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[IndyCar boss Bernard steps down under fire]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/indycar-boss-bernard-steps-down-under-fire/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/indycar-boss-bernard-steps-down-under-fire/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/indycar-boss-bernard-steps-down-under-fire/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Recently resigned IndyCar boss Randy Bernard

IndyCar has had had a rough few years, as shakeups in engine suppliers, chassis designs and tragedy has dominated the open wheel race series' headlines. In spite of all that, many have said this was IndyCar's best season of racing ever. The man who oversaw all of that is Randy Bernard, who has stepped down on Sunday as IndyCar's CEO, ending a three-year run. This development comes as the culmination of a coup by some team owners against the group that controls IndyCar, Hulman & Co. In addition to the race series, the group also owns Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Though Bernard offered bonuses that attracted Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon back to the series, it was Wheldon who perished in a crash at Las Vegas in 2011. The running of that race, as well as this year's Vegas race and the season finale in California have all been criticized by some drivers for the high speeds reached on these tracks. Some drivers, like Mike Conway, even refused to race at this year's season finale. While the Wheldon crash is considered a leading motivator in Bernard stepping down, team owners have also taken issue with the embattled series CEO's lack of racing experience. Before running IndyCar, he was in charge of the championship bull-riding series.

A statement from IndyCar calls Bernhard's departure a "mutual separation," and many believe that given this year's success, the series can weather this transition. Jeff Belskus, president and CEO of Hulman & Co will sit as interim IndyCar boss. Belskus tells the Associated Press that the series is looking for a long-term replacement.

IndyCar boss Bernard steps down under fire originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carindyindy carindycaropen wheelracingrandy bernardMon, 29 Oct 2012 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20364159/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/29/indycar-boss-bernard-steps-down-under-fire/20364159/article-detail.xml 20364159 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/randy-bernard-former-indycar-boss_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/randy-bernard-former-indycar-boss.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[City finds new promoters for Baltimore Grand Prix]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/16/city-finds-new-promotors-for-baltimore-grand-prix/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/16/city-finds-new-promotors-for-baltimore-grand-prix/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/16/city-finds-new-promotors-for-baltimore-grand-prix/#commentsFiled under: ,

2011 Baltimore Grand Prix

Good news, race fans: the Baltimore Grand Prix may be returning this year, after all.

The IndyCar and ALMS race extravaganza was held last year over Labor Day weekend at the Maryland city's picturesque harborfront, but though the event itself was deemed a success, a financial dispute between the city and the race organizers jeopardized its future. The city ended up canceling its contract with Baltimore Racing Development LLC, but a new one is reportedly now being negotiated between municipal authorities and a new promoter, Downforce Racing - organizers of similar street races in Toronto and St. Petersburg.

The tentative arrangement was announced yesterday by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, pending approval by the city's Board of Estimates, set to meet on February 22. If given the go-ahead, Downforce Racing would receive a five-year contract with a renewal clause for another five years, with the city's expenses to be recovered from ticket sales and a profit-sharing clause that would see the city receive ten percent of profits over $1 million.

Assuming everything comes together, the ALMS race will be held on Saturday, September 1 and the IndyCar race on Sunday the 2nd.

City finds new promoters for Baltimore Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsbaltimorebaltimore grand prixdownforce racingindyindycarThu, 16 Feb 2012 17:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20173570/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/16/city-finds-new-promotors-for-baltimore-grand-prix/20173570/article-detail.xml 20173570 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/baltgp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/baltgp.jpg <![CDATA[Rubens Barrichello next F1 driver to follow Lotus to Indy?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/rubens-barrichello-next-f1-driver-to-follow-lotus-to-indy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/rubens-barrichello-next-f1-driver-to-follow-lotus-to-indy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/rubens-barrichello-next-f1-driver-to-follow-lotus-to-indy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Rubens Barrichello leaving F1

There once was a time when Indy was considered not just a stepping stone to F1, but a viable alternative. Those were the days when proven grand prix drivers looking for a new challenge - drivers like like Nigel Mansell, Emerson Fittipaldi, Graham Hill and Mario Andretti - could take to America's fastest ovals and obtain glory on par with Europe's finest circuits. Those days may seem long behind us, but they could be coming back around.

