Sunday, January 31, 2010
Technical insight - Renault's James Allison on the R30
Q: James, how different is the R30 compared with last year's car, the R29?
James Allison: It's very different and even my Mum could tell the exterior differences! The R30 is a considerably more svelte and attractive car than its predecessor. These changes are not made for aesthetic appeal however..."
Andretti hooks up with FRM for 500, Shootout
Q&A with Renault's Kubica and Petrov
Robert, you've had a long association with Renault throughout your career and now you're racing for Renault in F1. How does it feel?
Robert Kubica: I'm very happy to be here and, as you say, I do have a long history with Renault. In fact my single-seater career started in a Formula Renault in 2001"
Petrov confirmed as Renault launch R30
Petrov, 25, was runner-up in the 2009 GP2 Series and will become the first Russian to compete in Formula One racing when he takes to the grid in Bahrain in March..."
Petrov confirmed as Renault launch R30
Petrov, 25, was runner-up in the 2009 GP2 Series and will become the first Russian to compete in Formula One racing when he takes to the grid in Bahrain in March..."
BMW Sauber C29 unveiled in Valencia
Drivers Pedro de la Rosa and Kamui Kobayashi were on hand to unveil the Ferrari-powered machine, which the team hope will boost their form after a disappointing sixth-place finish in the 2009 constructors' championship..."
1/31 :: Super Bowl ties
If you'll be strolling down Lincoln Road in downtown Miami later this week during Eats, Beats and Cleats, be sure to snap a photo of the Indy Racing League Championship Cup.
The trophy, hoisted by Dario Franchitti at Homestead-Miami Speedway in October, will be on display at the four-day and night block party beginning Feb. 4 that celebrates Super Bowl XLIV in town. More than 75 current and former NFL All-Stars and other sports legends will be featured as the festival launches with fan experiences and VIP events. The event replaces the mothballed NFL Experience.
Ryan Hunter-Reay, who tested the No. 37 IZOD car for Andretti Autosport at Sebring International last week and competed in the Rolex 24 At Daytona over the weekend, will be among the participants in the Super Bowl Hall of Fame Players Classic presented by Van Heusen on Feb. 4 at the Biltmore Golf Club and Resort in Coral Gables. The event's goals are to raise awareness and funds for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinees Assistance Fund, which lends assistance to fellow Hall of Fame Alumni.
Andretti Autosport driver Danica Patrick will be a guest on 'Super Bowl's Greatest Commercials' on Feb. 3 (8 p.m. ET, CBS). Patrick has been featured in GoDaddy.com spots during the Super Bowl the past few years.
As a side note, Patrick is included in BusinessWeek's 2010 Power 100 list of athletes. Tiger Woods, who ended '09 embroiled in scandal, still topped the list as he raked in an estimated $103 million on and off the golf course. The issue is on newsstands and online now.
"Saturday, January 30, 2010
Furniture Row alliance with RCR delivers 07's points
Said guaranteed spot in Daytona 500 in No. 26 car
Penske likes edge Dodge provides; others not sold
FlightAware - N170MK
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N170MK
FlightAware - N170MK
--- Added Message From Sender ---
Matt Kenseth's airplane N170MK
Friday, January 29, 2010
Watch Moses Smith Live on the Speed Channel
The top teams in NASCAR's Grand National and Elite divisions compete for national recognition and over $500,000 in posted awards.
"
Online launch for Virgin next week
The Cosworth-powered car, which has been designed entirely in the digital domain by technical chief Nick Wirth's Wirth Research organisation, will be raced by former Toyota driver Timo Glock and team mate Lucas di Grassi..."
Q&A with McLaren's Button and Hamilton - updated
1/29 :: More items added to auction site
A helmet signed by 22 Indianapolis 500 winners is among the unique new items added recently to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway eBay auctions to benefit American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti, which already have raised more than $8,400.
Indy winners who signed the helmet include Helio Castroneves, Scott Dixon, A.J. Foyt, Gordon Johncock, Buddy Lazier, Arie Luyendyk, Rick Mears, Bobby Rahal, Jim Rathmann, Buddy Rice, Johnny Rutherford, Tom Sneva, Al Unser, Al Unser Jr., Bobby Unser, Dan Wheldon and more.
'What a great piece of history,' Dixon said. 'I'm not sure anything like this helmet exists today. I hope it will bring in a big number, as the proceeds will definitely be going toward a very worthy cause.'
