19 Indy Winners On Hand For Program Unveiling

(Photo Courtesy of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway)

Tonight at the Indiana Convention Center 19 of the 27 living Indianapolis 500 winners were on hand for the unveiling of the 2009 Indy 500 program. The cover which was done by world renowned artist Thomas Kinkade, depicts Indy style race cars flying by the Pagoda on the front stretch. The Indianapolis 500 champions that were at the gala include:

• Rick Mears,


• Al Unser Jr.


• Al Unser


• Bobby Unser


• Dario Franchitti


• Mario Andretti


• Eddie Cheever


• Kenny Brack


• Bobby Rahal


• Jim Rathmann


• Parnelli Jones


• Johnny Rutherford


• Gil de Ferran


• Gordon Johncock


• Scott Dixon


• A.J. Foyt


• Buddy lazier


• Tom Sneva


• Arie Luyendyk

Indy winners Sam Hornish and Juan Montoya were busy qualifying for the stock car race while Helio Castroneves had his hands tied getting ready for his trial that starts on Monday. Other Champions that were not present include: Buddy Rice, Dan Wheldon, Jacques Villenueve, Emerson Fittipaldi and Danny Sullivan.

2009 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car announced

For the first time since 2003, the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car will not be a Corvette. Today at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IMS President Joie Chitwood alongside Indianapolis 500 champions Al Unser jr., Johnny Rutherford, and Eddie Cheever announced that the 2009 Pace Car will be the 2010 Chevy Camaro.

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"The Chevrolet Camaro first paced the Indianapolis 500 in 1967 with one of the most loved Pace Cars of all times, followed by the 1969 Indy 500 Camaro Pace Car with the hugger orange paint scheme. Just 40 years after that car made its mark as a Pace Car favorite, we're pleased to have Camaro return to the streets and to the track at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to start our Centennial Era." -Joie Chitwood

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The driver will be announced at a later date.

(Photos courtesy of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway)

Carpenter Drenched In Sponsorship

After looking through Vision racing photos on there facebook page I noticed one thing, Ed's got a ton of sponsorship. Menards, Eli Lilly, Sonax, Pittsburgh Paints, Energizer, William Rast, CardioCheck and Quaker State, among others. Did you catch that? There were a few sponsors that are now on the #20 Dallara that were on competing teams just last season. William Rast, who was the primary sponsor for Townsend Bell over at D&R last season, is all over Ed's helmet and visor this year. Energizer batteries has been a secondary and sometimes primary sponsor on Target Chip Ganassi's team the last few years is now stitched into the Ed's Impact branded firesuit. Eli Lilly has a giant patch on each of Ed's forearms and a smaller one near his shoulder blade, was the primary for many of Foyt IV's races last season. For a team that is struggling to find the money for a second car, the sponsors sure are jam packed on the #20 Dallara.

Homestead Test Breakdown

With 12 hours of available track time for most of the teams over the last two days, and even more for the rookies, the Indycar drivers turned a ton of laps. Ryan Briscoe had the quickest speed in the tests at just over 212mph. Marco led the AGR stable with the 3rd overall quickest lap fallowed by teammate Tony Kanaan. Mario Moraes, who was previously viewed as a "ride buyer" absolutely boggled my mind with the 5th quickest time. KV racing has obviously been working hard over the winter, and after this test, they have got to get a second car on track!! Dreyer and Reinbold's Mike Conway was also a bit of a surprise with the 9th quickest lap, not bad for a rookie. Rookie Raphael Matos was a little bit of a disappointment being the 4th slowest of the 21 cars on hand. Stock Car driver Stanton Barrett struggled for most of the test and was consistently the slowest car on track, but he ran consistent laps without incident. Barrett who is making a giant leap to the open wheel world with a team that's season ended in heartbreak last year in Indy, did a solid job considering the circumstances.

1. Ryan Briscoe--212.156
   
2. Scott Dixon--211.825
   
3. Marco Andretti--211.274
   
4. Tony Kanaan--210.819
   
5. Mario Moraes--210.603
   
6. Dario Franchitti--210.603
   
7. Will Power--210.544
   
8. Dan Wheldon--210.402
   
9. Mike Conway--210.225
   
10. Graham Rahal--210.088
    
11. Hideki Mutoh--209.995
    
12. Robert Doornbos--209.584
    
13. Vitor Meira--209.475
    
14. E.J. Viso--209.355
    
15. Danica Patrick--209.333
    
16. Milka Duno--208.984
    
17. Ed Carpenter--208.925
    
18. Raphael Matos--208.694
    
19. Justin Wilson--208.108
    
20. Jaime Camara--207.378
    
21. Stanton Barrett--206.266

If you are an oval fan, than you have a 2 month wait until the Dallara's are going to be in speedway configurations. In just under a month the ICS goes road course testing in Birmingham, 2 weeks later they'll be racing in St. Pete, then another 2 week wait until the Long Beach race, fallowed by the first oval event of the year in Kansas a week later.

