KV Racing Technology

Wurtz, a Chicago native, comes to KV Racing Technology in 2011 after more than three decades in open-wheel racing as a team manager, operations manager and chief mechanic with Penske Racing, Newman Haas Racing and other racing companies.

For the past 15 years, Wurtz was charged with overseeing the Penske IndyCar Series racing team including managing the engineering, fabrication, paint, drive line components, electrical, transportation and accounting departments. The Penske IndyCar Series effort won 57 races (including five Indianapolis 500 titles) and three national championships (with drivers Gil de Ferran and Sam Hornish Jr.).

At Newman Haas Racing, Wurtz was operations manager and chief mechanic for eight years, contributing to 25 race wins and two series titles (with drivers Michael Andretti and Nigel Mansell). Wurtz’s stellar background dates to the 1970s when he was a mechanic in Can-Am and Formula 5000 competition.

KV Racing Technology, established in 2003, campaigned three full-time cars in the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series with drivers Mario Moraes, Takuma Sato and E.J. Viso as well a fourth car in the two Canadian races for veteran Paul Tracy. KVRT is currently formulating its 2011 driver and sponsorship lineup. KVRT also will be teaming with SH Racing for a 2011 Indy 500 entry in the event’s 100th anniversary.

“Tom Wurtz is a great addition to KV Racing Technology,” said Kevin Kalkhoven, team co-owner and founder. “Tom is a respected team leader and holds an outstanding racing record through his career. We look forward to having Tom as part of our leadership in 2011.”

Former series champion and team co-owner Jimmy Vasser also has admired Wurtz’s work ethic.

“We are thrilled to have a strong operations and technical manager like Tom Wurtz join KV Racing Technology,” said Vasser. “Tom’s outstanding management skills and his vast racing experience gives our organization one of open-wheel’s top executives. Working closely with our general manager, Mark Johnson, the engineering staff and the crew members, Tom will contribute solid coordination within our team that can take KV Racing Technology to a consistent front runner in the highly-competitive IZOD IndyCar Series.”

Mark Johnson, now in his sixth year at KV Racing Technology, believes Wurtz’ racing knowledge and winning attitude brings a new outlook to the company.

“Tom’s great open-wheel racing background and superb organizational strategies will be a tremendous asset for KV Racing Technology,” said Johnson, a longtime motorsports executive in both two-wheel and four-wheel competition. “We look forward to adding Tom to our already strong team personnel and preparing for the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series.”

Tom Wurtz

“I am very excited to come to KV Racing Technology,” said Wurtz. “I know their aspiration is to win. This team has a great core of people who have won races in the past and they want to get back to the winner’s circle. I know everyone here believes they can be competitive and race for wins. That is my philosophy too. So I am thrilled and blessed to be involved with this group and look forward to preparing for a very strong 2011 season.”

Wurtz began his new role at KV Racing Technology on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011.

- KV Racing Technology Press Release

KV Racing Technology

The results didn’t equal the performance on the track.

Series rookie Takuma Sato finished 18th, E.J Viso placed 19th and Mario Moraes scored 27th in the series finale box score of the 17th and final round of the IndyCar tour.

But the KVRT trio showed strong speed in the 200-lap feature. However, misfortune hurt their chances for a top finish.

Sato continued his impressive oval learning curve with another solid qualifying showing (9th) and ran with oval veterans such as Dan Wheldon, Marco Andretti, Ed Carpenter and Vitor Meira before a late-race contact dropped the driver of the No. 5 Lotus-KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone entry to 18th. The Japanese star ran in the top-ten early in the race and was hit in a three-wide battle in the last 20 laps.

Viso, seeking to repeat his Iowa podium finish, was in position to race with the leaders from his 12th starting spot. The Venezuelan driver moved into the top-five by lap 60. At one point in the race, Viso set the fastest race lap. On lap 96, Viso made his second pit stop with a chance to vault into the top-three. However, Viso’s car lunged forward on the stop, causing the fuel buckeye to snap. He had to return to the pits to collect the broken piece and went down a lap to the leaders. E.J. placed 19th at the finish in the No. 8 PDVSA —KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone car.

Moraes, who suffered from back pain following a Motegi incident, fought his way into contention Saturday night in the No. 32 Terra—KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone machine, but the Brazilian driver was forced to park his mount when a mechanical problem halted his charge on lap 26. Moraes still managed to be the highest placing KVRT driver in the final standings at 15th.

DRIVER QUOTES:

TAKUMA SATO, #5 LOTUS – KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA/DALLARA/FIRESTONE, Finished 18th: “It was a tough day it really was. At the beginning of the race, we struggled with balance but, after some changes in my first stop, it felt better. But just lacked speed. It was an exciting race, running two or three wide but, at the end of the race, I was sandwiched between two cars and made slight contact, which dropped me back a few places. The KV Racing Technology crew was faultless in their pit stops and I want to thank them for all their hard work this season.”

E.J. VISO, #8 PDVSA — KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA/DALLARA/FIRESTONE, Finished 19th: “My PDVSA – KV car was good tonight. It felt very good and ran with the leaders early in the race. I got confused in the pits and went early when the fuel rig was still in the car. That cost me places and laps. It is frustrating because we had a strong car. I have had a good season on the ovals, finishing a career high third in Iowa. The KV Racing crew has worked hard all season and unfortunately, we couldn’t give them a good result tonight.”

MARIO MORAES, #32 KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA/DALLARA/FIRESTONE, Finished 27th: “It was a very frustrating way to end the season. I think we had a mechanical problem, the car was beginning to feel a little loose so I came into the pits. After my crew did a great job in fixing that, I got going but then the car stopped. I have been working really hard to get back into the car after my accident in Motegi. I have been having physical therapy on my back twice a day so to the end early and like this is really disappointing. I want to thank all of my KV crew for all the hard work this season and for giving me a fast car this year, it’s just a shame it had to end like this.”

- KV Racing Technology Press Release

KV Racing Technology

The three-driver contingent has experienced an “up and down” 2010 season but the KVRT pilots have produced many impressive performances on the high-speed oval tracks.

With team co-owner and former series champion Jimmy Vasser, a multi-time oval race winner, serving as a mentor, Sato learned quickly the tough craft of oval racing in his No. 5 Lotus—KVRT Honda/Dallara/Firestone entry. Never competing on an oval until the Kansas event in May, the former Formula One veteran adapted to the high-banked oval with a top-five run before being taken out with 20 laps remaining. In five oval events, Sato qualified in the top-11 and was very competitive at Indy, Iowa and Chicagoland. In fact, the Japan native ran with the leaders in third at Iowa.

Sato comes off a 12th place finish at Motegi, Japan two weeks ago as the top finishing Japanese driver in the field.

