Category: Other Series PR

SEBRING, Fla. (Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013) – Less than 48 hours after unveiling his bas relief image on the Borg-Warner Trophy at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Tony Kanaan started his on-the-job orientation with his new employer, Chip Ganassi Racing, during a team test at Sebring International Raceway.

 

Despite joining a new team, there was familiarity for the Brazilian in his first on-track session. Longtime engineer, Eric Cowdin was on the pit stand as were drivers he considers friends. Kanaan was even familiar with the Chevrolet twin turbocharged engine that was affixed to the No. 8 NTT DATA car for the first time. 

 

“It’s my first day on the job so it’s still a little weird,” said Kanaan, who announced in October that he was moving on from KV Racing Technology-SH Racing after three IZOD IndyCar Series seasons. “I’m excited, obviously. It’s a new challenge for me. I have a lot of things to learn as far as the way (the team) runs things here. I’m just enjoying it.”

 

Following the morning session on the 1.65-mile track, Kanaan joined new teammates Charlie Kimball and Scott Dixon in an extended and animated debrief about the characteristic of the Dallara chassis with the 2.2-liter V-6 powerplant. Kanaan and Alex Tagliani, who was testing in the No. 10 car, brought a fresh perspective to the pit lane conversations with engineers, which prompted a smile from team managing director Mike Hull.

 

“In a way, it’s a good thing that Tony’s already driven a Chevrolet car because he doesn’t need to concentrate on the differences between that and a Honda product,” said Hull, noting the switch of engine manufacturers for 2014. “He can just concentrate on what we do as a team with the chassis. And it’s kind of an interesting comparison, or dynamic, of what we have going on today because we have the Honda history, which has been a really special time in our lives at Chip Ganassi Racing for many, many years, we have that going on.

 

“But with Tony we also have a fresh perspective on where Chip Ganassi stands in terms of how it creates an on-track product by comparison to where he’s been in the past. So it’s a big day for all of us here in terms of understanding how to make our product better.”

 

Kanaan, the 2004 IndyCar Series champion, said one of his initial goals is to add to the team’s database of perspectives.

 

“It’s a team that has been together for a long time and they’ve been very successful, so I’m actually trying to listen more than I’m talking,” he said. “I have some things that I think I can add to it, and I’m doing whatever I can to send the message across. If I can bring something extra, to improve what they have already, it’s great.”

 

Feedback is important to the development of the Chevrolet program, according to IndyCar Series program manager Chris Berube.

 

“We believe these things are partnerships, with all the Chevy teams,” he said. “This is our first chance to be at the track together, and it’s very much about building that relationship, the trackside relationship. We’ve had some time prior to today to get to know each other off the track since the end of the season, but we’re very excited to be here today and to have Chevy power in the Chip Ganassi Racing team camp.”

The Canadian Racing Season Begins February 7, 8, & 9, 2014 at Toronto’s International Centre

(TORONTO, ON // DECEMBER 4, 2013) As an officer serving with the Durham Regional Police, Cory Adams has first-hand knowledge of the number and severity of collisions involving motorcycles and other vehicles.

Taking it upon himself to help reduce this carnage on Ontario roads through awareness and education, in 2005 Constable Adams created Team COPS (Canadian Officers Promoting Safety). Taking his Team COPS ‘Ride Safe Programme’ to local schools, he educates and informs students about, among other things, the dangers of impaired driving, illegal street racing and substance abuse.

His efforts towards awareness training also regularly include motorcycle lapping days at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. These on-track sessions are designed to provide all types of riders with the knowledge, skills and abilities to take their riding to the next level. He also promotes track day riding and is a coach at the Pro 6 Cycle track days at CTMP, Calabogie and Shannonville.

As part of his initiative to expose his program to an even wider audience, Constable Adams will once again represent Team COPS at the 8th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News. The CME takes place February 7, 8 & 9, 2014 at Toronto’s International Centre, adjacent to Pearson International Airport.

“The Canadian Motorsport Expo is a great venue for us to spread the word about our programme, to let people know what we’re trying to do,” says Adams. “At the show, we can reach riders to let them know about our Track Day Experience. And we can involve motorists in recognizing the effects that their actions can have with regards to riders on the streets.”

At the 2014 CME Constable Adams will also lead a seminar that will address another serious problem that he has encountered, both on the streets and at the race track.

“The idea behind the seminar is to break down the rules and regulations for those who are towing trailers,” Adams continued. “This subject can get quite confusing, so I have tried to simplify it for everybody.”

Topics covered in the seminar will include how to determine if drivers are required to have annual inspections on their trucks and trailers, if they require a CVOR (Commercial Vehicle Operators Registration Certificate), and which class of driver’s license is required to operate different truck and trailer combinations.

