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 tweaks race lengths, broadcast times]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/24/indycar-tweaks-race-lengths-broadcast-times/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/24/indycar-tweaks-race-lengths-broadcast-times/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/24/indycar-tweaks-race-lengths-broadcast-times/#commentsFiled under:



With a goal of making races more competitive and fan-friendly, the Izod IndyCar Series has made a few changes to its 2013 schedule. For fans, the starting times of the races have been tweaked in order to create more consistency, and for race teams, four of the races have had their lengths adjusted to make racing a priority over strategy, according to Speed TV.

Race-length changes include a shorter opening race in St. Petersburg, FL as well as Long Beach, CA (down 10 laps and five laps, respectively), while the Milwaukee and Mid-Ohio races have both been extended (up 25 laps and five laps, respectively). From the sound of it, the distance change will take fuel strategy out of the picture - or at least lessen its impact - and make teams drive hard the entire race. As for the scheduling change, the article states that with a more consistent green-flag time, it will be easier for viewers to watch on a regular basis.

Head over to Speed TV for a full breakdown of the 2013 IndyCar schedule.

Indycar tweaks race lengths, broadcast times originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 indycar schedule2013 indycar seriesindycarizod indycar seriesThu, 24 Jan 2013 08:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20435723/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/24/indycar-tweaks-race-lengths-broadcast-times/20435723/article-detail.xml 20435723 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/izod-indycar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/izod-indycar.jpg <![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[AJ Allmendinger completes 'Road to Recovery' program, reinstated by NASCAR]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/19/aj-allmendinger-completes-road-to-recovery-program-reinstated/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/19/aj-allmendinger-completes-road-to-recovery-program-reinstated/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/19/aj-allmendinger-completes-road-to-recovery-program-reinstated/#commentsFiled under:

NASCAR racer A.J. Allmendinger looking over his shoulder

AJ Allmendinger did the crime when he took a pill offered by a "buddy" that was found to contain an amphetamine banned by NASCAR, then he did the time - losing his Penske drive and spending roughly two months in a Road to Recovery program - and now he's earned his way back into NASCAR society. The sport's governing body reinstated Allmendinger on Tuesday, so now the ex-IndyCar and NASCAR driver is waiting to figure out where he's going to go.

Roger Penske has taken a very kind view of the situation, saying he's open to hiring Allmendinger again and that there's no reason Allmendinger shouldn't be an option for other teams in either series. The driver was Penske's guest at the IndyCar series final at California's Auto Club Speedway, but it was just a social call after six years away from open-wheeler paddock. Allmendinger says he has no idea where he'll end up yet, but as he notes, "I also don't want this to be the end of NASCAR. I don't want to leave like that. I don't want to feel like I failed."

AJ Allmendinger completes 'Road to Recovery' program, reinstated by NASCAR originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aj allmendingerallmendingeramphetamineindycarnascarpenskeroad to recoveryroger penskeWed, 19 Sep 2012 15:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20327011/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/19/aj-allmendinger-completes-road-to-recovery-program-reinstated/20327011/article-detail.xml 20327011 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/aj-allmendinger-looking-over-shoulder_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/aj-allmendinger-looking-over-shoulder.jpg <![CDATA[IndyCar finale sees Hunter-Reay victorious, Conway absent]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/indycar-finale-sees-hunter-reay-victorious-conway-absent/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/indycar-finale-sees-hunter-reay-victorious-conway-absent/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/indycar-finale-sees-hunter-reay-victorious-conway-absent/#commentsFiled under:



In the age-old argument between NASCAR and open-wheel racing, one of the main points of contention has been oval track versus road course. IndyCar happens to be at the cross-section of this debate, with one-third of its fifteen races run on oval tracks, including the season finale at Auto Club Speedway (formerly California Speedway).

Going into the race, Will Power carried a 17-point lead in the overall standings. The championship was his to lose, and lose it he did. While running in 12th place, Power "caught a seam," which sent the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske car into a barrier, and seemingly out of the race. The championship was now in the hands of Ryan Hunter-Reay, who needed to finish in sixth in order to claim the championship by just one point. The crash left Power helpless; the driver could only watch the race from his team's transporter and hope that Hunter-Reay would finish worse than sixth.

