Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray confirmed as Indy 500 pace car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/2014-chevrolet-corvette-stingray-confirmed-as-indy-500-pace-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/2014-chevrolet-corvette-stingray-confirmed-as-indy-500-pace-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/2014-chevrolet-corvette-stingray-confirmed-as-indy-500-pace-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Just a couple days ago, we saw spy shots of a C7 Corvette testing for what we assumed was pace car duty for the Indianapolis 500, and now General Motors has confirmed that the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray will, in fact, lead the field to the green flag for the 97th running of the Indy 500. Not only will this be the 17th consecutive year a GM vehicle has paced the race and the 12th straight time a Chevy has handled pace car duty, but it will also mark the 12th time a Corvette has held this distinction.

Aside from the well-concealed safety lights and the expected decals, no styling or performance upgrades have been made to the Stingray, including its factory Laguna Blue paint scheme. Scroll down for the official press release, and be sure to check out our gallery showing the previous 11 Corvettes to pace the Indy 500.

Continue reading 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray confirmed as Indy 500 pace car

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray confirmed as Indy 500 pace car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 May 2013 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevrolet corvette stingray2014 chevy corvettechevrolet corvette pace carIndianapolis 500indy 500indy 500 pace carpace carThu, 02 May 2013 14:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556410/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/02/2014-chevrolet-corvette-stingray-confirmed-as-indy-500-pace-car/20556410/article-detail.xml 20556410 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-chevrolet-corvette-indy-500-pace-car_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-chevrolet-corvette-indy-500-pace-car.jpg <![CDATA[C7 Corvette practicing as Indy 500 pace car?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/c7-corvette-practicing-as-indy-500-pace-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/c7-corvette-practicing-as-indy-500-pace-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/c7-corvette-practicing-as-indy-500-pace-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2014 Chevrolet C7 Corvette Stingray spy shot - Indy pace car?

Although the C7 Corvette may have gotten snubbed at this year's Super Bowl, it looks like the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray will be front and center for some of the brightest lights in automotive racing. These spy shots show Chevrolet engineers testing a Stingray coupe with safety lights added to the front and rear of the car as we normally see on a pace car, and judging by the timing and the history of General Motors pacing the Indianapolis 500, it looks like this Corvette could be getting ready for next month's big race.

We contacted Chevrolet PR, who remained understandably coy on the subject, but we have good reason to believe this is, in fact, the pace car. (We also note the recently-revealed Camaro Convertible Hot Wheels Edition has already been confirmed for race-related duties, yet it hasn't been revealed as the pace car).

Preparing for pace duty, this C7 adds small strobes into the lower grille and a light bar integrated into the rear window opening, and the factory LEDs on the side of the headlights will also be programmed to flash. Judging by the white tape still covering the rocker panels, there could be other changes planned for the car as well. If this is in fact the pace car for the 2013 Indy 500, that would mark the 12th time a Corvette has led the field to the green flag. Either way, we should know soon - the 97th running of the race is Sunday, May 26.

C7 Corvette practicing as Indy 500 pace car? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 indy 5002014 chevy corvettechevrolet corvette pace carchevychevy corvettegeneral motorsgmindianapolis 500indy 500pace carTue, 30 Apr 2013 09:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552377/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/30/c7-corvette-practicing-as-indy-500-pace-car/20552377/article-detail.xml 20552377 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/c7-corvette-indy-500-pace-car_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/c7-corvette-indy-500-pace-car.jpg <![CDATA[Hot Wheels Camaro to make big debut at Indy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/hot-wheels-camaro-to-make-big-debut-at-indy/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/hot-wheels-camaro-to-make-big-debut-at-indy/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/hot-wheels-camaro-to-make-big-debut-at-indy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Hot Wheels Chevrolet Camaro Indianapolis 500 Festival Cars

Chevrolet handed over the keys to 33 Hot Wheels Camaro Convertible Indianapolis 500 festival cars this week. Race directors get the luxury of driving the droptops around Indianapolis in an ongoing tradition with roots all the way back to the 1960s. The stunt is supposed to remind area residents that the Indy 500 is right around the corner. The cars are our first look at the special Camaro Hot Wheels Edition in convertible form, and they are slated to head to dealers after a one-time production run. The cars also represent the first time in history full-size Hot Wheels have been offered for sale by an automaker.

The cars will be available in both the previously seen coupe bodystyle and this convertible configuration, and will feature metallic blue paint and special wheels with the iconic redline accent. Buyers will be able to choose between the V6-powered 2LT trim and the V8-powered 2SS guise.

