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

Justin Wilson - Photo Credit: Catchfence Open Wheel Editor: Paul Powell

Lexington, OH (August 6, 2011) –

Justin Wilson was transported from Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course to MedCentral Hospital in Mansfield, Ohio by ground transportation and is being further evaluated.

Simon Pagenaud will qualify the No. 22 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing entry in place of Justin Wilson. No decisions have been made as to whom will drive the entry for the Honda Indy 200 on Sunday afternoon. Please visit www.dreyerreinboldracing.com for further updates.

About Dreyer & Reinbold Racing:
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing is entering its 12th season of full-time competition in 2011, 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 270 starts to tuck under its belt and has qualified a total of 27 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.

More information on the team can be found at www.dreyerreinboldracing.com.

More information on the IZOD IndyCar Series can be found at www.indycar.com.

- Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, Press Release

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing

This weekend’s event will mark the third straight year that the Jasper, Indiana based The Dad’s Root Beer Company, will be featured on a Dreyer & Reinbold Racing IZOD IndyCar on Father’s Day. Sunday’s race will be the first time that DRR driver Justin Wilson will get behind the wheel of the recognizable and popular blue, red and yellow livery. In addition to debuting the Dad’s Root Beer car for this weekend’s race, Dreyer Reinbold Racing plans on decorating the No. 22 pit wall with “Happy Dad’s Day” banners in celebration of Father’s Day.

Dad’s Root Beer is one of the oldest and most popular soft drinks in America. Founded in Chicago in 1937, Dad’s celebrated its 70th Anniversary in 2007. In the same year, Dad’s was purchased along with the Sun Crest, Dr. Wells, and Bubble Up brands by Hedinger Brands, LLC and licensed to The Dad’s Root Beer Company, LLC. The company headquarters is now located in Jasper, Indiana. With a new dedication to expanding the distribution network across the country, the brand looks forward to continued growth and customer support.

For the last two years, the Dad’s car has finished in the Top 10 on Father’s Day. In 2009, Mike Conway drove the Dad’s No. 24 to an 8th place finish at the Iowa Corn 250. Last season, Graham Rahal, who filled in for the injured Mike Conway, piloted the specially designed Dad’s Hot Wheels No. 24 machine to a 9th place result on Father’s Day, also at Iowa.

The Indianapolis based crew will hit the pavement June 19th for the 7th round of the IZOD IndyCar Series in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Milwaukee 225 at The Milwaukee Mile will be broadcast live Sunday, June 19th at 3:30 pm Eastern Time on ABC. Please stay tuned for more announcements to come in the following days.

About Dreyer & Reinbold Racing:

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing is entering its 12th season of full-time competition in 2011, 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 270 starts to tuck under its belt and has qualified a total of 27 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.

More information on the team can be found at www.dreyerreinboldracing.com.

More information on the IZOD IndyCar Series can be found at www.indycar.com.

- Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Press Release

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing

This weekend will mark Dreyer & Reinbold Racing’s 17th time to compete at the 1.5-mile oval. The team has started at least one car in every race at the track since 2000. In 2001, Robbie Buhl finished team best of 3rd in 2001. DRR has led a total of 33 laps at Texas Motor Speedway.

The weekend off was exactly what Dreyer & Reinbold Racing needed. As soon as the checkered flag waved after the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500, the team got high behind preparing for the next race. In the time off, the team had a very successful test in Milwaukee immediately following the historic event and made some changes internally as well. Ana Beatriz, who was the second quickest overall out of all the cars that tested at the Mile last week, will now have Matt Curry, as her engineer and Larry Curry as her strategist for the remainder of the season. Justin Wilson, who was the fifth quickest at the test, will now have Yves Touron as his engineer and Dennis Reinbold as his strategist for the No. 22 machine for the rest of the year. Before the change, Matt Curry was the engineer on Wilson’s car and Yves Touron was Tracy’s engineer for the Indy 500 and on the No. 24 car last season.

Now in the full oval-swing, Wilson is fully prepared to take on Texas Motor Speedway. This weekend will be the Brit’s fourth time to compete at the 1.5-mile oval. In 2008, he started 23rd and finished 27th in his first start at this track. In 2009, he started 17th and finished in 15th place, earning his best result at Texas. Last year Wilson started 12th and finished in 19th position. Since joining the IZOD IndyCar Series in 2008, Wilson has recorded seven top-10 finishes (2008: Kansas-9th, Milwaukee-7th, Richmond-7th, 2009: Chicagoland-10th, Homestead-10th, 2010: Indianapolis-7th, Chicago-7th) on ovals. He has led on an oval twice, (2008–Kansas led for five laps, 2010-Indianapolis 500-led for 11 laps). Wilson’s best qualifying position on an oval was 6th position at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2010.

Making her first appearance at Texas Motor Speedway this weekend will be Brazilian Ana Beatriz. Last year, in the four IZOD IndyCar starts that she made, three of them were on an oval. The rookie’s best finish on an oval was 21st for this year and last year’s Indianapolis 500. Beatriz’s best starting position on an oval was 15th in Miami last year. She is ready to take on the 1.5 mile oval. After a very successful test last week in Milwaukee, Beatriz is ready to continue the momentum.

After nearly 10 years of not competing at Texas Motor Speedway, Davey Hamilton is ready to get back to Texas and settle some unfinished business. In 2001 Hamilton’s life changed after a crash at the circuit in which he nearly lost his feet and legs. After 21 operations and two years of rehabilitation Hamilton returned to IndyCar racing at the Indianapolis 500 in May 2007. Prior to his accident at Texas Motor Speedway, the Idaho native did a have a number of successes at the 1.5 mile oval. Prior to his accident, Hamilton has competed at the track eight times. Out of those eight starts he has finished in the top-10 five times. He earned a 3rd place finish in 1997 and a second place result in 1999.

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing will be on track for the Firestone Twin 275s in Forth Worth, Texas on June 11th. The race telecast will air live on Saturday, June 11th at 8:00 pm (ET) on VERSUS. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, XM channel 94, and Sirius channel 212. For more updates on the team, please visit www.dreyerreinboldracing.com.

What they have to say about the Firestone Twin 275s:

Justin Wilson, No. 22 Z-Line Designs:”Texas is a fun track. It’s a good racetrack because with the high-banking you can take any groove. It always produces entertaining races and I’m looking forward to it. I’m hoping that we can be a little bit stronger than last year. We had a great qualifying car, but we struggled in the race and we’ve got plenty of ideas and I can’t wait to get started and get stuck in. The twin races will make it interesting. I think you’ll see some close racing and it will be interesting to see how hard people push in the first one to make sure that they save their car for the second race.”

Ana Beatriz, No. 24 Ipiranga:”I’ve never been to Texas so this will be new for me. Indy Lights never went there so this will be a whole new experience. I’ve always watched the race on TV. It’s very tight racing and a lot of running really close together so it will be important to have a good race car. We made some changes that will hopefully make the team even better and we can continue to improve our results. I’m really looking forward to this weekend.”

Davey Hamilton, No. 11 HP: ” First of all I’m excited about coming back to Texas. It’s been 10 years since I last raced there and it was my worst race there. I’m excited to get back on track there and I hope we can get a good result. I’ve been to Texas many times before my accident and always had good results there running 2nd and 3rd. I’m obviously anxious and nervous, but I’m also excited as well. The best thing about Texas is that it produces some great racing. It also produces some big crashes, not just mine, but others as well. It’s a very Jekyll and Hyde track. I think with the twin races it will add to the excitement. It’s good for me coming back with them introducing it. Eddie knows how to add excitement. I think it will offer a level playing field and it will be new for everyone. I can’t wait.”

About Dreyer & Reinbold Racing:
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing is entering its 12th season of full-time competition in 2011, 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 270 starts to tuck under its belt and has qualified a total of 27 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.

More information on the team can be found at www.dreyerreinboldracing.com.

More information on the IZOD IndyCar Series can be found at www.indycar.com.

- Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, Press Release

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing

Indianapolis, IN (May 22, 2011) -

Similar to yesterday, the weather forecast predicted rain all day. In the beginning there wasn’t a cloud in the sky as the quartet practiced this morning. When qualifying finally rolled around the wind started to pick up and the weather conditions began to change, which as a result, impacted the qualifying attempts.

Ana Beatriz, pilot of the No. 24 Ipiranga machine, was the first to make her qualifying effort for today. The Brazilian was quick as she earned a four-lap average speed of 223.879 mph and claimed the 33rd spot. Luckily, she only had to make one attempt, but it was an extremely stressful day. Bia was the first in line and was able to get her laps up on the board before the rain began to fall. From that point on it was a matter of waiting, but luckily her speed was fast enough to keep her in the field. She will be making her 2nd start for this year’s historic event.

Luck wasn’t on Paul Tracy’s side yesterday, but it was today. The Canadian was bumped out of the top-24 just as it began to rain and was unable to get back out. He attempted again today, but this time he beat the rain. Right as he was completing his third lap the rain started to fall, and although it started to get slippery out on the track, Tracy was able to finish all four laps with an average four-lap speed of 224.939 mph, securing the 25th spot on the starting grid for the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500. He was the quickest qualifier today as well.

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing will be back out on track on Friday for the final practice for the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500. For more updates on the team, please visit www.dreyerreinboldracing.com.

What they have to say about the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500…

Paul Tracy, No. 23 WIX Filters: “It was an exciting run, but not what I wanted with the rain. The first two laps were fantastic and the car was balanced and I thought that I could keep it right there at five’s and then I started to see some water gathering on my visor. At that point I was like ‘oh no’ and it started to get heavier on the back straightaway and then the car started to slip and slide a little. It’s amazing what this race can do to you. My car was great and overall the car just stayed there with me until the rain started to fall. I’m just really happy for the team. Everybody is upbeat and smiling now. It was all kind of stiff lipped and we were all stressing there for a little while. From that standpoint we got WIX Filters in the race for the first time and I’m really excited for them.”

Ana Beatriz, No. 24 Ipiranga: “I’m really tired and stressed out because it’s just crazy this bump day. Actually, I don’t think that we deserved to be put in that position because we were quick enough to qualify yesterday and that made today even tougher for us. Fortunately, the team played the game well and we could qualify and that’s the most important thing. For me, it doesn’t really matter if we were 26th or 33rd we had to be in the race and it’s a long race. We just need to finish and work well and have a good race car.”

About Dreyer & Reinbold Racing:
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing is entering its 12th season of full-time competition in 2011, 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 270 starts to tuck under its belt and has qualified a total of 27 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.

