The six rookies are Robert Doornbos, Raphael Matos, Stanton Barrett, Mike Conway, Nelson Philippe and Alex Tagliani.

Full practice for the May 24 race begins Wednesday.

- USA Today

Danica Patrick: There’s a certain time when I can start doing things and talk to other teams and that time is not now. But I’m always keeping my options open. I have to keep in mind my driving, the platform and the sponsors. There are a lot of factors. But I think, in the end, the choice is going to be obvious. It will be natural.

Question: How hard do you think the IndyCar Series has been hit from the economy?

Danica Patrick: I don’t feel like we’ve been hit as hard as NASCAR has, but they have a lot more sponsors. So the shock might be easier to absorb.

Question: Just saw you on the cover of Shape Magazine, fresh off being in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

Danica Patrick: Keep in mind I did Sports Illustrated in November and Shape in December, so I didn’t eat anything for all of Thanksgiving or Christmas. I’m 27. I don’t know how many more of these opportunities I’m going to have. As long as I have the opportunity, it’s probably good to do this type of thing every year.

- Auto Racing Daily

The 2009 Indianapolis 500, May 24, marks the opening of the Centennial Era for the Speedway and commemorates the 100th anniversary of the facility. The 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race will be in 2011.

Tracy, the 2003 Champ Car World Series champion, is one of the most successful and exciting drivers in the history of open-wheel racing. The native of Canada will be sponsored by GEICO Insurance and pilot the #15 GEICO – KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone entry. He will team with Mario Moraes, #5 KV Racing Technology – Votorantim Honda/Dallara/Firestone, in a two-car effort for KVRT.

Tracy will be contesting his sixth Indy 500 and first since 2002 when he was the runner-up. In five previous races at the Brickyard he has a best qualifying effort of seventh in 1993. The talented Canadian will be making his 2009 IndyCar Series debut as he attempts to qualify for just his third IndyCar race, albeit over three different seasons. In addition to the 2002 Indy 500, Tracy ran the IndyCar Series event at Edmonton last year qualifying 15th and finishing fourth.

“For me, the only reason I want to race in the Indianapolis 500 is to win. It’s not to go there to qualify and make the field and have a good day,” Tracy said. “I want to thank Kevin Kalkhoven, Jimmy Vasser and my sponsor GEICO for giving me this opportunity. Obviously KVRT is a good team, they’ve got competitive cars and I’ve worked with a lot of the guys on the team, the mechanics and engineers, in the past. Quite a few of them were on the crew when I won the championship in 2003, so it should make the transition and getting up to speed fairly easy.”

Moraes had a solid tune-up for this year’s Indy 500 a little over a week ago in Kansas. The 20-year-old Brazilian, who made just his 19th career IndyCar start and 11th on an oval, qualified a career-high sixth and finish 11th, his second highest finish on an oval. He completed all 200 laps in Kansas and now sits 19th in the championship standings with 43 points. Moraes, the second youngest driver in the IndyCar series, is in his second IndyCar season and first with KVRT. He will be making his second appearance at the Speedway starting on Wednesday, May 6 with the other veterans. Last year, Moraes qualified 28th, ran a solid race and was running at the finish completing 194 of the 200 laps, to place 18th in his baptism at Indy.

“I am excited about going back to Indianapolis for the 500,” Moraes said. “The Indy 500 is a special race. There is nothing else like it. Last year was my first Indy 500 and first 500-mile race so it was all new and there was a lot to learn. This year, I have a car that is fast and a very experienced team to support me, so I am confident that we can have a competitive race.”

The 2009 Indianapolis 500, May 24, is Round #4 of the 2009 IndyCar Series season. It will be televised live on ABC at noon ET.

About GEICO Insurance:

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is the third-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States based on the latest 12 months written premium. It provides auto insurance coverage for 9 million policyholders and insures more than 15 million vehicles. In addition to auto insurance, GEICO offers customers insurance products for their motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s), boats, homes, apartments and mobile homes. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection and life insurance are also available. As a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies, GEICO is rated A++ for financial strength by A.M. Best Company and ranks at the top of several national customer satisfaction surveys. For more information, please visit www.geicogarage.com.

About Votorantim:

The Votorantim Group operates in the industrial, financial and new business segments. It is present in twenty states and over one hundred Brazilian municipalities, having units in 14 countries, managing intensive capital business and state-of-the-art-technology. With over 60 thousand employees, the Votorantim Group has operations in the cement and concrete, mining and metallurgy (aluminum, steel, nickel and zinc), pulp and paper, concentrated orange juice, chemical specialty markets, in self-generation of electric power, and in the financial sector, with Banco Vortorantim. It invests in information technology companies.

About KV Racing Technology:

KV Racing Technology was established in 2003. The Indianapolis-based team is contesting its seventh open-wheel season and second in the IndyCar Series in 2009. KVRT is owned by successful venture capitalist Kevin Kalkhoven and 1996 Series Champion, Jimmy Vasser. Veteran motorsports manager Mark Johnson is the team’s General Manager. KVRT has earned two victories the first by Cristiano da Matta in Portland in 2005 and the second by Will Power in Long Beach this year. They have captured two poles, Tristan Gommendy at Mont Tremblant in 2007 and Vasser at Milwaukee in 2005 (Will Power captured the pole at the 2008 Surfers Paradise, Australia exhibition race).

KV Racing Technology will be making its second appearance at the Indianapolis 500. The team qualified two cars last year in their inaugural visit. Oriol Servia qualified 25th and finished 11th while Will Power started 23rd and placed 13th.