Hot Wheels says the original Custom Camaro toy was one of the original 16 1:64-scale diecasts, and it remains one of the company's most valuable collector items today.

Hot Wheels Camaro to make big debut at Indy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chevrolet camaro hot wheels editionchevroletchevrolet camarofestival carhot wheelsindianapolis 500indy 500Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20531616/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/05/hot-wheels-camaro-to-make-big-debut-at-indy/20531616/article-detail.xml 20531616 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hot-wheels-chevrolet-camaro-indianapolis-500-festival-cars-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hot-wheels-chevrolet-camaro-indianapolis-500-festival-cars-628.jpg <![CDATA[Guy Fieri to drive Corvette ZR1 pace car in Indy 500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/guy-fieri-to-drive-corvette-zr1-pace-car-in-indy-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/guy-fieri-to-drive-corvette-zr1-pace-car-in-indy-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/guy-fieri-to-drive-corvette-zr1-pace-car-in-indy-500/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Celebrity chef Guy Fieri with Cadillac CTS-VDiners, Drive-ins and Dives persona Guy Fieri is making more news with garages these days than kitchens. The Food Network host, who recently had his Lamborghini Gallardo stolen and then recovered in a teen's storage container, has been selected to drive the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 pace car at the Indy 500 this year.

Guy's an admitted car fan, and he should feel at home in the ZR1; he owns seven Chevrolet models that span the decades from 1968 to 2011, and a Cadillac Escalade ESV. He'll be pacing the field in the 638-horsepower special edition Arctic White coupe on Sunday, May 27 at noon EST.

Guy Fieri to drive Corvette ZR1 pace car in Indy 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 indianapolis 5002012 indy 5002013 chevrolet corvette zr12013 chevrolet corvette zr1 indy pace carchevroletchevrolet corvette zr1corvettecorvette zr1fieriguy fieriindianapolis 500indy 500zr1Wed, 16 May 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20239070/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/16/guy-fieri-to-drive-corvette-zr1-pace-car-in-indy-500/20239070/article-detail.xml 20239070 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/guy-fieri-with-cadillac-cts-v_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/guy-fieri-with-cadillac-cts-v.jpg <![CDATA[McLaren celebrates 40th anniversary of Indy win]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/mclaren-celebrates-40th-anniversary-of-indy-win/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/mclaren-celebrates-40th-anniversary-of-indy-win/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/mclaren-celebrates-40th-anniversary-of-indy-win/#commentsFiled under: , ,

McLaren's first win at Indy

When McLaren was bringing its new MP4-12C to the United States, there were fears that Americans wouldn't recognize the name. After all, the team from Woking is known principally for competing in Formula One, which has had a spotty presence in the U.S. at best. Those fears proved to be misplaced, as customers in the States have been snatching up all the McLaren supercars they can get their hands on. And part of that might come down to the days when McLaren didn't only race in America, it dominated.

The bulk of McLaren's victories on this side of the Atlantic were notched up in the Canadian-American Challenge Cup, a radical form of sports-prototype racing campaigned in the 1960s, 70s and 80s, which Bruce and company won five times in a row. But Can-Am wasn't the extent of McLaren's success in America.

In 1970, the team entered into the Indianapolis 500 with its own car design. The following year, McLaren came back with a radically different design that scored pole position and finished the race in second place. And the year after that, the legendary Mark Donohue piloted his McLaren M16B fielded by the Sonoco-Penske team - complete with its Offenhauser four-cylinder turbo engine producing upwards of 700 horsepower - to the checkered flag.

Not only did McLaren win at Indy that year, but it also won races in Formula 1, Formula 2 and Can-Am, entering the history books as a force to be reckoned with. It would go on to win at Indy twice more in 1974 and 1976, and became the first car to exceed 200 miles per hour on the famed oval in 1977.

Now forty years later, McLaren is celebrating the first of its Indy by showcasing the #66 Sunoco-Penske car at the second annual Celebration of Automobiles in the speedway's infield. There it will be displayed alongside the current MP4-12C to showcase just how far the company has come since then. You can check out the historic high-resolution images in the gallery and the details in the press release below for more info.