“When I’m on the job, I’m enforcing these rules. I feel that it’s also my responsibility to educate people about them as well. So many truck and trailer – or motorhome and trailer – combinations don’t conform to the MTO (Ministry of Transportation – Ontario) regulations and many of these drivers don’t have the proper licenses to operate them. This seminar could save someone a lot of headaches and a lot of money in the future.”

Schedule details for the Team COPS seminar at the CME will be announced prior to show time.

ABOUT TEAM COPS: Team COPS is a ‘not for profit’ program dedicated to making the sport of motorcycling safer through accident awareness, safety and education. Founded in 1995 by Cory Adams, he uses his experiences as a motor officer as well as a former motorcycle road racer to spread his message. To contact Adams directly, email teamcopsracing@gmail.com.

ABOUT THE CME: The 8^th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News takes place February 7, 8 & 9, 2014 at Toronto’s International Centre, adjacent to Pearson International Airport. The show features motorsport content geared to racers, fans and automotive enthusiasts. NASCAR Sprint Cup racer Ryan Newman will be at the CME on Saturday, February 8. For information about the show, including news, exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities, call (416) 962-7223, or email info@CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com. The CME’s website is located at www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com.

Today’s IZOD IndyCar Series and Mazda Road to Indy headlines:

1. Catching up with… James Hinchcliffe

2.  Rahal plans to cheer Buckeyes to Big Ten title 

3. Team USA Scholarship winner Eidson to compete in USF2000

 

1. Catching up with… James Hinchcliffe: It’s been an offseason filled with travel for James Hinchcliffe. Fresh from a career-best season that saw him take his first three Indy Car wins, the Mayor of Hinchtown headed to Europe to celebrate his brother’s birthday and will head off on a week-long cruise of the Pacific Ocean on Dec. 7.

 

In the latest addition of Catching Up With… the Andretti Autosport driver talks of his travels, and the changes his team will have as it approaches the 2014 season and why today may be the last time we wish him a Happy Birthday.

 

Q. You’ve been the bit of a world traveler since the season ended. Where exactly have you been since we last saw you at Auto Club Speedway?

 

James Hinchcliffe: “I always try to get one trip out of the way pretty close to the end of the season. It’s always good to unwind after what’s always a hectic, frantic year and end of the year. I went to the UK for my brother’s 30th birthday. He’s in (graduate) school over there, so my sister (Rebecca) and my girlfriend (Kirsten Dee) and I went over to surprise him. 

 

It was a really good trip. We were there for eight or nine days and Kirsten had never seen the UK before. My dad is from England, so we got to see some family and I got to introduce (Kirsten) to my 98-year-old grandmother, which is always cool. It was a good trip, just too much eating and drinking.”

 

Q. And you’re headed on a cruise here shortly as well, co-hosting a SeaDream Yacht trip in Costa Rica and Nicaragua with Graham Rahal on Dec. 7-14?

 

James Hinchcliffe: “It’s like it is a winter of vacations for me, I guess. I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve never been to Costa Rica and I’ve never done a cruise before. The people at SeaDream have given us this awesome opportunity. As far as appearances go, this one probably tops it. It will be a cool experience getting to see a new country and a new culture. Hopefully we can educate some new INDYCAR fans at the same time.”

 

Q. You’ll be celebrating your 27th birthday on Dec. 5. What should someone get you?

 

James Hinchcliffe: “It’s tough to top a cruise, to be honest, so I’ll thank SeaDream for that.

 

I used to hear older drivers talk about this, and I never quite got it, but now I get it. I’ve decided after this birthday, I’ll turn 27 and I’ll just stop doing the birthday thing. I’ll stop there. Twenty-seven seems like a reasonable place to stop. There’s a good correlation with the car number. I think I’m going to call it quits on birthdays. No more gifts and just be 27 forever.  I think that will work.

 

Q. Turning to the track, you’ll have a new engineer in 2014 as Nathan O’Rourke has joined the team. Your thoughts on working with a young guy like Nathan, who is new to you, but obviously has a lot of experience?

 

James Hinchcliffe: “I’m thinking of myself as the engineer killer, now. I chased Tino (Belli) off to Panther and I’ve made Craig (Hampson) retire twice now. There’s clearly something wrong with me, and I’m not sure Nathan knows what he’s gotten himself into. 

 

It’s something we’re really excited about. He’s a bright, young guy and the team was very keen to try to get him to be part of our program. Once he was here, I was big on getting him on the 27 car. We’ve had a chance to get to know each other a little bit and it seems like our personalities will mesh just fine. He’s having to adjust a little bit from a one-car team to a four-car operation and how everything works, but as he said to me out there, ‘This stuff, pointing at the trailer and everything else, that, I’m struggling with, but pointing at the race car, that, I know.’ And that’s fine. That’s the important part. 