Viso, who recorded his career-best third place at Iowa Speedway this year, recorded a solid eighth spot in Motegi qualifying and has been a charger on the ovals at Kansas, Texas, Iowa and Kentucky. The 25-year-old Venezuelan has passed more than 40 cars this season on ovals.

Viso, driving the No. 8 PDVSA—KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone machine, is a Miami resident and a crowd favorite annually at Homestead. The personable racer is expecting a strong performance Saturday in front of many friends and family.

Moraes, KVRT’s top point performer this year, was battling for a position in the top-ten standings for most of the season. In his last three races, Moraes has charged into the lead pack including running third at Chicagoland. Moraes, the youngest series regular at age 21, drove his KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone car to seventh last year at Homestead.

Moraes, working with general manager Mark Johnson and engineer Iain Watt on race strategy, has turned in several excellent efforts at the oval tracks this year.

DRIVER QUOTES:

TAKUMA SATO, #5 LOTUS – KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA/DALLARA/FIRESTONE: “We had a very successful weekend in Japan though it started with some difficulty. The result doesn’t explain everything but my team worked extremely well together. So I have great confidence in them going to Homestead for the final race of the season in good shape.”

E.J. VISO, #8 PDVSA — KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA/DALLARA/FIRESTONE: “I am looking forward to returning to Homestead for the final race of the season. This is an important race for me as I live in Miami and will have sponsors there too. So, of course, you want to do well. We hope to have a fast car. I had my best qualifying, eighth, at Motegi two weeks ago, so I am hoping I can repeat that this week and end the season with a top-5 finish.”

MARIO MORAES, #32 KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA/DALLARA/FIRESTONE: “Homestead always brings back memories for me. This was the first oval I ever competed on and I remember at the time thinking to myself ‘what am I doing here’. Now when I look back on it, I have grown to like them a lot. I have had my best finishes on ovals, third at Chicagoland last year. This year hasn’t been an easy one, but I want to thank KV Racing Technology for all their hard work and for always giving me a good car. I hope we can finish this race and the season with a good result.”

- KV Racing Technology Press Release

IZOD IndyCar® Series

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

1.  Two contenders take championship battle to season finale
2.  Franchitti claims A.J. Foyt Oval Championship Trophy
3.  Moraes evaluated and released from hospital after crash
4.  Vote for Firestone Tire-ific Move of the Race

1. Two contenders take championship battle to season finale: Quick mental calculations following the Indy Japan 300 on Sept. 19 made Will Power briefly grimace.

Sure he was pleased with the third-place finish – his highest on an oval in a 38-race IZOD IndyCar Series career – that retarded further erosion of his championship lead over Dario Franchitti heading into the season finale. But couldn’t the margin for a season-long success story (five victories and eight pole starts) be just a little more comfortable?

“Of course it couldn’t be 14 or it couldn’t be 13, it has to be 12, which means if Dario wins the pole and leads the most laps he wins the title without winning the race,” Power said. “I just have to finish ahead of Dario.”

That’s the simplest scenario for Power to wrap up his first IZOD IndyCar Series title, but certainly not the easiest in the Cafes do Brasil Indy 300 on Oct. 2 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Franchitti, who’s involved in his third championship-deciding race in the series, has 13 oval victories (including 2009 at the 1.5-mile Homestead-Miami Speedway).

“We had a good car (at Twin Ring Motegi), but Dario in three races has pulled to within a 12-point lead,” said Power, who left a bushel of points on the Chicagoland Speedway oval with a 16th-place finish while Franchitti won for the third time this season. “Great for the championship, and it’s off to Homestead for a great finish. I’ll be working hard on making sure I have a very good race car.”

Power was injured last year and didn’t compete in the October race, and he finished 25th in his IZOD IndyCar Series debut in 2008 (when Homestead-Miami was the season opener). Both contenders and their teammates are scheduled to test on the oval Sept. 27.

Though he’s less experienced at Homestead-Miami than Franchitti, who has four top-10 finishes in six starts in the series, Power’s important podium finish in Japan was accomplished at a track he hadn’t previously raced on.

“I don’t think it will matter,” said Franchitti, who at Twin Ring Motegi was making his 100th IZOD IndyCar Series start. “I think (Power) will get up to speed very quickly. You just get out there and get the pace quickly. No reason why he can’t do it at Homestead.

“We just have to make sure we beat him.”

That scenario would force more quick calculations based on whether he earned any of the three bonus points (one for winning the PEAK Performance Pole Award and two for leading the most race laps) coupled with Power’s finishing place. In the event of a points tie, such as was the case between Sam Hornish Jr. and Dan Wheldon in 2006, Power would earn the championship based on the first tiebreaker (five victories to three).

“It’s a mountain to climb; an obstacle in front of you,” said Franchitti, who has accumulated 268 of his 575 points on the seven oval venues to earn the inaugural A.J. Foyt Oval Championship. “We have to be able to climb that and be ready. We’re ready for a fight.”

2. Franchitti claims A.J. Foyt Oval Championship Trophy: A motorsports history aficionado, Dario Franchitti has a special interest in fellow Scot Jim Clark.

While visiting the Formula One race in Monza, Italy, earlier this month, Franchitti purchased some unpublished photographs of 1965 Indianapolis 500 winner Clark to supplement his collection. This week, he’ll have a rare – and unquestionably special – occasion to drive the ‘500’-winning Lotus on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as part of a Road & Track magazine series focusing on the 100th anniversary of the race.

“I never thought I’d get to drive that car,” two-time Indy 500 winner Franchitti said. “I got to stand next to it one day, and that was pretty intense, so being able to drive it will be very special, particularly at the Speedway.”

He’ll also hand over the keys to the orange 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS Pace Car replica to the winner of a sweepstakes. The Camaro Pace Car that Franchitti received as part of his prize package for winning in May last week arrived at his home in Scotland.

“It will go in with one of my old Champ Cars and my first-ever race car and a bunch of old stuff,” he said. “I think it’s a great tradition at Indy, the winner getting the Pace Car.”

Soon to join the mementos will be the inaugural A.J. Foyt Oval Championship Trophy, which Franchitti secured with a runner-up finish in the Indy Japan 300 on Sept. 19 at Twin Ring Motegi. He posted two oval victories (Indy and Chicagoland Speedway) and three other top-five finishes to outpace Target Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Scott Dixon.

Foyt, the first four-time Indy 500 champion who leads the all-time Indy car racing list with 67 victories, did not make the trip to Japan with A.J. Foyt Racing and will present the gleaming trophy to Franchitti at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

“The A.J. Foyt Trophy, I’m proud of that,” said Franchitti, who will attempt to close out the IZOD IndyCar Series season with a victory on the 1.5-mile oval on Oct. 2. “I’m a bit surprised. When I first came over here, I really struggled on the ovals. So that’s pretty cool. It’s a great accomplishment to share with my team and especially named for A.J. and for Mario Andretti, two great champions to name trophies after.”

