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Page last updated Monday, January 29, 2007 2:58 PM

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Road course Open Test an important starting point for 2007 season

Vitor Meira has been anxiously awaiting the start of the 2007 IndyCar Series season.
He has invested hours at the Panther Racing shop since the first of the year, questioning and being questioned by race engineers and shop personnel about everything and anything. It’s all part of the off-season planning for the 17-race IndyCar Series season. Time on the front end, Meira hopes, will cut off time on the racetrack. Anything to assist the driver of the No. 4 Dallara/Honda/Firestone to grab his first IndyCar Series victory is welcome. The first Open Test of ’07 – Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 -- is an example. It will be the first time all the 3.5-liter Honda engines will be stocked with 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol and the first official time the IndyCar Series cars will turn right and left on a modified road circuit at the historic Daytona International Speedway. “Where ever it is, there are always things to learn,” said Meira, entering his second season with the two-time IndyCar Series championship team. “Anytime we can be at the track, whether it’s a track we race on or not, it’s a gain. There are things to test and gain more knowledge. Things you try during the year you can check and see if they are better or worse, so you have more knowledge for the year.” IndyCar Series drivers also will test Feb. 21-22 on the Homestead-Miami Speedway oval, which will host the season opener March 24 (prime-time race).

From a team standpoint, Target Chip Ganassi Racing managing director
Mike Hull will be looking for execution, communication and at the competition. His team’s drivers, 2005 IndyCar Series champion Dan Wheldon and 2003 series title holder Scott Dixon, each won two races last season. But Wheldon came up short in the season-long championship race to Team Penske’s Sam Hornish Jr., losing on the races won tiebreaker.
“Basically in testing, what we do is you’ve got to understand the tuning changes and the parameters that affect the car the greatest, and we can learn all of those things at Daytona,” he said. “So testing is very important for us. As Vitor said, everybody works hard during the winter to try to improve their individual product. It’s the first opportunity that you really have to come out and test with everybody that’s represented in the IndyCar field.
“So that is probably the second reason why you want to be at Daytona, or any other racetrack, is to find out how much improvement teams have made. And even bigger than that, we race at Indianapolis with IndyCars. Running at Daytona with IndyCars is a big statement. We’re very excited to be at Daytona for that reason.”

FAST FACTS:
WHAT:
IndyCar Series Open Test

WHERE:
Daytona International Speedway, 10-turn, 2.73-mile circuit

WHEN:
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Jan. 31 and Feb. 1

CARS:
Dallara chassis; Honda Indy V-8; Firestone tires

SCHEDULE (All times local; subject to change):
Wednesday, Jan. 31
10 a.m. – Noon IndyCar Series testing Noon – 1 p.m. Lunch Break
1 – 5 p.m. IndyCar Series testing

Thursday, Feb. 1
10 a.m. – Noon IndyCar Series testing
Noon – 1 p.m. Lunch Break
1 – 5 p.m. IndyCar Series testing

THE TRACK:
10 turn, 2.73-mile road course which incorporates tri-oval superspeedway and non-banked infield section. Infield course and chicane range from 30 to 50 feet wide.

VITOR MEIRA’S VIRTUAL LAP: “Braking into Turn 1 is the hardest you have on the whole track. You go from 187 (mph) to maybe 100 mph. It’s a second gear corner. You go through the little Esses, which is like a straight for us. The second hardest braking is going into Turn 3, which for me is first gear. There are some people who might be in second. Then you go through four, which is flat and really heavy braking into five. The Daytona prototypes go straight and we turn left in second gear. You accelerate a little bit, still in second gear, before the backstretch, which is second gear and very slippery. You get to the chicane in fifth gear and downshift to third. The chicane is really cool and fast. The curves allow you to use a lot of the track and you stay in third or fourth gear for three or four seconds before hammering it again heading onto Turns 3 and 4 on the oval side where it has more bumps and undulations more than I thought. We have so much grip in the downforce that it’s not a big problem. Fr! om there on it’s sixth gear onto the start-finish.”

Pecorari signs with Team KMA

Pennsylvania native Robbie Pecorari will drive Team KMA’s Indy Pro Series entry in 2007, team principals Ingo Strackerjan and Jon Lewis announced. Pecorari passed his Indy Pro Series rookie test Jan. 24 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Pecorari will drive the Cabo Wabo-sponsored Dallara throughout the series-record 16-race season that features races on oval, street and road courses. Cabo Wabo Tequila is owned by legendary rocker Sammy Hagar, who recently became a co-owner of Team KMA’s Indy Pro Series car. “It’s really exciting to announce that we were able to offer Robbie a sponsored drive, thanks to the people of Cabo Wabo Tequila,” Lewis said. “Besides being a music icon and car fanatic, this truly demonstrates Sammy Hagar’s belief in supporting young, talented athletes. As a sponsor of our team and a co-owner of our Indy Pro Series race car, this dramatically increases and enhances the ladder system we have established for our drivers to successfully progress in their careers.” “First off, I would like to thank Jon and Ingo for trusting me to put the Cabo Wabo Tequila car on the top step of the podium,” Pecorari said. “Without them and Sammy Hagar none of this would be happening.
“I am also looking forward to coaching our team’s Formula BMW drivers. This will be a first for me, but I am looking forward to the extra time at the track and becoming an integral part of this team.”
Pecorari finished second in the 2005 Star Mazda Championship, just 11 points shy of capturing the title after claiming two victories and seven podium finishes. In 2006, he dominated the Toronto Grand Prix in the Champ Car Atlantic Championship, leading every lap and taking the victory. Pecorari will mentor the team’s three Formula BMW drivers; Mike Hill, Julia Landauer and Jeffrey Petriello, who will be sponsored by the Cabo Wabo Cantina.
“We are indeed excited to have Robbie within the KMA team,” Strackerjan said. “We all know that with his knowledge, Robbie will add to our talent pool, providing our young FBMW drivers with driving pointers, race strategies, and in general, the opportunities to learn from an accomplished driver. “Over the past three years I watched Robbie’s success, followed his progress from karting to Atlantics and have seen Robbie’s talents. He will be very successful in the 2007 Indy Pro Series championship. With the addition of more road courses, many of them he has raced on in previous years, his chances are very good to gain podium positions. Our plans for Robbie are very simple – he will be our entry to the Indy Racing League and the dream to participate in the biggest racing spectacle in the world – the famous Indianapolis 500. Nothing less will do. We thank Cabo Wabo and Sammy Hagar for being such a great supporter and believer in Team KMA.”

Andretti honored at EMPA convention

Marco Andretti, the 2006 IndyCar Series Bombardier Rookie of the Year, was honored with the T. Wayne Robertson Newsmaker of the Year Award Jan. 27 at the annual Eastern Motorsports Press Association convention. “It’s a great honor,” said Andretti, who captured the attention of the racing world with a second-place finish at the Indianapolis 500 and later became the youngest driver to win a major open-wheel series race with a victory at Infineon Raceway. “T. Wayne had the same belief that my entire family does, and that was getting the sport out there and getting it done. My entire family got the award. I’m honored to be the third.” The 19-year-old addressed a group of approximately 100 EMPA members at the organization’s annual convention in Trevose, Pa. He recalled some early moments in his racing career and looked ahead to 2007. When asked about his goals for the upcoming season, the answer was short and to the point. “Win the Indy 500,” he said. “And the championship would be nice.”

Drivers help organization raise funds

IndyCar® Series and Indy Pro Series™ drivers helped Racing For Kids raise more than $200,000 for children's hospitals and touched the lives of more than 2,000 children at 24 hospitals around the United States and Japan through its popular driver visit program in 2006. Racing For Kids is a non-profit organization that uses motorsports to focus public attention and funding on the healthcare needs of children. Hospital visits are made by former IndyCar Series driver and current team co-owner Robbie Buhl, the organization’s national spokesman, along with drivers from the IndyCar Series, the Indy Pro Series, the Star Mazda Racing Series as well as the Toyota Grand Prix celebrity challenge drivers.
"The visits brought smiles to the faces of sick children, whose lives had been interrupted with illness or surgery," said J. Patrick Wright, executive director of Racing for Kids. "Often our driver's visit is the best memory a child has of their hospital stay." Since its founding in 1989, Racing For Kids has raised nearly $5 million.

IndyCar Series Sets the Pace in Renewable Fuels
Motorsports pioneer heeds the President’s call to action with use of 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol in 2007

Indianapolis, Ind. (January 23, 2007) – In his State of the Union address, President George W. Bush called for a significant increase in ethanol production as he outlined steps to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil.

"It’s in our vital interest to diversify America’s energy supply, and the way forward is through technology,” President Bush said in the report to a joint session of Congress and a worldwide audience. “We must continue in new methods of producing ethanol. We’ve made a lot of progress thanks to good policies here in Washington and the strong response to the market, and now even more dramatic advances are within reach.”