 

We still have a couple of months for him to figure out all the procedures and bureaucratic stuff that’s involved with being part of a big team. I’m excited about it. He’s had some really good runs the last couple of years and comes with a fresh mindset. I think it will be a good match.”

 

Q. With all the changes to the team, the addition of Nathan, Craig moving to the R & D side, and a new sponsor for your car, the core of the team remains the same with you, Ryan (Hunter-Reay) and Marco.

 

James Hinchcliffe: “First off, we’re happy to have Carlos (Munoz) part of the team. He showed a lot of promise in Lights and his IndyCar (Series) races were beyond stellar for such a young kid. I think what we’re more worried about is for him to show up and beat us at all the races, like he almost did this year. 

 

We’ve talked a lot over the last two years about the chemistry of the team and it’s not just us towing a line. If you were in the trailer and in the debrief room and behind the doors at the shop, you would see how close we are working.  Last year was better than the year before, even though we weren’t able to take home a championship for the team. We won more races than we did the year before and Marco was a team leader on a lot of weekends. I think we’re working closer and working better than we ever have been. To add another year on to that, and hopefully, we can keep building and being even stronger in 2014.”

 

2. Rahal plans to cheer Buckeyes to Big Ten title: If the Ohio State Buckeyes make it to the BCS Championship Game in Pasadena, Calif., next month, IndyCar Series driver Graham Rahal will be along for the ride.

 

The New Albany, Ohio, native and lifelong Buckeyes fan will be at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 7 when second-ranked Ohio State faces Michigan State for the Big Ten Championship. He’s confident the Buckeyes will win and advance to college football’s biggest game on Jan. 7.

 

“For me it’s as good as it gets,” said Rahal, who resides in Indianapolis. “Obviously, I’m a huge Buckeyes fans and I do travel home to Columbus often to see games, but the fact they are right here for me is more than ideal. It’s a quiet weekend away from racing, so that allows me to have some buddies over and to hang out and cheer on the Buckeyes. It’s not something I do often, so it will be a fun weekend.”

 

Rahal admires Ohio State coach Urban Meyer  and the accomplishment of its current 24-game winning streak, adding that he can take what he sees on the football field and relate it to the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team.

 

“If Ohio State has a weak link or someone is struggling, everyone else has to help him improve,” he said. “That’s the same thing the race team goes through. If someone is struggling, we have to help out to work as team and improve as a team. In many ways, the sports are similar. Like any sport, the same logistics go into everything we do. The athletic director is like the team owner. The head coach is like our team manager. You certainly appreciate what they are doing.”

 

The 2014 BCS Championship game, a few days after his 25th birthday, is at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.

 

“If they’re there, I will be there,” Rahal said. “I spend a lot time in California these days. For me, it would be pretty cool. I saw them win a championship in my lifetime but I wasn’t there. I didn’t even get to watch on TV because I was in an airport. In case it never happens again, I can’t miss it.”

 

3. Team USA Scholarship winner Eidson to compete in USF2000: Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing will field 2013 Team USA Scholarship winner Jake Eidson in the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda. 

 

“When we signed Jake for the F1600 Series, it was with the understanding he would move to USF2000 in 2014,” said team owners Dominic and Nicholas Cape. “We had confidence in him as a young driver, and he proved us right by claiming the F1600 championship. We are looking forward to helping him grow as a driver as he moves up to USF2000.”

 

The Colorado native, who competed in selected USF2000 races in 2013, claimed the 2013 F1600 Formula F Championship with seven wins, the most in series history. Eidson had five poles and won the championship by 49 points. Following his championship run, he was selected as one of two Team USA Scholarship drivers.

 

 “My goals for the USF2000 Series are to use all the tools and knowledge I’ve gained last season from the Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing team to be a top contender,” Eidson said. “I know the team is devoted to win, and I’m very excited to have the opportunity to work with Dominic and Nicholas again after already having a very successful year of racing that I hope to repeat next season.”

SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich.—Dec. 5, 2013 — Taylor Ferns has acquired quite a few skills over the last few years competing in midgets and was able to apply these items, such as car control and throttle control this year, as she branched out and raced in some ARCA and Silver Crown events. She also continued to compete in a midget on both the dirt and pavement.

In just a handful of starts with the Traxxas USAC Silver Crown Series, the 17-year-old recorded four top-10 finishes, with two of those being top-five performances. Ferns came home fifth on the mile at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds in Illinois on Labor Day weekend, which at the time marked her career-best finish. She would better that in the very next race at the famed Eldora Speedway in Ohio.