Continue reading McLaren celebrates 40th anniversary of Indy win

McLaren celebrates 40th anniversary of Indy win originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarydonohueindianapolisindianapolis 500indyindy 500mark donohuemclarenmclaren m16bpenskeMon, 14 May 2012 18:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20236419/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/14/mclaren-celebrates-40th-anniversary-of-indy-win/20236419/article-detail.xml 20236419 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/webmclaren-indy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/webmclaren-indy.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 to pace 96th Indianapolis 500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/2013-chevrolet-corvette-zr1-to-pace-96th-indianapolis-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/2013-chevrolet-corvette-zr1-to-pace-96th-indianapolis-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/2013-chevrolet-corvette-zr1-to-pace-96th-indianapolis-500/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Indy Pace Car

Today Chevrolet announced that a 2013 Corvette ZR1 will pace this year's Indianapolis 500, marking the 23rd time that a Chevy has paced the race and the 11th time the Corvette has performed the duty. With 638 horsepower from its supercharged 6.2-liter V8, the Corvette ZR1 will be the most powerful production machine to serve as the race's pace car.

Helping to celebrate six decades of production, the 2013 Corvette ZR1 pace car mimics the design cues of the 60th anniversary package that debuted earlier this year with Arctic White exterior paint and a full-length racing stripe in Pearl Silver Blue. Inside is a Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior with suede accents.

Look for the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 during the 96th running of the Indianapolis 500, scheduled to start at 12:00 pm ET on Sunday, May 27th.

Scroll down to see the official details from Chevrolet.

Continue reading 2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 to pace 96th Indianapolis 500

2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 to pace 96th Indianapolis 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 indianapolis 5002012 indy 5002013 chevrolet corvette zr12013 chevrolet corvette zr1 indy pace carchevroletchevrolet corvette zr1corvetteindianapolis 500indy 500Tue, 08 May 2012 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20233838/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/08/2013-chevrolet-corvette-zr1-to-pace-96th-indianapolis-500/20233838/article-detail.xml 20233838 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2012-corvette-zr1-indy-pace-car_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2012-corvette-zr1-indy-pace-car.jpg <![CDATA[Indy 500 fixture Jim Nabors to miss this year's race [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/indy-500-fixture-jim-nabors-to-miss-this-years-race-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/indy-500-fixture-jim-nabors-to-miss-this-years-race-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/indy-500-fixture-jim-nabors-to-miss-this-years-race-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Jim NaborsJim Nabors wasn't born or raised in Indiana, and he doesn't live there. Yet that hasn't prevented him from becoming one of the state's favorite sons. Singing "Back Home Again In Indiana" before the vast majority of Indianapolis 500 races over the past 40 years will do that for a guy.

But this year, the 81-year-old actor and singer won't be able to make the trip from his home in Hawaii to Indy, due to a scheduled heart surgery, according to USA Today. Apparently the tradition is important enough to the folks that run Indianapolis Motor Speedway, that instead of calling John Mellencamp, they have dispatched a video crew to our 50th state to record Nabors singing the song.

According to the report, Nabors has performed the song before every Indy 500 since 1987 except for the 2007 race, which he also missed for health reasons. Nabors also sang before the 1972-1978 races and two additional times in the 1980s, according to WTHR.

Scroll down to watch video footage of Nabors singing before the 2010 Indy 500.

Continue reading Indy 500 fixture Jim Nabors to miss this year's race [w/video]

Indy 500 fixture Jim Nabors to miss this year's race [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 May 2012 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back home again in indianaindianapolisindianapolis 500indy 500jim naborsnaborsvideoWed, 02 May 2012 18:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20229464/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/02/indy-500-fixture-jim-nabors-to-miss-this-years-race-w-video/20229464/article-detail.xml 20229464 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/jim-nabors-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/jim-nabors-opt.jpg <![CDATA[PSA: Danica Patrick prefers being called "pretty" rather than "sexy"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/psa-danica-patrick-prefers-being-called-pretty-rather-than-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/psa-danica-patrick-prefers-being-called-pretty-rather-than-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/21/psa-danica-patrick-prefers-being-called-pretty-rather-than-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Danica Patrick Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

As Danica Patrick prepares for her first NASCAR Sprint Cup race next weekend in the Daytona 500, she's apparently taking advantage of the publicity to try to remediate her image. After seven years of promoting her attractiveness with nearly equal billing to her race driving acumen, Patrick has asked the media to quit calling her "sexy."

According to USA Today, Patrick said "If there is a pretty girl, (reporters) don't know how to describe her other than being sexy. It has such a negative connotation to it ... Why can't there be other words for it? Why does it have to be somewhat negatively twisted?"

Patrick was featured in the 2008 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, and has appeared in racy ads for her sponsor GoDaddy.com that also played up her looks. She has also made several "sexiest" lists, including one compiled by Victoria's Secret and two by FHM magazine.