More information on the team can be found at www.dreyerreinboldracing.com.

More information on the IZOD IndyCar Series can be found at www.indycar.com.

- Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, Press Release

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing

Indianapolis, IN (May 21, 2011) -

As the weather forecast predicted rain all day, in beginning there wasn’t a cloud in the sky as the quartet practiced this morning. When qualifying finally rolled around the wind started to pick up and the weather conditions began to change, which as a result, impacted the qualifying attempts.

Davey Hamilton, pilot of the No. 11 HP machine, was the first to make his qualifying effort. Right out of the box, the Idaho native was quick as he earned an average lap time of 225.250 mph and claimed the 15th spot, making him the quickest of the four DRR drivers. Hamilton will be making his 11th start for this year’s historic event.

Wilson, driver of the No. 22 Z-Line Designs machine was 49th in the qualifying order and managed to get one attempt in today as well. The Brit, who qualified 11th last year and led 11 laps of the race, recorded the 20th fastest average lap speed of 224.511 mph. This year will mark his 4th start for the Indianapolis 500.

Unfortunately, it was a different story for the team’s other two drivers, Ana Beatriz and Paul Tracy. Both were able to make one attempt a piece. At first, it looked like they were going to be secured in the top-24, but that quickly changed. As the clock started to wind down, both drivers were bumped out. Tracy and Beatriz headed back out to pit lane to make another attempt, but the rain came in and washed away their hopes of securing a spot in today’s top-24. Beatriz had a four lap average speed of 224.258 mph and Tracy had an average speed of 224.353 mph.

Paul Tracy in car - Photo Credit: Catchfence Open Wheel Editor: Paul Powell

What they have to say about the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500…

Justin Wilson, No. 22 Z-Line Designs: “I think it has been a reasonable day for the Z-Line Designs team. I was hoping to go a little bit faster, but I think that the day was pretty slow in the middle. The air was pretty dense and it slowed us down, so the car was really stuck even though we were really trimmed out. We are happy with that. We want to go quicker. I think we have it in us if we have to and we will see what happens tomorrow. We will take it one step at a time.”

Paul Tracy, No. 23 WIX Filters: “I really don’t know what to say. I’m massively disappointed. We have been fast all week and inside the top-12. We went out to qualify and the car just didn’t perform like it was supposed to perform and we don’t know why that is. I’m frustrated. I had a feeling in my gut that the time wouldn’t hold up by the end of the day and it didn’t and we got bumped and 30 seconds after we got bumped it started to rain. It’s not a good feeling. It’s a feeling of revisiting 2010. We just have to come out tomorrow with everything that we have on the car, the best that we can possibly put on it and turn four fast laps. That’s what it is going to take because there are a lot of really good cars that are still not in the field, but I think that we can do it and we will give it all that we have.”

Ana Beatriz, No. 24 Ipiranga: “It’s just a shame that we couldn’t qualify. I think that we had a car to qualify today and we improved it so much from yesterday and this morning in practice we were really fast. We lost a lot of speed in the afternoon with the wind. We tried to re-set the car and make it faster, but unfortunately the rain came and we didn’t have the chance to go

Davey Hamilton in car - Photo Credit: Catchfence Open Wheel Editor: Paul Powell

Davey Hamilton, No. 11 HP: “It was a great day, really. I came in to today thinking that if I’m in the top-16 that I was going to be happy and I’m 15th, so I can’t complain. We were down on speed from where we thought we were going to be. Earlier this morning we ran a 225.7 mph, but I thought that I could back it up and maybe improve it, but when the wind came up it kept us in the low 25′s. The HP car was great and I’m happy. The team did a good job and we are in the race. Now we have a lot of work to do on the race setups.”

About Dreyer & Reinbold Racing:
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing is entering its 12th season of full-time competition in 2011, 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 270 starts to tuck under its belt and has qualified a total of 27 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.

More information on the team can be found at www.dreyerreinboldracing.com.

More information on the IZOD IndyCar Series can be found at www.indycar.com.

- Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, Press Release

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing

Indianapolis, IN (May 19, 2011)

At first, it looked like the weather was going to threaten practice, but the sun started shining and the DRR drivers managed to get plenty of track time in. Today was all about teamwork for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing. The four drivers worked diligently together and continued to chip away at the race setup. As the day progressed, they were able to start preparing the cars for this weekend’s qualifying.

It was another successful day for Tracy. The Canadian, pilot of the No. 23 WIX Filters car, was the fastest of the four with a speed of 225.906 miles per hour. He logged a total of 54 laps, putting him 12th overall. Wilson, in the No. 22 Z-Line Designs machine, clocked a lap speed of 225.648 mph and was 15th among the 40 drivers on track. The Brit completed 59 laps today. Hamilton in the No. 11 HP logged 62 laps with a best of 223.889 mph, which put him in 33rd position.

Beatriz, in the No. 24 Ipiranga car, accomplished a lot for today’s practice session. The Brazilian completed the most laps of the four drivers. She was able to get in plenty of track time as she did 76 laps, recording a top speed of 224.123 mph, making her 31st quickest for the session.

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing will be on track tomorrow from noon until 6:00 pm for day four of practice for the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500. For more updates on the team, please visit www.dreyerreinboldracing.com.

What they have to say about the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500…

Justin Wilson - Photo Credit: Catchfence Open Wheel Editor: Paul Powell

Paul Tracy - Photo Credit: Catchfence Open Wheel Editor: Paul Powell

Ana "Bia" Beatriz - Photo Credit: Catchfence Open Wheel Editor: Paul Powell

Davey Hamilton in car : Photo Credit: Catchfence Open Wheel Editor: Paul Powell

About Dreyer & Reinbold Racing:
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing is entering its 12th season of full-time competition in 2011, 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 270 starts to tuck under its belt and has qualified a total of 27 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.

More information on the team can be found at www.dreyerreinboldracing.com.

More information on the IZOD IndyCar Series can be found at www.indycar.com.

- Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, Press Release

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing

Indianapolis, IN (May 18, 2011) -

The Indianapolis-based squad will be back on track tomorrow afternoon from 12:00 pm until 6:00 pm for practice for the Indianapolis 500. Stay tuned as DRR drivers, Justin Wilson (No. 22 Z-Line Designs), Paul Tracy (No. 23 WIX Filters), Ana Beatriz (No. 24 Ipiranga) and Davey Hamilton (No. 11 HP) get behind the wheel of their cars tomorrow. For more updates on the team, please visit www.dreyerreinboldracing.com.

What they have to say about the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500…

Justin Wilson, No. 22 Z-Line Designs: “Another wet day. We tried to get out there and we took the Z-Line Designs car out to pit lane, but every time it looked like we were close to going out it would start raining again. The conditions weren’t good and you didn’t want to be caught out on track when it started to sprinkle like that. It’s disappointing because it’s another day gone, but hopefully from here the weather will get better and we will be able to get some good running in. At least this way we are not going to be restricted on miles or tires. We can do all of the running we want once the weather clears up.”

Paul Tracy, No. 23 WIX Filters: “It is what it is out there today, we can’t control Mother Nature. I’m just thankful that I’m with the team that I’m with in Dreyer & Reinbold Racing. We’ve got a solid car and a solid foundation and we already know where we’re at. We know exactly what we want to do. In terms of not being on track, I would be more upset if we were struggling, but I think that we are in a pretty good position to put it in on the first day. I think our cars are strong and I’m not overly upset about not being able to get out on track. We can’t control what the weather does and like I said I’m just glad that I’m with the team that I’m with because we have great cars under us.”

Ana Beatriz, No. 24 Ipiranga: “It’s just disappointing, another day without running. We got so close to being able to go out, but as soon as we started the engine it started to rain again and it takes forever to dry up the track and we are done for the day because of it. It’s disappointing, but we just have to breathe and wait for tomorrow and maybe we can finally run more.”

Davey Hamilton, No. 11 HP: “It’s another rain day at Indy. We made some changes to the HP car and we were anxious to go try them. On the program that we have we are getting back on pace with everybody else with our tire allotment, so I’m not sure if this helps us or hurts us or what, but it’s the same for everybody. Tomorrow, Friday, Saturday and Sunday all look good, so we will shoot for that.”

About Dreyer & Reinbold Racing:
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing is entering its 12th season of full-time competition in 2011, 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 270 starts to tuck under its belt and has qualified a total of 27 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.

More information on the team can be found at www.dreyerreinboldracing.com.

More information on the IZOD IndyCar Series can be found at www.indycar.com.

- Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, Press Release

INDYCAR LOGO

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, May 18, 2011) -

Rain fell steadily on the Speedway throughout the day, and IZOD IndyCar Series officials canceled the day’s track activities shortly after 4 p.m. (ET).

The last time two entire days of Indianapolis 500 practice were washed out in one week was May 12-13, 2006.

Since veteran practice opened Saturday, May 14, 17 hours and 58 minutes of the scheduled 30 hours of track time have been lost due to rain.

DAY 5 NOTEBOOK:

Recent Butler University graduate and basketball standout Matt Howard visited the track today. Howard, from Connersville, Ind., helped the Bulldogs reach the NCAA men’s basketball final each of the last two seasons.

Howard was scheduled to wave the green flag to start practice today, but had to leave the track before the rain-delayed start of the session due to prior commitments.

MATT HOWARD: (On having the opportunity to wave the green flag for practice): “Just to be a small part of this place is something really special. If we’re able to go and have cars on the track, I can’t wait to wave the green flag and see everybody doing their thing. I’m definitely excited about doing that. It’s a very nice honor. Not a whole lot of people are able to do it, and to be selected is quite an honor.” (On the Indianapolis Motor Speedway): “I came to the race last year with the team, and that was a lot of fun. This place is something that holds a lot of tradition. It’s a special place, and I think anyone here will tell you that this track and this event are pretty special. I think it’s a big part of Indianapolis. I’ve tried to watch at least portions of every race for the last five years or so. I understand quite a bit about it, and I’ve gotten to know Ed Carpenter a bit because he’s from Butler and he’s someone I’ll follow to see how he does. Hopefully, I’ll get to see him a little bit today.”

***

Some fun with Indianapolis 500 numbers, provided by Sam Schmidt Motorsports:

Not only has car number 77 never won the Indianapolis 500, no car with a number between 70 and 79 has ever been to victory lane in the race. Perhaps more interesting is that cars carrying single-digit numbers and numbers in the teens, 20′s, 30′s, 40′s, 50′s, 60′s 80′s and 90′s all have been to Victory Lane with only the 70s left out. Alex Tagliani, driver of the No. 77 Bowers & Wilkins Dallara/Honda Firestone for SSM, is certainly hoping to change that in 2011.