All proceeds from the eBay auction of racing memorabilia, which began Jan. 15, are being donated to Red Cross relief efforts for the devastating earthquake Jan. 12. Items are designated as part of the Haiti relief program. CLICK HERE for the auction site.
More items are arriving from race teams and competitors from around the world and being added to the auction regularly. Check the auction site daily for updates.
Some of the exciting items added to the auctions between Jan. 23-29:
• ABC Supply helmet visor and ABC Supply diecast car signed by four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A.J. Foyt
• Andretti "Racing Line" poster signed by 1969 Indianapolis 500 winner Mario Andretti, Michael Andretti and Jeff Andretti
• Race-worn camouflage gloves and shoes signed by 2005 Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon
• Promotional standup of IZOD IndyCar Series star Sarah Fisher, signed by Fisher
• 1973 Indianapolis 500 qualifying photo of Bill Vukovich Jr., signed by Vukovich
1/28 :: Vision suspends racing operations
Vision Racing co-owner Tony George has suspended racing operations because of a lack of sponsorship for the IZOD IndyCar Series season that kicks off March 14 in Brazil.
'He had a meeting with all of his staff this morning and he was fairly emotional,' team spokeswoman Pat Caporali said.
A few staff members will continue to seek sponsorship to re-open the Indianapolis-based shop and return to the racetrack with driver Ed Carpenter (George's stepson). Vision Racing began competition in 2005 after acquiring the equipment of the former Kelley Racing.
Carpenter, who finished 12th in the 2009 series standings, has made 99 IZOD IndyCar Series starts. His best finish of second - tying a team high - came at Kentucky Speedway in August.
'They've been a valued part of the series since their debut with Ed Carpenter in 2005 and we really appreciate all they've done, especially with their fan initiatives last season,' said Brian Barnhart, president of competition and racing operations for the sanctioning Indy Racing League. 'The past year really demonstrated the progress the team has made since its debut, with James Davison delivering the team's first win in Firestone Indy Lights and Ed putting on a breathtaking show at Kentucky, battling Ryan Briscoe wheel-to-wheel in the closing laps and nearly walking away with his first win.
'Hopefully they'll be able to retain their equipment should funding become available so they can reassemble the team and make a seamless return to the series full time or as an Indy-only effort.'
"Patrick tops the list of new Nationwide faces in 2010
New faces in new places for Cup Series season
Tentative plans set for spoiler test at Talladega
Sabates apologizes for 'poor taste' remarks
1/29 :: All 17 races broadcast on TSN, TSN2
TSN and TSN2 will again broadcast all 17 IZOD IndyCar Series races in 2010.
Canada's leading English language sports TV network, which was launched in 1984, kicks off coverage with the live broadcast of the season opener in Brazil on sister station TSN2. That station will carry 11 of the races.
CLICK HERE for the broadcast schedule.
"Moses Smith on Sirius NASCAR Radio
Technical insight - McLaren's Goss & Lowe on the MP4-25
McLaren reveal the MP4-25
With its dramatic looking engine-cover fin, the car will bear the prestigious number one, thanks to reigning world champion Jenson Button joining fellow Briton - and 2008 champion - Lewis Hamilton..."
London launch for new Lotus
The wraps will come off the Malaysian-backed squad's first F1 car at London's Royal Horticultural Hall in the UK on Friday 12 February. An expected audience of 400 guests will be the first to see the new Lotus livery..."
Williams sign Bottas as official test driver
Singapore looking to change track layout
Ferrari may be working on 'B' spec F10
1/29 :: Buzz on the street
Action items are added and checked off Tony Cotman's clipboard almost hourly as construction of the 2.6-mile, 11-turn São Paulo temporary street course in Brazil's largest city is a 24/7 operation.
The inaugural São Paulo Indy 300 - the opening race of the IZOD IndyCar Series season -- is six weeks off so there's plenty to accomplish. Ongoing is the milling and paving of streets, replacing curbing, relocating trees, erecting grandstand suites, manufacturing equipment such as pit lane fuel storage tanks and much more daily - all in the Anhembi (north-central) section of the bustling city with 7 million vehicles on its arteries.
Cotman, who designed the course and is overseeing its construction through his new company, NZR Consulting, said the venue 'never looks the same any two days in a row.'