The road to Indy's revival as a premier racing series is being paved with a number of developments. The reunion of the IRL and ChampCar series was one major stepping stone. The arrival of multiple engine suppliers this year is another. But what Indy really needs is big name talents instead of losing its stars to NASCAR. And it just might be getting what it needs, thanks in no small part to Lotus.

After bringing former F1 driver Takuma Sato to Indy, Lotus announced it had signed notable former grand prix pilots Jean Alesi and Sebastien Bourdais to IndyCar contracts as well. So who's next? Rubens Barrichello.

The elder statesman of the F1 grid, Barrichello was left without a ride when Williams showed him the door in favor of fellow Brazilian Bruno Senna. Now reports indicate that he is gearing up for a test drive with KV Racing, the team with which Lotus returned to American open-wheels a couple of years ago.

While Rubens has no oval-track experience and reportedly promised his wife he wouldn't try it, the 2012 schedule - having come a long way from the oval-dominated days of yore - includes only four speedways (those at Indianapolis, Texas, Iowa and Fontana, California), leaving Rubens with a real opportunity to contest the remaining dozen road courses and street circuits on the calendar.

Rubens Barrichello next F1 driver to follow Lotus to Indy? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barrichelloindyindycarindycar serieskv racinglotusrubens barrichelloFri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20157895/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/27/rubens-barrichello-next-f1-driver-to-follow-lotus-to-indy/20157895/article-detail.xml 20157895 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/barrichello-gbye-1327614723_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/barrichello-gbye-1327614723.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus ramps up Indy racing program with Bourdais and Legge]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/lotus-ramps-up-indy-racing-program-with-bourdais-and-legge/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/lotus-ramps-up-indy-racing-program-with-bourdais-and-legge/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/lotus-ramps-up-indy-racing-program-with-bourdais-and-legge/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lotus Dallara DW12 test run

The only thing more ambitious than Lotus and its expansive new product plan is the company's racing program. In the span of just a few years, the British automaker has launched forays into Formula One, IndyCar, endurance sportscar racing and even karting, all with its own factory-backed works initiatives. And in true Lotus style, it's not showing any signs of slowing down any time soon.

In line with its ambitions, Lotus rolled into the Autosport International Show - the preeminent annual motorsport expo in England - with a whole mess of racing cars and programs to go with them. The firm's F1, GP2 and GP3 teams have all fallen under the new Lotus Racing banner and all will wear the same black and gold livery. A new Lotus Club GT offers the full racing experience to gentlemen racers with the money to pony up for a track-spec Evora, similar to the Type 125 customer single-seater that just underwent further development by the company's grand prix team. But the real news comes from the IndyCar program.

After five years of exclusively using Honda power, the IndyCar Series is switching to a new chassis next season and with it is bringing both Chevrolet and Lotus on board as alternative engine suppliers. Lotus is already contracted to power three independent teams - HVM Racing, Bryan Herta Autosport and Dreyer & Reinbold Racing - who will each choose their new livery from the Lotus back catalog of color schemes. Dragon Racing, however, has been selected by the factory as its new works team in the series, running the same black and gold livery as the F1 team.

The team is owned by Jay Penske (son of Roger Penske), and has just announced its driver lineup for the upcoming season, bringing multiple Champ Car champion and former grand prix driver Sebastien Bourdais on board together with Katherine Legge, another DTM and Champ Car driver eager to steal some of Danica Patrick's spotlight. With Lotus providing the motivation, the upcoming season of open-wheel racing in America is shaping up to be an interesting one. Follow the jump for the full announcement.

Continue reading Lotus ramps up Indy racing program with Bourdais and Legge

Lotus ramps up Indy racing program with Bourdais and Legge originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autosport internationalbourdaisdallara-lotusindyindycar serieskatherine leggeleggelotuslotus dallaralotus dallara dw12lotus racingsebastien bourdaisFri, 20 Jan 2012 11:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20147214/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/20/lotus-ramps-up-indy-racing-program-with-bourdais-and-legge/20147214/article-detail.xml 20147214 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/lotus-indy-test_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/lotus-indy-test.jpg <![CDATA[Baltimore terminates IndyCar race contract]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/02/baltimore-terminates-indycar-race-contract/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/02/baltimore-terminates-indycar-race-contract/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/02/baltimore-terminates-indycar-race-contract/#commentsFiled under:

Baltimore aerial

Racing fans who enjoyed the spectacle of open-wheel single-seaters racing around Baltimore's Inner Harbor and past Camden Yards where the Orioles and the Ravens play may be disheartened to read of the latest developments. But take heart: it ain't over, they say, until the fat lady sings, and in this case she appears only to have taken a brief intermission.