The first and only motorsports series to run ethanol, the IndyCar® Series is at the forefront of this push for renewable energy with its switch to 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol for the 2007 season. This decision makes the IndyCar Series, the cutting-edge leader in motorsports safety and technology, a leader in renewable and environmentally responsible fuel produced in the U.S.

“The IndyCar Series shares the President’s commitment to energy security,” said Brian Barnhart, president and chief operating officer of the Indy Racing League, the sanctioning body of the IndyCar Series. “We accept the challenge of making these goals a reality.”

Indy-style racing has used methanol with impressive results since the late 1960’s. Ethanol shares methanol’s performance benefits, but has clear environmental and safety advantages.

Fuel enriched with a 10 percent ethanol blend used in passenger vehicles reduces harmful tailpipe emissions by as much as 30 percent and the emission reductions are even greater with E85. In 2005, ethanol use in the U.S. reduced carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 8 million tons. These gases contribute to global climate change. “The partnership between the IndyCar Series and the ethanol industry exemplifies the spirit of energy independence, American ingenuity and innovation,” said Tom Slunecka, executive director of the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC).

The series will hold its first Open Test of the season at Daytona International Speedway Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2007 where for the first time all IndyCar Series cars will run on the 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol. The 17-race IndyCar Series season opens March 24, 2007 under the lights at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Ethanol is a 100% renewable fuel, distilled from high-starch crops, primarily corn in the United States. By the end of 2007, nearly 140 plants will be producing approximately seven billion gallons of ethanol.

To learn more about the IndyCar® Series, visit www.indycar.com To learn more about the ethanol, visit www.drivingethanol.org

PLENTY OF IMS WINNERS HITTING ROAD THIS WEEKEND IN ROLEX 24
Six Indy 500, four Brickyard champs in field at Daytona

INDIANAPOLIS, Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2007 – Six Indianapolis 500 winners and four Allstate 400 at the Brickyard winners lead a large group of drivers with major-event starts at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway competing this weekend in the Rolex 24 At Daytona, the traditional opener of the North American auto racing season.

The 24-hour Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve event starts at 1:30 p.m. (EST) Saturday, Jan. 27 on the 3.56-mile Daytona International Speedway road course. Practice and qualifying take place Jan. 25-26.

Fox will open coverage from 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, followed by periodic coverage on Speed Channel from 2:30-6 p.m. and 8-10 p.m. Saturday, and 6 a.m. until post-race Sunday.

Winners of each of the last three Indianapolis 500 and Allstate 400 at the Brickyard races are competing this weekend at Daytona. Recent Indy winners: Sam Hornish Jr. (2006), Dan Wheldon (2005) and Buddy Rice (2004). Recent Brickyard winners: Jimmie Johnson (2006), Tony Stewart (2005), Jeff Gordon (2004).

Other Indianapolis 500 winners racing in the endurance classic are Helio Castroneves (2001, 2002), Eddie Cheever Jr. (1998) and Juan Pablo Montoya (2000). The other Allstate 400 at the Brickyard winner racing in the Rolex 24 is Bobby Labonte (2000).

There are 26 drivers entered in the field this weekend at Daytona with at least one Indianapolis 500 start, seven who have started the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard and three with United States Grand Prix starts. A breakdown:

•Indianapolis 500 (26): Ed Carpenter, Patrick Carpentier, Helio Castroneves, Eddie Cheever Jr., Scott Dixon, Tomas Enge, Christian Fittipaldi, A.J. Foyt IV, Stephan Gregoire, Hurley Haywood, Sam Hornish Jr., Michel Jourdain Jr., Darren Manning, Juan Pablo Montoya, Roberto Moreno, Johnny O’Connell, Max Papis, Scott Pruett, Buddy Rice, Tomas Scheckter, Scott Sharp, Tony Stewart, Paul Tracy, Jimmy Vasser, Dan Wheldon, Roger Yasukawa

•Allstate 400 at the Brickyard (7): Wally Dallenbach Jr., Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Bobby Labonte, Scott Pruett, Boris Said, Tony Stewart

•United States Grand Prix (3): Tomas Enge, Gaston Mazzacane, Juan Pablo Montoya

Many of the drivers with IMS ties will race as teammates this weekend.

Montoya, who made a high-profile switch from Formula One to NASCAR last year, will team with Pruett in the No. 01 TELMEX/Target Lexus Riley Daytona Prototype fielded by TELMEX Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates.

Another Ganassi-Sabates entry will feature IndyCar Series Target Chip Ganassi Racing teammates Dixon and Wheldon driving in the No. 02 Target/TELMEX Lexus Riley Daytona Prototype. Wheldon, Dixon and Casey Mears drove to overall victory in the 2006 Rolex 24.

Enge and Yasukawa will share driving duties with Indy Pro Series veteran Chris Festa in the No. 7 SAMAX Pontiac Riley Daytona Prototype.

Carpentier and Manning will be among four drivers behind the wheel of the No. 11 Citgo Pontiac Riley Daytona Prototype, while 1995 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year Fittipaldi will share driving duties with his boss, Cheever, in the No. 39 Crown Royal Special Reserve/Cheever Racing Porsche Crawford Daytona Prototype.

The two-car Brumos Porsche Daytona Prototype team will have four Indy 500 veterans in its lineup. Rice and Sharp will drive the No. 58 Red Bull Brumos Porsche Riley, while Haywood and Moreno are among the veteran starters in the No. 59 Brumos Porsche Riley.

Castroneves and Hornish are members of a strong, four-man driving team for the No. 60 Michael Shank Racing/Fresh From Florida Lexus Riley Daytona Prototype.

Gordon, Labonte and Stewart are teaming with road-racing veterans this weekend.

Four-time Allstate 400 at the Brickyard winner Gordon is making his Rolex 24 debut with sports car standouts Wayne Taylor and Max Angelelli, and former F1 driver Jan Magnussen in the No. 10 SunTrust Racing Pontiac Riley Daytona Prototype.

2000 Brickyard winner Labonte is driving with Rob Finlay, Michael Valiante and Michael McDowell in the No. 19 Z-Line/Make-A-Wish Ford Crawford Daytona Prototype.

2005 Brickyard winner Stewart will join veterans Andy Wallace and Butch Leitzinger in the No. 20 Howard Motorsports Pontiac Crawford Daytona Prototype. Stewart and Wallace fell just 20 minutes short of overall victory in 2004 when a broken suspension part knocked their team from the lead held for the previous 16 hours.

Another driver with a connection to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is making his Rolex 24 debut this weekend: IMS Chief Executive Officer Tony George. He will share driving duties in the No. 00 Vision Racing Porsche Crawford Daytona Prototype with his IndyCar Series drivers, Ed Carpenter, Tomas Scheckter and A.J. Foyt IV, with Indy 500 veteran Stephan Gregoire also behind the wheel.

INDYCAR SERIES OFFICIALS ANNOUNCE
TECHNICAL, ADMINISTRATIVE RULE CHANGES FOR 2007 SEASON

INDIANAPOLIS, Monday, Jan. 22, 2007 – In addition to its switch to 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol, a motorsports first, IndyCar Series officials announced several technical and administrative changes to the rules that will govern the 2007 IndyCar Series season.
“Though they are not dramatic, the changes made for 2007 are necessary as our drivers and teams face the most diverse schedule in racing,” said Les Mactaggart, senior technical director for the Indy Racing League, sanctioning body for the IndyCar Series. “The changes will enhance an already extremely competitive race product.”
Several technical changes have been made in an effort to further contain costs and increase the safety of IndyCar Series cars.

The changes include:
An increase in the displacement of the Honda Indy V-8 engine to 3.5 liters, which will increase low-end torque for short ovals and road courses.
A reduction in the capacity of the fuel cell to 22 gallons, to correspond with improved fuel mileage associated with the change to 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol.
The addition of a rear-mounted safety light for all events. The light, which will be mounted on the attenuator, will function as a safety light on at all events and will be controlled by race control. It will additionally serve a rain light on road courses.
On short ovals and road courses, IndyCar Series teams may use any wing angle on the front wing main plane between negative five (-5) and five (+5) degrees.

In addition, several administrative changes have been made to race event weekends. They include:
Final practice sessions have been eliminated at all oval events but in order to maintain on-track time pre-qualifying sessions have been extended by 15 minutes.
If qualifications are cancelled, IndyCar Series officials will set the starting lineup by entrant points.
IndyCar Series officials, in their discretion, will determine the rookie status of any driver. Drivers who have been rookies in prior seasons may maintain retain rookie status independent of number of races started.

HORNISH COMPLETES INDY 500 ‘PUZZLE’ BY ACCEPTING ‘BABY BORG’

INDIANAPOLIS, Thursday, Jan. 18, 2007 – Over the past few months, Sam Hornish Jr. occasionally would pause in front of the trophy case in his home to decide where the “Baby Borg” would reside.