'The site work continues at a torrid pace,' he added. 'The city has been incredible and is putting in a huge effort in contributing to a successful event. There are not too many other places in the world that are willing to provide this much manpower, or can make changes or improvements at such an incredible pace.'
Promotion of the first IZOD IndyCar Series race in South America also is well under way with multimedia ad placements through Bandeirantes (TV, radio, newspapers) and signage in more than 1,500 Ipiranga Petroleum service stations among other places in the state and throughout the country.
A show car has been on display at the Anhembi Convention Center since December. Last week, more than 100,000 attended the 1,500-exhibitor Couromoda International Trade Fair (trends in the sporting goods, leather and shoe industries) at the convention center. More than 12,000 travel agents from across Brazil will attend the CVC Travel Trade Show on Feb. 4. Race event travel packages currently are being offered at more than 475 CVC Travel Agency locations in Brazil.
An Indy Racing Experience two-seater will make high-speed passes during the Feb. 12 opening ceremony of the São Paulo Carnival (Mardi Gras) in the Sambodromo, which is incorporated into the racing circuit, also is planned. Other events closer to the race weekend are being scheduled.
Tickets for the São Paulo Indy 300 go on sale Feb. 1 at www.saopauloindy300.com.br or www.livepass.com.br
"Thursday, January 28, 2010
Johnson unhurt following accident in Rolex practice
JR Motorsports unveils 2010 schedule for Patrick
Mooresville teen receives dream job from 'life saver'
Kligerman to open season driving for Team 42 Racing
Schumacher wanted to drive for us - di Montezemolo
Alonso certain new Ferrari will be strong
Ferrari's Marmorini and Tombazis on the F10's design
Carmichael again to carry longtime sponsor's colors
R. Gordon eyes various series outside of NASCAR
Penske's Keselowski revels in his rabble-rousing role
Tyme Out: Norris embraces momentum after changes
Alonso slams refuelling ban
Ferrari take wraps off 2010 car
The F10 is the 56th single-seater produced by Ferrari to contest the world championship and will make its track debut on Thursday afternoon at the team's Fiorano circuit, with Massa behind the wheel..."
Ferrari unveils F10 in Maranello
Hulkenberg eyeing Ferrari future
Renault and Williams fire up 2010 cars
1/28 :: Welcome to the Hall
IZOD IndyCar Series driver Milka Duno will be inducted into the Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame during ceremonies Jan. 30 in Laredo, Texas.
Duno will be the first Venezuelan athlete inducted into the Hall of Fame, which was founded in 1975 to recognize individuals who have excelled in sports and/or have contributed to the promotion of sports and goodwill in the Latino community.
'The Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame is proud and honored to have selected Milka Duno as a 2010 inductee,' Hall of Fame founder Pitin Guajardo said. 'Milka was selected for her racing achievements, her personal excellence in education and her passion in stressing the importance of education to students of all ages.'
Duno, who has made 27 IZOD IndyCar Series starts, was the first Hispanic woman to compete in the Indianapolis 500 and IZOD IndyCar Series. Duno has many other racing accolades, and as Guajardo noted her work through the Milka Way program was a factor in the Hall of Fame selection.
Duno, a qualified Naval Engineer with four master's degrees, started the Milka Way program and wrote the award-winning bilingual book 'Go, Milka, Go!' to stress the importance of education to students. She will speak to students at United High School in Laredo on Jan. 29.
'I am very passionate about education and I want to do everything that I can to inspire students of all ages to study hard and aim for the stars,' Duno said. 'As a young girl growing up many athletes served as inspirations for me -- as athletes have for millions of children all over the world-- and I feel that it is important for young people to have these sources of inspiration. I never imagined that one day I might be recognized in this way.
'It is both a privilege and a responsibility to be included among all the other Hall of Fame alumni and I will do my best to live up to that privilege and responsibility.'
Hall of Fame members include athletes such as Major League Baseball players Minnie Minoso, Juan Marichal, Orlando Cepeda and Tony Perez; Danny Villanueva of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys; boxer Orlando Canizales; and Olympic gold medalists Crystal Bustos (softball), Lisa Fernandez (softball) and Steve Lopez (martial arts).
"Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Entry List - NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown
# | DRIVER | CREW CHIEF |
0 | Ryan Truex, Mayetta, N.J. * | Mike Greci |
0 | Paul Pedroncelli, Jr., Sonoma, Calif. | Paul Pedroncelli |
1 | Jim Inglebright, Fairfield, Calif. | Rodney Haygood |
2 | Daryl Harr, St Albert, AB | Carl Harr |
3 | Wes Banks, Oakdale, Calif. | Scott Griffith |
4 | TBD | Andy Santerre |
5 | Justin Philpott, Tracy, Calif. | Dave Philpott |
5 | Johnathan Hale, Rio Linda, Calif. | Lyndale Hale |
6 | Jason Bowles, Ontario, Calif. | Bill Sedgwick |
7 | Greg Rayl, Roseville, Calif. | David Fanning |
7 | Kyle Kelley, Huntington Beach, Calif. | Rob Rucker |
11 | Jason Patison, Corona, Calif. | Mark Huff |
12 | Paulie Harraka, Wayne, N.J. * | Duane Knorr |
14 | Troy Ermish, Fremont, Calif. | John Wood |
15 | Jack Sellers, Sacramento, Calif. | Charlie Silva |
16 | Moses Smith, Tempe, Ariz. | Mario Isolo |
17 | David Mayhew, Atascadero, Calif. | Terry Henry |
19 | Andrew Ranger, Roxton Pond, Quebec | Ernie Cope |
20 | Eric Holmes, Escalon, Calif. | Matt Goslant |
21 | Blake Koch, West Palm Beach, Fla. * | Steve Portenga |
22 | Jonathon Gomez, Twin Falls, Idaho | Craig Raudman |
25 | Joey Logano, Middletown, Conn. | Kevin Kidd |
26 | Greg Pursley, Newhall, Calif. | Jerry Pitts |
28 | TBD | |
29 | Brennan Newberry, Bakersfield, Calif. | Gary Collins |
31 | Sean Caisse, Pelham, N.H. | Robert Natalizia |
35 | Steve Park, East Northport, N.Y. | Sam Caron |
36 | George Brunnhoelzl, III, West Babylon, N.Y. | Steve Bird |
37 | Jim Marchino, Modesto, Calif. | Jim Griffith |
40 | Matt Kobyluck, Uncasville, Conn. | Perry Waite |
46 | Jeff Barkshire, Auburn, Wash. | Steve Dykman |
50 | Auggie Vidovich, Lakeside, Calif. | Roger Bracken |
53 | Derek Ramstrom, W Boylston, Mass. | Bob Fill |
55 | Justin Funkhouser, Paradise, Calif. | |
61 | Brett Thompson, Jerome, Idaho | Charlie Wilson |
62 | Candace Muzny, Oklahoma City, Okla. | Jeff Catimer |
63 | John Salemi, Nashua, N.H. | Kevin Salemi |
70 | Nick Joanides, Woodland Hills, Calif. | |
71 | Eddie MacDonald, Rowley, Mass. | Roland Lachance |
76 | Brian Johnson, Jr., Machensey Park, Ill. | Kevin Cram |
77 | Andrew Myers, Newport Beach, Calif. | Justin Holechek |
84 | Jamie Dick, Albuquerque, N.M. | Mike Naake |
86 | TBD | |
88 | Michael Self, Park City, Utah | Mike Naake |
89 | David Gilliland, Riverside, Calif. | Junior Joiner |
91 | Willy Boucenna, Saint Gervais la Foret, France | Mike Olsen |
98 | Matt DiBenedetto, Grass Valley, Calif. | Mike Sibley |
SCHEDULE - NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown
10-10:45 a.m.
Super Late Model practice
10:55-11:55 a.m.
K&N Pro Series practice
Noon-12:45 p.m.
Super Late Model final practice
12:50-1:50 p.m.
K&N Pro Series final practice
2:30-3:15 p.m.
Late Model practice
4:00 p.m.
GATES OPEN & Lifestyle Expo
Super Late Model qualifying
6:00 p.m.
K&N Pro Series qualifying
7:35 p.m.
Super Late Model race (100 laps)
9:00 p.m.
K&N Pro Series Last-Chance Open race (50 laps)
Saturday, Jan. 30
9-9:50 a.m.
Late Model final practice
1:00 p.m.
Late Model qualifying
4:00 p.m.
GATES OPEN & Lifestyle Expo
5:15 p.m.
Driver Autograph Session
7:25 p.m.
K&N Pro Series race (225 laps)
9:40 p.m.
