Category: Other Series Racing

INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, June 25, 2012) – INDYCAR announced today that the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series schedule will remain at 15 races.

INDYCAR was exploring a potential replacement event after it announced June 13 that its inaugural race in China, scheduled for Aug. 19, had been canceled.

“After carefully considering all possible options for an additional race, we felt it was in our best interest to keep our schedule at its current 15-event lineup,” said Randy Bernard, CEO, INDYCAR. “We want to make sure that when we add events to our roster they have long-term potential and are given every opportunity to be successfully promoted. The more we explored, the more we felt like we were rushing what could be good, long-lasting opportunities for the sport.

“I thank all of the promoters who entertained the possibility of hosting the IZOD IndyCar Series this season. It certainly validated what we already knew – there’s a lot of interest from venues across North America in hosting our sport.”

Series entitlement sponsor IZOD, a Heritage Brand in the PVH Corp. portfolio, supports the decision to cap the 2012 schedule at 15 events.

“As the entitlement partner of the series, we agree that it is in the best interest of the series to focus on a long-term strategy for the future schedule instead of a quick fix for this year,” said Mike Kelly, Executive Vice President, The PVH Marketing Group.

The 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series season finale will be held Sept. 15 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. Officials announced today that the race distance will be extended to 500 miles. Auto Club Speedway last played host to a 500-mile Indy car race in 2002, which was won by Jimmy Vasser.

“We wanted to do something special to enhance the excitement to the season finale and renew the tradition of 500-mile open-wheel races in Southern California,” said Bernard. “We think it’s something our fans will enjoy and adds another element to what is already shaping up to be an exciting championship battle.”

INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, June 26, 2012) – INDYCAR, the sanctioning body of the IZOD IndyCar Series, announced today a penalty following post-race technical inspection June 23 of the Iowa Corn Indy 250 at Iowa Speedway.

The No. 77 entry of Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports driven by Simon Pagenaud has been fined $5,000 for not complying with Rule 14.7.2.

14.7.2 Fuel System (Updated March 15, 2012 via Bulletin)

The maximum capacity of the fuel cell shall be 18.5 U.S. Gallons.

INDYCAR officials determined that the discrepancy in the size of the fuel cell had no impact on the race result of the No. 77 car.

The member may contest the imposition of the penalty pursuant to the procedures and timelines detailed in the protest and appeal procedures of the IZOD IndyCar Series Rulebook.

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, June 27, 2012) – Push to pass will return to the IZOD IndyCar Series for the five remaining road/street course events on the 2012 schedule, beginning with the Honda Indy Toronto on July 6-8.

The overtake assist feature, introduced to the series in 2009, allows a driver to add turbocharger boost and additional RPM with the press of a button on the steering wheel to complete a pass.

“It will be similar to what it was in the past because we know that model worked,” said Will Phillips, vice president of technology, INDYCAR.

The additional boost is added for a pre-determined amount of time which will be determined by INDYCAR depending on the circuit. The sanctioning body will also determine the total amount of time available, recharge time and any delay in the system prior to each activation, though the engine manufacturers may adjust the settings below the requirements to optimize their engine’s performance.

Push to pass will not engage until a certain throttle position is reached and will disengage if the driver lifts or presses the button again.

As part of the introduction of push-to-pass, the base turbocharger boost level will decrease to 150 kPa. When the system is engaged, the boost increases to 160 kPa on the 2.2-liter V6 engines supplied by Chevrolet, Honda and Lotus.

Teams will have the opportunity to test the system during the event weekend on the streets of Exhibition Place before the Honda Indy Toronto.

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

[media-credit name=”IZOD IndyCar Series” align=”alignright” width=”287″][/media-credit]1. Franchitti nominated for ESPY Award

2. Day, Belardi part ways

3. Yacaman meets president of Colombia

4. Breeden joins INDYCAR staff

5. Webb to participate in Goodwood Festival

1. Franchitti nominated for ESPY Award: Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti is one of four champion racers nominated for best driver at the 2012 ESPY Awards.

The three-time Indianapolis 500 and four-time IZOD IndyCar Series champion winner is joined by NASCAR champions Tony Stewart, Formula 1 champion Sebastien Vettel and NHRA champion Del Worsham in the category which will be awarded July 11 in Los Angeles.