Ahead of Hunter-Reay was Tony Kanaan, who crashed on lap 241, resulting in a red flag. Upon the lap 244 restart, the 31-year-old Floridian was running in third, and lost two positions in those final laps. However, a crash by Takuma Sato ensured a 4th place finish for Hunter-Reay, and a three point lead in the final season standings. In winning Hunter-Reay became the first American to win the IndyCar Championship since Sam Hornish, Jr. in 2006.

Continue reading IndyCar finale sees Hunter-Reay victorious, Conway absent

IndyCar finale sees Hunter-Reay victorious, Conway absent originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto club speedwaycalifornia speedwayfontanaindycarmike conwayryan hunter-reaywade cunninghamwill powerMon, 17 Sep 2012 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20323619/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/17/indycar-finale-sees-hunter-reay-victorious-conway-absent/20323619/article-detail.xml 20323619 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/ryan-hunter-reay-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/ryan-hunter-reay-628.jpg <![CDATA[DeltaWing wants to be the 2014 Indy Lights chassis]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/12/deltawing-wants-to-be-the-2014-indy-lights-chassis/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/12/deltawing-wants-to-be-the-2014-indy-lights-chassis/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/12/deltawing-wants-to-be-the-2014-indy-lights-chassis/#commentsFiled under: , ,

DeltaWing

In May the Indy Lights series, the top feeder for IndyCar, put out an RFP from manufacturers interested in constructing a new chassis for 2014 to replace the 10-year-old Dallara currently in use.

According to reports, hands were raised by "five or six" companies that included Dallara, Mygale, Swift and Mugen. Also among the submisions, according to Racer Magazine, is the group behind the DeltaWing - sans Nissan, which was a collaboration specifically for Le Mans - composed of the designers, Dan Gurney's All American Racers, and Elan Motorsports Technologies (the home of Panoz). Remember, the DeltaWing was originally created as an IndyCar chassis proposal.

The DeltaWing would certainly fulfill part of the first requirement of the new Indy Lights chassis, that it have a "forward-thinking, sophisticated and exciting formula." The necessity for paddle shifting, upgraded data systems and alternative fuel considerations sounds easy enough but we don't know what alterations the car might need to satisfy some of the other specs, such as adaptability to the variety of circuits "with a minimum of facility-specific parts," the ability to fit a "broad spectrum of drivers and seating positions," and "improved aerodynamic performance that must also allow for enhanced sponsor placement opportunities on the car." Overall, Indy Lights authroities would like to acquire a manufacturer-badged engine and see top speeds bumped up a bit as well.

Not that the deadline for submissions has passed, the entries are being considered and it's said that a decision could come in the next two months.

DeltaWing wants to be the 2014 Indy Lights chassis originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Aug 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dallaradeltawingindy lightsindycarmotorsportsSun, 12 Aug 2012 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20298856/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/12/deltawing-wants-to-be-the-2014-indy-lights-chassis/20298856/article-detail.xml 20298856 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/deltawingindylights_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/deltawingindylights.jpg <![CDATA[Ryan Hunter-Reay explains his IndyCar's $25,000 steering wheel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/11/ryan-hunter-reay-explains-why-his-steering-wheel-costs-25-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/11/ryan-hunter-reay-explains-why-his-steering-wheel-costs-25-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/11/ryan-hunter-reay-explains-why-his-steering-wheel-costs-25-000/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

IndyCar steering wheel

Ever wondered why there are so many buttons on F1 and IndyCar steering wheels?

Road & Track decided to get the answers from a man who uses one every day: IndyCar points leader Ryan Hunter-Reay. The basic controls include a push-to-talk button that allows the driver to communicate with his crew, plus toggles for push-to-pass, water for the driver, and a pit-lane cruiser button that caps the IndyCar's speed. The latter is protected by a guard so it's not inadvertently activated, which happened to Hunter-Reay last year in Brazil.

Watch the video below to see Ryan Hunter-Reay explain the wheel to his race-winning ride.