Late Model race (75 laps)
Fast Facts - NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown
The Race | NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown |
The Place | Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (Calif.) |
The Date | Friday, Jan. 29 & Saturday, Jan. 30 |
The Event | 100-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Super Late Model race (Friday); 75-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model race and 225-lap NASCAR K&N Pro Series races (Saturday) |
The Time | 7 p.m. PT (both days) |
TV Schedule | Live on SPEED; Beginning at 7 p.m. PT both days |
Radio Schedule | Live on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio; Beginning at 7 p.m. PT both days |
Track Layout | .5-mile oval |
2009 Winners | Matt Kobyluck (K&N Pro Series), Travis Thirkettle (Super Late Model), Mike Johnson (Late Model) |
2009 Poles | Chris Johnson (K&N Pro Series), Qualifying cancelled (Super Late Model), Qualifying cancelled (Late Model) |
Track Contact | Kevin O'Brien, (626) 358-1100 or kobrien@toyotaspeedwayatirwindale.com |
NASCAR Contact | Jason Christley, (386) 310-6094 or jchristley@nascar.com |
"
Top Names Head For All-Star Showdown
Seventh edition at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale
Official Release
January 25, 2010 - 4:47pm
The all-star event, termed the “Daytona 500 of short-track racing,” is slated for Friday and Saturday, Jan. 29-30, at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, Calif.
The entry list for the weekend’s main attraction, Saturday night’s NASCAR K&N Pro Series race, features a couple of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers who are coming home, so to speak.
Joey Logano, who won the Raybestos Rookie of the Year Award in NASCAR’s premier series last season, will be driving an entry for car owner Mike Olsen. Logano, of Middletown, Conn., won the K&N Pro Series East championship in 2007.
David Gilliland, who won the pole for the Daytona 500 in 2007, will be behind the wheel of an entry for Jennifer Wong. Gilliland, of Riverside, Calif., is a second-generation competitor who won the Sunoco Rookie of the Year title in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West in 2004.
The entry list also features several recently crowned 2009 champions - Ryan Truex, NASCAR K&N Pro Series East; Jason Bowles, NASCAR K&N Pro Series West; Andrew Ranger, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1, and George Brunnhoelzl III, NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour.
In addition to Logano, other former champions on the entry list include two-time NASCAR K&N Pro Series West champion Eric Holmes (2006 and 2008) and the 2008 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East champion, Matt Kobyluck.
Also among this year’s entries are Steve Park, who has victories in all three national series in NASCAR, and Auggie Vidovich, who raced in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2006.
Former NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown winners include Kobyluck, who won the prestigious event last year and in 2006, Logano, who won in 2007, and Gilliland, who won in 2005.
Holmes and Vidovich each had Showdown victories in the former NASCAR Elite Division race in 2004 and 2005, respectively.
Another NASCAR K&N Pro Series competitor, Greg Pursley, earned a Showdown trophy by capturing the Super Late Model race in 2007.
The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series feature races are equally stacked with headliners, led by track champion Nick Joanides. Joanides, who finished third in the nation, became the first driver in track history to claim the AC Delco Super Late Model and the Auto Club Late Model championships in the same season.
Four-time track champion Rip Michels leads the Super Late Model challengers, and he will be joined by defending race winner Travis Thirkettle, 2009 national rookie of the year Jacob Gomes and Gilliland.
Former NASCAR K&N Pro Series West champion and Toyota Speedway track champion Sean Woodside is scheduled for double duty.
In the Late Model race, Joanides will be joined by Woodside, Holmes, defending race champion Mike Johnson, three-time track Late Model champ Tim Huddleston and Stockton (Calif.) 99 Speedway champ Justin Philpott.
McMurray looking at team- building week in Daytona
Driving famous No. 43 has Allmendinger pumped up
Schumacher could stay in F1 after 2012
Ferrari ready to kick off launch season
The wraps will come off the as-yet unnamed Ferrari at 1030 local time during a ceremony held at the Italian team's new GT Assembly Line pavilion. Chairman Luca di Montezemolo, team principal Stefano Domenicali, 2010 drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, and various engineers will all be present, with the whole event broadcast live on Ferrari's official website."