***

1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal talked about the effect of rain delays this month. Rahal co-owns Rahal Letterman Lanigan LLC, which is fielded a car for Bertrand Baguette.

BOBBY RAHAL: “Well, it’s the same for everybody. I think we’ve had time to get these cars prepared pretty well for this month. We’ve had some good practice so far, but it’s like I said, it’s the same for everybody, and we’ll just have to find a way to deal with it. There are a lot of little things you can do. You get more time to look the car over, go through all of the data, find ways to make it better and really dig deeper.”

***

A special Team Penske/Indianapolis 500 edition of the acclaimed “The Charlie Rose Show” at 11 p.m. (ET) tonight on PBS. The show will feature in-depth interviews with Team Penske drivers Helio Castroneves, Ryan Briscoe and Will Power, and team owner Roger Penske.

The show also will be rebroadcast in the United States at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. (ET) Thursday, May 19 on the Bloomberg Network.

***

Japanese racer Takuma Sato is collaborating with local students in a project to support the With You Japan charity program, which he created to help empower local child-care professionals in Japan to provide responsive and proactive care to thousands of children as they try to move forward with their lives.

A total of 137 students from the Towne Meadow Elementary School in Carmel, Ind., are taking part in an arts project. They will assemble themselves at ground level to recreate the Japanese flag when photographed from above. The local fire department also is involved by providing a fire truck rescue bucket to serve as the elevated platform for the photograph.

The students want to send this personal and original message of togetherness and solidarity to their counterparts in Japan, many of whom have had their lives torn apart by the recent earthquake and tsunami.

Sato visited the school today to thank the school for its participation and to answer questions about the disaster. He visited the affected areas near Sendai last week and has first-hand experience of the extent of the devastation.

TAKUMA SATO: “I really appreciate the local kids getting involved in this project. There is so much work to be done over in Japan, and people there really need to know that they are not alone. The whole world is doing what it can to help them. I love the idea of the flag picture; it will make a really powerful and interesting message to Japanese kids.”

TIM PHARES (Principal, Towne Meadow Elementary School): “We are extremely excited to partner with Takuma Sato and his project With You Japan. Each year it is tradition for Towne Meadow fifth-grade students to participate in a service project before heading off to middle school. We want our students to understand the importance of giving to others, and this endeavor brought a unique opportunity to connect with students through art all the way across the world. It is our hope we can make a difference by sending a message of togetherness and support to the boys and girls in Japan. Our students thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity and learned a great deal from this project. Towne Meadow is with you, Japan.”

***

2005 Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon will team up with the Alzheimer’s Association at this year’s 100^th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 to raise awareness for the disease. Wheldon will carry the Alzheimer’s Association logo on his No. 98 William Rast-Curb/Big Machine entry fielded by Bryan Herta Autosport with Curb/Agajanian.

According to the 2011 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, and today as many as 5.4 million Americans are living with the disease. Every 69 seconds, someone in America develops Alzheimer’s disease, and by mid-century someone will develop Alzheimer’s every 33 seconds.

To learn more, visit alz.org.

DAN WHELDON: “I’m honored to announce my partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association at the Indianapolis 500. My mother was recently diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 55. You can imagine the impact this news has had on me and my family. This is a cause very dear to my heart, and I hope that by teaming up with the Alzheimer’s Association, I can help raise awareness on the toll this devastating disease has on individuals with the disease and their families as well as how important early diagnosis is for this population.”

The time trials to qualify teams for the remaining slots in the IZOD Indy 500 Pit Stop Challenge were rained out today. They will take place Thursday morning.

***

INDIANAPOLIS 500 PRACTICE QUOTES:

PIPPA MANN (No. 36 Conquest Racing): “Welcome to Groundhog Day! Actually, today wasn’t quite Groundhog day because we did get as far as pit lane, and I actually got as far as being strapped into my car before it started to rain again. One minute to green – I’m sitting there, and suddenly the rain started coming down all around me, so we headed back to the garage area. We only wanted to get out there and do a couple of runs today, to see if we finally had a handle on this small niggle we’ve got going on, but unfortunately the weather is just not playing ball. It’s going to make the next few days pretty insane, not just for us but for everyone. the track is going to be extremely busy, and it’s going to be fairly intense. But, to use an American phrase, it is what it is!”

SCOTT SPEED (No. 20 Dragon Racing Fuzzy’s Vodka): “As a rookie, having less track time is definitely not the best thing in the world. It definitely makes things a little more difficult. We’ll do our best to take it in stride. I think we’ll be OK with it. We have a lot of resources here. There’s nothing extra you can really do to prepare for the race, but I feel good right now. I think we’re making good moves and going about everything intelligently. I can’t ask for anything more right now. At this point, it’s all about track time. I mean, we’re just waiting.”

TOWNSEND BELL (No. 99 Herbalife Schmidt Pelfrey Racing): (About sitting through rain delays): “I’m used to it now. As long as I’ve driven a little bit this month, I feel fine at least in terms of knowing what I’ve got and knowing that we’re strong. So, the anxiety is much less, especially having done this for a few years. You learn rain is always going to be an issue.” (What advice would you provide to a younger driver during delays?): “I don’t know if it’d be so much the younger guys as it would be the guys who in their first couple of runs felt they really needed to work on the car a lot more. If I was in that situation, I’d really be hoping to get out there and keep making adjustments.”

HELIO CASTRONEVES (No. 3 Shell V-Power Pennzoil Ultra Team Penske): “It’s kind of like the same story all over again. We came close to getting on track today, but once again, Mother Nature had something else in mind for us. We’ll just work a little harder when we do get a chance to run – hopefully tomorrow. Things are looking good on the Shell V-Power Pennzoil Ultra Team Penske car and we’ll be ready to go as soon as we get the opportunity.”

RYAN BRISCOE (No. 6 IZOD Team Penske): “Unfortunately the weather hampered our chances of getting back out on track again today, which tests our patience with not being able get more laps done here in Indy. It’s frustrating, but knowing we have such good data to fall back on here at Team Penske keeps us from getting too anxious just yet. Hopefully tomorrow provides better weather and we can get back to work in the No. 6 IZOD Team Penske car.”

WILL POWER (No. 12 Verizon Team Penske): “It was just a waiting game today. We almost had the chance to run. Two days in a row of not getting on track is kind of a bummer. The Verizon car is in great shape and I have every confidence that the team will give me a fast race car. It is definitely going to be busy when we finally do get on track. On a positive note, I’ve had plenty of time to meet with the media and our sponsors over the last couple of days. Let’s hope we can get on track Thursday for fans and drivers alike.”

JUSTIN WILSON (No. 22 Z-Line Designs/Dreyer & Reinbold Racing): “Another wet day. We tried to get out there and we took the Z-Line Designs car out to pit lane, but every time it looked like we were close to going out, it would start raining again. It’s not good conditions. You didn’t want to be caught out on track when it started to sprinkle like that. It’s disappointing because it’s another day gone, but hopefully from here the weather will get better and we will be able to get some good running in. At least this way we are not going to be restricted on miles or tires; we can do all of the running we want once the weather clears up.”

PAUL TRACY (No. 23 WIX Filters/Dreyer & Reinbold Racing): “It is what it is out there today; we can’t control Mother Nature. I’m just thankful that I’m with the team that I’m with in Dreyer & Reinbold Racing. We’ve got a solid car and a solid foundation, and we already know where we’re at. We know exactly what we want to do. In terms of not being on track, I would be more upset if we were struggling, but I think that we are in a pretty good position to put it in on the first day. I think our cars are strong, and I’m not overly upset about not being able to get out on track. We can’t control what the weather does, and like I said, I’m just glad that I’m with the team that I’m with because we have great cars under us.”

ANA BEATRIZ (No. 24 Team Ipiranga/Dreyer & Reinbold Racing): “It’s just disappointing, another day without running. We got so close to being able to go out, but as soon as we started the engine it started to rain again, and it takes forever to dry up the track and we are done for the day because of it. It’s disappointing, but we just have to breathe and wait for tomorrow, and maybe we can finally run more.”

DAVEY HAMILTON (No. 11 HP/Dreyer & Reinbold Racing): “It’s another rain day at Indy. We made some changes to the HP car, and we were anxious to go try them. On the program that we have, we are getting back on pace with everybody else with our tire allotment, so I’m not sure if this helps us or hurts us or what, but it’s the same for everybody. Tomorrow, Friday, Saturday and Sunday all look good, so we will shoot for that.”

***

A total of 59 cars are currently at the Speedway, and 59 have passed technical inspection.

No drivers were on track today. Forty drivers have been on track this month, turning 2,479 total laps.

There was one caution for four hours, four minutes today, due to rain.

THURSDAY’S SCHEDULE (all times local):

***

The 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series season continues with the 100^th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 on May 29 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at Noon (ET) by ABC. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, SiriusXM channel 94 and www.indycar.com. The 2011 Firestone Indy Lights season continues with the Firestone Freedom 100 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 27. The race will be televised live by VERSUS.

- INDYCAR, Press Release

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing

Indianapolis, IN (May 17, 2011) -

The Indianapolis-based squad will be back on track tomorrow afternoon from 12:00 pm until 6:00 pm for practice for the Indianapolis 500. Stay tuned as DRR drivers, Justin Wilson (No. 22 Z-Line Designs), Paul Tracy (No. 23 WIX Filters), Ana Beatriz (No. 24 Ipiranga) and Davey Hamilton (No. 11 HP) get behind the wheel of their cars tomorrow. For more updates on the team, please visit www.dreyerreinboldracing.com.

What they have to say about the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500…

Justin Wilson, No. 22 Z-Line Designs: “Missing today and missing Sunday is a lot of track time that we haven’t been able to get. It feels like we have spent more time waiting than running, so it’s a pretty short month because of that. It will be tough for qualifying, but we’ll make the most of it.”

Paul Tracy, No. 23 WIX Filters: “The weather really didn’t play ball with us today. A couple of people ran, but it wasn’t conditions that we wanted to get out in. We decided to chill and take the time to comb through the car. I think it puts us in a better position tire-wise. Generally speaking, we are in pretty good shape and it didn’t hurt us. We will wait and see what the weather does tomorrow.”

Ana Beatriz, No. 24 Ipiranga: “It was so cold and was still kind of raining today, so the team decided not to run. We spent the day to go over stuff and improve the cars even more. Tomorrow it looks like it will be a little bit warmer and we can run a lot. We will be closer to qualifying and hopefully we will get a couple of days to practice some things.”