Continue reading Ryan Hunter-Reay explains his IndyCar's $25,000 steering wheel

Ryan Hunter-Reay explains his IndyCar's $25,000 steering wheel originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Aug 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1 wheelindycarindycar wheeracing techsteering wheelSat, 11 Aug 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20297645/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/11/ryan-hunter-reay-explains-why-his-steering-wheel-costs-25-000/20297645/article-detail.xml 20297645 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/25k-wheel_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/25k-wheel.jpg <![CDATA[Is it time to replace catch fences on Indycar racetracks?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/05/is-it-time-to-replace-catch-fences-on-indycar-racetracks/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/05/is-it-time-to-replace-catch-fences-on-indycar-racetracks/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/05/is-it-time-to-replace-catch-fences-on-indycar-racetracks/#commentsFiled under: ,

IndyCar fence flower Dan Wheldon

There is a debate within the world of IndyCar as to whether a new and safer type of fencing should be installed at tracks - something less likely to injure a driver gone airborne than the catch fences and support posts used today. We characterize it as a "debate" but judging by the story in Autoweek, no one is against more safety - not drivers, not track owners, not IndyCar execs - but more importantly, no one knows who's going to kick in the $100 million dollars to get a project going.

You read that correctly: one of the doctors who worked on the SAFER barrier system estimates "it will cost $100 million to research, develop and install" either a hard barrier or an energy absorbing curtain around the necessary ovals. True, those are but two options, but in light of the physical realities and forces involved there aren't a whole lot of ways to go, and none of them might be any cheaper. Beyond that, IndyCar only uses five ovals and safely halting flying cars isn't a technology useful to NASCAR, both realities that impinge on the ability to amortize costs. A feasibility study alone is figured to cost $60,000, but the doctor's opinion is that it's not even worth starting the project if you don't know you'll get the money to finish it.

The CEO of IndyCar believes the track promoters should pay for the R&D, considering it just a part of making their facilities as safe as possible. There have been eight fatalities at oval tracks in the 34 years since CART (the predecessor to IndyCar that was absorbed by IndyCar) was established, six of those in the past 20 years but only two of the total were fence-related. Several parties consider that lucky, and that we're only waiting for it to happen again. On the other hand, Eddie Gossage, who owns the Texas oval, said the financials don't support him spending up to $20 million - it would make more sense just to give up the race - and he believes it should be IndyCar that pays.

Gossage said that in 33 years no one ever expressed concern to him over the fencing before Dan Wheldon's death last year. That doesn't mean it shouldn't be a concern now, but racing is dangerous and everyone knows it, and everyone also knows racing is a business and the bottom line is ultimately incompatible with the pricelessness of human life. Where is the middle ground and who'll be standing there if and when it's found is a question that's a long way from an answer.

Is it time to replace catch fences on Indycar racetracks? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Aug 2012 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cartdan wheldonindycarmotorsportsoval tracksSAFER barriersafetySun, 05 Aug 2012 11:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20290894/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/05/is-it-time-to-replace-catch-fences-on-indycar-racetracks/20290894/article-detail.xml 20290894 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/indycar-fence-wheldon-flower_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/indycar-fence-wheldon-flower.jpg <![CDATA[FIA bans former F1, IndyCar driver Tomáš Enge for failed drug test]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/04/fia-bans-former-f1-indycar-driver-tomas-enge-for-failed-drug-te/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/04/fia-bans-former-f1-indycar-driver-tomas-enge-for-failed-drug-te/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/04/fia-bans-former-f1-indycar-driver-tomas-enge-for-failed-drug-te/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tomas Enge, race driver

Just a week after NASCAR took away AJ Allmendinger's keys indefinitely, the result of a failed drug test, Motorsport.com is reporting that the FIA has sidelined Tomáš Enge for a similar infraction. Enge also failed a recent drug test, earning an 18-month ban from racing for what would be his second such infraction.

Back in 2002, Enge finished the Formula 3000 season atop the standings, but had his title stripped after testing positive for marijuana use. According to the report, Enge denies that he's back on the drug, saying that he has chronic health problems and has asked the FIA for an exemption from its drug testing rules for medications related to his cardiovascular problems. Enge intends to fight the suspension in the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland.

Most recently, Enge has been racing in the GT1 sports car series, though he drove in Formula One in 2001 and raced in IndyCar during the 2005 season. His greatest successes have come behind the wheel of sports cars, earning a class victory in the 2003 24 Hours of Le Mans behind the wheel of a Ferrari and winning the 2009 European Le Mans Series LMP1 championship driving an Aston Martin.