Ryan Hunter-Reay In HVM Pit Box

TrackSide Online who has been the source for numerous stories over the last couple days, has up a photo of Ryan in the HVM pit box. Maybe they are a little farther along in there negotiations than we know.

TSO also has photos of Oriol Servia & Nelson Phillipe walking around the pit area.

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Indycar.com reports that Milka's deal is still not final, like Justin Wilson and Jaime Camara, she is purely a test driver at this point. Milka says that something could be announced next week.

You Can Fallow All Of the Indycar Testing

(Photos Courtesy of Indycar)

From 4-10pm tonight and tommorow night you can get your Indycar fix by both watching the cars on track and viewing the timing & scoreing for the Homestead test. Granted the Video isn't great, but it's something.

Dario & Dixon On ESPN News

Homestead Testing Update

Well, it's been a pretty interesting day in the Indycar series world. Trackside Online has up some photos from Homestead, included are what seems to be Milka Duno's 09' ride, along with the sidepods for Robert Doornbos, Quatros VERSUS promo ride, and an unmarked Dallara that could be that of rookie Stanton Barrett.

Justin Wilson To Test For Coyne At Homestead-Close To Deal For 09'

Robin Miller reports that Justin Wilson is set to test next week for Dale Coyne Racing and is close to a deal to run the entire 09' season, props to Indy Trackside for finding the article. The 10 ft. 9in. tall Wilson who was let go from NHL after a up and down season in 08', was 1 of only 2 "transition drivers" with a win in 2008.

"I haven't signed a contract yet and we're still working on some things but it's looking good" -Justin Wilson

"I am committed to make it happen because I've got unfinished business in this sport. Is Bruno out of the picture for 2009?, no, we're working on several things. He's been good for us and I think we were good for him and we want to run a second car if we can pull things together." -Dale Coyne

Miller also reports in the article that Junqueira drove in 07' and 08' with no pay.

Finally.. Doornbos CONFIRMED

It's about time!!! Newman/Haas/Lanigan has finally confirmed Robert Doornbos to pilot one of there cars in 09'. Bobby D. is set to test this Monday-Wednesday in Homestead. Sponsorship details will be released at a later date.

• "I'm very happy and proud to get this chance to race with Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing. Racing in the IndyCar Series has been my biggest dream and especially to do it with Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing. The history of the team and the big success they have had in the past really attracted me and it makes me proud to become part of this winning team. Racing on the ovals should be very exciting. It will be tough, but I'm training as much as possible and am in good condition and ready to achieve results. I’m also excited to race in the legendary Indy 500. I really want to thank Mr. Haas and Mr. Lanigan for giving me this chance. I'm looking forward to the first race." -Robert Doornbos

• "Mike and I are excited to add Robert to our lineup. He was a fierce competitor in Champ Car and we are hoping for the same in the IndyCar Series. He was able to quickly adapt to the new challenges in Champ Car which should bode well for the learning curve we will face in getting him acclimated to oval racing.” -Carl Haas

Trackside W/ Cavin & Kevin Back On The Air

The weekly radio show Trackside with Cavin and Kevin will be back on the air tonight. The primarily Indycar based radio show will have Panther racing's Dan Wheldon as well as Dreyer & Reinbolds Mike Conway on tonight. The show can be heard live from 8-10pm EST in central Indiana on 1070AM or through out the world on 1070thefan.com. You can call in questions ([317] 239-1070) or by email (kevin@1070thefan.com)

IMS Motel On It's Way Down + Photos

Drove by again today, seem to be making progress...

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Driving past the IMS Motel today I noticed that they have began the demolition process, starting with the west end. So I turned around and took a few photos.

The World famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway hotel that was featured several times in Paul Newman’s “Winning” has 108 rooms and was built in 1963. It has hosted many celebrities and drivers over the years, including the world famous Beatles who stayed in rooms 228,230,232 and 234 during there Indy stay on there first North American tour.