The future of the Baltimore Grand Prix (an IndyCar race, not to be confused with Formula 1 grands prix that typically take the host country's, not the host city's name) has been in jeopardy for several months now. As with many things, the issue boiled down to money: while most communities support such racing events financially with public funds, the organizers of the Baltimore Grand Prix were expected to remunerate the city to the tune of $1.5 million. At the end of the day, Baltimore Racing Development failed to meet its financial commitments, so the city has revoked the firm's contract only one year into its five-year term.

So does that mean the race won't be held again? The signs seem to point in a positive direction, as the city holds discussions with other organizers interested in taking BRD's place. Series organizers appear to have faith that a new deal will be put in place in time for the upcoming season, with the event currently on the official IndyCar Series race calendar for September 2.

The new calendar, meanwhile, drops the races in Milwaukee, New Hampshire and Kentucky. Las Vegas was also removed from the calendar following the now-infamous Wheldon crash, while the race in Japan was replaced by a new grand prix in Qingdao, China.

Baltimore terminates IndyCar race contract originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baltimorebaltimore grand prixbaltimore racing developmentbrdindyindycarindycar seriesMon, 02 Jan 2012 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20138668/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/02/baltimore-terminates-indycar-race-contract/20138668/article-detail.xml 20138668 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/baltimore-gp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/baltimore-gp.jpg <![CDATA[IndyCar Series drops Vegas from 2012 calendar in wake of Wheldon crash]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/indycar-series-drops-vegas-from-2012-calendar-in-wake-of-wheldon/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/indycar-series-drops-vegas-from-2012-calendar-in-wake-of-wheldon/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/indycar-series-drops-vegas-from-2012-calendar-in-wake-of-wheldon/#commentsFiled under:

Las Vegas Motor Speedway

The IndyCar Series has yet to announce its calendar for the 2012 season. When it does, it may or may not feature any superspeedways, but one thing's for sure: it won't include Las Vegas.

The high-speed track hadn't been used for this kind of racing since the Champ Car series raced there in 2005. Open-wheel racing returned to the Vegas oval for the first time this year, where a massive, tragic 15-car crash took the life of Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon.

Officials will reportedly be holding test sessions at the Vegas track to determine what, if anything, could be done to make the racing safer. But until then, IndyCar will be racing elsewhere.

IndyCar Series drops Vegas from 2012 calendar in wake of Wheldon crash originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indyindycar serieslas vegaslas vegas motor speedwaylvmsspeedwaysuperspeedwayvegasTue, 13 Dec 2011 10:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20126487/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/13/indycar-series-drops-vegas-from-2012-calendar-in-wake-of-wheldon/20126487/article-detail.xml 20126487 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/vegas-indy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/vegas-indy.jpg <![CDATA[IndyCar races into China for the first time]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/13/indycar-racing-into-china-for-the-first-time/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/13/indycar-racing-into-china-for-the-first-time/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/13/indycar-racing-into-china-for-the-first-time/#commentsFiled under: ,

Qingdao

China is a huge market, not just for automakers, but for all sorts of American businesses. Those include sponsors involved with racing series like IndyCar. When those sponsors told IndyCar that they wanted to see racing in China, series organizers sprung to action. As a result, the IZOD IndyCar Series will visit world's second largest economy next season.

The race is scheduled for August 19, 2012, on the streets of Qingdao, a coastal city on the Yellow Sea situated between Beijing and Shanghai. Known as China's Switzerland due to its historic German and French influences, Qingdao hosted the sailing competitions for the 2008 Summer Olympics. Until a more permanent venue can be constructed, the race will be held on a temporary 3.87-mile street circuit.

It replaces the race at Motegi in Japan - the only race in Asia ever held by a major American open-wheel series (CART, Champ Car or IndyCar) - which was campaigned for the last time this season. The majority of the remaining races on next year's calendar will all be contested in the United States, save for Sao Paulo, Brazil, and the Toronto and Edmonton races in Canada. The development coincides with the emergence this year of Ho-Pin Tung as the first Chinese driver in American open-wheel racing, which should make the Qingdao race even more compelling for local fans.