On May 27, Franchitti became the sixth driver to win the Indianapolis 500 for a third time. In 2011, Franchitti earned his third consecutive IZOD IndyCar Series championship and fourth overall.

The ESPYS will be hosted by actor/comedian Rob Riggle and televised live (9 p.m. ET, ESPN). Voting for the award is underway at ESPN.com/ESPYS.

2. Day, Belardi part ways: Belardi Auto Racing and Alon Day have mutually decided to cut short their Firestone Indy Lights program together. Both parties remain content and respectable for the efforts made by all those involved and parted company on amicable terms.

A decision was made soon after qualifying for the Sukup 100 in Iowa last weekend, and the No. 9 car was withdrawn from Saturday’s race. A replacement driver for the No. 9 entry will be announced in the coming days.

“It is very unfortunate that we could no longer continue our business relationship with Alon,” said Brian Belardi, team owner of Belardi Auto Racing. “We very much appreciate all of Alon’s hard work and time with the team and wish him the very best in the future. He is a talented young man, and we expect to see him succeed wherever he goes.”

Day, the first Israeli to ever compete in open-wheel racing on American soil, completed six races and acquired four top-10 finishes for Belardi Auto Racing. He acquired his highest finish at Barber Motorsports Park with a sixth place finish back in April.

“Alon shall be taking no further part in the 2012 Firestone Indy Lights Championship with Belardi Auto Racing,” a representative for Day said. “We are truly grateful to all the guys at Belardi Auto Racing for making Alon’s transition over to the USA smooth and comfortable. Alon plans to keep in touch with Brian and the team and wishes them all the very best of luck with their future endeavors.”
3. Yacaman meets president of Colombia: Before he traveled to Iowa Speedway for what was to be his second podium finish of the season, Firestone Indy Lights driver Gustavo Yacamán traveled to his home country of Colombia for a very special meeting.

Yacamán met with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, fulfilling his commitment to personally thank the President for the country’s support of his career.

“I want to thank you for your time and give gratitude for the support that I have thanks to the efforts of Colombia Brand and Coldeportes,” Yacamán said. “The changes in the global economy have transformed the racing world. Your support has been vital to continue my steps towards professionalism. I am very proud of my country.”

The meeting, held at Casa de Nariño in the Emerald Hall, was a pleasant conversation between President Santos and Yacamán. The President congratulated him on his promising career, thanking him for the excellent example he gives to the youth of the country. He also stressed the importance of representing Colombia throughout his career.

Yacamán told President Santos all about his current season and the great work being done this year to reach the pinnacle of open-wheel racing in the U.S., the IZOD IndyCar Series.

Yacamán has four top-five finishes this season and has finished in the top 10 in all seven races so far. His win at the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix street circuit on June 2 was his second career Firestone Indy Lights win.

“It is a pride for the country to have an ambassador like him around the world, it is important to highlight the great work done in this sport and how it has led Colombia to the top of the podium,” President Santos said. “Yacamán’s charisma and dedication is an example and is important to recognize.”

Crepes & Waffles, a private company that sponsors Yacamán’s career, received the thanks of the President and Colombia Brand for their great support.

“We are very proud to be Gustavo’s sponsor,” said Crepes & Waffles representative Beatriz Fernandez. “His message with the sport and his youth are fully identified with us. Our philosophy and our image are very well represented by this young driver.”

4. Breeden joins INDYCAR staff: Matt Breeden, a respected attorney and business advisor, has joined INDYCAR as Vice President of Business Affairs.

Breeden will help lead development of strategic and business plans for INDYCAR, sanctioning body for the IZOD IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights and the Mazda Road to Indy driver development ladder as well as oversee and monitor sanction agreements and contracts between INDYCAR and its partners.

“Matt’s experience and background in racing as well as his reputation as an attorney makes him an ideal fit for INDYCAR,” said Randy Bernard, CEO INDYCAR. “I’m confident that our partners and promoters will learn what we already know, that he is a valuable addition to our team.”

Breeden served as Vice President & General Counsel for Champ Car World Series LLC, where he managed all of the legal affairs for Champ Car, as well as the Toyota Atlantic Series, Trans-Am Series and certain other affiliated entities. He also served as counsel during the unification of open-wheel racing under the INDYCAR banner. He joins INDYCAR from his own private practice – Breeden Legal.