At Eldora, Ferns finished fourth in the Silver Crown portion of the 4-Crown Nationals. That event marked her first start in a Silver Crown car at the high-banked half-mile. She also raced in the Honda USAC National Midget Series event at Eldora that night and began the day by competing in the ARCA race at the 1.5-mile Kentucky Speedway in the afternoon.

Ferns made a pair of Traxxas USAC Silver Crown Series appearances on the pavement in 2013. She finished 10th at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis in July as part of a doubleheader with the Honda USAC National Midget Series. Ferns also pulled double duty at Pike Peak International Raceway in Colorado at the end of June. The Traxxas USAC Silver Crown Series served as the nightcap of that twinbill and Ferns was running as high as third in the Silver Crown race, before running out of fuel in the late going, which relegated her to an 11th-place showing. Ferns ended up eighth in the Traxxas USAC Silver Crown Series championship standings, even though she did not take part in all of the races.

The native of Shelby Township, Mich., made her ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menards debut in March at Mobile International Speedway in Alabama. She qualified an impressive fifth against a very solid field of cars, piloting the National Auto Placement Toyota for Venturini Motorsports. Ferns ran among the top-five for most of the race, before being spun by another car in the late going. She would rebound to finish ninth.

Ferns would finish ninth again in an ARCA race on the dirt at the Springfield Mile in Illinois in August. She qualified fifth for that event, but had to start at the rear of the field after getting into the wall following her qualifying run, which led to her crew having to make repairs to the car prior to the green flag. Ferns would finish 10th in the next ARCA race, which again was on the dirt, this time at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds. She worked her way through the field after starting 18th.

The winningest female in USAC history made her superspeedway debut in August at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania in an ARCA event. Limited to just one practice session due to rain, which washed out qualifying, she finished a respectable 15th. Ferns made another superspeedway start at Kentucky Speedway in September, finished 12th. She made a total of eight ARCA starts in 2013 and finished among the top-15 in seven of those races.

Ferns recorded a career-best fifth-place finish with the Honda USAC National Midget Series on the pavement at Pikes Peak. She qualified ninth for that race and steadily worked her way forward in the 30-lap A-Feature aboard her family-owned Motor City Transport Inc. Spike.

The 2011 USAC D1 Midget Series champion earned another top-five finish at Columbus Speedway in Ohio, in October, which wrapped up the pavement portion of the schedule. Prior to that event, she finished seventh at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis. Ferns finished ninth in points with the Honda USAC National Midget Series Pavement Championship, despite not contesting the full schedule, due to her ARCA commitments.

On the dirt with the Honda USAC National Midget Series, Ferns raced at 11 different tracks in six states. She competed in Indiana Midget Week for the second straight year, which consisted of five nights of racing at five different tracks in the Hoosier State.

Ferns recently wrapped up the season by racing in the Turkey Night Grand Prix for the Honda USAC National Midget Series at Perris Auto Speedway in California on Thanksgiving night. She qualified fourth-fastest among the nearly 50 cars in attendance to earn a spot in the 98-lap main event. Ferns will open her 2014 campaign at the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa, Okla., in January.

Taylor Ferns and Ferns Racing would like to thank their valued partners: Motor City Auto Transport Inc., National Auto Placement, FK Rod Ends, Lucas Oil, K&N Filters, Lansing Sanitary Supply (LSS), Simpson Race Products, Indy Race Parts, ButlerBuilt, Allstar Performance, Stanton Racing Engines, Hoosier Tire Midwest, Lyn St. James Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation, Race4Girls andRacing2Cure.

The Canadian Racing Season Begins February 7, 8, & 9, 2014 at Toronto’s International Centre

(TORONTO, ON // DECEMBER 6, 2013) For the first time in the history of the Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News, the 8^th annual edition will feature a hot rod and classic car component.

Coordinated by respected auto enthusiast and veteran show promoter Gary Challice, the inaugural ‘Hot Rods & Kustom Kars’ display will spotlight two of the most famous and celebrated vehicles in history; the ‘Deuce’ (’32 Ford / at right) and the ‘Merc’ (’49 – ’51 Mercury).

The large, ‘gallery style’ exhibit will feature almost three dozen immaculately prepared vehicles in a unique setting, amidst the wide assortment of racing vehicles and exhibits that traditionally fill the bulk of the Canadian Motorsports Expo floor space. The show takes place February 7, 8 & 9, 2014 in Hall 5 of Toronto’s International Centre, across from Pearson Airport.