Will Power, who leads Franchitti by 12 points for the series championship, earned the Mario Andretti Road Championship Trophy with five victories and four other top-five finishes.

Now the race to decide the series’ overall champion comes down to the top oval and road/street course point-scorers.

“I’m privileged to win (the oval award), and now it’s off to the big one,” said Franchitti, who at Twin Ring Motegi was competing in his 100th IZOD IndyCar Series race.

3. Moraes evaluated and released from hospital after crash: KV Racing Technology driver Mario Moraes was released Sept. 19 from Saiseikai Hospital in Mito, Japan, after being examined for reports of back pain. Moraes’ No. 32 car made contact with the Turn 2 SAFER Barrier on Lap 68 of the Indy Japan 300 a few hours earlier at Twin Ring Motegi.

He was evaluated in the infield care center by the IZOD IndyCar Series and track medical staff and flown by helicopter (standard procedure at Twin Ring Motegi) to nearby Mito as a precaution. Moraes returned Sept. 20 to the United States.

Moraes, who finished fifth in the race in 2009, was running 17th at the time of the incident. He will be re-evaluated by the IZOD IndyCar Series medical director before the season finale Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 2.

4. Vote for Firestone Tire-ific Move of the Race: The $10,000 prize is awarded after each IZOD IndyCar Series race to the driver best utilizing his or her Firestone tires to make a bold, dramatic move during the event. Nominees from the Indy Japan 300 are Helio Castroneves for a dominating performance culminating in his second consecutive win; Danica Patrick for advancing from 12th to finish fifth; and Graham Rahal for moving from his 16th-place starting position to finish eighth. Fans can vote this week at www.indycar.com to determine the winner.

***

The next IZOD IndyCar Series race is the Cafes do Brasil Indy 300 on Saturday, Oct. 2 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at 6 p.m. (ET) by VERSUS on Oct. 2. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, XM channel 145 and Sirius channel 212. The race also will be carried on www.indycar.com. The 2010 Firestone Indy Lights season concludes with the Miami 100 on Oct. 2 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

- Indy Racing League, Press Release

KV Racing Technology

Sato, making his Motegi debut in the No. 5 Lotus — KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone car, fought off amazing crowds in the paddock area and battled his way on the track to finish 12th at the fast 1.5-mile oval north of Tokyo.

Sato’s 12th place finish paced the three-driver KV Racing Technology lineup with E.J. Viso taking 15th and Mario Moraes 24th. Moraes’ car made contact with the Turn Two wall on lap 66. Moraes was transported to Saiseikai Hospital in Mito and later released.

Starting tenth in the 25-driver field, Sato was patient early in the 200-lap contest and charged back to be the highest finishing Japanese driver at the checkered flag. The seven-year Formula One veteran battled wheel-to-wheel with many top contenders including Marco Andretti at the finish to the delight of his Japanese fans. Helio Castroneves won the race.

Sato, an IZOD IndyCar Series rookie, was impressive in passing at least seven drivers in difficult racing conditions. The hot temperatures made for a very slick racing surface that had passing extremely hard. Sato’s adoring crowd was thrilled following the race when he climbed the Turn One catch fence to salute more than 2,500 spectators in the special Sato grandstand.

Viso, who recorded his best 2010 oval qualifying performance on Saturday in eighth, also darted through the field on numerous occasions in the 300-mile feature, but the popular Venezuelan driver had to settle for 15th. Viso’s No. 8 PDVSA—KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone entry exchanged positions with several in the top ten including Sato before the final pit stop in the 200-lap event.

Moraes, who placed fifth last year at Motegi, drove the No. 32 KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone machine from 20th to 13th position in the first ten laps Sunday. The 21-year-old racer looked to be on a strong run before the incident on lap 66.

DRIVER QUOTES:

TAKUMA SATO, #5 LOTUS – KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA/DALLARA/FIRESTONE, Finished 12th: “It was a tough race but a great result in the end for the Lotus – KV team. It was a difficult start with the tight pack and the slippery track. I needed to be patient, but I did a lot of overtaking today. That was great fun. I had Nick (Harvey) as my spotter and we worked well together. We lost a few places in the middle of the race, but we always fought back to gain positions. Overall, it was a great achievement for the whole team, and I want to thank them for everything they have done this weekend. Finally, I want to thank all the fans for their tremendous support.”

E.J. VISO, #8 PDVSA — KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA/DALLARA/FIRESTONE, Finished 15th: “I thought we had a good car today. We had some trouble in the middle of the race and we lost spots. We have been working well with the engineers to get a car to run with the leaders. I think that is possible on a regular basis. Our PDVSA – KV car has been very good on the ovals this year. So I am really looking forward to the Homestead race in two weeks. That is home for me. So I am very excited to race there again.”

- KV Racing Technology Press Release

Takuma Sato

Sato, the seven-year Formula One veteran, will make his first Japanese racing performance in three years this Sunday (Sept. 19) in the Indy Japan 300 at the fast Twin Ring Motegi 1.5-mile oval.

But the 33-year-old Tokyo native has been in high demand off the track with a variety of appearances in his native country.

Sato’s last competition in Japan was at Fuji Speedway on September 30, 2007.

So Sato’s enthusiastic fans and sponsors are anxious to see him behind the wheel of the No. 5 Lotus—KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone entry.

From his Denver home, Sato left for Tokyo on Sept. 7 and hasn’t slowed down since his arrival.

Sato has already made six day appearances in Japan including autograph sessions, media conferences, dealer visits and two Research & Development ride and drive programs.

On Friday at the track this week, a huge contingent of Sato fans are scheduled to meet the driving star at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit for a “special student and fan day.”

On Saturday and Sunday, Sato will be appearing on numerous television and radio shows and visiting with guests of his Japanese sponsors before the 300-mile race.

“It will be a very busy weekend at Motegi,” said Sato. “I knew this race would be a big one when I came to the IZOD IndyCar Series. It will be fun to race in front of the home fans. I look forward to the entire experience of the race and the event.”

Sato will be joined in the three-car KV Racing Technology team by young drivers Mario Moraes of Brazil, who qualified on the front row last year at Motegi, and E.J. Viso of Venezuela, who recorded his career-best third place at the oval track at Iowa Speedway in June.

Practice and qualifying is set for Saturday (Sept. 18) with the Indy Japan 300 scheduled for Sunday (Sept. 19) 1 p.m. Japan time. The Indy Japan 300 will be televised live on VERSUS-TV at 10:30 p.m. EDT on Saturday (Sept. 18).