Davey Hamilton, No. 11 HP: “We had hoped to go out today to chase some speed, but the weather didn’t cooperate with us. We hope to get back out tomorrow and find a couple miles per hour in the HP Everybody On Car.”

About Dreyer & Reinbold Racing:
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing is entering its 12th season of full-time competition in 2011, 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 270 starts to tuck under its belt and has qualified a total of 27 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.

More information on the team can be found at www.dreyerreinboldracing.com.

More information on the IZOD IndyCar Series can be found at www.indycar.com.

- Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, Press Release

Ana "Bia" Beatriz - Photo Credit: Catchfence Open Wheel Editor: Paul Powell

Indianapolis, IN (May 16, 2011) –

Although it was a little bit windy and cool outside, the sun was still shining and the DRR drivers managed to get plenty of track time in. The four worked closely with the team’s engineering staff to diligently chip away at a number of different things, and now they can gradually start to prepare the cars for this weekend’s qualifying.

Today was a very successful day for Tracy. The Canadian, pilot of the No. 23 WIX Filters car, was the fastest of the four with a speed of 223.780 miles per hour. He logged a total of 35 laps, putting him 12th overall. Wilson, driver of the No. 22 Z-Line Designs machine, clocked a lap speed of 223.436 mph and was 16th among the 39 drivers on track. The Brit completed 59 laps today. Hamilton in the No. 11 HP chassis, who didn’t get any track time in on Saturday, had a productive first day as he logged 49 laps with a best of 222.746 mph, which put him in 25th position.

Beatriz, in the No. 24 Ipiranga car, accomplished a lot for today’s practice session. The Brazilian completed the most laps of the four drivers. Although the weather conditions made it a little more difficult, she was still able to get in plenty of track time as she did 60 laps, recording a top speed of 222.202 mph, making her 28th quickest for the session.

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing will be on track tomorrow from noon until 6:00 pm for day four of practice for the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500. For more updates on the team, please visit www.dreyerreinboldracing.com.

What they have to say about the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500…

Justin Wilson - Photo Credit: Catchfence Open Wheel Editor: Paul Powell

Paul Tracy, No. 23 WIX Filters: “Today was great. We had a really, really good day with the WIX Filters car. We just stuck to a test item plan with race set-up. We haven’t even begun to really start trying to do any type of race qualifying stuff, we’ve just been working on the race car and the car is really fast. When you have a day like to day when every time you get out on track you make the car a little bit better each time and you are quicker and quicker every run, that’s what you want. The Dreyer & Reinbold Racing team did a phenomenal job with the car today. I’m really happy.”

Ana Beatriz, No. 24 Ipiranga: “Today was a little bit different day. It was very cold and windy, so some corners were a little bit harder to make today than on Saturday. I think that we made some good improvements to the car. We still need to get more out of the car for it to feel more comfortable and to get up to speed faster and to be on the top. I think we are headed in a good direction. We just need to keep pushing and we will get there.”

Davey Hamilton, No. 11 HP: “Today was good. We were a day behind, so for our first day I think we are fine. It’s typical here, you always want a little more speed, without a question. I think we are down a mile an hour from where we should be, but like I said, it was a good first day. We will come and re-evaluate the car and look at all of the telemetry and see if we can pick it up tomorrow.”

About Dreyer & Reinbold Racing:
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing is entering its 12th season of full-time competition in 2011, 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 270 starts to tuck under its belt and has qualified a total of 27 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.

More information on the team can be found at www.dreyerreinboldracing.com.

More information on the IZOD IndyCar Series can be found at www.indycar.com.

- Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, Press Release

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing

Indianapolis, IN (May 15, 2011) –

The Indianapolis-based squad will be back on track tomorrow afternoon from 12:00 pm until 6:00 pm for practice for the Indianapolis 500. Stay tuned as DRR drivers, Justin Wilson (No. 22 Z-Line Designs), Paul Tracy (No. 23 WIX Filters), Ana Beatriz (No. 24 Ipiranga) and Davey Hamilton (No. 11 HP) get behind the wheel of their cars tomorrow. For more updates on the team, please visit www.dreyerreinboldracing.com.

What they have to say about the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500…

Justin Wilson, No. 22 Z-Line Designs: “Today’s weather forecast was right. We didn’t get any track time today, which stinks, but hopefully we will get some dry running in tomorrow and will get stuck in. We’ve only had a few laps so far, but it’s the same for everyone, so we’ll just sit around and wait and hopefully it will get better.”

Paul Tracy, No. 23 WIX Filters: “Today doesn’t really hurt us. We made some runs yesterday when the weather was good and warm. Some people questioned why we were doing that because we were short on tires. We looked at the weather and said ‘well maybe we aren’t going to run the next day’. I think it has put us in a good position because we know what we can do to the WIX Filters car and we know what changes we need to make and we are up to speed. Having this one day of rain puts us in a better position tire-wise for later in the week.”

Ana Beatriz, No. 24 Ipiranga: “It’s disappointing. I wish that we could have had more track time to improve the car and setup. Hopefully we can have sunny days and we will be able to work on the car this week. We always have rain days in Indy, so we were expecting that, but hopefully it will be dry tomorrow and I can run.”

Davey Hamilton, No. 11 HP: “It’s the same for everybody, obviously, that we didn’t get any track time today, but unfortunately I didn’t get any yesterday either. The good thing is that I’m ready to go. Paul and Justin tested well yesterday so I feel confident that our cars will be good. When it stops, we will be the first ones out there.”

About Dreyer & Reinbold Racing:
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing is entering its 12th season of full-time competition in 2011, 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 270 starts to tuck under its belt and has qualified a total of 27 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.

More information on the team can be found at www.dreyerreinboldracing.com.

More information on the IZOD IndyCar Series can be found at www.indycar.com.

- Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, Press Release

INDYCAR LOGO

On a day cut short 45 minutes because of showers, Ed Carpenter was quickest of the 32 entrants to get on the 2.5-mile oval with a lap of 224.786 mph (40.0380 seconds). Scott Dixon, the 2008 race winner and IZOD IndyCar Series champion, was second in the No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing car and JR Hildebrand, who was quickest in breezing through the Rookie Orientation Program on May 12, was third (224.433 mph).

There were 669 laps recorded without incident. Second day track activity, with a more favorable weather forecast, commences at noon May 15.

Reigning Indy 500 champion Dario Franchitti (224.107) was fourth in the No. 10 Target Chip Ganassi Racing car, and 2006 race runner-up Marco Andretti (223.927) was fifth in the No. 26 Team Venom car for Andretti Autosport.

Whether shaking down their primary or backup cars, working on running in traffic or seeing how quick they were off the truck, drivers enjoyed the work on the oval. For full-time competitors, their previous track time has been on four road and street courses.

Carpenter, competing in his first IZOD IndyCar Series event of the season – and first for Sarah Fisher Racing in the No. 67 Dollar General car – has a best start of eighth (2010) and finish of eighth (2009) in seven starts. Of course, Carpenter, stepson of Indy Racing League founder Tony George, covets a victory in the ’500′ more than any other.

“It’s only day one, but it’s really exciting to see hard work pay off and see progress,” he said. “We’re going to have to keep up the effort because it’s a long week heading into qualifying, but I definitely like the start that we’re off to.”

Added Fisher, a nine-time Indy 500 starter who announced her retirement from the race car in November: “I was really proud of the boys for starting the month off with little to no error. It was a bonus for Ed to top the charts, but we know we still have a lot more work to accomplish. For this being our first race of the season, we know we have to hit the ground running, and to see the team gelling already is a great testament to our people.”

Other notable Opening Day speeds were posted by 2009 race runner-up Vitor Meira (seventh at 223.192); Paul Tracy (11^th at 222.295), who didn’t qualify for the 2010 race; Danica Patrick (12^th at 222.232) and 2004 race winner Buddy Rice (14^th at 221.461), who’s returned to the track for the first time since 2008.

DAY 1 NOTEBOOK:
Firestone Firehawk race tire facts for the 100^th Anniversary Indianapolis 500:

•Firestone Racing returns to Indianapolis in 2011 with the same tire specification as 2010.

•A full-month entry receives 33 sets (132 tires), and a partial-month entry receives 26 sets (108 tires) for all of practice, qualifying and the race. Rookie Orientation Program participants receive an additional four sets (16 tires) for that session only; veteran refreshers receive two additional sets (eight tires) that must be returned before practice Monday, May 16. More than 5,000 tires in all are available.

•Tire stagger: A single stagger of approximately .30 of an inch is available. Stagger, created by molding the right rear tire with a larger diameter than the left rear, helps race cars turn more naturally and smoothly on oval tracks.

AL SPEYER (Executive Director, Firestone Racing): “The Indianapolis 500 is the race we most eagerly await each season, but we are anticipating this year’s even more with the centennial anniversary of this great event. We take immense pride in knowing that Firestone tires carried Ray Harroun to victory in the inaugural Indianapolis 500 a century ago, and that Firestone Racing still plays a pivotal role in the sport a hundred years later. Come May 29, we know that whoever takes the checkered flag first will do it on Firehawk tires and become Firestone’s 62^nd Indy 500 champion. It’s a win total more than all other tire makers combined and powerful proof of the legacy that the Firestone brand has maintained through the years. For ‘The Most Important Race in History,’ we are supplying the identical Firestone tire specification that was used in 2010 and received such wide praise from teams and drivers last May. With the entire racing world watching on this historic occasion, we want to provide a proven tire that will do its part to help make this landmark Indianapolis 500 even more memorable. Firestone wishes the best to all of this year’s competitors and congratulates Indianapolis Motor Speedway on its centennial milestone.”

***

Six rookies assigned to cars for the 100^th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 passed all four phases of the Rookie Orientation Program on Thursday, May 12: JR Hildebrand, James Hinchcliffe, Charlie Kimball, Pippa Mann, Scott Speed and Ho-Pin Tung.

James Jakes completed three of the four phases and can finish the test during practice this week.

Jay Howard only needs to complete a refresher test – the final two phases of Rookie Orientation – because passed the Rookie Orientation Program in 2008 and participated in 2010 Indianapolis 500 qualifying.

The Rookie Orientation Program consists of turning consistent laps at four speed phases on the 2.5-mile asphalt oval. Drivers must turn five consistent laps at 200-205 mph, and 10 consistent laps at each of these three speed phases: 205-210, 210-215 and 215 or faster.