“There was not much that would entice me to leave my law practice, but when the opportunity to work at INDYCAR reared its head it was one of those things I couldn’t pass up,” Breeden said. “I’ve been around Indy car racing my entire life and this position matches up with my skill set very well. I’m really looking forward to helping INDYCAR grow.”

5. Webb to participate in Goodwood Festival: Oliver Webb will take advantage of the off weekend to participate in the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.

The Sam Schmidt Motorsports driver will race the BAC Mono, a lightweight, high-performance, street-legal single-seat supercar, up the hill during the famed event, the largest car culture event in the world.

“Very very excited to race the @DiscoverMono up the Famous hill of @fosgoodwood this weekend!” the 21-year-old Englishman tweeted on June 26.

Webb, who is seventh in Firestone Indy Lights points, has been a test driver for the Mono, which made its public debut at last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

***

The 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series race continues with the Honda Indy Toronto on July 8 at the Streets of Toronto’s Exhibition Place. The race will be televised by ABC at 12:30 p.m. (ET) and broadcast by the IMS Radio Network on SiriusXM (XM 94 and Sirius 212). The next Firestone Indy Lights race is the Toronto 100 on July 7 on the Streets of Toronto’s Exhibition Place. The race will be televised by NBC Sports Network at 5 p.m. on July 12.

Young Canadian Returns to His Home Track With Increased Support

MAPLE, Ontario, Thursday, June 28, 2012 – Race car driver David Ostella comes from a large Toronto-based family, but his family is expanding for the Honda Indy Toronto when the LiUNA Ontario Provincial District Council (OPDC) and its 12 affiliated Locals step up to sponsor Ostella’s No. 22 car at his home race.

Ostella competes in Firestone Indy Lights, the development series that progresses to the IZOD IndyCar Series, both of which will race through the streets of Toronto July 6-8 at the Honda Indy Toronto.

Driving for Team Moore Racing, Ostella enters the Honda Indy Toronto coming off a string of five top-ten starts, and two consecutive top-five finishes recently at the Milwaukee Mile and Iowa Speedway.

As Ostella heads into the Honda Indy Toronto weekend of racing, he is proud to drive a car sporting the livery of an organization so close to his own family.

“My dad has been a 20-year member of LiUNA Local 506 (an affiliate of LiUNA OPDC),” Ostella said. “LiUNA has more than 60,000 members across Ontario, so this is the perfect sponsor for my first Canadian race of the season.”

Ostella’s No. 22 LiUNA/Global Precast car will feature its familiar yellow and white colors with new splashes of orange for LiUNA.

Cosmo Mannella, LiUNA OPDC Business Manager said, “We are excited to support David in his racing career and look forward to helping him succeed.”

And while LiUNA OPDC is supporting Ostella as he winds his way around the 2.84-km, 11-turn temporary street course around Exhibition Place, LiUNA members are also responsible for much of the foundation and infrastructure that allows the INDYCAR teams and drivers to put on such a great show and build speeds that exceed 175-mph for the multitudes of attending fans.

“LiUNA has been an integral part of the track build on-site at Exhibition Place,” said Honda Indy Toronto President and General Manager Charlie Johnstone. “We are pleased that in addition to developing our infrastructure, they are increasing their role in racing by developing and supporting our next generation of racing talent.”

As the only Canadian racing in the Firestone Indy Lights field, Ostella hopes some of LiUNA’s 60,000 Canadian members will be on hand in the streets of Toronto to cheer on their hometown favorite.

“I grew up with a huge family in Toronto, and it’s really special to race in front of them in our city,” Ostella said. “With LiUNA on board, the number of friends and family I’m racing for here in Toronto just increased exponentially, and I can’t wait.”

For more information, follow David Ostella on Facebook, Twitter, and on-line, and for racing and news updates, follow @OstellaCorsa.

About David Ostella:

Ostella, a 20-year-old Toronto-native, recently climbed to Firestone Indy Lights, the final rung in North American open-wheel competition before the premier IZOD IndyCar Series, after successful steps ascending racing’s career ladder.

Along the way, he won a World Karting Association championship and captured Ontario Grand National Kartingand Canadian national karting championships. He also scored podium finishes in Formula BMW and StarMazda.

About Ontario Provincial District Council:

The LiUNA Ontario Provincial District Council (OPDC) is a certified council of trade unions made up of affiliates of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA).