Ferrari ready to kick off launch season
Sent to you by Daryl via Google Reader:
It has been months since we bid farewell to the 2009 season after its spectacular Abu Dhabi send off. But finally the wait is almost over and within hours we'll catch a glimpse of a 2010 car. First out of the gates will be Ferrari, who are set to launch their new challenger at their Maranello factory on Thursday morning, ahead of McLaren's Friday event. The wraps will come off the as-yet unnamed Ferrari at 1030 local time during a ceremony held at the Italian team's new GT Assembly Line pavilion. Chairman Luca di Montezemolo, team principal Stefano Domenicali, 2010 drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, and various engineers will all be present, with the whole event broadcast live on Ferrari's official website.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Formula1.com - Latest News using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Many drivers in new colors as Truck season begins
Sent to you by Daryl via Google Reader:
If there are three major themes for the 2010 Camping World Truck Series season, they might include Rowdy's brand-new adventure, the return of a famous family numeral and a decidedly female influence.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to NASCAR.COM - Sprint Cup Series Headlines using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Setzer to drive No. 46 for Gill Racing at Daytona
Sent to you by Daryl via Google Reader:
Dennis Setzer will drive the No. 46 Dodge for Team Gill Racing in the Camping World Truck Series' season opener on Feb. 12 at Daytona.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to NASCAR.COM - Sprint Cup Series Headlines using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Exclusive Ross Brawn Q&A: I can strike it lucky again
Sent to you by Daryl via Google Reader:
Ross Brawn is a fortunate man. During his Formula One career he has already won everything there ever is to win, but it doesn't look like he's reached the end of the road just yet. And after sensationally clinching both titles last year, he's hoping to do the same again with the newly-formed Mercedes GP team. With Michael Schumacher, Nico Rosberg and the might of Mercedes-Benz on his side, you wouldn't bet against him…
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Formula1.com - Latest News using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Campos might not test before Bahrain
Sent to you by Daryl via Google Reader:
Campos Meta could miss all of the pre-season testing ahead of its debut race in Bahrain
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to ESPNF1.com using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Tyre rule shake-up for 2010
Sent to you by Daryl via Google Reader:
Formula One teams have agreed to make the top ten drivers on the grid start on the same tyres they used in the final session of qualifying
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to ESPNF1.com using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
US F1 won't test until late February
Sent to you by Daryl via Google Reader:
US F1's 2010 car won't be ready until late February, just three weeks before the season opener on March 14
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to ESPNF1.com using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
1/27 :: Season tune-up
Sent to you by Daryl via Google Reader:
Raphael Matos co-drove the winning GT class car in the 2008 Rolex 24 At Daytona. This weekend, he'll co-drive the Brumos Racing Daytona Prototype that won the '09 overall title.
Matos, last season's Apex-Brasil Rookie of the Year award winner in the IZOD IndyCar Series, is among several IZOD IndyCar Series drivers who will compete in the 48th annual endurance race on the 3.56-mile, 12-turn Daytona International Speedway circuit. The green flag waves at 3:30 p.m. (ET) Jan. 30.
"I'm with the Brumos team that won the overall race last year and we have a great driver lineup, we have a great package and we have everything that it takes to win that race," said Matos, who competed in the Daytona Prototype class last year with Supercar Life Racing/Level 5.
"Seat time is always good. I spend a lot of time karting in the off-season, and anything you're driving you're keeping your focus and that's always going to help you in an IndyCar."
Also on the Brumos team are five-time race winner Hurley Haywood, who announced it would be his final Rolex 24 At Daytona, three-time winner Butch Leitzinger, and '09 overall winners David Donohue and Darren Law.
"Representing the defending champions is really exciting and I could not be with a better team to achieve my goal of earning an overall victory," Matos said. "I know there is a good chance to make history, not only for myself, but for Hurley and the Brumos team once again."
Reigning IZOD IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti and '08 series champion Scott Dixon will co-drive the No. 02 Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates entry with 2000 Indianapolis 500 winner Juan Pablo Montoya and Jamie McMurray. Justin Wilson, a 2009 IZOD IndyCar Series race winner with Dale Coyne Racing, will co-drive the companion No. 01 car with Marino Franchitti, Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas.
"It's a good lineup with the 01 and 02," said Dario Franchitti, who co-drove the overall winning car in the 2008 race. "It's always fun to do the Rolex 24 and warm up for the season. You get to race against some of your old pals again, which is kind of cool. My brother is driving with us. I'm really looking forward to being on the same team with him, though it's not in the same car."