FIA bans former F1, IndyCar driver Tomáš Enge for failed drug test originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Aug 2012 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drug suspensiondrug testdrug testingengefailed drug testfederation internationale de lautomobilefiaindycarle manstomas engeSat, 04 Aug 2012 15:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20293026/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/04/fia-bans-former-f1-indycar-driver-tomas-enge-for-failed-drug-te/20293026/article-detail.xml 20293026 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/tomas-enge-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/tomas-enge-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Feds vote to continue military advertising in NASCAR]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/22/feds-vote-to-continue-military-advertising-in-nascar/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/22/feds-vote-to-continue-military-advertising-in-nascar/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/22/feds-vote-to-continue-military-advertising-in-nascar/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Dale Earnhardt Jr. National Guard

Shortly after the Army National Guard halted sponsorship of Stewart-Haas Racing, which fields teams for Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to allow the military to continue using funds to advertise in sports, including NASCAR.

Reps. Jack Kingston, R-Ga., and Betty McCollum, D-Minn., sought to cut over $72 million from the defense budget in 2013, which would have ended sponsorship deals the military holds with NASCAR, IndyCar and National Hot Rod Association drag racing. The cuts would also have affected Ultimate Fighting Championship and bass fishing sponsorships.

Perhaps it's not surprising that major opposition to the plan came from representatives of North Carolina, Florida and Mississippi, hotbeds of NASCAR activity. In addition, a joint letter opposing the move was submitted by NASCAR, the IZOD IndyCar series, Major League Baseball, the National Football League and the National Basketball Association.

Ultimately, it appears that military advertisements at sporting events won't be going away in the foreseeable future.

Feds vote to continue military advertising in NASCAR originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Jul 2012 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dale Earnhardt Jr.defense budgetindycarmilitarymilitary spendingmilitary sponsorshipnascarnational guardnhraSun, 22 Jul 2012 14:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20281884/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/22/feds-vote-to-continue-military-advertising-in-nascar/20281884/article-detail.xml 20281884 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/dale-earnhardt-jr-national-guard_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/dale-earnhardt-jr-national-guard.jpg <![CDATA[China's IndyCar race cancelled due to... beer festival?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/chinas-indycar-race-cancelled-due-to-beer-festival/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/chinas-indycar-race-cancelled-due-to-beer-festival/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/chinas-indycar-race-cancelled-due-to-beer-festival/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Indycar series logoIn China, as in most countries, drinking and driving don't mix. Not even when the driving is done by professional IndyCar drivers and the drinking is done miles away at a sanctioned beer festival.

Qingdao, China, announced in November that it was to host its first IndyCar race on August 19. The date was apparently chosen intentionally to coincide with the city's annual International Beer Festival.

But in March, the city elected a new mayor, and the new official apparently doesn't find any merit in the idea of holding two huge events concurrently, so he promptly cancelled the less important event. That would be the IndyCar race, of course. In his defense, Qingdao is the hometown of the Tsingtao Brewery and has held their beer fest the same weekend since 1991.

IndyCar Series CEO Randy Bernard now must find a replacement date for the race and there is speculation that a second date at Texas Motor Speedway on Oct. 7 is among the possibilities. That could work out better, seeing as how Dallas-Fort Worth had its beer festival back in April. Wherever the replacement race is run, it will be the final race of the season.

Bernard tells Sports Illustrated, "I don't think we need a decision right this minute," he said. "When we do it, we need to do it right and make sure it's the best fit for the series and the schedule and the championship race."

China's IndyCar race cancelled due to... beer festival? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beer festbeer festivalchinachina+indycar+racechinaindycarraceindycarindycar seriesindycar+chinaindycarchinaqindao international beer festivalqingdaorandy bernardThu, 14 Jun 2012 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20258415/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/14/chinas-indycar-race-cancelled-due-to-beer-festival/20258415/article-detail.xml 20258415 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/indycar-logo-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/indycar-logo-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Penske says racing surface "easy to fix" for 2013 Detroit Grand Prix]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/06/penske-says-racing-surface-easy-to-fix-for-2013-detroit-grand/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/06/penske-says-racing-surface-easy-to-fix-for-2013-detroit-grand/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/06/penske-says-racing-surface-easy-to-fix-for-2013-detroit-grand/#commentsFiled under: ,



What else could Roger Penske say? As the promoter and most public face of the Detroit Grand Prix, what else could the man do besides promise that the miserable track surface will be fixed before next year's race? Oh yeah, he could have made sure that the Belle Isle circuit was properly prepared for last weekend's event, which most certainly did not happen.

