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Today’s IZOD IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights and Mazda Road to Indy headlines:

1.      If you missed it: Bobby Rahal and Takuma Sato Conference Call

2.      Hinchcliffe to field questions at Canadian Motorsports Expo

3.      HVM welcomes new team manager

4.      Open Test set for Barber Motorsports Park

1. If you missed it: Bobby Rahal and Takuma Sato Conference Call: Rahal Letterman Lanigan co-owner Bobby Rahal and IZOD IndyCar Series driver Takuma Sato were guests on an INDYCAR conference call today to discuss Sato’s signing with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. Selected quotes from the interview are below.

Q. Bobby, talk about the team’s recent news. How excited are you to add a driver of the quality of Takuma and how did your relationship start? 

BOBBY RAHAL: I’m excited that Taku has joined us for our 2012 IndyCar season. I had a chance to see Taku not when he first started racing but when he was Europe in England in Formula 3 in 2001 when I was over there with Jaguar Formula One. I managed to watch Takuma win a lot of Formula 3 races. I think Formula 3 has always been considered a very good judge of talent.

Of course, you know, I kept an eye on him when he was in Formula One. So I’ve known his competitiveness, his speed. I’ve seen that many times over the years.

I was very pleased that we were able to come together. We’ve spent some time together. Taku spent a lot of time in England, so he’s got a lot of English slang and colloquialisms, so it’s almost like being back in England when you’re around him.

I think we all look forward to having him with us because, as I said earlier, he’s shown his pace over the last couple years in IndyCars. As I said in the beginning when we reentered IndyCar racing, it was important for us to do so with someone who was going to be competitive. I had no real interest in just being here. Taku certainly fits that bill.

I think we are quite excited for the start of the year. We have testing to do yet. We’ve done a little bit already in December which went I think pretty well. So I think everybody’s just anxious to get going.

Q. Obviously adding Takuma to your driver lineup isn’t the only change for your team, which is going to base its IZOD IndyCar Series operations in Brownsburg, Ind. Why move the operation to Indianapolis? 

BOBBY RAHAL: This has actually been under consideration for a number of years. It’s really become the center of IndyCar racing, the Indianapolis area. You look at the resource that exists here within the area, both the human resource, but the subcontractors, what have you, that can provide services for an IndyCar team.

It just seemed to me that we needed to be in sort of the epicenter of IndyCar racing now that we were going to come back into it on a full-time basis. So we managed to lease the space that Gil de Ferran used to be in from my friend Don Prudhomme. It’s a nice shop up here in Brownsburg. This is a start for us. But the IndyCar team will certainly be headquartered here for many years to come because we think this is the place to be both for now and in the future.

Q. Taku, it has to be a relief for you to get your plans for 2012 settled after what has been a pretty long off-season.

TAKUMA SATO: Yes and no. Obviously I’m very excited to be announced I’m joined with Bobby’s big project. I’m extremely pleased and extremely excited.

As Bobby said, I made the first contact immediately after the season ends last year. When I heard from Bobby, it was such an excitement project for his 2012 restart with the IndyCar project.

We talk about lots of various options, the great stories, what could be the scenario. It was just a matter of all the preparation.

It was a long winter. But I was always confident that we could do a great deal with it. Suddenly the announcement this February, very excitement. But I’ve known it’s going to be happen from very early stage of the end of the season last year, so I’m extremely pleased.

Q. This will be your third year in the IZOD IndyCar Series. What led to your decision to change teams and do you feel that Rahal Letterman Lanigan can help you get the first win in the series that you’ve been so close to getting? 

TAKUMA SATO: Yeah, sure. As a driver you have to look at the options, the various options, after the season ends. As I said, Bobby gave me a great offer. I believe very strongly this team is going to be huge potential.

I mean, Bobby’s team, Rahal Letterman Lanigan team, it’s shown great history. The numbers in racing is very impressive winning record. It’s just great success. Okay, the IndyCar Series wasn’t entering full-time in a couple years, but they showing great speed last year every single time they were entering IndyCar. So I was very confident.

Of course, with the new operation, (indiscernible) very experienced, and such a great opportunity to see all the possibility for the great performance. When I discuss with Bobby how it’s going to operate with the new team, I was very excited.

My expectation is ever so high. I was very confident we could do a great job this year.

Q. Bobby, I know you talked about not only having Taku, but having a second car. Since you’re coming back into the series, have you gone over with the series how Leaders Circle money might be allocated? Is there a date where you need to have the second car confirmed or else that engine contract, you might not have that? 

BOBBY RAHAL: First off, on the Leaders Circle situation, I’m not quite sure what the situation is there. We certainly made a presentation to them, as did many other teams.

I think we bring some unique assets to the equation that can really help IndyCar. I think we’ve already utilized many of those, thanks to David Letterman. But that process is still going on as far as I know. We’ve not heard one way or the other.

We certainly hope to receive one of the Leaders Circle memberships and believe we deserve to be, frankly. But, again, it’s out of our hands at this stage and we’ll just have to wait like everybody else. I think it is important for us to be one of the members of the Leaders Circle, so we’re certainly hopeful.

In regards to the second car, we’re very close on that. All of our efforts are being split right now between getting Taku’s car ready for the Barber test. This last week we did not go to the Sebring test because we felt it was more important for us to understand the car, what we have a little bit better, so we spent several days on the seven-post rig up in Canada, which we’ve used quite extensively in the past in IndyCar Series and ALMS cars. We came away with a lot of good information from that.

Quite frankly, there’s plenty of time. You’re limited to 1,000 miles per driver pre-season anyway. So by doing Barber, Sebring and Sebring again, we’ll be able to accomplish 1,000 miles.

I think right now it’s getting Taku’s car ready for those tests and working hard to finalize our second driver. The second car is being prepared as we speak. As far as we’re concerned, we’re going to have two cars, two drivers, and that’s really our focus at this point in time.

Q. Bobby, what is the importance of having multiple cars, with your new car? Do you have more chance to find out more about them? 

BOBBY RAHAL: For sure having multiple cars within a team is better I think up to a point. I think ideally a two-car team is probably the right number. We’ve run three in the past and been successful with that. But, nevertheless, organizationally it’s a much tougher deal. That’s part of the reason why we want to be a two-car team.

Having said that, I had my best years, some of my best years, on a single-car team. We’ve gone to Indy the last several years as a single-car team and done I think pretty well.

While a single-car team may not be ideal, I think your ability to be competitive is just as good there as anywhere else because you’re able to focus all your efforts on one driver, one car, a small group of people tightly knit. That can do a lot of good things.

In the end, if we have our options, we want to be a two-car team. We’re working hard for that. I think we will be. So that’s how we’re going forward at this stage.

2. Hinchcliffe to field questions at Canadian Motorsports Expo: Andretti Autosport’s James Hinchcliffe, the 2011 Sunoco Rookie of the Year, will be on the Mazda Stage from 12:45-1:30 p.m. Feb. 12 for a Q&A session at the Canadian Motorsports Expo at the International Centre adjacent to Pearson International Airport in Toronto.

Hinchcliffe will then head to the Inside Track Motorsport News booth to sign autographs and chat with the show goers.

“It’s been a couple of years since my last visit and I know it’s grown in stature since then, which is fantastic to see,” said Hinchcliffe, 25, a native of suburban Toronto. “Canadian fans are truly passionate about their motorsports and it’s always a great experience to hang out with them.”

The IZOD IndyCar Series returns to the streets of Exhibition Place July 6-8 for the Honda Indy Toronto.

3. HVM welcomes new team manager: Lotus HVM Racing has added Shane Seneviratne as the team’s new manager. Seneviratne, former principal of US RaceTronics, has an 18-year history in Indy Lights and Atlantics, amassing multiple championships.

He worked with Simona de Silvestro in Atlantics in ’09.

“I’m excited to be part of HVM Racing and happy to help Simona once more continue her remarkable racing career,” he said. ”The new IndyCar brings new challenges to teams that have not had to be dealt with for many years. I’m looking forward to contributing to this team in overcoming these challenges, and in strengthening the great chemistry that exists within HVM Racing.”

4. Open Test set for Barber Motorsports Park: Firestone Indy Lights and the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear will share Barber Motorsports Park on March 19-20 for an Open Test. Each series will have seven sessions on the 2.38-mile road course.

Both series will be part of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 23-25 and return to Barber Motorsports Park on March 30-April 1 as part of the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama

Source: INDYCAR, Press Release

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Today’s IZOD IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights and Mazda Road to Indy headlines:

1. IZOD IndyCar Series to feature new rules for 2012

2. Busy days ahead for Pagenaud

3. Cape cars cover field at Sebring round of Cooper Tires Winter Fest

4. Freiberg joins Star Mazda with JDC Motorsports

1. IZOD IndyCar Series to feature new rules for 2012: Sporting and technical regulations that comprise the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series rulebook were distributed electronically to teams today by INDYCAR.

INDYCAR President of Competition and IZOD IndyCar Series Race Director Beaux Barfield said the goal was to re-format the 2012 rulebook for ease of use in conjunction with the debut of the Dallara DW12 chassis and participation by three engine manufacturers.

“A rulebook is written to protect the rights of its competitors and empower the officials,” said Barfield, who joined INDYCAR in January after several years as Race Director of the American Le Mans Series. “It’s that balance you’re trying to strike when you’re writing rules, and it’s very important in generating the product we long for on-track. I’m confident that we’ve created the proper balance with this rulebook moving forward this season.”

Highlights include:

• An instant messaging system during events between Race Control and officials, individual entrants or the entire field to communicate track conditions, warnings, penalties or other information. Team managers also will be able to directly contact Race Control. The system will complement radio communication.

• Standard INDYCAR tech bodywork parts must be able to fit a team’s car during technical inspection.

• A minimum of two Track Condition Radio steering wheel lights are standard. They will act in unison with dash lights and complement audio and trackside visual caution warning systems.

• Manufacturer points will be awarded on a race-by-race basis and added throughout the season to crown a Manufacturer Champion between Chevrolet, Honda and Lotus. The highest-finishing engine manufacturer earns 9 points; the second highest-placing manufacturer earns 6 points and the third-highest manufacturer receives 4 points.

• An oval Open Test has been added March 13 at Texas Motor Speedway to complement the private test Feb. 19-21 at the 1.5-mile oval and supplement the March 5-6 and March 8-9 Open Test at Sebring International Raceway.

