropes of INDYCAR

24. Sebastien Bourdais -2

Comment: Charging through the field when he got tangled with Marco

25. E.J. Viso -2

Comment: Wrecked car after wrecked car

26. Ana Beatriz

Comment: Might have rushed her comeback , two important races for her are Brazil and Indy

27. Simon Pagenaud -6 (Didn’t race at Long Beach)

Comment: His next race appears to be Indy

28. Paul Tracy

Comment: Not much to report in Tracy’s first race of 2011

What to watch for at Long Beach

2011-04-15T13:29:00.006-04:00

What to watch for at Long Beach INDYCAR heads into their third round of the 2011 season by traveling to the west coast on the streets of Long Beach, California. A popular open wheel spot, the Long Beach Grand Prix will be in its 37th year of open wheel competition. Six current IZOD IndyCar drivers have won at Long Beach, including last years race winner, Ryan Hunter-Reay. Dario Franchitti, Will Power, Paul Tracy, Helio Castroneves, and Sebastien Bourdais round out the former winners group. IndyCar Garage tells you what to watch for heading into Long Beach.

1. Will Power & Dario Franchitti Can anyone knock off the best drivers from top teams Penske and Ganassi? Probably not, but Franchitti and Power both will have their hands full if they don’t qualify well. Franchitti won at St. Pete, Power at Barber. Power leads Franchitti by seven points in the early championship fight.

2. Paul Tracy back in the saddle INDYCAR Veteran and current active win leader Paul Tracy returns for one of his five scheduled races with reformed Dragon Racing. Tracy will compete with Dragon racing at Long Beach, Texas, Sonoma, and both Canada races. Tracy has won four times at Long Beach, if he has a good car this weekend, look out!

3. Simona De Silvestro and Tony Kanaan’s fast starts Easily the best two stories of the year are Tony Kanaan and Simona De Silverstro quick start to the 2011 season. Kanaan has finished 3rd at St. Pete and 6th at Barber, while De Silverstro finished a career best 4th at St. Pete and 9th at Barber, despite contact with E.J. Viso. De Silverstro arguably is the most talented female driver in the IZOD IndyCar series this year and Kanaan (TK) is a fan favorite. Both drivers are separated by only 9 points in the championship, TK 3rd and Simona 5th, and while TK remains more the complete driver that has won a championship, races, and captured poles, Simona easily could be the next big thing within the IZOD IndyCar Series.

4. Justin Wilson, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Ryan Briscoe, Graham Rahal, Helio Castroneves, and Danica Patrick. What do all of these drivers have in common? None of them sit within the top ten in the championship standings. All of these drivers need strong finishes to recapture any sort of hope they have for the championship or finishing in the top 10. The IZOD IndyCar Series has its deepest field, talent wise, in years and the championship represents that perfectly two races in.

5. Rivalries : As Robin Miller said on pit-lane of the Barber race, this series needs some “HATE” I couldn’t agree more, rivalries spark interest and conflicts create drama. Below are some of the drivers that will be fun to watch as they race each other around the Long Beach street course this weekend

Old Rivalry reunited: Paul Tracy vs. Sebastian Bourdais
Penske vs. Ganassi rivalry: Will Power vs. Dario Franchitti
Budding rivalry: Hunter-Reay vs. Briscoe
I hate this guy rivalry: E.J. Viso vs. EVERYONE

6. Predications: Firestone Fast Six: Ryan Hunter-Reay , Will Power, Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti, Ryan Briscoe, Justin Wilson
Race Winner: Scott Dixon
Sleeper: Paul Tracy & Sebastian Bourdais

INDY 500 Winners to take Legendary Drive before race

2011-04-14T10:17:00.002-04:00

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced yesterday that they will have former legendary race champions and cars pacing the track prior to 2011 race. Below is the press release. IndyCar Garage’s reaction to this: WOW, this will be cool and exciting to see.

INDY 500 WINNERS TO TAKE LEGENDARY DRIVE BEFORE RACE MAY 29

INDIANAPOLIS, Wednesday, April 13, 2011 - Legendary Indianapolis 500 champions Mario Andretti, Arie Luyendyk, Bobby Rahal, Johnny Rutherford, Al Unser, Al Unser Jr. and Bobby Unser each will each drive a winning car from "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" around the fabled Brickyard oval during pre-race ceremonies at the 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 29.

The participants, with the years of their victories and the cars they will drive on Race Morning:

•Mario Andretti (1969): The Boyle Maserati that won in 1939 and 1940 with Wilbur Shaw.

•Arie Luyendyk (1990, 1997): The No. 30 Domino's Pizza Lola/Chevrolet Indy in which Luyendyk won in 1990. Luyendyk averaged 185.981 mph, which stands as the race record.

•Bobby Rahal (1986): The No. 14 Miller that won in 1928 with Louis Meyer.

•Johnny Rutherford (1974, 1976, 1980): The No. 4 Pennzoil Chaparral/Cosworth in which Rutherford won in 1980. The car is affectionately nicknamed "The Yellow Submarine."

•Al Unser (1970, 1971, 1978, 1987): The No. 82 Lotus-Ford that won in 1965 with Jim Clark. This is the first rear-engine car to win the "500."

•Al Unser Jr. (1992, 1994): The Blue Crown Spark Plug Diedt/Offy that won in 1947 and 1948 with Mauri Rose.

•Bobby Unser (1968, 1975, 1981): The No. 8 National that won in 1912 with Joe Dawson. The car features a second seat for a riding mechanic, which will be filled by Unser's wife, Lisa, on Race Day.

The drivers are thrilled to bring history to life for Race Day fans.

"I think it's a great honor to be able run Jimmy Clark's car," Al Unser said. "We were teammates in 1966, so to be able to go back and drive one of his cars that he won with I think is absolutely a great thing."

Said Al Unser Jr.: "To drive a car of a great race car driver, Mauri Rose, who was truly the best in his era, is going to be very exciting and memorable. It's something I won't forget for the rest of my life."

The 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 starts at noon (ET) May 29. Live coverage on ABC and the IMS Radio Network starts at 11 a.m.

Point Standings after 2 races with comments

2011-04-11T14:20:00.005-04:00

INDYCAR completed their second round of action yesterday at the sunny hills of Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds, Alabama. Will Power took the twin checkers for the first time in 2011, Scott Dixon was second and Dario Franchitti third. IndyCar Garage recaps the point standings after two races and add comments for each racer in the standings.

Briscoe, 25th in points, needs a good finish

1. Will Power 94

Comment: Power will be very tough to beat on Road and Street courses this yr

2. Dario Franchitti 87

Comment: Needs to keep close tabs on Power this year if he wants his 4th championship

3. Tony Kanaan 63

Comment: Off to a great start wit his new team, can he keep it going?

4. Scott Dixon 54

Comment: Rebounded nicely after St. Pete, “ICE MAN” can still hack it

5. Simona de Silvestro 54

Comment: Easily the best story of the year in terms of small teams, already two top 10’s

6. Oriol Servia 52

Comment: proving he deserved the ride at Newman/Haas

7. Marco Andretti 44

Comment: If Marco could only get through the first turn of the first lap of the season….

8. Takuma Sato 44

Comment: TK used his setup for yesterday’s race, gaining experience this side of the Atlantic

9. Alex Tagliani 43

Comment: Quietly in the top 10 in points for SSM

10. Vitor Meira 42

Comment: If Foyt’s team can give Vitor a decent car, he usually is competitive

11. Helio Castroneves 38

Comment: Can’t have any more mishaps like turn one of St. Pete

12. Raphael Matos 38

Comment: Doing well for a small budget team, not confirmed for the full 2011 schedule

13. J.R. Hildebrand 36

Comment: Rookie has battled in his first race of 2011, will only get better

14. Charlie Kimball 32

Comment: Another rookie that will battle for top 10 finishes

15. Justin Wilson 32

Comment: Not the way Wilson wanted to start the season

16. Danica Patrick 31

Comment: Late pit stop call hurt her chances of a top 10 and a big swing in the points

17. Ryan Hunter-Reay 28

Comment: returns to Long Beach as the defending race winner, needs a strong finish

18. Sebastian Saavedra 27

Comment: Rookie that will hit his strides and walls throughout 2011

19. James Jakes 25

Comment: Rookie for Dale Coyne, will struggle as he gains experience

20. Graham Rahal 25

Comment: Had a strong car at Barber, but not a strong finish

21. Simon Pagenaud 24

Comment: Finished 8th while filling in for Ana Beatriz

22. Sebastien Bourdais 24

Comment: Driving only R&S races for Dale Coyne, could battle for top 5’s toward the end

23. E.J. Viso 24

Comment: Easily the most unpopular driver in the series right now

24. Mike Conway 24

Comment: Trying to put together a full weekend of no mistakes

25. Ryan Briscoe 24

Comment: The third Penske driver needs a strong finish at Long Beach

26. Ana Beatriz 16

Comment: Hopefully coming back for Long Beach

27. James Hinchcliffe 12

Comment: Young Canadian rookie will do well with Newman/Haas

IndyCar Garage talks w/Sage Karam- Star Mazda Andretti Autosport driver

2011-04-08T10:30:00.003-04:00

IndyCar Garage had the chance to catch up with Andretti Autosport Star Mazda driver Sage Karam down at St. Pete, listen below to hear about his season.

IndyCar Garage talks w/Zach Veach- USF2000 Andretti Autosport driver

2011-04-08T10:24:00.002-04:00

IndyCar Garage caught up with Andretti Autosport USF2000 driver Zach Veach down at St. Pete, check out what he had to say about his season.

IndyCar Garage talks w/Spencer Pigot - USF2000 Andretti Autosport driver

2011-04-05T12:29:00.003-04:00

IndyCar Garage caught up with Spencer Pigot of Andretti Autosport down at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Pete, listen below to hear about his season.

IndyCar Garage talks w/Pippa Man

2011-04-04T09:48:00.002-04:00

IndyCar Garage had the chance to speak with INDYCAR driver Pippa Man about her future in 2011, watch the video below to find out more.