What was supposed to be the triumphant return of open wheel racing to the streets of the Motor City turned into a near calamity - and a very public and high-profile reminder of the crumbling infrastructure in Detroit and the rest of cash-strapped Michigan - when synthetic rubber patching came loose from the road surface, delaying and shortening the race. Penske told Mlive.com that the race officials had anticipated the situation, but their pre-race preparation "wasn't enough," continuing to say that, "we'll address that in 2013."

According to the report, James Hinchcliffe, the driver that crashed after hitting a piece of debris from the crumbling road described the race as akin to "playing Russian Roulette." Penske was partial to another analogy, comparing the delayed race to a rain delayed baseball game.

Except that nobody needlessly risks their life when the grounds crew gets out the tarp.

Penske says racing surface "easy to fix" for 2013 Detroit Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 detroit belle isle grand prixbelle islebelle isle grand prixdetroitdetroit grand prixindycarindycar seriesjames hinchcliffemotorsportspenskeroger penskeWed, 06 Jun 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20252917/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/06/penske-says-racing-surface-easy-to-fix-for-2013-detroit-grand/20252917/article-detail.xml 20252917 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/grandprix628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/grandprix628opt.jpg <![CDATA[IndyCar's return to Detroit's Belle Isle Grand Prix comes apart at the seams [SPOILERS]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/04/indycars-return-to-detroits-belle-isle-grand-prix-comes-apart/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/04/indycars-return-to-detroits-belle-isle-grand-prix-comes-apart/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/04/indycars-return-to-detroits-belle-isle-grand-prix-comes-apart/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix - pavement separation

After a three-year hiatus, IndyCar racing finally made its return to Detroit this weekend. But after only five laps, things started to fall apart - literally - for Belle Isle's big race.

Now, any Michigan native - or anyone who has spent enough time here - will tell you that this state isn't exactly renowned for its immaculate road surfaces. And because the Belle Isle circuit sat unused for the past three years (aside from its day-to-day duties as a public road on Detroit's island park), cracks and potholes were present along the entire race surface. Before the weekend's events took place, road crews used synthetic rubber to fill the cracks and dips, but as you can see from the photo above, the patch job wasn't good enough. As the racers lapped the patched pavement at high speed, it began to break loose to dangerous effect.

Autoblog was present at the race, seated trackside between Turn Nine and Turn Ten - the latter of which being one of the corners where the synthetic rubber patching started to come apart. Huge chunks of the rubber would break off and scatter across the track, and in one case, a car kicked up a piece of the asphalt with such force that it flew over the safety fences and landed on the roof of a nearby chalet.

As the race went on, we cringed while watching the cars speed over the broken pavement, wondering how long it would be before track officials would declare the conditions unsafe, or worse, how long it would be until a driver lost control over the broken pavement and went off the course... which is exactly what happened.

Continue reading IndyCar's return to Detroit's Belle Isle Grand Prix comes apart at the seams [SPOILERS]

IndyCar's return to Detroit's Belle Isle Grand Prix comes apart at the seams [SPOILERS] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 detroit belle isle grand prixbele islebelle isle grand prixdetroit grand prixindycarindycar seriesmotorsportsMon, 04 Jun 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20250423/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/04/indycars-return-to-detroits-belle-isle-grand-prix-comes-apart/20250423/article-detail.xml 20250423 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/02-2012-detroit-belle-isle-grand-prix628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/02-2012-detroit-belle-isle-grand-prix628opt.jpg <![CDATA[IndyCar rules in favor of Honda, against Chevy, in turbocharger dispute]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/indycar-rules-in-favor-of-honda-against-chevy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/indycar-rules-in-favor-of-honda-against-chevy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/indycar-rules-in-favor-of-honda-against-chevy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Honda IndyCar

Borg-Warner makes the turbos for all three IndyCar engine suppliers, Chevrolet, Honda and Lotus, but the engine makers provide two compressor shrouds of their own design for homolgation by the series. Honda's singe-turbo engine is down on power compared to Chevrolet's and Lotus' twin-turbo motors, and Chevrolet has won all every race so far and taken all pole positions this season. Honda had a new shroud ready for the Long Beach GP and IndyCar allowed the change, but Chevy protested so Honda wasn't permitted to make the switch.