Of course, a prominent place was envisioned for the sterling-silver replica of the Borg-Warner Trophy that Hornish hoisted over his head after winning the 90th Indianapolis 500 with a scintillating frontstretch pass of IndyCar Series rookie Marco Andretti last May.

It was a no-brainer for Hornish, who dreamed of winning “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” since he can remember. Paired with his winner’s ring, the trophy will be front and center.

“(In the display case), I have trophies from all my IndyCar Series wins, my Olympic torch, and the Baby Borg will be nestled in between my three IndyCar Series championship cups,” said Hornish, who received the BorgWarner Championship Driver’s Trophy on Jan. 17 during the 2007 Automotive News World Congress Gala Dinner in Dearborn, Mich.

Standing a few feet from the 5-foot-5 Borg-Warner Trophy and Team Penske owner Roger Penske, Hornish said receiving the Baby Borg from BorgWarner Chairman and CEO Tim Manganello “completed the puzzle.” Last week, Hornish accepted the Champion of Champions’ ring from Indianapolis Motor Speedway CEO Tony George and saw his likeness on the art-deco trophy that is one of the most recognized in sports.

“It’s another piece of the puzzle that makes it a reality,” said Hornish, the 2006 IndyCar Series champion. “Unveiling my picture on the (2007) ticket, or receiving my ring, or seeing my face on the Borg-Warner Trophy all have been parts. Being able to get the Baby Borg is the final piece of the puzzle.

“It started out as a childhood dream just to some day be able to compete at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I didn’t know if that would ever happen, let alone to one day be celebrating in Victory Lane. While I can’t remember a lot of what I was thinking at that time, tonight really brings back a lot of great memories. I want to thank BorgWarner for being a great supporter of the Indianapolis 500 and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.”

The Baby Borg rests on a 4-inch by 8-inch beveled black marble base that includes space for a hand-crafted, three-dimensional sterling silver image of the winning driver’s face and an inscription of the winning driver and year. BorgWarner established the trophy so that each winner of the Indianapolis 500 would have a keepsake of the Speedway victory. The Borg-Warner Trophy is on permanent display at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum.

Manganello also presented Penske, a 14-time Indianapolis 500-winning team owner, with the BorgWarner Team Owner’s Trophy. A companion to the Championship Driver’s Trophy, it was established in 1998 to mark the company’s 70th year as an innovator in the automotive industry.

“I go back to 1951 when my dad took me to Indianapolis for the first time, and I never knew that I would be here to say we won 14 times,” Penske said. “But it takes great people and a great team, and (Hornish) did a great job.”

The Team Owner’s Trophy also is a replica of the Borg-Warner Trophy with a band of art-deco racing cars accentuated in gold to symbolize the importance of teamwork in auto racing and the automotive business.

“BorgWarner is extremely proud to have been associated with this legendary racing event since 1936,” Manganello said. “We congratulate Sam Hornish Jr. and Roger Penske for their 2006 victory.”

NOTED INDIANAPOLIS 500 CHIEF MECHANIC OAKES DIES AT 95

INDIANAPOLIS, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2007 – Danny Oakes, a champion midget car driver and chief mechanic for two Indianapolis 500 Rookies of the Year, died Jan. 13. Oakes was 95.

Oakes was one of the leading midget car drivers on the West Coast for more than 20 years, with many top finishes at the famed Gilmore Stadium. He also was a participant at the famed Legion Ascot Speedway in Los Angeles in the mid-1930s. Oakes was near the end of his driving career when he won the USAC Pacific Coast Midget title in 1959.

When Jim Hurtubise came within an eye-blink of turning the first 150-mph laps at Indianapolis as a rookie in May 1960, Oakes was his chief mechanic. Hurtubise was named Rookie of the Year.

Oakes had a second Rookie of the Year with fourth-placed Johnny White in 1964, while others who drove Oakes-prepared cars in the “500” were Troy Ruttman, Paul Goldsmith, Mike Magill and Bill Cheesbourg.

Never able to qualify for the “500” as a driver in attempts from 1952-55, Oakes was bumped from the field in 1954 and made an incomplete attempt in 1952 with a Ferrari which had been turned down by Johnnie Parsons. Oakes was befriended by two-time Formula One World Champion Alberto Ascari, who invited Oakes to stand by as a relief driver at Indy. Ascari’s Ferrari was eliminated before a single pit stop could be made.

Oakes was passionate about racing to the very end and was still attending races in fairly recent years.

First batch of ethanol shipped to IndyCar Series

Tanker trucks come and go at the Renova Energy facility in Torrington, Wyo., with little more than a wave from the gate guard. But one bound for Indianapolis was special – if for its distinct markings.

The tanker that left Jan. 15 carried the first shipment of 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol that will power IndyCarSeries cars -- the first in motorsports to embrace a renewable fuel source – for the 2007 season. The ethanol will be employed during an Open Test on Jan. 31-Feb. 1 at Daytona International Speedway.

“I’m proud to be a part of the most significant fuel change in open wheel racing in 40 years,” said Dan Schwartzkopf, senior vice-president of Renova Energy. “This is a groundbreaking achievement.”

The Torrington, Wyo. facility was contracted by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC) to supply approximately 120,000 gallons of the fuel to the IndyCar Series. Renova Energy currently produces 10 million gallons of ethanol a year, with new construction planned for a 20 million gallon plant in Heyburn, Idaho.

The fuel from Torrington will be shipped to Indianapolis and stored at Superior Solvents and Chemicals, which can store up to 30,000 gallons. Superior's highly trained staff of chemists and technicians will be responsible for loading all tanker trailers and distributing the fuel to each IndyCar Series Open Test and race event during the season.

Tom Slunecka, executive director of EPIC, believes the fuel switch has far reaching implications.

“Ethanol is not only an ideal solution for high performance IndyCar Series cars, but consumers can expect improved performance and environmental benefits as well with ethanol-enriched fuel,” said Slunecka. “From the speedway to Main Street, the partnership between the ethanol industry and the Indy Racing League will deliver stunning results.”

Extensive testing of the fuel in the new 3.5 liter Honda Indy V-8 engine has yielded impressive results, reports Les Mactaggart, senior technical director for the IndyCar Series.

“Backed by an experienced group of engineers and technicians,” Mactaggart said, “the transition has been flawless.”

The long-term message is clear: If 650-horsepower IndyCar Series cars that cover the length of a football field in 1 second can run safely and effectively on 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol, so can your vehicle (either 90 percent gasoline/10 percent ethanol blend or an E85 vehicle) with reduced emissions as an add-on benefit.

XM Satellite Radio to sponsor season opener

XM Satellite Radio will be the sponsor of the IndyCar Series season opener at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Drivers in the XM Satellite Radio Indy 300 will take the green flag at 8 p.m. (EST) March 24. The race can be heard on XM Satellite Radio’s IndyCar Series Channel 145 and will be televised by ESPN2. It will be the first time that a major North American motorsports sanctioning body has opened its season at night. A post-race concert also is planned.

“The only thing more spectacular than watching these cars race at more than 200 miles per hour is watching them race at night,” Homestead-Miami Speedway president Curtis Gray said. “South Florida is famous for its fast-paced nightlife, so it was only fitting for the Speedway to host this event under the lights for the first time.”

Last year, 2005 IndyCar Series champion Dan Wheldon held off Team Penske’s Helio Castroneves by 0.0147 of a second – the closest of the season – for the victory. Sam Hornish Jr., the eventual series and Indianapolis 500 champion started from the pole and finished third.

The entire IndyCar Series season, including the 91st Indianapolis 500 on May 27, will be broadcast live on XM 145. Motorsports fans will be able to hear pre-race programming, including interviews and commentary, as well as the wheel-to-wheel action.

“As the exclusive home to racing’s biggest stars, exceptional motorsports programming is an XM priority,” said Howard Jacobs, senior vice president, strategic partnership marketing for XM. “We are not only pleased to broadcast the race live on XM, but honored to be the title sponsor of this important season opener at Homestead-Miami Speedway.”

Tickets for the XM Satellite Radio Indy 300 are now on sale at www.indycar.com.