Patrick's big break came in her first Indy 500 appearance, when she became the first woman to lead the race. She finished fourth that year, in the same position she qualified. Patrick raced in the Indy Racing League for seven years, while also competing in ARCA and NASCAR's Nationwide Series in 2010 and 2011 in preparation for this year's transition to Sprint Cup.

PSA: Danica Patrick prefers being called "pretty" rather than "sexy" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danicadanica patrickdaytona 500godaddyindianapolis 500motorsportsnascarnascar sprint cupsexysports illustratedsports illustrated swimsuit issueTue, 21 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20175902/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/21/psa-danica-patrick-prefers-being-called-pretty-rather-than-s/20175902/article-detail.xml 20175902 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/28-danica-09-si-swimsuit-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/28-danica-09-si-swimsuit-opt.jpg <![CDATA[A.J. Foyt hospitalized]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/a-j-foyt-hospitalized/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/a-j-foyt-hospitalized/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/a-j-foyt-hospitalized/#commentsFiled under: , ,

AJ FoytLegendary driver A.J. Foyt has been hospitalized after suffering complications from knee surgery. The 77-year-old Foyt had the surgery two weeks ago and was slated to serve as the grand marshal for the 50th anniversary of the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Jackie Stewart stepped in to handle those duties in Foyt's place this weekend.

According to a spokeswoman, the driver had been up and walking around after the surgery, but had developed an infection this week. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Foyt expressed his remorse for missing the Rolex, saying, "I feel so bad that I let everyone down."

Meanwhile, Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said that the track and everyone involved with the race wishes Foyt a quick recovery.

Foyt is a towering figure in racing circles. He remains the only driver in history to win the Indianapolis 500, the Daytona 500, the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. We wish him a speedy recovery. Click past the break for a quick statement regarding his hospitalization.

Continue reading A.J. Foyt hospitalized

A.J. Foyt hospitalized originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of daytona24 hours of le mansajaj foytcomplicationsdaytonadaytona 500foytindianapolis 500knee surgeryrolex 24 at daytonasurgerySun, 29 Jan 2012 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20159339/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/29/a-j-foyt-hospitalized/20159339/article-detail.xml 20159339 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/aj-foyt-portrait-07-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/aj-foyt-portrait-07-250.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy recalls a century of motorsports excellence]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/28/chevy-recalls-a-century-of-motorsports-excellence/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/28/chevy-recalls-a-century-of-motorsports-excellence/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/28/chevy-recalls-a-century-of-motorsports-excellence/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Chevrolet Motorsports Centennial

General Motors is celebrating the Chevrolet Centennial this year - and treating us to some nice historical footage, like this three-minute video celebrating the Bowtie brand's motorsports heritage. While Chevy's racing involvement in recent years has been mostly focused on NASCAR and its Corvette Le Mans program, the marque enjoys a wealth of history in almost every racing series.

Among the treats in this promotional piece are a few seconds of Bruce Larson's USA-1 Camaro Funny Car and Jim Hall's famous Chaparral 2 sports car, vintage NASCAR action from the era in which the term "stock car" still meant something, and there's a mention of Juan Manuel Fangio's stint as a Chevy driver in 1940. Of course, patron saint of Chevy Racing, Dale Earnhardt makes an appearance, as well.

Although the video teases us with some cool old footage, it also relies on still photography and the "Ken Burns effect" - a lot. It would be great to see some more racing clips and less static shots of cars like the 1978 Indianapolis 500 Corvette Pace Car. In fact, we'd love to see GM commission a longer documentary about Chevrolet's racing history, one without as much heavy handed promotion of the company's current products. Check it out after the jump and decide for yourself.

Continue reading Chevy recalls a century of motorsports excellence

Chevy recalls a century of motorsports excellence originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>centennialchevroletchevrolet racingchevychevy racingcorvettedale earnhardtfangiogeneral motorsgmindianapolis 500le mansmotorsportsnascarracingFri, 28 Oct 2011 12:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20092949/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/28/chevy-recalls-a-century-of-motorsports-excellence/20092949/article-detail.xml 20092949 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/chevy100-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/chevy100-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Jean Alesi heading to Indy with Lotus]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/jean-alesi-heading-to-indy-with-lotus/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/jean-alesi-heading-to-indy-with-lotus/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/jean-alesi-heading-to-indy-with-lotus/#commentsFiled under: ,

Jean Alesi

Formula 1 drivers are always looking for a new challenge. It's part of their character, and it's what's brought former champions out of retirement and sent former grand prix pilots in search of new series to conquer. That last bit has sent big names to series as varied as DTM and the Andros Trophy, but few forms of motor racing hold the kind of new challenge that oval speedways can provide. When you're used to twisting road courses and street circuits, America's banked turns require a whole new set of skills.

