Tony George Resigns

In a press release today, It was confirmed that Tony George has stepped down as CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hulman-George Co., but he will however stay on the board.

It's still unclear as to the direction the Hulman-George family will decide to go in terms of Indianapolis Motor Speedway president for the long term, but atleast in the mean time, Jeffrey Belskus will be moving up from the execuitive vice-president and chief financial officer for Hulman and Co., and will become IMS president.

Curtis Brighton will become president and CEO of Hulman and Company after spending several years as executive vice president and chief legal counsel for the company.

Humpy Wheeler has been rumored to be a candidate for the job, but on Wind Tunnel a few weeks ago he said that President of IMS was probably not in his future but he would probably "help out".

"Our board had asked Tony to structure our executive staff to create efficiencies in our business structure and to concentrate his leadership efforts in the Indy Racing League. He has decided that with the recent unification of open-wheel racing and the experienced management team IMS has cultivated over the years, now would be the time for him to concentrate on his team ownership of Vision Racing with his family and other personal business interests he and his family share." -Mary Hulman-George

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Indy 500 Radio Broadcasts Available

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has began selling digital copies of various Indy 500 radio broadcasts. They Currently have the 1960 (4hrs) and 64' (5hrs) broadcasts available with the 1968 (4hrs) broadcast "coming soon".

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How Do You Spell Hideki?

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Richmond Preview

By: Tony Donohue

The Indy Car Series heads to Richmond this weekend to tackle the three fourths of a mile bullring they call Richmond International Raceway. This marks the fifth straight oval for the Indy Car Series and the eighth race on the season.

Last year, Tony Kanaan took the twin checkered flags, capping off a near perfect weekend at RIR, as he started from the pole, lead 166 laps on his way to victory lane. That win was Tony’s last Indy Car Series win, almost hard to believe that he hasn’t won in over a year.

In 2007, Dario Franchitti took the win on in the SunTrust Indy Challenge. He too capped over the near perfect weekend by winning from the pole, and leading 242 of the 300 laps. Dario went on to win the championship that season, which continued the streak of Richmond winners going on to win the Championship. That list included Sam Hornish Jr. in 2002, Scott Dixon in 2003, and Sam Hornish Jr. again in 2006.

Richmond is a track about handling, and keeping you noise clean. Tight short track racing makes for an awesome Saturday night race, but can be breath taking for drivers. Clean pit stops are key as well, with a tight pit lane, getting in and out cleanly can be the difference as track position here is key.

So my predictions last week for Iowa were pretty close to spot on. Dario took the checkered at Iowa going 2 for 2 in the corn fields. This weekend at Richmond it is a little tougher for me to pick a winner. I am stuck between picking Dario Franchitti once again, or to go with Helio Castroneves. So, my pick to win this week is Dario. He knows how to get it done on the short ovals, and his pit crew will do the work in the pits. I will put Helio in a close second and Scott Dixon third.

My darkhorses, once again it has to be Tomas Scheckter, he knows how to run up front at almost any race track, and if his pit crew can be flawless, don’t be surprised to see Tomas on the podium. My other dark horse is E.J. Viso. Now, I know what everyone’s thinking, am I nuts? E.J. finished 10th here last year, and needs to finish a race, since he hasn’t all year, I think he has the determination to have a solid finish, key word finish.

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Richmond Virtual Lap + Indycar 101 (Camber)

Richmond virtual lap

Indycar 101 (Camber)

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Indycar Headed To Brazil..China In 2011?

It seems as though the rumors of the Indycar Series heading to Brazil are no long rumors, as Michael Marot of the AP reports it's going to happen. Marot reports that Terry Angstadt, president on the IRL's commercial division, confirmed that the Ribeirao Preto Brazil race will kick off the season and will be held in March.

Don't get me wrong, I love the ovals, but this is a tremendous move for the series.

The move to Brazil further strengthens Indycar's reach around the world, and does it in a way that will minimally affect the U.S. Television times. With Ribeirao Preto just one hour ahead of the Eastern time zone it'll be hugely different then the current race in Motegi, and probably held on a Sunday afternoon.

Another great aspect to the agreement is that the racing season will open sooner. This year the first race wasn't until April, just a month before the kickoff to the Month of May. Hopefully St. Petersbug, Long Beach and Kansas will stay locked into the current format with a week off between Brazil and the Grand Prix of St. Pete.

But the key to the deal is that it keeps ApexBrasil happy. As most of you know, the Indycar Series switched from U.S. corn based ethanol to the Brazilion Sugarcane variety over the offseason. But what some of you may not know is that Apex Brazil is not just an ethanol company. They are also involved in Construction, Entertainment, Fashion, Machinery, Technology and Health, and the rumors are out there that if Indycar had a race in Brazil, ApexBrasil would want to have sponsorship on every car in the league, which would be HUGE!

