The Homestead-Miami Speedway Engine Blog

April 7, 2010

Biffle Looks to Continue Top 10 Streak: Three-time Ford 400 winner at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Greg Biffle, is heading to Phoenix with hopes of continuing his impressive streak.  Biffle - also crowned NASCAR Nationwide Series Champion at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2002 - is the only Sprint Cup Series driver to record Top 10 finishes in every race this season.  Biffle currently sits in second place in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series standings, trailing Jimmie Johnson by 14 points.

GRAND-AM Icon Plans on Homestead-Miami Two-Step:  Cape Motorsports and Wayne Taylor Racing have formed a partnership to field a Firestone Indy Lights entry for the 2010 Indy Lights Series season which will culminate at Homestead-Miami Speedway Oct. 1-2.

Three-time sports car champion Wayne Taylor is an accomplished driver, having won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Rolex 24 At Daytona (twice) and the 12 Hours of Sebring. In addition to the Indy Lights effort, Taylor owns the SunTrust Racing team which competes in the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series.  The SunTrust team was in action at Homestead-Miami Speedway during the Grand Prix of Miami March 6.  Having retired from full-time racing, he now focuses on running his successful racing organization.

Cape Motorsports' co-owner Dominic Cape will be responsible for assuming the task of chief engineer for the team. Working with his brother and co-owner Nicholas, Cape Motorsports have won multiple championships in the USF2000, IMSA Lites and Cooper Tires Series and worked with drivers such as Ricky Taylor, Dane Cameron, J.R. Hildebrand, South Florida's Jay Howard, Wade Cunningham and Kasey Kahne.

In 2007, the brothers engineered Andersen Racing's Firestone Indy Lights program, winning a race with  Hildebrand. The Capes also have experience in the GRAND AM Rolex Sports Car Series in the top-tier Daytona Prototype class.

Support for the program will come from Wayne Taylor Racing which is led by motorsports veteran Simon Hodgson. Hodgson, who joined the team in 2007, has a vast experience in open-wheel racing, including working with Formula 1 teams like Lotus, McLaren on a sports car project, as well as with Target Chip Ganassi Racing as team manager. In his role as team manager, Hodgson won championships with racing greats Alex Zanardi and South Florida resident Juan Pablo Montoya.

March 22-28, 2010

Homestead- Miami Speedway Engine Blog

NASCAR’s Ford Championship Weekend - Nov. 19-21 at Homestead-Miami Speedway

Spoiler Alert; Dale Jr. Bites His Tongue; Montoya Honored

“I feel like it’s a change, something that’s to the betterment of the sport to try to make these cars a little bit better.”

Fans can expect one big change during NASCAR’s Ford Championship Weekend Nov. 19-21: NASCAR has decided to do away with the rear wing and replace it with the old spoiler.

“We want to run better, but you need to make the bad days the best you can if you want to make the Chase and have a shot at a Championship.”

Kyle Busch, crowned the 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series Champion at Homestead-Miami Speedway last fall, certainly sounds ready to challenge for another title—or two—at Homestead-Miami Speedway during Ford Championship Weekend Nov.19- 21. This time, he wants to add the NASCAR Sprint Cup trophy to his collection…
 
“Man, it’s hard to bite your tongue. It’s hard to sit there and just take it and not show any emotion.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. should have reason to feel good after a strong seventh-place finish at Bristol. The result is he enters Martinsville sitting eighth in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship standings, which culminate at Homestead-Miami Speedway Nov. 21. Despite his highest Championship position since the end of 2008, Earnhardt was angry following the race at Bristol even after appearing on Disney’s “Handy Manny”….

"Connie and I started this foundation years ago with the hope of changing a few lives and to see it grow into what it is today is just amazing."

South Florida resident Juan Pablo Montoya does MTV in recognition of his work with his Formula Smiles Foundation. Formula Smiles was the beneficiary of a unique opportunity for fans during NASCAR’s Ford Championship Weekend last November and plans are being made to continue this program when NASCAR crowns its Champions Nov. 19-21 at Homestead-Miami Speedway….

All three of NASCAR’s premier racing series—the Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series—again will crown Champion during Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway (Nov. 19-21). For ticket information, stay tuned to THEChampionshipTrack.com or call toll free (866) 409-RACE.

IndyCar Championship Weekend - Oct. 1-2 at Homestead-Miami Speedway

Helio Moved by Support; Graham Slam; Fans Scooting to Miami?

“I can’t believe I’m here."

South Florida-resident Helio Castroneves reflects on missing last year’s season opener at St. Pete and predicts the winner for this season’s “Dancing with The Stars.” Castroneves and the rest of the IndyCar field will resume the pursuit for fall glory in Miami in Race 2 with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

“I’ve been riding KYMCO scooters since they partnered with the IZOD IndyCar Series last year and have really enjoyed them. I’m excited to help make this promotion happen and get more involved with the fans.”