A three-man panel was selected to hear Chevy's appeal, and their verdict in favor of Honda means that the Japanese automaker was permitted to swap the shroud before this weekend's São Paulo race. The new shroud is said to be worth 10 to 15 more horsepower, but in the end, Chevrolet-powered racers managed to finish in seven of the top 10 positions.

Chevy had been contesting the ability to make an engine change at this point in the season, when there are no constant-parity clauses in the regulations and IndyCar has an agreed date in mid-June for such alterations to create parity. Honda's argument was that an agreement in 2010 that was meant to prevent turbo wars does allow the change it sought to make. The panel supported Honda's interpretation of the parity argument.

Chevy has said it will not appeal the decision. Now it's up to the Honda-powered drivers fitted with the new 0.74 A/R compressor cover to show they can do better than second place.

IndyCar rules in favor of Honda, against Chevy, in turbocharger dispute originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevrolethondaindycarlotusmotorsportsMon, 30 Apr 2012 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20226436/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/30/indycar-rules-in-favor-of-honda-against-chevy/20226436/article-detail.xml 20226436 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/honda-indycar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/honda-indycar.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy to yank all 11 Indycar engines after testing failure, controversy ensues]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/13/chevy-to-yank-all-11-indycar-engines-after-testing-failure-cont/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/13/chevy-to-yank-all-11-indycar-engines-after-testing-failure-cont/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/13/chevy-to-yank-all-11-indycar-engines-after-testing-failure-cont/#commentsFiled under: , ,

James Hinchcliffe's GoDaddy.com-liveried 2012 IndyCar

The Associated Press reports General Motors has pulled all 11 Chevrolet IndyCar engines from testing after racer James Hinchcliffe blew one during testing at Sonoma. GM evidently was concerned enough about the 10 other engines having similar problems that it decided to swap them all and face the resulting sanctions.

Under IndyCar's current rules, Hinchcliffe, driver of the GoDaddy.com will be penalized for the failure despite the fact that it had nothing to do with the driver. IndyCar prohibits engine changes until the units have reached a minimum of 1,200 miles, a figure that is set to jump to 1,850 miles after this weekend. IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard, meanwhile, maintains that the rule is meant to reduce costs for teams. He also pointed out that both Honda and Lotus have received similar penalties this season. But that hasn't stopped some from grumbling about the rules.

Until this point, Chevrolet has done exceedingly well this season, nabbing the first two poles and taking a victory at the season-opening race. The company currently holds the lead in the manufacturer's title with 18 points - six points ahead of Honda.

Hinchcliffe, meanwhile, says he's excited about the challenge that the engine swap presents. He, along with a smattering of other racers, will now start at the back of the pack, and Indycar's rulemakers have themselves a new controversy to contend with.

Chevy to yank all 11 Indycar engines after testing failure, controversy ensues originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet indycarchevrolet indycar enginehinchcliffeindycarindycar enginejames hinchcliffeFri, 13 Apr 2012 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20215254/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/13/chevy-to-yank-all-11-indycar-engines-after-testing-failure-cont/20215254/article-detail.xml 20215254 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/james-hinchcliffe-indycar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/james-hinchcliffe-indycar.jpg <![CDATA[Rubens Barrichello shifting from F1 to Indy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/02/rubens-barrichello-shifting-from-f1-to-indy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/02/rubens-barrichello-shifting-from-f1-to-indy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/02/rubens-barrichello-shifting-from-f1-to-indy/#commentsFiled under: ,

Rubens Barrichello and Tony Kanaan join KV Racing

Rubens Barrichello may be down, but he most definitely is not out.

The Brazilian driver - a longtime teammate of Michael Schumacher in the Ferrari glory days - has been on the Formula One grid since his fallen countryman Ayrton Senna was still with us, but in the end, he was replaced at Williams by Ayrton's nephew Bruno, effectively ending his F1 career. But while his grand prix racing days may be behind him, Rubinho still has too much talent to simply vanish into retirement.

So where is he going? To IndyCar, following a similar path taken by former masters like Mansell, Fittipaldi and Andretti, but also by contemporary pilots Takuma Sato, Sebastien Bourdais and Jean Alesi. We've been anticipating the move since January when Barrichello was lining up for a test drive with KV Racing, and now the two racing stalwarts have reportedly sealed the deal.

While Rubens had previously considered racing just the road course and street circuit races on the Indy calendar in deference to his wife's reported concerns over oval-track safety, he will, in the end, contest all sixteen races this year, including the Indianapolis 500 and the four other speedways on what was once a calendar dominated by oval racing.