There have also been rumors that China is interested in holding an Indycar Series race beginning in either 2011 or 2012 and those rumors could also become reality after Marot's report. The race would be held in Qingdao, the home to the 2008 Beijing Olympics Sailing events, and would hold up to 500,000 fans.

I have mixed emotions as to the amount of fans the Chinese race would hold. On the positive side, the race would bring in a crazy amount of money to not only the league but the teams as well. But I don't like the fact that the Indianapolis 500 would no longer be the largest race in the world.

“We thought we were off the radar screen too long when we started in April this year, and that was one of our goals, to start in March. It’s a great economy down there. Has the world economic crisis affected them? Yes, but not as much as the U.S.”

"It will be run through a city park,” Angstadt said. “It’s a high-tech city, it’s very cosmopolitan and it’s in the heart of the sugarcane area.” -Terry Angstadt

“What differentiates this series is that these cars are designed to run on all these types of tracks and no other series is like that. I think it merits marketing.” -Tim Cendric

“March in the U.S. is very much dominated by March Madness and basketball tournaments and that’s very difficult to contend with. It’s really not much different from what baseball has done the last couple of years, opening its season in Japan.” -Brian Barnhart

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Paul Tracy Sponsorship Announcement For Toronto

In the wake of news that Paul Tracy will be piloting the #15 Geico sponsored Dallara for the upcoming race in Watkins Glen, they announced his sponsor for one of two other races on his schedule. The Ontario Honda Dealers Association has signed on to sponsor the veteran for the July 12th Indycar Inaugural Honda Indy Toronto.

UPDATE:Tracy has now released a few photos of the Toronto and Edmunton paint scheme through, yea you guessed it, Twitter.

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Honda May Have Answer To Passing Problem

As many of you may have heard on the latest addition of Trackside with Cavin & Kevin, both the league and Indycar teams are looking for answers to the passing plague.

Larry Curry of Dreyer & Reinbold Racing explained multiple concepts that would help passing, all which basically narrowed down to the IRL allowing teams more freedom. Curry mentioned everything from wheel base to suspension, but said that the number one thing he would do to improve the racing would be to open up rear flap angles.

President of competition for the IRL Brian Barnhart fallowed up on the show saying "There's a log of concern", in regards to indycar's passing problem. Barnhart said the number one problem is that all the teams have had the same Dallara for so long, the teams are bunched together and have squeezed everything out of them. Barnhart went on to say something needed and would be done.

According to Curt Cavin, Honda has been developing a type of "push to pass" that would give the driver an extra 5 or so horsepower. The new system has been tested at both Chicagoland and Richmond with strong results.

"It's not a game changer, but it would be a help, no question about it. I don't know how you put a value on it, but entertainment is a big part of what we do, and that's what we're lacking at the moment. The people in the grandstand need to feel they've gotten their value back." -Mike Hull

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F1 Teams Breakaway

F1 team reportedly break away

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Where Are They Now: Jeff Bucknum

By: Tony Donohue

Jeff Bucknum was born with racing in his blood. His father, Ronnie Bucknum was the first driver to run a Honda powered engine in F1. Ronnie was also a veteran of the Indy 500, running the 500 from 1968-1970 with a career best 15th place finish in 1970. But racing was second to surfing for Jeff in his younger years.

“I grew up along the coast of California so I spent most of my life growing up surfing.” Jeff said of his teenage years. “I did the whole surfing contest thing even surfing on a professional tour just out of high school.” He recalled. At the age of twenty, Jeff broke his ankle in a surfing accident, and was away from surfing for a year. In that year, he did some thinking about his future. “It was at that time I decided I really wanted to pursue a racing career. My dad helped me with my karting career on a full time bases until he passed away in 1992. After he passed it was hard to keep going at first but I decided one day that he would want me to give it my best shot. That’s when I signed up for the Skip Barber Racing School at Sears Point Raceway and began racing cars.” Jeff said on the decision. His father passed away from complications due to diabetes. He began at Skip Barber Racing School in Sonoma, California.

Jeff made his Indy Car debut at the 2005 Indianapolis 500 running for Dreyer and Reinbold Racing. Team owner Robbie Buhl, who was a driver coach at the Barber Racing School, struck a deal to drive the 500, and test cars on road courses, as well as run the Japan Indy Car race, ran prior to the Indy 500 that year. “I flew to Indy to meet with Dennis Reinbold and Robbie, and within a few weeks we struck the deal.” Jeff said. Jeff was teamed with Roget Yasakawa and finished 22nd in Japan after a first lap incident and duplicated that run by finishing 22nd in the Indy 500, and he was collected in Danica Patrick’s spin under yellow.