For more information about K V Racing Technology visit: www.kvracingtechnology.com

- K V Racing Technolog Press Release

Conquest Racing Logo

The #34 Conquest Racing entry, driven by Alex Tagliani, will wear King Tut exhibition branding on the engine cover, nose cone and front wings of the car for the month of May. The car will be unveiled at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Tuesday at noon. Additionally, a 25-foot statue of the ancient Egyptian god Anubis will be on display in the outside lot at the Speedway Museum during race week, paving the way for the blockbuster exhibition coming to Indianapolis in June.

“I have been working with exhibition organizers for several months to help spread awareness about the King Tut exhibition locally, and I am thrilled that they will be joining our team for the month of May,” stated Jim Freudenberg of Rubicon Sports Agency. “This is an incredible opportunity to expand the reach of IndyCar Series racing into realms that reach far outside sports media and showcase an incredible exhibit that Indianapolis is honored to be hosting.”

“Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs” will complete its U.S. debut run in Atlanta in mid-May and will be on display at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum from June 27 to October 25. The exhibition is organized by National Geographic, Arts and Exhibitions International and AEG Exhibitions, with cooperation from the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities.

The partnership with Conquest includes a showcar that will travel to Indiana schools to promote the exhibition and educate the children on this historic collection of 130 artifacts from King Tut’s tomb and other ancient Egyptian sites.

Dr. Jeffrey H. Patchen, president and CEO of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis said, “We are excited about the partnership between AEI and Rubicon to help promote the King Tut exhibit at The Children’s Museum. This exhibit will be a great opportunity for students to learn about the historic collection of 130 artifacts from King Tut’s tomb and ancient Egyptian sites. A grant from the Lilly Endowment, Incorporated will also provide 98,000 free tickets for teachers and their students to see the exhibit at The Children’s Museum while it is in the city.”

“We’ve already seen a huge demand for tickets, and expect this exhibition to be a blockbuster for Indianapolis,” said Bryan Harris, vice president of marketing and sales, Arts and Exhibitions International. “This is the first time the exhibition has partnered with a racing team, and this is an exciting opportunity to bring the excitement of King Tut to life in a whole new way.”

Conquest Racing team owner Eric Bachelart added, “The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a must-see for everyone, be it residents of Indiana or visitors to the area, much like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and we couldn’t be happier to be associated with them and the King Tut exhibition for the Indianapolis 500. We’re excited and honored to be promoting such an extraordinary exhibit.”

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

On display from June 27 through October 25, 2009 at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, “Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs” features striking objects from some of the most important rulers throughout 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian history, from the 4th Dynasty into the Late Period (about 2600 B.C. – 660 B.C.). Derived from a variety of contexts, including temples and royal and private tombs, most of these artifacts had never visited the United States prior to this tour.

Information and tickets to the exhibition at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum can be found at www.kingtut.org or Ticketmaster (www.Ticketmaster.com or 1-877-TUT-TKTS (877-888-8587)). Single tickets are sold for a specific time and date. Tickets for groups of 10 or more are available at www.kingtut.org or 1-866-LA-GROUP (866-524-7687).

ABOUT CONQUEST RACING

Conquest Racing is amongst the longest-running, well-established open-wheel race teams in the IndyCar Series. The organization is recognized for its simple and efficient ways of doing business as well as its approach to achieving excellence in motor sports. Entering its 13th year of competition in 2009, Conquest Racing has amassed pole positions, podium finishes and race wins through its years in different racing series. The team first participated in Indy Lights from 1997 to 2001, before doing a single season in the IndyCar Series in 2002, where they claimed Rookie of the Year honors. Conquest then competed in the Champ Car World Series from 2003 up until the beginning of 2008 when the team made the transition to the newly unified IndyCar Series.

- Conquest Racing Press Release

INDIANAPOLIS (May 4, 2009) – As a kid at the age of 10, when his grandfather bought him his first go-kart, Alex Tagliani never thought that he would one day sit in an indy car at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Now, 26 years later, when he straps himself into his Conquest Racing Dallara on May 5 for rookie orientation, that long time dream will become a reality.

The Canadian driver, who was confirmed today by Conquest Racing as the driver of its #34 entry for the 2009 Indianapolis 500, will be turning his first laps around the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval as he begins preparations for this year’s race.

“It’s every drivers dream to be at the Indianapolis 500. As a kid I never thought I would make it here and even later on in my career because of the split, so it has always remained a dream of mine. It’s the one race that has always sat atop my list.

“Finally, more than nine years after my first start in a major open-wheel series race, I will get to experience all that surrounds the famous ‘Month of May’, and get to experience it during the kick off of the Centennial Era Celebrations, which makes it even more memorable,” expressed Tagliani. “I know that the first few laps around the track tomorrow will be quite special and I’m super excited and really looking forward to it.”

While Tagliani has plenty of open-wheel experience under his belt, he will be returning to rookie status this month, as is the rule for any driver competing in his first Indianapolis 500.

“I’ll be sporting my rookie status with pride this month,” added Tagliani. “No matter how much experience you have behind the wheel, when you race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the first time I think it’s easy to feel like a rookie. It’s such a unique track, there’s nothing else like it.”

One of two Canadians at this year’s race, Tagliani will only be the fourth rookie driver to hail from Quebec, Canada since Jacques Villeneuve took part in his first Indy 500 in 1994.

The talented veteran open-wheel driver will look to continue his strong form during May. The Las Vegas resident put in impressive runs at St. Petersburg and Long Beach in the first two races of the season before different incidents cost him top-five finishes. Despite the setbacks in both races, the Canadian demonstrated his perseverance and fought back to give the team two top-ten finishes.