“I’m excited to be working with the team at the Canadian Motorsports Expo to present this new component of their show,” said Gary Challice, who was inducted into the Canadian Street Rodder Hall of Fame in 1997. “In my experience, hot rod people are interested in racing, and vice versa. For this first display at the CME, we’re honouring the Deuce and the Merc, with some other neat cars thrown in, too. I’ve had a great response from my contacts, who are excited about being part of the CME. We’re going to have some incredible cars at the show!”

Speaking on behalf of the CME, one of the show’s organizers, Mike Galipeau, said, “We’re always looking to add new and entertaining components to the CME. The core of the show will always be racing, but by broadening its appeal with new, related, content – like the Hot Rods & Kustom Karsexhibit – it’s a great way of introducing a whole new group of ‘car’ people to Canadian motorsports. In addition to all of the great racers and fans who have supported the CME since ‘day one,’ we’re committed to filling the aisles with people who might go to a race for the first time, or inquire about how they can get involved in motorsports, as a result of coming to the show.”

In addition to the large display on the CME floor, there will be an on-stage discussion about hot rods, featuring industry experts and some of the participating car owners. As a memento of participating in the show, car owners will receive a limited edition jacket created especially for this inaugural event, as well as other gifts.

Anyone interested in having their car considered for inclusion in the exhibit should contact Gary Challice at (905) 404-7860. Companies interested in participating as a sponsor of this feature should contact David Weber at (416) 938-7223, or email the show at info@CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com.

“Gary Challice is a Canadian legend when it comes to hot rods and classic cars,” said the CME’s David Weber. “He founded, headed or was involved with most of the big car clubs and shows in the region. We’re honoured to be working with him to develop this new component of the show. He brings instant credibility and attention to the project and we couldn’t be more excited about it.”

Details on the Hot Rods & Kustom Kars exhibit, including confirmed vehicles and on-stage discussion times, will be made available on the CME website at CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com as they’re confirmed.

ABOUT THE CME: The 8^th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News takes place February 7, 8 & 9, 2014 at Toronto’s International Centre, adjacent to Pearson International Airport. The show features motorsports content geared to racers, fans and automotive enthusiasts. For information about the show, including news, exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities, call (416) 962-7223, or email info@CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com. The CME’s website is located at www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com.

NEW CASTLE, Ind. — Dec. 3, 2013— Only one drive finished among the top-six in points with each of the USAC National series in 2013. In addition, just one driver was victorious in a Silver Crown car, Midget and Sprint Car in USAC National competition this season. That driver — Tracy Hines.

The veteran driver scored wins with the Traxxas USAC Silver Crown Series, Amsoil USAC National Sprint Car Series and the Honda USAC National Midget Series Pavement Championship. In points, Hines was the runner-up in the Honda USAC National Midget Series Pavement Championship, third in the Traxxas USAC Silver Crown Series, fourth in the Honda USAC National Midget Series Dirt Championship and sixth in the final tally for the Amsoil USAC National Sprint Car Series.

Hines, who piloted his self-owned Hansen’s Welding Inc./The Carolina Nut Company DRC, opened the Amsoil USAC National Sprint Car Series season on a very strong note in Florida in February, winning twice at Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala.  He also found Victory Lane in the debut of the Traxxas USAC Silver Crown Series at the Belleville High Banks in Kansas. Hines scored a pair of wins with the Honda USAC National Midget Series Pavement Championship at Pikes Peak International Raceway in Colorado and Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis.

The native of New Castle, Ind., finished second overall in points with the Honda USAC National Midget Series Pavement Championship in the Parker Machinery/Powered by Toyota Spike. He won twice in eight races and finished eighth or better in all eight contests, with five podium finishes among the lot. Hines opened the pavement portion of the midget season with a third-place showing at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida, and was eighth in the finale of that two-night event. The veteran driver was quickest in qualifying twice on the pavement in a midget in 2013, with both of those coming at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis.

On the dirt with the Honda USAC National Midget Series this season, Hines earned 13 top-10 performances en route to finishing third in points. He earned a season-best second-place finish at Gas City I-69 Speedway during Indiana Midget Week. Hines matched that result on the preliminary night of the Belleville Midget Nationals in early August.

The 2000 Traxxas USAC Silver Crown Series champion picked up six top-10 finishes in eight starts in that series in 2013, piloting the Lightfoot Racing Beast. Along with his win at Belleville, Hines finished on the podium in the Hoosier Hundred at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and at Pikes Peak. He set fast time at Belleville and qualified among the top-five in five of the eight races. Hines wrapped up the season third in points.