***

Window World, sponsor of the No. 43 Andretti Autosport car driven by John Andretti, today unveiled “The Stinger,” a 2011 concept show car that pays tribute to the 1911 Marmon Wasp, winner of the inaugural Indianapolis 500, and the 100^th Anniversary Indianapolis 500. The No. 100 “Stinger” features a yellow-and-black color scheme taken directly from the Marmon Wasp. It will be on display all month in the MotoGP garage area near Gasoline Alley.

The Window World Cares charitable foundation has invited each of the race’s former starters to autograph the car. For each signature, Window World Cares will make a donation of support. Since its creation, Window World Cares has raised more than $1.6 million for St. Jude Research Hospital.

JOHN ANDRETTI: “The whole project came about in conversations about the 100th anniversary, how we could pay tribute to the drivers who have participated. Actually, it became an idea when I got a letter from Mari Hulman George about the past drivers that are still living and coming back for the Indy 500 for this anniversary. I think it’s just great Window World has wrapped their arms around it, the centennial year, as much as they have. With the retro paint scheme on the 43 as well as the ‘Stinger’ program and raising money through a great cause through Window World Cares, I think it’s awesome. Already they’ve raised quite a bit of money because of all the drivers’ signatures at Andretti Autosport, including my cousin (team owner Michael Andretti).”

***

Pruett Vineyard, in collaboration with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is proud to announce a Limited Edition Napa Cabernet Sauvignon celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.

The centennial Indy 500 logo is prominently placed on the front label, making this a cherished collector’s item of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

Pruett Vineyard produces small lot, handcrafted wine, with great attention to detail and quality. 1989 Indianapolis 500 co-Rookie of the Year Scott Pruett is involved in every aspect as owner and vintner.

Scott and Judy Pruett will present a Magnum bottle of this Pruett Indy 500 wine, showcased in a beautiful lacquered etched wooden box, to each of the 33 team owners qualifying for the 100th running.

For more information, visit www.pruettvineyard.com.

SCOTT PRUETT: “We wanted to give this gift to the owners as a thank you, and homage to past and future team owners, for bringing this gold standard of motorsports to all of us. It’s absolutely overwhelming to think about the history of this great race, and to be involved at any level is truly an honor. With its rich history and cherished memories, there is really nothing in the world quite like the Indy 500. I am so excited and honored to be involved at this level in the Centennial Era.”

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FIRST ON TRACK, 1984-2010

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Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard was the honorary starter today, waving the green flag to start the first practice for the 100^th Anniversary Indianapolis 500.

GREG BALLARD: “They were side by side by side by side like a front row coming down the straightaway. It was a lot of fun. I will leave Race Day (start) in the hands of the professionals. We’re very lucky to be here for the 100^th anniversary because a lot of people are going to be reminiscing about all the events that have gone on before here. Also we have the new chassis to look forward to. And there is a lot of excitement as to what the new cars will look like. This is a great time to celebrate the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the longevity of this race going forward. I always tell people around the world that there is nothing like the month of May in Indianapolis, and I mean that. This is an unbelievable month that really brings the city together. Everybody enjoys it. It’s a great event on Race Day, and they memorialize those veterans who did not come back from serving this county. Obviously, the Speedway does it right.”

***

IZOD IndyCar Series fan Greg Nemeth won a Graham watch with an estimated retail value of $7,000-$8,000 through an online contest promoted by Target Chip Ganassi Driver Scott Dixon.

Nemeth, from Greenwood, Ind., won by correctly picking the top three finishers of the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama last month. Dixon has been very active with social media this season and promoted the contest, hosted on his website, via Twitter. Dixon presented Nemeth with the watch this morning at the Speedway.

GREG NEMETH: “I’ve been following IndyCar forever, but he (Dixon) mentioned his contest on Twitter. The first time I tried, I won. It felt pretty good. I picked Scott to finish second. I didn’t think I’d win, but I guess I did. I feel bad about not picking Scott to finish first, but I won.”

SCOTT DIXON: (About the contest): “I’ve actually had it for three years, and nobody’s ever won. Then, Barber (Motorsports Park) race weekend, we had three winners. Greg was the first one to pick it and was the lucky winner.” (About becoming very involved with social media this year): “I think it’s a nice way to interact. I think the biggest hold-out (on getting involved with Twitter) was my wife, because she said I was already on my phone way too much. Adding Twitter to that was going to double my time. It’s a lot of fun, especially now when 99 percent of the drivers all do it. Viral media, things like Twitter, Facebook and all the others, there’s a huge connection to the fans. If you can interact more, it’s going to make (the sport) more popular.”

***

After a banner 2010 that included a sweep of the Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400 and Daytona 500, Chip Ganassi and his organization are among the nominees at the Fourth Annual Sports Business Awards on Wednesday, May 18 in New York.

Ganassi is the first race team executive to be nominated for Sports Executive of the Year, and Chip Ganassi Racing Teams is the second race team to receive a Professional Sports Team of the Year nomination.

The awards, given by Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal, honor excellence in sports business.

***

Legendary Indianapolis 500 team owner Roger Penske will be honored with the Legends of Racing Award at the 12^th annual Racing to Recovery Gala presented by The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation (SSPF) on Wednesday, May 18.

The gala is taking place at D’Amore Events, located atop the Chase Bank Building at 111 Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis.

Penske Racing has won a record 15 Indianapolis 500′s. Penske joins an illustrious list of Legends of Racing Award winners, including Rick Mears, Parnelli Jones, Arie Luyendyk, Mario Andretti and Michael Andretti.

Throughout the evening, guests will have the opportunity to mingle with Indianapolis 500 greats from the past and present and current IZOD IndyCar Series team owners and drivers, while raising money to support medical research, rehabilitation and quality-of-life programs for those living with paralysis. The event will feature a silent and live auction, giving guests the opportunity to bid on unique racing-themed items.

SSPF was started in 2000 by INDYCAR driver Sam Schmidt shortly after a practice 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.

For ticket information, contact events@samschmidt.org or call (317) 236-9999.

***

Rockford Fosgate, the industry leader in high-performance car audio systems, is joining forces with Paul Tracy, who will debut the Rockford Fosgate logo at the 100^th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 29 while driving the No. 23 WIX Filters/Dreyer & Reinbold Racing entry.

PAUL TRACY: “I’m really excited to partner with such a great audio brand like Rockford Fosgate and look forward to supporting all of their products this season. I’ve been a fan of their high-performance equipment for some time now, and I’m honored they would allow me to be their brand ambassador in motorsports. I look forward to outfitting my classic ’64 Riviera and ’51 Mercury with some of the coolest Rockford Fosgate car audio amps and speakers.”

BILL JACKSON (CEO and president, Rockford Corporation): “Paul embodies the Rockford Fosgate lifestyle. He leads an active life, enjoys music and all things motorized. We’re excited to have Paul in the Rockford Fosgate family.”

***

Andretti Autosport owner Michael Andretti spoke about the 100^th Anniversary Indianapolis 500.

MICHAEL ANDRETTI: (About importance of the 100th Anniversary): “Yeah, it’s always exciting being here getting ready for the month. But this year is extra special, being the 100^th year, so there is some extra incentive to do well. It would be great to be the winning team on the 100^th Anniversary, and I can tell you all of us are real excited to get going.” (What would it mean for an Andretti to win the 100th Anniversary race?): “I honestly cannot put it into words. It would be real emotional if that were to happen, I can tell you that.”

***

Tom Hansing, one of the Indianapolis 500 starters in the flag stand, talked about the 100^th Anniversary Indianapolis 500.

TOM HANSING: “It’s a big morning, the 100th Anniversary of the ’500,’ and I feel real great to be a part of it. I owe a lot to Bryan Howard, the chief starter on Race Day. He brought me in to the series about 10 years ago, and here we are. I started out with the United States Auto Club and still work with them and fill in with the IZOD IndyCar Series.” (Is it hard not to just sit back and watch?): “It is. Particularly on Race Day, when 33 cars come thundering down on you. It’s just a feeling you can’t explain to someone who has not been up there.”

***

Indianapolis 500 veteran Sarah Fisher retired as a driver last fall to concentrate on ownership of Sarah Fisher Racing. She and her husband, Andy O’Gara, also are starting a family. Their first child is due Sept. 29.

Fisher made nine “500″ starts between 2000-10.

SARAH FISHER: (About her pregnancy): “I’m out of racing shape, that’s for sure. I had to stop working out in October, and they don’t make maternity seat belts. But I’m very happy. It is an exciting time, especially to have Ed Carpenter driving for us because he is the perfect fit. He matches the brand, and no doubt that he has a strong performance record here at Indy. So I’m excited about the Race Day and the 100th Anniversary in general.” (Is hard to be not racing?): “No, it depends on how much fun you’re having and who you have driving for you, and with Ed’s family and his wife, Heather, they have already done a lot of work with us for our Laps for Literacy program, so it has just been really fun. I can’t wait to see how it goes on track, and I’m sure it will be a perfect fit.”

***

Willy T. Ribbs, who became the first African-American starter in the Indianapolis 500 in 1991, is visiting the track this week. Ribbs announced Thursday he has formed a Firestone Indy Lights team to help another African-American driver achieve his dream.

In partnership with Starting Grid, Inc. principal Chris Miles, Ribbs has formed Willy T. Ribbs Racing to campaign 21-year-old Chase Austin in the 2011 Firestone Freedom 100 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Austin will take the wheel of the Willy T. Ribbs Racing/ Starting Grid Inc./Brooks Associates Racing entry in May 27 race, the premier event on the 2011 Firestone Indy Lights schedule. With sponsorship support from American Honda Motor Company, Inc., the car carries No. 75 in homage to Ribbs’ car number when driving for comedian Bill Cosby in 1993 and 1994.

Austin, much like his team owner, is no stranger to setting new benchmarks as he works his way up the racing ladder. Born in Eudora, Kan., he spent his formative years competing in anything from tiny 900-pound midgets to intimidating, 700-horsepower dirt late-models. By age 15, Austin was the youngest driver ever to sign a developmental contract in NASCAR, with the Hendrick Motorsports team. He made history again in 2007 with Rusty Wallace Racing, becoming the first African-American driver to compete in a Nationwide Series oval event; highlighted by a sixth-place finish at Dover International Speedway. Austin has spent the past two seasons competing in the Camping World Truck Series and Nationwide Series.