Dario wins at St. Pete

2011-03-27T16:00:00.002-04:00

Dario Franchitti won the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Season opener on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. Will Power, who started on the pole was second, and new KV Racing addition Tony Kanaan finished third. HVM Racing Simona de Silvestro impressed the impressive crowd with a fourth place finish.

Double file restarts came into play right away as five cautions took place within the 11 laps of the race, but once the field settled down, Dario dominated the race.

Marco Andretti, similar to 2010, flipped in the first turn and his car came to halt upside down. With his grandfather barley out of the two seater ride, and looking on, Marco walked away from his car and back to the pits, as Mario chased him down pit road.

The wreck in turn one of the first lap, took out contenders Ryan Briscoe of Team Penske, and Scott Dixon of Target Chip Ganassi Racing.

Double file restarts will be the topic among INDYCAR fans throughout the next two weeks, as Bobby Rahal said to Chip Ganassi as they exited pit plane, “they might need to rethink those restarts”

In the post-race press conference , Tony Kanaan on double file restarts “ I am with Will Power, I don’t really like it”

Dario Franchitti moved into 10th place all-time with the victory as he tied Johnny Rutherford
Full restarts below:

1 Dario Franchitti(leads on lap 100) 10 Honda
2 Will Power 12 Honda
3 Tony Kanaan 82 Honda
4 Simona De Silvestro 78 Honda
5 Takuma Sato 5 Honda
6 Alex Tagliani 77 Honda
7 Raphael Matos 17 Honda
8 Vitor Meira 14 Honda
9 Oriol Servia 02 Honda
10 Justin Wilson 22 Honda
11 Danica Patrick 7 Honda
12 J.R. Hildebrand 4 Honda
13 Sebastian Saavedra 34 Honda
14 Ana Beatriz 24 Honda
15 James Jakes 18 Honda
16 Scott Dixon 9 Honda
17 Graham Rahal 38 Honda
18 Ryan Briscoe 6 Honda
19 E.J. Viso 59 Honda
20 Helio Castroneves 3 Honda

Off to the Streets of St. Pete

2011-03-25T09:42:00.005-04:00

INDYCAR kicks off its 2011 season this weekend down on the streets of St. Petersburg Florida. IndyCar Garage will have live coverage all day on Sunday for all of the track action. Check our updates on Twitter, facebook, and http://www.indycargarage.com/.

Among the many storylines to watch for heading into this weekend’s action:

The Road to INDY ladder system will feature USF2000, Star Mazda, and Firestone Indy Lights, those series along with the IZOD IndyCar Series will race at St. Pete.

New drivers with different teams, Tony Kanaan, Charlie Kimbal, Graham Rahal, Mike Conway, and Sebastien Bourdais will drive for different race teams this year and feature new livery’s.

Will Power’s effort to repeat at St.Pete, he won in 2010, and also dominated the road/street course portion of 2010 in route to the Mario Andretti Road/Street Course Championship

Per Robin Miller, Dan Wheldon will announce his plans for the 2011 season, IndyCar Garage thinks it will be a one off for the Indy 500 and Honda’s test driver for the new INDYCAR in 2012

The race will be televised live on ABC at 12:30 EST, INDYCAR needs a good rating out of the gate to energize the sport and give new sponsors return on investment.

It should be a great weekend of warm weather and great racing!

2011 INDYCAR Season Preview

2011-03-22T13:58:00.005-04:00

The 2011 INDYCAR Season kicks off this weekend down at the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. INDYCAR will have 17 races during the 2011 season and will be in the last year of the current car package for the IZOD IndyCar Series. Old equipment, new drivers, new tracks, and new rules highlight the 2011 season, IndyCar Garage looks ahead for the 2011 season gives predications for the awards at the end.

1. The 2011 season will feature the 9th consecutive season of IndyCar equipment being used. 2012 will bring INDYCAR new chassis, engine manufactures and aero kits. The field should be filled throughout the season as most teams will look to use up all equipment before it turns into show car material for next season.

2. Graham Rahal, Charlie Kimbal, J.R. Hildebrand, Oriol Servia, and Ana Beatriz are among a handful of drivers that will have full-season rides for 2011, that weren’t competing fulltime in 2010. Kimbal with Ganassi and Hildebrand with Panther will be the leaders for Rookie of the year.

3. INDYCAR dropped all tracks associated with International Speedway Corporation (France family) for 2011 and moved toward a bigger relationship with Speedway Motorsports Incorporated (Bruton Smith). Chicago, Kansas, Homestead and Watkins Glen all were dropped from the schedule and replaced by New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Milwaukee, Las Vegas and the new Baltimore Grand Prix. All four new tracks should be better promoted and attended than the ISC tracks from 2010.

4. Double file restarts, new pit lane selections, stricter qualification limits, and restarts toward the flag stand all will be new in 2011 for INDYCAR. Double file restarts were originally scheduled for ovals only, but were later added to all races (Holy Cow Barber and Mid-Ohio). Pit lane selections will be based off qualifications from the previous track and will fall in line with the Oval/Road Course format. Also new is the 105% rule, all cars have to be within 105% of pole speed in order to compete in the race, goodbye Milka Duno. Lastly, in more of a NASCAR type start, the green flag will be waved as cars are within a couple hundred yards of the flag stand and not coming off the last turn. This should add more excitement to restarts, especially being two wide, and give drivers more opportunities to pass. The lucky dog was considered for 2011, but was voted down by the fans at 5 to 1 opposition.

Predications for the 2011 INDYCAR Season

2011 IZOD IndyCar World Champion: Helio Castroneves
2011 Indy 500 Winner: Ryan Briscoe
2011 A.J. Foyt Oval Champion: Scott Dixon
2011 Mario Andretti Road/Street Course Champion: Will Power
2011 Rookie of the Year: J.R. Hildebrand
2011 Most Popular Driver: Simona De Silvestro
2011 Las Vegas World Championship extra participants: Alex Zanardi, James Stewart, Robby Gordon, A.J. Allmendinger, Nelson Piquet Jr.

John Andretti podcast up - a great listen

2011-03-17T08:59:00.001-04:00

John Andretti Podcast up – a great listen

IndyCar Garage had the privilege of talking to Andretti Autosport driver John Andretti last night on IndyCar Garage Weekly. Among the topics that we covered:

John’s decision to come back into INDYCAR Racing in 2007 and his work with Andretti Autosport.

John’s plan for testing prior to the 2011 Indy 500

The state of INDYCAR and what his thoughts on Randy Bernard

Thoughts on the Vegas Challenge and the media surrounding it

Breaking the track record in May

Where his post racing life might take him

John was an outstanding individual to talk with and he is truly a class act, for anyone that wants a refreshing take on INDYCAR racing and just common sense, I would strongly recommend listening to the podcast from the show. The link is below:

http://www.Blogtalkradio.com/IndyCarGarage-Weekly--

Barber Open Test entry list

2011-03-11T09:21:00.002-05:00

24 cars will take to the track next week at Barber Motorsports Park, among the notable absences, Tony Kanaan, Dan Wheldon, and Paul Tracy. All three drivers have been rumored in a variety of rides, and Kanaan appears to have the best chance of landing a full season ride with K.V. Racing. Wheldon and Tracy most likely are headed for part-time rides.

Car Driver Hometown Car Name Entrant
3 Helio Castroneves Sao Paulo, Brazil Team Penske Team Penske
4 JR Hildebrand (R) Sausalito, Calif National Guard Panther Racing Panther Racing
5 Takuma Sato Tokyo, Japan Lotus-KV Racing Technology KV Racing Technology - Lotus
6 Ryan Briscoe Sydney, Australia Team Penske Team Penske
7 Danica Patrick Roscoe, Ill. Team GoDaddy Andretti Autosport
8 E.J. Viso Caracas, Venezuela PDVSA – Lotus - KV Racing Technology KV Racing Technology - Lotus
9 Scott Dixon Auckland, New Zealand Target Chip Ganassi Racing Target Chip Ganassi Racing
10 Dario Franchitti Edinburgh, Scotland Target Chip Ganassi Racing Target Chip Ganassi Racing 12 Will Power Toowoomba, Australia Verizon Team Penske Team Penske
14 Vitor Meira Brasilia, Brazil ABC Supply Co A.J. Foyt Racing A.J. Foyt Enterprises
18 Sebastien Bourdais Le Mans, France Dale Coyne Racing Dale Coyne Racing
19 TBA Boy Scouts of America Dale Coyne Racing
22 Justin Wilson Sheffield, England Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
24 Ana Beatriz (R) Sao Paulo, Brazil Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
26 Marco Andretti Nazareth, Pa. Team Venom Andretti Autosport
27 Mike Conway Bromley, England Andretti Autosport Andretti Autosport
28 Ryan Hunter-Reay Boca Raton, Fla Andretti Autosport Andretti Autosport
34 TBA Conquest Racing Conquest Racing
38 Graham Rahal New Albany, Ohio Service Central Chip Ganassi Racing Service Central Chip Ganassi Racing
77 Alex Tagliani Lachenaie, Canada Sam Schmidt Motorsports Sam Schmidt Motorsports
78 Simona De Silvestro Thun, Switzerland Nuclear Clean Air Energy HVM Racing HVM Racing
83 Charlie Kimball (R) Camarillo, Calif. Levemir and NovoLog FlexPen Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing
02 Oriol Servia Pals, Spain Newman/Haas Racing Newman/Haas Racing
06 James Hinchcliffe (R) Toronto Newman/Haas Racing Newman/Haas Racing

Twenty-four cars entered. All cars use Dallara chassis, Honda engines and Firestone tires.
Issued: 3/10/2011

John Andretti in for the 2011 Indy 500 with Andretti Autosport

2011-03-10T11:33:00.002-05:00

Andretti Autosport will announce their 5th entry for the 2011 Indy 500 on Monday March 14th at Barber Motorsport Park, as part of INDYCAR’s preseason testing.