Jeff later that year signed to drive for A.J. Foyt Racing. Ironically, his first Indy Car road course start would be at the track he learned it all from, Infineon Raceway in Sonoma California. Jeff didn’t disappoint, finishing tenth. Jeff made his final start of the season at Watkins Glen, bringing home his A.J. Foyt Racing #14 in the eleventh position. “Racing for A.J. Foyt was a great experience for me. We didn’t have the same budget as the big teams, but my background is road course racing so it went fairly well. It was fun running my first Indy Car road course race at the same track I drove my first race car, which was Infineon Raceway (Sears Point Raceway). We finished 10th which was the best finish Foyt racing had that year.” Jeff recalled.

When the 2006 season started, Jeff was again searching for a ride. Jeff landed at Hemelgarn Racing to team up with P.J. Chesson to run the Indy 500. “I had a really good relationship with the Hemelgarn Team going into the 2006 Indy 500. As a matter of fact the engineer and a few crew members that worked with me at Hemelgarn worked on my car the year before when I raced for Dreyer and Reinbold.” The result of the 500 was not what Jeff was looking for as he was collected with teammate P.J. Chesson after the second turn on lap one, resulting in a 32nd place finish, which added to the fire that was already started. “I would say things weren’t any worse after the race then they were before the race with P.J. I think P.J. is not much of a race car driver as he is a fan of himself. He and I didn’t get along well because I wanted to be at Indy to race and he wanted to be at Indy to be recognized. I was a threat to him because he knew I could always out -perform him on the track."

The one race deal with Hemelgarn left Jeff ride less, but a call from A.J. Foyt found Jeff again back behind the wheel of the #14 ABC Supply Co. car. Jeff replaced Felipe Giaffone have way during the season to run Nashville, and the remainder of the races, finishing 13th at Milwaukee and Kentucky as his best runs.

Jeff competed in this year’s 24 Hours of Daytona event for Stevenson Motorsports in a Pontiac GT car. Running 3rd with just an hour to go, a half shaft broke on the car resulting in a 6th place finish. Jeff and wife Suzanne have three wonderful kids, Spencer, Ashley and Dylan. Jeff is still a big fan of the series and the Indy 500, and although he doesn’t ever rule out a return to run the 500, he is mainly focusing on his racing career in sports cars.

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Q&A With Analyst/Owner Robbie Buhl

(Photo courtesy of Indycar)

In 2004, after 2 wins and 78 Indycar starts including 8 Indianapolis 500's, Robbie Buhl retired from racing and began a career in team ownership. In 2007 Buhl made a move to the booth as T.V. analyst for the Firstone Indy Lights alongside Bob Jenkins.

Buhl who is still co-owner of Dreyer and Reinbold Racing, joined Bob Jenskins and Jon Beekhuis in the VERSUS booth for 12 of the 17 Indycar races in 2009.

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16th And Georgetown: To date, it seems like the majority of fans are pleased with the job VERSUS has done. What kind of reactions have you gotten from fans?

Robbie Buhl: Fan reaction has been excellent and a lot of people have asked me for Jon Beekhuis' autograph.

16th And Georgetown: Do you feel like the move to the VERSUS booth has had any affect on the Dreyer & Reinbold Racing team?

Robbie Buhl: Yes, it has really brought out our competitiveness.

16th And Georgetown: Dreyer and Reinbold has ran 2, 3, and 4 cars in various races this season. Other than Indy, what is the ideal number of cars D&R would like to run week in and week out?

Robbie Buhl: Five. More chances for me to show that I am unaffected by extreme adversity.

16th And Georgetown: There's unfortunately been quite a few instances this year when you've been in the booth when one of the D&R cars makes contact. So far, you have done a tremendous job of calling the accident like it was just any other car. How difficult has it been to keep your cool under such frustrating circumstances?

Robbie Buhl: Not at all. Cause I'm just really that cool. And in denial.

16th And Georgetown: Once the month of May rolls around, do you ever feel the urge to jump back into a car for a final attempt at the Greatest Spectacle?

Robbie Buhl: I did once, but my wife put my manhood in a jar, so, no.

16th And Georgetown: You've started on the front row and have led the Indy 500, won the 92' Indy Lights Championship, and won the 24 hours of Daytona. Looking back on your career, what's your biggest accomplishment as a driver?

Robbie Buhl: Sitting between Bob and Jon each weekend and being on Versus…my manhood in a jar at home, where my wife can keep an eye on them.

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Iowa Corn Indy 250 Race Preview

By: Tony Donohue

The Indy Car Series heads to Newton, Iowa this weekend for the third running of the Iowa Corn Indy 250. The 25,000 seats around the 0.875 mile oval will be packed with fans ready to see the Indy Car action. The Iowa Corn 250 is 250 laps long which equal a distance of 218.75 miles, which makes it the shortest oval race on the Indy Car schedule.