WILLY T. RIBBS: “It was a great announcement to make because it is great to be back at Indy. The irony — my 20th anniversary of qualifying here and then this being the 100th anniversary for the race –the timing could not have been better.” (On the moment he came down pit lane after qualifying in 1991 and slapping hands): “It was a moment that was totally unplanned. I had no plan to do that, and as I was coming down pit lane I was worried about hitting people who were coming out to greet me with my wheel, so I had to come halfway out to the cockpit so I could reach their hands, and it was just a great moment – totally unplanned.” (About the “500″): “Indianapolis is the biggest race on the planet, and it not only is it a great race it’s the biggest sporting event in the world. There is no race that can come close to it – nothing can even touch it.”

***

More than 250 classic cars were on display today at IMS during the 100^th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 Celebration of Automobiles.

Many of these machines have won awards in Concours d’Elegance competition at such venues as Pebble Beach and Amelia Island.

The cars participating in the Celebration were divided into two divisions, one a general collection and the other presenting for the first time anywhere classic cars produced by the 24 manufacturers that competed in the first Indianapolis 500 Mile Race in 1911.

A team of judges will reveal its choices for the best of show in several categories tonight at the elegant Condon-Skelly Celebration of Automobiles dinner, where several exquisite trophies will be presented to winning car owners. 1963 Indianapolis 500 winner Parnelli Jones heads the judging panel, with three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Johnny Rutherford and 1985 “500″ winner Danny Sullivan also serving as judges.

PARNELLI JONES: (On judging the Celebration of Automobiles): “First of all, it’s the 100^th anniversary and to have over 200 cars come to the track to be a part of it is something really nice. You only have one 100^th anniversary, and this event, along with all the race cars on the track, is a great way to start. It was very tough to pick one individual wining car. But between myself, Rutherford and Sullivan, we boiled it down to one top choice. And overall, I think we’re making a great comeback here.” (On the centennial celebration and the Month of May): “I think it’s definitely going to be a pumped-up year. Everybody’s excited about it. I know I am. I’m fortunate enough to be able to drive the 1911 winning Marmon Wasp on Race Day, and I’m very excited for it. I think the guy who wins this race is going to have extra stamp on his back, for sure. It’s going to be great. It can’t be any better.” (On being back at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway): “I come back every year. It’s a reunion for me. Once you’re a past winner, I think you feel like you are part of the Speedway. It’s ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,’ and it has a great history. I get to have the honor of being a part of that.”

Quotes from selected participants:

REED TARWATER (Greenwood, Ind., 1933 MG J2 Roadster): “This is, by far and away, the largest and best auto show I have ever been to, and I have gone to a lot of shows. I’ve been to great shows at Meadowbrook and Hilton Head, but this is the best one I have ever attended. There is a car owner here today that made the trip from London (England) to come to this show. Living here in Indianapolis – it’s ‘the track.’ We’ve been coming here for years, but for other people that have never been here before, it’s a big deal to come and see this. Yesterday, we were able to drive around the track, and it was a great treat for a lot of these people.”

JAN TARWATER (Greenwood, Ind., 1933 MG J2 Roadster): “This is a great event today. We’ve even been to the prestigious Pebble Beach show. It is top-notch, but this show today has the widest range of beautiful, beautiful cars I have ever seen.”

KEN CLARK (Pittsfield, Maine, 1929 Cord L-29 Cabriolet): “I just thought it would be a neat thing. I’ve never been to the Indianapolis 500 before, and I just thought it would be a good place to go. So that was the real reason. But with the invitation and then the application and then the acceptance, I thought (the opportunity) was cool. I like race cars, but I’m not a race car fan. I don’t watch them, but I like to promote cars. And what better way to promote cars than at a racetrack?”

JOHN KELSEY (Camdenton, Mo., 1914 Stutz): “The car has returned home where the car was first built (Stutz was built in Indianapolis). I drove it in 1952 here around the Speedway as part of the Studebaker Centennial Celebration Tour. And now we are celebrating another centennial, the 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500. I had the privilege of circling the track then and also circled it Friday. My father (Paul Kelsey) bought the car from its previous owners in Iowa in 1951. The car remained in storage from 1917 to 1951, and now it is here at the Speedway.”

***

FASTEST TIMES/SPEEDS OF PRACTICE:

* — Rookie

***

INDIANAPOLIS 500 PRACTICE QUOTES:

SCOTT DIXON (No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing): “Today was short and sweet, as we only turned four laps at speed. Always great to be back at IMS. Team Target prepped the cars to their usual high standard. Early days, but I can’t wait to get back in the car tomorrow.”

TOMAS SCHECKTER (No. 07 Team REDLINE Xtreme – Circle K): “We still have a lot of work to do. It’s going to be a long month. As everybody knows, there’s a lot of competitive people out there. So far just for one run, I think the car’s good. We’ve definitely got a good base to work from.” (On the influence the forecast can have on the team’s plan.): “Actually, we’re on the shorter engine program, so for us it’s not that much of a problem. We’ve got a certain amount of tires that we have to run through. We’re about seven (sets) behind what the full-time guys get. For us, rain is good because it doesn’t allow them to get so much more running in than what I would. And I’ve got a lot of experience around here, so for me it was straight out the pits, and I was flat out. I could get a good feel.” (On his confidence this year with a new team): “The confidence level is always high. For me, it’s high because I love this track. I love this place. I love the Month of May. But certainly we’ve worked a little bit on the setup. But we probably need to take a couple more steps for it to be 100 percent comfortable.”

JAMES JAKES (No. 18 Acorn Starilifts): “It was pretty easy today. It’s my first time at Indy and my first time on an oval. We’re still running a lot of downforce, so we’re driving around and just learning the ropes. We have a lot of testing to do, go through all the stuff with my teammates, and I’m just taking my time. It will be good at the end of the day to look at all the data. It will be a long week. We can do a good job; we just have to be patient. Alex (Lloyd) has been here before, and he’s given me very good advice. Hopefully, we’ll feed off each other.”

MIKE CONWAY (No. 27 Hire Heroes USA/7-Eleven/Dr Pepper): “It felt great. Obviously, it’s been a while since we were here. All the drivers are always excited coming back to Indy. It’s great to get out and turn some fairly quick laps. All in all, it was just a shakedown with the T car today. You know, it’s just good to see all the fans out here today. I’m sure it will get busier and busier as the days go on.” (On his comfort level after being involved in the crash last year): “Yeah, it’s great to be back out and working with the all Andretti guys and seeing what the car feels like around here. The car felt good. We’ve just got to keep chipping away. We’ve got a long week, so no rush.”

BUDDY RICE (No. 44 Panther Racing): “I feel good, and I’m happy to be back. Everything is going pretty well. I’m excited to be back here. I wanted to make sure I’d be in good equipment, and the Panther crew has run really well here recently. It’s a great opportunity for me. I’m excited for the centennial. The centennial only comes around once, and there won’t be anything like this for quite a long time, so I’m glad to be a part of it.”

GRAHAM RAHAL (No. 38 Service Central): “Service Central Chip Ganassi Racing had a great day. We didn’t run very long today, and the laps we did turn were very conservative. The No. 38 Service Central Honda is faster than we anticipated for the first time out at IMS, so we are in great shape. I’m looking forward to getting back out on the track tomorrow.”

PIPPA MANN (No. 36 Conquest Racing): “The goal for today was just to go out and get some solid running in. We got through the Rookie Orientation Program on Thursday, but we didn’t get to do any testing. So today was about picking up where we left off, getting solidly up to speed and starting to work on the car – all of which we did. We’re about halfway up the speed charts at the moment, and there’s plenty more to come. We’ve got loads of aero on the car at the moment; we’re being super-conservative. We’ve got a couple of little handling gremlins going on, but once we fix those and wipe the aero off, I think we’re looking OK. I’m pleased with where we’ve ended up after day one. The weather is going to play a huge part this week, but it always does here in Indianapolis, and it’s the same for everyone. Obviously, it’s not easy when you’re a rookie. One of the difficult things about being a rookie here at IMS is that the track changes all of the time, and it doesn’t always change consistently and go in the same direction. You’re never really quite sure what you’re going to get, and as a rookie, I’m going through all of this for the first time. In terms of driving experience, Sebastian and I are a young team with no veterans to help us out, so losing out on running time will have an impact on us. However, it’s up to us to make sure that it doesn’t have a big impact, and we do the very best we can with what we’ve got.”

ORIOL SERVIA (No. 2 Telemundo Newman/Haas Racing): “It was a perfect day for the Telemundo team. It was trouble-free, and we did exactly what we wanted, and the car felt really good. It’s hard to know where we stand compared to everybody, especially being the first day and everyone is running different downforce levels. We just have to base our judgment on how the car feels, and the car feels good, so we are happy. This place is one that you always have to treat with respect. I had all sorts of nightmares last night because I think I was nervous. But the car felt great from the first lap. It’s a great place to be.”

JAMES HINCHCLIFFE (No. 06 Sprott Newman/Haas Racing): “We really wanted to work on the rain setup today, so it was pretty convenient that the weather cooperated. Just kidding! Today was all about getting up to speed and running with the full field for the first day because, obviously, with Rookie Orientation there are only seven cars on track. We started really conservative because we should have a lot of track time. We started peeling off a little bit of downforce slowly but surely. We orchestrated a little bit of traffic running with Oriol, which was good; it was certainly good practice for me. Everybody is going good so far. The car has been really stable, and we’re feeling really confident. Oriol got a bit more work done this afternoon before the rain started to come, so we’ll look over what he got done. I think we are heading in the right direction, and we’re on a good plan of being cautious over the week but then being there when it counts for qualifying.”

HELIO CASTRONEVES (No. 3T Shell V-Power/Pennzoil Ultra Team Penske): “The plan today for the Shell V-Power Pennzoil Ultra car was to just stay consistent and run through our list of equipment on the T car. We were able to do that today, so we stuck to the plan. Hopefully tomorrow, we’ll get a chance to run in the primary car and continue working our game plan.”

RYAN BRISCOE (No. 6T IZOD Team Penske): “It was a great first day in the No. 6T IZOD Team Penske car at the Speedway today. It’s definitely fun to be running at more than 220 mph – it’s been a long time since we’ve felt that exhilaration. It feels really comfortable being back at Indy, and I’m excited to get more laps in this week.”

WILL POWER (No. 12T Verizon Team Penske): “The No. 12T Verizon Team Penske car was good today. We really didn’t run too much by design. Today was more of a shakedown for us, just easing our way into our time here at the Brickyard. It did feel good to get back on track at the Speedway; it’s such an awesome place. Hopefully, we will have the chance to get on track tomorrow and continue working.”