Among those who will be in attendance for the announcement:
John Andretti, 11-time Indianapolis 500 starter

Michael Andretti, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Andretti Autosport

Richard Petty, motorsports legend and hall-of-famer

Tammy Whitworth, chief executive officer, Window World, Inc.; co-founder, Window World Cares

Blair Ingle, president, Window World, Inc.

Window World will be back with primary sponsorship and John will look to improve on last year’s 30th place finish, his career best finish at the Indy 500 is 5th in 1991, while driving a Lola for Hall/VDS .

Podcast up with INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard

2011-03-10T09:32:00.003-05:00

Podcast up from IndyCar Garage Weekly w/guest Randy Bernard
The podcast from last night’s IndyCar Garage Weekly is now up on www.IndyCarGarage.com

and on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/IndyCarGarage-Weekly--

Randy talked about several IndyCar topics last night, including:
His daily schedule

The potentional in INDYCAR

The reaction he received from double file restarts and the lucky dog format

Tony Kanaan’s twitter

What track’s INDYCAR might have their eye on in the future

Bryan Clauson and the Road to Indy Program

His dream promotion for the 2011 season

Thanks for Randy taking the time to join our show.

Randy Bernard on IndyCar Garage Weekly this Wednesday at 6EST

2011-03-07T14:52:00.004-05:00

Randy Bernard on IndyCar Garage Weekly this Wednesday at 6EST

INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard will be a guest on IndyCar Garage Weekly this Wednesday at 6EST. IndyCar Garage Weekly is streamed live on http://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 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 http://www.blogtalkradio.com/indycargarage-weekly--

10 ideas to help INDYCAR heading into 2011 - Part 2

2011-03-03T12:47:00.003-05:00

10 ideas to help INDYCAR heading into 2011 – Part 2

Part 2 on: Oval racing, 2011 Indy 500, Bang for your buck, Brand development for your drivers, and VEGAS BABY

6. Don’t lose your oval base

Motegi is off the 2012 schedule, therefore reducing the number of ovals to 7, assuming that Vegas and Milwaukee are back in 2012. INDYCAR is slipping and if you asked others, already slipped, into the type of schedule that dominated CART in the early 1990’s. Bernard has said it’s important to maintain a balance of oval and road/street courses, but he might have his work cut out for him on the oval part. Lets count the ovals real quick that have maintained good crowds on ovals since the merger. Indy, Iowa and Texas would be the three headliners, Kentucky, Milwaukee, and Motegi have been decent. Chicago’s last race was bad, as was Kansas’s attendance in 2010. INDYCAR needs tracks that want them and want to promote them, in the case of most ovals in the country , they are owned by NASCAR based ISC, not a good combination. Look for maybe Nashville, California, or Phoenix to come back into the mix in 2012.
7. Blow the lid off the 2011 Indy 500

May 29th 2011, will mark the 100th anniversary of the first Indianapolis 500 and mark the biggest race of the INDYCAR season. The Indy 500 has struggled since the split and T.V. ratings have been largely overshadowed by the Daytona 500, but INDYCAR has a chance this year to truly showcase its premier event. While I am not a huge fan of the slogan “The Most Important Race Ever” , Several events are planned for this year's 500. Among the highlights, a parade lap of all former living winners and the world’s largest autograph session. Check out www.thegreatest33.com on how too vote for the greatest 33 drivers ever to race in the Indy 500. At the state of INDYCAR address, IMS marketing staff promised one of the largest stunts ever attempted, we don’t really know what that means yet, but I am sure we will find out soon. Randy Bernard has casually mentioned breaking the track record this year in a made for T.V. special, still no official word though. All in all, this year promises too be great and hopefully INDYCAR and IMS will have their acts together too produce a great month of events and race track activity. Dream winners for this year? In no particular order, Helio Castroneves, Marco Andretti, Graham Rahal, and for T.V. ratings purposes, Danica Patrick. Start praying for good weather.
8. Give fans as much bang for their buck as possible

The economy is tight and motorsports in general have suffered over the past year, so getting fans too the track is a much more difficult task than it used too be. Fans at the track have to get the best bang for their buck as possible. For example, at Iowa last year, I witnessed USF2000 qualifying and race, Star Mazda qualifying and race, IZOD IndyCar qualifying, and the Indy Lights qualifying and race, 9 A.M. till 9 P.M., cars were on the track at IOWA. INDYCAR needs to bring their ladder system with them to as many venues as possible in order to fill up the time on the track and expose their younger drivers as much as possible. Robin Miller even suggested that you could almost pack everything into one day, while I disagree, I do think you could have some very exciting two day events. From the time the gates open for fans to the time they close, cars need to be on the track. INDYCAR is doing a good job at giving their fans bang for their buck, but they need too start doing a great job.

9. Develop a brand for your drivers

Foyt, Mears, Unser, Andretti, Rahal, Sullivan, Sneva, Unser Jr, and the list could go on for awhile depending on who you rooted for, but the bottom line for INDYCAR is that back in the 70’s, 80’s and early 90’s, drivers had brand identity. Most of those names where developed as superstars at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and that is what brought them media attention to the secondary markets of INDYCAR’s other races. The split did no-one any favors on developing your drivers, and the wounds are just starting to heal, but INDYCAR could position themselves around a core of young brand drivers so that fans can grow with them. The reason the Tony Kanaan story is so saddening is that common fans won’t be able to identify him as the IndyCar driver in the e green 7/11 driver this year. Generations of fans grow up rooting for drivers and their cars, the more the drivers and the cars change, the more fans get confused or turned off.

10. 100,000k for Vegas

I don’t know exactly how the 80,000 free tickets will work for the season finale at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, but hopefully INDYCAR has a strong plan behind it. Some details are starting to come out and can be found at

http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/41502-simple-steps-to-request-title-race-ticket-offer/

http://www.indycarworldchampionships.com/

With the free tickets and the other 44,000 INDYCAR is hoping to sell, there should be a huge crowd for the last race of the 2011 season. A reasonable goal would be 100,000 for Vegas, and that would easily be the second highest attended race of the year after Indy, Texas usually draws around 80,000 – 90,000. Randy Bernard and his staff will have too work hard to promote this, but with race on network T.V. and the championship usually decide on the last few laps of the last race, all of the stories should be in place for an exciting event. INDYCAR also needs to capture some decent names for the five, one off non-INDYCAR drivers for the five million bonus, but that’s another story for another day.

10 ideas to help INDYCAR heading into 2011 - Part 1

2011-03-02T11:30:00.004-05:00

10 ideas to help INDYCAR heading into 2011 – Part 1

INDYCAR teams will be testing throughout the next two weeks as part of their pre-season tune up for the opening round of the 2011 season at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. INDYCAR has drastic new look too it, compared to a year ago, so with positive momentum going into 2011, IndyCar Garage gives you ten suggestions for INDYCAR heading into 2011. Part one is below and part two will be published tomorrow on http://www.indycargarage.com/

1. Get T.V. Ratings and attendance back to respectability

The only thing that will bring INDYCAR back to black ink is solid T.V. ratings and packed stands on race weekends. Motorsports in general, live off of sponsorships that invest in the sport to get a return on investment, in short get more people to know about their brand or product because of the eyes that watch racing. When no one watches your race, why would sponsors invest in your sport? INDYCAR has five network T.V. races on ABC, the only one that has drawn ratings worthy of NASCAR type numbers is the Indy 500. Normal ABC races since the merger has been a stretch to draw over a 1.0 rating, that’s unacceptable. Versus ratings have been in the tank since they took over INDYCAR broadcasts in 2009, the championship race at Homestead in 2010, drew a .3, that’s horrible. Versus ratings need to be over 1.0 and ABC races need to be around the 1.5 – 2.0 range, both of those numbers will be stretch for 2011. Race attendance isn’t as gloomy as T.V. ratings, but for some races, attendance has looked horribly low on tracks that have large grand stands. Giving away 80,000K for the Vegas race was a start in the right direction.

2. Get Graham Rahal, J.R. Hildebrand, and Simona De Silverstro into victory circle

If you were to look into INDYCAR’s future in five years, all three of the drivers listed above should be competing for championships and Indy 500 wins. Rahal, 22, Hildebrand 23, and De Silvestro, 22, all have solid rides for 2011 and all have talent to win. Rahal is the youngest ever driver to win a INDYCAR race, Hildebrand was the 2009 Lights champ and De Silverstro showed flashes of greatness on a underfunded team last season. INDYCAR can’t determine who wins races, well at least in most cases (Helio 2002 Indy 500), but they can capitalize off of Rahal, Hildebrand and De Silverstro winning races. Rahal and Hildebrand are both young Americans that INDYCAR build their brand on, and De Silverstro is the new Danica Patrick, but with better road/street skills. I would do back flips if Rahal won again at St. Pete, Hildebrand at Barber, and De Silverstro at Long Beach.

3. Keep Tony George’s presence off the radar

Tony George had his time and place to manage INDYCAR , and based off who you talked with, George had mixed results from 1996 – 2009. Tony’s return to the Hulman & Company board sends the wrong message to all fans of INDYCAR. Randy Bernard might be a wild character with crazy ideas, but the perception of INDYCAR (not IRL) after Randy’s first year is mostly if not all, POSITIVE! George’s name brings a negative association with INDYCAR and its nasty 12 year split. Nothing against Tony personally, my thought is that Tony had his time, now its Randy’s time.