IndyCar races into China for the first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Nov 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinaindyindycarindycar seriesqingdaoyellow seaSun, 13 Nov 2011 14:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20105223/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/13/indycar-racing-into-china-for-the-first-time/20105223/article-detail.xml 20105223 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/qingdao_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/qingdao.jpg <![CDATA[Baltimore Grand Prix collapsing under weight of debt?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/baltimore-grand-prix-collapsing-under-weight-of-debt/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/baltimore-grand-prix-collapsing-under-weight-of-debt/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/baltimore-grand-prix-collapsing-under-weight-of-debt/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Baltimore Grand Prix

Maybe racing would stand on its own merits in an ideal utopia, but in the real world it has to make a business case for itself. So while the inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix may have been a success in the purest sense of the term - bringing IndyCar, ALMS and several other series to the city's harbor front - financial woes could relegate it to history even faster than it came about... or the race cars that made it the spectacle it was.

The trouble, it seems, is between Baltimore Racing Development, which organized the event this past Labor Day, and the city in which it was held. Apparently BRD failed to pay all that was required by the municipality, and now city officials are demanding it pay up or get out of town.

According to reports, organizers owe city coffers some $1.5 million for services rendered, taxes and other expenses. Combined with the estimated $1.8 million it owes third parties, the Baltimore Grand Prix is looking at a huge debt that could take years to pay off, but if it doesn't get the chance to hold the remaining four races for which it's contracted, that debt could prove insurmountable.

Baltimore Grand Prix collapsing under weight of debt? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsamerican le mans seriesbaltimorebaltimore grand prixbaltimore indyindyindycarThu, 10 Nov 2011 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20102587/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/10/baltimore-grand-prix-collapsing-under-weight-of-debt/20102587/article-detail.xml 20102587 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/baltimore-gp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/baltimore-gp.jpg <![CDATA[Jody Scheckter wants his son to quit Indy, son wants more horsepower]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/jody-scheckter-wants-his-son-to-quit-indy-son-wants-more-horsep/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/jody-scheckter-wants-his-son-to-quit-indy-son-wants-more-horsep/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/jody-scheckter-wants-his-son-to-quit-indy-son-wants-more-horsep/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tomas Scheckter

Tell us if this sounds familiar: Parent wants kid to stop doing something because it's too dangerous, which makes son only want to do it more. It's a common enough occurrence, played out every day in households across America and around the world. Only this is no ordinary family. It's the Scheckters.

If the name rings a bell, that's because it belongs to the 1979 Formula One World Champion Jody Scheckter. These days, it's his son Tomas who wears the driving gloves in the family, competing in the IndyCar series. Tomas Scheckter has won a couple of races, never managing better than seventh in the championship, but he's only contested a few rounds this season. Following the tragic crash in Las Vegas that killed Dan Wheldon, AutoWeek reports that Jody has said he would like to see his son leave the series. But Tomas has other ideas.

While other parties have called for reduced speeds in Indy in the wake of the Wheldon crash, Tomas wants next year's cars to have more power so they can more ably pull away from tight fields that, by some accounts, is what led to the massive fifteen-car pile-up.

Tomas just might get his wish, as new engines provided by Chevrolet, Honda and Lotus are set to power a new, lighter Dallara chassis next year. The question is whether that will be the prudent move given the recent tragedy.

Jody Scheckter wants his son to quit Indy, son wants more horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dan wheldonindyindy carindycarindycar seriesjody scheckterschecktertomas scheckterwheldonWed, 26 Oct 2011 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20090355/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/26/jody-scheckter-wants-his-son-to-quit-indy-son-wants-more-horsep/20090355/article-detail.xml 20090355 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/gyi0052025828tomas-scheckter_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/gyi0052025828tomas-scheckter.jpg <![CDATA[Al Unser Jr. arrested for reckless driving, DUI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/02/al-unser-jr-arrested-for-drag-racing-dui/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/02/al-unser-jr-arrested-for-drag-racing-dui/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/02/al-unser-jr-arrested-for-drag-racing-dui/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Al Unser, Jr.

Al Unser, Jr. is in the news again, and not in a good way. AP reports that the two-time Indy 500 winner was arrested last week for drag racing on public roads while under the influence of alcohol.

Bernalillo County, New Mexico sheriffs reportedly stopped Unser on Thursday for driving over 100 miles per hour in his Suburban. During the traffic stop, he slurred his speech and registered over twice the legal limit for blood-alcohol levels.

