Thursday, April 29, 2010
Kansas Road Runner Turbo 300 Preview
The IZOD IndyCar series returns to action this weekend at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas. The Kansas race will be the first oval of the 2010 season and begins a stretch of four consecutive ovals the series will run, highlighted by the 94th Indianapolis 500. Several storylines have developed since we last saw the IZOD IndyCar Series in Long Beach where Ryan Hunter-Reay took him his first win of the season, and his first with his new team, Andretti Autosport. IndyCar Garage gives you storylines to watch going into Saturday’s race.
TV Coverage -
Saturday - ABC Prerace coverage begins at 1:30 p.m. EST
Note: ABC Coverage ususally only does about 15 minutes of prerace before they drop the green
(Will Danica Patrick improve on the ovals?)
1. The first stretch of Oval’s begins
Kansas begins a stretch of ovals for the IZOD IndyCar Series, and for many fans this begins what they consider the real season starting. If you’re an early IRL fan, then ovals are all you know, but if you’re a die-hard IndyCar fan, then this is just a different aspect of the series. Kansas should be provide great side by side racing and hopefully a close finish. Kansas is a 1.5 oval similar to that of Chicago, and the racing and finishes at Chicago have been outstanding. The aero package from last year was not in place at Kansas last year, so it should be interesting and fun to see how it impacts the racing.
2. Highest Car Count of the season
27 cars will take the green flag on Saturday, and that will represent the highest car count since the merger in 2008, excluding the Indy 500. 27 is just a number, but it represents a change in the tune toward IndyCar. In In comparison the Milwaukee race last year, had just 20 cars and that was just a week after the Indy 500. John Andretti will join on as a tune up for the Indy 500 and represent Andretti Autosport’s fifth car. Sarah Fisher will become a two car team with Jay Howard and Sarah herself making their 2010 débuts. Graham Rahal ran three races for SFR earlier in the season, but will not be in a ride for Kansas.
3. News around the IndyCar Series, heating up!
Several newsworthy items have hit the IZOD IndyCar Series over the last two weeks and many of them appear to be positive. Randy Bernard just announced that their will be an oval champion (8 races) and road/street course (9 races) champion crowned at Sonoma (last road course)and Motegi (second to last oval), and the fans will have a say in naming the trophies that represent those two trophies(Foyt and Andretti seem logical choices). In other news, Daytona International Speedway track president was quoted in the paper recently as saying he would listen to a call from the IRL if they were interested in a race, since the track will be repaved this summer. If any racing at Daytona takes place with the IRL involved, look for 2012, at the earliest possible. The entry list for the 2010 Indy 500 was announced and 40 driver/car combinations are listed, look for exciting action on Pole Day and Bump Day. All in all, the series is experiencing POSITIVE NEWS that can only get better!
4. Can Danica get back in her grove?
Danica Patrick has one top ten finish this season and it was mainly due in part to pit strategy. Danica has struggled mightily on the road/street courses, largely in part due to poor qualifying efforts. Danica’s game seems to be on the ovals, and Kansas is her first chance to prove she is worthy of her good ride with Andretti Autosport. Danica mania has faded fast within the IndyCar circles and if she can’t regain her savvy that allowed her to finish fifth in points last year, then look for her to possibly give NASCAR more of a look, but then again, she didn’t blow anybody out of the water in her Nationwide experiment.
5. Penske / Ganassi oval domination?
Penske and Ganassi dominated every oval race of the season last year , highlighted by Helio Castroneves dominance at Indy. Penske and Ganassi domination on the ovals usually comes in two words: More Resources. Penske and Ganassi are the two heavyweights in the IZOD IndyCar Series and that allows them to have every technical advantage out there. Any driver outside of the Penske/Ganassi stable that wins at Kansas this weekend, will be given major props for upsetting the two heavily funded teams.
6. Graham Rahal
Graham Rahal will miss his second race of 2010, and not because of injury. Most know of Rahal’s sponsorship situation from earlier in the year and that was somewhat fixed when Sarah Fisher Racing signed him to fill in for her during the road/street course portion of the schedule. Sarah is back in her seat for the ovals and Graham is now rideless again. We all know Graham is the future of the series and wants to stay in open wheel, but sitting on the sidelines during an ABC race, just hurts. What could be a major blow is Graham sitting out the Indy 500 next month. Graham’s name has come up with his dad’s team, Rahal-Letterman, but nothing appears firm at this point. Hopefully Graham finds a ride and we can avoid the bright young 21 year star sitting on the sidelines.
7. The undercard race on Saturday
Unfortunately and almost intentionally the IZOD IndyCar Series will be looked at this weekend as an undercard race for this week’s action at Kansas Speedway. The NASCAR Truck Series is also racing at Kansas and will be the main race on Sunday afternoon. NASCAR did this for two reasons, first they can because they own the track through International Speedway Corporation, and two they don’t want both of their series running on the same day, the Sprint Cup runs Richmond Saturday night. Randy Bernard hasn’t had to deal with ISC yet, but he is going to meet them head on this weekend when they run at Kansas. Bernard has stated publicly that he knows the France family from his PBR days and that the IZOD IndyCar Series will need to be involved on ISC tracks in the future. Kansas represents a huge test for the way Bernard plans to handle ISC and the lack of promotion behind the event. No matter how you look at it, the IZOD IndyCar Series is running their race on Saturday afternoon at 1:30 EST, not the ideal time for a race and probably not going to attract the best ratings. The IndyCar / ISC situation is only going to intensify as we get deeper into the season.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Handicapping the 2010 Indy 500 entrants
The 2010 Indy 500 entry list was released last week and it features 40 car and driver combinations. For the first time in almost a decade, bump day will be full of action. IndyCar Garage breaks down the entry list and groups the drivers by their chances of winning the race.
Handicapping the 2010 Indy 500 entrants
The Favorites (9 Drivers)
Penske – Ryan Briscoe
Briscoe was in contention in 2009, but came up short. He started in the middle of row 1 last year.
Penske – Helio Castroneves
Helio will attempt to win his fourth Indy 500, which would put him a group of legends that include A.J. Foyt, Rick Mears, and Al Unser.
Penske – Will Power
Power excels on the road/street courses, but proved strong at Indy last year with a fifth place finish.
Ganassi – Dario Franchitti
2007 Winner is a seasoned veteran that experienced pit lane problems in 2009, started on the outside of row one last year.
Ganassi – Scott Dixon
2008 Winner will be a pole favorite and race day favorite.
Andretti Autosport – Tony Kanaan
Kanaan almost won in 2007, but lost due to the weather. A seasoned veteran on a good team
Andretti Autosport – Marco Andretti
Marco came within a few feet of victory lane in 2006 and had a strong run of 3rd in 2008. Marco lasted all of one turn in 2009.
Andretti Autosport – Danica Patrick
Danica stole the show at Indy in 2005 with a 4th and improved on that with a 3rd in 2009. She has finished in the top 10 four out of her five attempts at Indy.
KV Racing Technology – Paul Tracy
You could probably put Mario Moraes in this slot as well, but he doesn’t have the experience Tracy does. Tracy finished 9th last year, in his first Indy 500 since 2002 when he finished runner-up.
The hopeful drivers that need a break (8 Drivers)
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing – Justin Wilson
Justin has only raced in two Indy 500’s but he has shown great promise early in the 2010 season with his new team Dreyer & Reinbold Racing. Kansas should be a good gage of how well Wilson’s program will do on the ovals.
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing – Tomas Sheckter
Sheckter is a veteran driver, and if he gets a good car, look out. Sheckter knows one speed when he races, full throttle.
Andretti Autosport – Ryan Hunter-Reay
Hunter-Reay finished 6th in 2008, but 32nd in 2009 while driving for Vision. It should be interesting to see how he does with a good program from Andretti Autosport
Andretti Autosport – John Andretti
John’s arguably best chance to win at Indy could be this year. He barely made the field last year, he should be comfortably in this year. John will run Kansas as a tune up for Indy
Panther – Dan Wheldon
Wheldon won in 2005 and finished second last year, could be a sleeper pick this year if he stays out of trouble.
Panther – Ed Carpenter
Ed’s best results have come at the Indy 500. Ed finished 5th in 2008 and 8th in 2009. He will need some luck if he wants to claim a top five.
Foyt – Vitor Meria
Vitor finished 2nd in 2008, but suffered a horrible accident late in the 2009 race. Vitor is a heck of a driver if given the proper setup.
FAZZT – Alex Tagliani
Tags finished 11th in 2009, not bad for starting 33rd. Tags is a veteran driver, that is smart enough to be around at the end.
Happy to finish in the top half of the field (10 Drivers)
KV Racing Technology – Takuma Sato
It’s hard to see Sato adjusting this quickly to the ovals, running a full 500 miles would be a nice accomplishment
KV Racing Technology – E.J. Viso
Viso hasn’t started or finished better than 24th in his two Indy 500’s.
KV Racing Technology – Mario Maroes
Maroes started 7th last year, but finished 33rd. Maroes needs to run a full 500 miles this year.
De Ferran Dragon – Davey Hamilton
Davey is a seasoned Indy 500 veteran that should help young driver Raphael Matos, but would need some luck to finish in the top five.
De Ferran Dragon – Raphael Matos
Matos was the fastest rookie qualifier last year but finished 22nd, any improvement from last year would be good.
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing – Mike Conway
Conway drove the full 500 miles last year in route to a 18th place finish. Conway will benefit from an upgraded Dreyer & Reinbold Racing this year.
Sarah Fisher Racing – Sarah Fisher
Sarah expanded her program to include Jay Howard this year. Sarah herself , would gladly settle for a top 10, her best ever is 17th in 2009.
Sarah Fisher Racing – Jay Howard
Howard gets his first shot at Indy, after being removed from his seat in 2008 by Marty Roth Racing. Howard being safely in the field and finishing would be a good day.
Ganassi/Schmidt – Townsend Bell
Townsend finished 4th last year after starting 24th, expectations are high this year, with partnership from Ganassi.
N/H/L – Hideki Mutoh
Mutoh has two top 10’s in two starts, but his move to N/H/L team this year could impact his results. Mutoh will also suffer from being the sole driver at N/H/L. Mutoh is doing his best in a no win situation.