4. Develop your ladder system and continue too build it

The official ladder system of American open wheel racing is officially called the MAZDA Road to Indy. The three step ladder to reach the IZOD IndyCar Series includes USF2000, Star Mazda, and Firestone Indy Lights. Scholarships are part of a program developed through INDYCAR to help the champion of each series to advance onto the next step in the ladder. The Road to Indy will be entering its second year of existence, and positive news appears too be emerging. Zach Veach, Sage Karam, Spencer Pigot, Shannon McIntosh, Conor Daly, and Bryan Clauson all will compete in various races throughout the 2011 MAZDA Road to Indy season and they all represent a growing development, AMERICAN DRIVERS. The most important aspects of the MAZDA Road to Indy, are two fold, allow for young drivers to have a chance to enter the ladder system, and two, allow drivers too move all the way up into the IZOD IndyCar Series and the Indy 500. Click the link here to listen to several MAZDA Road to Indy drivers that have been guest on IndyCar Garage Weekly. http://www.Blogtalkradio.com/IndyCarGarage-Weekly--

5. Capitalize on the 2012 car introduction

INDYCAR has built a lot of their new marketing strategy on the 2012 new IndyCar package. INDYCAR will have two show cars at the Indianapolis 500 during the month of May that will be built by Dallara, but won’t be official Dallara aero kits, as Dallara isn’t unveiling their aero kits until later in 2011. Chevy, Lotus and Honda will all build engines, and Chevy, Lotus, and Dallara will also build aero kits for the new cars. INDYCAR needs too build up so much momentum heading into 2012 car that new fans are attracted to the sport. Diehard and longtime fans didn’t want a spec series and Randy Bernard delivered on his promise by listening too those fans by introducing different looking cars and multiple engine manufactures. 2012 will need too be a home run year for INDYCAR, there is much too lose if the cars don’t impress.

Coming tomorrow Part 2 on: Oval racing, 2011 Indy 500, Bang for your buck, Brand development for your drivers, and VEGAS BABY

IndyCar Garage Weekly is on Tonight at 6 p.m. w/guest Wade Cunningham

2011-03-02T08:44:00.003-05:00

IZOD IndyCar driver Wade Cunningham pictured above

IndyCar Garage Weekly returns for its 30 minute program with host Tyler Carmichael, moderator of IndyCarGarage.com. Tyler will welcome Wade Cunningham onto the show, Wade just recently announced a partial 2011 IZOD IndyCar Schedule with Sam Schmidt Motorsports. Wade has won the Freedom 100 three different times, and has had great results in Firestone Indy Lights. The show will start at 6EST and run for thirty minutes. You can listen live on http://www.indycargarage.com/ and www.Blogtalkradio.com/IndyCarGarage-Weekly-

In addition to Wade, Tyler will also start to preview the 2011 INDYCAR Season, as mandy INDYCAR teams are starting preseason testing.

Tune in live at 6EST tonight for IndyCar Garage Weekly.

Andretti Autosport Mazda Road to Indy Week - Sage Karam

2011-02-24T08:54:00.004-05:00

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

2011-02-23T08:30:00.003-05:00

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

2011-02-22T09:38:00.003-05:00

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

2011-02-18T07:47:00.002-05:00

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

2011-02-14T09:12:00.003-05:00

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

2011-02-11T08:32:00.002-05:00

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

2011-02-10T08:53:00.003-05:00

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

2011-02-07T10:19:00.003-05:00

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

2011-02-02T10:07:00.004-05:00

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.

The real reason Jimmie Johnson isn't going to run INDYCAR

2011-01-31T10:36:00.002-05:00

In last Friday’s Indianapolis Star, Curt Cavin reported in his weekly pit pass column that reigning five time Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson had declared he was no longer interested in running the Indy 500. Johnson had previously told INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard that he was interested, after Bernard spoke with him at Tony Stewart’s Prelude to the dream race at Eldora Speedway.

After the meeting at Eldora Speedway, rumors floated for sometime that Johnson and Kasey Kahne were interested in running the Indy 500, as early as 2011. Robin Miller floated teasers throughout his weekly mailbag that Johnson and Kahne were VERY INTERESTED, he even went as far to say that Johnson needed approval from Lowes and his wife and it was a done deal. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway even played a part in this, as the start time for the 2011 Indy 500 was TBD during the State of INDYCAR address on January 11th, as rumors had the start time going to 11 A.M. EST if Johnson and Kahne committed.

All of this came to screeching halt last Friday, when Cavin reported Johnsons decision via his pit pass article, which begs the question, why did Johnson decide to back out? Johnson grew up a huge Rick Mears fan, has devoured NASCAR’s top level the past five years, and has said that running the Indy 500 was always a dream of his.

His wife won’t let him? He has a kid? GM wasn’t involved the past eight years? BULLS**T

I don’t buy any of it, and the reason is represented in one acronym called NASCAR.

You're telling me that NASCAR is going to let their five time defending champion go off and run the Indy 500 and pull fans away from their Coke 600 that same day? How many people have seen Jimmie Johnson run the Coke 600? Plenty. How many have seen him run the Indy 500? You get the idea.

You're telling me that NASCAR is going to let their five time champ go run an IndyCar after watching what happened to Mike Conway last year on the lap of the Indy 500? Johnson breaks his back and is out for three months and NASCAR is missing one of their top stars and defending champ. NASCAR wants Johnson to be dethroned on the last lap of the last race of the season, not by wrecking an IndyCar in the middle of the season.

You're telling me NASCAR wants its drivers building up other series and boosting T.V. ratings for events that are direct competitors of NASCAR?

The answer to all three is NO, NO, and NO.

Here is what happened sometime between the time Bernard talked to Johnson at Eldora. NASCAR (Brian France) got word of what was conspiring with Johnson and Kahne, and immediately goes to Rick Hendrick, Johnsons team owner. NASCAR tells Hendrick to intervene on this situation and make it clear to Johnson he isn’t going to run the Indy 500. Hendrick tells Johnson, and Johnson asks the question "How do I say this to the media?" Well who is the easiest person to blame this on without it looking bad on NASCAR/Hendrick/Lowes etc, well his wife of course. You think she cares that she took the fall for this? NOT AT ALL.

So there you go, figure it out in so many words, NASCAR stepped in and said to Hendrick, take care of this situation because its not happening.

Jimmie Johnson won’t run the Indy 500, is it that big of a deal?

Well to him, not really, he’ll win another Sprint Cup Championship this year and collect more money and have more kids, the Indy 500 will fade from his memory.

Kasey Kahne? Well we heard he doesn’t answer to anyone and that he’ll do what he wants. Lets just assume then that NASCAR hasn’t talked to Team Red Bull yet, or just hasn’t set up another meeting with Hendrick to tell him that his driver in 2012 won’t be doing the Indy 500 either.

IndyCar Garage Weekly Podcast up w/guests Zach Veach & Monica Hilton

2011-01-25T10:13:00.006-05:00

IndyCar Garage Weekly returned for its weekly show with Tyler Carmichael, moderator of www.IndyCarGarage.com. Tyler talked with guest Monica Hilton, Director of PR for Avocado Motorsports, and known as the_race_gIRL on twitter. Andretti Autosport USF 2000 driver, Zach Veach joined the program and talked about his upcoming season in 2011 and the variety of projects he is involved with. Check out the podcast on www.IndyCarGarage.com . IndyCar Garage Weekly will be back next Wednesday , February 2nd @ 6 p.m. EST

Simona and HVM Racing Sign Entergy Nuclear for a 3 yr deal

2011-01-24T11:51:00.003-05:00

Baltimore-

Simona De Silverstro and her HVM Racing team announced their sponorship package for 2011 with a three year agreement with Entery Nuclear. The press release is below:

HVM Racing and Entergy Nuclear announced in Baltimore today that they have entered into a three-year partnership to compete in the IZOD INDYCAR Series. This re-confirms the return of the 2010 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year, Simona De Silvestro as HVM Racing and Entergy team up to promote clean, low-cost and reliable nuclear energy.

Keith Wiggins, team owner of HVM Racing and John Herron, President, CEO and Chief Nuclear Officer at Entergy unveiled the new livery of the #78 Nuclear Clean Air Energy/ Entergy Dallara at the beautiful InterContinetal hotel in downtown Baltimore.

Also in attendance were INDYCAR CEO, Randy Bernard, and Jay Davidson, President of the Baltimore Grand Prix. Professionals from the nuclear energy industry were side-by-side to witness the announcement while fans were welcome to view a pit stop demonstration performed by De Silvestro and her experienced HVM pit crew at nearby Camden Yards.

"This is great news for HVM and for Simona," said Keith Wiggins, owner of HVM Racing. "It gives Simona a long-term opportunity to develop into a top IndyCar driver while the team will have a stable platform over multiple years to support our championship effort. It is a terrific marketing opportunity with a strong partner who has an important message and role in our world's future. We are going to make an impact on many fronts; within the nuclear energy industry, with Simona as an individual driver and within our sport overall."

Entergy is in its fourth year of the "Nuclear Clean Air Energy" national education campaign and its first full year with HVM Racing in the IZOD INDYCAR Series. Having reached millions of people at the race track, across U.S. college campuses and in community events, the goal of the "Nuclear Clean Air Energy" initiative is to use the highly visible platform of the IZOD INDYCAR Series to spread the message about the benefits of nuclear energy as a source of carbon-free electricity. In addition to the element of education and public awareness, this campaign assists in recruiting quality engineers and professionals to the nuclear energy sector, an exciting job-growth industry.

"It is an important time for our country to hear our nuclear clean air energy story," said John Herron, Entergy chief nuclear officer. "With Simona as a lead spokesperson for our effort, teaming up with HVM and IndyCar brings visibility to the issue of U.S. energy policy, with multiple national opportunities to reach out to families and fans. Education is key to smarter energy consumers and doing so with a young role model like Simona couldn't be better. Having 'nuclear' on the side of a race car is as all-American as racing itself, since nuclear energy generates 20 percent of all U.S. electricity already. Entergy wants everyone to learn more and get excited about our reliable, green source of electricity."

January 24 kicks off "National Nuclear Science Week," the perfect time to unveil this new partnership. This week provides platforms for learning and exploration of nuclear sciences, careers in the nuclear field, energy generation, nuclear safety and nuclear medicine fields with activities happening across the country in various nuclear sectors.

De Silvestro hails from Thun, Switzerland and enters her sophomore season in the IZOD INDYCAR Series well-equipped to compete. In 2010 she turned heads at the season-opener in Sao Paulo, Brazil where she led four laps during her INDYCAR debut and displayed her on-track abilities in front of an International audience. In addition to her Rookie of the Year title at the 2010 Indy 500, she was also awarded with the Tony Renna Firestone Rising Star award at the end of the year, an honor she holds close to her heart. In 2009, Simona dominated in the Atlantic Championship Series, where she became the first woman in series history to have earned the most wins, pole positions, and led the most laps all in a single season. She had nine podium finishes in 12 races.