Barfield said his intent was to review instead of rewrite. He will take notes throughout the season for points of discussion relating to the 2013 rulebook.

“For me, it’s important that certain rules make sense for my style, but be careful to not cut out too many elements that have value,” Barfield said. “There’s a lot of heritage to these rules that you want to preserve and make sure you don’t create any pitfalls by getting rid of items. At the conclusion of the 2012 season, this rulebook will be the base and we’ll start immediately on 2013.”

INDYCAR Vice President of Technology Will Phillips and the technical officiating group have been reviewing regulations since autumn with 2012 and beyond in mind as multiple aerodynamic bodywork kits will be introduced for 2013. INDYCAR also has added engine support engineers to aid Director of Engine Development Trevor Knowles and police the Chevrolet, Honda and Lotus programs.

The comprehensive technical inspection process, which measures, weighs and checks more than 100 items of the car, now will include matching INDYCAR standard car parts to an entrant’s car.

“Our goal is to ensure as quickly as possible that everybody is following the letter of the law and the intention,” Phillips said. “INDYCAR officials started with a clean sheet when developing the 2012 technical regulations, and through the diligent enforcement of the rules we can help maintain an environment of safety and fair competition that benefits the participants and fans.”

2. Busy days ahead for Pagenaud: Simon Pagenaud and his engineer with Sam Schmidt Motorsports, Ben Bretzman, have been almost inseparable the past few weeks as they process, plan and prepare for the season-opening Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 25.

“We just had another deep conversation about the car; it’s something we talk about every day,” said Pagenaud, who will take the No. 77 Honda-powered Dallara DW12 out for a test drive Feb. 20-21 at Barber Motorsports Park (where last April he competed in his first of three IZOD IndyCar Series races). “It’s a very interesting time right now because the car is very interesting and different from the old car driving-wise and setup-wise. It’s just a matter of the group needing to have a certain chemistry to be ready for St. Pete. We’re in the right direction.

“I’m happy with the car to be honest already.”

To a degree, so is Bretzman, a veteran of open-wheel and sports car racing who joined the Schmidt organization in July. He and Pagenaud worked together at Highcroft Racing in 2010, when Pagenaud co-drove the American Le Mans Series championship-winning car.

“If you read the Internet, the first couple of months the car came out everyone was down on it and worried about speed,” he said. “It’s just been so long since people had new car. There are a lot of people in IndyCar that never had a new car. So it’s getting used to learning about a new car and what it takes to get up to speed. It will be learning all year; the fundamentals of this car are much different than the old car. Every time you get on the racetrack it will be something new.

“Between the three engine manufacturers and the competition it will be a clean slate. The competition is so high in IndyCar right now. With an equal playing field of cars now and the manufacturers it will be interesting to see where it goes. I think you’ll see multiple teams win this year.”

Scheduled to join Pagenaud at the 2.38-mile Barber road course that features 80 feet of elevation change will be Mike Conway of A.J. Foyt Racing, Takuma Sato of Rahal Letterman Lanigan, Alex Tagliani of Bryan Herta Autosport, Scott Dixon and Dario Franchitti of Target Chip Ganassi Racing, Graham Rahal of Service Central Chip Ganassi Racing, Charlie Kimball of Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing and Justin Wilson of Dale Coyne Racing. James Jakes will also be testing with Dale Coyne Racing.

On Feb. 23-24, Pagenaud, Tagliani, Sato and the four Chip Ganassi Racing drivers will be joined at Sebring International by Lotus Dreyer & Reinbold Racing’s Oriol Servia.

Additionally, Alex Tagliani (Feb. 19-21), Tony Kanaan (Feb. 21) and the Team Penske trio of Ryan Briscoe, Helio Castroneves and Will Power (Feb. 21) will test at Texas Motor Speedway. JR Hildebrand will be at Phoenix International Raceway on Feb. 22. Feb. 25 is the homologation deadline – when Chevrolet, Honda and Lotus must submit final specifications to INDYCAR for their 2.2-liter, turbocharged V-6 engines.

“It’s a big gain for us for Simon to have driven car already (in mid-January at Sebring), to hear what he thinks of the car,” Bretzman said. “It will be a very busy week on track for four or five days straight in two different states. At Barber, our focus is much more on permanent road courses (Barber, Mid-Ohio and Infineon). That’s a lot more grip racetrack, a faster racetrack so we focus on those situations. Sebring is a pure street course and we have seven or eight of them on the schedule so that’s why everyone is living in Sebring right now.

“The setup of the car and the mentality of the car changes between the two, so there’s a lot to learn and figure out where we should take it.”

3. Cape cars cover field at Sebring round of Cooper Tires Winter Fest: Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing drivers Spencer Pigot and Matthew Brabham each brought home a race win as the Cooper Tires Winter Fest concluded a two-day race meeting at Sebring International Raceway.

Pigot, who claimed Race #1 on Feb. 6, held off the hard-charging Brabham in damp conditions to win the first of two races on Feb. 7.

Pigot, who finished second to Petri Suvanto in the 2011 Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship powered by Mazda season, took the lead from pole sitter and teammate Trent Hindman on the opening lap and built a three-second advantage.

Brabham got past Hindman and began to close on Pigot, who held on by .079 of a second. Hindman finished third to sweep the podium for the Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing squad.

Brabham, by virtue of his fast lap in Race 2, started on pole in Race 3 and led flag to flag. Pigot, who started third, was able to pass Hindman again, but couldn’t challenge Brabham for his third win.

Hindman finished third for the third-straight race with Matthew DiLeo and Thomas McGrgor rounding out the top five.

The Cooper Tires Winter Fest concludes with three-races on Feb. 11-12 at Palm Beach International Raceway.

4. Freiberg joins Star Mazda with JDC Motorsports: JDC MotorSports will add American Ashley Freiberg to its driver line-up for the 2012 Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear season. Seeking to repeat as series champion, the Minnesota-based squad will have the talented rookie behind the wheel in the Mazda Road to Indy series via the newly created TrueCar, Inc. “Women Empowered Initiative.”

The former Skip Barber Racing champion, who has four Star Mazda races on her resume, including a top-five finish in 2010 at the Autobahn Country Club, will contest the entire upcoming 18-race campaign, partnering with fellow up-and-comer Juan Piedrahita under the JDC awning.

“We are really excited about working with Ashley during the 2012 season,” stated JDC MotorSports team principal John Church. “The opportunity to work with Ashley and TrueCar is a real honor, and we look forward to a great season.”

“It’s hard to express how excited I am for this opportunity that TrueCar has given me,” Freiberg said. “I have an awesome team around me, with TrueCar, JDC, Burke Harrison, and Mike Zimicki. I am thrilled for the chance to work and learn with all of them this season. The only way to describe all of this coming together is like a ‘dream come true’. Let’s go racing!”

The 2012 season is just the latest step on Freiberg’s on-going quest to reach the top echelon of motorsports. The Illinois native, who currently resides in Vermont, first made her mark in the karting ranks, winning multiple races and championships. In 2007, she made the transition to car competition in Skip Barber.

Freiberg made history in 2010, becoming the first female to win both a Skip Barber National race and championships, capturing two Barber Series titles via a 25-win season. Thanks to this success, she was selected as one of six female racers in 2011 for the inaugural TrueCar ‘Women Empowered Initiative,” a multi-year commitment to support rising female racers in several series.

Source: INDYCAR, Press Release

Lotus Dreyer & Reinbold Racing IndyCar Team Logo

Sebring, FL (February 1, 2012) -

This week marked the third in a series of tests conducted for the Lotus test team, which is comprised of crew members from Lotus DRR, HVM, and Bryan Herta Autosport. The goal for the test was to check a few more boxes off of the “to do list” and continue further engine developments as well as setup work, and that’s exactly what the Lotus test crew did. Servia completed 110 laps (183 miles) yesterday and logged in a total of 135 laps (225 miles) around the 1.66 mile short road course. Unfortunately, today was a cut a little bit short and the Lotus test crew wasn’t able to get everything in as planned. Fortunately, Servia was still able to get track time in this morning as he recorded a total of 25 laps (42 miles) for today.

“It has been awesome to finally get a taste of the car for ourselves after hearing comments on it from all of the other drivers and teams,” said Servia. “I really liked it. We were able to get a good feel of the Lotus engine and the Dallara. The first day we didn’t get to do what we wanted because the engine got held in customs and that didn’t help. However, on the second day we did lots of laps and we got a lot of data so we were able to do a number of things with the engine and the car. We learned a lot, which is what you want. For today, we got a lot of good laps in and started to be more competitive on lap times. We are still far from where we are going to be, but we are getting closer to the faster guys and it’s encouraging. We are definitely getting there. I am very excited about this season for IndyCar, Lotus, and the Lotus DRR team. Lotus has a solid package for us to work from. I am encouraged by the progress that Lotus and the Lotus test teams of Lotus DRR, Bryan Herta Autosport, and HVM Racing are making with this car. I am looking forward to the season opener at St. Petersburg.”

Dennis Reinbold and Robbie Buhl, Lotus DRR team owners, were both on hand for the test and were pleased with the progress and results. “We had a good overall test. We got a lot of miles in and made a number of changes on the car, which seemed to add some speed. We are pretty happy with our progress and we think that we are coming along very well. Oriol ran a lot of laps and just got comfortable in the car. It was our first time working with him so that was good, and we are really happy about the chemistry we are building up with our engineering staff and Oriol. We had the opportunity to work closely with Lotus and EDL and it all went well. We are pleased with the way everyone worked together as Lotus teams and with all of the progress that we made on the car,” commented Reinbold.

“We definitely made a lot of progress and had a pretty successful test. It was good for Oriol to get in the car and get a sense of where it was going. Yesterday was a productive day and went according to plan. We were able to put more miles on the motor and make more chassis changes that helped to improve the car. For us to not get a full day of running today wasn’t a part of the plan and it’s unfortunate to miss that bit of mileage, but we will be back on track shortly,” stated Buhl.

Equally satisfied with the test results was Lotus IndyCar Manager, Olivier Picquenot. “We definitely learned some things over the two day test,” he said. “We didn’t get to complete the full three days of testing but, overall, it was very positive because Oriol did a very good job at trying to work on the setup as well as the engine. We did a good 225 miles and, from a technical aspect on behalf of Lotus and EDL, we are very pleased. Oriol was great to work with and was very positive. Lap after lap he gave good feedback and we are very happy.”

