Alex Tagliani to Sub for Injured Dario Franchitti in Fontana IndyCar Finale

Photo Credit: Chris Nagy

Whether you are an active follower of the IZOD IndyCar Series, fan of any other form of motorsport or just a human being concerned for the health and welfare of automotive speed demons, this past Sunday's race on a Houston, Texas street circuit contained a occurrence we hated to see. On the final lap for race #2 of the Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston race weekend, a freak but serious crash put the lives of drivers and spectators at risk.

Impacting the rear of Takuma Sato's vehicle, Dario Franchitti #10 car owned by Chip Ganassi Racing was launched violently into the track fencing. The heavy hit into the temporary caging barely retained the Honda-powered Dallara race car as Franchitti was whipped around multiple times. The #10 car settled on within a sea of debris that showered the track as well as an unfortunate crowd of people observing the Houston IndyCar event. Not without concern for the several spectators who required medical attention following the incident, drivers, teams and many fans were tensely watching the remains of the vehicle belonging to the four-time IZOD IndyCar champion driving for Target Chip Ganassi Racing. Team owner Chip Ganassi (himself a former race car driver) quickly jumped on his motor scooter racing to the crash scene with immense concern for his driver. While head movement was observed with Dario Franchitti, the greatest relief came several minutes later when reports stated the Scottish athlete was awake and alert. Thanks to safety systems built into the Dallara chassis, the massive collision preserved the life of Dario Franchitti. Injuries to others outside of the race competition also proved non-fatal allowing for some relief. The memories of 2011 Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon's fatal crash at Las Vegas is still a memory of an occasion no one wants to live again.

Alive and talking, worry focused on potential injury to Dario Franchitti. Indeed, the Scot described pain to his back and ankle as he once carefully lifted from his car to an Ambulance. At a Houston hospital, Franchitti was diagnosed with a broken right ankle, two spinal fractures and a concussion following the wreck. Well wishes for the three-time Indy 500 winner have come from fans and fellow competitors eager to see the driver return to his race car. With reports on Wednesday Franchitti will require a second surgery for his ankle, the business of motorsports required Chip Ganassi to select a replacement driver for the #10 machine as the final 2013 IZOD IndyCar round at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California is set for October 19th. Wednesday afternoon, Target Chip Ganassi Racing named Canadian Alex Tagiani as the fill-in driver for the #10 team.




Photo Credit: Chris Nagy

A product of the Players Driver Development Program that operated for promoting Canadian drivers in the 1990s , the 14-year veteran of major open wheel racing brings a lot of experience to the #10 Dallara-Honda. Tagliani's racing resume includes a Champ Car series win at the 2004 Road America round, 2009 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year and a pole position at the 2011 Indy 500. “As a driver you never want an opportunity like this to come under these circumstances, but I’m up for the challenge and looking forward to working with my friend Scott and the whole Target team. I’m thinking of Dario as everyone else is, and wishing him a quick recovery. This team has a championship on the line and I’m ready to step in a help them win it.”, said Alex Tagliani in a team release. Chip Ganassi voiced, “Obviously the situation is not ideal with Dario being unable to compete in Fontana. As we look to the season finale we needed a driver with experience and the ability to step in and get the job done in the No. 10 car, and Alex was a logical choice for us”. Alex Tagliani has been a free agent since the conclusion of the 2013 Honda Indy Toronto race weekend in July.

Starting his CART career with Players Forsythe Racing, Alex Tagliani has driven for Rocketsports Racing as well as Team Australia co-owned by Derrick Walker (the current IndyCar Series President of operations and competition). Joining the IndyCar Series on a regular basis in 2010 as part-owner of the FAZZT Race Team, the #77 vehicle fought with limited success against the superteams of Team Penske, Andretti Autosport and Target Chip Ganassi Racing. Tagliani and the FAZZT Race Team owners were bought out by Sam Schmidt in 2011. Sticking with Alex Tagliani for most of the season, the Canadian was released late in the season. In 2012, Tagliani landed at Bryan Herta Autosport driving the #98 car who was pressing forward with its first full season of competition. Starting off the 2012 IZOD IndyCar campaign with the underpowered Lotus powerplant, results were dismal. A mid-season switch to Honda engines improved results topped by a 5th place finish at the Edmonton Indy. Part of the team for the start of the 2013 season, the effort simply could not improve on their 2012 performance. Alex Tagliani was released once again during the middle of an IZOD IndyCar season. During his hiatus from IndyCar, Tagliani drove a Ferrari 458 Italia GT car in the Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series.

Competing at Auto Club Speedway in the past with CART and the IZOD IndyCar Series, Alex Tagliani's best result at the track is third occurring in 2001 (Tagliani also won the pole position for that event). Last year's race at Auto Club Speedway ended with a late race crash for Tagliani after leading several times.

The October 19th MAVTV 500 will end the 2013 IZOD IndyCar Season.

IndyCar Title Sponsor IZOD Out After 2013 Season

Similar to many sport events such as the Olympics or the NFL, auto racing has become a brand-littered environment. With large race tracks to place banners and automobiles presenting ideal moving billboards to profile businesses or products, sponsorship is not only accepted but greatly appreciated.

For a major auto racing series, presence of title sponsorship would not only provide a useful cash infusion but a way to sell a sporting organization's creditability. After supporting the North America's biggest open-wheel racing tour six years, serving as a major title sponsor for four seasons, designer apparel company IZOD was announced as ending its sponsorship commitment of the IndyCar Series with the conclusion of the ongoing 2013 season.

Described as a change in circumstances that will leave IndyCar searching for a new title sponsor for 2014 and beyond, chief executive officer of Hulman & Co. Mike Miles said, "We are proud of our partnership with IZOD over the past six years and we're grateful to PVH Corp., owner of the IZOD brand, for its support, creativity and vision,". From the side of IZOD, the brand's parent company PVH Marketing Group said the discontinuation of sponsorship is a change in product focus. We would like to thank the IndyCar community, from the amazing fans, to the incredible drivers, to the entire series, for their partnership. We wish the series all the best and we look forward to finishing out the 2013 season with much success." said Executive Vice President of PVH Marketing Group  Mike Kelly.

IZOD began its marketing partnership as an official apparel provider in 2008. The company made a crucial move upgrading itself to title sponsor of the IndyCar Series for 2010. Ahead of the 2010 season, the series was still sorting itself out following years of acuminous battling between the Champ Car and the Indy Racing League. Through the 2010 season, a stabilized IZOD IndyCar Series began to prove inviting for sporting audiences. In addition to appearing along with the IndyCar name, IZOD also appeared on the side pods of competition cars fielded by Andretti Autosport and Team Penske.

"We are proud of our partnership with IZOD over the past six years and we're grateful to PVH Corp., owner of the IZOD brand, for its support, creativity and vision," said Mark Miles as the IndyCar Series will be adopting a new identity next season either without a title sponsor or with a new name.

Penske, Power Quickest in IZOD INDYCAR Friday Session at Barber

A cloudy, wet weather greeted the 2012 IZOD INDYCAR Series drivers and teams for their first day at Barber Motorsports Park for Sunday‘s Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama. Due to rain that intensified over the course of Friday, the fastest session for the 26 race cars around the 2.3-mile, 17-turn road course occurred in the late morning.

The defending winner of the 2011 Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama with a masterful flag-to-flag victory, Will Power kicked off one day at Barber Motorsports Park with the top time in overall Friday practice. Power’s lap time of 1 minute, 11.2886 seconds was faster than the times from in qualifying for the 2011 race. Power was 21/100ths of a second faster than his Penske Racing teammate and recent St Petersburg victor Helio Castroneves. “The Verizon No. 12 Chevy felt very good this morning before the rain.” said Will Power confident on his ability to repeat at Barber Motosports park. “We have tested here a lot and know the track very well and the set-up very well. We just made minor adjustments to the car because we basically know what we want.” said Power. With two of the three Team Penske Chevrolet entries at the front Friday, the third entry handled by Ryan Briscoe settled for 15^th quickest among the IZOD INDYCAR Series racers.

While the presence of Team Penske at the top of IZOD INDYCAR result sheers is a trend early in the 2012 season, Friday’s remaining top-five fastest lap times threw a surprising curve ball into the year’s second race weekend for the open wheel stars. Recommitting to the IZOD INDYCAR Series schedule for the first time since 2008, the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team’s #15 car piloted by Takuma Sato grabbed the third fastest speed for day one. Both cars are powered by Honda engines. In 4^th place in the combined practice results was series rookie of the year Simon contender Josef Newgarden driving for Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing.