Conquest Racing and Tagliani will be on track Tuesday May 5 at 2 p.m. eastern time for the IndyCar Series’ Indianapolis 500 Rookie Orientation Program. Sponsorship for the #34 Conquest car will be announced shortly with the unveiling of its new livery on Tuesday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

- Conquest Racing Press Release

Time magazine, relying on an Internet poll to determine its third annual list of the top 100 most influential people in the world, named race car driver, advertising icon, Midwest fashion plate and the generally hot Patrick to position #93.

The only woman to ever win an IndyCar race (at Motegi, Japan, 2008) outpaced NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Queen of All Media Oprah Winfrey, FOX’s Bill O’Reilly (maybe racing can save the world) and Prince (who, physically, is about the same size as Patrick).

Patrick received 523,545 votes. The magazine noted this is Patrick’s first appearance in their Top 100 list.

In the PR statement she didn’t write, Patrick’s people said: “I’m humbled and honored to be on the list with so many other amazing people. I’m grateful to have wonderful people around me that keep me grounded and in the moment. I know I don’t say it often enough, but thank you for helping me achieve my goals and dreams while allowing me to be myself in the fast-paced lifestyle I lead.”

Why do sponsors always think these drivers have to sound so damn homogenized? I wish the PR people would get out of the way and let … racers be racers. Racers don’t say things like, “the fast-paced lifestyle I lead.” They say, “Get out of my way or I’ll put you in the wall and kick your freakin’ ass.” And then they do.

- Huffington Post

Sarah Fisher

As a result, Sarah Fisher Racing will be sponsored by the Milwaukee-based company for all five remaining races on her calendar this year, adding to the major backing of Dollar General. Direct Supply’s investment is believed to be in the region of $900,000 over the course of 2009.

“Direct Supply is proud to be involved with IndyCar racing as a part of our long history with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway,” said chief executive Bob Hillis, “We are especially proud to be sponsoring Sarah Fisher, who our whole company has rallied around as the first woman-owned team in Speedway history. Sarah is such a warm-hearted, caring person, and has captured the hearts of all of the Direct Supply partners and so many racing fans around the country.”

- crash.net

“I’m back with some old friends, the Gerhardt family, and I’m looking
forward to one last chance to prep for my 9th Indy 500”, said Hamilton.
“I love the short tracks and this will allow me a final tune-up before
we roll out of pit lane on Tuesday.”

The USAC Western Sprint Series will return to the Northern California
oval for the first time in nearly three years and Davey would like to
better his 7th place finish from two weekends ago when he ran at
Roseville following his announcement to return to the Indy 500.

At Long Beach, Davey announced he will drive the No. 44 Honda Dallara
IndyCar for Dreyer & Reinbold / Kingdom Racing. The 46 year old will
pilot the Hewlett Packard livery “Touch the Future Now” during the month
of May.

“When Larry Curry invited me to join the team at DRR, I knew that I
wanted to have the best chance for success in this year’s race. With
the guys at Hewlett Packard returning for a third time, I feel this may
be the best prepared car I have ever had and thanks to HP, Kingdom
Racing and the team that Dennis Reinbold and Robbie Buhl have put
together, I want to take full advantage of every opportunity to be as
competitive as ever.”

Backing Hamilton for the third consecutive year is Hewlett Packard. HP
is a technology company that operates in more than 170 countries around
the world offering consumers a wide range of products and services from
digital photography to digital entertainment and from computing to home
printing.

Kingdom Racing founder George Del Canto said “Kingdom Racing is about
winning for God’s glory. In partnering with Dreyer Reinbold Racing,
Davey Hamilton and Hewlett Packard for this year’s Indianapolis 500, we
will have a worthy platform to further our mission.”

Along with Davey Hamilton, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing will field three
other entries in the Indianapolis 500 this year with Mike Conway, John
Andretti and Milka Duno. The team will kick-off the month of May with
rookie orientation as Davey will shake down the car for Mike Conway on
Tuesday.

About Davey Hamilton:

This will mark Hamilton’s ninth Indy 500, as he will attempt to qualify
for the May 24th race at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The
seasoned driver finished 14th in the race last year and ninth in 2007.
His best finish over eight starts in the Indianapolis 500 came in 1998,
when he finished fourth. He also finished sixth in 1997. Until 2001,
Davey was a regular series IndyCar driver, with 50 race starts,
finishing second in the overall Series points in 1996 and 1997. The
Idaho native’s career was nearly ended following a devastating crash at
the Texas Motor Speedway on June 9, 2001. After 23 operations and two
years of rehabilitation, he is now back in racing condition. Hamilton
has competed for a number of IndyCar teams including A.J. Foyt
Enterprises, Nienhouse Motorsports, Galles Racing, TeamXtreme, Sam
Schmidt Motorsports and Vision Racing.

About Dreyer & Reinbold / Kingdom Racing:

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing enters its 10th season of full-time
competition in 2009, making it one of the longest-tenured teams in Indy
Racing League competition. Current co-owners, Dennis Reinbold and
Robbie Buhl, first teamed in full-time competition at the Walt Disney
World Speedway in January of 2000. With Buhl behind the wheel, the two
owners tasted victory in their debut race. The 2009 IndyCar Series
season-opener on the streets of St. Petersburg marked Dreyer & Reinbold
Racing’s 200th series start. In its history, the team has boasted a
championship list of alumni drivers. Besides Buhl, the team has run
Indianapolis 500 winners Al Unser Jr., Buddy Lazier, and Buddy Rice,
along with IndyCar Series race winner Ryan Briscoe. The team has one of
the longest lines of heritage in American open-wheel racing and the
Indianapolis 500 as Dennis Reinbold’s grandfather, “Pop” Dreyer, built
leading roadsters that raced at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during
the 30s, 40s, and 50s.