Last week, Bryan Herta Autosport driver Alex Tagliani took to the Homestead-Miami road course and HVM pilot Simona De Silvestro completed the first test run two weeks ago at West Palm Beach and at Sebring International Raceway. Both drivers recorded valuable mileage and data for the collaborative group.

The next Lotus test will occur in a few weeks and will be at a different track, which will allow Lotus and the Lotus test teams to continue to develop the engine and the suspension of the car. The first of the Lotus production engines are due to arrive soon and the Lotus DRR team will be able to begin testing their car at the end of the month in preparation to have a successful season opener at St. Petersburg, FL on March 25th.

About Lotus DRR:
Lotus DRR will be entering its 13th season of full-time competition in 2012, making it one of the longest-tenured teams in IZOD IndyCar Series 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 IZOD IndyCar Series season-opener, on the streets of St. Petersburg, marked Lotus DRR’s 200th series start. DRR now has over 305 starts to tuck under its belt and has qualified a total of 31 cars for the Indianapolis 500. 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 IZOD 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.

E.J. Viso Joins Rubens Barrichello and Tony Kanaan for Testing at Sebring in the No 5 KV Racing Technology Chevrolet Firestone IndyCar

SEBRING, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 1, 2012 –

Viso, got into the seat of the #5 KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone IndyCar.  In the morning session he ran 40 laps, approximately 64 miles and in the afternoon 27 laps.  He spent the entire day working on car setup, but in the process still produced competitive times.

“These testing days at Sebring have been very successful for the KV Racing Technology team.  I think we have found some solutions and new options for running this new chassis, which has definitely been a big challenge for all the teams.  However, I am impressed with the performance we have been able to get out of this car. By having such an experienced driver as Rubens Barrichello, who has completed 19 full seasons in Formula One, is definitely giving us a few tips, which is helping to develop this new car for the start of the first race.”

Barrichello, returned for a half day of testing.   He adopted his “brother’s” #11 KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone car, which coincidentally has been his favorite number all his life.  He ran a total of 57 laps, 92 miles this morning and was able to provide valuable feedback to the entire team.

“It’s been a really good morning,” commented Barrichello.  “I was able to do a lot of laps in Tony’s car and very happy to be in the #11, it’s been my favorite number all my life.  The small amount of laps I did yesterday was compensated today and I want to thank the team again for letting me return.  My feedback I think will be very beneficial to Tony and the whole team and I am satisfiedwith what we have achieved.  I leave Sebring now with a good taste in my mouth.”

Kanaan, reclaimed his #11 car for the afternoon session. He continued making what he likes to call his “cook book” so when he arrives at a race he can open it up and find the dish he wants. He completed 63 laps, approximately 101 miles in the new car.

Talking about the test, Kanaan said, “It has been a positive day, having three drivers helps with the setup and gives us a lot of feedback and information.  Obviously we are not racing at Sebring but we are now able to go back to the shop and work on what we need to do for the future.“

For more information about KV Racing Technology visit: www.kvracingtechnology.com or follow us on Twitter:www.twitter.com/kvracing and Facebook: www.facebook.com/kvracingtechnology

Source: KV Racing Technology, Press Release

INDYCAR Logo

Today’s IZOD IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights and Mazda Road to Indy headlines:

1. Barrichello completes successful test with KV Racing Technology

2. Rahal, Andretti join Super Bowl promotions

3. By the Super numbers

4. Wilson still reveling Rolex win

5. Helping Hands for Freedom event at Panther Racing

6. Panther Racing CEO receives medal for outstanding service

1. Barrichello completes successful test with KV Racing Technology: Rubens Barrichello apparently was having so much fun driving the No. 5 KV Racing Technology car that he decided to stay an extra day.

The Formula One veteran was scheduled to leave Sebring International Raceway after testing Jan. 30-31 of the new Dallara DW12 chassis powered by Chevrolet’s 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 engine. He canceled an appointment in Brazil to get in more laps Feb. 1 before turning over the No. 11 entry to longtime friend Tony Kanaan for the remainder of the session.

“It’s been a really good morning,” said Barrichello, who totaled 334 miles over the three days. “I was able to do a lot of laps in Tony’s car and very happy to be in the No. 11. It’s been my favorite number all my life. My feedback I think will be very beneficial to Tony and the whole team and I am satisfied with what we have achieved. I leave Sebring now with a good taste in my mouth.”

Barrichello’s smile at the completion of the first two days was an apt display of the sense of accomplishment. He had positive thoughts about the car, the atmosphere of the IZOD IndyCar Series and his abilities after a four-month layoff.

He left with an open invitation to compete in the series, and with options. Racing on ovals (there presently are four on the schedule, with the Indianapolis 500 on May 27 the first after four road/street course events) isn’t a deal-breaker. An oft-repeated statement to that effect was made without consideration of ever competing in the IZOD IndyCar Series.

“I never thought I could come over to this side because I thought I would race 25 years in Formula One and I should be over and couldn’t come this way,” said Barrichello, who has made 332 F1 starts. “I did say that. It came out of my mouth. It is a not a big issue. It is not a problem. There are so many different situations that I could run. I could run on the road tracks; I could run Indy. There are so many options available, and I’m thankful for the choices at age 39 and still going fast in the car. That’s all I could pray for when I was a kid.

“(He and wife Silvana) I’m sure we’ll be talking about it. I’m not putting pressure on it; I have to think it through. If you go purely from joy, it wouldn’t be a problem. I still have so much passion for the speed and I’m quite young in my mind and I’m not up to my top level of fitness. I’m just getting better and better.

“I’m just a kid enjoying myself. I woke up a few times before the alarm and wondered if I was on time because I was excited to get behind the wheel.”

Another option for Barrichello, of course, would be a return to Formula One with another team. He said the move to replace him in the second seat at Williams F1 was precipitated by team economics and not his driving.

“I have an open mind,” said Barrichello, who broke into F1 with the Jordan team. “I’ve been living there for 19 years and have been a fan of the Indy series for a long period as well. I’ve been to Indy, Milwaukee, Sao Paulo and many tracks. I like what I saw always; it’s a great atmosphere with great racing.”

Team co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven said “his feedback is amazing.”

“Whatever happens for the future, all I said is I want Kevin, (co-owner) Jimmy (Vasser) and Tony to remember the day that I was here and say that Rubens tried it, made us go faster and let’s try that at different circuits,” Barrichello said. “I’m truly happy with the times I set and like what I saw.”

Kanaan won’t necessarily lobby his compatriot.

“Knowing Rubens, his timeline will be pretty short,” said the 2004 IZOD IndyCar Series champion, who is entering his second year with the team. “You can tell by his face he’s having a lot of fun.”

2. Rahal, Andretti join Super Bowl promotions: Graham Rahal isn’t concerned if he’s upstaged by a celebrity Bulldog.

Rahal and Butler Blue II, the Butler University mascot, both spent an hour in front of the lights last week in filming “Super Bowl’s Greatest Commercials,” which will be broadcast at 8 p.m. (ET) Feb. 1 on CBS.

It was an opportunity to showcase the IZOD IndyCar Series and the City of Indianapolis, which is playing host to the NFL championship game Feb. 5.

Rahal’s segment was filmed with celebrity fitness expert Jillian Michaels. Blue II shared the camera with Michaels and model Adriana Lima.

“Maybe I am taking second place,” said Rahal when informed of the canine’s on-camera companions. “I got a call from Robert the producer last night and he said mine was going to be the best part of the show, so I hope it is.”

The segment was filmed at the new Dallara Automobili facility on Main Street in Speedway, Ind.

“It was fun and great to be with Jillian Michaels,” Rahal said. “I must say she was awesome. I came to find that she’s quite the gearhead actually; she loves cars, motorcycles and is a big Indy car fan. (For the conclusion of the scene) she got in the two-seater and had to go burning out of the building into the parking lot. She did an amazing job for someone who had never driven a race car with a clutch and all. For her to launch out of that I think she had some fun.

“I’m excited to see it.”

Marco Andretti is also involved in a Super Bowl cross-over promotion between the Speedway, the IZOD IndyCar Series, the NFL and entertainment outlets this week in Indianapolis.

“Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” taped a segment, featuring Marco Andretti “racing” his Indy car against a Chevy Malibu with Fallon. The episode airs on the show at 12:35 a.m. (ET) Feb. 2.

3. By the Super numbers: Super Bowl XLVI will be contested Feb. 5 in Indianapolis, which is synonymous with another annual event that’s been contested a tad bit longer: the Indianapolis 500.

There are multiple tie-ins between the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the IZOD IndyCar Series and the NFL in the days leading up to the big game at Lucas Oil Stadium, including the Speedway playing host to a party for media from around the world.

So here are some numbers they can chew on relating “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” to the 46th title game:

• Car No. 46 has appeared in the Indianapolis 500 13 times (1911, 1929-30, 1932-36, 1947, 1960, 1967 and 1979-80).

• The best finish for car No. 46 was third in 1980 with Gary Bettenhausen driving.

• The best start for car No. 46 was 11th in 1932 with Luther Johnson driving.

• A lap time around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track of 46 seconds is an average speed of 195.652 mph.

• An average speed of 46 mph around the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway would take 3 minutes, 15.65 seconds.

• Bobby Unser ran the first sub-46-second qualifying lap. It was his second qualifying lap on May 14, 1972. His final two laps were also under 46 seconds.

• 46: Emerson Fittipaldi’s age when he won in 1993.

• The 46th Indianapolis 500 was won by Rodger Ward in 1962.

• The 1946 Indianapolis 500 was won by George Robson.

• 46: Combined starts for brothers Al (27) and Bobby Unser (19).

4. Wilson still reveling Rolex win: Justin Wilson was more than happy to tell people the time.

The Dale Coyne Racing driver arrived at Sebring International Raceway about 24 hours after co-driving the winning Michael Shank Racing with Curb/Agajanian entry in the 50th anniversary Rolex 24 at Daytona. He teamed with AJ Allmendinger, Oswaldo Negri Jr. and John Pew.

Of course, Wilson was sporting the winner’s watch from the title sponsor (though he’ll have to withdraw a few links in the band for it to fit properly). Wilson took in the completed Honda-powered No. 19 Dale Coyne Racing car, which he’ll be shaking down Jan. 31 on the Sebring short course, for the first time.