This isn't the first time Unser's gotten himself in hot water. In 2002 he reportedly underwent treatment for alcohol abuse after hitting his girlfriend in the face while drinking in Indianapolis, and in 2007 he lost his license for a DUI in Nevada.

IndyCar has responded to the new charges by suspending Unser indefinitely from his role as a race control official as the matter is investigated further.

Al Unser Jr. arrested for reckless driving, DUI originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Oct 2011 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>al unser jrAlbuquerquearrestdrag racingduidwiindyindycarnew mexicounserSun, 02 Oct 2011 12:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20071697/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/02/al-unser-jr-arrested-for-drag-racing-dui/20071697/article-detail.xml 20071697 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/unser_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/unser.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[Willy T. Ribbs to rekindle racing career? [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/26/willy-t-ribbs-to-rekindle-racing-career-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/26/willy-t-ribbs-to-rekindle-racing-career-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/26/willy-t-ribbs-to-rekindle-racing-career-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Racer and team owner Willy T. Ribbs in 2011

Willy T. Ribbs is reportedly jumping back into the cockpit of an IndyCar racer next month. According to Inside Line, the first African American driver to qualify at the Indianapolis 500 is set to take to the track in a preliminary race in Baltimore next month. The 56-year-old Ribbs launched a race team earlier this year with driver Chase Austin behind the wheel, and he will take Austin's slot at the Firestone Indy Lights race. It will mark the first time since 1999 that the driver has been behind the wheel of an IndyCar.

Ribbs famously qualified for the Indianapolis 500 in 1991, though his efforts were hampered by a blown engine, finishing 32nd in a field of 33 racers. He fared somewhat better when he returned in 1993, where he finished 23rd. Ribbs then spent some time in Formula Ford in Europe and NASCAR, though he hit his stride in Trans Am. He collected five wins during his time in that series. At this point, it's unclear whether Ribbs will continue in IndyCar after the Baltimore race.

For some background on Ribbs and to catch up with what he's been up to, check out an interview conducted by Indycar earlier this year by clicking on the jump.

Continue reading Willy T. Ribbs to rekindle racing career? [w/video]

Willy T. Ribbs to rekindle racing career? [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cinematical+indiefirestone indy lightsindyindycarribbsvideowilly t ribbsFri, 26 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20027546/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/26/willy-t-ribbs-to-rekindle-racing-career-w-video/20027546/article-detail.xml 20027546 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/willy-t.-ribbs-screencap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/willy-t.-ribbs-screencap.jpg <![CDATA[Angry Will Power flips off IndyCar officials at New Hampshire]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/17/angry-will-power-flips-off-indycar-officials-at-new-hampshire/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/17/angry-will-power-flips-off-indycar-officials-at-new-hampshire/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/17/angry-will-power-flips-off-indycar-officials-at-new-hampshire/#commentsFiled under: ,

Angry Will Power glares at racing officials

Being a race official is one of those things that nobody notices until it goes wrong. And wrong it went this past weekend in New Hampshire.

The IndyCar race there was stopped eight laps from the end due to wet conditions, but rather than call the race there or wait for the weather to clear up, the league's competition chief Brian Barnhart evidently opted to restart the race over the vehement objections of many drivers and team chiefs.

Few were as livid, however, as Will Power. The Australian multi-race winner was one of several who were taken out of the race when Danica Patrick spun out, but it was what transpired next that caught the eye of many observers. After climbing out of his wrecked car unscathed, Power made a b-line to the race officials he blamed for the bad call. And just to drive the point home, he flipped them the double birdie. On camera.

Even though his frustration seemed justified, the Penske driver (who finished second in the championship last year and was hoping to take the lead in this year's standings after Dario Franchitti retired earlier in the race) will likely face some sort of punitive measures for his conduct. Follow the jump to watch the ABC Sports video that includes the entire restart (with Power's angry gesticulation around the four-minute mark) and the link for more on the incident.