Camara Set To Test With Conquest

Jaime Camara who took over for Frank Perera at Conquest just before last years Kansas race, is set to be behind the wheel for next weeks Homestead-Miami test. Camara who's 09' season was and still is in doubt was happy to pilot the #34 Dallara

• "I'm really happy that Conquest Racing has asked me to drive for them at the Homestead test next week. I truly enjoyed being a part of this team last season. I know that they have been working hard over the winter to improve the car's performance and I look forward to being able to help them with their development work during the Homestead test." said Camara

Conquest racing who fielded 2 cars all last season with 4 different drivers, is expected to have at least 1 car and possibly 2 for 2009. Alex Tagliani has been long rumored to pilot the #36 after finishing off the 08' season for the "injured" Enrique Bernoldi.

US F1 Team Interested In Danica

Coming February 24th, the US will be back in Formula 1. Hoping to field 2 cars with a staff of 100, and with a rather low budget of 64 million dollars, Danica has been mentioned among other American drivers Scott Speed, Conor Daly and Josef Newgarden.

USF1 tech director Ken Anderson told the AP: "She's great. She gets a lot of press . Tony George would probably be pretty mad with me if I took her out of the IRL but we'll see. I don't know if it's something she wants to do. We'd certainly love to test her and go from there."

Now don't get me wrong, I like F1 and will certainly be rooting for Team USA, but I don't want them to take any talent from the already media coverage starved IRL. We need as much PR as we can get, and Danica defiantly brings it. Conor Daly and Josef Newgarden are both the potential future of American open wheel racing in the U.S. if they decide to come the Indycar route.

It wouldn't bother be a bit if Scott Speed left for F1 again, but I don't see it happening. He has gone on record several times saying that he has done all he can do in F1 and that those days are beind him.

Although I would hate for it to happen, I think Ryan Hunter-Reay would be the perfect choice for an American F1 seat. He is still relatively young, very talented, and he doesn't have a current ride. But the selfish side of me doesn't want him to go.

Who developed the SAFER Barrier?

UPDATE: The article has now been revised giving credit to both Nebraska University and the IRL. Great job to everyone who wrote in.

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Yesterday a guy by the name of Dan Peterson wrote an article for Fox News explaining how great of a job Nascar has done while developing safety features. The only problem is that part of the article is just completely and utterly false, no question about it. For the 57,829th time over the past 5 years, a member in the media gave credit to someone in the stock car ranks for the invention and development of the SAFER barrier, and I think it's about time credit go's to its rightful owners.

Some contact info if you feel so inclined

You can E-mail Dan at Dan@80percentmental.com

OR

You can E-mail Fox News at yourcomments@foxnews.com

As most of you already know, the Steel and Foam Energy Reduction (SAFER) barrier was developed by engineers from Nebraska University with help from the IRL, and was first implemented at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Doornbos Announcement To Come On Tuesday

UPDATE: Well...... it's way past Tuesday and still no announcement, Bobby D. claims on his site that the announcement can't be made because of "Organizational reasons"..What ever that means. But Doornbos says that he will be testing next week in Homestead.

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After weeks of speculation and a report a few days ago saying that the announcement on Bobby D's future was going to be yesterday, it finally looks as though an announcement is set for Tuesday. This time the article comes strait from Doornbos' website:

• "The future of Bobby D is bright. We are sorry that all Bobby D fans have to wait this long. But it is worthwhile.
  
  Next Tuesday 17 February, Bobby D's 2009 plans will be officially announced by his new team and via this website. Take care."

Thanks to Mike in the Hawkeye state for the heads up.

REPORT: NHL To Announce Doornbos Today

Over the last several weeks rumors have been ramped when it comes to Bobby D. First he was ready to sign alongside Seabass at NHL. Then he was set to team up with E.J. Viso at HVM. But the latest speculation that he is going to sign with Newman/Haas/Lanigan seems to be coming to true. Reports out of Europe say that the former F1 driver will be announced today (2-11) at NHL, but if your a little rusty on your Dutch, you might want to check out the translated version (Thank You Google)

Helio Update

Yesterday, Monday February 9th a judge in Miami considered a motion placed on Castroneves' behalf that half of the charges of tax evasion should be thrown out because the statue of limitations is up. The defense claims that the charges from 99'-01' had to of been placed before the 6 year time limit. The judge has yet to make a decision on the motion for the case that is set to begin March 2nd.