Boca Raton-native Ryan Hunter-Reay, in conjunction with the IZOD Indy Car Series and KYMCO USA, will launch a promotion that will give fans an opportunity to attend the IndyCar Series Championships at Homestead-Miami Oct. 1-2.

"So when the opportunity came from Sarah, I just had to jump right at it."

Graham Rahal, the youngest winner (age 19) in IZOD IndyCar Series history, will make his 2010 debut at St. Petersburg and hopes to run more races for Sarah Fisher Racing, including perhaps the IndyCar Championship finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway Oct. 1-2.

“I have always been attracted to racing in America.”

South Florida-resident Mario Romancini will have a full-time teammate at Conquest Racing. After winning the Firestone Indy 100 during IndyCar Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway last fall, Romancini and Conquest Racing will compete in the IZOD IndyCar Series Championship finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway (Oct. 2).

This fall, IndyCar again will crown the Champions of both the IZOD IndyCar and Firestone Indy Lights Series at Homestead-Miami Speedway (Oct. 1-2). For ticket information, stay tuned to  THEChampionshipTrack.com or call toll free (866) 409-RACE.

March 23, 2010

South Florida Resident Montoya tops new spoiler test: Juan Pablo Montoya emerged at the top of the timesheet as NASCAR Sprint Cup teams completed the first of a two-day spoiler test at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The South Floridian resident set the pace at the wheel of his Earnhardt Ganassi Racing Chevrolet with a lap of 29.036 seconds at an average speed of 185.976 mph, posted in the morning when the track temperature was at its coolest of the day.

“The test is helping us to learn more about the handling of the race car with the new spoiler and also it’s like a normal track test session for us,” said Montoya. “The cars are a lot slower in traffic with the spoiler but aside from that it handles pretty much the same. We’ll use the information we’ve gathered for a little bit of everything including the upcoming races at Charlotte.”

Teams experimented with what is expected to be the new aero package for the majority of tracks, all running the new rear spoiler and left-side deck lid and window fins, aimed at keeping cars from getting airborne.

According to NASCAR's vice president of competition, Robin Pemberton, teams were allowed to play with the length of the deck lid, starting with a minimum of 17 inches, while the dimensions on the shark fin on the rear window and the spoiler are fixed.

The squads on track also tested with different gearing, running shorter ratios in the afternoon to try to compensate the loss of rpm coming from the increased drag generated by the new spoiler.

Richard Petty's Paul Menard topped the afternoon session in his #98 Ford, followed by Montoya, Stewart Haas's Ryan Newman, EGR's Jamie McMurray and reigning champion Jimmie Johnson.

March 15-19, 2010

Homestead- Miami Speedway Engine Blog

NASCAR’s Ford Championship Weekend - Nov. 19-21 at Homestead-Miami Speedway

Boys to “have at it” at Bristol; “Pushing” Dale Jr.; Danica’s seat-warmer

"That's a sign to [Carl Edwards] and everyone else that that's not going to work on me.”

Brad Keselowski’s gloves certainly are off, as evidenced by his tangle with Carl Edwards in early March at Atlanta. Homestead-Miami guests will recall that Keselowski was involved with Denny Hamlin in a similar feud last year in Miami during Ford Championship Weekend. And the driver of the No. 12 refuses to back down….

And while NASCAR chose not to suspend Edwards for sending Keselowski airborne, one noted media outlet had the NHL doing so….

“We've been competitive three out of the four races so far this year, and the race we weren't as competitive as the others was our best finish. That's what a Championship team does.”

Kurt Busch, the 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion, certainly sounds ready to challenge for another title at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 21. Sitting Top 10 in the Sprint Cup standings after his win at Atlanta, Busch recently attributed his success to team changes in the offseason….

“Everybody was so caught up in what the 88 [of Dale Earnhardt Jr.] was doing, they forgot to mention that I was the one that was pushing the 88.”

Zephyrhills, Fla.-native David Reutimann is eyeing the Chase spot that just eluded him last fall. The Michael Waltrip Racing drive is hoping to build on the momentum from a Top 5 in the season-opening Daytona 500 en route to Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway (Nov. 19-21)….

“I feel like we're one of the trucks that everyone knows they're going to have to race for the win."

Tampa resident Aric Almirola is picking up where the departed Kyle Busch left off in the No. 51 Billy Ballew truck in the Camping World Truck Series. The Cuban-American has three Top 3 finishes in his past six starts and became just the 25th driver to log a Top 5 finish in his Truck debut. The Camping World Truck Series will crown its 2010 Champion on Friday night, Nov. 19, at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and all kids 12 and under will be admitted FREE of charge....