In recent years, former F1 drivers like Juan Pablo Montoya, Jacques Villeneuve and Kimi Raikkonen have looked to NASCAR to provide that challenge. But that role used to be filled by Indy, back in the day when champions like Nigel Mansell, Mario Andretti and Emerson Fittipaldi would take to the Brickyard to show what they're made of. Now reunited and with new chassis and engine suppliers lining up, IndyCar racing is climbing back towards its former glory, and one former F1 driver plans on staking his claim there for the first time next year.

That's when Jean Alesi will head to Indianapolis to contest next year's Indy 500. After having raced in F1, DTM, Le Mans and even the Asia-based Speedcar Series, it'll be a new challenge for Alesi, and a fitting highlight for Lotus in their increased involvement in IndyCar racing. The British outfit for whom Alesi acts as ambassador and test-driver laureate has been upping its participation in the American open-wheel series, but will begin supplying its own 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 engines for use in the series starting next year. Follow the jump for the official announcement.

Continue reading Jean Alesi heading to Indy with Lotus

Jean Alesi heading to Indy with Lotus originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alesiindianapolis 500indyindy 500jean alesilotusMon, 26 Sep 2011 11:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20065725/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/26/jean-alesi-heading-to-indy-with-lotus/20065725/article-detail.xml 20065725 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/alesi-lotus_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/alesi-lotus.jpg <![CDATA[Danica Patrick switching to NASCAR, keeping Indy 500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/03/danica-patrick-switching-to-nascar-keeping-indy-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/03/danica-patrick-switching-to-nascar-keeping-indy-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/03/danica-patrick-switching-to-nascar-keeping-indy-500/#commentsFiled under: ,

danica at the daytona 500

Danica Patrick is no stranger to NASCAR, but her regular ride is in the IndyCar series. That looks like it could be about to change, however, as Dale Earnhardt Jr. wants Patrick to join his JR Motorsports team as a full-time member. Running the entire 2012 Nationwide series will certainly take up the majority of her time, but it appears Danica will still be able to schedule seat time in her IndyCar racer.

The big question for Patrick is whether she can compete in the Indianapolis 500. It's a time-consuming event that would require Danica to give up most of her May, yet the Nationwide series runs three races over the course of that month. Still, it seems that Earnhardt and his team are looking to accommodate Patrick's desire to run at Indy, which would make her decision to sign on for a full NASCAR season a bit easier.

Danica Patrick switching to NASCAR, keeping Indy 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danicadanica nascardanica patrickindianapolis 500indyindy 500indycarjr motorsportsnascarnationwideWed, 03 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20008462/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/03/danica-patrick-switching-to-nascar-keeping-indy-500/20008462/article-detail.xml 20008462 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/01-danica-daytona-500-2010_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/01-danica-daytona-500-2010.jpg <![CDATA[Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon chosen to test new Dallara IndyCar chassis]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/indy-500-winner-dan-wheldon-chosen-to-test-new-dallara-indycar-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/indy-500-winner-dan-wheldon-chosen-to-test-new-dallara-indycar-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/indy-500-winner-dan-wheldon-chosen-to-test-new-dallara-indycar-c/#commentsFiled under: ,

2012 Dallara IndyCar chassis
2012 Dallara IndyCar chassis - Click above for image gallery

In most racing series - as in most sports in general - a champion should have no trouble getting a new contract. In fact he ought to have every team with a budget beating a path to his door. But Indy is different that way.

Despite winning both the Indianapolis 500 and the IndyCar Series title in 2005, and scoring podiums every season since, Dan Wheldon couldn't find a full-time ride for this year's series. But he showed them all when he won the Indy 500 for a second time this year.

That's why series organizers have chosen Wheldon to test the all-new Dallara chassis that will be introduced to the IndyCar field next year. A proven talent with no other commitments, Wheldon hopes that the test drive regimen, coupled with his high-profile win, will help him secure a full-time drive for next season. At that point, he'll have more - if not the only - experience in the new car over any other driver in the series.

Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon chosen to test new Dallara IndyCar chassis originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 dallara chassis2012 dallara indycar2012 dallara indycar chassisdallaradan wheldonindianapolis 500indyindy 500indycar serieswheldonTue, 28 Jun 2011 07:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19977237/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/28/indy-500-winner-dan-wheldon-chosen-to-test-new-dallara-indycar-c/19977237/article-detail.xml 19977237 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/2012-dallara-20_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/2012-dallara-20.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Motor Trend</i> revisits the 1963 Indy 500, drives Parnelli Jones' Ol' Calhoun]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/04/motor-trend-revisits-the-1963-indy-500-drives-parnelli-j/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/04/motor-trend-revisits-the-1963-indy-500-drives-parnelli-j/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/04/motor-trend-revisits-the-1963-indy-500-drives-parnelli-j/#commentsFiled under: ,

angus mackenzie drives ol' calhoun
Motor Trend's Angus MacKenzie drives Ol' Calhoun - Click above to watch video after the jump

Angus MacKenzie has driven cars that many men and women dream about even catching a glimpse of. But what is the Motor Trend editor in chief's dream ride? Nothing less than the car Parnelli Jones drove to victory at the 1963 Indianapolis 500: Ol' Calhoun.

Jones drove Ol' Calhoun at Indy for four consecutive years. In 1961 he came close to winning the race, but the car let him down. In '62, Jones used Ol' Calhoun to become the first driver to qualify at over 150 miles per hour, yet he still finished the race in seventh. Victory came in 1963, when Jones led for 167 of the 200 laps. Still, Ol' Calhoun nearly put an end to that thanks to a cracked oil reservoir. Luckily, race officials didn't black flag Jones for the leaking oil, and he continued on to take the checkered flag.

For MacKenzie, that car has been an object of affection ever since he was a boy, and this year, he finally got opportunity to drive his childhood love on the hallowed grounds at Indy. Motor Trend filmed the event, creating a 22-minute video that also includes the history of the car and a chat with Parnelli Jones himself. Follow the jump to watch Angus MacKenzie meet the legend and his race car.

Continue reading Motor Trend revisits the 1963 Indy 500, drives Parnelli Jones' Ol' Calhoun

Motor Trend revisits the 1963 Indy 500, drives Parnelli Jones' Ol' Calhoun originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Jun 2011 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angus mackenzieindianapolis 500indyindy 500motor trendol calhounparnelli jonesvideoSat, 04 Jun 2011 18:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19956573/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/04/motor-trend-revisits-the-1963-indy-500-drives-parnelli-j/19956573/article-detail.xml 19956573 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/motor-trend-ol-calhoun_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/motor-trend-ol-calhoun.jpg <![CDATA[Indy 500 oozes drama, takes no prisoners on 100th Anniversary [spoilers, video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/29/100th-indy-500-oozes-drama-takes-no-prisoners-spoilers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/29/100th-indy-500-oozes-drama-takes-no-prisoners-spoilers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/29/100th-indy-500-oozes-drama-takes-no-prisoners-spoilers/#commentsFiled under:

2011 Indy 500
2011 Indianapolis 500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The crowd at the Brickyard for today's 100th Annoversary Indianapolis 500 certainly got their money's worth. Once all the pre-race pageantry and fanfare was out of the way, the 2011 Indy 500 provided a spectacle full of drama, lead changes, and a shocking, exciting finish. Click past the break to see how the race shook out, right up to the final corner.

Gallery: 2011 Indianapolis 500

Continue reading Indy 500 oozes drama, takes no prisoners on 100th Anniversary [spoilers, video]

Indy 500 oozes drama, takes no prisoners on 100th Anniversary [spoilers, video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 May 2011 18:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500bertrand baguettedan wheldondanica patrickgraham rahalindianapolisindianapolis 500indyindy 500indycarizodizod indy car seriesjr hildebrandscott dixonSun, 29 May 2011 18:12:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19953111/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/29/100th-indy-500-oozes-drama-takes-no-prisoners-spoilers/19953111/article-detail.xml 19953111 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/2011-indy-500-6franchitti_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/2011-indy-500-6franchitti.jpg <![CDATA[TAG Heuer celebrates 100th anniversary of the Indy 500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/26/tag-heuer-celebrates-100th-anniversary-of-the-indy-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/26/tag-heuer-celebrates-100th-anniversary-of-the-indy-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/26/tag-heuer-celebrates-100th-anniversary-of-the-indy-500/#commentsFiled under: ,

TAG Heuer Limited Edition Indy 500 Centennial Chronograph
TAG Heuer Limited Edition Indy 500 Centennial Chronograph - Click above for high-res image

Many try, but few capture the racing spirit in watch form as well as TAG Heuer. So it's only fitting that the Swiss watchmaker should be the one to celebrate the 100th anniversary of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" - the Indy 500 - as best it knows how: with a special-edition chronograph.