Ryan Hunter-Reay, who will drive the No. 37 IZOD car for Andretti Autosport this season, will join Lucas Lohr, Richard Westbrook, Scott Tucker and Christophe Bouchut in the Level 5 Motorsports Daytona Prototype. Buddy Rice, the 2004 Indianapolis 500 winner, will co-drive the Spirit of Daytona car with Paul Menard and Antonio Garcia.
KV Racing Technology co-owner Jimmy Vasser will join Jimmie Johnson, Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty in driving the GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing car in Daytona Prototypes.
Roger Yasukawa (Sigalsport) and Vision Racing co-owner Patrick Dempsey (Dempsey Racing) will compete in the GT class.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to IndyCar Series News using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
1/21 :: No drive-offs
Sent to you by Daryl via Google Reader:
Honda Performance Development will incorporate a refueling lockout device on IZOD IndyCar Series cars in 2010 in an effort to further reduce the possibility of fuel spills and fire during pit stops.
A sensor next to the refueling coupling behind the driver's shoulder will recognize the proximity of the fuel probe and prevent the driver from shifting into gear (from neutral) until it has cleared the pre-set distance.
"It should prevent anybody driving off with the probe in the car," IZOD IndyCar Series technical director Kevin Blanch said. "All the electronics are existing parts on the car except the sensor. The rest is software."
The system, being tested at Honda Performance Development in Santa Clarita, Calif., will receive further evaluation during the Open Test on May 4 at Kentucky Speedway. It is scheduled to be added following the Indianapolis 500 on May 30, according to HPD technical division manager Roger Griffiths.
The lockout device will complement Indy Racing League safeguards in place for the quick and hectic pit stops during races. The IZOD IndyCar Series is the only motorsports series that utilizes 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol - a renewable and environmentally-responsible fuel - in its Honda Indy V8 engines.
A "deadman" engages a spring-loaded lever on the fuel tank that allows the gravity-fed fuel to flow through a hose and the probe that is inserted into the coupling by the refueler. The deadman, not part of the over-the-wall crew, can halt the flow of fuel to the 22-gallon cell by releasing the lever.
Additionally, the deadman controls a button that activates/deactivates air to the probe - an element re-introduced by the sanctioning body in 2009.
The Indy Racing League also researched and tested various fuel hoses before mandating one that splits in two - again if the driver pulled out of the pit stall with the probe still engaged.
"People get confused and have asked why did the hose rip?" Blanch said. "That's what we want because there's only two gallons of fuel in the hose and that's a lot less mess than ripping the tank over the wall or jerking the car sideways into other cars."
Honda Performance Development developed and implemented a refueling lockout system for its Acura RX cars in the American Le Mans Series following a 2008 incident at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in which a crew member was seriously burned during a pit stop fire. That system prevented the car from re-starting following a pit stop if the probe was still engaged (in ALMS the engine is switched off during refuelling).
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to IndyCar Series News using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
1/26 :: That's a lot of eyeballs
Sent to you by Daryl via Google Reader:
IZOD IndyCar Series commercial spots during the NFC and AFC Championship Game broadcasts Jan. 24 were seen by almost 100 million viewers.
That's a lot of eyeballs as IZOD continued its promotional TV campaign of the series' schedule that kicks off March 14 with the inaugural Sao Paulo Indy 300 on a temporary street circuit in the heart of the largest city in South America.
IZOD, which in November was introduced as the title sponsor of the premier North American open-wheel racing series, began its network promotion two weeks ago with spots that criss-crossed entertainment - from the Golden Globe Awards pre- and post-event shows on E! to college basketball games on ESPN to ABC's "Good Morning America." It will continue throughout the IZOD IndyCar Series season (check out the Grammy Awards on Jan. 31).
The NFC and AFC Championship Games averaged 52.9 million viewers -- the NFL's most-viewed championship Sunday since 1982 (60.2 million average). Fox's telecast of the New Orleans Saints' 31-28 overtime victory over the Minnesota Vikings was watched by 57.9 million. Excluding Super Bowl telecasts, the game marked TV's most-viewed program since the "Seinfeld" finale in '98.