- KV Racing Technology Press Release

KV Racing Technology

Sato, a seven-year Formula One veteran, will make his IndyCar debut at the Motegi oval circuit in front of a large contingent of enthusiastic fans when he drives the No. 5 Lotus—KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone entry. It will be Sato’s first competition in his homeland since the 2007 Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at Fuji. Sato (left) competed at six F-1 events in Japan (2002-2007).

Takuma Sato

Sato is no stranger to Twin Ring Motegi, having driven a Honda Formula One car at both the road circuit and the oval track in demonstration runs in previous years. In addition, Sato’s Formula One car is on display at the Twin Ring Motegi Collection Museum.

Moraes, the youngest regular on the IZOD IndyCar Series at age 21, comes back to Motegi this year following a sensational performance last year when he drove KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone car to the front row in qualifying. After starting second, Moraes drove to fifth place in the 300-mile feature.

The Brazilian is seeking a podium finish this year in the No. 32 KV Racing Technology machine when the green flag drops at 11 p.m. (EDT) on Saturday (Sept. 18). The Indy Japan 300 begins in Japan at 1 p.m. Sunday (Sept. 19).

Viso, driving the No. 8 PDVSA—KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone car, has been impressive on oval tracks in 2010 including scoring his career-best third place at Iowa in June. The personable 25-year-old Venezuelan has been a charger on the oval tracks including passing eleven cars at Kansas, sixteen cars at Iowa, eleven at Texas and eleven at Chicagoland. Viso made his Twin Ring Motegi debut last year and finished 15th.

The Indy Japan 300 is the 16th round of the 17-event IZOD IndyCar Series.

DRIVER QUOTES:

MARIO MORAES – No. 32 KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA/DALLARA/FIRESTONE: “I am excited to be going back to Motegi. Last year I had a great qualifying, just missing out on pole to (Scott) Dixon. The race didn’t quite go to plan, but KV Racing Technology gave me a good car and we had a good race strategy. I was able to finish fifth. I like this track a lot because you can go flat through turns one and two. But you need to have balance in the car for turns three and four. So the Motegi track is exciting to drive.”

E.J. VISO, #8 PDVSA — KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA/DALLARA/FIRESTONE: “The Motegi track is a beautiful place and different from other ovals because its not symmetrical which makes it fun to drive. I am excited to be going to back for a second time. KV Racing Technology has given me a good car on ovals this year, so I’m expecting a good result. I also really enjoy visiting Japan. I like how respectful the Japanese are and I admire their culture. I believe we can all learn something from it.”

TAKUMA SATO, #5 LOTUS – KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA/DALLARA/FIRESTONE: “Well, first of all, I am so excited to be racing back here in Japan in front of my loyal fans for the first time in three years. They are giving me so much great support as always and I am really looking forward to giving them a memorable weekend’s racing at Motegi.

Obviously, I have had a tough season, as everyone can see, but I am actually very positive that although the learning curve has been a steep one, I have learned many useful lessons that I will bring to this week’s race. I know that my fans have been waiting for a good result, and I thank them for their patience. Twin Ring Motegi is well known for being a very challenging track and is totally unique in being the only oval that needs a lift and downshifting, so I can’t wait to get started there on Friday.”

- KV Racing Technology Press Release

KV Racing Technology

Moraes, who started a season-high seventh at the drop of the green flag, raced with the lead pack for the early portion of the 200-lap feature, the 15th round of the 17-race IZOD IndyCar Series. The 21-year-old Brazilian driver looked to be in a solid spot for a challenge in the second half of the race.

However, Moraes, still seeking a top-ten position in the final season point standings, lost a lap to the leaders in the middle stage of the event. Mario fought his way back to the lead lap, but couldn’t advance into the top-ten.

Moraes’ teammates, E.J. Viso and Takuma Sato, suffered early exits from the Kentucky event.

Viso, who passed six cars at the start of the race, was making his usual charge towards the front of the field when he was forced to pit on lap 46 with a part failure in the car’s right rear suspension. Viso, driving the No. 8 PDVSA—KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone car, was credited with 26th spot.

Sato, who qualified 14th in the No. 5 Lotus — KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone entry, was making his initial showing at Kentucky Speedway. The Japanese driver was knocked out of the race on the opening lap and finished 27th Saturday.

The KV Racing Technology operation returns to its Indianapolis headquarters this week to prepare for the overseas trip to Japan. The three-car team must coordinate all of the cars and equipment for departure this Thursday for the Sept. 18-19 race at the Twin Ring Motegi motorsports facility north of Tokyo.

KV NOTES: Sato, preparing for the upcoming Motegi race, participated in variety of promotional events surrounding the Japan round of the IZOD IndyCar Series… Takuma taped several video presentations as well as magazine and newspaper interviews to run prior to the Indy Japan 300… In fact, Sato leaves Monday (Sept. 6) for Tokyo to begin an intense round of sponsor and media activities throughout Japan leading up to the Sept. 18-19 weekend… Sato will have a huge contingent of fans attending the Motegi event…

Viso will also be in Japan early for promotions including attending the Tokyo Giants baseball game on Sept. 12 at the Tokyo Dome as a guest of one of his sponsors, Arai… Several baseball players from Venezuela compete in Japan and will visit with Viso during his stay.

DRIVER QUOTES:

E.J. VISO, #8 PDVSA — KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA/DALLARA/FIRESTONE, Finished 26th: “At the beginning, the car didn’t feel just right. But I kept passing cars in the early portion of the race. The crew noticed that we had high pressures in the tires and the car didn’t seem to be pulling as usual. So I pulled into the pits. The team noticed we had a part failure in the right rear of the car. That is very unusual. But it was out of our control. It is a tough way to finish the night. I thought we would have a good race car.”

TAKUMA SATO, #5 LOTUS – KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA/DALLARA/FIRESTONE, Finished 27th:

“The race started well and my car felt good. But then suddenly the back end came around in Turn 3. The car started to slide so quickly and I couldn’t do anything at that point. It is obviously very disappointing as we were trying to carry good momentum into Motegi (the next race on Sept. 19).”

- KV Racing Technology Press Release

KV Racing Technology

They have charged through the field at tracks like Kansas, Indy, Texas, Iowa and Chicagoland. In fact, each driver has passed dozens of cars during those oval events. Unfortunately, the results haven’t equated to the impressive runs for the three KVRT pilots.

But this might all change this Saturday night (Sept. 4) at Kentucky Speedway.

Look for Moraes, Viso and Sato to again charge through the field when the green flag drops for the Meijer Indy 300 at 8:45 p.m. EDT at the 1.5-mile high-banked oval south of Cincinnati. The 15th round of the 17-race series will be televised live on VERSUS at 8 p.m.