Hines made a total of 33 starts with the Amsoil USAC National Sprint Car Series in 2013, recording 20 top-10 finishes. He scored a pair of runner-up finishes at Canyon Speedway Park late in the season during the Hall of Fame Classic. The 2002 series champion finished on the podium during the Eastern Storm Tour at Susquehanna Speedway in Pennsylvania, as well as at the Terre Haute Action Track in his home state of Indiana and at I-96 Speedway in Michigan. Hines stopped the clocks first on four occasions with the series in time trials in 2013. He wrapped up the season sixth in points in his first season driving his self-owned machine.

Hines ran his final race of the 2013 season last week at Perris Auto Speedway in California, in the Turkey Night Grand Prix. He finished 11th after qualifying ninth, with a stout field of over 40 cars in attendance.

Hines will open the 2014 campaign in Tulsa Okla., in January, with the running of the annual Chili Bowl Midget Nationals.

Tracy Hines Racing would like to thank: Hansen’s Welding Inc., Parker Machinery, Powered By Toyota, Turbines, Inc., Afco Racing Products, Daum Crop Insurance, Schoenfeld Headers, Allstar Performance, Kenny’s Components, Race Bumpers and Bell Racing.

For more information on Tracy Hines Racing, visit http://www.tracyhinesracing.com. Follow Tracy on Twitter atwww.Twitter.com/TracyHinesRacin.

INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013) — The 2014 IndyCar Series television schedule will feature three weekends of ABC coverage at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, including the network’s 50th consecutive telecast of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on Sunday, May 25. NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) will televise 13 races, including 11 in a row that culminates with the season finale on Labor Day weekend at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif.

The complete 2014 IndyCar Series schedule was released today in conjunction with broadcast partners ABC and NBCSN. ABC will broadcast five races as well as Indianapolis 500 qualifying on Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18. NBCSN will televise two early season races and resume telecasts with the annual Saturday night race June 7 at Texas Motor Speedway.

May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has a new look and will feature the first IndyCar Series road race at the iconic facility, the Grand Prix of Indianapolis, on Saturday, May 10. ABC will televise the race beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET. The following weekend, ABC will televise Indianapolis 500 qualifications from 4-6 p.m. Saturday and 1-3 p.m. Sunday. ABC’s telecast of the 98th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race will begin at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, May 25. The event will continue one of the longest-running relationships between a television network and a sporting event.

“With the debut of the Grand Prix of Indianapolis, the intensity of qualifications for the Indianapolis 500 and the ‘Greatest Spectacle in Racing,’ ABC is the destination to tune in for our three big weekends of competition in May,” said Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co., the parent company of INDYCAR.

ABC’s schedule also includes the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on Sunday, March 30, and the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix doubleheader on Saturday, May 31, and Sunday, June 1. The telecasts for all three races will begin at 3:30 p.m. ET. The network also broadcast both Detroit races in 2013.

“The Indianapolis 500 has been an important property for our company for many years and the milestone of the 50th consecutive race on ABC is one that we plan to celebrate,” said Julie Sobieski, ESPN vice president, league sports programming. “It’s only fitting that our celebration also will include the new race on the Indianapolis road course and the drama of qualifications.

“At the same time, we’re also very happy to again be able to air the season opener from St. Petersburg as well as the doubleheader from Detroit. We look forward to an exciting season with the IndyCar Series and the Month of May at Indianapolis.”

NBCSN will pick up the schedule with the Firestone 600 on Saturday, June 7, and carry it through to the season finale Saturday, Aug. 30, at Auto Club Speedway. The NBCSN portion of the schedule continues the IndyCar Series emphasis on consistency in start times. With the exception of night races, many of the NBCSN telecasts will begin at 3 p.m. ET.

Miles added: “We’re grateful to our television partners for working with us on a schedule that gives our fans the best of both networks. Fans will know that NBC Sports Network is our home for the final 11 races of the season, including two doubleheaders, as we build up to another exciting championship.”

“We’re pleased to again present a record 13 races to IndyCar’s passionate fan base on NBCSN, including Long Beach, Barber, two doubleheaders and the final 11 races of the season,” said Jon Miller, president, programming, NBCSN.

NBCSN also will televise two of the season’s first three races – the 40th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach on Sunday, April 13, beginning at 4 p.m. ET, and the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama on Sunday, April 27, beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET as well as live coverage of final preparations for the 98^th Indianapolis 500 on “Carburetion Day,” May 23.

The complete IndyCar Series broadcast schedule is below.