Considered to be the teams presenting best chances for challenging the Team Penske juggernaut into the 2012 IZOD INDYCAR Series season, Andretti Autosport and Chip Ganassi Racing both had race cars in the top-10 during Friday practice at Barber Motorsports Park. Andretti Autosports was led by the #26 car of Marco Andretti in 6^th place in the first track session. Planning to mount a stronger race than the season opening effort at St Petersburg, defending IZOD INDYCAR series driver Dario Franchitti logged a 9^th fastest time ahead of an affiliated #38 car driven by Graham Rahal.

Despite rather light track activity at Barber Motorsport Park, several IZOD INDYCAR Series drivers and teams desperate for testing took full advantage of Friday to acquaint themselves with their 2012 Dallaras. Setting the record for Friday laps was the former Formula 1 driver Rubens Barrichello for KV Racing Technology. Logging 34 laps, Barrichello was also fastest around the Barber Motorsports Park course recorded at 5^th fastest amongst the practice times in both practices. “I have only done one test here, but it makes a huge difference compared to last weekend at St. Petersburg.” said Rubens Barrichello. Barrichello’s teammate and fellow Brazilian Tony Kanaan was 7^th quick on Friday in the #11 car. First practice for the IZOD INDYCAR Series ended with Kanaan stopped on track after running out of fuel.

While Tony Kanaan’s event was not severe, the #18 of Justin Wilson did encounter a failure relating to his Honda powerplant driving his Dale Coyne Racing car. The Dale Coyne Racing team has been devoted to replacing a damaged fuel injector in order to preserve their potential grid position earned in Saturday’s qualifying. While Justin Wilson might be saved from loosing starting position, Oriol Servia will suffer the IZOD INDYCAR’s 10-grid spot penalty after the Lotus engine of his #22 car stopped in early in practice.

Simona de Silvestro completed the second-most laps over the course on Friday. In both sessions at Barber Motorsports Park, the #78 Lotus-powered race machine recorded 32 laps with the majority coming in the late morning practice. The Swiss driver’s fastest time was only 20^th on the speed charts leading to desire that the remainder of the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama weekend could turn the fortunes of de Silvestro and the HVM Racing team. Of the Lotus-powered Dallaras, Sebastien Bourdais recorded the fastest time around the 2.3-mile road course at 1 minute, 12.4818 seconds for Lotus Dragon Racing. With Bourdais in the #7 car for the Lotus Dragon Racing team, rookie teammate Katherine Legge ended the day at the bottom of the IZOD INDYCAR competitor’s time chart for Friday. Legge’s fastest time in the #6 car was more than five seconds off the speed of Will Power.

KV Racing Technology INDYCAR Team Confirms Chevrolet Engines for 2012

Photo Credit: Chris Nagy/XSL Speed Reporter

Pressing in place the latest piece in the 2012 IZOD INDYCAR Series puzzle for team complexions, the KV Racing Technology team formally contracted with Chevrolet engines. In a news release dated November 1st, team co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven stated “Chevy has a proven history of innovation and success in motorsports and we look forward to continuing that legacy.” Jimmy Vasser, the other significant part of the KV Racing Technology organization, spoke delightly on the powerplant choice. “I am very excited Chevrolet is returning to IndyCar racing and that we will have the opportunity to work with them. I have a long personal history with Chevrolet. My first car was a 1969 Camaro, my first podium was with a Chevy engine in 1993 at Phoenix and, I am proud to say, that I am a Chevy dealer. We look forward to a very successful relationship with Chevrolet for many years to come.” Vasser said.

Collecting four poles in the past 2011 season, KV Racing Technology had been a most improved team on the racing circuit thanks to the additional of Brazilian veteran Tony Kanaan and the maturing of the second-year driver Takuma Sato and EJ Viso. Though winless in the 2011 IZOD INDYCAR Series, the team concluded the year with a best finish of 2nd place by Kanaan at Iowa Speedway. While all team competed with the spec Honda Racing Development V-8 engine, the 2012 season will be the first time KV Racing Technology will be powered by another engine supplier.


The KV Racing Technology's team engine choice resolves one unanswered question involving the race organization but opens to door for several more inquires. Electing to be powered by the Bowtie brand, the team's relationship with Group Lotus appears to be reaching an impasse. Will Group Lotus continue to associate with KV Racing Technology in the 2012 IZOD INDYCAR Series? If not, could Lotus be taking their support to other team?
With reports that the Lotus INDYCAR Series powerplant will be ready for the 2012 season, the presence of the promised Lotus V-6 engine is yet to be completely confirmed. Being created in partnership with John Judd's Engine Developments Limited, only HVM Racing has formally admitted they are competing with the powerplant. 

The announcement of Chevrolet engines could also lead to questions on the driver line-up situation for the 2012 IZOD INDYCAR Series. Will long-time Honda pilot Takuma Sato leave the team in favour for one powered the Japanese auto brand? Tony Kanaan has also been a long-time Honda driver since the 2001 CART World Series driving for Mo Nunn Racing. However, Kanaan does has a one-race outing at the 2002 Indianapolis 500 with Chevrolet power. KV Racing Technology will likely want to maintain their three-car operation into the new season.

The latest major team establishing their 2012 engine choice, KV Racing Technology joins Penske Racing, Panther Racing and Andretti Autosport in opting for the Ilmor-designed Chevrolet powerplant. Significant teams left unattached to 2012 engine plans remains the Dreyer & Reinbold Racing as well as Newman/Haas Racing.

Las Vegas INDYCAR Finale Ends Sadly with Dan Wheldon's Passing

Photo Credit: Chris Jones

Entering the season finale for the 2011 IZOD INDYCAR Series, the tempo was his with the tour's return to the carnival-like atmosphere of Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Motor Speedway's 300-mile IZOD INDYCAR World Championship would be the place where many major honours were decided. For the second-straight year, Will Power and Dario Franchitti were to do battle are top place in the driver's overall point standings. A tight rookie of the year point fight between American JR Hildebrand and Canadian James Hinchcliffe was prepared to reach a conclusion.

Finally, there was one final event on the 2011 IZOD INDYCAR Series title for which 34 drivers were placed in the race field to win. One of those drivers entered into the Las Vegas event was 2011 Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon. Completing what was a magical feat in late May, Wheldon joined Sam Schmidt Racing and the #77 team for the series' final 2011 race competing with a considerable perk of a 5-million dollar prize if he would have won the Las Vegas Motor Speedway round. As the field was staged for the last 2011 IZOD INDYCAR Series race, the excitement would be far too short-lived with emotions quickly turning by lap 12.

Through one of the most packed field of open wheel racing cars the series has seen since the 1997 Indianapolis 500, there was immediate issues from the drop of green with competitors fighting for position during such an infant race. As several near misses took place on the 1.5-mile Las Vegas Motor Speedway including a brushing of wheels between Alex Tagliani and Ryan Briscoe, the two escaped the incident without wrecking. With packs racing three-wide, even the slightest misinterpretation on-track would have caused a serious incident. Heading into turn 1 on the 12th lap in the event, a worst case scenario took place.

On the outside travelling through the first corner, the #17 of Wade Cunningham made minor contact with the #02 car of James Hinchcliffe who had recently checked up in reaction to action in front of his Newman/Haas Racing machine. Unable to retain handling of his compromised Indy car, Cunningham slid and began a fast pile-up. Travelling in excess of 200 miles per hour, cars were instantly swept up in the initial contact taking in total 15 Indy car vehicles. Jay Howard, Paul Tracy, JR Hildebrand, EJ Viso and Pippa Mann were among some of the drivers sitting in wrecked race cars as a red flag quickly flew over the race track. IZOD INDYCAR title contender Will Power was also caught up in the melee ultimately handing the 2011 championship to Dario Franchitti. Out of the car, Power would be alright but later attended the an off-site hospital with back pain concerns.

With safety crews and emergency vehicles rushing to the massive crash scene around turn 2, Mann and Hildebrand were conscious but in need of further medical attention outside of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Taken to the University Medical Center by road ambulance, worry from many race observes surrounded the #77 car that was driven by Dan Wheldon. Sustaining heavy damage, Wheldon's car was eventually centered by a yellow tarp as the condition of the driver was unknown.

As time passed and other drivers involved in the big wreck at Las Vegas were discharged from the on-site medical center, Paul Tracy detailed that doctors were surrounding Wheldon. Later, IZOD INDYCAR Series television coverage on ABC received confirmation that Dan Wheldon was on a recently-lifted medical helicopter to the same medical center as Hildebrand and Mann. With a track sitting quiet under a red flag with clean-up as well as track repairs to the safer barrier wall and track surface itself proceeding, the concern for the 33-year old British driver grew. After an hour under the red flag period, the INDYCAR Series called a closed-door meeting with all drivers in the media center. It was almost two hours after the horrible 15-car crash when word was officially relayed that the two-time Indy 500 and 2005 INDYCAR champion Dan Wheldon had succumbed to his injures.