The LiUNA OPDC has 12 affiliated local unions located throughout the Province of Ontario, and specializes in representing construction workers, however, they also represent workers in many other industries including manufacturing, hospitality, cleaning, convention and show services.

About LiUNA:

The half-million members of LiUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – are on the forefront of the construction industry, a powerhouse of workers who are proud to build America.

For more information log on to www.liuna.org.

MILLVILLE, New Jersey (June 27, 2012) – – ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards rookie Mason Mingus (@Mason­_Mingus) is looking to end his impressive month of June just as it started, strong. After a pair of short tracks, the Win-Tron Racing team turns their attention towards Sunday afternoon’s All-American Race Weekend presented by Global Barter Corporation at New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP).

On the heels of a career-best sixth place run last weekend at Winchester (Ind.) Speedway and a ninth place run earlier in the month at Elko (Minn.) Speedway, the teenager is eager to once again impress now making lefts and rights this weekend in the series’ lone road course contest of the season.

In-between racing at Elko and Winchester, Mingus headed out west to Phoenix, Arizona to partake in the Bob Bondurant Driving School, a facility that focuses on the fundamentals of road racing. After an intense three-day training session, the Brentwood, Tennessee native is confident he can show his abilities in the 10th race of the season.

“In all honesty, New Jersey Motorsports Park will probably be my biggest challenge yet, but I’m up for it,” said Mingus. “Attending the Bob Bondurant Driving School really helped me prepare for what I could unexpectedly face this weekend. I know my learning curve will only continue to intensify this weekend, but that’s primarily what this season has been about anyways. Every race we’ve been learning and the finishes are really starting to show for it. Despite this weekend being a road course, I think our odds of topping off the month with three top-10 finishes is obtainable.”

The former ARCA / CRA standout added, “In addition to getting as much time track time as possible on Saturday, believe me, I’m going to be watching some of the veterans to see if I can’t learn from them too. I know that the Win-Tron Racing bunch is going to bring me a strong No. 32 Call 811 Before You Dig Toyota Camry, but it all reverts back to the person behind the wheel to make the right moves and save the equipment until the end.”

For the sixth time this year, the 17-year old standout will be carrying the likes of Call 811 Before You Dig, which has been with him since his inception into the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. 811 is the new number you should call before you begin any digging project. A new, federally-mandated national “Call Before You Dig” number, 811 was created to help protect you from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines while working on digging projects. People digging often make risky assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines marked due to concerns about project delays, costs and previous calls about other projects. These assumptions can be life-threatening. Every digging job requires a call – even small projects like planting trees or shrubs. If you hit an underground utility line while digging, you can harm yourself or those around you, disrupt service to an entire neighborhood and potentially be responsible for fines and repair costs.

“Call 811 Before You Dig is a great program and we want to increase their awareness and I feel that we have and we’re going to continue to make a major dent into that this season,” offered Mingus. “It’s really a great, informational service available and I’m extremely grateful to them for pairing up with me this season. After our performance at Winchester, we’re optimistic that we can go to New Jersey and tackle the unknown and persevere with an exceptional run.”

Nate Thiesse, co-car owner of Win-Tron Racing offered his sentiments on his protégés tango with NJMP.

“Undoubtedly, this weekend surfaces as a new challenge for Mason, but I think he’ll be fine. He went to one of the best road racing schools in the United States and there isn’t any hesitation that he won’t forget what he learned there and will be able to adapt that at New Jersey this weekend. His competition climb in the ARCA Series, especially this month has been impressive and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do on Sunday.”

On top of New Jersey Motorsports Park, Mingus’s current ARCA schedule also includes Iowa Speedway, Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis and the traditional Fall Salem (Ind.) Speedway classic.

In addition to Call 811 Before You Dig, Diamond Equipment will leap aboard the team as an associate marketing partner for Mingus’s seventh-career ARCA start.

The All-American Race Weekend presented by Global Barter Corporation (67 laps / 150 miles) is the 10th of 20 events on the 2012 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. The fifth ARCA race on the 2.3-mile paved Thunderbolt Raceway is a two-day show. Practice begins Saturday, June 30 with an hour and a half session planned from 11:20 a.m. – 12:40 p.m. A final practice is scheduled from 1:40 p.m. – 2:40 p.m. Menards pole qualifying presented by Ansell is set for later in the day slated to begin at 4:30 p.m. The event will take the green flag Sunday, July 1 shortly after 1:00 p.m. The race will not be televised but additional coverage including a radio broadcast and timing and scoring will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com. All times are local (Eastern).