Wilson, twice at runner-up in the endurance race on the 3.56-mile, 12-turn Daytona International Speedway course, earned the victory in his fifth attempt. It was the first for Shank, who will enter a car in the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series season.

“It’s a fantastic feeling to finally do it,” said Wilson, whose final stint in the early morning lasted more than 3½ hours. “It was flat out. We gave it everything on every lap and took every opportunity.”

Six teams with INDYCAR drivers finished in the top 10 of the race.

5. Helping Hands for Freedom event at Panther Racing: Helping Hands for Freedom, a military charity that supports military children of fallen and wounded soldiers, will host its “Touchdown for Heroes Championship Party” from 5-10 p.m. Feb. 4 at Panther Racing. It’s open to the public.

The party will feature live music, silent auctions, racing simulators, appearances by professional athletes and a stand-up comedy program that will include nationally recognized comedian Mark Viera.

Proceeds from the event will be used to help military children in Indiana through Helping Hands for Freedom. Tickets start at $100. For more information, visit www.hhffparty.com. Panther Racing is located at 5740 Decatur Blvd. in Indianapolis.

6. Panther Racing CEO receives medal for outstanding service: Panther Racing CEO and managing partner John Barnes last week was presented the Arizona Adjutant General’s Medal for outstanding service and unwavering commitment to the United States National Guard.

The National Guard returns as the primary sponsor of the No. 4 Panther Racing car to be driven by JR Hildebrand in the 2012 season.

“I’m just unbelievably humbled by this honor and have to thank my good friend Gen. (Hugo) Salazar for everything he’s done for Panther,” Barnes said. “I say it all the time, but we’re just doing what we feel is right for the soldiers who serve this country. I feel like every honor we receive as a team is more a testament to the hard work they do and how eager we are to help support those efforts.”

Said Salazar: “Patriot citizens such as yourself have made the National Guard a proven operational force that is always ready and always there to defend America both at home and abroad. Your efforts reflect great credit upon yourself, your family and the Panther Racing team.”

Source: INDYCAR, Press Release

Tony Kanaan (left) and Rubens Barrichello (right) - Photo Credit: KV Racing Technology

SEBRING, FLORIDA – JANUARY 30, 2012 –

Barrichello, #5 KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone, who was driving an IndyCar for the first time and for the first time at Sebring, ran 94 laps, approximately 150 miles, making progress throughout the day. By the end of the day he was posting times that were competitive with drivers who have been in the series for several years and tested at Sebring before.

“I had a very very nice day with KV Racing Technology,” Barrichello said. “In the morning I was getting used to the car and not doing anything silly because obviously you don’t want to put it in the wall. It’s a different machine from what I’m used to, but it had a good feeling. Whatever happens for the future, which might change, all I said at the beginning was I want Kevin (Kalkhoven), Jimmy (Vasser) and Tony to remember when we were here at Sebring, ‘Rubens tried that and it was really good and made us go faster, so let’s try that again for this circuit’. So, I’ve had a very good and productive day behind the wheel and with all the setup options that I have tried, I think it went well. You could call me a rookie, even though I’ve had 33 years doing this job, but today I was an IndyCar rookie. ”

Kanaan, #11 KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone, who was testing at Sebring for the second time with the new car completed 84 laps, approximately 135 miles. He spent the entire day working on car development, but in the process still produced competitive times.

“Well, there really isn’t much to say,” said Kanaan. “The guy comes here for the first time and after 20 laps he’s already running the same lap times as me! His knowledge and experience helped confirm some ideas that we had for this test, so it was very productive having Rubens around.”

Barrichello and Kanaan have known each other for almost 30 years and refer to each other as brothers.

This was the first time in their careers the two drivers have tested the same type of car on the same day.

Commenting on today’s test KVRT co-owner Jimmy Vasser said, “On behalf of Kevin (KVRT co-owner Kevin Kallkhoven) and everyone here at KV Racing Technology, I can say that we are all very pleased with today’s test. The entire team did an excellent job. This was Ruben’s first time in an IndyCar and I think he enjoyed himself. Certainly, we had a lot of fun working with him. Most importantly, if he is going to have this kind of effect on Tony we are going to have to figure out a way to keep him around.”

Barrichello, 39, is the only driver in Formula One history to make 300 or more starts having contested 322 races over a 19-year career (1993 – 2011). The talented Brazilian, who was runner-up in the Formula One championship in 2002 and 2004, has earned 11 victories, been on the podium 68 times and scored 106 top-five finishes and 171 top-10 showings. Last season, Barrichello competed for Williams – Cosworth.

Kanaan, 37, is entering his 15th U. S. based open-wheel season and 11th in the IZOD IndyCar Series. The 2004 IndyCar Series champion has 14 IndyCar wins (15 career) with 52 podiums (58 career), 85 top-five showings (101 career) and 111 top-10 performances (159 career) in 149 IndyCar starts (242 career). He holds the series record for most consecutive IndyCar starts with 148. Kanaan finished fifth in the championship race last year with 367 points.

KV Racing Technology was founded in January 2003 and joined the IndyCar Series in 2008. The Indianapolis based team is owned by successful venture capitalist Kevin Kalkhoven and 1996 IndyCar Champion Jimmy Vasser. Veteran Motorsports manager, Mark Johnson is the team’s General Manager. Johnson is assisted by Team Manager Tom Wurtz, Technical Director Eric Cowdin and Operations Manager Steve Moore.

For more information about KV Racing Technology visit: www.kvracingtechnology.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/kvracing and Facebook: www.facebook.com/kvracingtechnology

Source: KV Racing Technology, Press Release

INDYCAR Logo

Today’s IZOD IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights and Mazda Road to Indy headlines:

1. Barrichello samples IZOD IndyCar Series with KV Racing

2. Wilson helps Shank team win Rolex 24

1. Barrichello samples IZOD IndyCar Series with KV Racing: What began as a pick-me-up message from Tony Kanaan two weeks ago has developed into serious consideration by Brazilian Formula One veteran Rubens Barrichello to join the IZOD IndyCar Series for the 2012 season.

“We’ll see,” said Barrichello, who drove a second car prepared by KV Racing Technology. “I don’t have anything else (competitive driving), so we’ll see.”

Kanaan, who sent the note to his good friend after Barrichello was replaced by Bruno Senna at Williams F1, welcomed Barrichello with a dinner attended by Helio Castroneves, Will Power and Oriol Servia (“he noticed the atmosphere; how we all get along”) on Jan. 29. Kanaan was happy to have Barrichello accept the invitation to join him at Sebring.

“Over the winter we talked about it, but it became serious when I was testing (at Sebring) and they announced that he wouldn’t be with Williams, and I tweeted a picture of my car saying ‘It’s ready for you,’” said Kanaan, who is godfather to one of Barrichello’s sons and vice versa with his son, Leonardo. “Then I called him up and said, ‘Hey, you want to come test at the end of the month?’ And he said yes, so I called Jimmy (Vasser).

“It’s great to have a guy I can call a brother with us. (His future) is in his hands. Right now, it’s just an invitation for him to help us out as far as his feedback. Nineteen years in Formula One, the guy has so much knowledge we need to take advantage of . What goes beyond that, it’s up to him.

“Knowing Rubens, his timeline will be pretty short. By the time he gets out of the car (Jan. 31), he’ll have a pretty good idea what he wants to do. Right now, we don’t have anyone signed for the other two cars. You can tell by his face he’s having a lot of fun.”

Barrichello, who has recorded 11 wins, 68 podiums and 14 pole positions in F1, is not ready to hang up the helmet. He was joined at the facility by his family, who were greeted by INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard.

“If Rubens joins the IZOD IndyCar Series, it continues to strengthen the caliber of drivers that we’re attracting,” Bernard said. “His record alone is the type of excitement that we want to build within the series and give our fanbase. When you look at the history of Indy car and the greats such as Nigel Mansell and Emerson Fittipaldi, it only helps the stature of Indy car. If there is a transition, I want him to know that we’re here to help him.”

Servia (in the Lotus development car), Ryan Hunter-Reay and James Hinchcliffe (Andretti Autosport), JR Hildebrand (National Guard Panther Racing), and the Team Penske trio of Ryan Briscoe, Castroneves and Power also were on the track Jan. 30 preparing for the 2012 season, which kicks off March 25 on the streets of St. Petersburg.

Justin Wilson (Dale Coyne Racing), who co-drove the winning entry in the 50th anniversary Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 29, Mike Conway (A.J. Foyt Racing), Dario Franchitti and Scott Dixon (Target Chip Ganassi Racing), Graham Rahal (Service Central Chip Ganassi Racing) and Charlie Kimball (Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing) join them Jan. 31.

2. Wilson helps Shank team win Rolex 24: Dale Coyne Racing’s Justin Wilson teamed with AJ Allmendinger, Oswaldo Negri Jr. and John Pew to win the 50th anniversary endurance race in the No. 60 Michael Shank Racing with Curb/Agajanian. The entry won by 5.198 seconds over the Starworks Motorsport team anchored by Ryan Dalziel.

Michael Shank Racing’s previous best finish in the event (second place) came in 2006 with Wilson, Allmendinger, Negri and Mark Patterson co-driving. Overall, six Daytona Prototype teams with INDYCAR drivers finished in the top 10.

A second Michael Shank Racing with Curb/Agajanian Daytona Prototype entry, with Firestone Indy Lights drivers Gustavo Yacaman and Jorge Goncalvez among the co-drivers, finished third as the only other car on the lead lap (761) in the twice-around-the-clock race on the 3.56-mile, 12-turn course.

Wilson was competing for the first time since early August when he suffered fractured vertebrae during a practice incident at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, which forced him to miss the final six IZOD IndyCar Series events.

“We all managed to comprise enough to get by between all four of us in being comfortable and being able to push the limit every single lap, because this was a tough race,” said Wilson, who will be returning to Dale Coyne Racing for the 2012 season that begins March 25 with the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

A day to recuperate and it will be back behind the wheel for Wilson, who’ll be able to stretch his legs in the new Dallara DW12 chassis at Sebring International Raceway. A dozen other IZOD IndyCar Series drivers will join him on the short course, including Dario Franchitti and Scott Dixon of the fourth-place Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates car in the Rolex 24.

Shank also will have few hours to revel in his first Rolex 24 victory in nine attempts before he focuses on wrapping up details of entering the IZOD IndyCar Series with MSR Indy and likely Paul Tracy as the driver.