John Andretti Close To Indy 500 Ride

While John Andretti was talking about his ride for next weeks race on his weekly central Indiana radio show on WIBC, it came out that he is close to a deal to run the 2009 Indy 500. After handing the phone over to Todd Whitworth President and CEO of Window World speaking of the Indy 500 he was quoted saying:

• "We are definitely, definitely close to getting that put together, we want to be at Indy in a big big way. I went to my first Indy last year, John took us out there, it was an incredible experience, and I can tell you we definitely want to see a Window World car going around Indianapolis"

Sarah Fisher Set To Announce Sponsor

UPDATE: It was announced today that Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis has jumped back on board for Sarah in 09'. As you might remember, IUPUI was one of many sponsors that came to Sarahs rescue (no pun intended) last may after her origanal sponor backed out. No word on how the addidional sponsorships will affect SFR's IRL schedule.

Sarah Fisher Racing is set to announce an "Indiana-based" sponsor for the upcoming 2009 season. The announcement will be made on Friday afternoon but it is still unclear as to the degree of sponsorship. Earlier this year SFR announced that Dollar General would find itself on the side pods for Kansas, Indy, Kentucky & Chicagoland.

Buddy Rice Confirmed At Rubicon

Props go out to Indy Racing Revolution, for uncovering the evidence on Rubicons Web site. The 2004 Indy 500 Champ, and only driver to team with the 3 woman of Indycar [Patrick (RL), Fisher (D&R), and Duno (D&R)] has landed a ride on the up and coming team. Rubicon racing who has yet to actually start an Indycar event, left the Indianapolis Motor Speedway heartbroken on Bump Day last year after a tough month of May.

Rubicon Racing who recently merged with Pacific Coast Motorsports has yet to announce there 09' schedule with Rice, but rumors have been ramped that team co-owner Jim Freudenberg had secured sponsorship for the entire season.

Milka Duno To Sign With Newman Hass Lanigan, Seriously

Are you sitting down? If not than you should be, because Milka Duno is set to sign with Newman/Hass/Lanigan, yea you read it right. The story was reported a few days ago, but was finally "confirmed" by Robin Miller that Duno will be teaming up with Graham Rahal and Robert Doornbos. Brian Lisles, NHL team manager was quoted by Miller after he reportedly contacted the IRL to report that NHL would compete in 09' with 3 cars: "I can't tell you anything right now because we have no signatures or contracts signed but we're working on doing the best we can. We do hope to have some good news for ourselves and the series by the end of the week."

Dreyer & Reinbold was reportedly blindsided by the news "I don't know anything about that and, if it's true, I didn't see it coming, We've been talking with her a lot about this season and I'm kind of surprised she didn't let us know. But I guess that's her prerogative." said Dennis Reinbold.

Miller reports that D&R is still in talks with Townsend Bell as well as a few other for 09'

Although it comes as a jigormous surprise, It should be interesting to see how she does in a solid ride. Now I ask myself, is Marty Roth on Penskes radar for a 3rd car??

Indycar Engine Update

As reported on Indycar.com, Honda , Audi, Fiat, Porsche and Volkswagen are all still in negotiations with the Indycar Series on the specs for the next generation Indycar. The article also reports that the final decisions could come in the next couple months, but here are a few of the key points:

● 4-stroke engines with reciprocating pistons
● Engine capacity not to exceed 2.0 liters
● Dual-overhead cam shaft with 4 valves per cylinder
● Single turbo charger systems will be permitted
● Direct injection systems will be permitted
● Continue the league's leadership position with the use of alternative fuels
● Engine life between rebuilds of 3,750 miles
● Five-year sealed engine homologation process that will define areas with possible annual updates
● Cost containment engine lease ceiling that is applicable to all participants

The one slightly concerning piece to the article was that it said "for implementation as early as the 2011 season". Did you catch that? AS EARLY AS 2011, so I guess it could be 2012, 16' or 28' before we see the new car on track. Don't get me wrong, I'm not one of the Dallara haters, that think the current chassis is the ugliest thing on the face of the earth, but I sure could stand a little change.

What Could You Do With The Superbowl Commercial Revenue

There will be 69 commercials shown during the Superbowl on Sunday night. With NBC charging a rather "reasonable" 3 millon bucks for a 30 second time slot, bringing in a total of 207 million dollars. So.... you may be asking yourself, what could I do with 207 million? Well heres a few ideas:

• Become top tier primary sponsor on 29 full season well funded Indycars
• Purchase 117,714,286 gallons of AMERICAN ethanol
• Pay for 5.15 million people to attend all 4 days of Indy Qualifying
• Buy 4,577,777 Indycar 2008'Greenlight Diecasts
• Give $800.54 to every person in attendence to a sold out Indianapolis 500
• Pay out the entire purse of every Indy 500 from 1911-2006
• Purchase 8,280 Mini Borg Warner trophies

By the way Cardinals 24, Steelers 17