Further information including driver opportunities with Win-Tron Racing is available by visiting win-tronracing.comor contacting Nate Thiesse at 612.306.1641

Learn about Call 811 Before You Dig and what it can do for you by connecting to call811.com.

For more on Mason Mingus, please visit MasonMingusRacing.com.

 

About Win-Tron Racing:

Located in Lakeville, Minnesota, Win-Tron Racing is the home of one the most potent ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards single-car operations. Owned by former racers Kevin Cywinski and Nate Thiesse, the team since has acquired the assets of County Joe Racing has become a favorable fixture on the circuit. Since Win-Tron Racing’s inception in 2007, the team has hosted a variety of drivers including leading drivers James Buescher, Blake Bjorklund, Justin Marks and Matt Merrell to their first career ARCA victories. In 2012, the team will begin its sixth year of competition with current drivers Chris Windom, Mason Mingus and Aleks Gregory.

MILLVILLE, New Jersey (June 27, 2012) – – After being snakebitten in the last two ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards races, Tom Hessert III (@TomHessert) and his Ken Schrader Racing (KSR) team aim for redemption in Sunday’s All-American Race Weekend presented by Global Barter Corporation at New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP).

The lone road course event of the season may be the exact medicine that the veteran pair needs to put what has been a relatively strong season back on the right path and see the No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet back at the front.

With all due respect, Hessert’s name has been tossed around as “one to watch” this weekend and the early race predictions certainly fit the criteria. The Hessert-family name has been historical for road-racing success and with the 26-year old’s success turning lefts and rights not only in ARCA but in the NASCAR Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series as well, the chances of celebrating his second-career ARCA victory may not be too far off the horizon.

If Hessert was to pull off the feat and score his first ARCA win with Ken Schrader Racing and crew chief Donnie Richeson, the Cherry Hill, New Jersey native won’t have to look far for family and friends to join in the celebration. The 10th race on the 60thanniversary tour is nestled just about an hour from Hessert’s hometown.

“It’s going to be a fun weekend, I just hope we have a good finish that makes it all even better,” said Hessert. “I always love competing at New Jersey and it’s close to home, so all the friends and family flock to the racetrack and that’s important to me. I enjoy their company and support and it’s nice to have a cheering section for a race like this.”

He added, “There’s no hiding that Michigan and Winchester were hard on us. We had such a strong start to the year and two races where we had no control of the outcome have forced us to come together as a team and prove that we’re ready to fight our way back into the spotlight. New Jersey’s a perfect place to do that. There’s going to be competition, but I think with our team’s attitude and desire we should have a really strong weekend.”

Competing on a tour that consists of speedways, short tracks, dirt tracks and a road course, Hessert revels how important having a track like New Jersey Motorsports Park on the schedule is crucial to ARCA’s platform.

“ARCA spreads its wings as one of the most diversified racing tours in the United States and it truly is,” explained Hessert. “There isn’t anywhere else where you can take a stock car and go race places like Daytona, Salem, Michigan then shift over to a tricky road course like New Jersey and then later in the year sling on the dirt at Springfield and DuQuoin. It’s a series that’s a lot of fun to compete in and a lot of people take notice of that. The road course races have been exciting in the past and I don’t expect Sunday’s race to be any different.”

The avid racer will make his fifth start in Millville, New Jersey this weekend in search for his third consecutive top-five run and fourth top-10 effort overall.

“No doubt about it, New Jersey is a place if everything goes as it should for us to recovery some of the points we’ve lost in the last two races. I have a feeling we’ll have a good enough No. 52 Federated Auto Parts Chevrolet to contend for victory – but if we can also walk away with a good point’s day, I’ll be happy with that too.”

After nine races, Hessert occupies seventh in the championship standings and has posted three top-fives and five top-10 finishes thus far in 2012.   Entering New Jersey, Hessert has 92 career ARCA Racing Series starts. In those outings, he has maneuvered two poles, one win, 22 top-fives and 48 top-10s.

For more on Tom Hessert III, please visit tomhessert.com.

Hessert has joined the Twitter crave. Follow and connect with him @TomHessert.