Kingdom Racing’s mission is to deliver God’s word through Motorsports.
Their goal is to form a full time IndyCar Series team and, combined with
the help of national Christian ministries, reach one million men for
Jesus Christ. In 2008, Kingdom Racing made history as the first
faith-vision organization to ever compete in the 100 years of the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Through their second Indy 500 appearance
this year, the team will capture national attention and attract partners
to execute this mission.

- Dreyer & Reinbold / Kingdom Racing Press Release

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (May 1, 2009) - Boost Mobile, the prepaid division of Sprint Nextel (NYSE: S) that redefines value for prepaid wireless consumers, and Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) today unleashed the new paint scheme for Danica Patrick’s lucky #7 car with announcement of a Boost Mobile sponsorship. Patrick unveiled the new IndyCar design today by driving it down the tarmac at the Indianapolis International Airport. For the remainder of the 2009 IndyCar Series season, Patrick will sport a jet-black Boost Mobile/Motorola/Andretti Green IndyCar with eye-catching, electric orange accents.

“Danica Patrick is the perfect representation of the Boost Mobile brand as she is unconventional, has edge and attacks the competition like Boost attacks the prepaid wireless market,” said Matt Carter, president, Boost Mobile. “Boost Mobile has a long history with Motorola and is excited about the opportunity to work with Danica and Andretti Green Racing to broaden the Boost brand and appeal to Danica fans everywhere.”

“Solid and generous support from sponsors like Boost Mobile and Motorola keep me on the fast track to victory,” said Danica Patrick. “Boost Mobile’s signature live-on-the-edge spirit is definitely in tune with my competitive fire – and it will help take Andretti Green Racing up a few notches with a new attitude.”

Since 2007, Motorola has served as title sponsor of Patrick’s IndyCar and provider of two-way communication solutions for all four Andretti Green teams. Motorola has been involved in open wheel racing for more than a decade and with Andretti Green Racing for the past six seasons. Motorola will continue to provide communication solutions to Andretti Green as well as promote its brand and products through the sport.

“At Motorola, partners like Boost Mobile and sponsorships such as Danica Patrick/Andretti Green Racing are key to our brand success,” said Jean-Pierre Le Cannellier, senior director of North America marketing, Motorola Mobile Devices. “We are thrilled to kick off this joint sponsorship as Danica prepares to race in the Indianapolis 500 and as we introduce our latest Push-To-Talk1device.”

Coupled with the Boost Mobile’s $50 Monthly Unlimited cell phone plan, the innovative Motorola Clutch i465 combines the power of Push-to-Talk and the convenience of a QWERTY keyboard. Along with meeting military specifications for extreme conditions, including shock, vibration and dust, Clutch satisfies the unlimited communication needs of even the most serious texters and talkers. The Motorola Clutch will be available from Boost Mobile in Q2 2009.

In celebration of this new partnership, Boost Mobile and Motorola also announced today the Pop Your Clutch sweepstakes at http://www.popyourclutch.com. Hard-core texters, talkers and Indy fans can register for a chance to win a grand prize trip package to the August 23, 2009 Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma in Sonoma, Calif. and one of 10 Motorola Clutch i465 handsets, plus $150 of Boost Mobile service that will be given away after each of the 14 IndyCar Series events, starting with the Indianapolis 500.

Additionally, as part of the Pop Your Clutch sweepstakes, if Patrick wins the Indianapolis 500 on May 24, Boost and Motorola will give away 500 Motorola Clutch i465 handsets with $300 of Boost Mobile service to each of the winners.

Boost Mobile offers affordable alternatives to long-term wireless contracts, providing flexible payment options and value for cost-conscious consumers including the Monthly Unlimited prepaid plan that includes nationwide talk, text and Walkie-Talkie for $50 a month. Motorola, the exclusive handset provider for Boost Mobile, offers consumers easy-to-use and durable devices ranging from entry-level to feature-rich. Shipping is always free when purchasing handsets at www.boostmobile.com.

About Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile, the prepaid division of Sprint Nextel (NYSE: S), redefines value for wireless consumers with its ‘Monthly Unlimited’ service, offering unlimited anytime calling, text messaging, wireless web and exclusive Boost® Walkie-Talkie service with a national calling area for $50 a month. Boost Mobile ‘Monthly Unlimited’ offers flat-rate, nationwide service more than 17,500 cities throughout the United States on the Nextel National Network – all with no additional telecom taxes, activation, roaming, traveling or long distance fees. Boost Mobile offers a selection of quality handsets from Motorola, ranging from entry-level to high end, as well as worry-free calling plans that enable customers to pay by the minute, day or month. Boost-branded wireless phones are available nationwide at nearly 20,000 major retail stores including Best Buy, Radio Shack, Target, Wal-Mart; Sprint retail stores and independent wireless dealer locations; with Re-Boost® available at approximately 100,000 locations throughout the U.S. Purchase and experience Boost Mobile on the Web at MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and www.boostmobile.com.

About Motorola

Motorola is known around the world for innovation in communications and is focused on advancing the way the world connects. From broadband communications infrastructure, enterprise mobility and public safety solutions to high-definition video and mobile devices, Motorola is leading the next wave of innovations that enable people, enterprises and governments to be more connected and more mobile. Motorola (NYSE: MOT) had sales of US $30.1 billion in 2008. For more information, please visit www.motorola.com.