“We are so close to being able to run our car at St. Pete and I’m not giving up,” Shank said before the green flag. “This is about passion for me and business. First passion, then business. We have a great relationship with Ford and the Grand Am series and I could make a living here just fine. But it’s been my dream and my intention since I was 7 years old to get in the Indianapolis 500, so when there’s opportunity – like I believe there is in INDYCAR right now – we decided to go for it.

“In a perfect world, I could announce (now) what I’m doing. We’re going to work as hard as we can to make it happen. The interest has been great and we have a lot of new fans.”

Tracy, who confirmed he’s working with Shank to finalize a deal, was among the drivers of the Doran Racing car that finished seventh overall – one spot behind the 2011-winnnig Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates car co-driven by Graham Rahal.

“We need to put together an engine program this week and tie up a couple of other lose ends of some other contractual stuff, and if we can do that, then we’ll get the car put together and try to get to Sebring to test,” Tracy said following a twilight stint.

Ryan Hunter-Reay, who looked to be out of the endurance race when sponsorship for a second Starworks Motorsport car fell through five days earlier, rejoined the team before the initial practice of the weekend and then qualified ninth.

More last minute was the addition of Marco Andretti, Hunter-Reay’s teammate at Andretti Autosport, to the driver lineup. Andretti was granted a late license (he had never driven a Daytona Prototype) and fared well, though he became dehydrated.

Another Andretti Autosport teammate, James Hinchcliffe, co-drove a SpeedSource Mazda RX-8 that finished seventh in the GT class and 16th overall.

Source: INDYCAR, Press Release

Dale Coyne Racing Logo

After a two year absence, Wilson returns to Dale Coyne Racing after bringing the seasoned team its first win at Watkins Glen, NY back July of 2009.

“I am really excited as to how all of this has come together,” Wilson said. “Dale is committed to win, and it shows by him bringing back my 2009 engineer Bill Papas, the level playing field of a new car and the much appreciated continuation with Honda engines should make 2012 a very exciting year for all of us.”

Dale Coyne Racing will once again be powered by Honda in 2012. “Dale has shown us he is putting together a winning team,” commented Honda Performance Development President Erik Berkman. “The Honda family has a long history with DCR and we look forward to having them as a valued partner in 2012.”

Honda has been a fixture in North American open-wheel racing since 1994, and has played an active role in the growth of the IZOD IndyCar Series. Honda has supplied racing engines to the full, 33-car Indianapolis 500 field every year since 2006, and for a record-six consecutive years, the ‘500’ has not seen a single engine failure.

Wilson has shown his prowess over the years. Justin won two IZOD IndyCar races (Detroit in 2008 and again at Watkins Glen in 2009), as well as multiple wins in the former Champ Car Series. He is one of the top contenders to deal with in the pool of IndyCar driver talent.

“We are very excited about 2012 and the team we are assembling,” reflected team owner Dale Coyne. “As to this opportunity, racing is a combination of things, team, dedication, the right equipment, and engineering and of course the driver. This combination knows each other and this coupled with Honda and other improvements in our efforts for 2012 and beyond should make for a break out year for Dale Coyne Racing.”

Returning to DCR squad in 2012 will be the talented engineer Bill Papas. Papas joined DCR in 2009 for that season, which saw the team win Watkins Glen and nearly win at St. Petersburg and Mid-Ohio.

“I want to thank Dale for being able to put this combination back together,” said Pappas. “I think the world of Justin and his abilities and now we can seriously get after the challenge of winning more races.”

John Dick, who has a long respected history in the sport and most recently as engineer and technical director at KV Racing will also join Dale Coyne Racing in 2012.

Details of the team’s second entry and sponsorships will be coming out sometime in February.

- Dale Coyne Racing, Press Release

INDYCAR Logo

Today’s IZOD IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights and Mazda Road to Indy headlines:

1.      INDYCAR Stars headline Rolex 24 at Daytona

2.      Honda to power Dale Coyne Racing

3.      Hunter-Reay’s fishing excursion benefits Racing For Cancer

4.      Of note

1. INDYCAR Stars headline Rolex 24 at Daytona: Justin Wilson says the fractured vertebrae he suffered during an IZOD IndyCar Series practice session in August at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is but a distant, albeit painful, memory.

The IZOD IndyCar Series  race winner will return to competition this weekend in the 50th anniversary Rolex 24 at Daytona. Wilson, who’s anxiously waiting to wrap up his IZOD IndyCar Series deal for 2012, will co-drive the No. 60 LiveOn.com Daytona Prototype with AJ Allmendinger, Oswaldo Negri and John Pew.

“It was a long six months. It was frustrating; you want to get back in the car,” said Wilson, who competed in 11 events (best finish of fifth just five days before the practice incident) for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing in 2011.

Wilson is among a dozen IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights drivers entered in the twice-around-the-clock endurance race Jan. 28-29. The No. 01 Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates team of Graham Rahal, Scott Pruett, Memo Rojas and Joey Hand is the defending champion. Four-time Indianapolis 500 winner and two-time Daytona 24-hour winner A.J. Foyt is the grand marshal.

Wilson, who was recently cleared to drive by INDYCAR medical officials, says he’s fit for the rigors of multiple driving stints on the 2.56-mile, 12-turn circuit in the Michael Shank Racing with Curb/Agajanian car.

“To take it easy; that was the only prescription,” he said of the recovery and rehabilitation. “About five weeks they said I could start to swim and I just built that up, and at about 12 weeks I added cycling. I was fortunate that there was no surgery so that made life a lot easier. I just had to concentrate on getting the movement and strength back and make sure I don’t damage anything in the meantime.”

Michael Shank Racing’s best finish in the event (second place) came in 2006 with Wilson, Allmendinger, Negri and Mark Patterson co-driving. Of course, drivers and the team principal believe they have a great opportunity to climb one step on the podium.

“The key is working out some of the changes we made and making sure we really understand and know what we’re doing,” Wilson added. “The conditions change so much. Obviously, the middle of the night is much colder than the middle of the day so it’s just getting a good handle on that so we can attack in every condition and situation and I think we’ve made some good changes on the car that allows us to do that.”

A second Michael Shank Racing with Curb/Agajanian Daytona Prototype entry will be co-driven by Firestone Indy Lights drivers Gustavo Yacaman and Jorge Goncalvez, plus Michael McDowell and Felipe Nasr.

“We’re as ready as we can be and we’re eager to get going,” said Shank, whose MSR Indy team is expected on the grid of the IZOD IndyCar Series season opener March 25 in St. Petersburg, Fla. “I’m very proud of the effort this whole team has put in, and I’m very excited about our chances this year. We’ve got an exciting line up of guys, and we know that this race will be as much about performance as it will be about patience.”

Other IZOD IndyCar Series drivers competing in the Daytona Prototype class are Scott Dixon and Dario Franchitti in the No. 02 Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates car, Ryan Briscoe in the No. 10 SunTrust Racing car and Paul Tracy in the No. 77 Doran Racing.

James Hinchcliffe, the 2011 Sunoco Rookie of the Year, will compete for SpeedSource in the No. 70 Mazda RX-8 in the GT class. Raphael Matos will co-drive the No. 62 Ferrari 458 for Risi Competizione.

Other Indy car drivers scheduled to compete: John Andretti, Christian Fittipaldi, Davy Jones, Max Papis, Eliseo Salazar and Scott Sharp (the 1996 Indy Racing League co-champion).

“It’s a fun weekend,” said Franchitti, the four-time IZOD IndyCar Series champion who is among three Indy 500 winners competing this weekend. “You try not to take it too seriously, then you take it seriously when you get into the car.”

2. Honda to power Dale Coyne Racing: American Honda and its Honda Performance Development (HPD) subsidiary will power a two-car effort from Dale Coyne Racing in the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series, HPD and the team announced today.

Under terms of the agreement, HPD will provide its new, turbocharged 2.2-liter Honda Indy V-6 engines to all Coyne entries in the IZOD IndyCar Series and at the Indianapolis 500.

“Dale Coyne Racing has been one of IndyCar’s most durable teams, with a history that extends for nearly 30 years.” said Erik Berkman, president of Honda Performance Development and vice president, corporate planning and logistics, for American Honda. “It’s great to have them racing with us in 2012. Dale’s team has made great strides in recent seasons, and he has made moves this off-season to further improve. We’re looking forward to continuing our association with him in 2012.”

Designed at HPD’s Santa Clarita, California, facility, the all-new Honda Indy V-6 engine is now being tested on the race track. Dale Coyne Racing joins Chip Ganassi Racing – winner of the last four IndyCar drivers’ championships – A.J. Foyt Racing, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and Sam Schmidt Motorsports as Honda-powered teams in 2012.

“We have felt a part of the Honda family from their first days in CART back in the early 1990s till today,” commented DCR team owner Dale Coyne. ”We are very pleased to enter this next stage of IndyCar history with a company so dedicated to winning and rich in successful motorsports heritage like Honda. Together we hope to accomplish great things in 2012.”

3. Hunter-Reay’s fishing excursion benefits Racing For Cancer: Ryan Hunter-Reay participated in the Florida Fish for Life/Buccaneer Cup over the weekend in the Atlantic Ocean off Palm Beach, Fla. The annual event raises awareness of colon cancer through sport fishing, and Racing For Cancer was among the fundraising beneficiaries this year.

Hunter-Reay, who enters his third IZOD IndyCar Series season with Andretti Autosport, is the Global Ambassador for Racing For Cancer — a registered 501(c)(3) organization that was formed to unite motorsports fans around the world to help those afflicted with cancer and to promote early detection and prevention initiatives that support the global fight against cancer.

4. Of note: Banana Boat sun care announced a partnership with Chip Ganassi Racing Teams in which it will sponsor the car of Target Chip Ganassi Racing driver Dario Franchitti during the 2012 season. As part of the partnership, Banana Boat sun care will host fan experiences at the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race…Attendees of the Canadian Motorsports Expo on Feb. 10-12 at the International Centre in suburban Toronto will have an opportunity to see the new IZOD IndyCar Series car at the Honda Indy Toronto booth. … Andretti Autosport Star Mazda Championship driver Zach Veach of Stockdale, Ohio, used four race wins and four pole positions to capture the Formula Car Challenge presented by Goodyear Winter Series championship for the second consecutive year. … Chip Ganassi Racing is featured in the January issue of Professional Pilot magazine. The team owner utilizes a Citation X and Learjet 35 from the base at Allegheny County Airport near Pittsburgh.