"It's pretty special to have a sponsor like Entergy and to have such an important campaign as the 'Nuclear Clean Air Energy' initiative," explains De Silvestro. "It's a great message and I am looking forward to creating awareness about the benefits of nuclear electricity throughout the racing season and beyond." She adds, "It's great to be back with HVM. They are a great team and it was amazing last year to spend my rookie season in INDYCAR with them. Now with this sponsorship, I am more confident than ever that we'll have a great year!"

Associate sponsorship of the #78 machine will come from TDS Telecommunications Corp, who will be the team's "Official Communications Partner", BRM Watches- returning for their second consecutive year will be the team's "official timepiece". The team will also be announcing a relationship with the Baltimore Grand Prix and the InterContinental Hotel in Baltimore, Md., who will serve as the "Official Hotel of the Baltimore GP."

Ed Carpenter talks with IndyCar Garage

2011-01-21T08:36:00.003-05:00

Ed Carpenter, new driver of the #67 Dollar General Sarah Fisher Racing IndyCar, talked with IndyCar Garage at the State of INDYCAR address and previews his upcoming season with SFR.

Apologies on the video, the IFLIP was just warming up.

Ryan Hunter-Reay talks with IndyCar Garage

2011-01-13T12:47:00.004-05:00

Ryan Hunter Reay of Andretti Autosport and driver of the #37 IndyCar was kind enough to talk with IndyCar Garage for a few moments. Ryan talks about the upcoming 2011 season and when they might have a sponorship announcement for his ride this year.

J.R. Hildebrand talks with IndyCar Garage

2011-01-12T09:52:00.005-05:00

IndyCar Garage talks with J.R. Hildebrand, new driver of the #4 National Guard Panther Racing IndyCar.

J.R. talks about his excitment with the National Guard, the new 49ers football coach Jim Harbaugh, and when he might get Harbaugh in a two-seater ride.

INDYCAR State of the Union address = a BIG teaser and several newsworthy nuggets

2011-01-11T21:18:00.006-05:00

INDYCAR had its annual state of the league address today in downtown Indianapolis and several topics where covered by several different speakers. IndyCar Garage was in attendance had the privilege of talking to a few drivers and seeing INDYCAR start a new era. Read below to find out the break down.

1. The NBC merger….

The bombshell that might drop in a couple weeks , was teased today when Robby Green of IMS Productions announced that CEO Randy Bernard was told this past weekend that the merger between NBC and Comcast should be complete by the end of the month, and possibly within one or two days of the merger being complete, an announcement could be made. Questions come to mind right away… INDYCAR on NBC in 2011? Versus becomes NBC Sports? All 17 events could be on network T.V.? Holy cow this could be huge if NBC transitions Versus into NBC Sports and all 17 INDYCAR races are on network T.V. This would help ease the pain of the fresh Firestone wound that is looming over INDYCAR right now.

2. The five ABC broadcasts were announced during the IMS Productions portion, they include the season opener at St. Pete, and then four of the eight ovals, which include Indianapolis, Loudon, Milwaukee, and the season finale, Las Vegas, which hasn’t been announced yet… hmmm…

3. Edmonton is back on the schedule , due in part because the city of Edmonton and Octane Motorsports Events Inc reached an agreement on providing facility upgrades.

4. The Indy Racing League is no more, its INDYCAR as the sanctioning body for the IZOD IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights, and the Mazda Road to Indy.

5. Engine specifications for the 2012 IndyCar was changed from 2.4 liters to 2.2, so it fell in line with the smaller, lighter, and more efficient direction.

6. Minors now have access to the garage area, if your nine years of age or older, you will access to all garage areas, except for Texas Motor Speedway (there is a story inside that). This builds your young fan base up and allows them to build relationships with their favorite drivers.

7. Firestone Indy Lights will have a T.V. package this year on at least the Versus telecasts, the broadcasts are scheduled for Wednesday nights at 6 p.m., apparently after the rebroadcast of the previous race.

8. All IndyCar events, outside of the Indy 500 (which I am assuming) will have a new pre-race stage and introduction package. Bernard has been quoted as saying he bought portable scoring pylons for road/street course races.

9. A host of events leading up to the 2011 Indy 500, including former Indy 500 vets coming back, most of the previous winning cars on display at the IMS Museum, and several more events tied to the month of May.

10. A new and improved marketing strategy that includes 70% of crossover fans that like NASCAR and INDYCAR.

11. A new INDYCAR office in Los Angles to help tap into Hollywood and more mainstream media

12. Double file re-starts for all ovals in 2011 , which should be very exciting for the fans, lapped cars will not be moved back though

13. The green flag will not be given on restarts on ovals until right before the start/finish line to help improve the excitement

14. Pit stalls will be based off the previous events qualifications results , except for the Indy 500, St. Pete in 2011 will be based off 2010 entrant points

15. More track time during race weekends depending on if you’re a rookie and cars outside the top ten.

16. One set of tires for qualification on road/street courses, red or black, whatever you start with is what you finish with.

17. IZOD had a 350% return on investment this year, which is huge for INDYCAR.

18. INDYCAR ratings on Versus rose over 40%......which still doesn’t mean much if you look at the numbers…. We need NBC!

That about wraps it up… check www.IndyCarGarage.com over the next couple days for driver interviews with Ryan Hunter-Reay, Ed Carpenter, and J.R. Hildebrand.

Double File restarts are coming...

2011-01-11T08:53:00.003-05:00

Double File restarts are coming….

INDYCAR has adopted two file restarts for all of its oval races during the 2011 season. The announcement is expected to be formally discussed at the State of the Union address, today at 4 p.m. EST. Curt Cavin of the Indianapolis Star broke the story last night, Helio Castroneves had this to say.

Helio Castroneves:

“This is not like NASCAR, where we can rub wheels and doors and get away with it,”

“It will be a very stressful moment.”

“I feel it’s creating more of an issue, but I have to give compliments to the officials for trying something. It will be great excitement for the fans, no question.”

More coverage on this later tonight.

The new INDYCAR logo

2011-01-10T13:23:00.001-05:00

Apparently we don’t have to wait for the new INDYCAR corporate logo at tomorrow’s press conference.
@Kevinlee23 tweeted this picture about 1 p.m. eastern time.

The State of INDYCAR Presentation looms....

2011-01-10T09:40:00.002-05:00

INDYCAR will give a state of the union type address January 11th at 4 p.m. in downtown Indianapolis. INDYCAR CEO Rand Bernard will speak on a variety of subjects, among the topics that IndyCar fans should expect to hear:

The new logo for the sanctioning body of the IZOD IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights, and USF 2000.

An update on the Edmonton and Las Vegas races

The momentum that INDYCAR is carrying heading into 2011

Technique regulations for the 2012 INDYCAR package in the IZOD IndyCar Series

The start time of the 2011 Indy 500 being moved back to noon and possibly 11 A.M. if the Jimmie Johnson and Kasey Kahne decide to run. (Kahne wants to run a Penske car, surprise surprise)

Some tweaks to the competition side of IndyCar racing.

The INDYCAR Presentation starts at 4 p.m. and there is no word yet, if the announcement will be streamed live on http://www.indycar.com/

Check IndyCarGarage.com later Tuesday evening for coverage and updates, and be sure to follow us for on twitter @IndyCarGarage

Robby Gordon 90% sure he will run the 2011 Indy 500

2010-12-29T19:28:00.002-05:00

Per Scene Daily:

He said he is 90 percent sure he will do the Indianapolis 500 but will make the decision by March based on the sales of the Speed drink. He plans to build three cars for the Indianapolis 500, with the possibility of selling off one of the cars if he gets in comfortably on the first day.

To some, that might seem a big “if,” but for Gordon, it’s a new way of looking at trying to fund racing and continue what he’s built

Breaking Down American Drivers in IndyCar

2010-12-14T15:52:00.004-05:00

With the announcements of three American Drivers this week in the IZOD IndyCar Series, IndyCar Garage took some time to break down the past 15 years of open wheel racing based off of American drivers who had full time rides.

If you start in 1995, the last year before the open wheel split, IndyCar had nine drivers that competed full time. Al Unser Jr, Michael Andretti, Bobby Rahal, Robby Gordon, and Jimmy Vasser were among the notable drivers that represented the U.S.A. The late 90’s saw the Indy Racing League take its concept of American drivers and oval racing, and hit record highs of 16 in 1998, 17 in 1999 and peak at 19 in 2000. CART on the other hand, made it through 1999 with core group of American’s lead by Michael Andretti and Jimmy Vasser, but saw their total free fall in 2000 to just Andretti and Vasser. You could say that 2001 was the beginning of the end for CART American drivers, because between 2001 and 2007 just eight different American drivers participated full time in the CART/Champ Car Series. The IRL peak of 19 in 2000 didn’t last very long as 13 Americans had full time rides in 2001 and that bottomed out at three just this past year. 2011 appears to have some light at the end of the tunnel for Americans, as five men and one women appear to have full time rides and a seventh (Ed Carpenter) working toward a full season.

Media types such as Curt Cavin and Robin Miller have often said that IndyCar needs a mix of international flavor, but a strong American base with drivers on teams that can win races and championships. IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard has gone on the record and said that IndyCar needs the best drivers in the world. IndyCar Garage agrees with Bernard on having the best drivers in the world, and also agrees with Cavin and Miller that Americans need a strong base. If IndyCar has 24 full-time entries like 2010, then you would think you need at least 10 full time Americans, that’s 40%. You could even go to 50% and that puts you at 12 full time American’s.

The chart below breaks down American’s from 1995 – 2010 and 2011 is tentative.