Based on TAG Heuer's Formula 1 model, the Limited Edition Indy 500 Centennial Chronograph is distinguished by such special touches as a grey Brickyard-motif dial, Indy 500 logo in the small counter at 6 o'clock and the words Indy 500 engraved in red on the fixed bezel.

The 44mm steel case also features a full tachymeter scale, chronograph movement and water resistance to 200 meters, affixed to the wrist with either a rubber strap or steel bracelet. Only 1,000 examples will be made - including one to be presented to the race winner on May 29 - retailing for about $1,650. Follow the jump for the official press release.

Continue reading TAG Heuer celebrates 100th anniversary of the Indy 500

TAG Heuer celebrates 100th anniversary of the Indy 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 May 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indianapolis 500indy 500tag heuertag heuer formula 1timepiecewatchwristwatchThu, 26 May 2011 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19947393/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/26/tag-heuer-celebrates-100th-anniversary-of-the-indy-500/19947393/article-detail.xml 19947393 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/web630-tag-indy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/web630-tag-indy.jpg <![CDATA[Ryan Hunter-Reay replaces Bruno Junqueira for Indy 500 race in rare Foyt-Andretti deal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/25/bruno-junqueira-replaced-in-indy-500-by-ryan-hunter-reay-in-land/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/25/bruno-junqueira-replaced-in-indy-500-by-ryan-hunter-reay-in-land/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/25/bruno-junqueira-replaced-in-indy-500-by-ryan-hunter-reay-in-land/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ryan Hunter-Reay

The Indy 500 has all sorts of unique rules. The qualifying format we recently reported on is one of them, and so is the driver replacement rule. The regulations state that a team may replace a driver who qualified for the race with one who didn't, resulting in the revised entry moving to the back of the grid. And that's exactly what's happened with AJ Foyt Enterprises driver Bruno Junqueira and Andretti Autosport's Ryan Hunter-Reay (pictured above practicing last weekend at Indy).

The winner of multiple Champ Car races during the series' split and a former International Formula 3000 champion, Junqueira qualified in 19th place on the grid for this year's landmark running of the Indianapolis 500. Hunter-Reay, however, did not. The American driver initially landed a place on the grid, only to be bumped off by his team-mates Danica Patrick and Marco Andretti as well as Paul Tracy, Ryan Briscoe and others. But an historic agreement between longtime rivals Foyt and Andretti will see Hunter-Reay take Junqueira's place on the grid in a joint entry between the two teams that will feature a combination of sponsors on the car's livery.

This isn't the first time Junqueira has been replaced after qualifying for the Indy 500. A similar move in 2009 at Conquest Racing saw the Brazilian driver step aside in favor of Alex Tagliani, the Canadian driver who this year took pole position.

Meanwhile, Hunter-Reay, if you can believe it, stands as the only American to win an IndyCar race since 2008. That year Graham Rahal won in St. Petersburg, Florida, Danica Patrick won at the Twin Ring Motegi in Japan and Hunter-Reay won at Watkins Glen. Since then it's been all foreigners - such as Britain's Dario Franchitti and Mike Conway, Australia's Will Power and Ryan Briscoe, and Brazil's Helio Castroneves and Tony Kanaan - with the exception of Hunter-Reay's win at Long Beach last year.

Ryan Hunter-Reay replaces Bruno Junqueira for Indy 500 race in rare Foyt-Andretti deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 May 2011 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alex Tagliani on pole for the Indy 500

Most motor races take place over a weekend, but the Indianapolis 500 is not most races. "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" plays out over the course of weeks, with numerous practice sessions, extensive qualifying heats and finally the race itself. And with qualifying completed, Alex Tagliani has emerged on top.

Hailing from Montreal, Quebec, Tagliani is the first Canadian to take pole position at the Indy 500 in its one hundred year history. Of course, he wouldn't be the only Canadian to win the race, following the notable victory of his countryman Jacques Villeneuve in 1995. But as surprising as Tagliani's pole position was, converting into a win will be another matter. Over the course of seven years in Champ Cars, Tagliani's won just a single race (at Road America in 2004) and has yet to notch up a win since moving over to the IndyCar Series in 2008.