In a brief statement, INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard read the following short message providing the racing world with news a tragedy marks the day:

"INDYCAR is sad to announce that Dan Wheldon passed away from unsurvivable injuries. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dan and his family. INDYCAR, its drivers and teams have decided to end the race. We will run a five-lap salute in honor of Dan."

Ten minutes after Bernard presented the news, drivers of the remaining 19 vehicles were assembled to perform a makeshift yet tasteful memorial to the now-departed young racing legend. For five laps, the Indy car pack circulated the Las Vegas Motor Speedway race in a three-wide formation. A gripping emotional time for the fraternity of IZOD INDYCAR Series drivers as they reentered their vehicles with knowledge of a lost competitor, and in many cases friend. As a checkered-flag flew as an end to the Las Vegas race. However, for drivers, race team members, race fans and the racing families (especially the now grieving family of Dan Wheldon), the flag does nothing to resolve the pain of losing a fellow competitor.

Power Vs. Franchitti: INDYCAR Stars Battle for 2011 Title in Las Vegas

Photo Credit: Chris Jones

The fierce rivalries in motorsports has always been a key element in the most memorable eras. Richard Petty versus David Pearson, Ayrton Senna versus Alain Prost and even manufacturer face-off such as Ferrari versus Chevrolet are occasions in auto racing history where the presence of a full group of contentions is respectfully discounted to see a one-on-one match-up. While modern auto racing bodies are constantly trying to open up the playing field to an assortment of drivers and organizations, there continues to be match-ups where two figures become a prominent fixture.

For the past two seasons in the IZOD INDYCAR Series, the Scottish driver for Target Chip Ganassi Racing #10 car and an Australian driving the #12 Penske Racing team have been the overall championship point duelers. In 2010, Will Power demonstrated some incredible magic on road courses in a first full season for Penske that allowed the Australian to contend for the series title against the more experienced shoe of Dario Franchitti. Franchitti's performance on ovals (a track layout understood to be shortfall for Power last year) gave himself and the Chip Ganassi Racing team the advantage for the 2010 series championship.

In 2011, the battle between Power and Franchitti has apparently become a lot more directed. The focal point for their combat was the Honda Indy of Toronto where Franchitti's actions during the event sent Power's #12 around on course. Embattled in a see-saw battle through the 2011 IZOD INDYCAR season, Will Power and Dario Franchitti entered the Iowa Speedway race tied in the overall points standings after six events. Through unfortunate events at Iowa and Toronto for Power and the Penske Racing team, Franchitti built up a sizable points cushion only for Will Power to chip away at the lagging slowly. Helped largely by a 6th place finish at New Hampshire Motor Speedway following Franchitti suffering a DNF, Power would take the points lead following the Twin Ring Motegi road course event. Will Power's efforts were heavily set-back by a miserable outing in the past race at Kentucky Speedway where he finished 19th after a pit road accident damaging his race car.    

Entering into their second championship showdown, both drivers came from a background involving competition in Formula cars overseas only to be discovered in North America under modest circumstances. For Dario Franchitti, he arrived in the CART series in 1997 driving for Hogan Racing while Will Power was drafted by Team Australian/Walker Racing in Champ car in 2005. Considerable talents, the IZOD INDYCAR Series premium teams signed their respective drivers. Together, Franchitti and Power combine for 10 of the 16 races currently completed on the series schedule.

Taking their championship battle onto the 1.5-mile Las Vegas Motor Speedway oval, Dario Franchitti and Will Power arrive to the track that neither driver has competed on in the IZOD INDYCAR Series. On account of the last major open wheel event for INDYCAR was run at the track in 2000 (when the series was known as the Indy Racing League), the search for understanding of the oval could have contributed to the 18th and 19th place qualifying efforts Friday. Both drivers do process a vague interpretation of racing in the major Nevada city. Heading into the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Will Power in fact has a winning history in the land famously known as 'Sin City'. In 2007, the Australian won his first major open wheel event in North America on the Fremont street course during an Champ Car event. In the case of Dario Franchitti, he raced the Las Vegas Motor Speedway during his 2008 foray into NASCAR. Driving in the Sprint Cup stock car series to a 33rd place finish, Franchitti also competed in the NASCAR Nationwide round taking a more optimistic 6th place.

With an 18-point gap separating Will Power from Dario Franchitti, the IZOD INDYCAR World Championship race at Las Vegas will see if the score can be even in their series championship fight.

Kanaan Hits Jackpot with INDYCAR Finale Pole; Power and Franchitti Starts Mid-Pack

Photo Credit: Chris Jones

 

After 16 races, the series finale for the 2011 IZOD INDYCAR Series takes place on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Staging the IZOD INDYCAR World Championship Presented by Honda, North America's top open wheel racing tour presents the largest entry list since the Indianapolis 500 in may with 34 cars ready to race Sunday's 200-lap event. Friday's qualifying on the 1.5-mile oval meant a lot for many drivers and teams wanting to make this last race of the season count.

The driver scoring the top qualifying run for the IZOD INDYCAR World Championship Presented by Honda was the #82 car of Tony Kanaan. Lapping the Las Vegas race track in a two-lap average speed of 222.078 miles per hour, the Lotus/KV Racing Technology car earns his first pole position of the year (however, he did start at the front via a qualifying draw during the double race at Texas Motor Speedway).

Prior to the 2011 IZOD INDYCAR Series season, the 2003 champion Tony Kanaan was sent for a loop when a planned drive with de Ferran/Dragon Racing was derailed due to lack of team finances. In a late deal, Lotus/KV Racing Technology give the popular Brazilian a ride driving the #82 machine. Seen initially as a puzzling move for Tony Kanaan, KV Racing Technology's 2010 season performance was mixed at best. Spending most of the season repairing their dwindling supply of Dallara chassis the previous year, Lotus/KV Racing Technology and Tony Kanaan surged to redemption in the first IZOD INDYCAR race of the season at St Petersburg with a 3rd place finish. The rest of the season has shown some great potential from the #82 car.

Only 17/100th of a second slower than Kanaan's time in qualifiying is Oriol Servia. Earning a front row start, Servia himself was a last-minute entrant to the 2011 IZOD INDYCAR race season announcing sponsorship just in time for the first event with his Newman/Haas Racing team.

Starting third, recent surprise race winner of Kentucky Ed Carpenter drives what is likely the last race with the #67 Sarah Fisher Racing team (at least with Dollar General sponsorship). Recently displaced driver from his #77 car Alex Tagliani joins the field through a Sam Schmidt Racing associated Bryan Herta Autosport. Tagliani starts fourth in the #98 car that won this year's Indianapolis 500 with Dan Wheldon. Wheldon driving the #77 car will start 28th on Sunday.

Photo Credit: Bret Kelley

Filling the top-10 for the IZOD INDYCAR World Championship Presented by Honda at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is Ryan Briscoe, Marco Andretti, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Graham Rahal, Danica Patrick and Mike Conway. All four Andretti Autosport cars start in the top-10 including Danica Patrick who will be making her final IZOD INDYCAR Series race start before becoming a permanent fixture in NASCAR in 2012. 

 

 

At the forefront of the series finale, the intense championship battle in the IZOD INDYCAR Series has 18 points separating contenders Dario Franchitti and Will Power. In qualifying for the IZOD INDYCAR World Championship Presented by Honda, the complexion of the 2011 driver championship fight grows more interesting as the Power's #12 Penske Racing and Franchitti's #10 Target/Chip Ganassi car start in the middle of the field Sunday. Recording 2-lap qualifying efforts just under 8/100ths of a second apart, Power took a one grid position advantage at Las Vegas to start 17th. A repeat championship match-up between the two drivers, Dario Franchitti (starting 18th at the Las Vegas race) prevailed at Homestead in 2010.

 

 

While Will Power and Dario Franchitti will be starting close in the final race settling the 2011 IZOD INDYCAR championship, a similar situation is transpiring for the tight Rookie of the Year fight. Canadian driver for Newman/Haas Racing James Hinchcliffe qualifying 14th holds a slim rookie points advantage on Panther Racing's JR Hildebrand.

 

A race concluding the 2011 IZOD INDYCAR Series season, the 200-lap event at Las Vegas is set for 3PM Eastern time.

 

 

2011 IZOD INDYCAR
IZOD INDYCAR World Championship Presented by Honda
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Starting Lineup

 

1. 82 Tony Kanaan/Brazil/ KV Racing Technology
2. 2 Oriol Servia/Spain/ Newman/Haas Racing
3. 67 Ed Carpenter/ United States/ Sarah Fisher Racing
4. 98 Alex Tagliani/ Canada/ Bryan Herta Autosport
5. 6 Ryan Briscoe/Australia/ Penske Racing
6. 26 Marco Andretti/United States/ Andretti Autosport
7. 28 Ryan Hunter-Reay/United States/Andretti Autosport
8. 38 Graham Rahal/United States/Chip Ganassi Racing
9. 7 Danica Patrick/United States/ Andretti Autosport
10. 27 Mike Conway/England/Andretti Autosport
11. 3 Helio Castroneves/Brazil/ Penske Racing
12. 17 Wade Cunningham/New Zealand/ Sam Schmidt Motorsports
13. 9 Scott Dixon/New Zealand/ Target/Chip Ganassi Racing
14. 06 James Hinchcliffe/Canada/ Newman/Haas Racing
15. 4 JR Hildebrand/United States/ Panther Racing
16. 5 Takuma Sato/Japan/ KV Racing Technology
17. 12 Will Power/Australia/ Penske Racing
18. 10 Dario Franchitti/Scotland/ Target/Chip Ganassi Racing
19. 34 Sebastian Saavedra/ Columbia/ Conquest Racing
20. 19 Alex Lloyd/England/Dale Coyne Racing
21. 83 Charlie Kimball/United States/ Chip Ganassi Racing
22. 22 Townsend Bell/ United States/Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
23. 57 Tomas Scheckter/ South Africa/ Sarah Fisher Racing
24. 11 Davey Hamilton/ United States/ Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
25. 14 Vitor Meira/Brazil/ AJ Foyt Racing Enterprises
26. 8 Paul Tracy/Canada/Dragon Racing
27. 15 Jay Howard/ England/ Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
28. Wheldon/England/ Sam Schmidt Motorsports
29. 30 Pippa Mann/ England/ Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
30. 24 Ana Beatriz/Brazil/ Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
31. 78 Simona De Silvestro/Switzerland/ HVM Racing
32. 59 EJ Viso/Venezuela/ KV Racing Technology
33. 18 James Jakes/England/ Dale Coyne Racing
34. 44 Buddy Rice/United States/Panther Racing

Penske's Power Pulls Off Pivotal Pole at Kentucky

Photo Credit: Chris Jones

The second to last event in the 2011 IZOD INDYCAR Series season, the open wheel racing tour has arrived at the Kentucky Speedway with a full field of contenders. With 29 cars entered in the Kentucky Indy 300, primary attention will be directed to the season-long fight between Dario Franchitti and Will Power for this year's IZOD INDYCAR Series overall championship. Separated by only 11 points entering Kentucky, Will Power gained the points lead after the Japanese event at the Twin Ring Motegi road course. Following a self-professed "stupid move", Dario Franchitti spent much of the event recovering from a INDYCAR-issued penalty while Will Power followed race winner Scott Dixon in second place all-day.

 

Coming at right the right time for the Australian driver, Will Power gained the advantage in qualifying for the Kentucky Indy 300 race. Taking his #12 Penske Racing car around the 1.5-mile tri-oval in just 48.5948 seconds, Power was the only driver to record a time faster than 219 miles per hour. An eighth pole for the 2011 IZOD INDYCAR Series season, this is Power's first top qualifying result on an oval since the 2010 Iowa event.

 

Starting in second place, Service Central Chip Ganassi Racing car of Graham Rahal was about 0.21 seconds slower than Power's pole time. A front row spot for the Kentucky Indy 300, Rahal has placed the #38 car into a top-3 starting spot for the 3rd straight IZOD INDYCAR qualifying session. Despite strong runs in the past two races in qualifying, race results have been tampered by unfortunate developments.

 

Rounding out the top-5 in qualifying for the IZOD INDYCAR Series Kentucky Indy 300 is Canadian driver James Hinchcliffe, Ed Carpenter and JR Hildebrand. Other notable runs performed in qualifying worthy of honourable mention came from Charlie Kimball in 10th, Simona Silvestro in 13th and Wade Cunningham driving the #17 car for Sam Schmidt Motorsports. As for Sam Schmidt Motorsports #77 car, Alex Tagliani is a healthy scratch from the team in preference of 2011 Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon. Announced to be driving the #77 car at the Kentucky event less than a week ago, Wheldon's limited time with the team was reflected in a 28th place starting spot for the 300-mile race. Dan Wheldon's main purpose in the Kentucky Indy 300 is to gain preparation for the upcoming Las Vegas event where he holds the key to a 5 million dollar challenge issued by GoDaddy.com.

 

In the important championship points battle for the 2011 IZOD INDYCAR Series, the pole-sitting Will Power who start comfortably ahead of Dario Franchitti's #10 car. The Scottish Target Chip Ganassi Racing driver was only 11th fastest on the day. The Kentucky Speedway his not been historically strong for Franchitti with 5th place effort in 2010 being the strongest finish in 6 races at the track. The Kentucky oval was also the scene where Dario Franchitti crashed spectacularly in 2007 running for Andretti Green Racing.

 

Prepared to run 200 laps around the 1.5-mile tri-oval track, the 2011 IZOD INDYCAR Series race is set for 2:45 PM Eastern time start Sunday.

 

2011 IZOD INDYCAR

Kentucky Indy 300
Kentucky Speedway
Starting Line-up


Pos. # | Car # | Driver | Nationality | Team

 

1. 12 Will Power/Australia/ Penske Racing
2. 38 Graham Rahal/United States/Chip Ganassi Racing
3. 06 James Hinchcliffe/Canada/ Newman/Haas Racing
4. 67 Ed Carpenter/ United States/ Sarah Fisher Racing
5. 4 JR Hildebrand/United States/ Panther Racing
6. 26 Marco Andretti/United States/ Andretti Autosport
7. 9 Scott Dixon/New Zealand/ Target/Chip Ganassi Racing
8. 28 Ryan Hunter-Reay/United States/Andretti Autosport
9. 2 Oriol Servia/Spain/ Newman/Haas Racing
10. 83 Charlie Kimball/United States/ Chip Ganassi Racing
11. 10 Dario Franchitti/Scotland/ Target/Chip Ganassi Racing
12. 27 Mike Conway/England/Andretti Autosport
13. 78 Simona De Silvestro/Switzerland/ HVM Racing
14. 7 Danica Patrick/United States/ Andretti Autosport
15. 17 Wade Cunningham/New Zealand/ Sam Schmidt Motorsports
16. 3 Helio Castroneves/Brazil/ Penske Racing
17. 44 Buddy Rice/United States/Panther Racing
18. 6 Ryan Briscoe/Australia/ Penske Racing
19. 82 Tony Kanaan/Brazil/ KV Racing Technology
20. 24 Ana Beatriz/Brazil/ Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
21. 14 Vitor Meira/Brazil/ AJ Foyt Racing Enterprises
22. 5 Takuma Sato/Japan/ KV Racing Technology
23. 59 EJ Viso/Venezuela/ KV Racing Technology
24. 19 Alex Lloyd/England/Dale Coyne Racing
25. 34 Dillon Battistini/England/ Conquest Racing
26. 22 Townsend Bell/ United States/Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
27. 18 James Jakes/England/ Dale Coyne Racing
28. 77 Dan Wheldon/England/ Sam Schmidt Motorsports
29. 30 Pippa Mann/ England/ Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing

Andretti Autosport Makes 2012 INDYCAR Plans with Chevy

Photo Credit: Chris Nagy/XSL Speed Reporter

Ahead of a major 2012 season for the IZOD INDYCAR Series, auto racing observers eagerly awaited the decisions of the league's three superteams. Andretti Autosport, Chip Ganassi Racing and Penske Racing currently manages 11 cars on the grid for the full IZOD INDYCAR Series making the organizations highly influential to the complexion of the 2012 race field. Earlier this year, two of the three teams officially declared their choice of powerplants as Penske Racing was immediately linked to the Ilmor-built Chevrolet engine and Chip Ganassi Racing re-upping their relationship with Honda. On Friday, Andretti Autosport announced they will opt to wear the bowtie emblem on their all-new Dallara chassis.

Joining Penske Racing running the twin-turbocharged V-6 Chevrolet engines, Andretti Autosport's presence as the second major INDYCAR team commits about 7 cars to the General Motors brand for the next season. Chevrolet’s vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports Jim Campbell welcomed Andretti Autosport saying “Michael and his family have won many races for Chevrolet and we intend to continue winning with our new partnership. We are anxious to have Andretti Autosport begin testing the 2012 engine in the near future.”

Photo Credit: Chris Nagy/XSL Speed Reporter

Since the plans for the 2012 IZOD INDYCAR season have included a return to multiple engine suppliers, Andretti Autosport were presented with a choice of Chevrolet, Honda or Lotus engines. Connected to one of the most decorated American racing families, all three auto companies had a prior relationship with the Andretti family. The first generation motorsport family member Mario Andretti took the 1977 Formula 1 championship competing with Team Lotus. Michael Andretti won the 1991 CART World Championship driving a Chevrolet-badged engine with Newman/Haas Racing. As Michael Andretti won 15 races in a three-season span with Chevy power, father Mario Andretti recorded the first Chevrolet win in INDYCAR taking victory at the 1987 Long Beach Grand Prix. Finally, in recent years, all three generations of Andretti race car drivers participated with Honda in promotional work on and away from the track.

Deciding between engines, it's likely Andretti Autosport heavily weighed their options between continuing relationship with Honda or the potential of new horizons supported by Chevrolet power in the 2012 season. As Andretti Autosport chooses a move to Chevrolet, team owner Michael Andretti acknowledged their appreciation for Honda engines through 10 seasons. “All of us want to thank Honda for many good years together, including 39 wins, two wins at the Indy 500, and for working with us to return street racing back to IndyCar in St. Petersburg and then again in Toronto" said Andretti.

Past history between Chevrolet and the Andretti family netted success in North America's top open wheel racing series. However, as the two groups reunite for the uncertain 2012 IZOD INDYCAR Series schedule, it will remain to be seen if past accomplishments between Chevrolet and Andretti Autosport will build into a productive future on the race track.  

Dominant Dixon Drives to Indy Japan Win

Photo Credit: Chris Jones

The only time the IZOD INDYCAR Series competes on the west side of the Pacific Ocean, the Japanese round at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit was created The last scheduled race for the IZOD INDYCAR Series in Japan almost did not happen as a result of the tragic aftermath resulting from the Earthquake and Tsunami in March.

Planned to run on the 1.549 mile oval, the event was at risk when there was damage found to the Twin Ring Motegi oval. There was also debate of whether or not the event in Japan should have been held this year. Devastation caused by the natural disaster is continuing to leave lingering troubles for the Japanese population. Some believed a major sporting event even 6 months after the disaster for the country was too soon. However, determined to keep the commitment to their economy, INDYCAR and race fans, the event has been relocated to the connected Motegi road course.

Photo Credit: Chris Jones

Titled Indy Japan: The Final, the 26-car field arrived on the 2.98 mile road course. In Saturday qualifying, Scott Dixon took pole with a 1-minute, 38.3918-second top lap time in the Firestone Fast Six session. Will Power started along Dixon gaining a large possible advantage in his points fight with Dario Franchitti. As the Japanese race switched from the oval to the road course, it would be at least an equalizer for the #12 Penske Racing driver fight for the title.

At the start of the 63-lap event, Will Power challenged Scott Dixon hard almost getting squeezed by the #9 car in the race's second turn. Drama early at the start resulted as Helio Castroneves drove into the turn 1 sand trap in avoidance of a rear-end collision with Ryan Briscoe. Castroneves' returned to the track quickly but fell well back in the running order after a 6th place start.

As Dixon and Power maintained a common pace at the front, teams immediately planned their pit stop strategy. Part time driver Hideki Mutoh and KV Racing Technology #82 car of Tony Kanaan pitted early for fuel as well as a change of tires. On lap 22, both Will Power and leader Scott Dixon pitted with the #9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing car just barely beating the Penske Racing #12 car.
Ahead of the race, teams and drivers of the IZOD INDYCAR Series were concerned about the lack of grip on the Motegi road course circuit. With drivers such as James Hinchcliffe sliding on track during practice, competitors with limited INDYCAR race involvement spent time off track. The #22 of Giorgio Pantano went off track several time during the event while the #34 car Joao Paulo de Oliveira collided with the #5 car of Takuma Sato. A few laps later, the #34 Conquest Racing car piloted by de Oliveira came to a stop drawing the first full course caution at the Motegi road course.

On the restart on lap 26, Dario Franchitti went three-wide on Ryan Briscoe and Graham Rahal into turn 1. Turning the Penske Racing #6 around on track, Franchitti's #10 car and Chip Ganassi #38 car of Rahal were trapped behind the stationary Briscoe. Charlie Kimball (another Chip Ganassi owned car also took evasive action through the sand as the incident drew a second race caution. All three car were able to resume racing but Dario Franchitti was assessed a penalty for avoidable contact. Sent to the back of the field on the restart, team owner Chip Ganassi expressed some firm disappointment for his Scottish driver. Franchitti would drive through the event and rallied to an 8th place finish. Another race where Graham Rahal was kept in a wreck after running strong, he brought the #38 car home 12th.

Photo Credit: Chris Jones

The only Chip Ganassi Racing car not involved in the lap 26 mayhem, the #9 car driven by New Zealand's Scott Dixon put on a very impressive show of force. Pulling Will Power at bay, Dixon ran comfortably translating his the pole position speed into a solid race pace.

With 6 laps remaining, the #28 car of Ryan Hunter-Reay made contact with the #19 of Sebastien Bourdais sending the Andretti Autosport racing machine into the sand trap. Once Hunter-Reay was recovered from the sand, the race resumed with only 3 laps to go. After a false double-file restart one lap earlier, Will Power was provided with one last opportunity to challenge the dominant Scott Dixon for the Indy Japan win. Dixon launched perfectly on lap 62 leaving the Penske Racing driver in his dust. In third, Marco Andretti and Oriol Servia dueled for the final podium spot with the Newman/Haas Racing race car briefly taking the position. By the second turn, Andretti swept back to reclaim the 3rd place position.

The final restart was not completely without flaws. The KV Racing Technology cars driven by Takuma Sato and EJ Viso (both residing in the top-10 late in the Indy Japan) tangled in the first corner ending both of their top finishes. The #14 AJ Foyt Racing car of Vitor Meira would also have conflict in the final laps resulting in the Brazilian beached in the sand.

Leading all but 1 lap, Scott Dixon's skillful piloting of the #9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing car on the Twin-Ring Motegi road course brought him his 25th IZOD INDYCAR Series win. Taking his victory lap, Scott Dixon continued to drive around the track trying to locate the winner's circle at the Motegi road course event. As this Indy Japan: The Final concludes, Scott Dixon becomes the only driver to record a major race victory on both the road course and oval. Dixon won the 2009 event on the Twin-Ring Motegi track.

Photo Credit: Daniel Incandela

With a second place run and Dario Franchitti's troubles in the Indy Japan race, Will Power gained the top place in the overall series points 11 markers ahead. Power also picks up the Mario Andretti Trophy for most points earned on IZOD INDYCAR road courses in 2011 for the second year in a row.

Rounding out the top-five of the Indy Japan: The Final event on the Twin-Ring Motegi road course is Marco Andretti, Alex Tagliani and Oriol Servia.

As the last Japanese round of the IZOD INDYCAR Series, the Twin-Ring Motegi event could be remembered for its relatively few passing opportunities or for the dominance of Scott Dixon. It could also be recognized as a race of conflict in the KV Racing Technology and Chip Ganassi Racing teams. However, as the 63-lap competition ran to its conclusion, this final INDYCAR event Japan demonstrates the country's people is looking forward to welcoming the world.

2011 IZOD INDYCAR Series
Indy Japan: The Final
Twin-Ring Motegi Road Course
Race Results

1. 9 Scott Dixon/New Zealand/ Target/Chip Ganassi Racing
2. 12 Will Power/Australia/ Penske Racing
3. 26 Marco Andretti/United States/ Andretti Autosport
4. 77 Alex Tagliani/Canada/ Sam Schmidt Motorsports
5. 2 Oriol Servia/Spain/ Newman/Haas Racing
6. 19 Sebastien Bourdais/France/Dale Coyne Racing
7. 4 JR Hildebrand/United States/ Panther Racing
8. 10 Dario Franchitti/Scotland/ Target/Chip Ganassi Racing
9. 27 Mike Conway/England/Andretti Autosport
10. 5 Takuma Sato/Japan/ KV Racing Technology
11. 7 Danica Patrick/United States/ Andretti Autosport
12. 38 Graham Rahal/United States/Chip Ganassi Racing
13. 18 James Jakes/England/ Dale Coyne Racing
14. 78 Simona De Silvestro/Switzerland/ HVM Racing
15. 06 James Hinchcliffe/Canada/ Newman/Haas Racing
16. 22 Giorgio Pantano/Italy/Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
17. 82 Tony Kanaan/Brazil/ KV Racing Technology
18. 17 Hideki Mutoh/Japan/ Sam Schmidt Motorsports
19. 24 Ana Beatriz/Brazil/ Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
20. 6 Ryan Briscoe/Australia/ Penske Racing
21. 59 EJ Viso/Venezuela/ KV Racing Technology
22. 3 Helio Castroneves/Brazil/ Penske Racing
23. 83 Charlie Kimball/United States/ Chip Ganassi Racing
24. 28 Ryan Hunter-Reay/United States/Andretti Autosport
25. 14 Vitor Meira/Brazil/ AJ Foyt Racing Enterprises
26. 34 Joao Paulo de Oliveira/Spain/ Conquest Racing

Power Plugs to First Baltimore Grand Prix Pole

Photo Credit: Shawn Gritzmacher

Deciding the IZOD INDYCAR Series field for the inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix, Saturday afternoon time trials on the 2.04-mile street course gave 28 cars the chance to claim supremacy ahead of a 75-lap event on Sunday.

Preserving an advantage asserted in the both practice sessions ahead of qualifying, Will Power in the #12 Penske Racing car took pole in the Firestone Fast Six session. Emerging with a 1 minute, 20.2447 second lap to take the top position for the Baltimore Grand Prix, Power's speed around the 12-turn road course was 91.520 miles per hour the performance bests the effort of fellow front row starter Graham Rahal by a little less than 9/100ths of a second.

Winning the two of the last three road course events held on the 2011 IZOD INDYCAR circuit, Will Power has mounted a significant rebound in the overall series points. Scoring more points than current points leader Dario Franchitti in three of the past four races, Power accumulated 29 more points than the #10 Target Chip Ganassi Racing driver. The #12 Penske Racing car driver Will Power sits 26 points behind Franchitti intending to use the new temporary street course of Baltimore as another opportunity to close the gap.

Driving his #38 Service Central Chip Ganassi Racing car to a the 2nd fastest time during IZOD INDYCAR qualifying for the Baltimore Grand Prix  Rahal's 4th time netting a top-5 qualifying result in the 2011 season, this front row start will be the Ohio native's best grid position in the season with his new expansion team. "I had a good run going and my team told me where Will Power was on the tracker and they thought he would jump ahead of us. I let the tires cool off and tried to take a lap to get it back where we wanted it." Graham Rahal commented in a post qualifying interview.

Will Power's corporate teammate with Penske Racing and fellow Australian Ryan Briscoe slotted third in the #6 car providing an important buffer between Power and Franchitti. Dario Franchitti will start 4th on the streets of Baltimore race. The last time the IZOD INDYCAR Series visited a street courses (the Honda Indy Toronto), Franchitti sailed to victory driving his #10 car for Target Chip Ganassi Racing.

Cracking the Firestone Fast Six, was the Dale Coyne Racing #19 car driven by French driver Sebastien Bourdais. Signed only for the road courses for the 2011 IZOD INDYCAR Series tour, the past multiple time champion of the Champ Car series has been enjoying some steady improvements with the Acorn-sponsored #19 car. Starting the year with some rough finishes uncharacteristic the drives Bourdais used to capture 31 wins in just 5 seasons of Champ Car racing. Fortunes for the Frenchman changed with a 6th in the Toronto street race for Bourdais and the Dale Coyne Racing team. Currently, the pairing have finished top-10 in the past 4 IZOD INDYCAR road course races.

Completing the Firestone Fast Six was Andretti Autosport's Ryan Hunter-Reay. The leader at Baltimore in qualifying, the driver who continues to receive the most attention in the Andretti Autosport is Danica Patrick. Moving full-time to NASCAR next season, the street courses like that of Baltimore will be a driving experience the popular driver may or may not miss. Through 7 seasons in INDYCAR racing, Danica Patrick top finish on a temporary street course was 4th in the 2009 Grand Prix of Long Beach. Patrick and the #7 car will start deep in 25th spot for Sunday's Baltimore Grand Prix. The remaining Andretti Autosport drivers starting Sunday's race has Mike Conway 8th on the grid while Marco Andretti will be positioned 23rd.

Other notable qualifying efforts in prelude to the first Baltimore Grand Prix includes Scott Dixon starting 10th and Tony Kanaan in 11th place. Back to the IZOD INDYCAR Series after missing the past race at Sonoma due to travel issues, Swiss driver Simona de Silvestro brought the #78 HVM Racing car to a 12th place result in qualifying. Speaking about the incident on the HVM Racing team website, de Silvestro stated, "This whole experience was frustrating, but I really want to thank my fans and sponsors for their support. It was also great to see that my team was able to persevere and post a good result with Simon Pagenaud last weekend. Now it's time to focus on the Baltimore Grand Prix and the rest of the season. We're setting our goals high for a solid finish." Behind de Silvestro's #78 car, the second Dale Coyne Racing entry of James Jakes posted a solid 13th fastest worthy of honourable mention.

Racing for 75-laps around the 2.04-mile temporary street course, the 2011 Baltimore Grand Prix race for the IZOD INDYCAR Series will receive its green flag at 2:45PM.

2011 IZOD INDYCAR
Baltimore Grand Prix
Baltimore, Maryland
Starting Line-up

1. 12 Will Power/Australia/ Penske Racing
2. 38 Graham Rahal/United States/Chip Ganassi Racing
3. 6 Ryan Briscoe/Australia/ Penske Racing
4. 10 Dario Franchitti/Scotland/ Target/Chip Ganassi Racing
5. 19 Sebastien Bourdais/France/Dale Coyne Racing
6. 28 Ryan Hunter-Reay/United States/Andretti Autosport
7. 3 Helio Castroneves/Brazil/ Penske Racing
8. 27 Mike Conway/England/Andretti Autosport
9. 59 EJ Viso/Venezuela/ KV Racing Technology
10. 9 Scott Dixon/New Zealand/ Target/Chip Ganassi Racing
11. 82 Tony Kanaan/Brazil/ KV Racing Technology
12. 78 Simona De Silvestro/Switzerland/ HVM Racing
13. 18 James Jakes/England/ Dale Coyne Racing
14. 14 Vitor Meira/Brazil/ AJ Foyt Racing Enterprises
15. 22 Giorgio Pantano/Italy/Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
16. 2 Oriol Servia/Spain/ Newman/Haas Racing
17. 06 James Hinchcliffe/Canada/ Newman/Haas Racing
18. 83 Charlie Kimball/United States/ Chip Ganassi Racing
19. 4 JR Hildebrand/United States/ Panther Racing
20. 17 Martin Plowman/British/ Sam Schmidt Motorsports
21. 77 Alex Tagliani/Canada/ Sam Schmidt Motorsports
22. 24 Ana Beatriz/Brazil/ Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
23. 26 Marco Andretti/United States/ Andretti Autosport
24. 07 Tomas Scheckter/ South Africa/ Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
25. 7 Danica Patrick/United States/ Andretti Autosport
26. 34 Sebastian Saavedra/Columbia/ Conquest Racing
27. 67 Ed Carpenter/ United States/ Sarah Fisher Racing
28. 5 Takuma Sato/Japan/ KV Racing Technology

Baltimore Bound: INDYCAR and ALMS Chistens New Street Course

Photo Credit: Chris Jones

On a special Labour Day weekend in the United States' 21st most populated city area, Baltimore is currently abuzz with the aria of high performance race engines. Announced last July, the state of Maryland's largest city of Baltimore prepared to host a first-ever street race with the headline attraction being the IZOD INDYCAR Series. Assembled for an inaugural running, the 2011 Baltimore Grand Prix welcomes North America's top open wheel racing talent of IZOD INDYCAR and the Firestone Indy Lights Series is joined by the American Le Mans Series sports cars. Presenting a 12-turn, 2.04-mile street course, the Baltimore Grand Prix track scenery delivers much of the urban beauty of the historic United States city including Camden Yards and the Inner Harbor.

The vast unknowns of a brand new race track greeted every driver and team member enter the Baltimore Grand Prix race weekend expecting the unexpected. The first temporary grand prix street race for the city of Baltimore, the event has not been without some customary missteps. Complications resulting to Hurricane Irene just a week prior to the Baltimore Grand Prix required the track crews to reassemble the track's retaining fences. This procedure would run into the Friday morning of the first day of race track activities causing a delay for on-track action. There have also been the regular chorus of unhappy residents and businesses as they get used to city streets being isolated from public traffic.

Drivers and teams competing for this inaugural Baltimore race weekend are understanding for the minor event hiccups. Australian driver Will Power for Penske Racing commented the street circuit saying, "They did a really good job creating the circuit. It takes a lot of commitment and there are several technical bits, it's bumpy and I think it will be a great race! It is very tricky in certain places, but that is typical of a street course." The overall opinion of the 2.04-mile temporary road course within the commercial center of Baltimore describes the track as a technical environment. A combination of bump and smooth surfaces is mentioned to provide a major challenge for race engineers to properly dial in a racing machine. Newman/Haas Racing rookie driver James Hinchcliffe commented on after Friday IZOD INDYCAR Series practice, "At the end of the day, they have done a good job with the track. The front is really bumpy but the rest of the track is quote smooth and pretty nice. It's a good layout with some technical parts. It's really tricky and difficult to get one full lap together will all your best sectors so qualifying is going to be a serious test."

While the IZOD INDYCAR Series prepares for the weekend's 75-lap main event on the streets of Baltimore Sunday, Saturday's top race will be a two-hour competition between prototype and GT category sports cars of the American Le Mans Series. Corvette Racing driver Tommy Milner's impression of the track leads sports car fans to expect the street course has the ingredients for a superb event. "There are two good passing spots. It's going to be tough to pass in GT because everyone is so close, but everything is slow enough that you can rub some fenders and make things happen. I'm looking forward to the race tomorrow."
After more than a year of planning, the 2011 Baltimore Grand Prix opened awaiting a Friday crowd which could be a 'make it or break it' the early success of the auto racing event. Judging by early speculation on the spectator count, the Baltimore Grand Prix is shaping up with the makings of an enduring event for the Maryland city.

Teams File Official Protests with INDYCAR New Hampshire Race Results

Photo Credit: Chris Jones

The IZOD INDYCAR Series' return to the 1.02 New Hampshire Motor Speedway oval succeeded in producing a memorable event. After 115 laps, the MoveThatBlock.com 225 race ended with the #28 Andretti Autosport car driven by Ryan Hunter-Reay presiding in victory lane. However, as the Florida native celebrated his first win since the 2010 Long Beach event, the result was marred by a subjective ruling by the IZOD INDYCAR Series race control.

Attempting to end the race with one final green flag run for the MoveThatBlock.com 225, damp weather conditions caused many drivers a sense of distress. Several competitors such as Will Power and James Hinchcliffe were livid in the cockpit as droplets of water were filling their visors and coating the New Hampshire Motor Speedway pavement. Against the wishes of what would be revealed to be many open wheel drivers, the green flag flew on lap 215. As Firestone racing slick tires struggle for grip, race drivers were brought to mercy of the very little traction remaining on the surface. Immediately on this double-file restart, the #7 car of Danica Patrick spun out of turn 4 coming to green collecting Takuma Sato's #5 KV Racing Technology vehicle as well as the #12 of championship contender Will Power. For some, the driver's anger was summed up in the actions of an infuriated Power. Jumping out of his Verizon Penske Racing Dallara, the Australian driver displayed obscenities with both hands directed towards INDYCAR Race Control.     

With those wrecked vehicles demoted in positions on the unsuccessful restart, the lead of the race was claimed by Newman/Haas Racing driver Oriol Servia. Appearing as if the Newman/Haas driver would take the New Hampshire victory, INDYCAR effectively cancelled the existence of the race's final 10 laps and the chaotic restart. The reset returned Andretti Autosport's Ryan Hunter-Reay to the top of the race lineup for lap 215. Throwing a red flag on the field following the last restart, INDYCAR chose to immediately call the race 10 laps ahead of the 225-lap distance. Slapping a tentative tag on the race results, the New Hampshire event ended with some teams and drivers instantly expressing their displeasure for INDYCAR's decision to revert the field back to their positions prior to the restart crash.

Target Chip Ganassi Racing and Newman/Haas Racing filed official protests against the race results of the MoveThatBlock.com INDY 225 within 30 minutes since the checkered flag fell on the controversial finish. Disputing that the race result ruling goes contrary to series rules, both teams had significant gains on the final restart deleted. For Newman/Haas Racing, their #2 car was guided to a certain victory at New Hampshire Motor Speedway through Oriol Servia's jump position in the lead ahead of the red flag. Through the reverted finishing order which is currently unofficial, Servia comes 2nd in the event with teammate James Hinchcliffe taking 4th.

Target Chip Ganassi Racing had a difficult MoveThatBlock.com 225 even as the #9 car of Scott Dixon claimed a 3rd place finish. The major heartbreak for the team resulted with their #10 car retired on lap 118 after a collision with Takuma Sato on a race restart. The #10 car driven by Dario Franchitti suffered a rare DNF result and opened the door for the driver championship rival Will Power to gain significantly on the day. Running 5th on the final restart, that championship challenger Power was along those caught in the frontstretch wreck greatly erasing the potential points gain on Franchitti. Able to hold on to a top-5 finish, Will Power close 15 points on Dario Franchitti in the overall 2011 IZOD INDYCAR Series championship.

Scheduled to take place during last week (August 22-26), a hearing will be assembled byINDYCAR president of competition and operations Brian Barnhart. Criticized for his role in Race Control Sunday for electing to green flag the field for the notorious restart, Barnhart emphasizes the hearing will involve a panel of selected individuals. "Given my role in Race Control, I feel that it is in everyone's best interest to have an independent panel hear the protests. I believe a panel will help maintain a fair hearing." said Barnhart. Hearing panel judges have not been chosen by this name but should be decided soon.

Although Andretti Autosport was not part of the official protest (despite losing a vehicle on the poorly-conceived restart), the #28 team representatives will be present at the upcoming hearing. The Andretti Autosport #28 team's victory grants the organization interest in the overall outcome of the official INDYCAR ruling for the New Hampshire Motor Speedway event.

Intent to overturn the current result of the New Hampshire Motor Speedway event, Target Chip Ganassi Racing and Newman/Haas Racing are likely to be fighting an uphill battle. In the current series' 15-year history, a race victory has never been altered through post-race hearings.

Scott Dixon Strikes Target for Mid-Ohio Win

Photo Credit: LAT Photo USA

 

After a cloudy Saturday that eventually led to almost 11 millimeters of rain on the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, the IZOD INDYCAR Series Honda Indy 200 started under more agreeable Sunday skies. Thanks to the hard precipitation from the day before, Sunday's 85-lap event around the 2.258-mile road course would present a track with reduced grip as tire rubber was washed away. With only a brief warm-up session for the open wheel cars to rub the Firestone racing slicks into the Mid-Ohio track, drivers would be tested under even lower grip on track than during qualifying the previous day.

Taking pole for the first time in 2011, Scott Dixon led the 27-car IZOD INDYCAR Series starting line-up to green driving his #9 Target/Chip Ganassi Racing machine. Dominating early, Dixon and the #9 car crew were amped up within the Honda Indy 200 after posting fastest time in the open wheel racing series' morning warm-up. Leading through the first 23 laps, the New Zealand driver was on pace early to claim his first IZOD INDYCAR Series victory since the 2010 finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

A race interrupted twice for caution, the yellow flag period accounting for only 9 of the 85 laps played an important role in the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio. The first caution flew on lap 22 when Sebastian Saavedra sailed off track in the turn 2 Key Hole portion of the race track. Ending the day for IZOD INDYCAR rookie Saavedra as his #34 car impacted the tire barrier, the caution period allowed another first-year driver to rise to the occasion. Pitting out of sequence by his Newman/Haas Racing team after tripping off track, Canadian James Hinchcliffe stayed out while many of the race contenders attended pit lane for service under the first yellow flag. Leading for 26 laps total at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, the time spent at the front for the #06 Sprott-sponsored car was Hinchcliffe's first leading laps on the IZOD INDYCAR circuit. Scott Dixon would end the rookie's reign at the front on lap 53. Dixon's teammate Dario Franchitti would also lead briefly as teams began to make final pit stops.

Photo Credit: Chris Jones

As James Hinchcliffe's car created a new spectacle in the first place position of the Honda Indy 200, the #7 Andretti Autosport car driven by Danica Patrick also attempted to retain a top position by staying out on track. Patrick eventually needed to pit for fuel as her race vehicle was part of the four-car Andretti Autosport effort looking for a better result than through qualifying. With only Ryan Hunter-Reay collecting a top-16 start, Danica Patrick as well as Mike Conway and Marco Andretti had alot of ground to my up at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. While Conway retired late with mechanical problems, Andretti in the #26 car stormed from 19th to finish the Honda Indy 200 in 7th position.

 

Setting up the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio late stage, the #7 car of Danica Patrick collided with the #38 of Graham Rahal through turn 2 resulting in a final race caution. The yellow flag was an untimely caution for Penske Racing drivers Will Power and Ryan Briscoe who were leading the way of the event. Due to the caution on track, the Penske Racing #6 and #12 cars had to pit once the field was collected behind the pace car. Unable to recover from being buried behind almost the entire lead lap grid of vehicles, Will Power ended the day in 14th place (only the second time in 3 years with Penske Racing the Australian finished outside of the top-10 on a IZOD INDYCAR road course event).

 

After contending a race win or at least a certain top-5 finish, a dejected #06 car's driver piloted the Newman/Haas Racing car to 20th place. Finishing down the order after a brilliant show at the front of the Mid-Ohio Honda Indy 200, Hinchcliffe did finish ahead of top Rookie of the Year in the 2011 IZOD INDYCAR Series JR Hildebrand. On lap 27, Hildebrand's #4 car and the #59 KV Racing Technology car of EJ Viso made contact costing the Panther Racing #4 machine several laps on track.