SEBASTIAN SAAVEDRA (No. 34 Conquest Racing): “It wasn’t the way we wanted to start. We expected to run a lot more laps, but in the end this is how racing goes. The guys have put an amazing amount of effort to put the car together and make it as aerodynamic as it can be. So I’m very pleased with how it looks and how it’s going to perform. We had a little inconvenience today that kept us from getting as much track time as we were looking for, but it’s a long week and we are looking forward to making it happen tomorrow. Hopefully the weather will cooperate. The car feels great. We just need to get some more track time.”

TOWNSEND BELL (No. 99 Herbalife Schmidt Pelfrey Racing): “I’d like to be out there, but we have a few more little things to do. We don’t want to rush it. We want to make sure we have the absolute best piece possible. It’s hard for a driver to sit on a day like today, but we’ll be ready to go tomorrow. It’s really nice to have Gerald (Tyler) around and, and I really like working with Allen McDonald, as well . There’s a comfort level there. Everybody’s itching to start getting to work.”

ALEX LLOYD (No. 19 Boy Scouts of America): “The balance on the car is fantastic; it’s the most well-balanced car that I’ve had in the four years I’ve been doing this. It’s very encouraging straight off the bat. We’re trying to figure out where we’re at speed-wise and downforce-wise. From a balance perspective, we’re very happy with it. It made life a little easier because you’re always a little antsy going into that first run to see what performance level you have. We were a little more aggressive today than we have in past years, and that goes down to my experience. I was flat out within a couple of laps, and before it would take a couple of runs before I could go flat out. When you’re newer, you take a little more time. We’re ready to start getting rid of some of the downforce in the next couple of days.”

RYAN HUNTER-REAY (No. 28T Team DHL/Sun Drop Citrus Soda): “We were able to get an idea of what the backup car is doing. We just wanted to get the backup car through the paces – two outings, that’s it — roll it back to the garage, get the primary car ready and get on with the objectives of the month. We do this as a precaution. In case we need to go to the backup car later, then we know what we have. While we’re itching to get to work on the primary DHL/Sun Drop car, we have to have the discipline to make this happen. The whole team did it, and everyone seemed to run pretty well.”

DANICA PATRICK (No. 7T Team GoDaddy): “I thought we had a solid run today. The ‘T’ car did great today, so we hope the primary car will run just as well. The Go Daddy team is off to a positive start for May.”

JUSTIN WILSON (No. 22 Z-Line Designs/Dreyer & Reinbold Racing): “Today was all right. We only did one run and it was OK, and the Z-Line Designs car felt OK. It was good to get back out on track and to shake the car out. It would have been nice to really get into it, but we were getting up to speed and we brought the car back to get checked out and to make a couple of changes, and then the weather came in. I’m looking forward to getting back out tomorrow and to get more miles.”

PAUL TRACY (No. 23 WIX Filters/Dreyer & Reinbold Racing): “The first day on track was great. I’m really, really happy with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and with the work that they have done preparing the WIX Filters car for the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500. It was just a seamless day today. We went out with a test plan in mind, and we made four individual changes. Every change made the car a little bit better and a little bit better, and we ended up at 222.295. We were 11th quick, and Justin was 10th, so overall I’m pretty happy with where we ended up, and we will keep working tomorrow.”

ANA BEATRIZ (No. 24 Team Ipiranga/Dreyer & Reinbold Racing): “It was good to be back in the car. We did one lap time just to see how the car felt, and we stopped. The speed didn’t show up on my dash, so we tried to work it out for a couple of minutes, and we couldn’t find it. So, we went back out there to really feel the car at a high speed and it felt great, but because we couldn’t see the speeds that I was actually doing and if I was improving and getting better, we decided to pit to fix the problem. We went back to the garage to set the car down. This is the first day and we want to make sure that we can get all of the problems fixed today so that we can start tomorrow strong. It started raining today so unfortunately we were unable to get back out, but we have extra tires for tomorrow, and I hope we will be able to use them all.”

JOHN ANDRETTI (No. 43 Team Window World): “We got a lot more done today than we thought we would with the rain. We went through the changes we wanted to make. I feel pretty good about it. Everybody has learned a lot, and we’ve learned a lot from my teammates. I feel really good about the month and the Window World car. I think we’re already a few steps ahead from where we were last year.”

MARCO ANDRETTI (No. 26T Team Venom): “It felt really good to get back in the car here in Indy. We focused today on getting a few laps in the T car, and tomorrow we’ll move to our primary car. Hopefully we won’t need the T car again, but it’s nice to know where it stands, just in case. I think the Venom team has potential to be strong this month. We’ve typically run well here and have come close to winning a couple times. This would be a great year to get the job done.”

DARIO FRANCHITTI (No. 10T Target Chip Ganassi Racing): “It was a good shakedown of the No. 10t Target car. Both Scott Dixon and I seemed to have good speed right away, but the real work starts on Monday.”

JAY HOWARD (No. 88 Service Central Schmidt-RLL Racing): “The car feels really good. We got to run our refresher laps and got the work done that we needed to get done in that session. The Service Central team has done a great job in getting the cars ready, and I feel that there is a lot of speed left in the car. We will be working very hard over the next week to find that speed and get ourselves strongly into the field.”

BERTRAND BAGUETTE (No. 30 The RACB/Aspria RLL Special): “It was a good first day. I feel comfortable in the car. We didn’t have a tow and still did a pretty decent time, so I feel good. It was important for me today to feel good in the car and with the team since I hadn’t been in a car since October of last year, but I think we did everything we needed to do and can start really working on making the car faster tomorrow.”

ED CARPENTER (No. 67 Dollar General/Sarah Fisher Racing): (On working with Sarah Fisher after coming up through the same paths in racing): “We have a different respect for each other than probably other people around because of the way we got here and what it means to us. It’s just a good group to be around. Sarah and Andy (O’Gara) have done a great job building their team. They do everything they can to get better. The guys work really hard, and today’s a product of that.” (On his good performances in recent years at Indy): “Yeah, this is my eighth go around here. It’s so much fun being in an Indy car at this track. I definitely feel blessed to have the opportunity with Sarah and Dollar General to be here. Today was a fun day, and hopefully we can keep this momentum going this week.”

SARAH FISHER (Owner, Sarah Fisher Racing): (On her confidence with the team this year and Ed Carpenter being so fast so soon): “That wasn’t supposed to happen yet. You’re supposed to slowly build up and do that. You know, I’ve had a lot of questions about whether it was going to be hard watching the 67 car go around without me in it. Honestly, it makes a difference with the individual you have representing you and doing the job for you. Ed’s a perfect fit for us and really showed that today. We’re really proud of the boys and the job they did together.”

JR HILDEBRAND (No. 4 National Guard Panther Racing): “We’re really happy with how the day went. I probably could have pulled off an even better lap there, but for me it’s still a matter of understanding what I’m expecting to happen compared to what is actually going to happen when I’m out there. The National Guard car felt good, and we didn’t have anything out of the ordinary, and we understand it’s going to be a whole different gig when there are a bunch of different cars out there, as that creates a lot more turbulent air. Thankfully, through Rookie Orientation and again today we’ve been able to make positive steps every time by making small steps every time. If we can keep up the pace of what we’re doing, then it should be positive as we continue to move forward.”

VITOR MEIRA (No. 14 ABC Supply Co A.J. Foyt Racing): “I think we are cautiously excited. There’s still a lot to do. We’re still slower than what it will take in qualifying, but the car is good, it’s fast. We did get a draft, but even without the draft, we’re pretty competitive in our times, so we’re excited. It’s the first day, but I think we started the right way and we just have to maintain and improve on what we had today.”

BRUNO JUNQUEIRA (No. 41 A.J. Foyt Racing): “It was very nice to be back at Indianapolis. I love the track. To feel the speed, I always have to get used to it to go 220 mph. I’m very happy to have a chance to race here with A.J. Foyt. It’s a great team, and A.J. is a great team owner. I’m learning a lot from him. Let’s hope we can have a good week. It rained a little bit, but we were able to do some good laps. We found a good direction to go, so that was very good for the first day.”

ALEX TAGLIANI (No. 77 Bowers & Wilkins/Sam Schmidt Motorsports): “It was part of our plan actually not to practice. Last year we didn’t practice here, and it kind of turned out to be a good thing. I was sick I was in the hospital with really bad bronchitis so I missed the first day. To run on a very consistent basis, sometimes it’s better to wait for a little bit of rubber not because it’s quicker but because the track is not going to burn tires so quickly. The plan is to get out tomorrow, but the only thing that is going to dictate whether we go out is the temperature. If it’s the way it was today and if it’s green, we’re going to go (out).”

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1985 Indianapolis 500 winner Danny Sullivan was at the track today, serving as a judge in the Celebration of Automobiles with fellow “500″ winners Parnelli Jones and Johnny Rutherford.

DANNY SULLIVAN: (On how the excitement of this year): “It’s always good to be back here. I don’t get back often enough. I was surprised how many drivers are still around. It’s pretty staggering how many guys have competed in the Indy 500 and how many champions are here, as well. I was riding around with Johnny Rutherford this morning, an old teammate and always great fun to be with. And Parnelli’s out here, Al (Unser) Jr., Rick (Mears); I saw Arie (Luyendyk). It’s a great group of people.”

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SUNDAY’S SCHEDULE (all times local):

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The 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series season continues with the 100^th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 on May 29 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at Noon (ET) by ABC. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, SiriusXM channel 94 and www.indycar.com. The 2011 Firestone Indy Lights season continues with the Firestone Freedom 100 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 27. The race will be televised live by VERSUS.

- INDYCAR, Press Release

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing

Indianapolis, IN (May 14, 2011) -

Today was a good start for the month for Wilson and Tracy. Both drivers were able to get out on track and record some laps before the rain rolled in. Justin only did one run for the day, but fortunately it was a successful one. He was able to shake the car down and recorded a speed of 222.360 mph, making him the 10th fastest for the day. After the first run, the No. 22 Z-Line Designs crew came back to the garage to make some changes to the car, but weather came in and Wilson was unable to get back out.

It was a similar story for WIX Filters pilot, Tracy. The Canadian got right up to speed and the car felt completely comfortable with each change that the team made. He was able to get a few good runs in and call it a day. Tracy was 11th quickest with a speed of 222.295 mph.

Although track time was limited, that didn’t hinder Ana Beatriz too much. The Brazilian was able to get out on track and dust off the cobwebs. As she worked on getting up to speed, Bia was unable to get a read on her dash. She was able to run a couple of laps before she had to come in to try to fix the problem. The No. 24 Ipiranga crew brought the car back to the garage to makes some changes and work on the car, but the rain started to fall and she wasn’t able to get back out. She was the 22nd fastest with a top lap speed of 220.537 mph.