Source: INDYCAR, Press Release

Honda Racing HPD

TORRANCE, Calif. (January 25, 2012) –

Under terms of the agreement, HPD will provide its new, turbocharged 2.2-liter Honda Indy V-6 engines to all Coyne entries in the IZOD IndyCar Series and at the Indianapolis 500.

“Dale Coyne Racing has been one of IndyCar’s most durable teams, with a history that extends for nearly 30 years.” said Erik Berkman, president of Honda Performance Development and vice president, corporate planning and logistics, for American Honda. “It’s great to have them racing with us in 2012. Dale’s team has made great strides in recent seasons, and he has made moves this off-season to further improve. We’re looking forward to continuing our association with him in 2012.”

Designed at HPD’s Santa Clarita, California, facility, the all-new Honda Indy V-6 engine is now being tested on the race track. Dale Coyne Racing joins Chip Ganassi Racing – winner of the last four IndyCar drivers’ championships – A.J. Foyt Racing, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and Sam Schmidt Motorsports as Honda-powered teams in 2012.

“We have felt a part of the Honda family from their first days in CART back in the early 1990s till today,” commented DCR team owner Dale Coyne. “We are very pleased to enter this next stage of IndyCar history with a company so dedicated to winning and rich in successful motorsports heritage like Honda. Together we hope to accomplish great things in 2012.”

Honda has been a fixture in North American open-wheel racing since 1994, and has played an active role in the growth of the IZOD IndyCar Series – as both a Manufacturers’ Championship competitor and single engine supplier – since joining the series in 2003.

The company scored its first Indianapolis 500 victory in 2004 with Buddy Rice; Manufacturers’ Championships in 2004 and ’05; and became engine supplier to the entire IZOD IndyCar Series in 2006.

Honda has supplied racing engines to the full, 33-car Indianapolis 500 field every year since 2006, and for a record-six consecutive years, the ‘500’ has not seen a single engine failure.

The 2010 Indianapolis 500, won by Dario Franchitti, marked Honda’s 100th race win as a manufacturer and engine supplier in IZOD IndyCar Series competition.

Founded in 1993, Honda Performance Development (HPD) is the Honda racing company within North America. HPD is the technical operations center for high-performance Honda racing cars and engines and operates at race circuits around the world from its headquarters in Santa Clarita, California.

In addition to its efforts in Indy car racing, HPD spearheaded championship-winning efforts in the 2009-2010 American Le Mans Series, 2010 Le Mans Series and the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans.

HPD offers a line of race engines for track applications from prototype sports cars to karting; for professional, amateur and entry-level efforts.

Starting in 1984 as a driver/owner, Dale Coyne raced for five seasons in Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) competition, before stepping out of the cockpit in 1990 and becoming a full-time owner for his Plainfield, Illinois-based team. Through the years, his team has given many up-and-coming drivers their first opportunities in IndyCar competition, including Paul Tracy, future fellow IndyCar team owner Eric Bachelart and 2011 rookie James Jakes.

In 1998, Coyne developed Route 66 Speedway, a state-of-the-art drag racing facility in nearby Joliet, Illinois. Later, in partnership with then Indianapolis Motor Speedway CEO Tony George and the International Speedway Corporation, the facility was expanded to include the 1.5-mile Chicagoland Speedway oval. In 2009, Justin Wilson scored the team’s first IndyCar Series victory at Watkins Glen International Raceway in New York.

Source: Honda Racing HPD, Press Release

Alex Tagliani in the Lotus test car at the road course of Homestead Miami-Speedway

Homestead, FL – January 25, 2012 –

The Lotus test team, comprised of crew members from Bryan Herta Autosport, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and HVM Racing, completed two successful days of testing further engine developments as well as setup work. As the second day concluded, Tagliani expressed positive thoughts about his first experience with the new engine and chassis.

“Overall, it was a good test,” said the Canadian driver. “It was nice to be back in the car and I really enjoyed working with everyone from Lotus and all three of the teams. It’s a very motivated group with high expectations.

“We picked up a lot of the info that will be helpful in the upcoming tests. Oriol [Servia] should be able to continue where we left off. The car is nice to drive and has a lot of potential. It’s also great to know that there are more updates and upgrades for the engine and chassis.”

Tagliani had an extra element of confidence during this test, as he was reunited with Todd Malloy, his former engineer for the pole position and 4^th place finish last season at Texas Motor Speedway. Tagliani noted, “It was especially fun to be back on track with Todd on my radio.”

Team owner, Bryan Herta was satisfied with the results as well, adding, “Great to see and hear the Lotus engine for myself here in Homestead.  It is easy to get excited as the season approaches and preparations continue to intensify. Alex gave us great feedback on the car and engine.”

Last week, HVM Racing driver Simona De Silvestro was the first to test the Lotus engine. Simona clocked up valuable mileage at both the West Palm Beach and Sebring circuits, leaving the Lotus teams pleased with the extended running completed in the engine’s maiden outings.

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing driver Oriol Servia will get behind the wheel next, as the Lotus test team heads to Sebring, FL. The test will take place on January 30 and 31. Additional tests are planned for February and March, leading up to the IZOD IndyCar Series opener on the streets of St. Petersburg, FL. The race, broadcast live on ABC, will take place on March 25, 2012.

The first of the Lotus production engines are expected to be delivered in a little over two weeks time.  Plans call for the Barracuda Networks car to begin team testing shortly thereafter.

About Bryan Herta Autosport

Founded by veteran driver Bryan Herta and noted race engineer and team manager Steve Newey, Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA) has been a race-winning team in Firestone Indy Lights competition since 2009 and recently won the 2011 Indianapolis 500 with driver Dan Wheldon in only its second IZOD IndyCar Series start. The Indianapolis, Ind.-based squad made its IndyCar debut in 2010 contesting the Indianapolis 500. New for 2012, BHA has formed a joint venture with Bowen and Bowers Motorsports, Inc. (BBM) to field a full time entry in the IZOD IndyCar Series for Canadian driver Alex Tagliani. Based in Toronto, Ontario, Bowen and Bowers Motorsports, Inc. is the coming together of leading sports and entertainment property development professionals, Chris Bowers and David Bowen, along with the financial management experience of Trapeze Asset Management Inc. For more information, visit www.BryanHertaAutosport.com.

About Barracuda Networks Inc.

Barracuda Networks combines premises-based gateways and software, virtual appliances, cloud services, and sophisticated remote support to deliver comprehensive content and network security, data protection and application delivery solutions. The company’s expansive product portfolio includes offerings for protection against email and Web threats as well as products that improve application delivery and network access, message archiving, backup and data protection. Coca-Cola, FedEx, Harvard University, IBM, L’Oreal, and Europcar are among the more than 150,000 organizations protecting their IT infrastructures with Barracuda Networks’ range of affordable, easy-to-deploy and manage solutions. Barracuda Networks is privately held with its International Headquarters in Campbell, Calif. For more information, please visit www.barracudanetworks.com.

Source: Bryan Herta Autosport, Press Release

Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates

Banana Boat^® Sun Care Helps Racing Fans Stay Cool and Protected All Summer Long 

CONCORD, NC (January, 24, 2012) – Chip Ganassi Racing Teams (CGRT) announced today that Banana Boat^®sun care will take on the sun and the speedway for a new partnership.  Banana Boat^® sun care will sponsor the race cars of Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates Jamie McMurray and Target Chip Ganassi Racing, driver Dario Franchitti during the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup and IZOD IndyCar Series racing seasons, respectively.

Chip Ganassi Racing Teams and Banana Boat^® sun care are collaborating to help racing fans stay cool and protected from the extreme sun and heat commonly found at races with its innovative, new product – Banana Boat^®Sport Performance^® CoolZone™ continuous spray sunscreen.

As part of the partnership, Banana Boat^® sun care will host fan experiences trackside at key races including Daytona 500, Talladega Superspeedway and Indianapolis 500, among others.  The sunscreen brand will provide fans with a break from the sun, offering quick relief and sun protection in its CoolZone™ Pit Stop.  Here, fans will have the opportunity to receive a “cool-over” with the new sunscreen, play games and receive fun giveaway items.

Notes of Interest:

• Banana Boat^® CoolZone™ Sunscreen Pit Stop:  Banana Boat^® invites race fans to take a break from the sun, offering quick relief and sun protection in its CoolZone™ Sunscreen Pit Stop.  Here, fans can receive “cool-overs” with the new Sport Performance^® CoolZone™ continuous spray sunscreen, receive a racing card of either Dario or Jamie with important sun care tips and take a Sun Care Challenge to snag fun prizes.

• Banana Boat^® CoolZone™ Brand Facebook Tab:  For those fans not at the racetrack this summer, they can visit the Banana Boat^® CoolZone™ brand Facebook tab for exclusive access to content and tips from Jamie, Dario and the pit crew on what’s cool for the summer – from the hottest play lists to the coolest outdoor gear – including a chance to win a CoolZone™ Pit Crew Experience with Jamie at an upcoming race.

• Banana Boat^® Sport Performance^® CoolZone™ Continuous Spray Sunscreen:  For the active outdoor enthusiast, new Banana Boat^® Sport Performance^® CoolZone™ continuous spray sunscreen provides active UVA and UVB protection that instantly cools skin on contact, for a clean, refreshed feeling.  With a crisp, clean scent, Banana Boat^® Sport Performance^® CoolZone™ sunscreen is invisible and rub-free for easy application, as well as water resistant for durable sun protection.  It is available in SPF 30 and SPF 50+ and the Banana Boat^® CoolZone™ product line up also includes an After Sun Aloe Gel with Lidocaine, for cooling burn relief to refresh skin after a day in the sun.

• About Banana Boat^®:  The Banana Boat^® brand offers a wide range of product options that provide today’s busy family with reliable sun protection without worry, so the fun can go on and on.  The advanced technology in Banana Boat^® sunscreen products provides effective broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection that won’t break down in the sun.  Banana Boat^® products have carried The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation for almost two decades.