2014 IndyCar Series Schedule

 

Month	Date	Type	Race	Location	Broadcast Time (all Eastern)	Network
March	30	S	Streets of St. Petersburg	St. Petersburg, Fla.	3:30-6 p.m.	ABC
April	13	S	Streets of Long Beach	Long Beach, Calif.	4-7 p.m.	NBCSN
	27	R	Barber Motorsports Park*	Birmingham, Ala.	2:30-5:30 p.m.	NBCSN
May	10	R	Grand Prix of Indianapolis	Indianapolis	3:30-6 p.m.	ABC
	17	O	Indianapolis 500 Qualifying Day 1	Indianapolis	4-6 p.m.	ABC
	18	O	Indianapolis 500 Qualifying Day 2	Indianapolis	1-3 p.m.	ABC
	25	O	Indianapolis 500 Mile Race	Indianapolis	11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.	ABC
	31	S	The Raceway at Belle Isle Park	Detroit	3:30-6 p.m.	ABC
June	1	S	The Raceway at Belle Isle Park	Detroit	3:30-6 p.m.	ABC
	7	O	Texas Motor Speedway	Fort Worth, Texas	8-11 p.m.	NBCSN
	28	S	Reliant Park	Houston	3-6 p.m.	NBCSN
	29	S	Reliant Park	Houston	3-6 p.m.	NBCSN
July	6	O	Pocono Raceway	Long Pond, Pa.	Noon-4 p.m.	NBCSN
	12	O	Iowa Speedway	Newton, Iowa	8-11 p.m.	NBCSN
	19	S	Streets of Toronto	Toronto	3-6 p.m.	NBCSN
	20	S	Streets of Toronto	Toronto	3-6 p.m.	NBCSN
August	3	R	Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course	Lexington, Ohio	3-6 p.m.	NBCSN
	17	O	The Milwaukee Mile	Milwaukee	3-6 p.m.	NBCSN
	24	R	Sonoma Raceway	Sonoma, Calif.	4-7 p.m.	NBCSN
	30	O	Auto Club Speedway	Fontana, Calif.	9 p.m.-1 a.m.	NBCSN

Subject to change.

*Note:  The Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama has moved to April 27 from its previously announced date of April 26. 

The Canadian Racing Season Begins February 7, 8, & 9, 2014 at Toronto’s International Centre

(TORONTO, ON // DECEMBER 2, 2013) At the upcoming Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News, the CASC-Ontario Region will showcase its various competitive divisions with vehicles and 2013 class champions on hand from each of its racing disciplines.

Representatives from each car club – along with board members from the CASC – will be in attendance to answer questions and to distribute calendars and schedules for the upcoming racing season. The CME takes place February 7, 8 & 9, 2014 in Hall 5 of Toronto’s International Centre.

One of the best kept secrets in Canadian motorsports is the competition on the amateur, regional level. ‘Hip-pocket’ racers, driving either open-wheel cars or sedans, tackle the same tracks as do the professional series, often producing more entertaining races.

The low-key, friendly atmosphere found during regional race weekends is regularly in direct contrast to that endured at many pro events, and accessibility to the teams and drivers is a refreshing addition to the weekend experience.

In Canada, the sanctioning body for the amateur racer is the Canadian Automobile Sport Clubs, with each region run by its distinct provincial organization.

Answering directly to the ASN Canada-FIA governing body, the CASC-Ontario Region is the sanctioning group for virtually every discipline of amateur racing in this province. With over 30 affiliated car and racing clubs under its umbrella, the CASC-OR regulates not only road and ice racing, Time Attack and Auto Slalom competitions in regards to sanctioning, licensing, and safety standards, but it also tends to the ‘behind the scenes’ volunteers involved in every aspect of the sport from ‘timing and scoring’ to scrutineering and trackside marshalling.

“The volunteer service is essential to any racing venture,” declares Robert Lauder, retiring CASC-OR Vice President. “Most fans don’t realize that when they’re attending an event that may have 120 competitors, there are probably nearly 200 people working behind the scenes to produce the weekend. The Canadian Motorsports Expo will offer us a chance to introduce fans to CASC and perhaps give them the inspiration to come on board in some capacity. It doesn’t matter which area people want to be a part of, it’s a great way to become involved in the sport.

“We’d like to attract race fans not only to the races, but also invite them to become part of the competition. We want them to see what we have to offer,” continues Lauder. “We race throughout Southern Ontario, from Canadian Tire Motorsport Park near Bowmanville, to Shannonville in the Quinte area, to Calabogie Motorsports Park outside of Ottawa. So it doesn’t matter where people live, they’re close to the action.”

Also looking to entice some new competitors to the CASC, Ontario Region President Perry Iannuzzi is working with several race teams and race series in hopes of creating a ‘development ladder’ for youngsters preparing to advance from the karting ranks.

“We want to let them know that there is racing after karting,” said Iannuzzi. “If we can get them a test in a GT car, or maybe in a Formula 1600, we might just open the door for a bunch of new talent to join us on a new level.”