The Indianapolis Colts' 30-17 victory over the New York Jets in the AFC was watched by 46.9 million people on CBS. It was the largest audience for an AFC title game since NBC earned 47.5 million viewers for Patriots-Dolphins in '86.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to IndyCar Series News using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Constructive test return for Massa
Sent to you by Daryl via Google Reader:
Although he'll have to wait another week before he samples his 2010 car, Ferrari's Felipe Massa enjoyed a brief Formula One refresher course on Friday. Massa organised a private one-day test at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya in a 2008-spec car, as he prepares to return to F1 racing for the first time since his accident during qualifying for the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix. With perfect weather conditions at the Spanish track, the Brazilian was able to cover over 400 kilometres in the F2008. While it may be a while since he last sat in a cockpit, Massa felt immediately at home.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Formula1.com - Latest News using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Q&A with Mercedes' Michael Schumacher & Nico Rosberg
Sent to you by Daryl via Google Reader:
If ever a driver line-up had that certain smell of success, this is it. There may be 15 years between Mercedes GP drivers Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg, but they are united in their attitude towards making the 'Silver Arrows' a success through teamwork. Whether it really is a match made in heaven, only time will tell…
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Formula1.com - Latest News using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Red Bull and Toro Rosso announce reserve drivers
Sent to you by Daryl via Google Reader:
Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso have announced two reserve drivers for this season
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to ESPNF1.com using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
US F1 confirms Jose Maria Lopez for debut season
Sent to you by Daryl via Google Reader:
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to ESPNF1.com using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Red Bull and Toro Rosso announce reserve drivers
Sent to you by Daryl via Google Reader:
Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso have announced two reserve drivers for this season
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to ESPNF1.com using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Who to watch in 2010: Drivers to keep an eye on
Sent to you by Daryl via Google Reader:
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to NASCAR.COM - Sprint Cup Series Headlines using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
SIRIUS XM Radio To Broadcast Toyota All-Star Showdown Live
Sent to you by Daryl via Google Reader:
Fan Appreciation Events Set For Jan. 27-28
Official Release
January 14, 2010 - 9:49am
The premier postseason event at the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (Calif.) attracts the top talent across North American for what drivers have dubbed the "Daytona 500 of short-track racing." The seventh running of the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown will be highlighted by the 225-lap Camping World Series all-star race.
Among those scheduled to compete will include two-time race winner Matt Kobyluck, reigning NASCAR Camping World Series champions Ryan Truex (East) and Jason Bowles (West) and 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Raybestos Rookie of the Year Joey Logano.
The 2010 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown schedule also includes a 100-lap Whelen All-American Series Super Late Model race on Friday, and a 75-lap Late Model race on Saturday.
SIRIUS NASCAR Radio, available nationwide on SIRIUS channel 128 and on XM channel 128 with the "Best of SIRIUS" programming package, will broadcast the action beginning at 7 p.m. PT on Friday and Saturday. Calling the action live from Irwindale will be SIRIUS NASCAR Radio host and short-track aficionado Pat Patterson, and two-time NASCAR Camping World Series West champion and current NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Brendan Gaughan.
In addition, Patterson will host live SIRIUS NASCAR Radio shows from 7-8 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday from NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown fan appreciation events in the Los Angeles area.
On Wednesday, the show will air from Clubhouse 66 in Glendora, Calif. Featured drivers slated to attend include Truex and Bowles, as well as Drive For Diversity driver Mackena Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing developmental driver Matt DiBenedetto, and former track champion Rip Michels.
Thursday, Longo Toyota in El Monte, Calif., will host the fan gathering, which is scheduled to include Kobyluck, two-time NASCAR Camping World Series West champion Eric Holmes, 2009 NASCAR Camping World Series West Sunoco Rookie of the Year Paulie Harraka, and 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Raybestos Rookie of the Year Joey Logano.
There will be autograph signings and ticket giveaways, in addition to Patterson's live broadcast. The events will run from 6-9 p.m. each night.
Patterson, also known as "The Racing Guy," has been broadcasting racing for more than 25 years and brings a wealth of short-track knowledge to the radio booth. In addition to calling the live race, Patterson will host his regular SIRIUS NASCAR Radio show, The Front Stretch, live from the track on Saturday morning from 6-10 a.m.
Last year, SIRIUS NASCAR Radio broadcast the event for the first time and listeners were able to follow all the action including the wild, last-lap shootout between Logano and Peyton Sellers that left Kobyluck standing tall in Victory Lane.
SIRIUS XM is the Official Satellite Radio Partner of NASCAR, broadcasting every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race live on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio, channel 128, the only radio channel dedicated to NASCAR 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to NASCAR Race Mom using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites