The Incoming 2012 IndyCar Teams.

Here is a preview of all the incoming full time IndyCar teams that will be running in the IndyCar Series in 2012. Some of these teams have never raced in IndyCar before, and some have been in and out of the IndyCar Series the past few years. All teams have some type of historical value behind them unless it's the newly formed Ed Carpenter Racing or Dragon Racing.

• Michael Shank Racing Formed by team owner Michael Shank, and part owner A.J. Allmendinger. Michael Shank Racing has been around in any major racing series since 2004 when they entered their first Grand-Am race at the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Michael Shank Racing has had pretty good success in the Rolex Series. This year Michael Shank Racing is looking to plant a seed in the IndyCar Series, and will try to find some success as a rookie team. They are looking to form just a one car operation for the first year, to give all the attention they can on their first and only driver. Michael Shank Racing has chosen Lotus as their official engine manufacture. They will be running out of their shop in Pataskala, Ohio, but will be running a separate operation from their Grand-Am Team. 

 My Prediction for Michael Shank Racing in 2012.

I do not think Michael Shank Racing will have the best of success during their 2012 rookie season. If they really are talking to experienced people that have previously worked in the IndyCar Series they might have some type of success. The one car operation will be struggling throughout their first season due to the lack of experience. 

• Rahal/Letterman Racing  Based out of Hilliard, Ohio, Rahal/Letterman Racing is owned and operated by Bobby Rahal. Rahal/Letterman Racing has had quite of bit success running in the IndyCar Series from 1991 to 2008 full time, and running off and on between 2009 to 2011. They even won the IndyCar Series World Title in 1992, and they won the 2004 Indianapolis 500 with Buddy Rice. Bobby Rahal is planning on running two full time entries for the upcoming 2012 IndyCar Season. Rahal/Letterman will powered by Honda in 2012 also. Possible drivers for them either could be Bertrand Baguette, or Jay Howard which have raced for the team in the past. Also Rahal/Letterman has talked to drivers with sponsors already like Paul Tracy. Rahal/Letterman also runs in the ALMS. 

My Prediction for Rahal/Letterman Racing in 2012.

Rahal/Letterman could be IndyCar Series Points Championship contenders if they gain the type of drivers they are looking to sign. With Tom Anderson as president of operations they should have a really good chance in gaining positive results running their first full time cars since 2008. I could even see them winning the Indianapolis 500 for the second time in 2012.

• Ed Carpenter Racing Ed Carpenter Racing will run it's first season in the IndyCar Series this upcoming year. This team is owned by Tony George, and Ed Carpenter, which also will be the full time driver for the newly formed race team. They will be sponsored by Fuzzy's Vodka. It looks like Ed Carpenter Racing will be running engines powered by Lotus. They have shown that they will not be playing around in 2012 by hiring Derrick Walker as president of operations, and racing engineer Micheal Cannon. Also Ed Carpenter himself has plenty of experience in the IndyCar Series, even winning a race in 2011 at Kentucky Speedway.

My Prediction for Ed Carpenter Racing in 2012.

Ed Carpenter Racing should see some success in 2012. We'll see how well Ed Carpenter does on road course and street circuits, but with Michael Cannon he should easily finish in the Top 10 at any track. Ed could easily place in the Top 5 on the Points Standings during 2012 with how well everything is going for him.

• Bryan Herta Autosport Bryan Herta Autosport already won the Indianapolis 500 in their first and only start in the IndyCar Series. Owner Bryan Herta has shown he can really run a race team with a small budget. After winning the Indianapolis 500 with the late Dan Wheldon, they already have bragging rights in the IndyCar Series just by running in one race. They should have no problem finding a good sponsor for 2012. Don't forget that Bryan Herta Racing will be running a high powered Lotus engine.

My Prediction for Brain Herta Autosport in 2012.

If this team finds an experienced driver in 2012 they should have a chance of winning more Indianapolis 500's in the future, and will have great season in 2012. With a such a confident owner as Bryan Herta they will be a mainstay in the IndyCar Series not only for next season, but for many years to come.

• Dragon Racing Dragon Racing is owned by Jay Penske, and has ran in the IndyCar Series off and on with drivers like Rafael Matos, and Paul Tracy. With a small chance of gaining a major sponsor they will be struggling to even fund a full-time one car team in 2012. Lately not much info has been released from the team or Jay Penske himself sides that he is looking for sponsors. If Dragon Racing is around in 2012 more than likely they will be running Chevy engines, because of his father, Roger's partnership with Chevy.

My Prediction for Dragon Racing in 2012.

They will struggle next year, because they will be understaffed as in the past, and will have to deal with the hardship of running a car with an inexperienced driver. Dragon Racing will definitely be an underdog next season.

IndyCar's Popularity.

I know IndyCar has picked up all these sponsors, but I've noticed only a minor change in the amount of people IndyCar actually has following the sport. Do I actually think IndyCar has gained some fans? Yes, but not a lot of them though.

IndyCar still looks like they don't know how to gain a major fan base. Look at their T.V. contact, or how IndyCar likes to focus on only one driver i.e."DANICA PATRICK." Also IndyCar's popularity can really count on how the drivers treat their fans on and off the track to. I personally think just these few things alone have the most affect on the popularity of this sport.

I still feel IndyCar's TV Contract with Versus is a bad thing, considering IndyCar is struggling to average at least 600,000 viewers per race on that channel. How can you expand your racing series, if you can only offer your product to a limited amount of television viewers. I'm sorry, but IndyCar just needs to go back and have every race on ABC/ESPN again. At least everyone has access to watch the race on ABC/ESPN. You can tell why ABC/ESPN is better, just by showing all the races on IndyCar's schedule that were on ABC hit at least 1,000,000 viewers. Also a few more sponsors would be attracted to the IndyCar Series. There are always reports of sponsors turning their backs away from IndyCar, just because of poor TV ratings.

IndyCar needs to stop putting all the attention towards one driver or a driver that doesn't even win(Danica Patrick). I'm not saying she is a bad driver, but she has never been in contention for the IndyCar Series Championship or too many other wins during her career with IndyCar. Throughout the past few seasons IndyCar has focused nearly all attention on her, and many fans are annoyed with that. In the future IndyCar needs to start paying attention to the Championship contender's more, the drivers that win in the series. The Points race the last couple season has been surprisingly close, but this still seems to be put second on the IndyCar Series list. Remember fans don't remember someone in 20 years, because they had good looks, fans remember the winners, it will be drivers like Dario Franchitti, or Will Power that people will continue to talk about. Not some driver that won one race, and was a poor loser. Fans also remember drivers like Tony Kanaan, and Simona de Silvestro which throughout every race put sportsmanship first. IndyCar needs to put the first class drivers as the face of the series, not one driver that shows no sportsmanship, and shows no ability to win a championship.

I think one of the best ways to attract fans to start talking about the IndyCar Series, and to have fans come back every year to races with a pleasurable experience each time, starts with how the drivers treat fans. It seems most of the drivers are still all about their own ego. Look at Dan Wheldon he was the most respected driver around, he was always for the fans. He would take time out to give every autograph he could even when he had no time to. He would make you feel like you were supposed to be there. He felt like a friend to every fan that met him. He would also take time out to thank everyone that had come out to view the race. Only if every single driver would take some time to thank every fan with a smile, and all it takes one autograph to win over a fan. Only if every driver would act first class all the time. Then IndyCar would be exploding, but until everyone realizes this, I think IndyCar will be struggling to expand. Although the IndyCar Series has made some momentum, it's not enough to ensure the sport's survival in the long term.

"Dan Wheldon Day"

Another student at my school started this event on Facebook, and I thought it was really intriguing that someone would do this in remembrance of the late Dan Wheldon. As it says on Facebook the event is tomorrow Wednesday, October 19 · 12:00pm - 3:00pm. Here is more of what is says "at 12 u will close ur eyes and pray for dan wheldon even though he is dead he lives in our hearts forever." This is another heartfelt thing another IndyCar fan has started, and I hope you will participate in it to no matter where you live or where you are at the time. 

Here is the actual event link on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=294639463881899

In Memory of Dan Wheldon a Tribute From the Fans.

This shows how IndyCar is one big family with teams, officials, and fans all included. Copyright:500 Miles.

Dan Wheldon was one special guy to many people. Not only that, but Dan Wheldon was an ambassador for IndyCar, he was family, he represented what this series means to everyone. His death just put a hole in my heart, along with many others around the world. Dan Wheldon died while doing what he loved doing which was just getting into a race car and driving. No man loved the Indianapolis 500 or Open-Wheel racing more than Dan Wheldon did.  

There wasn't a moment that I ever remember seeing Dan without that famous smile on his face. Dan Wheldon always had time for his fans and for his family. There are many times that he would go out of the way just to give regular guys like me an autograph, He treated every fan like they were his best friend. Even if it's your first time you met him, trust me you felt like you were friends since you were in grade school. 

Dan Wheldon wasn't only respected by the fans and teams of IndyCar, he also did a ton for the U.S. Troops overseas and at home. He took plenty of time out to go visit the wounded troops that are stuck in the hospital. On a couple of special occasions he would go overseas to visit with the troops and speak with them on a personal basis. He would also have a veteran there by his side at all times while signing autographs. He was always giving thanks to our troops to, and loved representing them while with Panther Racing. Anyone who does this is held to the highest regards in my mind. 

Also Dan Wheldon was not only a winner of the Indianapolis 500 in 2005 and 2011, he was a Indy 500 winner who actually respected the race. Not to mention he is one of only 18 drivers to win the Indianapolis 500 at least twice. He is also a driver that deserves the recognition after winning the Indianapolis 500 twice. This is a driver that knew the race was bigger than him. He knew that he had to respect the race to win it. Everyday in the month of May he would be thinking about winning the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, The Indianapolis 500. He just wanted to win this race over and over again, he tried harder than everyone else. Dan Wheldon really loved the Indianapolis 500 in general, compared to some previous winners he makes them look like chumps when taking about the race.

While discussing with my dad our favorite memory of Dan Wheldon, it came down to this. In 2006, my dad pointed out that Dan Wheldon was giving out autograph's by the fence. So my brother and I went over to him to receive an autograph. While waiting with a few others he noticed he was running out of time to give out autographs. So he decided that he could only give out autographs to the kids, in which he did.

This is what Dan Wheldon the two time Indianapolis 500 winner meant to me. Here are other views from IndyCar fans just like me In Memory of Dan Wheldon.

From Michael Wendler, 

"This blog has been silent for a while now due to personal and professional reasons but it can remain silent no longer. I really wish I didn’t have to type this but I must. Dan Wheldon is no longer with us. It does not seem real. It must be a nightmare. Someone please wake me from this but it is true. Dan Wheldon lost his life doing the thing he loved the most racing an Indycar. If you don’t know who that is or how devastating that is. Well I don’t really have the words to explain it to you. I’ve seen many of my fellow fans search for the words that just won’t come. It’s not even about racing, if you never heard Dan speak, I feel bad for you because if you had you would have liked him.

Dan Wheldon wasn’t just a great racer he was a great person. Although I never personally met him I feel as though I did. Dan was a truly nice person and a great guy. I missed a chance to meet him this year at Indy on opening day. He was back in the garage and was interviewing with the track announcer while I was sitting watching practice laps in the grandstand. As soon as he came up on the TV screens at the track saying they were just a small team this year and weren’t even going out to practice on opening day I thought “Damn if I knew he was back there, I would liked to say hello and met him and get his autograph.” Dan always had time for fans. He was warm and personable so I’m sure he would have happily signed by checked flag that I had reserved for winners of the Indy 500. Although his career was up in air at the time and I worried that he might still not have a full time next year I was sure I would see him next year one way or another. The Indy 500 just wouldn’t run with out him being involved. How wrong I was. I can’t believe it but it is true. The Indy 500 will still be there but it will continue without its champion.

 It came close to running without him this year, until Dan made a call to his friend Bryan Herta who owned a small racing team that ran on a shoestring budget. The call wasn’t really a business call since they were former teammates and friends from their time at Andretti Green Racing. When Bryan asked Dan what his option for this year’s race were, Dan laid what little option he had which consisted on smaller team that didn’t really have a chance to win the race in Dan’s opinion so he had not committed yet. Dan didn’t want to run the Indy 500 just to run it. He wanted a chance to win. Bryan told him to hold on because he had something in the works and he would call him back. Dan knew that Bryan didn’t joke about business and was serious about this. Somehow Bryan put together a deal and was able to convince Dan that they had a shot. As it turns out they had more than a shot, they did the improbable. They won.

This would eventually lead to Sunday’s events. I am sure many will seek to blame someone about this but there is really none to be had. Dan Wheldon was a racecar driver. Whether there was a five million dollar challenge or not there were cars available for that race and Dan Wheldon would have been in one of them. His love for the sport was that big. It was infectious. You could not help but be pulled in by his enthusiasm. As he worked as a commentator this year joking about being “an unemployed guy” his love of the sport came through. As people heaped praise upon him about his announcing he thought that was nice but I’m not ready to retire yet. I want to race. So he did one last time.

 I am struck by his final words as they interviewed him in the car before the race. A practice I always hate because I feel that you should not distract a driver while he is on the racetrack. They need to have their full attention on the road even under warm up or yellow. Racing is dangerous. We forget that. The first thing Dan did was name drop every sponsor on that car even the little ones because he knew what it was like to be without one. He even made a little joke about Curb Records that was a small sponsor that was something about Taylor Swift that I couldn’t quite make out. That was Dan, always joking, always upbeat and happy. When they asked him about whether he thought he could win this race from the back of the field he said “If I didn’t think I could win I would not be here.” It was typical Dan.

Everyone liked Dan. Even if they were mad at him they could not stay mad for long. Dan was supposed to replace Danica Patirck in the GoDaddy car next year. These two are forever linked since she appeared on the Indycar scene the year he won the Indy 500 the first time. While she garnered more attention he liked to remind people, I won the Indy 500 that year. Later on they would famously have words over a racing incident, which Dan would brush off the argument as Danica being feisty. After the race Sunday when interviewed about the tragic events of the day, Danica described though tears that it was hard because she had lost a friend. Rivals had become friendly. Not close but friendly. You just could not stay mad at the guy.

That is what we should remember about Dan. He was a great guy. He was a great racer indeed but a better human being. If we had more people like Dan the world would be a better place. He left us doing the thing he loved. While this saddens us and brings us to tears, we know he would want us to continue. You need look no further than the last tweet from his twitter account. Although he didn’t tweet it, I know he meant it. It simply said “Green.”

It is green Dan. Time to go."

From Tim Cychulski, 

"When I think about open wheel racing I think of some of the greatest names in motor sports:  Andretti, Rahal, and Unser. When I think about my generation of great drivers, Dan Wheldon is on the top of the list.  Not because he won the most races, or the most championships.  Not because he was the flashiest or most flamboyant driver in the Indy Car series.  Not because he raced dangerously or took too many risks on the track.  Dan Wheldon will forever be one my favorite drivers, and the greatest of my generation because of how he handled himself not only on the track - but off of it as well.  He was such a giving person, and never said no to anyone that wanted an autograph or a picture with him.  He worked with too many charities to count and brought joy to so many young boys and girls in hospitals in the last 10 years for those acts of kindness alone he should be immortalized forever.  How will I remember him?  As the guy that was always smiling, racing hard, and giving back to the fans.  I could go on and on about the future he had in the sport, as I firmly believe that he had a bright career in broadcasting and commentating had he lived to see his retirement from racing.  It was such a pleasure to listen to him this past year calling races when he wasn't behind the wheel competing in them.  We lost a great man and father this past Sunday, and I for one will never forget that moment in the grandstands where I was standing when they first announced that we should keep Dan in our prayers...because I knew that at that moment open wheel racing had lost one of it's best.

Rest In Peace Dan...we'll miss you forever and always.  I hope your wife and kids grow old cherishing the memories that you've given us all and never forget how great a man you were.  Thank you for so many years of enjoyment on and off the track, the world will never see the likes of someone like you again.

Here's to hoping that the Las Vegas Motor Speedway never forgets Dan and makes Turn 2:  Wheldon's Turn."

From Megan Sauce,

"My favorite memory of Dan was when I met him in Texas. He was just so kind, and was very genuinely interested in his fans. It was nice to see that type of appreciation for the fans. Dan was truly remarkable."

If you want to add your favorite memory of Dan Wheldon or just want to give appreciation to him just email me at 500milesnow@gmail.com. I will still post your writing if you still want to contribute.

This is a toast to a great race car driver named Dan Wheldon. You have affected many lives in many great ways. Goodbye buddy. 

Why Is It So Hard For IndyCar To Get Ovals on The Schedule?

Here are just the blatant reasons why the IndyCar Series has trouble getting a good amount of ovals back on the schedule year after year.

Race Attendance
At all the ovals other than the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway, and Iowa Speedway, there are major issues with race attendance. Everyone complains that IndyCar needs ovals on the schedule, but no one seems to attend these specific events. IndyCar just needs to promote all oval events themselves, which I think Randy Bernard is going to do next year. If you want tracks like New Hampshire Speedway, and Kentucky Speedway back well then instead of having crowds of 20,000 aim for at least 40,000 next year. Next year IndyCar needs to advertise that specific race earlier on all the local TV Stations, and they need to advertise their new cars. IndyCar needs to advertise that they are a whole new series that is exciting to watch. Basically that they have a whole new product to offer the spectator, to get people to come back and get interested into American open-wheel racing again.

Sponsors 
Once again finding a title sponsor for a road course or street race is not hard compared to ovals. All of these events have more people that attend these event so sponsors are attracted to these automatically. It's hard for IndyCar to find a Title Sponsor for an oval race that will not have a big audience for that event. Once again IndyCar needs to express that they have all new cars, and that they are a growing racing series that new people are getting attracted to next year.

The Venue Making a Profit After Paying Sanctioning Fee
It's really hard for a racing venue to actually say they want an IndyCar race at their facility if they are not sure if they are going to break even at least. Some ovals like Milwaukee Speedway or Chicagoland Speedway will not be on the schedule next year simply because they are not sure if there is any profits to be made in holding an IndyCar race. Many ovals are just fine only holding Nascar races, because they already make plenty of money off those races.

TV Contract
IndyCar doesn't necessarily have the best TV Ratings either. I would like to see all races on a Channel like ABC. Although I love Versus' broadcast better than ABC's, but at least you know you will get around 900,000 viewers on ABC. Let's face the fact, you have to know there are sponsors that turn their backs on the IndyCar Series when they see TV Ratings under 200,000 viewers. Also with ABC at least everyone has access to watching the IndyCar race. Even the SPEED Channel has more access to viewers than Versus. Once again I do like Versus' broadcast better, but IndyCar on ABC would be better to attract sponsors.  Sides how is IndyCar supposed to expand and get bigger with a channel where a big part of it's fan base does not even access to that channel.

Kentucky Indy 300 Review.

Overall the race was great, but I wish more people were there to view on of the greatest races in IndyCar Series history.

A little too much action in the pits. 
There was a couple of big incidents in the pits on Sunday leaving a few drivers out of the race. First Simona de Silvestro's clutch broke, causing her to go into EJ Viso's pit stall, hitting chief mechanic Darrin McMahon. Darrin was then sent flying about 15ft away from where he was hit, and he fractured his knee from that incident. Simona would then have to stay out of the race a couple laps later due to reoccurring clutch problems. Then under caution another incident in the pits happened when JR Hildebrand's(R) brakes locked up when pulling into his pit, and hit tire changer Erik Scheumann causing lower leg injuries. In that same accident Marco Andretti and Alex Lloyd were hit and knocked out of the race to.

• Other accidents. 

The only other accident was when Ana Beatriz hit the wall in turn 4 and made contact with Will Power. The only driver put out of the race was Ana Beatriz though.

How the whole field did.

Ed Carpenter celebrating his first IndyCar Series win with his daughter McKenna. From:SPEEDTV.COM

What really made the race exciting was Ed Carpenter and Dario Franchtti battling for first place the last 20 laps of the race. The whole time they were neck to neck. Although Ed Carpenter never seemed to be able to pass Dario for the lead, but overall Ed Carpenter had the better car, and won the race. This was the first win for both Ed Carpenter and Sarah Fisher Racing. Hopefully both of them will have more wins in the future. Dario Franchitti went on to finish second, and teammate Scott Dixon finished third. Newman/Haas teammates James Hinchcliffe(R)  and Oriol Servia finished 4th and 6th. Other notable results were Ryan Hunter-Reay in fifth, Wade Cunningham(R) in seventh, and Buddy Rice in ninth.

Sarah Fisher Racing/Ed Carpenter loose sponsorship.
In an interview after the race Sarah Fisher announced that Dollar General has said they will not be back as the team's sponsor next season. Hopefully this win will convince Dollar General to come back and support the team through the 2012 season.


Poor Race attendance/TV Ratings. 
The race attendance for Kentucky was maybe around 20,000. If this race comes back, they will need a better plan to promote the race. TV Ratings for the Versus broadcast were around 188,000. This shows how IndyCar needs to find a better channel to advertise their races on TV, maybe NBC?

What I thought about the facility and this race needs to come back next year.
No Kentucky is not the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but this is still a top notch racing facility that IndyCar needs to come back to. I was impressed with the fact that I could actually see the whole track. Finding a good place to sit in the track isn't a problem, because you can see the whole thing from just about anywhere you sit. This is another action packed oval that needs to come back in 2012. 

Kentucky Indy 300 Preview

Obviously this is one of the most exciting race circuits that IndyCar will be going to this season. With a full 29 cars set to race tomorrow this is looking to be a very competitive race. I'm also proud to say that I'll be viewing the race at Kentucky Speedway tomorrow. So I'll give you my input next week on what I experienced first hand at Kentucky Speedway.

Anyways qualifying today was packed with plenty of action. Will Power is on the pole, giving him another point over Dario Franchitti in the IndyCar Series Championship. Three American's qualified in the top five with Graham Rahal in 2nd, Ed Carpenter in 4th, and JR Hildebrand(R) in 5th. Also James Hinchcliffe(R) qualified in 3rd, and Marco Andretti in 6th. Simona de Silvestro showed an impressive qualifying run, ending up in 13th. This could be showing that she is rebuilding her confidence on ovals after her crash at Milwaukee. Dan Wheldon didn't qualify in his Sam Schmidt car, because his car did not pass tech inspection due to the fact that the backing plates were wrong. Now he will start in the back of the pack in 28th. Also Pippa Mann didn't post an official lap because she crashed on her warmup lap. Other Disappointing qualifying runs: Helio Castroneves 16, Tony Kanaan 19th, and Takuma Sato 22nd.

My pick to win the Kentucky Indy 300 is Graham Rahal, because he has been patiently awaiting for a chance to win and he has that chance in Kentucky this weekend.

Savor the Moments.
Kentucky Speedway may not be back on the schedule next year due to the fact that Bruton Smith and Randy Bernard have not found sponsors for an IndyCar race here next season. Other ovals that have the same circumstances are New Hampshire Motor Speedway, and Chicagoland Speedway. Let's face the facts, unless Randy Bernard has the magical spark to find sponsors for each of these tracks, IndyCar will not be back at any of them for a long time to come.


Kentucky Indy 300 Starting Grid.
1. (12) Will Power, Dallara-Honda, 219.283
2. (38) Graham Rahal, Dallara-Honda, 218.348
3. (06) James Hinchcliffe, Dallara-Honda, 218.186
4. (67) Ed Carpenter, Dallara-Honda, 218.004
5. (4) JR Hildebrand, Dallara-Honda, 217.872
6. (26) Marco Andretti, Dallara-Honda, 217.807
7. (9) Scott Dixon, Dallara-Honda, 217.692
8. (28) Ryan Hunter-Reay, Dallara-Honda, 217.632
9. (2) Oriol Servia, Dallara-Honda, 217.520
10. (83) Charlie Kimball, Dallara-Honda, 217.357
11. (10) Dario Franchitti, Dallara-Honda, 217.213
12. (27) Mike Conway, Dallara-Honda, 217.110
13. (78) Simona de Silvestro, Dallara-Honda, 216.924
14. (7) Danica Patrick, Dallara-Honda, 216.768
15. (17) Wade Cunningham, Dallara-Honda, 216.763
16. (3) Helio Castroneves, Dallara-Honda, 216.732
17. (44) Buddy Rice, Dallara-Honda, 216.685
18. (6) Ryan Briscoe, Dallara-Honda, 216.669
19. (82) Tony Kanaan, Dallara-Honda, 216.484
20. (24) Ana Beatriz, Dallara-Honda, 216.424
21. (14) Vitor Meira, Dallara-Honda, 216.300
22. (5) Takuma Sato, Dallara-Honda, 215.856
23. (59) EJ Viso, Dallara-Honda, 215.789
24. (19) Alex Lloyd, Dallara-Honda, 215.607
25. (34) Dillon Battistini, Dallara-Honda, 215.578
26. (22) Townsend Bell, Dallara-Honda, 215.404
27. (18) James Jakes, Dallara-Honda, 214.297
28. (77) Dan Wheldon, Dallara-Honda, no speed
29. (30) Pippa Mann, Dallara-Honda, no speed
The Kentucky Indy 300 will be on Versus live at 2:45 ET. Race coverage starts at 2:00 ET.

Reigning Indy 500 Champ Drives Lights Car of Belardi Auto Racing

INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 7) -- Dan Wheldon hopped into the Firestone Indy Lights car of Belardi Auto Racing’s Anders Krohn at Indianapolis Motor Speedway yesterday.
No, you are not mistaken, it is not May.  Wheldon was invited to test drive the three cars of the Mazda Road to Indy
ladder system during a media day at the famed speedway.  The two-time Indy 500 winner was like a kid in a candy store; eyes gleaming at the chance to take the cars for a joyride around the former Formula 1 road course.

The Mazda Road to Indy is a three-rung ladder system that is made up of the Cooper Tires USF2000 National Championship powered by Mazda, the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear, and the Firestone Indy Lights.  The cars go up in power, size and weight as you move up the program, which ends in the IZOD IndyCar Series. 

The now “unemployed” IndyCar driver, Wheldon had a similar way of coming up through the series.  First starting in F2000, he moved on to Indy Lights, then to the IndyCars, and is now the test driver of the brand new 2012 IndyCar…and enjoying every moment of it.

What Dan really enjoyed was the Indy Lights car of Belardi Auto Racing.  The reigning champ took the #9 machine, currently being driven by Anders Krohn, for six to seven laps around the road course.  He noted that the car was really well balanced and felt similar to the 2012 IndyCar. 

Of the three cars driven yesterday, he had the fastest time in the Lights car with a lap time of 1:25:38. 

Throughout the day Wheldon mentioned that the transition to each car going up felt right, and that it wouldn’t make sense to jump from an F2000 straight to an IndyCar. He reiterated the fact that the Mazda Road to Indy program really works and hopes it stays in place for years to come.
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Belardi Auto Racing can be found on Facebook (search “Belardi Auto Racing”), while driver Anders Krohn can be found on Twitter (@anderskrohn).

Belardi Auto Racing To Test at Kentucky Speedway with Sprint Car Driver

BROWNSBURG, Indiana (Sept 12, 2011) - Sprint car driver Jacob Wilson will join Belardi Auto Racing for a one day test at Kentucky Speedway.

“We’re very excited to have the opportunity to bring Jacob on board for the test at Kentucky,” team owner Brian Belardi said.  “Although he’s never been in a Lights car, the talent he’s showcased on dirt tracks and in sprint cars shows us how successful he could be in the Mazda Road to Indy.  We would love to bring more of the sprint car and midget drivers to the program, because I think it’s important to integrate those different types of talent into the development program we have feeding into the IZOD IndyCar series.”

Hailing from nearby Crawfordsville, Wilson currently races in the USAC Silver Crown, National Pavement Sprint Car and Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint series.  The 21 year-old will take his first run in a Firestone Indy Lights machine with Belardi Auto Racing at a test on September 22nd in Sparta, KY. 

Despite having no seat time in a Lights car, Wilson is no rookie to the world of racing.  He has been racing go-karts since the age of 6, and won six of his eight national titles in just one year.  Wilson also boasts over 35 national race wins and is the winner of the Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial event.

“Growing up as a kid in Indiana it was all about racing for me,” said Wilson.  “My excitement for the opportunity to test a Firestone Indy Lights car with Belardi Auto Racing is indescribable.  I have to say thank you to Brian Belardi and John Brunner for the opportunity and all of the people involved for their support.”

Belardi Auto Racing will return to Kentucky Speedway the week following the test for the Kentucky 100, the penultimate race of the 2011 season.
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Stay updated with Belardi Auto Racing by liking them on Facebook (“Belardi Auto Racing”), or check out Wilson on Twitter @JacobWilson07.

Belardi Racing's Baltimore Summary.

Belardi Auto Racing Endures Bumpy Ride in Baltimore Releases


BALTIMORE -- Belardi Auto Racing’s weekend in Baltimore proved to be quite bumpy, much like the temporary street course that they ran on.

After qualifying in a season high of 3rd position, Belardi Auto Racing’s Anders Krohn was bumped to P5 because of a ruling by race officials four hours after qualifying had ended.  Officials ruled that polesitter Gustavo Yacaman had run his fastest lap during a yellow, and the time was disallowed.  Yacaman and other drivers, including Krohn, were then rearranged on the starting grid.

Krohn’s teammate, Jorge Goncalvez, officially started the race in P9 and was running in the 8th spot until he caused a full course yellow on Lap 9 of 35.  Goncalvez stalled on the 2.04 mile street course, and was moved to the back of the field.

After getting the No. 4 machine restarted, Goncalvez’s day was done on Lap 12.  The Venezuelan’s car stalled once more because of a gearbox issue, and unfortunately his day ended in P16. 

Meanwhile, having maneuvered his way to P3, Krohn inherited the lead and became the third leader of the race after Conor Daly broke a wing on Lap 25 and Esteban Gurrieri crashed on Lap 28, bringing out another full course caution.  The Norwegian continued to lead the race through the restart until he locked up the brakes going into the tight Turn 1 and slid into the runoff area.

Smart moves by the driver of the No. 9 Liberty Engineering machine allowed for Belardi Auto Racing to get a top-10 finish when Krohn ended the 12-turn, 35 lap race in P6.

With lots of ups and downs in Baltimore, the Belardi Auto Racing team is ready to move on and focus on their next race at Kentucky Speedway on October 2nd.  Going into the penultimate race, El Pollito and The Viking are 5th and 6th in points, respectively. 

Keep up to date with the team on Twitter: @JGoncalvez, @anderskrohn, and on Facebook: “Belardi Auto Racing.”
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USF2000 Finale Brings Accolades for Belardi Auto Racing

BALTIMORE -- It was a challenging but rewarding weekend for Belardi Auto Racing’s USF2000 team to say the least.

With practice delayed five hours on Friday morning, and only turning five laps at the brand new street course, Belardi’s drivers Wayne Boyd and Luigi Biangardi knew this would be a tough but exciting way to end their season in the Cooper Tires USF2000 series.

During the first of two races over the weekend, a Lap 1 accident saw several cars get collected, bringing Boyd to P1.  Fighting off competitor Petri Suvanto throughout the race, Boyd clinched his second win of the season and moved to third in Championship points. 

Saturday’s happiness didn’t end with Wayne’s win. Teammate Biangardi had an impressive run improving to 4th place after starting in P9 -- his best finish this year.  The PFC Award was also awarded to team owner Brian Belardi for being the winning car owner.

Looking to further improve their weekend, Biangardi and Boyd started Sunday’s race in 4th and 5th respectively.  Following a restart, Boyd regrettably fell out of the race after his No. 4 TheAppBuilder.com machine began to have electrical problems.  His day ended in P15.

The attention was then on Biangardi, who at 15-years-old, is the youngest driver in the series.  In a battle for third during the last lap, the driver of the No. 9 INECT-IT.com/Gulfstream Properties machine collided with Matthew DiLeo in Turn 12.  The Chicago native unfortunately finished in 12th.  At the end of the day, however, a random finisher award, The Staubli Award, was awarded to Luigi, bringing the weekend to a bittersweet finish.

Belardi Auto Racing finishes its impressive USF2000 series season in 3rd place of the Championship run.  Wayne Boyd also finishes 3rd in the drivers’ standings with Luigi Biangardi in 10th after only competing in six of the twelve rounds of competition. 

Although the year is done for these two impressive drivers, Belardi Auto Racing continues their season with the Firestone Indy Lights series who will compete in two more races this year.  Check their Facebook page (“Belardi Auto Racing”) for updates.

The Great Brian Barnhart(TGBB)

All of the fans, and including the drivers agree that TGBB needs to be dealt with. He has shown many reasons why he can't run a major racing series like IndyCar, ever since he first started working for the IRL in 2005 as the president of the series. This last race was what sold it for me though, when TGBB restarted the race at Loudon when the drivers were pleading with Race Control not to restart the race. Although IndyCar can run on a road course with some water on the track, it doesn't mean that they can on ovals! It should be common sense to Brian Barnhart that they can't.

By saying that, the IndyCar Series should never be making these mistakes if they want to attract new sponsors and fans to the series. This call from TGBB was just plain ignorance. This makes the whole IndyCar Series look like they have no idea what they are doing, which in some ways some fans are starting to agree with that.

I'm also very disappointed with a lot of the call making that TGBB has made this season. There has been several incidents where drivers like Helio Castroneves or Alex Tagliani were never penalized for blocking other people and sending them out of the race. Even if IndyCar penalizes the drivers it's usually too late to make a difference at all, for instance Mike Conway, Ryan Hunter-Reay, and Alex Tagliani are all on probation through Dec. 31st. I feel that Mike Conway and Ryan Hunter-Reay did not do enough rule breaking to sustain such a penalty like probation. For Alex Tagliani, they should have penalized him much earlier this season for incidents. Drivers I would like to see penalized like Dario Franchitti or Helio Castroneves, will never be penalized due to the fact that Race Control does not seem to pay attention to these two drivers's actions on the track. Let's just guess that is because they are the "face" of the series, so they can receive special treatment, that I don't agree with.

Also if they want to attract high profile drivers to the IndyCar Series, how are they going to do that when the current drivers can't even trust TGBB's call making now. The drivers who race in the IndyCar Series have to trust TGBB's decision making skills to make sure they are safe in every aspect of racing, and I just don't think any if them can trust him. So if the current drivers are aggravated with the series, how are other drivers going to want to race in the IndyCar Series?

One more thing to note:If they are worried about Will Power flipping off the officials on live TV, well they shouldn't, because TGBB is really the worst person they could have promoting the series right now.

New Hampshire Preview

It's been over 10 years since the IndyCar Series has been to Loudon, so this race will be interesting. None of the current IndyCar Series drivers have raced on this track to, and this is more of a drivers track. I expect there won't be too many incidents, but the racing will get crazy with tons of passing coming out of the turns going onto the straightaways.

Dario Franchitti is on the pole after qualifying a full one mph faster than the rest of the field Saturday. Expect Newman/Haas to come out strong after Oriol Servia qualifying in second, and James Hinchcliffe(R) in fourth. Other drivers that could have a huge result on the race after strong qualifying runs could be Tony Kanaan starting in third, and then Scott Dixon starting in seventh. Personally I think you will see Newman/Haas' first win of the season with either Servia or Hinchliffe grabbing that lead and winning the race. Obviously the Target cars will be a threat with Dario on a hot streak this year, and Dixon is coming here from a win at Mid-Ohio last weekend.

The starting grid for the MoveThatBlock.com Indy 225.
Rank, Driver , AVG SPD, Gap (Time)
1 Dario Franchitti 170.843 --.----
2 Oriol Servia 166.250 169.831 0.2573
3 Tony Kanaan 169.698 0.2914
4 James Hinchcliffe 169.590 0.3192
5 Ryan Hunter-Reay 169.570 0.3243
6 Ryan Briscoe 169.451 0.3548
7 Scott Dixon 169.114 0.4415
8 Takuma Sato 169.044 0.4597
9 Helio Castroneves 168.886 0.5005
10 Charlie Kimball 168.434 0.6179
11 JR Hildebrand 168.047 0.7188
12 Mike Conway 167.852 0.7696
13 Will Power 167.011 0.9910
14 Alex Lloyd 166.877 1.0266
15 Danica Patrick 166.834 1.0380
16 Alex Tagliani 166.809 1.0445
17 EJ Viso 166.536 1.1172
18 Tomas Scheckter 166.381 1.1585
19 Vitor Meira 166.253 1.1925
20 James Jakes 165.265 1.4580
21 Ana Beatriz 164.958 1.5411
22 Marco Andretti 164.722 1.6051
23 Graham Rahal 163.816 1.8529
24 Sebastian Saavedra 162.285 2.2779
25 Ed Carpenter 161.734 2.4328
26 Simona de Silvestro 157.437 3.6782

News From Yesterday.
 Pippa Mann was involved in an incident during practice on Saturday, and was sent to the hospital but was later released. Rahal Letterman Racing pulled her entry out of the race right after that on Saturday. Mann is scheduled to get an MRI of her back on Monday in Indianapolis, and she will not be cleared to race until the results are out.

The MoveThatBlock.com Indy 225 will be on ABC at a 3:30 p.m. ET.

 

500 Miles will be down until a certain date.

On Saturday August, 6th, I tore a ligament in my left thumb during a football scrimmage. I still have to get a few X-rays to see what's truly wrong, and to see if I need surgery or not. Sorry for the inconvenience. Check by the end of this week(Friday or Saturday) for further updates.

Power VS. Franchitti

Power/Frachitti incident at Toronto.

There is still way too much time left for Power to come back and take the lead in the championship. With seven races left, and if Power can finish in the Top 5 in nearly every race left on the schedule, he can win the IndyCar Series Championship.

With that said, I feel that Power and Franchitti will continue to make needless remarks about each other at some point before the season is over. My reasoning is that I think Dario will make some dirty moves on Power, and next time Power will actually do something back to him on the race track instead through Twitter.

Although Power, and Franchitti said that they are no longer enemies a couple weeks ago. To me it seemed like a sarcastic agreement when I was watching both of them talking about how they made up, and how they are not mad at each other anymore. One of these races one of the two will make a mistake on the track and a driver will blame the other, and the drama will start up again. Like I said, I think Franchitti will be the one to make that mistake, just because of all the dirty driving I've seen from him this season. Also with Franchitti complaining on how everything isn't not going his way on and off the track. Just wait a couple races and we'll see the fire start up again.

Shea Holbrook Interview.

Shea Holbrook

Shea Holbrook drives for her own team named Shea Holbrook Racing in the Pirelli World Challenge Series. She currently has one win this season racing in the TC category. Her #67 Honda Civic Si is sponsored by K&N Air Filters. Shea is a big Muscular Dystrophy advocate, participating in multiple fundraisers that help fund the research to help end Muscular Dystrophy. Here is my first interview with her! 

How did you get introduced to racing?
Well, I don’t really have the traditional story of grandpa and dad racing their whole lives and passing the wheel over to me. The first half of my life I was a competitive water skier spending much of my time training on the water. At one point, water turn to pavement! My dad showed interested in racing cars and thought, family sport? I got bit by the racin’ bug when I was 16 in the passenger seat of a ride along in the Richard Petty Experience. I then went on to obtain my SCCA license and since then have been road racing competitively all over the nation with many organizations, from sprint races to 25 hour enduros and today pro racing in the Pirelli World Challenge Series.

Describe the racing series you are driving right now?
The Pirelli World Challenge Series is an exciting, high energy, high profile production-based series that races alongside with the IZOD IndyCar Series and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS.) What makes the series so interesting in the mutli-class, standing start, sprint race. There’s three races (Grand Touring, Grand Touring Sport, and Touring Car) happening within the one 50 minute race. This calls for drama! Drivers of different classes must learn to somewhat work together as the speed differentials are very dramatic. The Pirelli World Challenge Series brings us all around the United States and Canada, from road to street courses. The series enjoys great media exposure, including TV coverage on the Versus Network and print media coverage in some of the most respected motorsports magazines in North America. Two things in particular I enjoy the most in the series are the Formula 1 style standing starts and how the series brings us to some of the most prestigious street courses in America.

Are you having much success this year, and what race do you look forward to driving in the most?
This year has been very interesting for us. When we perform, we give 110%. Due to a lack of funding we have not made it to all the races. But when we do, we prove we can be on top. The first race of the season in St. Petersburg I had an amazing start gaining 4 positions and  when I was setting up to make a pass for 6th place a huge Touring Car wreck happened in front of me ultimately collecting my car. I was able to get into another Honda for round 2 starting dead last due to bringing in a new race car and finished 8th in a car I had never been in. The race that I looked forward to the most was the Long Beach Grand Prix. Again, in another car, I was a bit nervous about this race and I had never raced there before. Unsatisfied with my performance on track during practice and qualifying, I said a silent prayer asking for a break. I ran my fastest lap times during the race, drove smart and confident which was ultimately the winning formula! I won my first professional race at the Long Beach Grand Prix!

Do you do anything special to prepare yourself for each race?
I don’t really have anything crazy that I do or any rituals, just one simple thing in particular. A team meeting in which we discuss or goals for the race. I pride our team in how family oriented, driven and supportive we are of each other. It’s a great ego booster knowing that your team fully believes and supports your efforts.

Is there a certain major racing series that you are wanting to drive in one day?
IndyCar! I love the diversity, atmosphere, competitiveness, and fan base.

I seen you have picked up some new sponsors, has there been any momentum picked up since then?
All the partners I’ve had this year have been the leading reason to my success on track. With their support, the whole team has been able to reach goals and break barriers. I have a very different relationship with each partner paving a road to success for both parties. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it. But it’s not. I’m still hungry to make it and looking for a long-term partnership.

What are your plans for next year? Have you looked into finding a ride in another series?
My plan is to be in the seat. As for plans for next year and looking for rides in other series, I just want to be in the seat! I’m optimistic and excited for what the 2012 season brings.

Toronto Recap

In my eyes Toronto was a crash-fest, but overall it really wasn't that bad of a race. The whole thing consisted of drivers actually being able to race for once, and tons of drama occurred among the championship contenders. Race control had some tough calls to deal with to.

KV Racing had a tough day. Tony Kanaan crashed and was out of the race by lap 2. Then Takuma Sato crashed on lap 79, and was put out of the race. The big improvement from E.J. Viso has to be noted, finishing 9th. Impressive for him, especially on a road course.

Newman/Haas Racing was having an excellent race until both James Hinchcliffe(R), and Oriol Servia were taken out in a huge crash on lap 85.

Other notable finishes are HVM Racing's Simona de Silvestro finishing in 10th, Dale Coyne Racing's Sebastien Bourdais finishing in 6th, and A.J. Foyt Racing's Vitor Meira finished in 5th.

Power VS. Franchitti.  
 What I wanted to really talk about is the supposed drive-through penalty that Dario Franchitti was supposedly received for knocking Will Power into the wall. That was avoidable contact to me. According to IndyCar it wasn't though. Although Franchitti didn't have enough room nor speed going into the corner to pass Power. All I know is that most fans, and Power himself are tired of Franchitti's dirty driving, and the fact that he is not not receiving penalties for any of it.

After the race in an interview with Versus, Will Power had this to say, "I left the inside open on the brakes. I'm really disappointed with Dario. I always race him clean, and he always races me dirty. He did the same at St. Pete, though I didn't say anything, and he did the same today. Disappointed in Dario. The guy who mouths off about everyone and whinges about everyone, and he's the guy who races the most dirty, never gets a penalty from IndyCar. It's just not right."

Power had every right to say this, and I agree with him. Dario is a dirty driver, and Will Power is generally a very well represented clean driver on the track. I disagree with Race Control's actions on that call. All the other crashes show that the driver's are actually being able to race for once.

Here are the final results from the Honda Indy Toronto.
1. (3) Dario Franchitti, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running
2. (2) Scott Dixon, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running
3. (8) Ryan Hunter-Reay, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running
4. (20) Marco Andretti, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running
5. (14) Vitor Meira, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running
6. (7) Sebastien Bourdais, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running
7. (10) Ryan Briscoe, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running
8. (22) JR Hildebrand, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running
9. (18) EJ Viso, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running
10. (17) Simona de Silvestro, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running
11. (26) Ana Beatriz, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running
12. (6) Oriol Servia, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running
13. (5) Graham Rahal, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running
14. (13) James Hinchcliffe, Dallara-Honda, 84, Running
15. (11) Justin Wilson, Dallara-Honda, 83, Running
16. (24) Paul Tracy, Dallara-Honda, 82, Running
17. (12) Helio Castroneves, Dallara-Honda, 81, Running
18. (23) James Jakes, Dallara-Honda, 81, Running
19. (21) Danica Patrick, Dallara-Honda, 79, Running
20. (19) Takuma Sato, Dallara-Honda, 79, Running
21. (25) Charlie Kimball, Dallara-Honda, 77, Contact
22. (4) Mike Conway, Dallara-Honda, 76, Contact
23. (9) Alex Tagliani, Dallara-Honda, 71, Contact
24. (1) Will Power, Dallara-Honda, 66, Contact
25. (15) Sebastian Saavedra, Dallara-Honda, 43, Contact
26. (16) Tony Kanaan, Dallara-Honda, 2, Contact "

Politics in Racing

The partisan bickering that we have come to know as politics has become the means of much ridicule by the American people. Many are extremely dissatisfied with the efforts of these lawmakers, as they often seem to disregard public opinion, opting instead to tiptoe around bills that may ruin their chances for reelection. The Indycar Series, like many other sports, has also fallen prey to political calls, the most dramatic of which ripped the series into two separate entities. While these differences have since been reconciled, politics still has a home in racing, albeit an unwelcome one.

One of the biggest goals that every fan would like to see is increased popularity of the series. Randy Bernard has implemented several measures to boost the fan’s experience, including doublewide restarts and the World Championship in Las Vegas. He has been quoted as saying that he will immediately vacate the series if the broadcast ratings are not at least a 1.0 in a perhaps valiant or perhaps foolish effort to prove his dedication to the increased popularity goal. Another of Bernard’s strengths is that he tends to listen to the demands of the fans. Following the conclusion of the Toronto race, I think the fans may have a large complaint to take up with Randy Bernard and Brian Barnhart.

The Streets of Toronto is one of the most popular road courses appearing on the Indycar schedule. Overnight ratings revealed it to be the most viewed race aired on the Versus network. While the series and the fans should both rejoice over this newest record, it has been somewhat overshadowed by controversy surrounding race control’s seeming unwillingness to issue penalties. Numerous incidents appeared to viewers as avoidable contact, which is means for a drive through penalty. The most controversial of these mishaps involved championship points leader, Dario Franchitti, and Penske rival, Will Power. Versus commentators stated that Franchitti had been issued a drive through penalty, which would require him to relinquish his front running position. Viewers were later informed that the commentators had mistakenly interpreted the call for a review as a penalty. They apparently pulled this punishment out of thin air, further igniting controversy on pit lane.

Following an incident with Alex Tagliani that completely removed Power from the race, Power openly vented his frustrations with the outcome of his day and the spineless presence of race control. “The guy [Dario] that mouths off about everyone, and whinges about everyone, and he’s the guy that races the most dirty, and never gets a penalty from Indycar. It’s just not right.”

Really though, it just isn’t right. For a series that prides itself on having the “best drivers in the world,” it seemed to be amateur hour in Toronto. Following an early exit from the race, Tony Kanaan tweeted, “Did we all need to go back to driving school or something?” It sure seemed like it, Tony. He also commented on race control’s presence, “And race control is starting with their excuses. WHAT A JOKE.” A joke indeed. I, myself, felt that these calls were inconsistent and should probably render more attention from the Versus crew so as to avoid confusion of the viewers.

During a post race interview, Scott Dixon admitted that he had been notified over his radio that teammate Dario Franchitti had been issued a penalty for avoidable contact, but that it had later been dismissed. Listeners of race control’s frequency stated that they had heard no such punishment issued, but are we really supposed to believe that Dixon’s crew was passing on information from the race broadcast? I find that theory somewhat fishy. Recent race control verdicts have seemed to protect “Princess” Dario (Power’s words, not mine) after blatant wrongdoings, the most outrageous of which was the Milwaukee pit stop when Dario ran over Power’s pit equipment. Many are beginning to believe that the series is simply turning a blind eye to Target Chip Ganassi Racing, myself included.

Michael Andretti expressed exasperation when the frontrunning Ganassi cars refused to line up for the restart, extending the caution in a period. This, Michael theorized, was their efforts to save enough fuel to make it to the finish line. I don’t know about you, but as a fan I am fed up with Ganassi’s stunts. I don’t want Chip’s politicking for short-term benefits to ruin the credibility of the Indycar Series.

We must let Randy Bernard and Brian Barnhart know that we won’t stand for any more pathetic and cowardly calls from race control. The world’s best drivers know what they are doing out there. Now race control must decide whether they will allow their credibility to be trampled or hold drivers accountable for their errors. I’d hate to have these petty politics ruin my love for this sport.

Toronto Pre-Race

Will Power starts from his 21st IndyCar Series pole today, and will more than likely be the best contender for the win. As usual the Target cars are starting up there with Dixon in 2nd, and Franchitti in third. Mike Conway might have a come back race today with the win from starting 4th. Could we see another American win today? We'll see because Graham is starting in 5th! Other impressive qualification runs included Oriol Servia in 6th, and Sebastien Bourdais in 7th.

Honda Indy Toronto Starting Grid.
1. (12) Will Power, Dallara-Honda, 59.5771 (106.047)
2. (9) Scott Dixon, Dallara-Honda, 59.6646 (105.892)
3. (10) Dario Franchitti, Dallara-Honda, 59.9000 (105.476)
4. (27) Mike Conway, Dallara-Honda, 59.9326 (105.418)
5. (38) Graham Rahal, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.0463 (105.219)
6. (2) Oriol Servia, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.3341 (104.717)
7. (19) Sebastien Bourdais, Dallara-Honda, 59.8239 (105.610)
8. (28) Ryan Hunter-Reay, Dallara-Honda, 59.8715 (105.526)
9. (77) Alex Tagliani, Dallara-Honda, 59.8901 (105.493)
10. (6) Ryan Briscoe, Dallara-Honda, 59.9020 (105.472)
11. (22) Justin Wilson, Dallara-Honda, 59.9636 (105.364)
12. (3) Helio Castroneves, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.0115 (105.280)
13. (06) James Hinchcliffe, Dallara-Honda, 59.8346 (105.591)
14. (14) Vitor Meira, Dallara-Honda, 59.9869 (105.323)
15. (34) Sebastian Saavedra, Dallara-Honda, 59.9389 (105.407)
16. (82) Tony Kanaan, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.0149 (105.274)
17. (78) Simona de Silvestro, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.0806 (105.159)
18. (59) EJ Viso, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.1191 (105.091)
19. (5) Takuma Sato, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.1003 (105.124)
20. (26) Marco Andretti, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.1542 (105.030)
21. (7) Danica Patrick, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.3438 (104.700)
22. (4) JR Hildebrand, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.4472 (104.521)
23. (18) James Jakes, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.6226 (104.219)
24. (8) Paul Tracy, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.4524 (104.512)
25. (83) Charlie Kimball, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.6463 (104.178)
26. (24) Ana Beatriz, Dallara-Honda, 01:00.7917 (103.929)

Mid-Week Wrap up

Many things happened this week in the IndyCar Series, and even the Indy Lights Series. Let's explore what happened so far.

IndyCar Series News
Sam Schmidt Motorsports is partnering up with AFS Racing to run a second car for the last 7 races of the 2011 IndyCar season starting with Mid-Ohio on August 7th. The No. 17 car will be sponsored by Automatic Fire Sprinklers. AFS Racing is owned by Gary Peterson. The driver for the team has not been named yet. More than likely the driver's seat will belong to Rafael Matos who drove with the team during the Indianapolis 500.

Dario Franchitti in the old No. 27 Andretti Green car leading at Fontana in 2005. (Photo by Gavin Lawrence/Getty Images)

 IndyCar announced their return to Fontana. This comes after a lot of talk about possible ISC owned tracks that may come back onto the schedule for the 2012 IndyCar Season. However Auto Club Speedway is the first, and only new track that has been officially announced for the 2012 schedule. This will be IndyCar's first visit since 2005, when the IRL raced there with very limited crowds. Sides the smaller crowds Auto Club Speedway's President Gillian Zucker has expressed complete interest in IndyCar coming back to the Super-Speedway. Zucker said, she has called Randy Bernard multiple times, she even went as far as to have the Governor of California call him to get that race back. The race will be a night race and it will be held sometime in September or October, when the California temperatures aren't too hot for the IndyCar's to race there.

Simona de Silvestro was cleared to drive this weekend last Wednesday by the IndyCar Series medical staff.

Also in the news Simona de Silvestro and HVM Racing have announced that HOLTEC International signed on as an Associate Sponsor for the No. 78 car. HOLTEC makes nuclear waste containers to store them with the proper safety for the environment.

Iowa Speedway has a new owner with Featherlite Inc. founder Conrad Clement buying the track from Rusty Wallace. Track officials say that the new ownership won't affect any of the current daily operations.

Martin Plowman has signed with Sam Schmidt Motorsports to race at Mid-Ohio, Sonoma, and Baltimore for the 2011 IndyCar Season. Martin Plowman has partnered with Tire Kingdom for all three races.

Penske Racing has placed team President Tim Cindric as the new strategists for Will Power. John Erickson will be moved to Helio Castroneves. Clive Howell will continue his role as team Manager at Team Penske.

Indy Lights Series News
Bryan Herta Autosport has announced that they will add Brazilian Bruno Andrade to their roster this weekend for the Toronto 100 in the No. 29 William Rast car.

Former O2 Racing driver Peter Dempsey is now racing at Toronto this weekend with Andretti Autosport alongside Stefan Wilson.

The 500 Miles' Week in Review.

New information from the past week in the IndyCar world.

-Simona De Silvestro started her training again on Wednesday, which was the first the first time since her crash at the Milwaukee Mile on June 18th. De Silvestro has been suffering from post-concussion symptoms the past couple weeks, but is reporting that she is feeling a lot better. She still has to be cleared to race by IndyCar Series medical staff, in order to race at Toronto on July 10th.

-Will Power was cleared to go back into his Penske car on Wednesday. That same day he started testing with teammates Ryan Briscoe, and Helio Castroneves at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.Which was just less than 4 days after being diagnosed with a minor concussion from a crash at Iowa.

-The testing on the new 2012 IndyCar Series Dallara chassis will begin August 8th. It will be held at either Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, or in Sebring, FL. Another test is scheduled at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway sometime the last week of September. The chassis will be tested along with the new Honda V6 turbocharged engine, since it is the only engine that's ready to go as of now. Dan Wheldon, and Bryan Herta Autosport will test the new chassis.

Firestone Indy Lights Series'(FILS) O2 Racing is Suspended until Dec. '12

Although the IndyCar Series has been very inconsistent on enforcing the rules during races like Milwaukee. I do believe that the Indy Lights Series did the right thing by suspending the license/sponsorship of O2 Racing Technology, and the membership of team owner Mark Olson. The whole deal where Sam Schmidt Motorsports was caught cheating at Milwaukee was really wrong. It turns out the IndyCar PR department thought they were breaking the rules so they reported it, but it was never actually confirmed by the FILS Officials that the two accused Sam Schmidt cars were actually breaking the rules. So without confirmation from the actual FILS Officials O2 Racing decided that they could take the problems into their own hands and pull out of the race. Therefor that's why I think that Roger Bailey the executive director of the Indy Lights Series did the right thing, by showing O2 Racing that their in charge, not them.


Here is the actual statement released from the IndyCar Series stating why O2 Racing Technology is being suspended based on their actions. 
INDYCAR, the governing body of Firestone Indy Lights, has suspended the entrant license/membership of O2 Racing Technology and the individual membership of team owner Mark Olson until December 31, 2012, for actions during The Milwaukee Mile event June 18-19.

Olson was suspended for attempting to impede the conduct of the event by encouraging others to breach contracts with INDYCAR and withdraw from the David Hobbs 100. O2 Racing Technology was the only entrant to withdraw, removing its No. 36 and 63 entries from the participant list.

The actions were in violation of multiple rules as listed in the Firestone Indy Lights rulebook:

· Rule 1.1: Actions threatening the integrity of INDYCAR, Firestone Indy Lights and/or orderly conduct of an event.

· Rule 2.11 (C): Conduct creating adverse notoriety with respect to INDYCAR, Firestone Indy Lights or an event.

· Rule 9.3 (A): Attempting to or engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct or conduct detrimental to racing, INDYCAR and/or Firestone Indy Lights.

· Section 14 of the Event Entry Form: Engaging in tactics which would disrupt or delay the events.

"The mere act of attempting to impede the conduct of the event is something we will not tolerate," said Roger Bailey, executive director, Firestone Indy Lights. "We believe we have a great championship with Firestone Indy Lights that will help develop drivers and teams to prepare to move to the top level of open-wheel racing in North America, and we must maintain the integrity of our series."

The penalized parties may protest/appeal as prescribed in the Firestone Indy Lights rulebook. A protest/appeal may result in an increase, decrease or no change to the penalty.

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The Proposed Iowa Double-Header for 2012.

As of right now I don't think I like the proposed IndyCar Double-Header that is set for Iowa in 2012. Before I go right into my reasoning, here is a little background info that has been given out about the plan.

The IndyCar Series has proposed a plan to run a night race on a Saturday, and then run a day race during Sunday on that same weekend at Iowa Speedway. From Curt Cavin's article Randy Bernard says "a potential Iowa double-dip would cut down costs for fans, possibly expand TV opportunities and balance the schedule between road and oval courses. The series will run nine races on road/street courses this season and eight on ovals such as Iowa in 2011." Randy Bernard has also discussed the plan with Iowa Speedway President Jerry Jauron about the idea, and Jauron likes the plan.

 I feel that the first race will be sold out and attended by the most people, but I don't think the second race will get even half as many people in attendance and the TV Ratings will not be as good for the second race. Most people will not be able to stay for both races, many have too much to do with there lives during the weekends. Although there aren't many hotels, this event could turn into a spending fiasco, paying for hotel rooms, food, gas, and tickets. I don't feel that some people are willing to spend a ton of money right now. As I said I don't think this is a good idea right now, but my opinion on this can change.

Iowa Corn 250 Recap.

Overall Iowa was a great race and it never fails to succeed to do so!

For the first 150 laps the race was marked by plenty of crashing, and both of Ganassi's Target cars were dominating the race. One of the many drivers that were involved in a crash was IndyCar Series Championship contender Will Power crashed just 90 laps into the race in turn 2. Earlier in the race while pulling out of the pits Power hit Charlie Kimball(R), and sustained some damage. This may have been the reason why he just lost it, and ended up going backwards into the wall. Power has a mild concussion from the crash, and will have to pass a test to drive in Toronto in 2 weeks. Will Power ended up finishing 21st, and is now 20 points behind points leader Dario Franchitti.

I would like to point out that Will Power wasn't just the only driver who crashed because of a minor bump in turn 2. Will Power, Takuma Sato, James Jakes(R), Sebastian Saveedra(R), and Ana Beatriz(R) all crashed in turn 2. If I were the IndyCar Series I would pressure the track to get that fixed by next year.

Chip Ganassi Racing as a whole did real well again with Dario Franchitti leading most of the race up until around lap 172 when Tony Kanaan and Marco Andretti took over. Scott Dixon did real well moving from his starting position of 23rd, and finished 3rd. Where did the other Ganassi drivers finish? Dario Franchitti-5th Graham Rahal-15th Charlie Kimball(R)-22nd

Right after Dario's lead faded Tony Kanaan, and Marco Andretti put on a great show fighting for first place for the rest of the race. Tony put up a good fight with Andretti up until about 18 laps left of the race when TK tried to go under Marco, and then Marco pulled down right in front of TK. Right then TK had to fall back, and was a good 4 car lengths behind Marco in second during the rest of the race.

Marco celebrating his win. From:indycar.com

Tony Kanaan congratulating Marco for his race win. From:indycar.com

During the end of the race when Marco was celebrating TK went up to Marco to say congrats, and said he would have done the same thing to win the race if he were in that position. TK didn't even act like he was a on a different race team. This shows why TK is such a class act, and why he is still a fan favorite.