The first ever Iowa Corn 259 was ran back in 2007. Dario Franchitti took home the win driving for Andretti Green Racing, with his teammate Marco Andretti in second and Scott Sharp in third. Only five cars that day finished on the lead lap, after multiple incidents claimed over half the field. The 2008 race saw Dan Wheldon roll the dice on fuel to win on his birthday, picking up his 15th career win. Hideki Mutoh and Marco Andretti rounded out the top 3. Last year, thirteen of the twenty six starters finished on the lead lap.

So what can we expect this weekend at Iowa? Twenty cars are entered into the field, Including Jacques Lazier in the #98 3G car. Tomas Scheckter heads back to the #23 car for Dreyer and Reinbold Racing, and it will be the first race for Ryan Hunter-Reay with A.J Foyt Racing where he will run the remainder of the schedule. A few drivers will look to break out of a slump, no more so then Andretti Greens Tony Kanaan. Kanaan, hasn’t been to victory lane since last year at Richmond, and since his Indy wreck, has an average finish of 18th, which has dropped him to seventh in the championship standings. Another driver looking to improve is E.J. Viso. Viso, the second year driver for HVM Racing, is having what seems to be a sophomore slump. E.J. hasn't finished a race all year, and hasn’t finished a points paying event since last year at Sonoma where he brought it home 6th.

With the championship heating up, the Indy Car Series heads into its summer stretch. The IRL will run races in eight of the next nine weeks, including the next four weekends. After the checkered falls at Iowa, the series will head to Richmond, followed by road courses at Watkins Glen, Toronto and Edmonton, head to the oval at the Kentucky Speedway, and then back to right and left handed turns at Mid- Ohio. The next nine weeks are critical for all the drivers to display their skills, and make a run at the Championship.

My Predictions: I will take Dario Franchitti to score his second win at Iowa, and his second on the year. I believe Andretti Green will have a break out weekend, look for them in the top 5. My dark horses are Tomas Scheckter and Hideki Mutoh. You can see the Indy Car Series at Iowa at 1 p.m. Eastern Time on ABC, and the Firestone Indy Lights race will be ran Saturday night at 8 eastern, and can be seen on Versus, Monday at 4 p.m.

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16th And Georgetown Podcast

Were introducing a new feature today, podcasts. With it being the first, I'm not sure how well it'll turn out but I figured it was worth a try.

Joining myself on the first podcast is Joe from Indy Trackside.

Show topics:

• Will Power
• Team 3G
• Ryan Hunter-Reay
• Paul Tracy
• Season review
  

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Q&A With IMS PA Announcer Dave Calabro

16th And Georgetown: You've been an announcer at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway since 1985, but took over for Tom Carnegie in 2007 as lead Public Address Announcer. Do you feel any pressure fallowing in the footsteps of a legend?

Dave Calabro: I did not take over for Tom…. I am just one of several announcers. I learned a great deal from Tom thru the years. The pressure is always there to perform, but that’s what makes it so fun!

16th And Georgetown: Tom Carnegie carried the tittle of IMS PA Announcer for 61 years. How long do you see yourself holding the prestige's position?

Dave Calabro: I will do it as long as they aske me back!

16th And Georgetown: Over the years while working for both WTHR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, you've interviewed countless legends including your recent one on one with Jim Nabors. Who have been some of your favorite Indianapolis 500 interviewees over the years.

Dave Calabro: I always enjoy the legends from AJ to the Unsers….I also got to interview a few Presidents…(both Bush's)

16th And Georgetown: Growing up on the west side of Indy, what are your first memories of the Indianapolis 500?

Dave Calabro: first memory….1969 Indy 500…Mario won it..

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Tracy Confirmed For Watkins Glen

First Alex Lloyd announced he was leaving Chip Ganassi Racing via twitter and now KV Racing is using the social networking site to make big announcements. Just moments ago they tweeted:

• "KV Racing Technology to field car for Paul Tracy, GEICO to sponsor at Camping World Grand Prix at Watkins Glen, July 3-5"

Tracy has already been confirmed to pilot the #15 KVRT Dallara in the upcoming Toronto and Edmunton, both in his home country of Canada.

“Now I have the opportunity to compete on one of the most famous circuits in the world for the first time. It feels a little strange that at this stage of my career that there are still some exciting challenges left and racing at Watkins Glen, with all its history, is definitely a challenge, but one I am looking forward to meeting.” -Paul Tracy

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REPORT: Power To Run 5 More Races

Props to Joe over at Indy Trackside for finding the USA Today Article. Nate Ryan reports from the stock car race this weekend in Michigan, that 15 time Indy 500 winning car owner Roger Penske will enter Will Power in 5 more Indycar races this season.

If you don't already know, Penske Racing also fields an entry into the Rolex Grand-Am Series. When Will Power ran the 3rd Penske car this season in Long Beach and Indianapolis they used there Grand-Am team to pit the #12 Dallara.

There happens to just be 5 race weekends left on the 2009 Indycar schedule that are also vacant on the Grand-Am lineup. Those races are:

• Richmond
• Toronto
• Edmonton
• Kentucky
• Infenion

Not saying those are the races Power will run, but I think there's a good chance.