IndyCar PPG World Series - 1995 - (9) – Al Unser Jr, Bobby Rahal, Michael Andretti, Robby Gordon, Scott Pruett, Jimmy Vasser, Eddie Cheever, Danny Sullivan, Bryan Herta,

IRL - 1996 – (13) – Scott Sharp, Buzz Calkins, Robbie Buhl, Richie Hearn, Mike Groff, Tony Stewart, Davey Hamilton, Johnny O’Connell, Lyn St. James, Buddy Lazier, John Paul Jr. , Eddie Cheever, Johnny Parsons
CART – 1996 (8) – Jimmy Vasser, Michael Andretti, Al Unser Jr, Bobby Rahal, Bryan Herta, Scott Pruett, Parker Johnstone, Robby Gordon,

IRL – 1996-1997 (10) – Tony Stewart, Davey Hamilton, Eddie Cheever, Buddy Lazier, Buzz Calkins, Jim Guthrie, Robbie Buhl, Mike Groff, John Paul Jr, Mark Dismore
CART – 1997 (9) – Jimmy Vasser, Michael Andretti, Scott Pruett, Bryan Herta, Bobby Rahal, Al Unser Jr, Parker Johnstone, Richie Hearn, P.J. Jones,

IRL – 1998 (16) – Davey Hamilton, Tony Stewart, Scott Sharp, Buddy Lazier, Jeff Ward, Eddie Cheever, John Paul Jr, Billy Boat, Sam Schmidt, Mark Dismore, Robby Unser, Robbie Buhl, Brian Tyler, Buzz Calkins, Greg Ray, Dr. Jack Miller,
CART – 1998 (10) – Jimmy Vasser, Scott Pruett, Michael Andretti, Bryan Herta, Bobby Rahal, Al Unser Jr, Richie Hearn, Robby Gordon, P.J. Jones, Alex Barron

IRL – 1999 (17) – Greg Ray, Mark Dismore, Davey Hamilton, Sam Schmidt, Buddy Lazier, Eddie Cheever, Scott Sharp, Robby Unser, Jeff Ward, Billy Boat, Buzz Calkins, Scott Harrington, Robby McGehee, John Hollansworth Jr, Jaques Lazier, Tyce Carlson, Donnie Beechler,
CART – 1999 (8) – Michael Andretti, Jimmy Vasser, Bryan Herta, P.J. Jones, Scott Pruett, Robby Gordon, Al Unser Jr, Richie Hearn,

IRL – 2000 (19) – Buddy Lazier, Eddie Cheever, Donnie Beechler, Mark Dismore, Scott Sharp, Robbie Buhl, Al Unser Jr, Billy Boat, Jeff Ward, Robby McGehee, Greg Ray, Buzz Calkins, Jeret Schroeder, Sarah Fisher, Tyce Carlson, Jaques Lazier, Sam Hornish Jr, Davey Hamilton, Jimmy Kite,
CART – 2000 (2) – Jimmy Vasser, Michael Andretti,

IRL – 2001 (13) – Sam Hornish Jr, Buddy Lazier, Scott Sharp, Billy Boat, Al Unser Jr, Eddie Cheever, Buzz Calkins, Jeff Ward, Robbie Buhl, Mark Dismore, Robbie McGehee, Greg Ray, Sarah Fisher,
CART – 2001 (4) – Michael Andretti, Jimmy Vasser, Memo Gidley, Bryan Herta

IRL – 2002 (12) – Sam Hornish Jr, Alex Barron, Scott Sharp, Al Unser Jr, Buddy Lazier, Eddie Cheever, Jeff Ward, Billy Boat, Richie Hearn, George Mack, Robbie Buhl, Sarah Fisher
CART – 2002 (2) – Jimmy Vasser, Michael Andretti

IRL – 2003 (11) – Sam Hornish Jr, Al Unser Jr, Scott Sharp, Roger Yasukawa, Bryan Herta, Robbie Buhl, Greg Ray, Buddy Rice, Sarah Fisher, Buddy Lazier, A.J. Foyt IV
CART – 2003 (2) – Jimmy Vasser, Ryan Hunter-Reay

IRL – 2004 (7) – Buddy Rice, Sam Hornish Jr, Bryan Herta, Alex Barron, Scott Sharp, Ed Carpenter, A.J. Foyt IV,
Champ Car – 2004 (3) – A.J. Allmendinger, Jimmy Vasser, Ryan Hunter-Reay

IRL – 2005 (9) – Scott Sharp, Bryan Herta, Alex Barron, Danica Patrick, Buddy Rice, Roger Yasukawa, Ed Carpenter, A.J. Foyt IV
Champ Car – 2005 (3) – A.J. Allmendinger, Jimmy Vasser, Ryan Hunter-Reay

IRL – 2006 (8) – Sam Hornish Jr, Marco Andretti, Danica Patrick, Bryan Herta, Scott Sharp, Ed Carpenter, Buddy Rice, Jeff Simmons,
Champ Car – 2006 (1) – A.J. Allmendinger

IRL – 2007 (9) – Sam Hornish Jr, Danica Patrick, Scott Sharp, Buddy Rice, Marco Andretti, A.J. Foyt IV, Ed Carpenter, Sarah Fisher, Jeff Simmons/Ryan Hunter-Reay
Champ Car – 2007 (2) – Graham Rahal, Alex Figge

INDYCAR – 2008 (7) – Danica Patrick, Marco Andretti, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Ed Carpenter, Buddy Rice, Graham Rahal, A.J. Foyt IV,

INDYCAR – 2009 (5) – Danica Patrick, Graham Rahal, Marco Andretti, Ed Carpenter, Ryan Hunter-Reay

INDYCAR – 2010 (3) – Ryan Hunter-Reay, Marco Andretti, Danica Patrick

INDYCAR – 2011 (?) – Danica Patrick, Marco Andretti, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Graham Rahal, Charlie Kimball, J.R. Hildebrand,

TOTAL NUMBER OF AMERICAN’S IN OPEN WHEEL RACING

THROUGH THE YEARS:
1995 - PPG IndyCar World Series – 9
1996 – CART – 8 IRL – 13
1997 – CART – 9 IRL – 10
1998 – CART – 10 IRL – 16
1999 – CART – 8 IRL – 17
2000 – CART – 2 IRL – 19
2001 – CART – 4 IRL – 13
2002 – CART – 2 IRL – 12
2003 – CART – 2 IRL – 11
2004 – CCWS– 3 IRL – 7
2005 – CCWS – 3 IRL – 9
2006 – CCWS – 1 IRL – 8
2007 – CCWS – 2 IRL – 9
2008 – INDYCAR – 7
2009 – INDYCAR – 5
2010 – INDYCAR – 3
2011 – INDYCAR – ?

Ryan Hunter-Reay to sponsored by Go Daddy?

2010-12-13T14:38:00.002-05:00

Ryan Hunter-Reay to be sponsored by Go Daddy?

One of the top Americans in the IZOD IndyCar Series is Ryan Hunter-Reay(RHR). RHR captured a victory at Long Beach last season driving in his first full season at Andretti Autosport, prior to Andretti Autosport, RHR had bounced around from Rahal-Letterman, to Vision, and A.J. Foyt Racing. Andretti Autosport signed him in the offseason of 2009 and he made immediate results with his experience and road racing skills. Fast forward to the end of 2010, IZOD leaves as the primary sponsorship of his ride and Tony Kanaan is left out in the cold at Andretti Autosport after 7-11 leaves as the primary sponsorship. Andretti Autosport, almost on the same day announces that Kanaan is free to look around for another ride and that they have resigned RHR for a two year extension, yet they haven’t announced sponsorship for RHR. Just recently Andretti Autosport released a off-season statement saying that they had intentions for four full time cars and a fifth for the Indy 500.

The recent timeline of events in the past few days has IndyCar Garage connecting the dots:

Friday at 6:46 A.M. RHR Tweets:
RyanHunterReay - On the plane westbound headed to new sponsor photo shoot and appearances, should be a fun weekend. Hope you all have a great Friday!

So we learn RHR was headed to the Go Daddy Christmas party in Scottsdale Arizona, Today we read a press release from the party, highlights are below:

Employees were also treated to some star gazing – Go Daddy Girls Danica Patrick, Jillian Michaels, Vanessa Rousso and Candice Michelle attended. Auto racing icon Michael Andretti and IndyCar star Ryan Hunter-Reay were also among the celebrities enjoying the festivities. Other special guests included “America’s Toughest Sheriff” Joe Arpaio and award-winning advertising critic Barbara Lippert.

The world’s largest Web hosting provider and domain name registrar provider recorded a 25 percent increase in sales this year, expanded with more than 400 hires, opened a data center in Singapore and now serves more than 8.6MM customers. Go Daddy is now larger than its eight closest competitors … combined!

At a time when other companies are cutting back, Go Daddy is increasing its charitable giving. The Internet powerhouse has donated more than $3.4MM in 2010, breaking last year’s record of $2.5MM.

More RHR Tweets:
December 12th 11:42 A.M. - Attended a killer Christmas party last night, like no other. Excited to work with such a great group of people. Now, headed to sunny FL

December 12th 6:30 p.m. @JacknDiet we'll have an announcement soon! You didn't miss anything, I just can't give many details.

To forecast future, RHR will be sponsored by GoDaddy.com next year and the car will be black and green, almost opposite color scheme of Danica Patrick’s.

Wrapping up an exciting two weeks of INDYCAR announcements... and forcasting more to come

2010-12-10T11:49:00.005-05:00

INDYCAR had a plethora of announcements in the past two weeks ranging from team sponsors to series sponsors, and speculation on driver rides. IndyCar Garage puts a spin on the recent announcements and forecasts the next round of announcements coming within the next couple months.

1. Team Penske announced several new sponsors to their three car line up, including Shell sponsoring Helio at Indy, Briscoe in the IZOD livery, and Meijer, Verizon and Auto Club as associate sponsors. This is not only huge for Penske, but the series in general. For one, it gives IZOD a chance to activate its brand more through one of the top teams in INDYCAR, (yes its sad to see them leave RHR), but for Briscoe, Helio and Will Power, it allows for three of INDYCAR’s biggest stars to be marketed on a national platform, something INDYCAR needs. The shell sponsorship for Helio at Indy is also a big get, as Helio could possibly win his fourth Indy 500 this year and his car could be immortalized forever in the Indy 500 collection.