It was a different situation for Davey Hamilton. The pilot of the No. 11 HP machine was unable to log any laps today. The veteran driver was set to run last out of the other three DRR drivers. After the others did their first run in practice, the team found a problem on all of the cars and didn’t want to take the chance, so they not only made the change to all three, but to Davey’s as well. When it was time to go back out, the weather set in and he was unable to get on track. Fortunately, the track dried, but as the team rolled the No. 11 HP car out to pit lane it started to rain again.

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing will be on track tomorrow for day two of practice for the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500. For more updates on the team, please visit www.dreyerreinboldracing.com.

What they have to say about the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500…

Justin Wilson, No. 22 Z-Line Designs: “Today was alright. We only did one run and it was okay and the Z-Line Designs car felt okay. It was good to get back out on track and to shake the car out. It would have been nice to really get into it, but we were getting up to speed and we brought the car back to get checked out and to make a couple of changes and then the weather came in. I’m looking forward to getting back out tomorrow and to get more miles.”

Paul Tracy, No. 23 WIX Filters: “The first day on track was great. I’m really, really happy with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and with the work that they have done preparing the WIX Filters car for the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500. It was just a seamless day today. We went out with a test plan in mind and we made four individual changes. Every change made the car a little bit better and a little bit better and we ended up at 222.295. We were 11th quick and Justin was 10th, so overall I’m pretty happy with where we ended up and we will keep working tomorrow.”

Ana Beatriz, No. 24 Ipiranga: “It was good to be back in the car. We did one lap time just to see how the car felt and we stopped. The speed didn’t show up on my dash, so we tried to work it out for a couple of minutes and we couldn’t find it. So, we went back out there to really feel the car at a high speed and it felt great, but because we couldn’t see the speeds that I was actually doing and if I was improving and getting better, we decided to pit to fix the problem. We went back to the garage to set the car down. This is the first day and we want to make sure that we can get all of the problems fixed today so that we can start tomorrow strong. It started raining today so unfortunately we were unable to get back out, but we have extra tires for tomorrow, and I hope we will be able to use them all.”

About Dreyer & Reinbold Racing:
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing is entering its 12th season of full-time competition in 2011, 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 270 starts to tuck under its belt and has qualified a total of 27 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.

More information on the team can be found at www.dreyerreinboldracing.com.

More information on the IZOD IndyCar Series can be found at www.indycar.com.

- Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, Press Release

INDYCAR LOGO

Today’s IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines:

1. Rookie Orientation Program is first step to qualifying for ’500′

2. Lloyd joins Coyne for Indy 500, other ovals

3. Wilson honored by Waterloo, Ind.

4. Sarah Fisher Racing, Carpenter add Milwaukee with sponsorship from Direct Supply

1. Rookie Orientation Program is first step to qualifying for ’500′: At least seven drivers with aspirations of competing in the 100th anniversary Indianapolis 500 begin their journey May 12 with the mandatory Rookie Orientation Program at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (ET) session is open to spectators free of charge in the South Terrace Grandstands. Spectators should enter through Gate 2 on 16th Street. Opening Day is May 14, with all-car practice from noon-6 p.m. (ET).

Scheduled to participate are IZOD IndyCar Series regulars JR Hildebrand (National Guard Panther Racing), James Hinchcliffe (Newman/Haas Racing), James Jakes (Dale Coyne Racing) and Charlie Kimball (Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing), plus Ho-Pin Tung (Schmidt Dragon Racing), Pippa Mann (Conquest Racing) and Jay Howard (Service Central Schmidt-Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing).

“Instead of having it embedded in the practice days, it’s nice to move it out before the activities actually begin by a couple of days,” said Brian Barnhart, president of competition and racing operations for INDYCAR. “I think it provides a better atmosphere for the rookies to get familiar with the racetrack to run through their phases in a less time-restrained and a less pressurized situation.”

The evaluation program consists of turning 10 consistent laps at four speed phases on the 2.5-mile asphalt oval: 200-205 mph, 205-210, 210-215 and 215 or more. Barnhart expects drivers to complete at least three phases during the session.

“They’ll get about six hours on track, which is ample time to get through a minimum of three phases, and then they can complete the fourth phase then at any time during the week of practice prior to qualifications,” he said. “That’s easy enough to do because the fourth phase is anything at speed so they’re able to be at speed with other traffic out there and not be trying to run phases while other people are running different speeds.”

IZOD IndyCar Series teams picked up their equipment May 4 from the street race in Sao Paulo, Brazil, earlier this week. Four Indy 500 rookies competed in that event, with Hinchcliffe and Hildebrand posting top-10 finishes.

“By running the 12th it gives everybody another three days to prepare the cars, move in and do the ROP at their pace,” Barnhart added. “When we open on Saturday, it will be for all cars at all times.”

Five of the drivers have competed at the Speedway in the 40-lap Firestone Freedom 100 on Carb Day, with Mann the pole sitter for the 2010 Firestone Indy Lights race. Kimball was the race runner-up and Hinchcliffe finished third. In 2009, Hildebrand recorded a second-place finish on his way to the series title, and Howard finished fourth. Howard was the runner-up in ’06 during his championship season.

Davey Hamilton, who participated in ROP in 1996 with A.J. Foyt Copenhagen Racing, offered a few cautionary words for the professional race car drivers.

“I think the biggest thing is you have to respect that racetrack,” said Hamilton, who will attempt to qualify for his 11^th Indy 500 in a Dreyer & Reinbold Racing car. “Some days you go out there and it’s so intimidating and other days you think it’s easy. But you have to remember the speeds you’re going and how technical the track really is.

“It’s good to be with a team that’s been there so they can give a lot of advice. Ask questions and don’t ever take it for granted because it can bite you. It does it to the veterans. For a rookie it’s one step at a time and don’t overdue it.”

2. Lloyd joins Coyne for Indy 500, other ovals: Alex Lloyd, who finished fourth in the Indianapolis 500 last May for Dale Coyne Racing, will return to the team to drive the No. 19 Boy Scouts of America car in the 100th anniversary race on May 29 and the other seven oval races on the IZOD IndyCar Series schedule.

Sebastien Bourdais will continue to drive the No. 19 car in the five remaining street and road course events. Lloyd will be a teammate to rookie James Jakes (No. 18 Acorn Stairlifts), who will not be only attempting his first Indy 500, but the first oval race of his IndyCar career.

“I’m pumped to be back with the Dale Coyne Racing team, and running not only at Indy, but at the remaining oval track events in 2011,” said Lloyd, the 2007 Firestone Indy Lights champion. “I think the No. 19 Boy Scouts of America team has a legitimate chance to win. I’m very excited to have this chance.”

Lloyd recorded four top-10 finishes in a full season in 2010 with Dale Coyne Racing, with the fourth place in the Indy 500 his highest (it also was the highest Indy 500 finish for Coyne in his 28 years as a team owner). Lloyd was the IZOD IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year.

“Alex is a great driver and I think will be extremely valuable in helping his teammate’s development on oval tracks,” Coyne said.

It will be Lloyd’s fourth Indianapolis 500 appearance. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway opens for practice May 14.

“It’s great to be back at Indy,” said Lloyd, 26, of England. “I would like nothing more than to give Dale Coyne Racing and the Boy Scouts of America another great finish here.”

3. Wilson honored by Waterloo, Ind.: As part of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s ‘Back Home Again in Indiana’ contest, Firestone Indy Lights driver Stefan Wilson spent a day in Waterloo, Ind., with students at Waterloo Elementary School.

He attended the celebration to help hand out pole day tickets to winning students and teachers, but to Wilson’s surprise, the town of Waterloo declared April 29, 2011 as ‘Stefan Wilson Day.’

Wilson received a plaque of an official town resolution, signed by Waterloo town council members.

“It was such an honor—and honestly quite a shock—to have a day named for me,” said Wilson, driver of the No. 5 car for Andretti Autosport. “I had a lot of fun teaching the kids about Indy car racing, and I think we made a few new fans. The plaque was just an added bonus. The whole town really welcomed me to their community.”

More than 250 students attended the convocation, and 21 students, as well as 15 winning teachers, received qualification day tickets to the Indianapolis 500. In keeping with the town’s contest theme, ‘the Indy 500 brings families together,’ local businesses in Waterloo will rent a charter bus to bring winners to the Speedway.

4. Sarah Fisher Racing, Carpenter add Milwaukee with sponsorship from Direct Supply : Sarah Fisher Racing has added the Milwaukee 225 to Ed Carpenter’s IZOD IndyCar Series schedule thanks to a partnership with Milwaukee-based Direct Supply.

Direct Supply, the nation’s leading supplier of equipment and ecommerce solutions to Long Term Healthcare and Senior Living communities, will serve as primary sponsor of the No. 67 carduring the June 19 race at the Milwaukee Mile.

“The Direct Supply Partners have been thrilled with our long association with Sarah and her team. As the first woman car owner she has shown tremendous spirit and accomplishment,” said Bob Hillis, CEO and founder of Direct Supply. “Now that she has added our good friend Ed Carpenter as driver of the Dollar General car, we were excited to get the opportunity to bring the team to Milwaukee as part of our family.”

Direct Supply joined Sarah Fisher Racing at the 2008 Indianapolis 500, continuing its longstanding involvement in Indy car racing..

“I am very excited about going back to Milwaukee, not only with Sarah Fisher Racing and Direct Supply, but just that the IZOD IndyCar Series is going back in general is awesome,” Carpenter said. “To be able to go up there sponsored by a local company and to work with Bob Hillis, who has been a family friend for a long time, is tremendous. I am just really excited to go up there and have a strong showing in front of the Milwaukee crowd!”

Said SFR owner Sarah Fisher: “I am thrilled to welcome Direct Supply as our primary partner for the Milwaukee race. Being one of the first supporters of SFR in 2008, when we were in a major growing stage at the Indianapolis 500, Direct Supply has continued with unwavering support of our team and certainly with our drive, Ed Carpenter. We have been in the wings, watching the Milwaukee race at the start of SFR, and with its return this season are excited to be a part of the historical event.”

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The 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series season continues with the 100^th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 on May 29 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at Noon (ET) by ABC. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, SiriusXM channel 94 and www.indycar.com. The 2011 Firestone Indy Lights season continues with the Firestone Freedom 100 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 27. The race will be televised live by VERSUS.

- INDYCARS, Press Release