- Andretti Green Racing Press Release

John Andretti Sky Diving With The Golden Knights (1)

Andretti and Window World CEO Todd Whitworth were invited to be guests of the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team. Each individual was paired with an instructor and experienced the thrill of skydiving from 13,500 feet.

“It’s a thrill,” said Andretti. “When your freefall, you’re traveling around 120 mph. You fall for about a minute before the parachute opens, but it feels like it’s just a few seconds. It’s hard to believe you can move that fast without a motor.”

John Andretti Sky Diving With The Golden Knights (2)

“The Golden Knights are a first class organization and it was an honor to jump with them,” said Whitworth. “They’ve hosted some incredible people as their guests. I’m really proud to have been invited by them as well. I know it’s something that I’ll never forget.”

Andretti still has more to look forward to. After competing in this weekend’s Crown Royal 400, Andretti will turn his focus to open-wheel racing. Andretti will drive the No. 43 Window World/Richard Petty Motorsports/Dreyer and Reinbold Racing Honda-Dallara in the Indy 500. It will be the first time Richard Petty has entered a car into the Indianapolis 500.

John Andretti Sky Diving With The Golden Knights (3)

About Window World:
Window World Inc., headquartered in North Wilkesboro, NC, is America’s Largest Replacement Window Company with offices in over 200 cities nationwide. Founded in 1995, the company consistently delivers value to homeowners by combining quality products with excellent service at low prices. Window World sells and installs over 1,000,000 high-quality residential replacement windows annually http://e2ma.net/go/1948841558/1783727/66180938/goto:http:/www.windowworld.com/. Additionally, through its charitable foundation Window World Cares, the Window World family provides funding for commendable community causes. In 2009 Window World Cares was named corporate sponsor of St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and has exclusively committed this year’s contributions to the Memphis, Tennessee based institute.

- Breaking Limits Marketing for Window World Racing, Press Release

“It’s hallowed ground,” Kimball said. “It’s just like the Monaco Grand Prix or Le Mans. It’s definitely one of the most famous and important racetracks in the world. It’s a very special place. I grew up watching the Indy 500 on TV, and my family has a heritage there with my dad (Gordon Kimball) winning the race a few times as an engineer. I’m excited to drive there.”

Though the Firestone Freedom 100 won’t take place until May 22, teams will get their first look at the Speedway during an Open Test from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. May 5 on the famed 2.5-mile oval.

“The test day is going to be more important to us than the others because we’re a new team,” said Vision Racing’s James Davison, who made his Firestone Freedom 100 debut last year. “We really need the test to get a base setup and find out what will work on the car and what won’t. It’s very important to us to develop our package if we want to fight for the championship.”

For a newcomer, the test is equally important. It will be the first time they will drive around the track in a car that is second only in speed to the cars that will contest the Indianapolis 500.

“Indy is much bigger than Homestead, where we tested, or Kansas, but I think we should have a competitive car there,” said Mario Romancini, who will be racing his second-ever oval race at Indianapolis. “It’s the most important race of the season, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Added Kimball: “Having a test there is good because it’s a pretty daunting place if you’re not prepared for it. I learned a lot in my first oval race, and I got a lot of information that I can take forward. I can’t wait for the next ovals, and I can’t wait to take my sponsors to the Indy 500.”

For some, though, turning laps around Indianapolis isn’t a new experience. In fact, series points leader Jonathan Summerton and Richard Phiippe won Formula BMW races on the road course. The test will be their first laps on the oval.

“I am very excited heading into Indy leading the championship and I am really excited to do the oval this time as I have won on the road course,” Summerton said. “I want to win on the oval. I feel this will be one of the biggest races for me. For me, it’s a great chance to be on the same track that the Indy 500 is run on. All I can say is bring on May 22.”

2. Indy Racing League penalizes Jim Guthrie, Sean Guthrie for actions at Kansas Speedway: The Indy Racing League, the sanctioning body for Firestone Indy Lights, indefinitely suspended driver Sean Guthrie and Guthrie Meyer Racing co-owner Jim Guthrie for their actions during the Kansas Lottery 100 on April 26.

Sean Guthrie, driver of the No. 4 Guthrie Meyer Racing Firestone Indy Lights entry, was penalized for failing to follow the direction of Officials, failing to slow down under yellow conditions and failing to follow the direction of safety personnel in an accident scene.

His actions were in violation of multiple rules regarding safety of participants and caution periods as listed in the Firestone Indy Lights Rule Book.

Jim Guthrie was penalized for failing to follow the direction of Officials and for conduct detrimental to the sport.

“Race officials are there to ensure the safety of all participants in Firestone Indy Lights events, including drivers, mechanics and safety workers,” said Tony Cotman, vice president of competition of the Indy Racing League and race director for Firestone Indy Lights. “Safety is a priority at all events, and failing to obey race officials puts everyone at risk.”

The penalized parties may appeal their penalty as prescribed in the Firestone Indy Lights Rule Book. An appeal may result in an increase, decrease or no change to the penalty.

3. Conway, Power to run in Indy’s mini-marathon: Mike Conway’s first trip around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be hundreds of miles slower than the IndyCar Series rookie will travel May 5.

The 25-year-old British racer and Will Power of Penske Racing will be among the 35,000 runners in the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon through the streets of Indianapolis and on the Speedway oval May 2.