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IRL Signs Sponsors & 3G Update

According to the Indiana business Journal, the Indycar Series has signed KYMCO USA as the much sought after Official off-road vehicle and scooter supplier of the Indy Racing League and Firestone Indy Lights. KYMCO who's already done more activation than 3/4 of IRL sponsors, will provide scooters and off-road vehicles for the IRL and FIL for the remainder of the 2009 season and beyond.

The IBJ also reports that DB Schenker has signed on as the official freight logistics sponsor of the Indy Racing League. DB Schenker will set up logistics for transporting Indycar Safety vehicles to and from IRL events around the world.

The Des Moines Register is reporting that Jaquest Lazier will again be piloting the #98 Team 3G ride in next weekends Iowa Corn 250. Lazier will replace Stanton Barrett who spent this weekend running stock cars and playing corn hole.

In slightly off topic news, United States Olympian and gold medalist Shawn Johnson will be attending next weekends race in her home state of Iowa. No word on whether or not Johnson who won the latest installment of Dancing with the Stars, and Helio Castroneves will compete in a dance off.

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Hunter-Reay Moves To Foyt

In the two races since Foyt driver Vitor Meira was injuried in the 93rd running of the Indianapolis 500, veteran Paul Tracy and A.J. Foyt IV have both piloted the #14 to frusterating results. But now Ryan Hunter-Reay will be taking over for the season.

Vitor Meira is slated to return for the season finale in Homestead-Miami this October, where the Foyt operation will field a two car team.

Sure it's surprising, but the worst part about the situation is that the #21 car will now be vacant, lowering the already low full-season car count to 19. And that's counting both Milka and Tomas Scheckter for the full season.

"We knew there would be challenges bringing Ryan (Hunter-Reay) on board at such a late juncture, but we did so knowing the benefits it would have to our program on the long term. My commitment remains with keeping Ryan Hunter-Reay in the series and with Vision Racing for the long term. We had high hopes that we'd be able to attract the primary sponsorship necessary to continue through the course of the season and into the future. While those efforts have been rewarded with some positive developments and opportunities which we are actively pursuing and developing, it did not provide for the short terms needs and our ability to ensure a successful program for the balance of the season."

"Following the Texas race, it became clear that this could be a reasonable solution to a number of challenges and it needed consideration. A.J. Foyt and I spoke candidly about what Ryan had to offer. We all feel Ryan will be able to contribute to their program and provide continuity for the rest of the season while they await Vitor's return."-Tony George

"We all have the big picture in mind for Vision's future, and that is not only to find our way to victory circle, but for Vision to have a program that is capable of challenging for the Championship. As competitive as the Indy Racing League is today, those goals require a strong commitment not only by the team but also by sponsors and partners. In the very short time I have been at Vision their efforts in developing sponsorship and B2B opportunities have yielded positive results which have laid a strong foundation we intend to build on."

"The reality of such a program demands equipment, resources, and an appropriate budget so the talented men and women of Vision Racing have the tools to succeed. Together we have obtained the best result in the history of the team, and despite our challenges we remain in the top ten in the Championship. Knowing what I know today, I am optimistic of continuing with Vision in 2010 with a strong program. Again, I want to thank everyone on the Vision Team for their hard work and particularly Tony, Laura, Lauren, and the George Family for their continued support -Ryan Hunter-Reay

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F1 Confirms US Team For 2010

The newly formed USF1 team was confirmed today when Formula 1 released it's 2010 line-up:

SCUDERIA FERRARI MARLBORO / FERRARI
SCUDERIA TORO ROSSO / STR TBA
RED BULL RACING / RBR RENAULT
AT&T WILLIAMS / WILLIAMS TOYOTA
FORCE INDIA F1 TEAM / FORCE INDIA MERCEDES
CAMPOS GRAND PRIX / CAMPOS COSWORTH
MANOR GRAND PRIX / MANOR COSWORTH
TEAM US F1 / TEAM US F1 COSWORTH
VODAFONE McLAREN MERCEDES / McLAREN MERCEDES
BMW SAUBER F1 TEAM / BMW SAUBER
RENAULT F1 TEAM / RENAULT
PANASONIC TOYOTA RACING / TOYOTA
BRAWN GP FORMULA ONE TEAM / BRAWN TBA

Toyota, McLaren, Renault, Brawn GP and BMW Sauber all have to lift there conditions by next Friday June 19th to be included.

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Lloyd On Why He Left CGR

Check it out

Can't really say I blame him. He was with a top team in Chip Ganassi Racing, but I'm sure he wants to race. I just hope he can find a full season ride for next year, because if not he will really be regretting the decision.