Moraes, the talented 21-year-old Brazilian driver, proved that fact last Saturday at Chicagoland Speedway when he cut through the field from his 21st starting spot to run as high as fourth in the middle of the race. However, a late race pit stop curtailed his charge. He finished 17th. At Kentucky in 2009, Moraes drove in the top-five, but a pit incident hurt his run.

Moraes, currently in the hunt for a top-ten finish in the season standings, brings his No. 32 KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone entry to Kentucky seeking another podium oval finish. He finished third at Chicagoland last year, so Moraes is expecting a strong performance this Saturday.

Viso has been the biggest oval charger of the KVRT contingent this year including coming from 19th to third at Iowa Speedway in the No. 8 PDVSA — KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone car. That podium finish was Viso’s career-best in the IZOD IndyCar Series. At Kansas, the 25-year-old Venezuelan came from 16th to fifth but retired from the race early, and, last Saturday night at Chicagoland, he went from 16th to sixth but did not finish. Viso has to be considered a challenger in Saturday’s 200-lap feature.

Sato, driving the distinguishable No. 5 Lotus — KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone machine, is a newcomer to oval racing after seven years of Formula One competition, but the Japanese star has proven to be an extremely-quick learner at the 200 mile per hour-plus action. Sato drove to fifth at Kansas before being hit in the late stages of the race, as well as climbing from 31st to sixth at Indy and running as high as third at Iowa.

Unfortunately, the personable racer hasn’t recorded a top-ten oval finish yet in his “rookie” season, but Kentucky Speedway could be the right track for Sato to score well.

DRIVER QUOTES:

MARIO MORAES, #32 KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA / DALLARA / FIRESTONE:

“I am looking forward to coming back to Kentucky. Our test got cancelled there at the beginning of the year. Last year, KV Racing Technology gave me a fast car. I was running fifth until my pit stop when I got hit not once but twice before entering my box. My crew did a great job to repair my car but I wasn’t able to finish as high as I should. I am hoping this year we can have a strong run and we can finish well.”

E.J. VISO, #8 PDVSA — KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA / DALLARA / FIRESTONE:

“KV Racing Technology have always given me a fast car for ovals. We were fast at Kansas, Texas, Iowa and Chicagoland. Last weekend, we were in contention for a win until the pit incident (which retired Viso from the race). I am hoping we can have the same car for this weekend at Kentucky and that I can bring home a good result. I am really looking forward to returning to Kentucky. ”

TAKUMA SATO, #5 LOTUS – KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA / DALLARA / FIRESTONE:

“It was such a refreshing change and a great excitement to be back on an oval last week and we were competitive there. I heard that Kentucky will be a little bumpier, but a similar venue as we had in Chicago last week. So I hope we can repeat our performance and show the speed we had and have a good race.”

- KV Racing Technology Press Release

Dario Franchitti wins the PEAK Antifreeze & Motor Oil Indy 300 at Chicagoland Speedway in the IZOD IndyCar Series (Photo Credit: Firestone Racing Photo)

The 200-lap race featured a season high 12 different leaders over the course of the first of four oval races that will conclude the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season.

For Franchitti, the husband of actress Ashley Judd it was his third win of the season, his 11th top-five or 12th top-10 in 14 races. An obviously stellar has yet to give the former NASCAR driver the points lead as Will Power driving for Mooresville, North Carolina-based Team Penske maintained control of the top spot despite having to pit for fuel inside the final laps of the event. He finished 16th.

With three races remaining this season (Kentucky, Twin Ring Motegi in Japan and Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway), Power in his No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Dallara Honda has a 23 point advantage over the Scotland native, who recorded his 26th overall IndyCar win at the 1.5-mile speed plant.

“We were struggling tonight with the Breathe Right car really in traffic as we got a little further back there. A lot of crazy stuff going on. I was just more comfortable up high,” said Franchitti. “That last stop was the key to this race. Chris Simmons, turns out he was the one that made the call. We had a lot of faith in the Firestone tires. He said leave the tires on and got us out front. Dan Wheldon, he was just pushing me all the time, just helping me. I was giving him room at the bottom. We were working together very, very well there. So between him and Scott Dixon pushing me around all night. This Team Target is amazing.”

For Wheldon, the Emberton, England native racked up his third top-five finish of the year but yet to find his No. 4 National Guard Dallara Honda to victory circle.

“Great job by everyone at National Guard Panther Racing. We continue to work very, very hard. To be honest at the end, the reason I worked so hard with Dario (Franchitti) and just tried to stay with him was because he was so clean and professional. He is a true gentleman out there and a great driver. I have to take away with the guys on our team. They did an excellent job and it was a strong performance. I have to thank my team and the fans who were definitely on their feet at the end of the night. It was an exciting race as it should be,” Wheldon remarked after notching his seventh top-10 of the year.

Ryan-Hunter Reay, the Long Beach, California winner finished fourth with Iowa Speedway winner and fellow Andretti Autosport teammate Tony Kanaan rounding out the top-five.

Former Dancing with the Stars contestant Helio Castroneves was sixth followed by Dryer & Reinbold Racing’s Justin Wilson in seventh, Franchitti’s teammate Scott Dixon in eighth, Vitor Meira driving for the legendary A.J. Foyt took ninth with Graham Rahal, one of the likeable youngsters on the IZOD IndyCar Series tour closed out the top-10.

Pole sitter and Penske Racing protégé Ryan Briscoe faded late in the race and finished 11th after leading a race high 113 laps. Bertrand Baguette driving for Conquest Racing had a uneventful night but a solid night nonetheless by finishing 12th.

Hideki Mutoh in one of two Newman / Haas Racing entries overcame contact on pit road with fellow Japanese driver Takuma Sato to claim 13th. Mutoh started eighth in his No. 06 Formula Dream / Panasonic Dallara Honda.

Danica Patrick was the first of a record five females to take the checkered flag on Saturday night. Patrick, running a full IZOD IndyCar Series schedule and a partial NASCAR schedule never found her No. 7 Godaddy.com Dallara Honda in contention and settled for what many would consider a disappointing outing. “I’m really disappointed with the race result. The GoDaddy car was handling well all night, I just didn’t have enough speed to stay with the lead pack. It’s tough to end the event like this because we were really competitive and I thought we’d have more out there tonight,” Patrick remarked.

The feel good story of the weekend had to come from the 16th place finisher of Sarah Fisher. The Commercial Point, Ohio native used pit strategy to soar her No. 67 Dollar General into the lead and gained control over the field for nine laps. Once passed by Briscoe, Fisher kept her Sarah Fisher Racing own machine comfortably in the top-five before having to make a green flag pit stop early into the second-half of the race. Fisher’s gamble didn’t pay off but her energy and ability proved to the world that she still has the talent and rightfully gained her attention that easily overshadowed her 16th place run. Fisher, a long time spectacle in the IndyCar scene is a pre-race favorite when the season resumes action next Saturday night at Kentucky Speedway.