With no opposition, Scott Dixon's #9 car flew to victory at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The first win of the 2011 season for Dixon, this is the New Zealand driver's three victory at the Lexington, Ohio race course. Winning previously in 2007 and 2009, Scott Dixon and the #9 Target/Chip Ganassi Racing team continues a pattern of victory at Mid-Ohio in every other year. Leading a 1-2 finish for the Target/Chip Ganassi Racing group, Dixon was 7.65 seconds ahead of his #10 car teammate Dario Franchitti. Despite the distant runner-up finish, the Scottish Franchitti did claim a major advance in the 2011 IZOD INDYCAR Series overall points lead over second place Will Power. After being tied for first place four races earlier this season, Franchitti has gained a 62-point gap over the #12 Penske Racing driver.

 

In 3rd place at the end, Andretti Autosport's Ryan Hunter-Reay collected his second podium result in the past three races. Rounding out the top-five cars finishing the Honda Indy 200, the KV Racing Technology cars of Takuma Sato and Tony Kanaan placed their Lotus Green racing machines at the top of the IZOD INDYCAR's Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course race.

 

Other notable finishes after the 85-lap Honda Indy 200 included Alex Tagliani in 6th spot, Oriol Servia who rallied from a 20th starting spot to finish 8th and a 9th place for French driver Sebastien Bourdais. For Bourdais, the Mid-Ohio race marks the third straight finish with Dale Coyne Racing in the top-10.

After three road course races, the IZOD INDYCAR Series returns to ovals with an August 14th event at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

 

 

2011 IZOD INDYCAR
Honda Indy 200
Lexington, Ohio
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
Race Results

 

1. 9 Scott Dixon/New Zealand/ Target/Chip Ganassi Racing
2. 10 Dario Franchitti/Scotland/ Target/Chip Ganassi Racing
3. 28 Ryan Hunter-Reay/United States/Andretti Autosport
4. 5 Takuma Sato/Japan/ KV Racing Technology
5. 82 Tony Kanaan/Brazil/ KV Racing Technology
6. 77 Alex Tagliani/Canada/ Sam Schmidt Motorsports
7. 26 Marco Andretti/United States/ Andretti Autosport
8. 2 Oriol Servia/Spain/ Newman/Haas Racing
9. 19 Sebastien Bourdais/France/Dale Coyne Racing
10. 14 Vitor Meira/Brazil/ AJ Foyt Racing Enterprises
11. 83 Charlie Kimball/United States/ Chip Ganassi Racing
12. 78 Simona De Silvestro/Switzerland/ HVM Racing
13. 22 Simon Pagenaud/ France/Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
14. 12 Will Power/Australia/ Penske Racing
15. 59 EJ Viso/Venezuela/ KV Racing Technology
16. 6 Ryan Briscoe/Australia/ Penske Racing
17. 24 Ana Beatriz/Brazil/ Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
18. 17 Martin Plowman/British/ Sam Schmidt Motorsports
19. 3 Helio Castroneves/Brazil/ Penske Racing
20. 06 James Hinchcliffe/Canada/ Newman/Haas Racing
21. 7 Danica Patrick/United States/ Andretti Autosport
22. 22 Ed Carpenter/ United States/ Sarah Fisher Racing
23. 18 James Jakes/England/ Dale Coyne Racing
24. 38 Graham Rahal/United States/Chip Ganassi Racing
25. 4 JR Hildebrand/United States/ Panther Racing
26. 27 Mike Conway/England/Andretti Autosport
27. 34 Sebastian Saavedra/Columbia/ Conquest Racing

 

Dixon Successfully Dices to Mid-Ohio INDYCAR Pole

Photo Credit: LAT Photo USA

 

Leaving the improvised race courses of the Honda Indy Toronto and the Edmonton Indy, the 2011 IZOD INDYCAR Series arrives at only their second permanent road course for the season. Consisting of challenging turns and high speed stretches, the 49 year old Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course welcomed 27 competitors from North America's top open wheel racing series for the Honda Indy 200 race on Sunday.

 

During Saturday's qualifying for the Mid-Ohio 85-lap event, The Chip Ganassi Racing cars demonstrated the strength shown in practice as the lowest starting driver will be rookie Charlie Kimball in 10th place. Entering into the Firestone Fast Six for the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, 3 of the 6 runners in contention sported Ganassi ownership. Ryan Briscoe, Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Will Power and Graham Rahal made up the top-6 drivers granted the final 10-minute session.

 

Able back up his speed on Friday, Graham Rahal posted a 6th quickest result in Mid-Ohio qualifying. Rahal will be starting in the outside third row with the Saturday morning practice's fastest Andretti Autosport car piloted by Ryan Hunter-Reay. In the second row, the main IZOD INDYCAR Series title fight is paired together with Dario Franchitti finding just short of 2/100th of a second advantage over Will Power. Expect the #10 Target Chip Ganassi Racing and #12 Verizon Penske Racing cars to crave a great separation after the end of 85 laps of Mid-Ohio competition Sunday.

 

Taking pole for the first time in his 2011 IZOD INDYCAR Series season is New Zealand's Scott Dixon. Lapping the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in 1 minute, 8.0776 second to take top spot, the #9 Target car took a rather sizable 25/100th of a second advantage over the #6 Penske Racing car of Ryan Briscoe. Seeking his first victory this year after four runner-up finishes, Dixon possesses some favourable history at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in IZOD INDYCAR Series racing. Scott Dixon has won the 2007 and 2009 winner at the 2.258-mile road course.

 

Other notable qualifying results during the Saturday afternoon session is the all-Canadian 4th row for the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio. Starting 7th place is the #06 Newman/Haas Racing car of James Hinchcliffe and the #77 Sam Schmidt Motorsports car driven by Alex Tagliani seated in 8th place. Also collecting good starting positions for Sunday's IZOD INDYCAR event is Sebastian Bourdais in 11th and Simona de Silvestro in 14th place.

 

Deep down the grid after struggling to find speed all weekend is three of the four Andretti Autosport cars. Mike Conway will start 17th while the #26 of Marco Andretti collected an 18th grid position. The slowest car of the Andretti Autosport stable at Mid-Ohio has proven to be the #7 of Danica Patrick. Patrick will start 23rd of the 27 cars competing in the Honda Indy 200 Sunday.

 

After posting some impressive speed on day one, Justin Wilson and the #22 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing team faced a challenging Saturday following a crash in practice. A car that was 5th fastest in Friday practice, the #22 car was handled by transitioning sports car driver Simon Pagenaud in substitution for Wilson in qualifying. Word after qualifying from Dreyer & Reinbold Racing his Pagenaud remaining in the in car for the Mid-Ohio Honda Indy 200 race on Sunday as Wilson will sit out for the event.

 

The IZOD INDYCAR Series Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio will start at 2:50 PM on Sunday.

 

 

2011 IZOD INDYCAR Series
Lexington,Ohio
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
Starting Grid

 

1. 9 Scott Dixon/New Zealand/ Target/Chip Ganassi Racing
2. 6 Ryan Briscoe/Australia/ Penske Racing
3. 10 Dario Franchitti/Scotland/ Target/Chip Ganassi Racing
4. 12 Will Power/Australia/ Penske Racing
5. 28 Ryan Hunter-Reay/United States/Andretti Autosport
6. 38 Graham Rahal/United States/Chip Ganassi Racing
7. 06 James Hinchcliffe/Canada/ Newman/Haas Racing
8. 77 Alex Tagliani/Canada/ Sam Schmidt Motorsports
9. 5 Takuma Sato/Japan/ KV Racing Technology
10. 83 Charlie Kimball/United States/ Chip Ganassi Racing
11. 19 Sebastien Bourdais/France/Dale Coyne Racing
12. 59 EJ Viso/Venezuela/ KV Racing Technology
13. 4 JR Hildebrand/United States/ Panther Racing
14. 78 Simona De Silvestro/Switzerland/ HVM Racing
15. 3 Helio Castroneves/Brazil/ Penske Racing
16. 82 Tony Kanaan/Brazil/ KV Racing Technology
17. 27 Mike Conway/England/Andretti Autosport
18. 26 Marco Andretti/United States/ Andretti Autosport
19. 2 Oriol Servia/Spain/ Newman/Haas Racing
20. 14 Vitor Meira/Brazil/ AJ Foyt Racing Enterprises
21. 22 Simon Pagnaud/France/ Dreyer & Reinbold Racing *
22. 34 Sebastian Saavedra/Columbia/ Conquest Racing
23. 7 Danica Patrick/United States/ Andretti Autosport
24. 18 James Jakes/England/ Dale Coyne Racing
25. 24 Ana Beatriz/Brazil/ Dreyer & Reinbold
26. 17 Martin Plowman/ England/ Sam Schmidt Motorsports
27. 67 Ed Carpenter/ United States/ Sarah Fisher Racing

 

* 22 Car driver is subbing for Justin Wilson following Saturday practice crash