Indy Pro Series adds new wing package

Could the Indy Pro Series see new track records in 2007? Quite possibly if the benefits from a new aerodynamic package introduced on Jan. 12 deliver results as projected.
Indy Pro Series officials introduced a triple-element rear wing and a larger front wing element that will be used on all short ovals and road courses in 2007, beginning with the first Open Test on the road course at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Feb. 20.
“We have an excellent aerodynamic package for the speedways and superspeedways,” Indy Pro Series technical director Butch Meyer said. “However, we found we needed to make a few changes on the short ovals and road courses. The new package will allow us to achieve more downforce on the car and to change the balance of the car. We’re moving some of the downforce forward. Overall, the cars will have more grip on the short ovals and road courses, which will make the racing better.”
More grip should translate into faster speeds as Alex Lloyd learned at a test in November. The two-time race winner, who recently signed with Sam Schmidt Motorsports for 2007, was one of the first drivers to test the new aerodynamic package, turning laps on the Homestead road course nearly one second quicker than at a test last year.
“There’s a major difference now,” Lloyd said. “The wings are a lot more effective. Small changes you can feel a lot more as a driver. Before, you’d do quite a big change and it would provide only a limited response with the car. It’s going to be a lot more interesting for drivers and teams to work on. I think the overall performance of the car and the speeds are going to increase quite a lot. It should be a really good change.”
Of the series-record 16 races in 2007, the new wing package will be used in 11, beginning with the doubleheader race weekend on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla., March 31-April 1.

Hornish collects more hardware

Three-time IndyCar Series champion Sam Hornish Jr. was honored by the members of the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association on Jan. 13 at the Hyatt Regency in Indianapolis.
Hornish collected his third “Horsepower Trophy” after being named to the organization’s All-America Auto Racing first team. He was also a finalist for the Jerry Titus Award, given in remembrance of the late racer/journalist, which signifies the top vote-getter on the All-America team regardless of category. Drag racing champion Tony Schumacher won the award.
“2006 was a great year for us, even if we won Indy and the championship by the slimmest of margins,” Hornish said in accepting the award. “Hopefully we can repeat the success, but have a little more breathing room.”
Hornish won four races, including the 90th Indianapolis 500 with a dramatic frontstretch pass of rookie Marco Andretti that gave team owner Roger Penske a 14th victory in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Hornish also was nominated for Autosport’s International Driver of the Year award and is among the finalists for the SPEED Performer of the Year award.
Dan Wheldon, who came within a few laps of successfully defending his IndyCar Series title, was named to the second team. Hornish’s Team Penske teammate, two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves, was an honorable mention selection.

IndyCar Series helps Detroit Auto Show’s Auto Racing Day

IndyCar Series drivers will help the 100th Anniversary North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) celebrate auto racing with appearances on Jan. 18.
During Auto Racing Day, which is presented by Michigan International Speedway, the NAIAS 2007 will celebrate the history and excitement of auto racing with a Racing Day theme in Cobo Center’s concourse.
The event features a pair of IndyCar Series racing simulators, Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix show car and appearances by 2006 IndyCar Series and Indianapolis 500 winner Sam Hornish Jr., (Noon – 1 p.m.), 2005 IndyCar Series and Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon and Panther Racing’s Vitor Meira (1 p.m. – 2 p.m.) and two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Helio Castroneves and IndyCar Series driver Sarah Fisher (2 p.m. – 3 p.m.)
"Auto Racing Day is a great opportunity for race car enthusiasts to enjoy themed attractions and meet with drivers, all while being a part of the excitement that surrounds the NAIAS 2007," said Robert Thibodeau, senior co-chairman for the NAIAS 2007. "The themed-event even gives guests a chance to experience what it is like to be behind the wheel of a race car."
In addition, race car enthusiasts can enjoy the many exhibits which will showcase different aspects of racing, including displays from Michigan International Speedway and the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, which will each host an IndyCar Series event in 2007.

McATEE PROMOTED TO PRESIDENT, COO OF IMS PRODUCTIONS

INDIANAPOLIS, Monday, Jan. 15, 2007 – Buddy McAtee has been promoted to president, chief operating officer and executive producer of IMS Productions, effective immediately. The board of directors of the Hulman-George companies voted to promote McAtee at a recent meeting.

“Buddy McAtee has demonstrated his leadership and ability by taking IMS Productions to a new level of excellence, both in its production of races and in other areas such as documentary production and new media,” Indianapolis Motor Speedway CEO Tony George said. “He certainly deserves this recognition for what he and his team have accomplished.”

IMS Productions, based in Indianapolis, is a full-service video production company, specializing in live sports and event programming. The company’s personnel and machinery have produced nationally televised sports events for every national broadcast and cable network.

McAtee moves to his new position after serving as vice president and executive producer of IMS Productions since December 2002. His latest promotion at IMS Productions is the highlight of a 20-year career with the Hulman-George companies.

“This is surely the highlight of my career, and I have appreciated the support of the Hulman-George family and my co-workers,” McAtee said. “I have been privileged to participate in the creation and production of great events and programs with very talented, dedicated people.

“It has been a thrill every single day I have been here at the family of IMSC companies, and I look forward to even more exciting developments in many areas.”

McAtee has been employed by the IMS group of companies since 1987, when he joined Wabash Valley Broadcasting. He joined IMS in 1998 to sell sponsorships and oversee television production.

IMS Productions has won numerous awards under McAtee’s guidance. The most recent award came in November 2006 from the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival, which named “Heart to Heart” the Best Documentary (Short) among its Grand Festival Award category, the top award category at the event.

“Heart to Heart” is a one-hour documentary written and produced by IMS Productions that chronicled the story of Bailey Hunsberger, a then-12-year-old girl from Indianapolis who suffers from various heart defects.

IMS Productions also has won numerous Telly Awards for its top-quality video production awards during McAtee’s tenure, including six of the prestigious awards in 2005. The Telly Awards have honored outstanding local, regional and cable television commercials and programs, and video and film productions, since 1978.

Other projects for which McAtee has been responsible are the “Road to Indy” series, “Pit Pass” and “U.S. Grand Prix View” series, all broadcast on network television, and overseeing production of all races at IMS and in the Indy Racing League.

McAtee’s background includes network and local television duties in news, sales, promotion, production and management. He is a 1978 graduate of Indiana University with a degree in telecommunications and forensic studies.

Hagar joins Team KMA ownership

International rock legend Sammy Hagar has joined Indy Pro Series™ team Team KMA Racing as co-owner. The infamous “Red Rocker” and team principal Jon Lewis announced the partnership on Jan. 10.
“I’m very excited about our entering the Indy Pro Series,” said Hagar, who was lead singer of Van Halen and tours the country with his group Sammy and the Wabos. “The fans of Indy Racing are enthusiastic, and it’s a tremendous venue to compete in. I’ve been a car fanatic for as long as I can remember, and I’m really looking forward to being a part of Indy Racing.”
Hagar’s premier brand of tequila, Cabo Wabo, will be highlighted throughout the team’s Indy Pro Series operation.
“I cannot explain how honored and proud I am to have Sammy as my partner,” Lewis said. “I had the honor of promoting Cabo Wabo tequila on our American Le Mans prototype in 2003. Sammy’s a true rocker and so full of energy. He loves the excitement of racing, and we’re going to carry over that excitement to our race operation.”
Team KMA Racing is a joint operation formed by team principals Jon Lewis (American Spirit Racing) and Ingo Strackerjan (Atlantic Racing Team). Team KMA has race operations in the Indy Pro Series and the Formula BMW USA Championship. Team KMA’s multi-car Formula BMW Team will promote Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Cantina. The team expects to announce its driver lineup in the near future.

Patrick to be featured in GoDaddy.com Super Bowl ad

GoDaddy.com announced Jan. 9 that it will feature IndyCar Series star Danica Patrick in a Super Bowl advertisement on Feb. 4. “We’ve been lucky with great results from our Super Bowl advertising campaigns,” GoDaddy.com CEO Bob Parsons said. “Each year, we work to top the previous year’s success and for 2007 we’re going all out.” Filming took place in Los Angeles in early January, and the three commercials are in post-production. Patrick doesn’t know details. “They wouldn’t even tell me the storyline and I’m in it,” said Patrick, who will drive for Andretti Green Racing in 2007. “With GoDaddy, you never know what they’re going to do or who they are going to involve. When they invited me to LA to shoot some stuff, I was flattered and excited. I’m still excited to see what it’s going to be. There were a lot of big names there.” Additional cast members include stars from cable television’s popular chopper family. Paul Teutul and his sons Paul Jr. and Michael, of American Chopper, will have roles. Valerie Thompson, a motorcycle drag racing star, also makes an appearance. Additional personalities scheduled to be in the spots include Internet celebrities such as Diggnation’s Kevin Rose and Alex Albrecht, along with Cali Lewis from GeekBriefTV.

 

Ethanol industry, IndyCar Series back National Speed Sport News Tour

The 2007 National Speed Sport News Grassroots Tour presented by Ethanol and the IndyCar Series kicked off at the Chili Bowl in Tulsa, Okla., this week.
The booth, where fans can pick up IndyCar Series and ethanol material and subscribe to National Speed Sport News, will be at some of the biggest racing events of the year. Look for it at East Bay Winternationals in Tampa, Fla., on Feb. 9-10, the Colossal 100 in Concord, N.C., on April 19-21, the Knoxville Nationals in Iowa on Aug. 2-4, the NHRA US Nationals in Claremont, Ind., on Aug. 29-Sept. 3, and the Copper World Classic in Phoenix on Nov. 8 among other venues.

Racers meet Pacers on Jan. 12

A driver autograph session, free fan banners and T-shirts, a lucky section giveaway and a parachute coupon drop all await ticket holders for IndyCar Series Night at the Pacers on Jan. 12 at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Oh, and there’s a great NBA match-up between the host Indiana Pacers and the Western Conference-leading Dallas Mavericks.
A.J. Foyt Racing driver Darren Manning and Sam Schmidt Motorsports drivers Alex Lloyd and Logan Gomez kick off activities with an autograph session from 6:15-6:45 p.m. at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Pavilion on the main concourse.
The drivers, who will be honorary captains, also will participate in a T-shirt toss in the fourth quarter. The first 10,000 fans to pass through the gates will receive an “I Am INDY” fan banner that includes the 17-race IndyCar Series schedule. Those fortunate to snag a parachute as it floats from the rafters will receive a coupon for a free “I Am INDY” baseball cap. Fans sitting in the lucky section will receive copies of the “Great Moments of the Indianapolis 500” DVD.

Sharp to participate in snow sports with other celebs

Rahal Letterman Racing’s Scott Sharp will get in some skiing and help raise money and awareness for environmental protection later this month when he attends Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s annual Celebrity Sports Invitational at Fairmont Banff Springs hotel and Sunshine Village in Alberta. Sharp will join celebrities such as Alec Baldwin, Woody Harrelson, Tim Robbins and Virginia Madsen in events such as toboggan, biathlon and dual giant slalom races. A gala dinner, with ’70s rocker Peter Frampton performing, will be held Jan. 20.

Patrick included in international hot list

Andretti Green Racing driver Danica Patrick is among the “50 Hottest Sports Stars for the Year 2007” in the February issue of ALPHA magazine. “They are stars that set pulses racing and have that public appeal away from the sporting arena as well,” the feature story states.
Other women include tennis aces Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic, LPGA star Natalie Gulbis, Olympic swimming gold medalist Jodie Henry and snowboarding talent Torah Bright.

Getting physical

The Indy Racing League medical staff conducted 51 driver examinations on Jan 8-9, and have 21 more scheduled before the annual preseason exam window ends on Jan. 11.
The tests which are conducted at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Clarian Emergency Medical Center are done to determine if drivers are medically cleared to drive.

HORNISH CHERISHES IMAGE ON BORG-WARNER TROPHY, WINNER’S RING

INDIANAPOLIS, Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2007 – After winning 18 IndyCar Series races and three series championships, Sam Hornish Jr.’s trophy case is getting a little crowded these days.

But the hardware he received Jan. 9 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum will find a prominent place in his collection.

Hornish returned to the Speedway to receive his 2006 Indianapolis 500 Champion of Champions winner’s ring from IMS CEO Tony George and to unveil his likeness on the famed Borg-Warner Trophy, which features the visage of every Indianapolis 500-Mile Race winner sculpted in sterling silver.

Almost immediately after George handed the diamond-studded ring to Hornish, he put it on his right ring finger. It clearly was a moment Hornish had been waiting for.

“You get a ring for starting the race (500) and championship rings, and I’ve been able to rack up a couple of those, and now this,” he said. “They’re all things that are very neat to have, and I enjoy having. A big part of my life is under glass there (in the trophy case). This will find a good spot, but it will get worn more than the rest of them.”

Hornish’s likeness on the Borg-Warner Trophy also received his approval.

“I’ve never seen myself in silver,” he said. “I think the eyes are the best part of it, and they did a pretty good job of capturing the hair and sideburns, so it looks good to me. The only thing better than that (sculpture) is one beside it. We’ll see if we can do that again in 2007. Of course, we have a lot to live up to, but we wouldn’t know what to do if it was going to be easy.”

More than seven months have passed since Hornish earned his first Indianapolis 500 victory in one of the most stunning finishes in race history. Driving the No. 6 Team Penske Dallara/Honda/Firestone, Hornish overcame a disastrous Lap 150 pit stop in which he left his pit with the fuel nozzle attached, and a subsequent penalty, to edge rookie Marco Andretti.

Hornish passed Andretti on the front straightaway on the last lap, only a few hundred feet from the checkered flag. The margin of victory was .0635 of a second, the second-closest finish in “500” history.

Hornish said he and wife, Crystal, spent much of the holiday season relaxing at home in northwest Ohio and spending time with friends, but an unexpected phone call from team owner Roger Penske on Christmas Eve was a highlight of the year.

“He’s a great guy; he called me up on Christmas Eve and thanked me for giving him his Christmas present back in May,” Hornish said. “He said it was the best present he got all year. I told him it was a pretty good present for me, too, and hopefully we’ll get one another the same things next year.”

INDYCAR SERIES, INDY PRO SERIES TO BACK DODGE AT CHILI BOWL

INDIANAPOLIS, Friday, Jan. 5, 2007 – The IndyCar® Series and Indy Pro Series™ have teamed with Lehmann Racing to field a midget for Indy Pro Series veteran Geoff Dodge in the 21st Annual O’Reilly Chili Bowl Midget Nationals Jan. 10-13 in Tulsa, Okla.
Dodge, winner of the Knoxville Nationals “Fast Track to Indy” Rookie of the Year in 2005, will drive a Maxim-Gaerte for longtime short-track racer Donnie Lehmann.
“It’s an honor to have the IndyCar Series and Indy Pro Series come on board for the Chili Bowl,” Dodge said. “The opportunity that I had last season in the Indy Pro Series was a huge step in my career and to have their support again for an event like this is great. I look forward to representing the Indy Racing League at the Chili Bowl and can’t wait to show the sprint and midget racing fans and teams what we’re all about.”
Lehmann Racing has fielded entries in the Chili Bowl in 18 of the previous 20 years, most of any team to participate in the event.
“This is a great opportunity for the Indy Racing League and for Lehmann Racing,” Lehmann said. “I’m really excited about being involved on the grassroots side of things for the Indy Racing League and to go to the Chili Bowl with them is wonderful.”
Dodge, a veteran of sprint car racing, will make his debut in the race which draws drivers from all forms of motorsports. Dodge’s No. 500 entry, Bell helmet and Hinchman driver’s suit will carry the IndyCar Series, Indy Pro Series and Indy DownForce logos. Rockstar Paint designed Dodge’s helmet and car.
“I think Geoff will adapt quickly to the Chili Bowl style in a midget,” Lehmann said. “The Chili Bowl is kind of a different type of race and the experience that Geoff has in a sprint car will help him be successful. I can’t wait to get started.”

2007 IndyCar Series season around the corner

It seems like only last week when Sam Hornish Jr. was posing with the Borg-Warner Trophy at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Next week his likeness will be unveiled on the iconic slice of sports memorabilia. The 2007 IndyCar Series season is quickly approaching. The 17-event schedule kicks off with a prime-time race, a first in Indy-style racing on March 24 at the 1.5-mile Homestead-Miami Speedway (8 p.m. ET on ESPN2). Open Tests on Jan. 31-Feb. 1 at Daytona International Speedway and Feb. 21-22 at Homestead-Miami Speedway will give fans a preview of the upcoming season. Anticipation for another close duel already is growing. Last year, 2005 series champion Dan Wheldon held off the hard-charging Helio Castroneves by 0.0147 of a second, the ninth-closest finish in series history. “It’s a great racetrack, and I’ve had a lot of success there," said Hornish of Homestead-Miami Speedway, where he has posted three victories in six races. "I look at that track as someplace that I love starting the year out because it seems I usually get a good start in the points. I like the night races and I think it will be a great show there.”
Here’s a quick recap of the schedule by the numbers:

6+5+4+2
Diversity in the schedule smacks you in the face with six speedway ovals (1.5 miles), five road/street courses, four short ovals (less than 1.5 miles), and two superspeedways (2 miles or more).

17
Races competed over 10 years at Texas Motor Speedway, the most in the series. Castroneves won in 2006 for the second time at the 1.5-mile oval. For 2007, 50 kilometers has been added to the race distance.

100
Percentage of the venues from the 2006 schedule which return on the '07 schedule.

3
New venues added to the schedule: road courses at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and Belle Isle in Detroit and the 0.875-mile oval at the new Iowa Speedway.

6
Different race winners and pole sitters in as many years at Kansas Speedway, which hosts the series on a new date, April 29. Nashville Superspeedway also has seen six different race winners in as many years, while Michigan International Speedway checks in with five different winners in its five events.

2
Consecutive victories by Scott Dixon at Watkins Glen International, which hosts the series July 8 for the third year. Castroneves has started from the pole both years. Andretti Green Racing drivers Tony Kanaan and Marco Andretti have won the two races at Infineon Raceway, which hosts the series Aug. 26.

7
Races at Kentucky Speedway, which moves to a twilight green flag on Aug. 11. Reigning series title-holder Sam Hornish Jr. used a victory at the 1.5-mile oval to pile up the points in the championship race. He’s the only two-time winner at the track.

11
Indianapolis 500-Mile Races under the sanctioning Indy Racing League. Castroneves (2001, '02) is the only two-time winner in that span. There have been 11 different pole winners.

1 and 1
Castroneves started from the pole and Team Penske teammate Hornish won the race at Richmond International Speedway in June -- reversed order from the 2005 event. The 0.75-mile track hosts the series June 30.

Sharp, Rahal team have eyes on national title

Rahal Letterman Racing driver Scott Sharp has a little extra incentive to cheer on the Florida Gators in the Jan. 8 BCS National Championship game. Sharp, who lives Tequesta, Fla., not far from Palm Beach, Fla., made a friendly wager with his new team, Rahal Letterman Racing, over the holidays. Rahal Letterman Racing is based in Hilliard, Ohio, near Ohio State’s campus in Columbus, Ohio. “I’m a big college football fan, and since I moved to Florida, I’ve become a fan of the Gators,” said Sharp, the 1996 IndyCar Series co-champion. “I was going to cheer for Florida anyway, but this will make the game a lot more interesting, especially since some team members are Buckeye fans.” The terms of the wager are simple: • If Florida wins, Sharp’s No. 8 Dallara/Honda/Firestone will carry the Gators’ national championship logo for the season-opening race at Homestead-Miami Speedway on March 24. • If Ohio State wins, Sharp must wear an Ohio State cap and jersey during the parade lap of the IndyCar Series’ inaugural visit to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in July. “It’s a win-win for Scott,” said Scott Roembke, Rahal Letterman Racing’s chief operating officer and general manager. “If he wins, obviously he gets to show his support of Florida on the car. If he loses, the Buckeye fans at the race will love him and cheer for him. He can’t lose.”

Gomez joins Sam Schmidt Motorsports driver lineup

Sam Schmidt Motorsports added Indiana native Logan Gomez to its 2007 Indy Pro Series driver lineup Jan. 4, signing the 18-year-old to a one-year contract with an option for 2008. Previously, the team signed two-time race winner Alex Lloyd for the season.
Gomez was one of only two 17-year-olds to have competed in the Indy Pro Series. The Crown Point, Ind., native finished 10th in the Liberty Challenge on the road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in June.
“I couldn’t be more pleased with our program for this coming season,” Gomez said. “This will be the best environment for me to pursue my dream of competing at the Indianapolis 500. The team has won two of the past three driver championships in the Indy Pro Series and is the most successful team in the series’ history. Everyone within the team is very professional and easy to get on with so I am sure we are going to have a lot of fun and a lot of success.” “We are extremely pleased to announce that Logan will be competing with our team for the full season,” said Sam Schmidt, whose team has won 13 races the past three seasons. “Born and raised in Indiana, he is a perfect example of the type of driver the Indy Racing League was established for. I also personally look forward to working with someone who is so young, talented, energetic and a quality individual. I’m sure the combination of his talent and our team’s experience will be very successful.”
Gomez, known in Midwest racing circles as ‘The Indyana Kid,’ began his winning ways in go-karts at age 9, competing nationally in World Karting Association, SuperKarts USA, Enduro and Stars of Karting events. In 2005, he won the SKUSA Super Nationals ICC 125 shifter class. He also was a Skip Barber Scholarship Winner and Red Bull F1 Driver Search semi-finalist. Last year, he finished seventh in the Star Mazda Championship and was voted the Most Improved Driver with eight top-10 finishes.
“Our goals for this year are to compete at the front on a regular basis, finish races and gain valuable experience,” Gomez said. “Having Alex as a teammate will be a big benefit from a learning perspective. All the elements are in place for a very successful year, and I can’t wait to begin testing for the upcoming season.”

Franchitti back with AGR in 2007

IndyCar Series veteran Dario Franchitti will return to Andretti Green Racing as driver of the No. 27 Honda-powered Dallara, team officials announced Jan. 3.
Franchitti will be backed by Canadian Club® Canadian whisky, which will also be an associate sponsor on the IndyCar Series entries driven by AGR teammates Tony Kanaan and Danica Patrick. "I haven't been this excited to get back into a race car in quite a long time,” Franchitti said. “We had some very good race cars last season, and I expect to be contending for race wins when we return to the track in March.” The 33-year-old Scotsman has four IndyCar Series victories and three poles and is the winningest British driver in Indy-style racing. In addition to his duties as one of AGR’s four IndyCar Series drivers, he will team with Bryan Herta and his brother, Marino Franchitti, in the American Le Mans Series LMP2 class. "Dario has proven over and over that he is one of the very best drivers in the world and we're happy he's going to return to the IndyCar Series and jump into the ALMS car in 2007,” said Michael Andretti, Chairman, Andretti Green Racing. “He is a fantastic leader and, along with Tony Kanaan, will continue to provide a lot in the development areas AGR is working on.” Canadian Club returns to the IndyCar Series after it joined AGR at the 2006 Indianapolis 500. A member of the Beam Global Spirits & Wine family, Canadian Club is one of the largest and most prominent Canadian whisky brands in the world.
"We are very excited about the continuation of our partnership with AGR and Dario for the 2007 season,” said Dennis Prado, Senior Director, Canadian Club. “The Canadian Club racing program was very successful in 2006, and we are looking forward to making it more effective for the brand in 2007. The IndyCar Series aligns well with the core Canadian Club brand attributes, and it appeals to our target consumers. The IndyCar Series also provides a highly visible platform for our drink smart© social responsibility program. We are looking forward to very successful season in 2007 both on and off the track.”

Wilson signs with Brian Stewart Racing

Bobby Wilson has signed with two-time defending Indy Pro Series™ team champion Brian Stewart Racing as driver of the No. 1 Brian Stewart Racing entry in 2007. “I’m extremely happy that Bobby is joining the team,” said team owner Brian Stewart, who was inducted into the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2005. “He was high on our list of drivers who we would like to have driving for us. He raced for us in 2005 and sat on the front row at Infineon. Last year, he won at Watkins Glen. He’s a shifter kart champion, a (Formula Ford) Zetec champion. He’s a proven winner.” Stewart thinks the addition of Wilson can lead to a third consecutive entrant championship for his team. Wade Cunningham, the 2005 Indy Pro Series champion, helped the team win the last two team titles by recording four victories and 21 top-five finishes in 24 starts. “Bobby’s extremely capable of filling Wade’s shoes,” Stewart said. “Winston Churchill said, ‘Give us the tools, and we will finish the job.’ That’s what we plan to do with Bobby. We’ll give him the car, and he’ll do his job.” Another championship would also be Wilson’s third, albeit his first at this level of racing. The 25-year-old, who boasts sponsorship from Ocala (Fla.) Gran Prix where he is a karting instructor, captured the Stars of Karting championship in 2003 and the Cooper Tires Formula Ford Zetec championship in 2004. He debuted in the Indy Pro Series with three races for Brian Stewart Racing in 2005. Last year, he split the season between Michael Crawford Motorsports and Kenn Hardley Racing, finishing fourth in points. “I’m excited about running for Brian Stewart Racing,” said Wilson, who tied for the Indy Pro Series lead with 11 top-10 finishes in 2006. “Taking Wade’s seat is a tall order to fill, but I think I can pick up where he left off. “I’m definitely going to be in the lead pack. Last year, I was looked at as a rookie, which led to some conservative setups on the ovals. I showed I was fast at the last race in Chicago. That was a confidence builder.” The pursuit of championship No. 3 will begin March 24 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Automobile Magazine honors Penske

Roger Penske received one more accolade for 2006. Automobile Magazine named the IndyCar Series team owner the auto industry’s “Man of The Year.”
“In selecting Roger Penske, we are not only celebrating his career accomplishments, but acknowledging that his impact will be felt within and outside of the automotive industry for years to come,” said Gavin Conway, the magazine’s editor in chief. “Those accomplishments are in addition to his hero status in the city of Detroit, where he chaired the recent Super Bowl committee.” With driver Sam Hornish Jr., Penske’s team won the IndyCar Series championship for the first time and the Indianapolis 500 for the 14th time. He has been the driving force behind the resurrection of racing at Detroit’s Belle Isle. The IndyCar Series will compete on the road course on Sept. 2 for the first time.

Andersen Racing adds co-owner, engineers

Dominic and Nicholas Cape have joined to the staff of Andersen Racing’s Indy Pro Series entry for 2007, team owner Dan Andersen announced on Dec. 26. Andersen also announced his brother John, a veteran race official and his long-time business partner, has become co-owner of the racing team. John Andersen, who was most recently director of race operations for the Cooper Tires Formula Ford 2000 series, will serve as team manager for the effort while Dominic and Nicholas Cape will be chief engineer and chief mechanic, respectively. “I've known the Capes for over 15 years,” Dan Andersen said. “They fielded cars in the Formula Ford 2000 series when I was the administrator of it, and I've also raced against them as a team owner. They have had a great deal of success in the sport, including running J.R. Hildebrand this year when he dominated the Cooper Tires F2000 series. John has also worked with them closely for the last five years, and we both think they'll be great assets to Andersen Racing."

Andretti enjoys F1 test

Reigning Bombardier Rookie of the Year Marco Andretti turned his first laps behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car during a test for Honda on Dec. 15. Andretti turned 68 laps with a best lap of 1 minute, 21.88 seconds, though an early session transponder error credited him with quicker times set by Honda Racing F1 test driver Christian Klein.
Andretti ended up 14th fastest among the drivers who tested, including two-time world champion Fernando Alonso and newcomer Lewis Hamilton for McLaren and Renault’s race drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Heikki Kovalainen. “First of all, I couldn’t have had more fun today and it’s a shame that it was only a day,” the 19-year-old son of IndyCar Series team co-owner Michael Andretti said. “It took me a little while to get used to the traction control and the brakes, but once I got to grips with them, the times were more and more consistent. I would like to say a big thank you to the Honda Racing F1 team on how professional and welcoming they have been this week, and I’m sure that they will have a good season next year.”
Andretti's outing at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain was a reward for his stunning rookie season in the Honda-powered IndyCar Series car, in which he finished runner-up in the Indianapolis 500 in May and became the youngest winner of a major open-wheel event when he won at Infineon Raceway in August. “It’s been great to have Marco with the team and in the car today,” Honda Racing F1 sporting director and 2003 Indianapolis 500 winner Gil de Ferran said. “He did a good job and acclimatized himself well to the unfamiliar surroundings in the very short time that a one-day test provides. Marco looked comfortable straightaway with the car and the track, and overall it was a good first experience in a Formula 1 car. ”

Kanaan, Meira to compete in karting event

IndyCar Series drivers Tony Kanaan and Vitor Meira have been invited to participate in the International Stars Challenge go-kart race in Brazil on Dec. 17.
The race will pit 25 drivers from various racing series in karts with identical chassis, engines and tires at the ‘Kartodromo Internacional dos Ingleses’ in Florianopolis (700 km south of Sao Paolo). The karts will be drawn at random. Among the drivers participating are the race host Felipe Massa, Rubens Barrichello, Tiago Monteiro, Tonio Liuzzi, Ricardo Zonta, Nelsinho Piquet, Jean Alesi, Enrique Bernoldi, Antonio Pizzonia and Felipe Giaffone.

Kanaan featured in magazine

Tony Kanaan is driven.
That’s the storyline of a cover article in the current issue of Key Biscayne magazine featuring the 2004 IndyCar Series champion. The Andretti Green Racing driver calls Key Biscayne, Fla., home with his wife Daniele. “For me, to be able to do what I love, have a talent to do what I love, and make money, it couldn't be a better scenario,” Kanaan says in the article. “I see people that are not very happy with their jobs and they wake up every morning saying ‘My God, I gotta go to work.' And if I can call what I do work, because I have a gift, a talent you either have or you don't have. I feel very fortunate in some ways, and very unfortunate in other ways. But that's how life is. Life will give you something and take something away from you.”

Sharp, Rice team up for Rolex 24

IndyCar Series veterans Scott Sharp and Buddy Rice will join Brumos Racing teammates David Donohue and Darren Law for the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Sharp, the 1996 IndyCar Series co-champion and Rice, the 2004 Indianapolis 500 winner, will co-drive the No. 59 Red Bull Porsche Riley in the twice around-the-clock sports car event on Jan. 28. “We are excited to have such eminent racers with such notable records join the Brumos Racing Team," said team owner Bob Snodgrass.

Of note

Danica Patrick remains one of the most-search athletes by users of the AOL Search and Lycos search engines. Patrick ranked sixth among all athletes – and most-searched female athlete – by AOL Search users and fifth among athletes by Lycos… ESPN ranked Sam Hornish Jr.’s win in the 90th Indianapolis 500 as its No. 10 “Game of the Year” during its year-end “SportsCenter Games of the Year”special…Vision Racing co-owner Patrick Dempsey was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for lead TV actor for his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd on “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Panther Racing names driver for Indy Pro Series

Super Aguri Panther Racing announced today that it has signed 2003 Formula Dream Champion Hideki Mutoh to drive its Indy Pro Series™ entry for the 2007 season.
Mutoh, a 24-year-old from Tokyo, is a veteran of the Formula Ford, Formula Dream, Asian Formula 2000 and the Japanese Formula 3 series. In 2006, Mutoh competed in both Formula Nippon and the Super GT Championship, where he started from the pole and won his final race at Fuji Speedway. “In addition to Kosuke Matsuura, we’re excited to have Hideki Mutoh, who has lot of experience in some of Japan’s top racing categories, to our team,” Panther Racing CEO and co-owner John Barnes said. “His addition will allow us to return to the Indy Pro Series and strengthen our partnership with Super Aguri. We hope that Hideki adjusts to his new environment quickly, and we look forward to him showing us 100 percent in the races. We’ve already hired some great people for our IPS program so he’s going to be in great hands here at Panther. ” The announcement marks Panther Racing’s return to the Indy Pro Series. The team won a dominant championship in 2003 with Mark Taylor, who won seven of the 11 races in which he competed. Mutoh will drive the No. 55 entry, with sponsorship details to be released in the near future. “I am very excited to race in the Indy Pro Series this year with Super Aguri Panther Racing,” Mutoh said. “This year, I was racing in Formula Nippon and Super GT, which are the top categories of Japanese racing. I am very happy to get this great opportunity but at the same time I am very nervous to reach my expectations. Everything will be a new experience for me but I am ready to learn as much as possible, and I will do my best next season.”

Andretti to test Honda F1 car

Marco Andretti turned a lot of heads during his debut season in the IndyCar® Series. He’ll get a chance to impress a whole new audience later this week. The 2006 IndyCar Series Bombardier Rookie of the Year will test a Honda RA106 Formula 1 machine on Dec. 15 at Circuit Jerez in Spain. The Honda Racing F1 team granted the test is in recognition of Andretti’s accomplishments in a Honda-powered IndyCar Series car over the past season. The test drive is a part of the final test in 2006 for the Honda Racing F1 team as part of its winter development program.
“I'll drive anything with a motor and this definitely ranks at the top of the list,” the 19-year-old Andretti said. “I still have my sights set on the IndyCar Series; there are still some things I need to accomplish. But to have the opportunity to put in some laps in an F1 car is an opportunity that you don't pass up, and I have to thank Honda for that."
Andretti, the son of two-time IndyCar Series championship-winning team owner and former Formula 1 driver Michael Andretti and the grandson of racing legend Mario Andretti, became the youngest driver to win a major open-wheel race when he won the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma at Infineon Raceway this past August.
He finished second in the 90th running of the Indianapolis 500 and posted a seventh-place finish in the final IndyCar point standings while earning the Bombardier Rookie of the Year Award as well as the Rising Star Award.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for Marco to experience a different type of race car," Michael Andretti said. “I definitely encourage him to take advantage of opportunities such as this and to learn from them. He's young, fast and has a great future ahead of him.”

Schmidt foundation part of federal campaign

The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, founded in 2000 by Indy Pro Series team owner Sam Schmidt, will become part of the Combined Federal Campaign for 2007 (CFC 1750). The campaign, which is the world’s largest annual workplace charity campaign, encourages employees of the federal government, including members of the military, to donate a portion of their paycheck to organizations of their choosing from a pre-qualified list.
While SSPF issues dozens of grants every year to worthy organizations, one of its most visible programs is ‘Day at the Races’. SSPF hosts approximately 70 people at many Indy Pro Series events with activities that include lunch in the Andretti Green Racing hospitality tent, tours of the garage and pit areas, meet and greets with IndyCar Series and Indy Pro Series drivers and team owners and, most importantly, providing resource materials and the chance to interact with other individuals having disabilities. Since its inception, SSPF’s biggest fundraiser has been the ‘Racing to Recovery’ Gala each May in Indianapolis prior to the Indianapolis 500. This year’s gala raised $330,000

Texas race gets bigger

Everything is bigger in Texas, including the IndyCar Series’ stop at Texas Motor Speedway. Speedway and IndyCar Series officials announced 50 kilometers have been added to the Bombardier Learjet 500k beginning in 2007 and the race will now be known as the Bombardier Learjet 550k. The June 9 race, originally scheduled as a 200-lap event, will be lengthened by 28 laps around the 1.5-mile tri-oval and adds more side-by-side racing that IndyCar Series events are known for at Texas Motor Speedway. “We always want to give our fans more, and now they are getting 10 percent more with no additional increase in ticket prices,” Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage said. “I just hope the fans have the energy and can stand more of that action.” The Bombardier Learjet 550k is slated to begin at begin at 10 p.m. ET and will be telecast on ESPN2. It is one of five prime-time races on the 2007 IndyCar Series schedule. “Fans dig nighttime races because the cars appear even faster, the temperatures are cooler and strange things seem to happen when the stars come out as darkness falls,” Gossage said. “This start time will ensure that the entire event will be run under the lights. It should be magic.”

IndyCar Series, INDY DownForce Fan Club To Sponsor Rumble In Ft. Wayne Indoor Races

The IndyCar Series has partnered with The Rumble Series of Indoor Racing to create the INDY DownForce FanZone at the USAC Rumble in Fort Wayne at the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Memorial Coliseum Expo Center on Dec. 30-31. The INDY DownForce FanZone, which will be located just outside the grandstand of the 1/6th-mile indoor oval, will feature race simulators and racing and entertainment oriented booths. In addition, fans attending the event will have the opportunity to meet three-time IndyCar Series champion Sam Hornish Jr. from 4:45-6:45 p.m. on Dec 29.
Members of INDY DownForce that purchase reserved seats and show their membership cards at the event will be able to take a 30-minute guided pit tour . Additionally INDY DownForce members will have access to a hospitality area during the entire race weekend.
Club members also will have an opportunity to meet with fan club staff on Dec.30 to discuss ideas related to INDY DownForce’s 2007 pre-race parties. Anyone can take advantage of this promotion by signing up to be a member via the "Fan Club" link found on indycar.com. Entries from the USAC National, Ford Focus and Kenyon Midget Cars will compete at the Rumble in Ft. Wayne, with a full USAC Midget Special event after 7 p.m. each night. Outlaw Modified Winged Midgets, Lucas Oil Quarter Midgets and Competition Karts will also race for a each day. Former IndyCar Series and NASCAR Nextel Cup Series champion Tony Stewart has won the event three times.

Doubleheaders prove to be twice as nice for Indy Pro Series

When the Indy Pro Series™ introduced two doubleheader race weekends in 2006, the intent was to increase the amount of racing while keeping the costs in check. The series also wanted to ensure the competitiveness of both races. Mission accomplished. Following successful doubleheader events at St. Petersburg, Fla., and Infineon Raceway in 2006, the Indy Pro Series will add two additional doubleheader events in 2007 – at Watkins Glen International and on the road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in support of the United States Grand Prix. “We were very pleased with the success of the doubleheaders in 2006,” Indy Pro Series executive director Roger Bailey said. “With track time at a premium, this allows us to maximize our on-track time while reducing costs.” The result is a series-record 16 races scheduled for 2007 – conducted during 12 event weekends. “The addition of the doubleheaders and the tripling of the prize money have both been tremendous changes,” said Brian Stewart, whose team has won the past two entrant championships. “Once you get to a racetrack, the costs only go up a bit to run a second race.” The secondary challenge to hosting a doubleheader race weekend is maintaining the integrity of the competition. Without two qualifying sessions, the question became how to grid the second race. While other series use the finishing order from the first race, Indy Pro Series officials opted to invert the top six finishers. “The winner of the first race has already secured 50 championship points,” Bailey said. “To put them at the front of the grid in the second race would give them a very good chance of sweeping the weekend and perhaps gain an unfair advantage in the championship. We wanted to balance the competition and make it a bit more difficult for someone to dominate an entire weekend.” The policy led to exciting racing. “For spectators, the entertainment level of both of our second races last year was great,” driver Alex Lloyd said. “In race two, people can do stuff. There’s a chance to make some moves. “I really liked the way the Indy Pro Series used the reverse grid. It’s 50/50 for a driver. If you’re the quickest car out there, the second race is going to be much harder. It’s a bit of a lottery in the second race. The pole sitter for the second race may not be the quickest guy out there. If you start sixth, it’s tougher and there are more chances for you to crash.” Lloyd and Raphael Matos had no problem with the reverse grid in 2006. Matos swept the series’ first doubleheader on the streets of St. Petersburg. After winning the pole for the first race, Matos led the first 25 laps and 35 laps overall to win the first race. He started sixth in race two, but passed for the lead for good on Lap 8. At Infineon, Lloyd finished second in the weekend’s first race, quicker in his mind than race winner Wade Cunningham, but unable to make a pass in the evenly matched cars. In race two, however, Lloyd started fifth – one position ahead of Cunningham. The Englishman garnered his second victory of the season, moving past the four cars ahead of him and into first place on Lap 9. He’s looking forward to more doubleheaders in 2007 when he drives the No. 7 Sam Schmidt Motorsports entry. “Increasing the number of doubleheaders is great,” Lloyd said. “With one or two, there’s a better chance that luck will be against you. The more races like this, the better chance to gain the good luck or for it to even out.”

Hornish earns AARWBA honor

For the past two years, the IndyCar Series champion has walked away with the Jerry Titus Award from the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association. Reigning IndyCar Series and Indianapolis 500 champion Sam Hornish Jr. is a strong contender to make it three in a row. Hornish, the top vote-getter in the open-wheel category, was named to the organization’s All-America Auto Racing first team. He joins NASCAR’s Jimmie Johnson and Todd Bodine, NHRA’s John Force and Tony Schumacher, and ARCA’s Frank Kimmel as drivers eligible for the Titus Award. The award, given in remembrance of the late racer/journalist, signifies the top vote-getter on the All-America team regardless of category, and is announced at the AARWBA banquet Jan. 13 at the Hyatt Regency in Indianapolis.
Hornish won four races, including the 90th Indianapolis 500 with a dramatic frontstretch pass of rookie Marco Andretti that gave Roger Penske a 14th victory in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Hornish also was nominated for Autosport’s International Driver of the Year award and is among the finalists for the SPEED Performer of the Year award. Dan Wheldon, who came within a few laps of successfully defending his IndyCar Series title, was named to the second team. Hornish’s Team Penske teammate, two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves, was an honorable mention selection.

Danica in a Super Bowl spot? Find out Feb. 4

GoDaddy.com, which will serve as an associate sponsor on Andretti Green Racing’s No. 7 Team Motorola Honda-powered Dallara in 2007, formally introduced Danica Patrick as its spokesperson on Dec. 5 at Phoenix International Raceway. "I've been a Go Daddy customer for a while and I'm thrilled to join the team,” Patrick said. “It'll be fun to be in a Go Daddy commercial and be a part of Go Daddy's innovative marketing campaigns. GoDaddy.com is a leading Internet domain name registrar which has drawn publicity for its edgy advertising. While GoDaddy.com CEO and founder Bob Parsons confirmed that the high-profile company will use Patrick in ads, he stopped short of saying if Patrick will be in featured in a Super Bowl ad. “Will Danica be in it? Maybe,” Parsons said. “She's definitely Go Daddy material. I haven't decided on which concept we'll use yet. We may use a concept with Danica, with Candice (Michelle, the current ‘Go Daddy Girl) with both of them or with neither of them.” GoDaddy.com is one of several companies that will feature Patrick in their plans in 2007.
Midwest-based retail and grocery chain Meijer will continue its sponsorship of Patrick’s car for the second consecutive season, and she’ll be featured as part of XM Satellite Radio’s “Andretti Green Racing Hour.” Patrick will co- host the show with teammates Marco Andretti, Dario Franchitti, and Tony Kanaan, AGR co-owner Michael Andretti and former IndyCar Series driver Bryan Herta. The weekly, one-hour show debuts spring 2007 on the sports talk radio channel XM Sports Nation (XM Channel 143).
“I am thrilled to become part of both the Andretti Green Racing and XM Satellite Radio teams,” said Patrick. “‘The Andretti Green Racing Hour’ promises to be much more than a racing show, featuring the team’s experiences both on the track and off. My experiences as the newest member of AGR are guaranteed to be interesting.”

BILLOWS, OLINGER NAMED TO TOP MEDICAL ROLES FOR IMS, IRL

INDIANAPOLIS, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2006 – Dr. Geoffrey Billows and Dr. Michael Olinger have been named directors of medical services for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indy Racing League, respectively, after serving for more than a decade under retiring medical director Dr. Henry Bock.

Billows and Olinger are responsible for administering all medical activities for their respective organizations. They replace Bock, whose retirement as senior director of medical services for IMS and the IRL is effective Jan. 1, 2007. Bock will remain as an advisor.

“The medical services needs for IMS and the IRL continue to grow as we constantly work to meet the unique demands of motorsports and this facility,” said Joie Chitwood, IMS president. “We’re confident Geoff and Mike will work together to continue Dr. Bock’s great legacy while furthering the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s reputation as a worldwide leader in motorsports safety.”

Said Brian Barnhart, IRL president and chief operating officer: “As we continue to refine existing procedures and explore new avenues of motorsports safety and medicine, the role is better suited to two physicians. Dr. Billows and