Mario Moraes led the KV Racing Technology train. It was a tough night though for the KV Racing organization as all three of their drivers including E.J. Viso and Sato experienced their share of misfortune Saturday night.

Davey Hamilton traded in his microphone for a steering wheel this weekend and was able to steer his de Ferran Dragon Racing entry from 28th to 18th.

Venezuelan’s Milka Duno had a solid night. After starting her Dale Coyne Racing (DCR), No. 18 Citgo Dallara Honda 26th, Duno, a now Miami, Florida native kept her nose clean, gained additional speedway experience and maneuvered a quiet 19th place run. It was the best showing for Duno thus far in 2010 and gives her DCR team momentum leaning into Kentucky Speedway next weekend.

Ed Carpenter, making an infrequent start in the IZOD IndyCar Series had a strong automobile Saturday night but a series of obstacles kept the Vision / Panther Racing out of contention for his first career win.

Alex Lloyd, Duno’s teammate flexed his muscle in his No. 19 Boy Scouts of America Dallara Honda but a flat tire and a late race spin forced a 21st place finish.

Jay Howard, the former Firestone Indy Lights Champion had a tough weekend. After battling a series of hiccups throughout the weekend, the troubles continued during the race with gear issues but Howard and his Sarah Fisher Racing team never gave up and claimed 22nd, despite eventually retiring from the event, missing 39 of the 200 circuits.

Simona de Silverestro appeared well on her way to a solid top-20 finish Saturday night but the Team Worldgate / HVM Racing female rookie experienced mechanical woes near the end of the race and retired in 23rd.

Ana Beatriz making her third career IZOD IndyCar Series start of the season made her Chicagoland debut in a second Dryer & Reinbold Racing entry subbing for the injured Mike Conway appeared to be the fastest female of the night but light contact with the turn four wall ruined those chances. The Brazilian in the No. 24 Dad’s Root Beer Dallara Honda was unable to overcome further mechanical gremlins which eventually led to her completing only 88 of 200 circuits.

Alex Tagliani showed he had a fast FAZZT Racing Team entry Saturday but contact on lap 85 dashed his chances of a good finish.

Sato and Viso claimed 26th and 27th respectively.

Bringing up the rear of the field was Tomas Scheckter and Raphael Matos in 28th and 29th respectively. Scheckter and Matos brought out the first caution of the night on lap four and were unable to return to competition. It was sour night for Matos as he had high hopes for a better finish in his 29th birthday.

Earlier Saturday, James Hinchcliffe won his very first Firestone Indy Lights race on an oval beating out Pippa Mann by 0.0159 of a second – the third-closest margin of victory in series history – to win the Chicagoland 100. Hinchcliffe in his second season of Indy Lights is hoping to make the jump to the IZOD IndyCar Series in 2011. It was Hinchcliffe’s third triumph of the year.

Next up for the IZOD IndyCar Series tour is a stop in Sparta, Kentucky for the running of the Kentucky Indy 300 on September 4th. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at 8 p.m. (ET) by VERSUS. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, XM channel 145 and Sirius channel 212. The race also will be carried on www.indycar.com. The 2010 Firestone Indy Lights season continues with the Drive Smart. Buckle Up Kentucky 100 on Sept. 4 at Kentucky Speedway.

KV Racing Technology

On Saturday night, the 21-year-old Brazilian driver looked to have the form that took him to a third place a year ago on the 1.5-mile oval south of Chicago in the Peak Antifreeze & Motor Oil Indy 300.

Moraes drove from his 21st starting spot to fourth in the middle of the race in the No. 32 KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone machine, as he challenged the leaders such as Ryan Briscoe, Dario Franchitti, Will Power and Dan Wheldon. Franchitti won the 300-mile race.

Moraes was forced to make a late pit stop that took him from contention as he finished 17th at the checkered flag. Despite the 17th finish, Moraes still remains a fight for a top-ten position in the point standings with three races remaining including next Saturday night at Kentucky Speedway.

Series rookie Takuma Sato, who qualified tenth in the No. 5 Lotus — KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone entry, made his Chicagoland Speedway debut Saturday with a strong showing in the top-ten early in the 200-lap event. The Japanese star fought back from an early problem due to debris on the track and ran consistently with Dan Wheldon to battle with the lead pack. Unfortunately, Sato was forced to retire from the race due to damage sustained in an pit incident.

E.J. Viso, who scored a career-best third in his last oval race at Iowa in June, made another sensational charge from his 16th starting slot to run sixth by the 50th lap. Viso, at the wheel of the No. 8 PDVSA — KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone car, looked to be on his way to possible second 2010 podium finish Saturday night at Chicagoland Speedway.. However, Viso was eliminated from action due to a pit problem on lap 80.

KV NOTES: Mario Moraes’ car had Chizmark Larson Insurance as an associate sponsor for the Chicagoland event, as the Motorsports Insurance company is located in nearby Joliet… Chicago White Sox star Omar Visquel visited Viso at Chicagoland during Friday practice. The Venezuela duo have been friends for years…. Sato played host to four Japanese students who attended Saturday’s race for the first time. Sato will be featured with the students in an upcoming Nippon TV special… Longtime KV sponsor Plantronics hosted a group of guests and spoke with Viso prior to the race. They also received a garage tour.

DRIVER QUOTES:

MARIO MORAES, #32 KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA/DALLARA/FIRESTONE, Finished 17th: “The car was pretty good tonight. We had to make a late pit stop. It is unfortunate because I thought we had a chance to race to run in the top-five again here at Chicagoland with the leaders. On one restart, I came from 17th to fourth, so the car was quite good. Now, we will get ready for Kentucky next weekend and put in a strong showing there.”

TAKUMA SATO, #5 LOTUS – KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA/DALLARA/FIRESTONE, Finished 26th: “I am extremely disappointed tonight. This is a very exciting track as we expected. It was fantastic to race two and three wide on the track. I really enjoyed the first part of the race. But I had a puncture from some debris on the right rear tire and had to pit. I got a lap down because of that, but we worked our way back onto the lead lap and I made it. I was excited because I could run right with the lead group.

We had perfect timing with the yellow flag coming out and I made my second pit stop. Now we are absolutely back on the game. It was a great stop from my crew. However, I pulled out of my pit,, another car came out of his pit and I was hit. Unfortunately, it knocked us out of the race. We had good speed today and I hope we can carry that into the race next week in Kentucky.”

E.J. VISO, #8 PDVSA — KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA/DALLARA/FIRESTONE, Finished 27th: “We had a very fast car tonight. I went from 16th to sixth and I was in position to run with the leaders. But on my second pit, I got hit leaving my pit box and we broke the car. It is very unfortunate because we had a great car. I was very pleased how the car performed tonight.”