“I think it’s great that I get to run the circuit before racing on it, because you are really able to appreciate the size of it once you get to run a lap around it,” said Conway, who will drive the No. 24 Dad’s Root Beer car for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing. “I’m really looking forward to the whole experience. This will just be a case of pacing myself and keeping track of how quick I’m going each mile and hopefully by doing that I will finish with a good result.”

Conway and Power have been training together in recent months in preparation for the mini-marathon as well as conditioning for their racing.

“When I normally train, I do a lot of endurance exercises like running, biking and swimming,” Conway said. “Ever since I signed up to do the mini-marathon, I’ve changed my training a little bit by doing a lot more sprint work and stuff like that. I haven’t changed my routine too much. My main goal has been to keep the mileage up. This will be my first mini-marathon. I have done a lot of 10k runs, but never anything like this. Hopefully, after this I will do a full marathon.”

4. Patrick on TIME 100: IndyCar Series driver Danica Patrick checks in at No. 93 on the list of the TIME 100: The world’s most influential people.

There were 208 nominees in the online poll.

Patrick received more votes than Oprah Winfrey, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, TV talk show host Bill O’Reilly, New York Yankees infielder Alex Rodriguez, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and CBS News anchor Katie Couric, among others.

“I’m humbled and honored to be on the list with so many other amazing people,” Patrick said. “I’m grateful to have wonderful people around me that keep me grounded and in the moment. I know I don’t say it often enough, but thank you for helping me achieve my goals and dreams while allowing me to be myself in the fast-paced lifestyle I lead.”

The top vote-getter was moot — the 21-year-old college student and founder of the online community 4chan.org, whose real name is Christopher Poole. He received 16,794,368 votes and an average influence rating of 90 (of 100). Note: Everyone moot beat out has a job.

Patrick, who will begin practice for the Indianapolis 500 on May 6, will make a stop in Louisville, Ky., May 1 for the Barnstable Brown Gala, an annual event on the eve of the Kentucky Derby that benefits Barnstable Brown Pediatric Diabetes Research Laboratories at the University of Kentucky.

5. IndyCar Mobile nominated for Webby: IndyCar Mobile, which was activated in 2008, has been nominated for a Webby award in the Best Mobile Program in a Sports Category as well as the Webby People’s Voice Award.

IndyCar Mobile 2.0, which launched last month in conjunction with the revamped indycar.com, allows users to take advantage of the new MiBox Technology that gives users the ability to personalize the messages they receive, so they get the information about specific drivers, teams, events, etc. Along with the MiBox technology, users can now receive real-time race, qualification and event alerts as part of the IndyCar Mobile service.

IndyCar Mobile – a free service – can be accessed by texting INDYCAR to 234500 or by visiting m.indycar.com.

***

The 2009 IndyCar Series season continues May 24 with the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at 1 p.m. (EDT) by ABC. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, XM channel 145 and Sirius channel 211. The radio broadcast also will be carried on www.indycar.com. The 2009 Firestone Indy Lights season continues May 22 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race will be telecast May 22 by VERSUS as part of its Carb Day coverage from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (EDT).

- Indy Racing League Press Release

Thanks to GEICO and KV Racing Technology, Tracy will get another shot at claiming what he believes is his; an Indy 500 win.

Long Beach marked the venue for his announcement on April 17th, which seems appropriate given his history there. Tracy cruised the paddock area as if he were at home. But why shouldn’t he? He raced there for eighteen consecutive years and notched his first CART win at Long Beach in 1993. He recorded four total wins (1993, 2000, 2003 and 2004) at the seaside circuit and counts it as one of his favorite venues.

Tracy’s return to Indy is historic, as he vowed to never again step foot in the legendary speedway after the 2002 outcome. He is aggressive, out-spoken and often times colorful, but one cannot comprehend his internal drive. Indy is special to ‘PT’ and he was even going to drive his own motorhome from his residence in Las Vegas to Indianapolis Motor Speedway before being convinced otherwise.

Aside from the necessary training to prepare him physically for the race, Tracy’s days have been riddled with interviews, photo shoots and media productions. Tracy departed on a red-eye flight in Las Vegas on Sunday night that arrived in Washington, DC, at 7:00 AM on Monday morning. He participated in a photo shoot and video production for GEICO before returning to the airport and traveling back to Las Vegas on a 5:30 PM flight.

The remainder of Tracy’s week has been filled with teleconferences, more photo shoots and interviews, including a shoot with RACER magazine, for which he will be keeping a daily blog, at his Las Vegas home. Capping off his week will be an appearance on Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain on May 3rd at 9:00 PM (ET).

Tracy is nothing if not focused and amid the chaos he has found peace on his bike and in his physical training regimen. It also helps that his close friend Jimmy Vasser is co-owner of KV Racing Technology and is there to offer him support above and beyond the race track. At one-point fierce competitors, Tracy and Vasser have always maintained a close friendship, along with GEICO’s NASCAR driver Max Papis. Busy with his own NASCAR schedule during the month of May, Papis has said that he will be on-hand in Indy to offer support to his friend/teammate.

If ever there were a time when the stars were aligned, it would be now. Friends and supporters surround Tracy, and with GEICO and KV Racing Technology backing his effort he is going to have the opportunity to do great things in the month of May.

“Indy is important to me because I feel like I won the race in 2002, but a decision was made otherwise,” Tracy said. “I look around my home and it’s the one trophy that has escaped me, so I am looking forward to returning to the 500 and taking another shot at it. People close to me know my passion for the history of racing and it’s no secret that the Indy 500 is the biggest race in the world, so a win for me, GEICO and KV Racing is our goal.”