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Tonight On Trackside W/ Cavin & Kevin

Although were heading into and Indycar off weekend there's plenty of topics for tonight's edition of Trackside with Cavin & Kevin. Among the scheduled guests are Alex Lloyd, Klint Briney (Sarah Fisher's PR dude), Doug Boles (former Panther Racing co-owner), and possibly Larry Curry.

The show can be heard from 7-9 p.m. est. in Central Indiana on 1070 The Fan or around the world on 1070thefan.com. You can call in questions at (317) 239-1070 or E-mail Kevin at Kevin@1070thefan.com

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Lloyd Leaves Ganassi

UPDATE: Lloyd just tweeted "Time for a HER and a quick gym session...."

Sounds like either Alex and HER still have an acive buisness relationship or he's still got a few free cases left over from the Month of May

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After a year and a half, it looks like 24 year old Alex Lloyd will be leaving Target Chip Ganassi Racing after tweeting:

"So I have decided to leave Ganassi Racing. I need to explore my options and get into a race car and to do that I need to be a free agent."

"CGR have worked hard to find funding and I appreciate their efforts, I need to get back behind the wheel and this gives me my best chance."

Lloyd, who's the only driver to have won a race on on both the oval and road coarse at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, made 2 Indycar starts with TCG including the 08' and 09' Indianapolis 500's.

What it could mean:

If I were Lloyd, there's no way I would leave one of the two best teams in the IRL without knowing I had a ride somewhere else. Maybe it's here in the Indycar Series, Firestone Indy Lights or somewhere else, but he has got to have something in the works.

After another Robin Rumor came out a couple weeks ago, that Dixon could be leaving for Gil de Ferran Motorsports thus leaving a full season seat open, why would he leave if he thought that he had any shot at it. Either A, Robin Miller is wrong and Dixon is staying. Or B, Chip flat out told the young driver that it's not his.

If the #9 seat does open up, here could be some of the contenders:

• Danica Patrick
• Tony Kanaan
• Will Power
  

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Antinucci Confirmed With 3G

Team 3G announced today that former Firestone Indy Lights driver Richard Antinucci will pilot the #98 in Watkins Glen. The 28 year old Antinucci who is the nephew of 98' Indy 500 champion Eddie Cheever, won 2 races last year in the FIL including Watkins Glen. He ended the season with a 11th place finish, and 2nd in the Championships just 32 points behind Raphael Matos.

"I am really looking forward to moving up to the IndyCar Series. This is what all of the drivers in the Indy Lights Series are working towards, to get an opportunity to drive in the IndyCar Series. I have to thank Team 3G and my supporters for believing in my ability to win races." -Richard Antinucci

"We are thrilled to have an opportunity to work with such a young and talented driver such as Richard. He has proven that he can be a consistent winner in open wheel racing, and he has won at Watkins Glen in an Indy Lights car". -Greg Beck (3G co-owner)

"We are looking towards 2010 from a driver and sponsorship standpoint and we believe having an American driver with a winning pedigree like Richard will be attractive to marketers. Richard is a young, fast, winning driver who is also very well spoken and understands the marketing side of the business, he is everything a marketer looks for in a brand ambassador". -Steve Sudler (3G co-owner)

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Where Are They Now: Robby McGehee

(Photo courtesy of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway)

By: Tony Donohue

Ten years ago, Robby McGehee came to the Indianapolis 500 as a rookie.

The St. Louis native and graduate of Ole Miss University was 25-years-old when he made his first laps at the famed 2.5 mile oval.

Robby got his start at the Skip Barber racing school when he was 15-years-old and 10 years later, he found himself running for Rookie of the Year honors for the 83rd Indianapolis 500.

Robby credits his mother for getting into racing. "When I was young, I had a sports car, she had a sports car, and we saw each other on the street. Of course the only thing to do is drag race, right?" Robby said.

Robby came to Indy in May of 1999 running for Conti Racing in a Dallara powered by Oldsmobile. The black No. 55 Energizer-sponsored car didn't go unnoticed at the Speedway. Robby qualified 27th for the 500 at 220.139, five MPH slower then pole-sitter, Arie Luyendyk.

Robby overcame a pit road incident that put chief mechanic Steve Fried into a coma for a few months. Robby used that determination to pilot his 55 car to a fifth place finish and he received Rookie of the Year Honors. Robby accepted the award on Fried's behalf.

"It was bittersweet because my chief mechanic was badly injured, but he was OK after a few weeks so I could enjoy it." Robby said of the 1999 500. Robby went on to record four top 10s in seven starts in his rookie season, finishing 16th in the final standings.

Those four top 10s caught the eyes of many Indy Racing League owners, including Indy 500 champion car owner, Rick Treadway. Robby ran his second season for Treadwayin the Meijer No. 5 car. "I had the best success in that car, the car in 2000 was always awesome."

Awesome it was, posting four top 10s in nine races, and a career best second place finish in the Casino Magic 500 at the Texas Motor Speedway.