Just glad to be in the show! (6 Drivers)
Dale Coyne – Alex Lloyd
Alex qualified 11th last year , but had a much better team in Ganassi/Sam Schmidt. Alex’s skills don’t match the team is he driving for.
HVM – Simona De Silverstro
The Swish Miss has been a nice surprise in her rookie year, but don’t expect 2005 type fireworks to happen when she makes her début at the Speedway. A full 500 miles and little trouble would be obtainable goals.
Foyt – Jacque Lazier
Lazier hasn’t been officially confirmed as the third driver for Foyt, but all signs point that direction.
Foyt – A.J. Foyt IV
Anthony is back in action for the first time since Texas of last year. He’s been competing since he was 18, so by his mid 20’s he’s already considered a veteran.
FAZZT – Bruno Junquerira
Junquerira sat on the pole in 2001 and was bumped by his own teammate last year due to sponsorship obligations. It won’t be an easy task for Junquerira to drive a second car for a first year team. If he anybody can do it, he is qualified.
Rahal-Letterman – Graham Rahal
Graham hasn’t been confirmed for this seat either, so it’s purely speculation at this point. If Graham isn’t driving for his dad’s team at Indy, he doesn’t have a ride. He’s had a long fall since starting fourth last year, but the best thing Graham could experience this May would be a full 500 miles and finding a ride for the rest of the 2010 season.
Could be on the outside looking in (7 Drivers)
Dale Coyne – Milka Duno
Milka would be attempting to qualify for her fourth Indy 500, but if early 2010 is an preview of May, then she could struggle. Milka has struggled mightily on the road courses, so Kansas might be the best chance she has to get her skills in order if she wants to make the show.
Dreyer & Reinbold – Ana Beatriz
Ana hasn’t been confirmed for this seat either, but it appears that she will by the fourth D&R driver for May. Ana has competed before at Indy, but in a Indy Lights car. D&R will be stretched thin with four cars, so if Ana gets in trouble, it could spell trouble come qualification weekend.
Conquest - Bertrand Baguette
Baquette is a road racer from Formula 3.5 over in Europe. All of Baquette’s racing experience translates into little preparation for his first Indy 500. Conquest had one car miss the show last year as well.
Conquest – Mario Romancini
Out of the two Conquest cars, Romancini would appear to have the best shot of qualifying. Romancini had success on the ovals in Indy Lights and has driven in the Freedom 100.
Bryan Herta Autosport – Sebasitian Saavedra
Saavedra will be making his debut in the IZOD IndyCar and at the toughest track. Saavedra has no backup car and Bryan Herta Autosport mostly competes in Indy Lights, as with Beatriz, if he crashes prior to qualification weekend, it could spell trouble.
3G – Driver TBA
3G was on the wrong end of bump day last year with Stanton Barrot, and with no races under their belt in 2010, they could be looking at the same result. They were a severely underfunded team in 2009.
AFS – Driver TBA
AFS partners with Andretti Autosport in the Indy Lights series, so with Andretti Autosport fielding five drivers this year, it’s hard to see AFS receiving much support from Andretti Autosport. J.R. Hildebrand was rumored for this seat, but recently that trail has gone cold. AFS hasn’t done much in the IZOD IndyCar Series in 2010, so it’s hard to believe that they could pull a starting spot in the field of 33 with such tough competition.
Handicapping the 2010 Indy 500 entrants
The Favorites (9 Drivers)
Penske – Ryan Briscoe
Briscoe was in contention in 2009, but came up short. He started in the middle of row 1 last year.
Penske – Helio Castroneves
Helio will attempt to win his fourth Indy 500, which would put him a group of legends that include A.J. Foyt, Rick Mears, and Al Unser.
Penske – Will Power
Power excels on the road/street courses, but proved strong at Indy last year with a fifth place finish.
Ganassi – Dario Franchitti
2007 Winner is a seasoned veteran that experienced pit lane problems in 2009, started on the outside of row one last year.
Ganassi – Scott Dixon
2008 Winner will be a pole favorite and race day favorite.
Andretti Autosport – Tony Kanaan
Kanaan almost won in 2007, but lost due to the weather. A seasoned veteran on a good team
Andretti Autosport – Marco Andretti
Marco came within a few feet of victory lane in 2006 and had a strong run of 3rd in 2008. Marco lasted all of one turn in 2009.
Andretti Autosport – Danica Patrick
Danica stole the show at Indy in 2005 with a 4th and improved on that with a 3rd in 2009. She has finished in the top 10 four out of her five attempts at Indy.
KV Racing Technology – Paul Tracy
You could probably put Mario Moraes in this slot as well, but he doesn’t have the experience Tracy does. Tracy finished 9th last year, in his first Indy 500 since 2002 when he finished runner-up.
The hopeful drivers that need a break (8 Drivers)
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing – Justin Wilson
Justin has only raced in two Indy 500’s but he has shown great promise early in the 2010 season with his new team Dreyer & Reinbold Racing. Kansas should be a good gage of how well Wilson’s program will do on the ovals.