• About Chip Ganassi Racing Teams:  Chip Ganassi has been a fixture in the auto racing industry for over 25 years and is considered one of the most successful as well as innovative owners the sport has anywhere in the world.  Today his teams include four in the IZOD IndyCar Series, two cars in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and one Daytona Prototype in the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series.  Overall his teams have 14 championships and 145 victories, including three Indianapolis 500s, a Daytona 500, a Brickyard 400 and four Rolex 24 At Daytonas.  Ganassi boasts state-of-the-art race shop facilities in Indianapolis and Brownsburg, Ind. and Concord, N.C., with a corporate office in Pittsburgh, Pa.  For more information log onto chipganassiracing.com

Quote Board:

• Minna Raffin, Sun Care Group Marketing Director, Energizer Personal Care:  We are thrilled to partner with Chip Ganassi Racing Teams and its amazing caliber of drivers.  The unique relationship marries the outstanding skill and coolness of its drivers with the protection and reliability of our products.

• Jamie McMurray, Driver:  I’m excited to represent Banana Boat^® and its new product – CoolZone™.  Its products provide protection from the sun – something our fans and my pit crew could benefit from since they are exposed to intense sun for hours on end at each race.

• Steve Lauletta, President, Chip Ganassi Racing Teams:  We are proud to announce our partnership with Banana Boat^® Sun Care.  It is great to see a brand like Banana Boat^® join our roster of partners.  With more and more families attending our races, we know Banana Boat^® Sun Care will provide our fans with the protection they need outdoors.  We think this is the perfect partnership for racing.

Source: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, Press Release

Honda Grand Prix of St Petersburg Logo

Proceeds to benefit Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation and All Children’s Hospital

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Jan. 24, 2012) – The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation (SSPF) and Trim Nutrition, a leader in wellness supplements and sustained energy products, announced today that the third annual Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg 5K Run, Walk, N Wheelathon is March 23, part of festivities for the IZOD IndyCar Series season-opener around the street circuit in Florida. Working in tandem, SSPF and Trim Nutrition, official nutrition partner for the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights, will be responsible for the logistics and operations of the event.

“The Honda Grand Prix 5K Run, Walk, N Wheelathon benefiting Sam’s Foundation and All Children’s Hospital is a wonderful part of what will be an overall exciting weekend at the ‘World’s Fastest Spring Break Party’ in St. Petersburg,” said Tim Ramsberger, Vice President and General Manager of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. “We’re excited to help the community and we expect a large turnout for this unique event.”

All proceeds will benefit SSPF and All Children’s Hospital to raise money for paralysis/spinal cord injury research and encourage individuals with physical disabilities to pursue active lifestyles, maintain healthy lives through physical fitness and realize their ability to meet new challenges and regain confidence.

Participants will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to run, walk or wheel their way around the very course that the stars of the IZOD IndyCar Series will be competing on later that weekend.

“We’re pleased with the success that lets us produce the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg 5K Run, Walk, N Wheelathon for the third year in a row,” said Ida Cahill, president and CEO of SSPF. “This event provides the community with the unique opportunity to experience the thrill of the Honda Grand Prix from the perspective of the IndyCar Series drivers while at the same time raising money and awareness for a great cause.”

Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg 5K Run, Walk, N Wheelathon Fast Facts:

Date:                        March 23, 2012

Location:            Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg, Fla.

Time:                        3–6 p.m. – Check-in

* Event will begin after on-track activities and start time will be determined by track schedule

Registration:            http://www.imathlete.com/events/hondagrandprixrunwalkandwheel

About the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation:

The SSPF was started in 2000 by Indy Racing League driver Sam Schmidt shortly after a practice-run crash left him paralyzed from the chest down.  SSPF is leading the charge to cure paralysis by funding scientific research, medical treatment, rehabilitation and technological advances benefiting those with spinal cord injuries, stroke victims and people diagnosed with ALS, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. In addition to initiating local and national advocacy efforts on behalf of those disabled, SSPF also funds national “Days at the Races” and “Run, Walk ‘N Wheelathon” programs. Foundation President and CEO, Ida Cahill is a member of the Spinal Cord Leaders Council.

About All Children’s Hospital:

Children are the sole focus of All Children’s Hospital and its new, million-square-foot St. Petersburg, FL campus devoted to pediatric specialty care.  The ten-story All Children’s Hospital and its adjacent Outpatient Care Center (dedicated in January 2010) replace an existing 42-year old facility just two blocks away.

All Children’s Hospital is a proud member of Johns Hopkins Medicine. All Children’s is the only US hospital outside of the Baltimore/Washington D.C. metroplex to achieve that distinction. It is also the only hospital on Florida’s West Coast totally devoted to children’s care – a leader in pediatric treatment, education, research and advocacy. As a regional referral center for children with some of the most challenging medical problems, All Children’s draws patients from throughout Florida, all 50 states and 36 foreign countries.  The mission of this private, not-for-profit hospital is rooted in its beginnings in 1926 as Florida’s first Crippled Children’s Hospital for polio victims. All Children’s understands that it’s not enough to treat disease — that true progress comes from teaching and research to cure disease. All Children’s shares its pediatric expertise through research & education affiliations with 70 different institutions including Johns Hopkins Medicine, the University of South Florida (USF Health) as well as Moffitt Cancer Center, an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.

About the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg:

The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg takes place March 23-25, 2012 and is run on a 1.8-mile, 14-turn waterfront circuit that includes a combination of adjacent downtown streets circling Pioneer Park, the Progress Energy Center for the Arts, the Salvador Dali Museum and extending onto the runways at Albert Whitted Airport, which overlook the Tampa Bay and picturesque St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina. To learn more about the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, visit www.gpstpete.com.

About Trim Nutrition:

Since its inception, Trim Nutrition has been dedicated to developing products that help people become healthier.  They are proud to have helped thousands of people and continue to help more every day, whether the goal is to become more fit, lose weight, detox from drugs, aid in the reduction of disease symptoms, or just simply feel the best possible.

Trim Nutrition has evolved as an industry leader in the development and delivery of innovative nutritional supplementation. Their efforts target the epidemics that are poised to be major contributors to our healthcare perils and economic hardship.  They have already seen success in general nutrition, weight management and drug detoxification and will continue to help people that strive for wellness.

Trim Nutrition is the official nutrition partner for the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights. Its headquarters are located in Clearwater, Fla., with two wellness facilities in Clearwater and Naples, Fla., along with a network of physician associates throughout the country using the Trim protocols.

Source: Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Press Release

INDYCAR Logo

Today’s IZOD IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights and Mazda Road to Indy headlines:

1. Legge’s long journey pays off

2. USF2000 Champion Suvanto joins Team Pelfrey

3. Israeli driver to compete in Firestone Indy Lights

4. Iowa Corn returns as race sponsor for sixth year

5. Of note

1. Legge’s long journey pays off: Katherine Legge re-adjusts the diamond ring on her left hand and smiles when talking about her fiancé. Among former DTM driver Peter Terting’s qualities are patience and support, which she appreciates more than can be expressed with an interviewer.

“We haven’t done anything about the wedding really because I’ve been so focused on racing,” says Legge, who earlier in the week was confirmed as the teammate to Sebastien Bourdais with Lotus Dragon Racing. “It’s really difficult to take your focus away from something, and I’m not one of those people who won’t do everything properly. When I do something, I have to commit to it 110 percent, and I’ve just been committed to racing.”

So any invitations to the wedding back in the UK won’t be sent until after the IZOD IndyCar Series season.

“Priorities, right?” she says. “He understands.”

Competing in the top level of motorsports has been Legge’s priority – her passion, really – for as long as she can remember throughout her 31 years. Achievements and notoriety came swiftly in open-wheel racing in Europe, and continued in the Atlantic Championship in North America. She graduated to the Champ Car World Series in 2006 with PKV Racing (Oriol Servia of Dreyer & Reinbold Racing was her teammate) and competed the next year with Dale Coyne Racing – both seasons garnering mixed results.

When Champ Car came under INDYCAR sanction for the 2008 season, Legge found herself on the sidelines. When doors shut and phone calls went unreturned, she returned to Europe to begin a new chapter in touring cars. But throughout her three years in DTM, Indy car remained the goal.

At the beginning of January 2011, Legge moved back to the States to pursue opportunities.

“I thought I’d come back and was sure I would get a ride,” she says. “I didn’t realize how difficult it would be.”

Undaunted, she teamed up with new sports management and consulting firm GRand Solutions to re-introduce herself to the INDYCAR community at race venues and team headquarters. A wry smile in the paddock masked disappointment of not competing on the racetrack.

“Once I decided that I was going to come back to INDYCAR, I had to find a way to make it happen,” she says. “I’ve had a very hard year of work and I had sleepless nights, but it’s my dream and I’ve followed it and I’m very happy it’s paying off.

“There have been a lot of people I respect that have given me advice to the contrary because they didn’t know it was going to be possible (to race in Indy car). Nobody really expected it of me, but when I set my mind to something I’m like a dog with a bone and don’t let go. I laser focus in on that point. My all-time favorite saying is if you want something badly enough you’ll find a way to make it happen.”

She realizes it’s only the beginning to making the most of the opportunity.

“It’s a change of focus now,” Legge says. “You concentrate on the business side and you tend to put the driving side almost away a little bit. It will take me a few days to get back into it since I haven’t been in an open-wheel car for four years. But all I can do is take out all the unknowns by preparing myself as well as I can and do the best job I can inside the car and out.”

Bourdais, who won his fourth consecutive Champ Car title in 2007 and has 31 Indy car victories, will be a major asset, according to Legge, in her transition from DTM and developing the new Dallara chassis for the diverse set of road/street circuits and ovals on the calendar.

“I am so lucky to have Sebastien as a teammate,” she says. “I will try to learn as much from him as I can. There are probably only three or four drivers in Indy car that I would have loved to have as my teammate and he’s definitely one of them. His experience and talent in developing a car will be a massive advantage for us.”

Legge also has the backing of primary sponsor TrueCar, an online automotive solutions provider that publishes new car transaction data, through its Women Empowerment motorsports initiative. It also sponsors Ashley Freiberg (Star Mazda) and Shannon McIntosh (USF2000) in the Mazda Road to Indy program, Shea Holbrook (Pirelli World Challenge), Verena Mei (Rally America) and Emilee Tominovich (MX-5 Cup).

Legge, the FIA female driver ambassador, says the program “comes from a deep-seated belief and want for the girls to do well.”

“This idea has evolved into something I would say is groundbreaking and very special,” she says. “There hasn’t really been anybody that’s been given the opportunity, apart from Danica (Patrick), who was in really good equipment. No other female has been in top equipment and been given the opportunity to win races.