2. Sarah Fisher stepped up last week and signed an American Driver (Ed Carpenter) to driver her #67 Dollar General IndyCar. Fisher wants to focus more on starting a family and becoming a full time team owner. Sarah will be missed this year, but would be missed even more if she can’t transition her team over to 2012 with the new equipment. Additionally, Ed has stated that he hopes to find more sponsorship to run the full 2011 schedule, HELLO FUZZY’S VODKA, please kick in the additional money to fund ED! I know the sponsorship crossover of Dollar General and FUZZY’S Vodka isn’t the best, but hey… ED needs to run the whole season.

3. Mazda has stepped up and announced that they will sponsor three scholarships as part of the newly named MAZDA Road to Indy program, which is the official INDYCAR Ladder system. Champions in the USF2000 Series, Star Mazda Championship and Firestone Indy Lights now will have the opportunity to graduate into the next series and move up the ladder, which leads to the IZOD IndyCar Series and the Indy 500. Starting in 2011 drivers in those three feeder series will now actually have the confidence to know that they are RACING for a spot to move up and drive at the next level. Many owners and media types have came down hard on the ladder system for not allowing drivers to move up. The Mazda scholarships change everything and now finally allow drivers see a true ROAD TO INDY. Suggestion to INDYCAR, market the heck out of the first guy who makes it all the way through each series. Early possible candidates for that include Zach Veach, Sage Karam, and possibly Conor Daly.

Now for the Silly Season drama announcements that will be coming…

Announcements that WILL HAPPEN:
Las Vegas will be announced as the series finale… it’s just a matter of sponsorship

Edmonton will return to the schedule on the July 24th date, this helps INDYCAR because of the bigger sanctioning fee

Graham Rahal and Charlie Kimball will be announced as Ganassi drivers as part of a Satellite team for Ganassi.

Vitor Meira will be announced as the driver for A.J. Foyt Racing for two more years

Andretti Autosport will start to revive plans for the 2011 lineup, one that includes four cars and a one off entry for the Indy 500 as part of a five car program for Indy

Announcements that SHOULD HAPPEN
Tony Kanaan will announced as the driver for de Ferran Dragon Racing for 2011

J.R. Hildebrand will be announced as the driver for Panther Racing for 2011

Sam Hornish Jr. will announce his one off intention for the 2011 Indy 500

John Andretti will return with Andretti Autosport for the 2011 Indy 500 (fifth entry)

The Start time of the 2011 Indy 500 is moved back to 11 A.M. Eastern which puts it at noon Indiana time because of day light savings.

Announcements that MIGHT HAPPEN
Several NASCAR (Stewart, Kahne, Johnson, Busch brothers, Earnhardt Jr.) drivers have interest in becoming involved with INDYCAR in 2012, some as team owners and some as possible drivers, look for some sort of announcement regarding a stock car driver and their plans for 2012.

Robby Gordon officially announces his entry into the 2011 Indy 500

Milka Duno re-signs with Dale Coyne racing for 2011

IndyCar Garage’s Christmas list for IndyCar in 2011
INDYCAR on NETWORK TV ON NBC

More Sponsorship for American Drivers

Michael Andretti runs a one off for the 2011 Indy 500 only to be out qualified by Mario Andretti

Andretti Autosport and Sarah Fisher Racing relocate to Main Street in Speedway, Indiana as part of Speedway’s Redevelopment plan.

Three aero more aero kits are announced for 2012, giving us six different types of cars on the track powered by three different engines.

INDYCAR’s 16th street offices redo their logo on their building and rebrand it as INDYCAR and get ride of the old IRL Logo.

1 to 3 in one week = fewer D/H/F in 2012

2010-11-18T10:43:00.003-05:00

1 to 3 in one week = fewer D/H/F in 2012

INDYCAR has taken major steps in the last week to restore the stepping stones that made it one of the most diverse and popular racing series in the early 1990’s. Last week, American manufacturer GM, announced that Chevrolet would return to INDYCAR for the first time since 2005. Just two days ago Dallara broke ground on a seven million dollar facility that will construct and develop the next generation of IndyCars. And lastly, Lotus will announce that they will be the third engine manufacturer for INDYCAR in 2012, today at the Los Angles auto show. Lotus entry into the engine competition was a walk off home run type release, as they barley made the deadline set by INDYCAR of November 16th Hawaii time.

What does all this mean?

It means that for the first time since 2005, the D/H/F that we see next to every entry at every INDYCAR race, will drastically change in 2012. INDYCAR literally has 16, hopefully 17, more entry sheets of D/H/F lined up and then when 2012 rolls around, we can see the likes of D/C/F, (Dallara/Chevrolet/Firestone), or will the first letter represent the Aero Kit on the car? This would give us a C/C/F (Chevrolet/Chevrolet/Firestone), I guess if we see someone select the Dallara aero kit, stick with Honda, we will still see some D/H/F in 2012, but not the whole field. This friends, is exactly what INDYCAR needs and wants to promote growth in the series and for their sponsors.

So confirming Lotus, Chevy, and Honda as engine manufactures’, and assuming they all build their own Aero kits that gives us three and three. Dallara will produce a standard Aero Kit, that’s three and four, lets just throw in one more bonus Aero Kit producer and we now have the potential for five different looking IndyCar’s powered by three different sources.
From a Baseball standpoint, that’s hitting a triple when your just trying to put the ball in play, from a Football standpoint, that’s completing a sixty yard pass when its third and 20, and from a basketball standpoint that’s like Butler making it all the way to the NCAA Championship, ok maybe that’s a reach on the Basketball standpoint.

All in all, Randy Bernard and ICONIC team (with some help from open wheel vets Penske and Kalkhoven) has secured a very good platform for 2012 and beyond. INDYCAR still has work to do to get back to the level of the early 1990’s, but they are pointed in the right direction.

Speedway Redevelopment Commission breaks ground on the future Dallara plant

2010-11-16T14:22:00.005-05:00

The Speedway Redevelopment Commission formally broke ground today on the future home of Italian automobile manufacturer Dallara. Dallara will relocate to Main Street in Speedway’s first redevelopment area, which is located within walking distant of turn one of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“Dallara is an excellent fit for our community, as we share a mutual dedication to the racing industry, innovation and advanced technology,” said Vince Noblet, president of the SRC. “Today’s celebration truly embodies the spirit of Speedway and marks a major milestone in our town’s redevelopment vision. As the home to the greatest spectacle in racing, the Indianapolis 500, we are proud to be a part of the continued success of the motorsports industry in Indiana and the world.”

Dallara is expected to move into the new technology center on Main Street by the winter of 2011. This facility will eventually include an automotive production area, quality control and technical sections, an engineering center, an interactive area, a restaurant and a state of the art driving simulator.

On a cold Indiana day, with overcast skies and temperatures in the high 30’s, the Dallara groundbreaking couldn’t have been better a step for INDYCAR. “As this new Dallara facility positions Speedway for future growth, the cost-effective package that will be produced here will also position the series for growth, and will foster the tradition of innovation in open-wheel racing and the Town of Speedway,” said Randy Bernard, CEO, INDYCAR.

Nearly 200 people turned out for the ground breaking ceremonies at 1201 Main Street, Speedway, Indiana. Among the notables in attendance, current IZOD IndyCar drivers Graham Rahal, Ryan Hunter-Reay, and Davy Hamilton, past Indy 500 Champions Al Unser Jr and Bobby Rahal, current Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, Indiana Lt. Governor Becky Skillman, members of the Hulman-George family, and several representatives from Dallara, including Mr. Gian Paolo Dallara.

Demolition of the former building on the sit will be completed in December and will cost approximately $100,000, funded by the SRC. Construction on the new Dallara and Indy Racing Experience Facility will begin immediately after demolition concludes.

Photos: Karen Vance

Dallara ground breaking set for Tuesday, November 16th

2010-11-01T13:22:00.003-04:00

The picture above is the home of the future Dallara plant that will produce the next generation of IndyCars

Italian chassis manufacturer Dallara will formally break ground on their new United States factory, in the heart of IndyCar country, Speedway Indiana. Dallara, which was named the 2012 chassis manufacture of the IZOD IndyCar Series, has been involved with IndyCar since 1997, in the early years of the Indy Racing League.

Mr. Gian Paolo Dallara birthday is November 16th, and he will be celebrating it at the groundbreaking ceremonies, along with several other representatives from Dallara. The Dallara factory, which will be built on Main Street in Speedway, will also have the Indy Racing Experience attached to it, and representatives from the IRE should be in attendance as well.

The announcement will also be a big boost to the Speedway Redevelopment plan. The factory is expected to produce over 70 new jobs in Speedway, and also pave the way for more companies to relocate to Speedway, Indiana as part of their master redevelopment plan. Indianapolis mayor Greg Ballard and Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels are also expected to be in attendance.

Randy Bernard has invited several drivers to attend the ground breaking, and Sergio Marchionne, the CEO of Fiat Automobiles, is expected to attend as well. Fiat Group is the largest automobile manufacturer in Italy.

Tune in to IndyCar Garage for more details and look for a special edition of IndyCar Garage Weekly the day of the ground breaking.

Major Sponorship announcement coming toward IndyCar.... Verizon?

2010-09-30T12:57:00.002-04:00

In light of the IBJ (Indiana Business Journal) foreshadowing a major IndyCar announcement in the next two weeks, IndyCar Garage would like to go out and predict it will be Verizon Wireless.

http://www.ibj.com/indy-racing-league-signs-deal-with-brazilian-coffee-maker/PARAMS/article/22561

The link above quotes commercial division president Terry Angstadt, as saying:
“It will be a category-exclusive deal with mega activation,” said Terry Angstadt, president of IRL’s commercial division. “It will rival the [promotion] done by our series title sponsor, Izod. So it’s very exciting.”