"Treadway was the power team at the time, we tested for Firestone, had the best motors, and the best tires. I had a great relationship with the team and was always a confident drivers." Robby recalled on the 2000 season.

His success in 2000 led to a test with Panther Racing. The test was cancelled twice due to rain, and Mother Nature gave the ride to Sam Hornish, Jr., who went on to twinchampionships with Panther.

Robby ran 2001 in the No. 10 Cahill Racing car. Sponsored by Olypus, Robby ran a half black, half white car at Indy, resulting in an 11th place finish after starting 14th. He finished off the year with four top 10 finishes, finishing 16th in points.

Robby went on to run for Beck Motorsports, posting one top 10 in 2002, and failed to qualify for the Indy 500. He returned in 2003, where he ran the Indy 500 for Panther racing. He qualified on Bump Day in the 31st position and finished 25th in the Panther No. 44.

He returned to the speedway in 2004 and ran for PDM Racing. He squeaked in as the last qualifier on Bump Day and started 33rd. He piloted the No. 18 Burger King car to a 22nd finishing spot. Robby ran the Texas race for RedBull Cheever Racing that season.

Robby has now hung up the racing gloves and is a newly crowned father to triplets. Robby's wife, Norma, gave birth to Harry, Robby, Jr., and Cammie. They were born on April 27th.

Robby spends his free time flying airplanes, golfing, and playing with his five dogs. He is the vice president at Huntleigh McGehee. He still resides in the St. Louis area.

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Texas Preview

By: Tony Donohue

The Indy Car Series heads to Texas for this weekends Bombardier Lear Jet 550k. One of the most exciting races of the season, the 550 kilometers, 342 miles, pave the way for side by side action, and some of the closest finishes in Indy Car Series history.

Texas has been dominated by Team Penske and Panther Racing since the Indy Car Series first sent to the high banks of Texas back in 1997. Panther has scored five wins at the track, two of those wins by Scott Goodyear, two by Sam Hornish Jr. and their last Indy Car win in 2005 with Tomas Scheckter. Panther has veteran driver Dan Wheldon behind the wheel, who has a best finish at Texas of third on three occasions. Penske has four wins at Texas, one by Sam Hornish Jr. and Gil de Ferran, and two by Helio Castroneves. Helio, fresh off his 3rd Indianapolis 500 victory, can go for another third in winning this weekends race at Texas, tying him with former teammate Sam Hornish Jr. for the most wins at Texas.

Scott Dixon heads into the race with the points lead, after scoring his second victory on the season and eighteenth overall. If Dixon can back up last year's win in the Bombardier Learjet 550k, he will tie another Sam Hornish Jr. record for most victories in Indy Car Series history at nineteen. Dixon's teammate Dario Franchitti makes his return to the Texas high banks, after a stint in Nascar. Dario sat on the pole is his first race at Texas, and finish 2nd.

Tomas Scheckter recently signed to drive nine races for Dreyer and Reinbold, including this weekend at Texas which will mark his 101st Indy Car Series start. He has three career poles at Texas and one career win. Milka Duno also returns this weekend driving for Dreyer and Reinbold, rounding out their three car lineup, also featuring rookie Mike Conway.

Texas could shake up the points as the battle for the title heats up heading into summer. Seven different winners in the past seven June Texas races opens the door for the competition to be furious, giving anybody in the field a chance of winning, but many big wrecks have forced contenders out of the running early. Dixon leads the points by four points over Ryan Briscoe and Dario Franchitti who are tied for second. Fourth place in the standings is Danica Patrick, and fifth is Helio Castroneves.

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Introducing Tony Donohue

Although not quite a year old (June 22), 16th And Georgetown is growing. After crunching the numbers I figured that by the implementation of the new Indycar formula in 20011/12 it'll be a multi gazillion dollar business.

With growth comes improvement, so were bringing on another writer, Tony Donohue. Tony will be in charge of a new series entitled "Where are they now". The articles will document a long lost Indycar driver, describing what they did in the car and what there doing now. The series premier will be posted later today and will be featuring Robby McGehee. Tony will also jump in every once in a while as he did yesterday and write about general Indycar news.

A little about Tony:

My name is Tony Donohue, I just finished up my two year schooling at Vincennes University, where I majored in Journalism. I have grown up around the speedway, I have attended every Indy 500 since 1993. I have written for Tomas Scheckters website in the past, and still help out with publication items for him. I would love to be a pit reporter some time down the line for the Indy Car Series. I currently produce Indiana Sports Talk at ESPN 1070 The Fan in a part time role. I attend Milwaukee, Iowa, Kentucky and Chicagoland as well as the 500 annually.

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Scheckter Confirmed For Texas

By: Tony Donohue

Tomas Scheckter has been confirmed to drive at Texas in the #43 Dreyer and Reinbold, Mona Vie sponsored Honda, bumping the car count to 24. This will mark Scheckter's third race of the 2009 Indy Car Series season, he piloted a Dale Coyne car in the Indy 500 to a 12th place finish, and replaced Milka Duno in the #23 last week at Milwaukee finishing 13th.