This was Marco's first win since his first win at Infineon Raceway in 2006. This win shows Andretti Autosport can still win, and that Marco can win by himself. Also he makes it look like getting on the pole is nothing when he won the race from a starting position of 17th.

Other drivers that had a good run during Iowa was Panther Racing's JR Hildebrand(R) which finished 4th, and even led a couple laps in the middle of the race. Penske Racing's Helio Castroneves and Ryan Briscoe stayed in the top 10 all night. They finished 6th and 7th. Also Newman/Haas Racing's James Hinchcliffe(R) had another good finish of 9th.


The whole race was a success with Iowa showing their love for Open Wheel Racing with an official race attendance of 35,118.


 Official Iowa Corn 250 results.

1. (17) Marco Andretti, Dallara-Honda, 250, Running
2. (3) Tony Kanaan, Dallara-Honda, 250, Running
3. (23) Scott Dixon, Dallara-Honda, 250, Running
4. (4) JR Hildebrand, Dallara-Honda, 250, Running
5. (6) Dario Franchitti, Dallara-Honda, 250, Running
6. (10) Ryan Briscoe, Dallara-Honda, 250, Running
7. (13) Helio Castroneves, Dallara-Honda, 250, Running
8. (8) Ryan Hunter-Reay, Dallara-Honda, 250, Running
9. (7) James Hinchcliffe, Dallara-Honda, 250, Running
10. (2) Danica Patrick, Dallara-Honda, 250, Running
11. (14) Ed Carpenter, Dallara-Honda, 250, Running
12. (12) Justin Wilson, Dallara-Honda, 250, Running
13. (22) Alex Lloyd, Dallara-Honda, 250, Running
14. (11) Oriol Servia, Dallara-Honda, 249, Running
15. (20) Graham Rahal, Dallara-Honda, 249, Running
16. (15) Alex Tagliani, Dallara-Honda, 249, Running
17. (19) EJ Viso, Dallara-Honda, 239, Handling
18. (16) Vitor Meira, Dallara-Honda, 227, Handling
19. (1) Takuma Sato, Dallara-Honda, 182, Contact
20. (25) Sebastian Saavedra, Dallara-Honda, 114, Contact
21. (5) Will Power, Dallara-Honda, 89, Contact
22. (21) Charlie Kimball, Dallara-Honda, 62, Mechanical
23. (18) Ana Beatriz, Dallara-Honda, 44, Contact
24. (9) Mike Conway, Dallara-Honda, 44, Contact
25. (24) James Jakes, Dallara-Honda, 22, Contact

Iowa Corn 250 Preview.

The Iowa Corn 250 will be an interesting race to say the least. Takuma Sato is on the pole which is the first pole for KV Racing since 2005. Danica Patrick will start second which is an impressive starting spot for her, with an off and on season so far. Tony Kanaan will start third and rookie JR Hildebrand will start 4th.

During the second practice after qualifying yesterday night Takuma Sato, and Alex Tagliani collided into each other and crashed. Which just left KV Racing's and Sam Schmidt Motorports' crews with a little more work to do to get ready for today's race.

Yesterday IndyCar officials said that the race is set to be sold out tonight. So expect a good crowd.

 Iowa Corn 250 starting grid.
1. (5) Takuma Sato, Dallara-Honda, 180.375
2. (7) Danica Patrick, Dallara-Honda, 180.210
3. (82) Tony Kanaan, Dallara-Honda, 179.833
4. (4) JR Hildebrand, Dallara-Honda, 179.569
5. (12) Will Power, Dallara-Honda, 179.474
6. (10) Dario Franchitti, Dallara-Honda, 179.474
7. (06) James Hinchcliffe, Dallara-Honda, 179.385
8. (28) Ryan Hunter-Reay, Dallara-Honda, 179.305
9. (27) Mike Conway, Dallara-Honda, 179.185
10. (6) Ryan Briscoe, Dallara-Honda, 178.771
11. (2) Oriol Servia, Dallara-Honda, 178.742
12. (22) Justin Wilson, Dallara-Honda, 178.631
13. (3) Helio Castroneves, Dallara-Honda, 178.570
14. (67) Ed Carpenter, Dallara-Honda, 178.510
15. (77) Alex Tagliani, Dallara-Honda, 178.426
16. (14) Vitor Meira, Dallara-Honda, 178.365
17. (26) Marco Andretti, Dallara-Honda, 178.165
18. (24) Ana Beatriz, Dallara-Honda, 177.821
19. (59) EJ Viso, Dallara-Honda, 177.680
20. (38) Graham Rahal, Dallara-Honda, 177.509
21. (83) Charlie Kimball, Dallara-Honda, 177.280
22. (19) Alex Lloyd, Dallara-Honda, 177.257
23. (9) Scott Dixon, Dallara-Honda, 175.784
24. (18) James Jakes, Dallara-Honda, 173.365
25. (34) Sebastian Saavedra, Dallara-Honda, no speed

The Versus live coverage starts tonight at 6:30pm ET with the Indy Lights race aired live. IndyCar Central starts at 8pm ET. The Iowa Corn 250 will start at 9:00pm ET. 

500 Miles' Week in Review

Let's explore the multitudes of things that happened in the past week!

Dan Wheldon with his Bryan Herta Autosport Indy 500 winning car.

Current Indy 500 champ Dan Wheldon will be testing the new IndyCar prototype chassis with Bryan Herta Autosport. Testing of the prototype is scheduled to take place in August and September of this year, it is not clear what track this will take place at. Teams are scheduled to get their equipment by December 15th.

Simona de Silvestro has been denied to race tonight at Iowa due to post-concussion symptoms from the crash during qualifying last weekend in Milwaukee.

Nick Snyder has been named the new lead engineer for Alex Tagliani who drives for Sam Schmidt Motorsports.

Circle K joined Andretti Autosport as a marketing sponsor, and will be the major associate sponsor for Ryan Hunter-Reay's #28 car.

Milwaukee 225 Thoughts and Reactions.

Although Milwaukee was somewhat entertaining to most including myself, I thought it was pretty much a crash fest with Ganassi dominating for the most part again.

HVM Racing/Simona de Silvestro.

First of all if none of you are fans of Simona by now, I don't know when you will be.  My reasoning is simple, because even after six stitches on one knee, a bad bang to the head, and a broken rib, Simona de Silvestro attempted the next day to get in that ancient car and win a race. Although she wasn't out but maybe 10 laps she showed nothing will get in her way of trying to get out there and race. I will also give a thumbs up to HVM Racing because, even after everything that has happened during the crashes, that whole team works so hard in example the whole team worked non stop from the time of the crash to the early morning hours on that Sunday the Milwaukee 225 was held on.

On another positive note I would like to point out how well Newman-Haas Racing finished during the race with Oriol Servia in 3rd, and James Hinchcliffe(R) in 6th. Although the broadcast for the race actually ran over on ABC, I would have liked to seen Oriol's interview after the race instead of Dario's griping.

Ton Kanaan at Milwaukee. From:sports.yahoo.com

KV Racing had some good luck that quickly turned bad late in the race. E.J. Viso was safely in the top 5 for a good part of the race until he crashed on lap 163.  Also Tony Kanaan looked like he was going to win the race after leading 33 laps, but just lost it going into the front straightaway and crashed. Takuma Sato also had a good race until he had to serve a drive through penalty for hitting a crew member while pitting. How did they all finish? Kanaan-19th Viso-20th Sato-8th

Penske racing had a good turn out as usual with Helio Castroneves having some late race bad luck, with a tire loosing too much pressure. So under caution he had to go in for a pit stop, losing his first place position over Dario Franchitti. Also Helio led 31 laps. Will Power finished 4th, Helio finished 9th, and Ryan Briscoe finished 11th.

Graham Rahal, Dario Franchitti, and Oriol Servia celebrating on the podium after the Milwaukee 225.

Ganassi is still dominating. Dario Franchitti led the majority of the race with 161 laps. The big controversy belongs with Ganassi and Penske during some pit stops Dario hit the front right tire and crossed the pit box line of Will Power. Race Control gave no penalty to Dario, but many fans including me feel that he should have received that penalty for crossing Penske's pit box and hitting Penske's equipment. Dario went on finishing first, and Dixon finished 7th. Graham Rahal had a good race, staying in the top 10 the whole race and ended up finishing 2nd. Charlie Kimball finished a lap down in 14th.

Other interesting things to note.
The race attendance was horrible with an estimated attendance of around 13,000. I think IndyCar needs to come back next year, but not on Father's Day weekend, and they need to find a better event promoter.

The TV ratings for ABC's live telecast were at 0.9. At least it was higher than the ratings with Versus.