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing – Tomas Sheckter
Sheckter is a veteran driver, and if he gets a good car, look out. Sheckter knows one speed when he races, full throttle.
Andretti Autosport – Ryan Hunter-Reay
Hunter-Reay finished 6th in 2008, but 32nd in 2009 while driving for Vision. It should be interesting to see how he does with a good program from Andretti Autosport
Andretti Autosport – John Andretti
John’s arguably best chance to win at Indy could be this year. He barely made the field last year, he should be comfortably in this year. John will run Kansas as a tune up for Indy
Panther – Dan Wheldon
Wheldon won in 2005 and finished second last year, could be a sleeper pick this year if he stays out of trouble.
Panther – Ed Carpenter
Ed’s best results have come at the Indy 500. Ed finished 5th in 2008 and 8th in 2009. He will need some luck if he wants to claim a top five.
Foyt – Vitor Meria
Vitor finished 2nd in 2008, but suffered a horrible accident late in the 2009 race. Vitor is a heck of a driver if given the proper setup.
FAZZT – Alex Tagliani
Tags finished 11th in 2009, not bad for starting 33rd. Tags is a veteran driver, that is smart enough to be around at the end.
Happy to finish in the top half of the field (10 Drivers)
KV Racing Technology – Takuma Sato
It’s hard to see Sato adjusting this quickly to the ovals, running a full 500 miles would be a nice accomplishment
KV Racing Technology – E.J. Viso
Viso hasn’t started or finished better than 24th in his two Indy 500’s.
KV Racing Technology – Mario Maroes
Maroes started 7th last year, but finished 33rd. Maroes needs to run a full 500 miles this year.
De Ferran Dragon – Davey Hamilton
Davey is a seasoned Indy 500 veteran that should help young driver Raphael Matos, but would need some luck to finish in the top five.
De Ferran Dragon – Raphael Matos
Matos was the fastest rookie qualifier last year but finished 22nd, any improvement from last year would be good.
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing – Mike Conway
Conway drove the full 500 miles last year in route to a 18th place finish. Conway will benefit from an upgraded Dreyer & Reinbold Racing this year.
Sarah Fisher Racing – Sarah Fisher
Sarah expanded her program to include Jay Howard this year. Sarah herself , would gladly settle for a top 10, her best ever is 17th in 2009.
Sarah Fisher Racing – Jay Howard
Howard gets his first shot at Indy, after being removed from his seat in 2008 by Marty Roth Racing. Howard being safely in the field and finishing would be a good day.
Ganassi/Schmidt – Townsend Bell
Townsend finished 4th last year after starting 24th, expectations are high this year, with partnership from Ganassi.
N/H/L – Hideki Mutoh
Mutoh has two top 10’s in two starts, but his move to N/H/L team this year could impact his results. Mutoh will also suffer from being the sole driver at N/H/L. Mutoh is doing his best in a no win situation.
Just glad to be in the show! (6 Drivers)
Dale Coyne – Alex Lloyd
Alex qualified 11th last year , but had a much better team in Ganassi/Sam Schmidt. Alex’s skills don’t match the team is he driving for.
HVM – Simona De Silverstro
The Swish Miss has been a nice surprise in her rookie year, but don’t expect 2005 type fireworks to happen when she makes her début at the Speedway. A full 500 miles and little trouble would be obtainable goals.
Foyt – Jacque Lazier
Lazier hasn’t been officially confirmed as the third driver for Foyt, but all signs point that direction.
Foyt – A.J. Foyt IV
Anthony is back in action for the first time since Texas of last year. He’s been competing since he was 18, so by his mid 20’s he’s already considered a veteran.
FAZZT – Bruno Junquerira
Junquerira sat on the pole in 2001 and was bumped by his own teammate last year due to sponsorship obligations. It won’t be an easy task for Junquerira to drive a second car for a first year team. If he anybody can do it, he is qualified.
Rahal-Letterman – Graham Rahal
Graham hasn’t been confirmed for this seat either, so it’s purely speculation at this point. If Graham isn’t driving for his dad’s team at Indy, he doesn’t have a ride. He’s had a long fall since starting fourth last year, but the best thing Graham could experience this May would be a full 500 miles and finding a ride for the rest of the 2010 season.
Could be on the outside looking in (7 Drivers)
Dale Coyne – Milka Duno
Milka would be attempting to qualify for her fourth Indy 500, but if early 2010 is an preview of May, then she could struggle. Milka has struggled mightily on the road courses, so Kansas might be the best chance she has to get her skills in order if she wants to make the show.
Dreyer & Reinbold – Ana Beatriz
Ana hasn’t been confirmed for this seat either, but it appears that she will by the fourth D&R driver for May. Ana has competed before at Indy, but in a Indy Lights car. D&R will be stretched thin with four cars, so if Ana gets in trouble, it could spell trouble come qualification weekend.
Conquest - Bertrand Baguette
Baquette is a road racer from Formula 3.5 over in Europe. All of Baquette’s racing experience translates into little preparation for his first Indy 500. Conquest had one car miss the show last year as well.
Conquest – Mario Romancini
Out of the two Conquest cars, Romancini would appear to have the best shot of qualifying. Romancini had success on the ovals in Indy Lights and has driven in the Freedom 100.
Bryan Herta Autosport – Sebasitian Saavedra
Saavedra will be making his debut in the IZOD IndyCar and at the toughest track. Saavedra has no backup car and Bryan Herta Autosport mostly competes in Indy Lights, as with Beatriz, if he crashes prior to qualification weekend, it could spell trouble.
3G – Driver TBA
3G was on the wrong end of bump day last year with Stanton Barrot, and with no races under their belt in 2010, they could be looking at the same result. They were a severely underfunded team in 2009.
AFS – Driver TBA
AFS partners with Andretti Autosport in the Indy Lights series, so with Andretti Autosport fielding five drivers this year, it’s hard to see AFS receiving much support from Andretti Autosport. J.R. Hildebrand was rumored for this seat, but recently that trail has gone cold. AFS hasn’t done much in the IZOD IndyCar Series in 2010, so it’s hard to believe that they could pull a starting spot in the field of 33 with such tough competition.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Penske picks up Pennzoil
The Penske organization has scored again and this time it will benefit both their NASCAR and IndyCar programs. Announced today was alliance that will have Pennzoil become the Official Motor Oil of Penske Racing. How does the IZOD IndyCar series benefit from this?
In addition to the primary sponsorship for Kurt Busch in Sprint Cup, associate sponsorships promoting Shell V-Power for all three IZOD IndyCar Series drivers Helio Castroneves, Will Power and Ryan Briscoe are included.
Clips from the press release are below:
The Penske organization is one of the world’s most successful and recognized automotive-based business enterprises and provides unique activation opportunities. Additionally, this alliance continues to enable further product development for Shell and Pennzoil both on and off the track through the invaluable knowledge gained surrounding fuels, lubricants and engine technologies. Like Shell and Pennzoil, Penske Corporation has a close relationship with Chrysler and Ferrari, both part of the Fiat Group
In addition to the primary sponsorship for Kurt Busch in Sprint Cup, associate sponsorships promoting Shell V-Power for all three IZOD IndyCar Series drivers Helio Castroneves, Will Power and Ryan Briscoe are included.
Clips from the press release are below:
The Penske organization is one of the world’s most successful and recognized automotive-based business enterprises and provides unique activation opportunities. Additionally, this alliance continues to enable further product development for Shell and Pennzoil both on and off the track through the invaluable knowledge gained surrounding fuels, lubricants and engine technologies. Like Shell and Pennzoil, Penske Corporation has a close relationship with Chrysler and Ferrari, both part of the Fiat Group
Winning is a tradition for Penske, an organization that has earned more than 315 major race victories including 15 Indianapolis 500 wins and the 2008 Daytona 500, 370 pole positions and 22 national championships.
As part of the alliance, Pennzoil will become the “Official Motor Oil” of Penske Racing in 2011 which includes all of its entries in the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series as well as the IZOD IndyCar Series. For Pennzoil, returning to Penske is a homecoming of sorts as Pennzoil first aligned with Penske as part of its IndyCar teams in 1983 and won the 1984 and 1988 Indianapolis 500 Mile Races with driver Rick Mears. In addition, Kurt Busch won his 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship driving a Pennzoil-supported car for another team.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Why Ryan Hunter-Reay's Victory at Long Beach was a Home Run!
Ryan Hunter-Reay jumped in the #37 IZOD Machine on Sunday and captured his first victory of the 2010 season and became the first American since 2008 to win a major open wheel event in North America. Funny you might ask who won that race in 2008, it was Hunter-Reay himself, driving for Rahal-Letterman racing. Hunter-Reay’s victory brought hope, excitement, freshness, inspiration, and fulfillment to the IZOD IndyCar Series on Sunday. IndyCar Garage gives you four reasons why.
1. Hunter-Reay is an American driver on an American dominated team, sponsored by an American based company who also happens to be the leagues title sponsor.
IZOD had all of their players out for Long Beach, and what better way to show them a good time than to have their own car take home the victory. IZOD has done many things for the league since coming on board in November. Hunter-Reay’s win on Sunday might have been the biggest return investment they have gotten. This also gives Hunter-Reay a great chance toward fulfilling a full-season ride and brining IZOD on board for the whole season.
2. Hunter-Reay turned the victory lane tide from Penske or Ganassi
Outside of Justin Wilson with Dale Coyne at Watkins Glen last year, no one had been to victory lane in the IZOD IndyCar Series in 2009 or 2010. Hunter-Reay boosted Andretti Autosport's chances of regaining some of their former glory and gave fans a chance to finally see some new colors in victory lane, by the way, who is the IZOD girl?
3. Hunter-Reay made every struggling driver believe that bad fortune can turn to good fortune in a short time
For as good as 2010 has been for Hunter-Reay, 2009 was the exact opposite. Practically rideless going into the week before the 2009 opener, he was propped up by Vision Racing. Hunter-Reay had a great opening race in 2009, but the rest is easily forgotten. Hunter-Reay barley made the Indy 500, went on loan to Foyt Racing and in the process, experienced little, if any sort of success. Hunter-Reay has found more stability and teamwork at AA and it looks like he might be the new American to beat the rest of 2010.
4. Hunter-Reay's storied win allowed him to dedicate the last few laps to his mom as she watched over
1. Hunter-Reay is an American driver on an American dominated team, sponsored by an American based company who also happens to be the leagues title sponsor.
IZOD had all of their players out for Long Beach, and what better way to show them a good time than to have their own car take home the victory. IZOD has done many things for the league since coming on board in November. Hunter-Reay’s win on Sunday might have been the biggest return investment they have gotten. This also gives Hunter-Reay a great chance toward fulfilling a full-season ride and brining IZOD on board for the whole season.
2. Hunter-Reay turned the victory lane tide from Penske or Ganassi
Outside of Justin Wilson with Dale Coyne at Watkins Glen last year, no one had been to victory lane in the IZOD IndyCar Series in 2009 or 2010. Hunter-Reay boosted Andretti Autosport's chances of regaining some of their former glory and gave fans a chance to finally see some new colors in victory lane, by the way, who is the IZOD girl?
3. Hunter-Reay made every struggling driver believe that bad fortune can turn to good fortune in a short time
For as good as 2010 has been for Hunter-Reay, 2009 was the exact opposite. Practically rideless going into the week before the 2009 opener, he was propped up by Vision Racing. Hunter-Reay had a great opening race in 2009, but the rest is easily forgotten. Hunter-Reay barley made the Indy 500, went on loan to Foyt Racing and in the process, experienced little, if any sort of success. Hunter-Reay has found more stability and teamwork at AA and it looks like he might be the new American to beat the rest of 2010.
4. Hunter-Reay's storied win allowed him to dedicate the last few laps to his mom as she watched over
Hunter-Reay lost his mother this past winter to cancer, and his win gave him a chance to remember her in many ways. Hunter-Reay mentioned Long Beach as her favorite track to come and watch a race. Hunter-Reay also mentioned how his mom was his biggest fan and wished the best for her son every race. The win on Sunday was a great way for Hunter-Reay to honor his mother and celebrate her life.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Preview
The IZOD IndyCar Series begins their fourth round of the 2010 season by traveling west to Long Beach, California. The 1.9 mile street course will host its 36th consecutive open wheel event. The Long Beach Grand Prix is the longest running street course held on North America. Former winners include, Mario Andretti , both as a F1 driver and CART driver, Michael Andretti, Al Unser Jr, Danny Sullivan, Paul Tracy, Jimmy Vasser, Juan Pablo Montoya, Helio Castroneves and most recently Dario Franchitti won the 2009 event.
TV Coverage – VERSUS
Saturday Qualification Show 6:00 EST
Sunday Race Coverage 3:30 EST / Green Flag drops at 4:15 EST
IndyCar Garage gives you a preview of the upcoming weekend’s action.
1. The event itself – Social time out in California
Over 170,000 fans will attend an action packed three day weekend of racing. The IZOD IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights, and a celebrity race will make for lots of action over the weekend. Fans are drawn to Long Beach merely for the social atmosphere and the beautiful scenery around the temporary street circuit. This event gives the IZOD IndyCar Series a great chance to showcase its racing and drivers to the west coast and make the most of a Hollywood type event, IndyCar style.
2. Team Penske going for win number four in the fourth race of the season.
Will Power, Will Power, Helio Castroneves, get the idea? Team Penske has started off the 2010 season with a bang and some fans and media are already comparing Penske’s 2010 to Penske’s 1994, when Penske dominated the 1994 CART schedule by winning 12 of 16 races and finishing 1-2-3 in the championship. It’s too early to predicate whether or not Helio, Briscoe and Power will go 1-2-3, but it’s fair to say that they are the team to beat this weekend and for the rest of the season. Penske ran three cars at Long Beach last year because of the Will Power/Helio Castroneves situation. Power qualified on the pole last year and finished second. 2010 should be no different and look for one of these three drivers to be taking the checkered flag on Sunday.
3. Excitement – CHECK , Drama – CHECK , Buzz – CHECK , Momentum – CHECK , High Car Count – CHECK , Invaded NASCAR Country Successfully – CHECK
The IZOD IndyCar Series is accomplishing tasks that haven’t been thought of in the last decade. We all know it’s very early and we’ve only completed three races on the season, but there is a great buzz about the IZOD IndyCar Series. Part of this is due in part to successful markets that the series has targeted and combined with some great racing on the road/street courses. The other major factors around the IZOD IndyCar Series right now is the involvement of IZOD and the new leadership direction that Randy Bernard has brought to the IRL CEO position that he took over on March 1st. Already Bernard has done several media inquirys and smoothed over feelings in a tense paddock. All of this brings us to Long Beach, arguably one of the top events on the schedule outside of the Indy 500. Look for another strong weekend of promotion, racing, and action for the IZOD IndyCar Series.
4. We’ve lost Linda - ?
For you loyal supporters of IndyCarGarage.com, most of you have come to know a common poster and member on the site, Linda from Iowa. Linda recently began a dispute with a group of karting members and waged war using IndyCarGarage.com as a battlefield. It was interesting to see the different comments, but in the end it wasn’t worth the time of everyone involved on IndyCarGarage.com. We have removed all the threads between Linda and the Karters, and hope that peace can be restored on all fronts. In regards to Linda, she posted a good bye message Thursday morning, hopefully she finds her way back to IndyCarGarage.com at some point.
5. IndyCar Garage Weekly Podcast up and running
Check out the latest podcast of IndyCar Garage Weekly under the IndyCar Garage Weekly tab on the site. The show streamed live on http://www.indycargarage.com/ last night at 6:30 EST. Several topics were covered, including the Barber recap, the new qualification format for the Indy 500 and a preview of the Long Beach race. IndyCar Garage Weekly streams live every Wednesday night at 6:30 EST.
Follow IndyCar Garage on Twitter and Facebook
www.twitter.com/IndyCarGarage
www.facebook.com/IndyCarGarage
TV Coverage – VERSUS
Saturday Qualification Show 6:00 EST
Sunday Race Coverage 3:30 EST / Green Flag drops at 4:15 EST
IndyCar Garage gives you a preview of the upcoming weekend’s action.
1. The event itself – Social time out in California
Over 170,000 fans will attend an action packed three day weekend of racing. The IZOD IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights, and a celebrity race will make for lots of action over the weekend. Fans are drawn to Long Beach merely for the social atmosphere and the beautiful scenery around the temporary street circuit. This event gives the IZOD IndyCar Series a great chance to showcase its racing and drivers to the west coast and make the most of a Hollywood type event, IndyCar style.
2. Team Penske going for win number four in the fourth race of the season.
Will Power, Will Power, Helio Castroneves, get the idea? Team Penske has started off the 2010 season with a bang and some fans and media are already comparing Penske’s 2010 to Penske’s 1994, when Penske dominated the 1994 CART schedule by winning 12 of 16 races and finishing 1-2-3 in the championship. It’s too early to predicate whether or not Helio, Briscoe and Power will go 1-2-3, but it’s fair to say that they are the team to beat this weekend and for the rest of the season. Penske ran three cars at Long Beach last year because of the Will Power/Helio Castroneves situation. Power qualified on the pole last year and finished second. 2010 should be no different and look for one of these three drivers to be taking the checkered flag on Sunday.
3. Excitement – CHECK , Drama – CHECK , Buzz – CHECK , Momentum – CHECK , High Car Count – CHECK , Invaded NASCAR Country Successfully – CHECK
The IZOD IndyCar Series is accomplishing tasks that haven’t been thought of in the last decade. We all know it’s very early and we’ve only completed three races on the season, but there is a great buzz about the IZOD IndyCar Series. Part of this is due in part to successful markets that the series has targeted and combined with some great racing on the road/street courses. The other major factors around the IZOD IndyCar Series right now is the involvement of IZOD and the new leadership direction that Randy Bernard has brought to the IRL CEO position that he took over on March 1st. Already Bernard has done several media inquirys and smoothed over feelings in a tense paddock. All of this brings us to Long Beach, arguably one of the top events on the schedule outside of the Indy 500. Look for another strong weekend of promotion, racing, and action for the IZOD IndyCar Series.
4. We’ve lost Linda - ?
For you loyal supporters of IndyCarGarage.com, most of you have come to know a common poster and member on the site, Linda from Iowa. Linda recently began a dispute with a group of karting members and waged war using IndyCarGarage.com as a battlefield. It was interesting to see the different comments, but in the end it wasn’t worth the time of everyone involved on IndyCarGarage.com. We have removed all the threads between Linda and the Karters, and hope that peace can be restored on all fronts. In regards to Linda, she posted a good bye message Thursday morning, hopefully she finds her way back to IndyCarGarage.com at some point.
5. IndyCar Garage Weekly Podcast up and running
Check out the latest podcast of IndyCar Garage Weekly under the IndyCar Garage Weekly tab on the site. The show streamed live on http://www.indycargarage.com/ last night at 6:30 EST. Several topics were covered, including the Barber recap, the new qualification format for the Indy 500 and a preview of the Long Beach race. IndyCar Garage Weekly streams live every Wednesday night at 6:30 EST.
Follow IndyCar Garage on Twitter and Facebook
www.twitter.com/IndyCarGarage
www.facebook.com/IndyCarGarage
Monday, April 12, 2010
Your favorite Indy 500 Memory could let you win two free Indy 500 Tickets !
IndyCar Garage will give away two free 2010 Indy 500 Tickets to a lucky member of http://www.indycargarage.com/.
In order to win you must be a member on IndyCarGarage.com and post a member blog of your favorite Indy 500 memory. The contests ends May 1st , when the green flag is dropped for the Kansas race.
If you are a member, but don’t post a member blog of your favorite Indy 500 memory, you won’t be eligible for the drawing.
Sign up today and share your Indy 500 memory, you might win two free tickets to the 2010 Indy 500!
In order to win you must be a member on IndyCarGarage.com and post a member blog of your favorite Indy 500 memory. The contests ends May 1st , when the green flag is dropped for the Kansas race.
If you are a member, but don’t post a member blog of your favorite Indy 500 memory, you won’t be eligible for the drawing.
Sign up today and share your Indy 500 memory, you might win two free tickets to the 2010 Indy 500!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Storylines to watch at Barber Motorsports Park for the Alabama Grand Prix
The IZOD IndyCar Series returns to action tomorrow for its third race of the 2010 season. The last time we saw the IZOD IndyCar Series in action, Will Power took his second checkered flag of the young season. IndyCar Garage gives you five storylines to watch for tomorrow’s race.
1. Power is Powerful!
Will Power is on an early season role, he has won two races, has a 44 point advantage in the championship, and is driving for the powerful Team Penske. Power showed no effects from the week off by capturing his second pole of the 2010 season on Saturday morning. Power had the quickest time back in February when the series was at Barber for pre-season testing, and it showed today. Power will tough to beat come Sunday and look for him to add to his already commanding points lead.
2. Passing? There is no PASSING in IndyCar !
Even before the IZOD IndyCar Series announced they were going to have a race at Barber, drivers were already wondering where they were going to pass. Barber offers very few places on the track for drivers to overtake one another, mostly due to no long straightway. Brazil and St. Pete offered exciting races due to the nature of several passing zones, Barber might just be the opposite. The track is very challenging from an elevation stand point, but most of the position changes will be decided in the pits or through driver error.
3. Five teams in the Firestone Fast Six.
Team Penske, Dryer & Reinbold, KV , Andretti Autosport, and Ganassi all were represented in the last round of the knockout style qualifying on Saturday morning. The variety is good for fans , because it lets them believe that other drivers, outside of the big two teams, have a chance at being competitive. Marco Andretti, Mike Conway, and Takumo Sato all did a great job of representing their respected teams in qualifying. The bottom line throughout tomorrow’s race is that Will Power and Team Penske will be tough to beat.
4. The Inaugural Grand Prix of Alabama.
Birmingham, Alabama is traditionally known to be NASCAR country, as Talladega Superspeedway is 20 miles east of Barber Motorsports Park. The fans down at Birmingham showed up in waves at the first test, and tomorrow should be no different. The IZOD IndyCar Series could establish a new market of fans if it can put on a good show this weekend. Barber offers no permanent grandstands and was originally built for Motorcycle racing. Fans will lounge from hills that overlook the twisty permanent road course. It should be interesting to see the turn-out on Sunday and how this event shapes up.
5. Danica? Oh yeah……..
You didn’t forget did you? Oh wait, yes you did because ESPN isn’t shoving Danica Patrick down your throat for her DNF’s in the Nationwide Series. Danica Patrick has been a non-factor in the first two races of the year, and her Sunday doesn’t look promising. Danica tested at Barber back in February and was in the bottom six throughout the test. Saturdays qualifying results were very similar, she will start in the back half of the pack and with few passing zones, don’t expect her to charge through the field. Danica came through Atlantics, which was featured all road-racing, but she has had most of her success on the ovals in the Indy Racing League. Look for Danica to make her moves when the oval portion of the schedule kicks off at Kansas.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
IndyCar Garage Weekly returns tonight - 6:30 EST
IndyCar Garage Weekly returns tonight with host Tyler Carmichael, the moderator of IndyCarGarage.com. The show will be packed with information regarding the IZOD IndyCar Series and we also hope to have Sam Schmidt join as to talk about his new driver, J.K Vernay, and his season opening win in Firestone Indy Lights. Among the topics of information that we will discuss tonight
* St. Pete Recap and Will Power's strong start
* Graham Rahal extending his deal with SFR for the Long Beach race
* ZZ Top confirmed as the headlining band for Miller Light Carb Day
* Jake Arute is reporting on his website the new Indianapolis 500 qualifying procedure.
Tune into IndyCar Garage weekly at 6:30 EST for the live 30 minute show. Calls are welcome throughout the show at 1-347-826-9019.
* St. Pete Recap and Will Power's strong start
* Graham Rahal extending his deal with SFR for the Long Beach race
* ZZ Top confirmed as the headlining band for Miller Light Carb Day
* Jake Arute is reporting on his website the new Indianapolis 500 qualifying procedure.
Tune into IndyCar Garage weekly at 6:30 EST for the live 30 minute show. Calls are welcome throughout the show at 1-347-826-9019.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Win two free 2010 Indy 500 Tickets
Win two free Indy 500 Tickets
IndyCar Garage will give away two free 2010 Indy 500 Tickets to a lucky member of http://www.indycargarage.com/.
In order to win you must be a member of IndyCarGarage.com and post a member blog of your favorite Indy 500 memory. The drawing will be after the Kansas race, which is May 1st.
If you are a member, but don’t post a member blog of your favorite Indy 500 memory, you won’t be eligible for the drawing.
Sign up today and share your Indy 500 memory, you might win two free tickets to the 2010 Indy 500!
IndyCar Garage will give away two free 2010 Indy 500 Tickets to a lucky member of http://www.indycargarage.com/.
In order to win you must be a member of IndyCarGarage.com and post a member blog of your favorite Indy 500 memory. The drawing will be after the Kansas race, which is May 1st.
If you are a member, but don’t post a member blog of your favorite Indy 500 memory, you won’t be eligible for the drawing.
Sign up today and share your Indy 500 memory, you might win two free tickets to the 2010 Indy 500!
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