- KV Racing Technology Press Release

KV Racing Technology

The Peak Antifreeze and Motor Oil 300 is annually a spectacular wheel-to-wheel battle that is determined by inches at the checkered flag.

Last year, Moraes, the 21-year-old Brazilian, scored his first podium finish with a sensational third place finish and the young star returns with an opportunity to improve on is 2009 run. Driving the No. 32 KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone machine, Moraes is expected to be right in the thick of things this weekend. Mario lost to Ryan Briscoe and Scott Dixon by half a car length in last year’s classic finish.

Viso, the driver of the No. 8 PDVSA—KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone entry, returns to oval competition following his career-best third place in the series’ last oval action at Iowa Speedway in June. The 25-year-old Venezuelan driver drove from his 19th starting position to challenge for the lead late in the race and trailed only Tony Kanaan and Helio Castroneves at the finish. Now, Viso comes back to the 1.5-mile oval in Joliet and the personable driver could be a factor in Saturday’s action. He has charged into the top-five at other 1.5-mile ovals at Kansas and Texas earlier this year.

Sato, the Formula One veteran, has made the biggest impression as a rookie on the ovals in 2010. In races at Kansas, Indianapolis and Iowa, the Japanese star has developed his oval skill quickly and has run in the top-five in each of those events. In fact, Sato, at the controls of the beautiful No. 5 Lotus—KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone car, drove into the third position in the first two-thirds of the race and battled for the lead.

Sato now looks to regain that oval speed at one of the fastest tracks in the IZOD IndyCar Series when practice begins Friday morning. Working with past open-wheel champion and team co-owner Jimmy Vasser, Sato is in an excellent learning curve for his debut at Chicagoland Speedway. Veteran racer Roger Yasukawa also serves as Sato’s spotter.

DRIVER QUOTES:

MARIO MORAES, #32 KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA / DALLARA / FIRESTONE:

“It is great to be back on the ovals and of course at Chicago. Last year we had a great race there. I got my first IndyCar podium, third, having qualified eighth. So I am definitely excited to be coming back. I also enjoy the night races, as it is something different and it is great for the fans. KV Racing Technology has given me a fast car on ovals so I am hoping for another good result this year at Chicagoland.”

TAKUMA SATO, #5 LOTUS – KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA / DALLARA / FIRESTONE: “Time has passed so quickly and it is hard to believe that we now are going to the final four oval rounds for 2010 season. Racing on ovals was something totally new for me in this my first year in the IndyCar Series, but I enjoyed them and, after experiencing a variety of four ovals in the first half of the season, I now have a much better understanding. I am really looking forward to being back on an oval this weekend and my first visit to Chicagoland Speedway.”

E.J. VISO, #8 PDVSA – KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA / DALLARA / FIRESTONE: “I am pleased to be going back to oval racing. Our last oval race (Iowa) we had a podium finish so this is a good position to be going into for the next race. Overall, the team has performed well on ovals and I have no doubt that we will have a fast car at Chicago. It’s a night race, so it’s more colorful and you are able to see a lot of sparks which is a great spectacle for the fans and also the drivers. I am excited to get back on track on Friday and hopefully have a good weekend.”

- KV Racing Technology Press Release

KV Racing Technology

All three racers have shown impressive displays on road courses this year in the IZOD IndyCar Series and come off a testing session last week on the 2.303-mile, 12-turn track with solid optimism.

Mario Moraes, just age 21, finished fourth last year for KVRT at the grueling Infineon race track and the talented Brazilian expects another strong performance in his No. 32 KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone machine when practice begins Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. Moraes has scored three top-ten road racing finishes this year and currently seeks a position in the top-ten in the point standings.http://www.catchfence.com/wp-admin/post-new.php

Moraes is suffering from an injured right wrist that occurred in the Edmonton race last month, but soldiered through a tough race two weeks ago at Mid-Ohio to improve his run for the top-ten in season-ending points.

Viso, driving the No. 8 PDVSA—KVRT Honda/Dallara/Firestone car, was sensational in his debut at Infineon Raceway in 2008 when he led the event for nine laps. The 25-year-old Venezuelan has been on a roll in road course qualifying as of late with a top-six at Edmonton and an eighth at Mid-Ohio.

Viso also has a podium finish this year for KVRT with a third place on the oval at Iowa Speedway. He recently tested at Infineon Raceway which could help the personable racer move back into the coveted Firestone Fast Six qualifying round on Saturday afternoon.

Sato, the Formula One veteran, has been spectacular this year in his rookie campaign on the permanent road circuits by qualifying in all three Firestone Fast Six rounds including a season-best third two weeks ago at Mid-Ohio. Driving the stunning green and gold No. 5 Lotus—KVRT Honda/Dallara/Firestone car, Sato has continued his learning curve as a rookie on the 17-race IZOD IndyCar Series with the Japanese star’s impressive road course speed.

In addition, Sato has been just as strong on the oval tracks, a completely new racing form for the 33-year-old open-wheel veteran. At Iowa, he ran as high third and battled in the top-five in his first oval race at Kansas. But the road circuits are his home and look for Sato to be in contention in both qualifying and the race this weekend at Infineon Raceway.

The Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma is the final road race for the series in 2010 and will be televised live Sunday on Versus at 5 p.m. EDT. All three KV Racing Technology drivers are hoping to finish the road race portion of the series on a high note.

DRIVER QUOTES:

MARIO MORAES, #32 KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA/DALLARA/FIRESTONE: “I like the Infineon track a lot. The changes in altitude and fast and slow chicanes make it very technical. Last year despite a brake problem, I was able to finish fourth. I am hoping we don’t have the same problem but finish as well this year.”

TAKUMA SATO, #5 LOTUS – KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA/DALLARA/FIRESTONE: “It was my first visit to Infineon Raceway when we had a test there last week and I really enjoyed driving at this great venue. We did various set up work at the test and we collected very valuable data so I hope we can have a very strong race weekend. It is indeed a very challenging circuit with huge elevation changes; you just couldn’t see how steep the hills are on pictures… I think racing there will be very exciting and spectacular.”

E.J. VISO, #8 PDVSA – KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA / DALLARA / FIRESTONE: “Going back to Sonoma after we had a productive test there last week will be a good positive. It is definitely one of the nicest places we have on the IZOD IndyCar calendar.

The changes in altitude and good mix of corners make it difficult to setup the car. At some tracks, you are able to compromise the setup to improve the majority of the corners. But, at Infineon, there is such a variety, that the balance has to be really accurate which is why it is going to be tough. The field is also very close, so you need to have a good qualifying run. There are places to overtake, but being up front will definitely have its advantages in the race on Sunday.”