Continue reading Angry Will Power flips off IndyCar officials at New Hampshire

Angry Will Power flips off IndyCar officials at New Hampshire originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrettiindyindy carindycarindycar seriesnew hampshirepenskevideowill powerWed, 17 Aug 2011 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20019316/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/17/angry-will-power-flips-off-indycar-officials-at-new-hampshire/20019316/article-detail.xml 20019316 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/will-power-glares-at-officials_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/will-power-glares-at-officials.jpg <![CDATA[Dallara's next-generation IndyCar undergoes maiden track run at Mid-Ohio]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/10/dallaras-next-generation-indycar-undergoes-maiden-track-run-at/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/10/dallaras-next-generation-indycar-undergoes-maiden-track-run-at/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/10/dallaras-next-generation-indycar-undergoes-maiden-track-run-at/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 IndyCar test at Mid-Ohio

A little over a year since officials picked the Dallara proposal over those of its rivals, testing has begun in earnest on the next-generation IndyCar chassis.

The new car underwent the first of a dozen scheduled shake-down runs at the hands of Dan Wheldon, the reigning Indy 500 champion, at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course where the series competed this past weekend.

Dallara's clean-sheet design - which will be built at a new Stateside facility instead of the factory in Italy - was envisioned right from inception for use on both high-speed ovals and road courses, unlike the car it replaces which was designed for the speedways and later adapted for twistier circuits. Each team will be able to switch the bodywork depending on the type of track, but that's hardly where the differences between the new car and the old one end.

Instead of the 3.5-liter Honda V8s that powered the existing crop, the new car Wheldon was running packed a 2.2-liter turbocharged V6, also from Honda, that will be one of three engines - alongside Chevrolet and Lotus - that will proliferate across the field next year.

Engine suppliers will get their first taste of the new chassis in October, with deliveries to individual teams slated for December, but you can scope out the images from the test right now.

Dallara's next-generation IndyCar undergoes maiden track run at Mid-Ohio originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dallaradan wheldonhondaindyindycarindycar seriesmid-ohiowheldonWed, 10 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20013573/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/10/dallaras-next-generation-indycar-undergoes-maiden-track-run-at/20013573/article-detail.xml 20013573 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/webwheldon-indy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/webwheldon-indy.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[Project 56 taking DeltaWing IndyCar design to Le Mans in 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/09/project-56-taking-deltawing-indycar-design-to-le-mans-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/09/project-56-taking-deltawing-indycar-design-to-le-mans-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/09/project-56-taking-deltawing-indycar-design-to-le-mans-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , ,

DeltaWing
Click above to watch the video after the jump

Drivers sometimes switch between motor racing disciplines, but their cars themselves seldom do. Take, for example, Dan Gurney. The all-American racing driver won races in F1, Indy, NASCAR and Le Mans, to name just a few. Of course, he did it all in completely different types of machinery, but the latest initiative to bear his name looks set to make history in another way.

You may recall the radical DeltaWing concept from last year, when it was proposed as a potential new chassis for the IndyCar Series. The sleek aerodynamic shape - which we caught in person at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show - looks something like a cross between a Le Mans Prototype and a Land Speed Record car, embracing lightweight construction and low drag to achieve a new level of efficient performance.

In the end, officials opted to go with a more conventional and adaptable proposal from Dallara - the same Italian chassis constructor that builds the current cars, along with various racers for numerous other series. But the brain trust behind the DeltaWing project haven't given up. Far from it - they're simply taking their design to the 24 Hours of Le Mans instead.

The door was opened last year when the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO - the body that sanctions Le Mans) created a new category for experimental prototypes of another sort. The ACO wanted to foster innovation, so they created a 56th slot on the grid for a single entry that didn't comply to any of the existing LMP or GT regulations. That's the spot from which the DeltaWing hopes to start the race in 2012, and its designers have recruited a top team of talent to make it happen.

In addition to its own people, Dan Gurney's All American Racers has been brought on board, along with Panoz and Highcroft Racing, under the Project 56 banner. Discussions are reportedly underway to use Ford or Chevy power - fortunately the team has a year to get it all together. And when it does, it promises to be a sight to behold. Follow the jump for the full press release and to watch the video of the project underway.

Continue reading Project 56 taking DeltaWing IndyCar design to Le Mans in 2012

Project 56 taking DeltaWing IndyCar design to Le Mans in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 heurs du mans24 hours of le mansacoautomobile club de louestdelta wingdeltawingindyindycarindycar seriesle manslmpproject 56Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19962609/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/09/project-56-taking-deltawing-indycar-design-to-le-mans-in-2012/19962609/article-detail.xml 19962609 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/project56_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/project56.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 -1 2