Tracy walks and talks with resounding confidence, but deep down inside there is a fire burning. He is a champion. He is tops in nearly every category. But there is still one more thing out there and it awaits him in Speedway, Indiana.

For more information about GEICO Racing, please visit www.geicogarage.com.

For more information about Paul Tracy, please visit www.paultracy.com.

For more information about KV Racing Technology, please visit www.kvracingtechnology.com .

- Player Management International, Inc. Press Release

1. Firestone Indy Lights Open Test slated for May 5 at Indianapolis
2. Indy Racing League penalizes Jim Guthrie, Sean Guthrie for actions at Kansas Speedway
3. Conway, Power to run in Indy’s mini-marathon
4. Patrick on TIME 100
5. IndyCar Mobile nominated for Webby

1. Firestone Indy Lights Open Test slated for May 5 at Indianapolis: (Note: The official participant list is attached.)Charlie Kimball has competed on some of the most famed circuits in the world as he worked his way up the racing ladder. Soon he’ll run his first laps on the world’s most famous oval – the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“It’s hallowed ground,” Kimball said. “It’s just like the Monaco Grand Prix or Le Mans. It’s definitely one of the most famous and important racetracks in the world. It’s a very special place. I grew up watching the Indy 500 on TV, and my family has a heritage there with my dad (Gordon Kimball) winning the race a few times as an engineer. I’m excited to drive there.”

Though the Firestone Freedom 100 won’t take place until May 22, teams will get their first look at the Speedway during an Open Test from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. May 5 on the famed 2.5-mile oval.

“The test day is going to be more important to us than the others because we’re a new team,” said Vision Racing’s James Davison, who made his Firestone Freedom 100 debut last year. “We really need the test to get a base setup and find out what will work on the car and what won’t. It’s very important to us to develop our package if we want to fight for the championship.”

For a newcomer, the test is equally important. It will be the first time they will drive around the track in a car that is second only in speed to the cars that will contest the Indianapolis 500.

“Indy is much bigger than Homestead, where we tested, or Kansas, but I think we should have a competitive car there,” said Mario Romancini, who will be racing his second-ever oval race at Indianapolis. “It’s the most important race of the season, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Added Kimball: “Having a test there is good because it’s a pretty daunting place if you’re not prepared for it. I learned a lot in my first oval race, and I got a lot of information that I can take forward. I can’t wait for the next ovals, and I can’t wait to take my sponsors to the Indy 500.”

For some, though, turning laps around Indianapolis isn’t a new experience. In fact, series points leader Jonathan Summerton and Richard Phiippe won Formula BMW races on the road course. The test will be their first laps on the oval.

“I am very excited heading into Indy leading the championship and I am really excited to do the oval this time as I have won on the road course,” Summerton said. “I want to win on the oval. I feel this will be one of the biggest races for me. For me, it’s a great chance to be on the same track that the Indy 500 is run on. All I can say is bring on May 22.”

***

2. Indy Racing League penalizes Jim Guthrie, Sean Guthrie for actions at Kansas Speedway: The Indy Racing League, the sanctioning body for Firestone Indy Lights, indefinitely suspended driver Sean Guthrie and Guthrie Meyer Racing co-owner Jim Guthrie for their actions during the Kansas Lottery 100 on April 26.

Sean Guthrie, driver of the No. 4 Guthrie Meyer Racing Firestone Indy Lights entry, was penalized for failing to follow the direction of Officials, failing to slow down under yellow conditions and failing to follow the direction of safety personnel in an accident scene.

His actions were in violation of multiple rules regarding safety of participants and caution periods as listed in the Firestone Indy Lights Rule Book.

Jim Guthrie was penalized for failing to follow the direction of Officials and for conduct detrimental to the sport.

“Race officials are there to ensure the safety of all participants in Firestone Indy Lights events, including drivers, mechanics and safety workers,” said Tony Cotman, vice president of competition of the Indy Racing League and race director for Firestone Indy Lights. “Safety is a priority at all events, and failing to obey race officials puts everyone at risk.”

The penalized parties may appeal their penalty as prescribed in the Firestone Indy Lights Rule Book. An appeal may result in an increase, decrease or no change to the penalty.

***

3. Conway, Power to run in Indy’s mini-marathon: Mike Conway’s first trip around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be hundreds of miles slower than the IndyCar Series rookie will travel May 5.

The 25-year-old British racer and Will Power of Penske Racing will be among the 35,000 runners in the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon through the streets of Indianapolis and on the Speedway oval May 2.

“I think it’s great that I get to run the circuit before racing on it, because you are really able to appreciate the size of it once you get to run a lap around it,” said Conway, who will drive the No. 24 Dad’s Root Beer car for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing. ”I’m really looking forward to the whole experience. This will just be a case of pacing myself and keeping track of how quick I’m going each mile and hopefully by doing that I will finish with a good result.”

Conway and Power have been training together in recent months in preparation for the mini-marathon as well as conditioning for their racing.

“When I normally train, I do a lot of endurance exercises like running, biking and swimming,” Conway said. “Ever since I signed up to do the mini-marathon, I’ve changed my training a little bit by doing a lot more sprint work and stuff like that. I haven’t changed my routine too much. My main goal has been to keep the mileage up. This will be my first mini-marathon.  I have done a lot of 10k runs, but never anything like this. Hopefully, after this I will do a full marathon.”

***

4. Patrick on TIME 100: IndyCar Series driver Danica Patrick checks in at No. 93 on the list of the TIME 100: The world’s most influential people.

There were 208 nominees in the online poll.

Patrick received more votes than Oprah Winfrey, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, TV talk show host Bill O’Reilly, New York Yankees infielder Alex Rodriguez, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and CBS News anchor Katie Couric, among others.