Tomas scored his 2nd career victory at the Texas Motor Speedway in 2005 while running for Panther Racing. Along with the win, Tomas has also had his fair share of bad luck in Texas. Last year, a run in with Mario Moreas knocked him out while running for Luczo Dragon, and in 2007, he made contact with Marco Andretti while running in the top ten, knocking him out of contention. Tomas will join Rookie Mike Conway and Milka Duno to fill out a three car team for Dreyer and Reinbold Racing. More Details to come.

UPDATE: According to Indycar.com, Tomas will be in the car for 9 races.

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Q&A With The Great Donald Davidson

(Photo courtesy of IMS)

I think that we can all agree, If you have a question about the Indianapolis 500 or the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Donald Davidson is the man to ask.

The official track historian since 1998, Davidson is probably best known for his radio show "The Talk of Gasoline Alley", but he's also written several great books including Autocourse.

After years of hearing Donald talk about other people, it's time we learn a little bit about him. Finally after a month, I got the Q&A done.

16th And Georgetown: What is it about the 500 that first got your interest?

Donald Davidson: "I don't know if it was the names of the drivers or when I found out what the cars looked like. I liked the car names."

16th And Georgetown: Your radio show, "The Talk of Gasoline Alley" airs nearly every night during the Month of May on 1070 The Fan in Indianapolis. What is your favorite topic to talk about on the show?

Donald Davidson: "Well I like telling stories. For the most part the questions have been about drivers and reviewing there careers and I used to do that with there finishing positions and stats. For a numbers of years, when it was WIBC still, the commercial load and the fact that we had to do traffic reports and stuff like that really limited the amount of time that I could talk, and I really like to tell stories so that was very hard to do. Over the last couple of years it's been a lot easier. I ended up doing the same things over and over again, but I like to do different stuff. I just like telling antidotes that hopefully will appeal to more than just racing enthusiast. Hopefully and I think it seems to work that if somebody asks about a driver, hopefully most people will either no who I'm talking about or if it's a guy driving his car and the wife is there I can make it interesting for her as well."

16th And Georgetown: If you could sit down with 3 drivers/personalities from the 100 year History of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, who would they be?

Donald Davidson: "That was a good question. I couldn't do 3. Wilbur Shaw would be one and the people from the 50's that I didn't meet. I would be interested to meet Vukovich, I don't know that there would be great conversation there because he was quiet. I think Jimmy Bryan, Bob Sweikert were both people I would liked to of met. Lee Wallard [laughs], so that's just the winners I could think of."

16th And Georgetown: What's your favorite car or "Special" that has ever ran in the Indianapolis 500?

Donald Davidson: "If I had to pick one, probably the 57 winner [Sam Hanks]. That's probably a combination of several things. One is, that that's when I first got interested but it's such a neat story anyway."

16th And Georgetown: Many say that the late great Lloyd Ruby was the best to never win the Greatest Spectacle. Who do you believe is the best to never win and where does Ted Horn rank?

Donald Davidson: "I wouldn't just do one. I think there's several people to consider and the cars have changed so much that I think its difficult to throw them all into a pot and just pick out one. I think the obvious ones are Rex Mays and Ted Horn. Ruby certainly, Michael Andretti, probably Scott Goodyear, Dan Gurney [laughs], even Roberto Guerrero it looked like he was going to be a winner. I'm probably missing somebody else as well"

16th And Georgetown: If you could go back and sit in the stands for any of the 93 Indianapolis 500 mile races, which would it be?

Donald Davidson: "Probably 1960. That's a little before my time but I knew what was going on and it's generally considered that that was the best race."

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Lazier,Quatro, And Milka In, Maybe Scheckter As Well

My name is IRL was first to spill the beans, but it has now been confirmed by the always reliable Curt Cavin. Jaques Lazier, who spent the entire month on May walking the garages, will step in for Stanton Barrett in this weekends Texas Motor Speedway Bombardier Learjet 550k. It is unclear as to if Barrett, who is co-owner, will get back in anytime soon.

Cavin also reports that A.J. Foyt IV will be piloting the #14 Foyt Racing car this weekend, after PT's disaster race last weekend. He also says that Milka will be back in the #23.

Tomas Scheckter tweeted yesterday "Looking forward to Texas". So it sounds like he has a ride, but with who? If not in the #23 D&R car maybe he'll sub for Conway. Who knows!!

UPDATE: The entry list is now out. It looks like Scheckter's landing spot will be the TBA for Conquest.

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Helio On Late Show

Be sure to tune into the Late Show with David Letterman tonight at 11:35. Dave will be joined by newly crowned 3 time Indianapolis 500 Champion Helio Castroneves.

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