- KV Racing Technology Press Release

KV Racing Technology

The 21-year-old Brazilian driver was suffering from an injured right wrist that was taped heavily following a mishap at Edmonton two weeks ago.

Moraes still managed to bring his No. 32 KV Racing Technology Honda / Dallara / Firestone machine across the finish line 12th in the 85-lap feature on the tough 2.25-mile 14-turn road circuit north of Columbus.

Moraes worked his way from his 16th starting position to challenge for a top-ten finish before settling for 12th. The placing moved Moraes closer to the top-ten in the IZOD IndyCar Series points with five races remaining in the 17-race campaign.

The Mid-Ohio event looked promising for KV Racing Technology with Takuma Sato running as high as second in the early stages of the race, and E.J. Viso saving fuel while running in the top-ten.

Sato, who qualified third in the No. 5 Lotus — KV Racing Technology Honda / Dallara / Firestone entry, battled with the leaders in third position before the first pit stop on lap 25. Utilizing the Japanese star’s “drive aggressively” motto, the former Formula One racer didn’t disappoint on Sunday. Sato made an attempt to pass defending race winner Scott Dixon in turn four on the restart and just missed from make it stick through the corner. Unfortunately, Sato’s mount car slid off the track with his inside move of Dixon. He was unable to restart the car and placed 25th.

Viso, who started eighth Sunday, ran a conservative early strategy by saving fuel as he tried to stretch the pit window for the No. 8 PDVSA — KV Racing Technology Honda / Dallara / Firestone team. However, Viso was hit from behind by Justin Wilson on lap 23 and was forced to retire from action due to a bent right suspension. Viso was awarded 26th position.

The KV Racing Technology team will test at Infineon Raceway this coming Friday before competing in the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma on Aug. 20-22.

DRIVER QUOTES:

MARIO MORAES – No. 32 KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA / DALLARA / FIRESTONE

“We were looking to gain some points here today and we did that. We still have a chance for a top-ten in the final standings. After what happened this morning with the pit accident (when Moraes’ car made contact with two crew members), I was feeling pretty bad. It was in my mind for a long time. But we didn’t have any problems with our pit stops. The team did a great job. Now we move onto Sonoma. I think we can be strong there.”

TAKUMA SATO – No. 5 LOTUS – KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA / DALLARA / FIRESTONE:

“It was an exciting start. Dario and I were side-by-side going into the sweeping corner at the start and I took the second position. But soon Dario was able to get by me on the back straight. I then settled in third and ran directly behind the top two. My engineers were very happy with my pace and fuel savings. Under the yellow caution period, I came into the pits with the leaders. On the restart, I had a good opportunity to get alongside Scott (Dixon) at the end of the back straight. But the inside line was so slippery, I struggled to stop and ran wide. Unfortunately, that ended my race. It is very disappointing.”

E.J. VISO – No. 8 PDVSA – KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA / DALLARA /FIRESTONE:

“I want to congratulate the team because we had a strong weekend overall. With the right breaks, I think Takuma (Sato) and I had a shot for the pole position here on Saturday. We made a lot of progress with the cars. In the race, I was trying to save fuel as much as possible. I was trying to extend the pit window. Justin attempted to make a run on me at the end of the back straight.

I don’t think he was even close to being alongside of me. I hit my normal braking point and turned into the corner. I suddenly felt the hit of my right rear tire. He was trying to overtake me, but his braking was extremely late. I was already turning when I got hit. The right rear suspension was bent. It is very sad because we had a good car and I felt we could run faster, too.”

- KV Racing Technology Press Release

KV Racing Technology

After scoring all four KVRT drivers in the top-ten at Edmonton two weeks ago, the Indianapolis-based squad with an international flair — drivers from Brazil, Venezuela and Japan — is set to continue its impressive road course runs in the 12th stop on the 17-race IZOD IndyCar Series. Canadian Paul Tracy, who placed sixth at Edmonton as the fourth KVRT driver, will not participate at Mid-Ohio.

Young Brazilian Mario Moraes, the youngest series regular at age 21, has been outstanding on the road circuits this year with three top-ten finishes in his No. 32 KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone car. Moraes’ last permanent road course race at Watkins Glen saw the talented youngster take fifth. Moraes missed last year’s Mid-Ohio event due to the death of his father, but is expected to be a challenger when practice begins Friday.

E.J. Viso comes off a sensational qualifying effort (sixth) at Edmonton in his No. 8 PDVSA — KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone machine. Viso, the 25-year-old Venezuelan, battled the three Penske drivers and the two Ganassi pilots in a “David vs. Goliath” role in the Firestone Fast Six qualifying. Viso, who scored his best road finish of eighth at Edmonton, enjoyed a strong testing run last week on the 2.25-mile Mid-Ohio track.

Rounding out the KV Racing Technology lineup at Mid-Ohio is Formula One veteran Takuma Sato. The driver in the No. 5 Lotus — KV Racing Technology Honda/Dallara/Firestone car has the tough task of being a rookie with a new engine/chassis/team combination as well as tracks to learn. But, despite the learning curve, the Japanese star has made the Firestone Fast Six qualifying round at each of the first two permanent road circuits, Barber and Watkins Glen.

Recent testing at Mid-Ohio will be a big help for Sato’s debut at the track that is called the “physically roughest track to drive” on the series.

DRIVER QUOTES:

MARIO MORAES, #32 KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA/DALLARA/FIRESTONE:

” I am looking forward to returning to Mid-Ohio. Last year I had to pull out at the last minute, so it was good to be able to test there last week and get to know the track again. KV Racing Technology have given me a fast car the last two races so I am excited for this weekend and hope we can have another top-10 finish.”

E.J. VISO, #8 PDVSA — KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA/DALLARA/FIRESTONE:

“It is nice to go back to Mid-Ohio after our test. It was definitely pretty useful for KV Racing Technology. We managed to get through a lot of different testing programs and we believe we are in a better place for the race now. Mid-Ohio is always a good track, there’s a nice mix of corners, altitude changes and definitely a pretty fun track to drive. I can feel we are going to have a good weekend.”

TAKUMA SATO, #5 LOTUS – KV RACING TECHNOLOGY HONDA/DALLARA/FIRESTONE:

“It was so nice to have some testing last week, something we missed for a long time and it was the first time since Barber test back in February! We had many different things to try and evaluate which are almost impossible to be done over a race weekend due to the limited track time. So it was a useful day for us to complete and was successful. Mid-Ohio is a challenging road course with a few aggressive elevation changes which makes some corners completely un-sighted, narrow and fast but I enjoyed driving there. The field was again very tight but I feel very positive after the test so hopefully we will be competitive this weekend.”

- KV Racing Technology Press Release