“I’m humbled and honored to be on the list with so many other amazing people,” Patrick said. “I’m grateful to have wonderful people around me that keep me grounded and in the moment. I know I don’t say it often enough, but thank you for helping me achieve my goals and dreams while allowing me to be myself in the fast-paced lifestyle I lead.”

The top vote-getter was moot — the 21-year-old college student and founder of the online community 4chan.org, whose real name is Christopher Poole. He received 16,794,368 votes and an average influence rating of 90 (of 100). Note: Everyone moot beat out has a job.

Patrick, who will begin practice for the Indianapolis 500 on May 6, will make a stop in Louisville, Ky., May 1 for the Barnstable Brown Gala, an annual event on the eve of the Kentucky Derby that benefits Barnstable Brown Pediatric Diabetes Research Laboratories at the University of Kentucky.

***

5. IndyCar Mobile nominated for Webby: IndyCar Mobile, which was activated in 2008, has been nominated for a Webby award in the Best Mobile Program in a Sports Category as well as the Webby People’s Voice Award.

IndyCar Mobile 2.0, which launched last month in conjunction with the revamped indycar.com, allows users to take advantage of the new MiBox Technology that gives users the ability to personalize the messages they receive, so they get the information about specific drivers, teams, events, etc. Along with the MiBox technology, users can now receive real-time race, qualification and event alerts as part of the IndyCar Mobile service.

IndyCar Mobile – a free service – can be accessed by texting INDYCAR to 234500 or by visiting m.indycar.com.

***

The 2009 IndyCar Series season continues May 24 with the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at 1 p.m. (EDT) by ABC. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, XM channel 145 and Sirius channel 211. The radio broadcast also will be carried on www.indycar.com. The 2009 Firestone Indy Lights season continues May 22 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race will be telecast May 22 by VERSUS as part of its Carb Day coverage from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (EDT).

– Indy Racing League, Press Release

]]> http://www.catchfence.com/2009/indy-racing-league/04/30/indycar-series-news-and-notes-april-30-2009/feed/ 0 http://www.catchfence.com/2009/otherseries/04/30/three-time-indianapolis-500-winner-johnny-rutherford-named-grand-marshal-for-new-hampshire-motor-speedway-vintage-racing-celebration/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=three-time-indianapolis-500-winner-johnny-rutherford-named-grand-marshal-for-new-hampshire-motor-speedway-vintage-racing-celebration http://www.catchfence.com/2009/otherseries/04/30/three-time-indianapolis-500-winner-johnny-rutherford-named-grand-marshal-for-new-hampshire-motor-speedway-vintage-racing-celebration/#comments Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:24:28 +0000 Press Release http://www.catchfence.com/?p=9558 more»]]> LOUDON, N.H. (April 30, 2009) – Johnny Rutherford, a three-time Indianapolis 500 winner, has been named the Grand Marshal of the 19th Annual Vintage Racing Celebration at New Hampshire Motor Speedway from May 12 through May 17.

Known as “Lone Star J.R.” to his fans because of his Texas heritage, Rutherford crossed the famous yard of bricks first at the Indianapolis 500 in 1974, 1976, and 1980. In his role as Grand Marshal during the oval portion of the event, Rutherford will bench race with many of the participants, including an interactive “Question and Answer” program with host Gordon Kirby, the U.S.
Editor of MotorSport magazine, on Wednesday night, May 13.

Three of Rutherford’s former open wheel rides will be on display as well.

“Johnny is truly one of the greatest drivers to ever strap into an open-wheeled race car,” said Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of New Hampshire Motor Speedway. “He came up in an era that was truly special, as he raced midgets, sprint cars and anything with four wheels to make it to Indy. Once in Indy Cars, he became a true champion, both on and off the track. He was really one of the first drivers who knew how to communicate to the media and represent his corporate sponsors with class.”

On Tuesday, May 12 through Thursday, May 14, more than 150 of the most famous Midgets, Sprint Cars, Champ Cars, Roadsters, and NASCAR stock cars will fill the speedway’s 1.058 mile oval. Fans will have the opportunity to meet and talk with the drivers and car owners who were instrumental in the growth of motorsports throughout the world.

From Friday, May 15 to Sunday, May 17, the 1.6 mile road course at NHMS will challenge veteran competitors from the world of road racing. The action will be friendly, but fierce as these vintage sports cars, formula cars, and motorcycles compete for bragging rights.

The return of the Classic and Custom Car Show on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 will be a major addition to the 2009 Celebration schedule. Many of the finest vehicles from throughout New England will be on display. Anyone wishing to participate in the car show can download a registration form at www.nhms.com/documents/09_car_show_registration_form.pdf. If you love custom and vintage vehicles, you won’t want to miss this event.

Anyone looking to sell a vehicle can be part of the speedway’s Car Corral.

Pre-registration is recommended as space is limited, and registration forms are online at www.nhms.com/documents/09_car_corral_registration_form.pdf.

Fans will also be able to enjoy a Flea Market which will include displays and merchandise from vendors from throughout the region.

Gates will open every day at 9:00 a.m. General admission tickets are $10 per day or $25 for the entire event. Children age 11 and under will be admitted free. Acres of free parking are available to those attending this incredible Celebration.

For more information on the Vintage Racing Celebration or the many great events at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, including the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 on Sunday, June 28 and the SYLVANIA 300 on Sunday, September 20, please call our Ticket Hotline at (603) 783-4931 or visit the speedway online at www.nhms.com.

- New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Press Release