The coveted pole position was expected to go one of Ganassi drivers (Scott Dixon, a previous Indy 500 winner, or his teammate Dario Franchitti, a two-time Indy 500 winner) or one of the Penske boys (three-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves or current series frontrunner Will Power). Newman/Haas driver Oriol Servia put up a good fight too, but when the times were finalized at the end of the "fast nine" session, it was Tagliani and his Sam Schmidt Motorsports team who set the fastest qualifying speed in the #77 Bowers & Wilkins Dallara-Honda with a four-lap average of 227.472 mph.

Dixon qualified second and Servia third to line up beside Tagliani on the first three-car row. Sunday's "bump day" session, which gives ambitious drivers a shot at one of the top positions, was marred by heavy rain, preserving Tagliani's position at the front of the pack for when the race gets underway this coming Sunday. Update: Thanks to our astute readers, commenters and tipsters for pointing out the error in reporting the qualifying procedures.

Qualifying for the Indy 500 is based on average speed over a four-lap session (as opposed to a timed lap) and takes place over two days one week before the race. Saturday's "pole day" secures the top 24 positions on the grid, culminating in a second "fast nine" heat where the nine fastest drivers compete to determine their order in the front three rows. Sunday's "bump day", where grid positions 25-33 are filled. The slowest car, however, can be "bumped" by a challenger if he or she sets a higher qualifying speed. Tagliani's pole position, therefor, remains secure.

Alex Tagliani shocks with Indy 500 pole originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 May 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex taglianicanadacanadianindianapolisindianapolis 500indianapolis motor speedwayindyindy 500polepole positionsam schmidt motorsportstaglianiTue, 24 May 2011 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19948558/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/24/alex-tagliani-shocks-with-indy-500-pole/19948558/article-detail.xml 19948558 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/tagliani-pole_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/tagliani-pole.jpg <![CDATA[Indy 500 centenary commemorated on U.S. postage stamp]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/23/indy-500-centenary-commemorated-on-u-s-postage-stamp/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/23/indy-500-centenary-commemorated-on-u-s-postage-stamp/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/23/indy-500-centenary-commemorated-on-u-s-postage-stamp/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Indianapolis 500 Anniversary StampTo celebrate the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500, the United States Postal Service is releasing a run of 50 million first-class mail stamps depicting Ray Harroun and his Marmon Wasp winning the 1911 race. The stamp features a slick art deco aesthetic and was released this week ahead of Fast Friday.

The stamp was unveiled at a ceremony with the mayor of Indianapolis, Postmaster General Patrick Donahue, and 1974 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year Poncho Carter. The postmaster general introduced the stamp, boldly predicting that there will be commemorative postmarks made for the 150th and 200th running of the race as well, provided the race lasts that long.

To get your hands on one of the first run of Indianapolis 500 stamps, head over to your local post office, or hit up usps.com/shop. Order in the next 60 days, and you'll be guaranteed a book of first-day-of-issue stamps. Read all about it in the press release after the break.

Continue reading Indy 500 centenary commemorated on U.S. postage stamp

Indy 500 centenary commemorated on U.S. postage stamp originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 May 2011 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500indianapolisindianapolis 500indyindy 500marmon waspponcho carterray harroununited states postal serviceuspsMon, 23 May 2011 08:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19946583/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/23/indy-500-centenary-commemorated-on-u-s-postage-stamp/19946583/article-detail.xml 19946583 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/indy-500-stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/indy-500-stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Hot Wheels world record jump at Indy 500 starting to take shape]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/22/hot-wheels-world-record-jump-at-indy-500-starting-to-take-shape/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/22/hot-wheels-world-record-jump-at-indy-500-starting-to-take-shape/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/22/hot-wheels-world-record-jump-at-indy-500-starting-to-take-shape/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Indianapolis 500 jump

The ramp designed to propel Hot Wheels' mystery driver to world record glory at the 100th Indianapolis 500 is starting to take shape. The ramp doesn't look quite like it did in Hot Wheels' original rendering, but it's still an enormous and terrifying structure. Don't believe us? Check out a full gallery of the ramp on the speedway's Flickr page.

Hot Wheels' goal is to propel a winged off-road truck 302 feet through the air, which would clinch the world record for distance. The death-defying stunt will kick off the excitement at next weekend's Indy 500.

Hot Wheels world record jump at Indy 500 starting to take shape originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 May 2011 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>100100th anniversary100th indianapolis 500500anniversaryhot wheelsindianapolisindianapolis 500indianapolis 500 world record jumpindyindy 500indy carSun, 22 May 2011 14:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19946496/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/22/hot-wheels-world-record-jump-at-indy-500-starting-to-take-shape/19946496/article-detail.xml 19946496 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/indy-500-jump_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/indy-500-jump.jpg -1 2