The signing of a multiple grand prix winner like Barrichello stands as a coup for American open-wheel racing, which has been clawing its way back into relevance after the rift between CART and Indy was repaired, attracting more automakers to supply engines for a new Dallara chassis. Rubens will be partnered at KV Racing - the team owned by former Champ Car chief Kevin Kalkhoven and former Indy champion Jimmy Vasser - by longtime friend and race winner Tony Kanaan (with whom he is pictured above at the press conference) and Venezuelan driver EJ Viso. Follow the jump for the official announcement.

Continue reading Rubens Barrichello shifting from F1 to Indy

Rubens Barrichello shifting from F1 to Indy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barrichelloindy carindycarizod indycar serieskvkv racingkv racing tecnologiesrubens barrichellotony kanaanFri, 02 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20184038/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/02/rubens-barrichello-shifting-from-f1-to-indy/20184038/article-detail.xml 20184038 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/brazilindycarbarrichello.4a427fbe2e1744779f0d4ed9a1f5530b_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/brazilindycarbarrichello.4a427fbe2e1744779f0d4ed9a1f5530b.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[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[Official report concludes Dan Wheldon's death a "chance" accident]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/16/official-report-concludes-dan-wheldons-death-a-chance-acciden/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/16/official-report-concludes-dan-wheldons-death-a-chance-acciden/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/16/official-report-concludes-dan-wheldons-death-a-chance-acciden/#commentsFiled under: ,

Indy car field post Dan Wheldon crash

The official IndyCar accident review has been released concerning Dan Wheldon's fatal crash at Las Vegas earlier this year. Although Wheldon's head coming into contact with a fence support post was ruled the specific cause of his death, the verdict on the context of the accident is that "multiple factors that are not uncommon to racing that came together in a way that claimed Dan's life."

Two days of safety testing had been conducted at the Vegas speedway, but drivers still knew it could be a "hairy" race. The size of the track allowed for a huge field of 34 cars, and the particular geometry of the track not only allowed high speeds, it also meant that there were no 'racing grooves' that would channel the cars into some kind of order. That meant ''nearly unlimited movement on the track surface under race conditions." The ability for drivers to race just about anywhere the banked oval also meant it would be hard for drivers to know where everyone else was, meaning it was problematic to identify any predictable route to safety without standard racing lines.

Wheldon's car wasn't the only one to go airborne, nor was it the only one to impact the fence above the SAFER barriers. It just so happened, however, that his cockpit was turned toward the fence as it impacted. The report's conclusion was that "While several factors coincided to produce a 'perfect storm,' none of them can be singled out as the sole cause of the accident. For this reason, it is impossible to determine with certainty that the result would have been any different if one or more of the factors did not exist."

IndyCar will not return to Las Vegas next year, but more testing will be conducted at the track for a potential return in 2013. Additionally, the Dallara chassis entering the series next year has been engineered to address issues with wheel-to-wheel contact.

Official report concludes Dan Wheldon's death a "chance" accident originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Newman-Haas Racing

Storied racing team Newman-Haas has officially closed up shop. Despite finishing fourth in Indycar's overall driver standings in 2011, the team reportedly couldn't find the sponsorship necessary to continue operations. Founded in 1982 by actor Paul Newman and Carl Haas, the team racked up 107 wins and a total of eight championships. Legendary names like Mario and Michael Andretti and Christian Fittipaldi all spent time in the cockpit of Newman-Haas racecars. Despite a long and successful history, the team never managed to grab an Indianapolis 500 victory.

In a brief statement on the team's website, Haas said, "The economic climate no longer enables Newman/Haas Racing to participate in open wheel racing at this time."

Newman passed away in 2008, and Haas is said to be in poor health at the moment. Even so, the operation remained strong and likely could have continued to score wins well into the future with the proper funding. The loss of the team surprised many and will likely be a major blow to the IndyCar series moving forward.

Newman-Haas closing doors after nearly 30 years of racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carl haashaasindycarnewmannewman haasnewman-haasnewman-haas closedpaul newmanMon, 05 Dec 2011 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20120818/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/05/newman-haas-closing-doors-after-nearly-30-years-of-racing/20120818/article-detail.xml 20120818 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/newman-haas-racing-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/newman-haas-racing-628.jpg -1 2