“They’ve given me and all the girls throughout the ranks the opportunity to shine. We don’t want it to be a gimmick. We don’t want it to be the ‘girl’ driver. We want to be competitive race car drivers, taken seriously in what we do. And the only way we can do that is compete with the guys, and the only way you can compete with the guys is if you’re given the opportunity on a level playing field.

“It is empowering to women, and it should stand as an example that you can do anything you put your mind to and not limited by anything.”

Much like Legge’s return to IndyCar racing.

“I have a very never-give-up attitude and now here I am,” she says.

2. USF2000 Champion Suvanto joins Team Pelfrey: Team Pelfrey announced the addition of 2011 Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda champion Petri Suvanto to compete in the Star Mazda Championship Presented by Goodyear.

The team made a stunning series debut last March when Connor De Phillippi won the opening race at St. Petersburg, Fla., just a few miles away from its home base. De Phillippi maintained the momentum by adding three race wins, and together with teammate Nick Andries claimed a total of three poles and 13 podium finishes en route to second and third positions in the drivers’ championship. The team also finished first and second in the season finale at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to clinch the Team Championship.

Suvanto will join American Gustavo Menezes, who finished eighth in the 2011 Star Mazda series as a rookie with Juncos Racing, and Englishman Jack Hawksworth, a race winner in last year’s Formula Renault 2.0 UK Championship.

“Winning is our obsession, so who better to drive for us than the defending USF2000 champion,” said Team Pelfrey team manager Geoff Fickling. “Petri is the perfect driver for a results-oriented team. He’s extremely focused, self-motivated, and bloody quick! Some of his wins last year were shockingly impressive. We know the step up to Star Mazda is a big one and there’s a learning curve that needs to be met in order to even utter the word championship, but I’ve laid out the most extensive preseason testing program I’ve ever been a part of in order to get all three of our young drivers’ learning curves accelerated as quickly as possible prior to the opener at St. Petersburg. Jack, Gustavo, and Petri, I couldn’t be happier with our lineup.”

Suvanto was impressive in winning last year’s Cooper Tires Presents the USF2000 National Championship Powered by Mazda title as a rookie and is now able to reach one step closer to his goal of competing in the IZOD IndyCar Series, courtesy of the Mazda Road to Indy scholarship ladder.

“It feels great to finally announce that I will be racing for Team Pelfrey,” Suvanto said. “It’s been very difficult to hold back the exciting news for so long while we finalized all the details! I have had a chance to get to know the team a little bit over the winter and I’m very excited to work with such a professional group of people again.

“Moving up to Star Mazda isn’t going to be easy but I’m welcoming the challenge with open arms. The theme of the year is learning, and the more I learn the better the results are going to be. Things have changed a lot over the last 12 months. Last year at this time I was wondering whether I would be able to ever race again, but from the moment I learned about the Mazda Road to Indy, I knew what I wanted. It worked out pretty well. 2011 changed my life and I’m very thankful to all the people who were part of it, especially everyone at Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing. Now it’s time to start a new chapter full of new challenges. I’m already counting the days until the first race.”

Suvanto, 19, is currently completing his mandatory military service in his native Finland. Once his National Service is completed, he will join the team in a busy schedule of testing in preparation for the first race of the season, which will be held in conjunction with the IZOD IndyCar Series opener, the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, on March 25.

3. Israeli driver to compete in Firestone Indy Lights: Belardi Auto Racing created motor racing history by signing Alon Day, the first Israeli driver to compete in the United States, to its Firestone Indy Lights roster for the 2012 season.

“I am very excited to welcome Alon to the Belardi Auto Racing family for the 2012 Indy Lights season,” team owner Brian Belardi said. “Alon really blew us away when he came down to test with us at Palm Beach in December. His very first time in an Indy Lights car could not have gone better, and we are very lucky to have him join our program. I think with Alon’s natural talent and determination, he will have a really great season as a rookie in the Firestone Indy Lights series.”

Day started his driving career, like many others, by karting. After earning more than 60 titles and trophies, he moved up to the 2-liter cars in Formula Renault in Asia and Hungary. In 2009, the 17-year-old clinched the Asia Formula Renault Championship with 13 podiums, eight poles and six wins.

In March of the following year, however, Day’s racing career was halted when he was asked to join the Israeli Army for three years. After being pardoned because of his unique career and accomplishments, he competed in the German Formula Three Championship in 2010. It was that year, following a promising season, that Day was selected by ex-Formula 1 driver Alexander Wurz to be one of 12 FIA Ambassadors as part of the FIA Institute Academy Initiative.

Signing with Belardi Auto Racing will mark Day’s first race season in North America, where the 20-year-old will compete in 12 events across the U.S. and Canada.

“I am so delighted to announce that I will be competing with Belardi Auto Racing for the 2012 Indy Lights Championship,” he said. “I had a great test with Belardi in December, and I got to have a real think about things over Christmas, and I decided to make a commitment with Belardi in the Lights Championship. Brian (Belardi) and John (Brunner) have been great; they have accommodated for us on every level.

“I’m really excited with the package that we’ve got to enter the season. We certainly feel that we’re going to be in a great position to fight for the championship, which is why we’re all here. I’m absolutely delighted and very much looking forward to working with everyone at Belardi and look to try and bring them the championship.”

Day and the team will test at MSR Houston on Jan. 23-24.

4. Iowa Corn returns as race sponsor for sixth year: The Iowa Corn Growers Association and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board will be the title sponsor of the Iowa Corn Indy 250 at Iowa Speedway for the sixth consecutive year.

The IZOD IndyCar Series race on the 0.85-mile oval will be held under the lights June 23.

“This year will be exciting as INDYCAR moves to E85,” said Craig Floss, CEO of Iowa Corn. “Consumers can fill up their flex fuel vehicles with E85, and drive just like the pros, except with a speed limit of course.”

IZOD IndyCar Series cars have been fueled by ethanol since 2006, with an estimated savings of 20,000 gallons of fuel per season. In 2012, the new 2.2-liter, turbocharged V-6 engines of Chevrolet, Honda and Lotus will utilize E85 fuel – another way the series is relevant to motorists.

“Iowa Corn has been sponsoring this race since our inaugural season, a sponsorship which is now entering its sixth year,” Iowa Speedway president Stand Clement said. “It’s been a tremendous relationship, and we value their partnership, both with us and our race fans.”

5. Of note: Michael Shank Racing, which will enter the IZOD IndyCar Series for the 2012 season, is featured in the documentary, “Through the Tale of Teams,” which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Rolex 24 Hours At Daytona. For more info, go to www.3WideLife.com. … Team Penske’s Helio Castroneves is featured in an NBC Sports segment taped last week at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Check it out at 5 p.m. Jan. 22 on NBC. … Erwin Dazelle is the Official Artist for the 2012 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. His artwork will be featured on the Grand Prix poster, program, tickets and fan guides. … Paul Tracy will compete in the Rolex 24 At Daytona for Doran Racing in the Daytona Prototype class. “I drove my first Rolex 24 in a Doran JE4 design back in 2005, and it was a great experience,” Tracy said. Ten other INDYCAR drivers are scheduled to participate. … Brandon Reed of Elkhart, Ind., will join Team Stange on a partial schedule in the 2012 Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear season. The team hopes additional sponsorship will allow Reed to compete the full season.

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing

Indianapolis, IN (January 17, 2012) -

Servia, a native of Catalonia, Spain, will be joining the Indianapolis-based squad for the first time. The Spaniard is coming off of an impressive 2011 season in which he qualified third for the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500, recorded eleven top-10 finishes, was one of three drivers to be running at the finish in all 17 races, led all drivers in laps completed (2,103 of 2,011) and was the only driver to finish in the top-10 in the first five races of the season. As a result, Servia finished 4th in the overall IZOD IndyCar Series championship.

“With a new engine, new chassis and a revamped engineering department, we believe it is crucial to have a highly talented veteran driver to be able to develop these new components. Oriol has always been a smart driver and has always put himself and his team in a position to win races. We are going to have to be well prepared to take advantage of his abilities and we look forward to the challenge,” commented Dennis Reinbold, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Co-Owner.

The veteran driver not only brings a wealth of experience to the table, but many accolades as well. His success in open-wheel racing includes a runner-up finish in the 2005 Champ Car World Series point standings as well as winning the 1999 Indy Lights championship, where he finished second in five races and earned three pole positions. Servia also gave Dale Coyne Racing its first podium finish since 1996 with a third-place run at Laguna Seca in 2004.

“I couldn’t be more excited, for many reasons. DRR is a team that I raced against since 2008 and they’ve always shown to be very professional at the racetrack. Although I knew the owners, I didn’t know them very well, to be honest. Before signing with the team, like everybody else, I did my research and I couldn’t find one individual that didn’t speak highly of Dennis or Robbie, which gave me a lot of confidence. I went to the team’s sponsor summit last week and met all of their partners that they have been involved with for many, many years, which was another clear sign that they are good people,” commented Servia.

The Spaniard is eager to begin pre-season testing and debut the new DW12 at the first event in St. Petersburg. “I started on the front row for the Indianapolis 500 and I want to improve on that. I’m at the best point in my career and it was very important to partner with the right team. When I visited the DRR facility in Indianapolis, I couldn’t have been more impressed. We are starting with a new engine and chassis, and I have confidence in Lotus and our ability to develop a quality product in 2012. When you have everyone pulling in the same direction like we are now is when we can accomplish our goals,” continued Servia.

Feeling the same enthusiasm as the rest is co-owner Robbie Buhl. “I think that Oriol can be a real asset to us and with the development with our partnership with Lotus and the DW12. His experience throughout his career will be pivotal in how we develop the new car and new motor. He had a fantastic season last year with Newman Haas and we are excited to have him as a part of our team going forward,” said Buhl.

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing continues to work towards a second full-time entry for the 2012 season. Please stay tuned for more announcements to come in the following weeks. For more updates on the team, please visit www.dreyerreinboldracing.com.

About Dreyer & Reinbold Racing:

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing will be entering its 13th season of full-time competition in 2012, making it one of the longest-tenured teams in IZOD IndyCar Series 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 IZOD IndyCar Series season-opener, on the streets of St. Petersburg, marked Dreyer & Reinbold Racing’s 200th series start. DRR now has over 305 starts to tuck under its belt and has qualified a total of 31 cars for the Indianapolis 500. 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 IZOD 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.

Source: Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, Press Release