Angstadt said he couldn’t say what category the new sponsor will fill because “that would give away who it is.” He expects the as-yet-announced sponsor to be at full speed with the open-wheel race series for the 2011 season.

Further more, Just Marketing’s Zak Brown was quoted as saying
“Izod has been extremely active in taking the IndyCar brand to the mainstream public,” said Zak Brown, president of Just Marketing International, a Zionsville-based motorsports marketing consultancy. “They’ve put millions of dollars into marketing IndyCar, which is just what the series needs.”

“I’ve not heard anything about an impending deal myself, but if it's on par with Izod, that’s certainly good news, especially in this economic environment,” Brown said.

Why does Verizon make sense?

1. They are shifting their sponsorship program away from NASCAR due to the Sprint deal

2. They will increase their involvement with Team Penske and be the primary sponsor for Team Penske next year

3. Angstadt was quoted as saying major activation, not many companies come to mind right away when you talk about major activation within IndyCar, except that Verizon has already been active with IndyCar this year, designing a mobile application for its users and putting championship points leader Will Power in commercials with Justin Alliager, who is left ride less in the Nationwide series now that Verizon is moving out of NASCAR.

Let’s hope in two weeks that IndyCar Garage is correct in their predication

The Indianapolis Buisness Journal contributed to this post

Lotus, Verizon, and Tix all look to IndyCar for Sponorship rolls

2010-09-28T12:02:00.004-04:00

Lotus, Verizon, and Tix all look to IndyCar for Sponsorship rolls

In Sponsorship news around IndyCar, Lotus, Verizon and Tix appear set to increase or continue their roll as contributing sponsors of IndyCar.

LOTUS:
Lotus has released a statement saying that they will continue their sponsorships of KV Racing in 2011 with at least 2 full time cars, they also have confirmed they will build an Aero kit for the new 2012 IndyCar. "The 2011 IndyCar season will see Lotus continue to work with KV Racing Technology providing further technical and engineering support, fielding a minimum of two cars on the grid," said a Lotus statement.

Verizon:
It has been confirmed through Penske Racing that Verizon will end its sponsorship of Justin Allgaier in the Nationwide Series and increase their sponsorship toward Penske’s IndyCar Program. This could open t he door for all three Penske drivers , Helio Castroneves, Ryan Briscoe, and Championship leader Will Power, to remain in the Penske stable. Tix
Tix has announced the will be a sponsor of the popular Long Beach Grand Prix in 2011. Tix is a provider of integrated box office software and online ticket sales and services for arts, entertainment and sporting events. “Tix is proud to have been selected as the official ticketing provider for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach,” said Robert Edmison, president and CEO of Tix, Inc. “It's an honor to be associated with one of the premier motorsports events in the world and an organization that shares our dedication to providing the best possible experience for ticket buyers.

The Lbpost.com and autosport.com contributed to the information in this post.

Beatriz back in for Miami, could mark the second time IndyCar will have five women competing in one race

2010-09-24T15:24:00.001-04:00

Beatriz back in for Miami , could mark the second time IndyCar will have five women competing in one race.

Ana Beatriz will make her fourth IZOD IndyCar Series start of the season for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing in the Cafes do Brasil Indy 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
She will drive the No. 24 Roll Coater entry for the 200-lap season finale on the 1.5-mile oval. It will be her third start on an oval.
"With it being the final race of the season, we felt that Ana was the perfect choice," team co-owner Dennis Reinbold said. "We are excited about having her back with the team. She did a great job for us in Brazil, Indianapolis, and Chicago. Ana has really shown us her talent and motivation."
The Brazilian driver made her IZOD IndyCar debut at her home race in Sao Paulo in mid-March, advancing nine positions to finish 13th on the street course. She finished 21st in the Indy 500 and 24th at Chicagoland Speedway.
Along with Beatriz, females Danica Patrick, Milke Duno, Sarah Fisher, and hopefully Simona De Silverstro will be entered into the seasons last race.

Part of this article originally appeared on www.IndyCar.com

Dario Vs. Will - You decide

2010-09-21T11:36:00.006-04:00

Dario Vs. Will ..............
Franchitti Vs. Power ..........
Oval Vs. Road Course ............
Ganassi Vs. Penske ............
Scott Vs. Aussie ............
Red Vs. Black .............

The list goes on…and on…. But the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Championship comes to one race between two drivers, those drivers, Will Power and Dario Franchitti are separated by about everything except the 12 points in the standings. Franchitti, a classic IndyCar veteran has witnessed just about everything to witness in one IndyCar career. The rise and fall of CART, transitioning into the IRL, a 2007 Championship with AGR, a failed trip into stock car land, and a revival of sorts with Ganassi, as the 2009 championship winner and 2010 Indy 500 winner. Power is the young hot shot newcomer that has rose up the ranks of Champ Car, but struggled to gain traction on ovals once the merger was complete in 2008. The former KV Racing driver, and now current series points leader, can be considered as the new captain of Roger Penske’s open wheel program. Power has captured a season high five wins this year, and also the inaugural Marion Andretti Road Course Champion, all while running his first full time season with Team Penske.

Franchitti and Power will battle it out on the 1.5 mile oval of Homestead Miami-Speedway, the site of Franchitti’s 2009 championship. History and common sense to the die hard IndyCar fan would suggest that the odds favor Franchitti, who has more experience on ovals and also the benefit of a strong team in Chip Ganassi Racing, would take the championship, but don’t count out Power. Power has run well on ovals and captured the pole at one oval this year, Iowa Speedway.

IndyCar Garage wants to know who you think will win the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Championship and why. Leave your comments on the forum section and vote under the new tab on IndyCar Garage – labeled ICG Polls.

Who will remember the Café’s do Brasil Indy?

2010-09-13T11:44:00.001-04:00

Who will remember the Café’s do Brasil Indy?

The IZOD IndyCar Series will crown their 2010 champion on the 1.5 mile oval at Homestead, Miami Speedway. The series crowned their 2009 champion at Homestead, but prior to 2009, Homestead was usually the season opener.

The unique aspect of the 2010 race is that it will be the last one at Homestead, and it will be called the Café do Brasil Indy, after one of IndyCar’s sponsors from Brazil stepped up.

A very interesting name to call a race and a very interesting way to leave a race track.

Ron Artest drives an IndyCar

2010-09-08T14:57:00.004-04:00

The LAPD stopped Lakers Forward Ron Artest in Los Angeles while driving this Indy Car-inspired open-cockpit car. Surprisingly, he wasn't pulled over for speeding but for an expired registration. But what is it he's driving, exactly?

The vehicle in question is an Eagle Roadster, which is essentially a street-legal Indy-style kit car, featuring a 235-hp Chrysler V6 mounted behind a two-person cockpit. The company who builds it says the 1,960-lb car will do 0-to-60 mph in 4.2 seconds and hit a top speed of 152 mph.

The $200K price is steep for something powered by a Chrysler V6, but it's so much cooler than anything Andrew Bynum drives.

This article originally appeared on TMZ

15 reasons why Ryan Briscoe will win the Kentucky 300... and few why he won't

2010-09-03T07:57:00.003-04:00

The IZOD IndyCar Series will complete their 15th race of the 2010 season at Kentucky Motor Speedway on Saturday night at 8 EST, coverage starts at 7 EST on VERSUS. Kentucky is a 1.5 banked oval that offers some of the most exciting racing IndyCar has to offer, its one step safer than Chicago style racing, but just as exciting. IndyCar Garage will be in attendance for the Kentucky race, but from the grand stands. The IndyCar Garage crew will be taking their 3rd annual camping trip down to Sparta, Kentucky in hopes of enjoying another shootout style race , similar to last years race, where Ryan Briscoe edged Carpenter. IndyCar Garage gives you the Kentucky Preview of why Ryan Brisoce is going to win again, and a few why he won’t.

15 reasons why Briscoe will Win
1. Briscoe drives for Roger Penske… enough said
2. Briscoe won the 2009 Kentucky race… his setup should be intact
3. Briscoe sat on the pole at Texas 2010 and Chicago 2010, both 1.5 ovals
4. Briscoe won the Texas race this year
5. Briscoe started on the Chicago 2009 pole and won
6. Briscoe was nice enough to let IndyCar Garage interview him in 2008 after the Kentucky race 7. Briscoe’s wife is Nicole Briscoe and she is a pit reporter for NASCAR, but married an IndyCar driver

8. Briscoe is a nice guy
9. Briscoe drives a smart car
10. Briscoe is still trying to redeemed himself for Motegi last year
11. Briscoe is Australian and they have cool accents
12. Briscoe has just dominated 1.5 ovals, no matter how many stats you look at
13. People like Briscoe’s personality
14. Briscoe could probably beat every other IndyCar driver in wake boarding
15. Briscoe always smiles no matter what question you ask him

5 Reasons why Briscoe won’t win

1. 2010 has belonged to Dario and Briscoe’s teammate Will Power
2. Briscoe will have problems in the pit
3. Briscoe will help Will Power do whatever he can to keep the championship lead
4. Briscoe will get wrecked due to the pack racing on 1.5 ovals
5. Briscoe will get wrecked by Danica in the pits

IndyCar Garage Predications for Saturday Night
Winner – Ryan Briscoe
2nd – Scott Dixon
3rd – Dario Franchitti
4th – Will Power
5th – Ed Carpenter

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing to discuss driver lineup....PT?

2010-08-30T14:58:00.001-04:00

Dreyer and Reinbold Racing will discuss their driver lineup for the final three races of the 2010 season tomorrow at 1 p.m. on a teleconference with the media.

All signs point to Paul Tracy being named as the team’s second driver for the reminder of the season. Dreyer and Reinbold Racing has had several drivers fill in for the injured Mike Conway since his wreck at the Indianapolis 500.

Tomas Sheckter, Ana Beatriz, Graham Rahal, Tracy, and J.R. Hildenbrand are among the notables that have had seat time with D&R.

Check IndyCar Garage tomorrow for the official announcement.