As part of the Canadian Motorsports Expo promotion, the CASC-Ontario Region will be holding draws over the course of the weekend, giving CME visitors a chance at winning a race school date in Time Attack, Auto Slalom or road racing. The prize packages are valued at upwards of $800.

 

ABOUT THE CASC-OR: Information regarding the Canadian Automobile Sport Clubs-Ontario Region, their affiliated car clubs, the 2014 racing schedules and the free admission ticket promotion, can be found on their website at www.casc.on.ca. Inquiries to the Toronto office can be made by telephone (877) 667-9505, or in writing to: CASC-OR, 1100 Barmac Drive, Toronto, ON; M9L 2X3.

ABOUT THE CME: The 8^th Annual Canadian Motorsports Expo Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News takes place February 7, 8 & 9, 2014 at Toronto’s International Centre, adjacent to Pearson International Airport. The show features motorsport content geared to racers, fans and automotive enthusiasts. NASCAR Sprint Cup racer Ryan Newman will be at the CME on Saturday, February 8. For information about the show, including news, exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities, call (416) 962-7223, or email info@CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com. The CME’s website is located at www.CanadianMotorsportsExpo.com.

Today’s IZOD IndyCar Series and Mazda Road to Indy headlines:

1. Castroneves takes win at Montoya’s karting event

2. Kanaan teams to win karting event

3. Franchitti presents at Autosport Awards

 

1. Castroneves takes win at Montoya’s karting event: Winning the race was great, but knowing that the Race of Stars karting event in Medellin, Colombia, last weekend would benefit children was paramount to Helio Castroneves.

 

The IZOD IndyCar Series championship runner-up won the night race of Team Penske teammate Juan Pablo Montoya’s annual event that benefits the Formula Smiles Foundation. The organization, which seeks to improve the quality of life of children in Colombia, was founded in 2003 by Montoya and his wife Connie.

 

Carlos Munoz, Gabby Chaves, Sebastian Saavedra and Gustavo Yacaman also competed.

 

Chaves placed third in the night race, followed by Montoya, who was racing in Team Penske colors for the first time. GP2 Series racer Julian Leal won the first race ahead of Montoya, Munoz and Chaves.

 

2. Kanaan teams to win karting event: Reigning Indianapolis 500 champion Tony Kanaan teamed with Rubens Barrichello, Felipe Giaffone, Rafael Suzuki and Gaetano di Mauro to win the 500 Milhas de Beto Carrero in Brazil last weekend.

 

It’s the ninth win overall for Kanaan and Barrichello in the event, which was formerly known as the Granja Viana 500.

 

“Two 500 miles races in a year, that’s pretty good,” Kanaan said after revealing his image on the Borg-Warner Trophy at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 

 

“That go-kart race is always a tradition for us, but for the last five years we didn’t win. This was the 17th time they’ve had the race and we’ve won nine, so that’s not so bad. It was a special moment. All of our kids were there, so we all went to the podium.”

 

3. Franchitti presents at Autosport Awards: Four-time IZOD IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti presented John Surtees with a Gregor Grant Award for lifetime achievement during the annual Autosport Awards in London on Dec. 1.

 

Surtees is the only person to have won world champions on two and four wheels. He won multiple titles in 500cc competition in the 1950s before moving to Formula One, where he won the 1964 World Championship with Ferrari.

 

Franchitti told Autosport that he would like to remain involved in a team role with Target Chip Ganassi Racing.

 

Four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel won the International Racing Driver of the Year award — the category that IZOD IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon also was a nominee. Lewis Hamilton won the British Competition Driver of the Year award – the category that Justin Wilson was a nominee.

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013) – INDYCAR, the sanctioning body of Firestone Indy Lights, and Mark Olson, owner of O2 Racing Technology, announced today that they have reached a resolution regarding issues arising during The Milwaukee Mile event June 18-19, 2011.

 

“Upon careful consideration of the facts involved, I believe it’s time that the disagreement with Mark Olson and O2 Racing Technologies be resolved and the slate wiped clean. Regrettably, it’s taken a long time to sort this out. I appreciate the passion and commitment that the all drivers and team owners bring to the sport, and Mark is no exception. Indy Lights is committed to work closer together with our team owners in the future to build and maintain a robust championship for decades to come. I’ve had the opportunity to work with Mark and know he is the type of business owner we would welcome in the series.” said Derrick Walker, President of Competition and Operations, INDYCAR.

 

Mark Olson (2008 driver and team owner from 2009 to present) states, “I am grateful to the leadership of INDYCAR for their absolute commitment to doing the right thing for both the sport, as well as for their team owners and their drivers. Speaking as both a fan and as a participant, INDYCAR is a great property and it’s been a lifelong dream to play even a small part. I look forward to opportunities to work together in the future.”