“I remember when I was 16 years old, a couple of times [my dad] held up a glass of water. He’d say: ‘You’re still not earning this. What can we do?’”

Former Miami resident Max Papis is proving that persistence pays off in his pursuit of success in NASCAR’s top series. An IndyCar winner at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2000, the native of Italy turned a chance conversation with a top GEICO executive into a ride with Germain Racing….

Danica Patrick will double down at Homestead-Miami Speedway this fall, scheduled to race both IndyCar Championship Weekend (Oct. 1-2) and NASCAR’s Ford Championship Weekend (Nov. 19-21). While she turns her primary focus to IndyCar during the summer stretch, her No. 7 Nationwide ride is in the hands of Scott Wimmer, who won the 2002 Nationwide race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The No. 7—currently 35th in owner points – must enter every race and be in the Top 30 in owner’s points for Patrick to be guaranteed a spot on track when she returns to the car in June at New Hampshire.

All three of NASCAR’s premier racing series—the Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series—again will crown Champion during Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway (Nov. 19-21). For ticket information, stay tuned to THEChampionshipTrack.com or call toll free (866) 409-RACE.

IndyCar Championship Weekend - Oct. 1-2 at Homestead-Miami Speedway

Bad blood out of Brazil; South Florida’s open-wheelers in the news

“If you have any common sense, you're not going to stay flat [on the throttle] if you can't see the car ahead of you."

South Beach-resident Marco Andretti didn’t bite his tongue after tangling in the IZOD IndyCar season opener in Brazil with fellow South Florida-resident Mario Moraes. Those who watched the 2009 Indy 500 will note that this was tussle No. 2 for the Andretti and Moraes, who recently re-signed with KV Racing Technology….

“Making sure that the seat is available and that they are waiting for you, it makes a big difference on recovery."

Miami resident Vitor Meira scored a third-place finish in his home country of Brazil in IndyCar’s opener, which has some considering Meira and A.J. Foyt Racing as potential contenders for the 2010 Championship to be crowned Oct. 2 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Scoring a Top 3 in Sao Paulo is a big leap for Meira after his horrific crash with fellow Miami-resident Rafa Matos at last summer’s Indy 500….

"We were making passes happen. Then when the rain started, not everyone came in right away, and we gambled on staying out. I mean, you've got to try and win the race."

Danica Patrick, racing’s busiest driver, is optimistic about the upcoming IndyCar Series season, despite a 15th-place finish in Brazil. Patrick is scheduled to race twice in Miami this fall, both during IndyCar Championship Weekend (Oct. 1-2) and NASCAR’s Ford Championship Weekend (Nov. 19-21)….
 

“Racing is the only sport where female athletes compete in absolutely the same field as the men, they race on exactly the same tracks, the same cars."

Terry Angstadt, president of the IZOD IndyCar Series commercial division, is proud of his series making history with four women starting the race in Brazil. The last time three women shared the grid was in Miami last year, when Patrick, Sarah Fisher and Milka Duno competed at Homestead-Miami Speedway, again host to the IndyCar Series Championship this fall (Oct. 2).

This fall, the IZOD IndyCar Series Champion again will be crowned at Homestead-Miami, on Oct. 2. For ticket information, stay tuned to THEChampionshipTrack.com or call toll free (866) 409-RACE.

Click  here for Engine Blog ArchivesMarch 16, 2010

VERSUS, DirectTV Reach Deal on Airing IndyCar Races: The VERSUS network, has reached an agreement with Comcast-owned DirectTV for the satellite network to resume carrying the sports channel.  Comcast dropped VERSUS last fall after the two sides couldn't agree on a proposed rate hike and it cost the series a significant audience share for the IndyCar races.

New IndyCar Series CEO Randy Bernard issued a statement today thanking the executives at both Comcast and DirectTV for "working diligently to get this deal done.''

"Everybody wins - DIRECTV, VERSUS and most importantly the fans of the Indy Racing League,'' Bernard said. The IndyCar series is currently in the second year of a 10-year deal with VERSUS.

VERSUS is re-aired the Sao Paulo 300 Monday - won by Team Penske driver Will Power - and will broadcast 11 of the remaining 16 races. The series next moves to St. Petersburg, Fla. for the March 28 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, which will be broadcast by ABC.

The Indy Racing League, the sanctioning body for the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights, issued the following statement from its Chief Executive Officer Randy Bernard regarding the carriage agreement reached today between VERSUS and DIRECTV:

"I would like to thank Derek Chang (executive vice president of content strategy and development of DIRECTV) along with Jamie Davis (VERSUS president) for working diligently to getting this deal done. Everyone wins - DIRECTV, VERSUS and most importantly the fans of the Indy Racing League."
VERSUS is the cable home to the IZOD IndyCar Series, broadcasting 12 races this season.  A re-airing of Sunday's season-opening IZOD IndyCar Series event - the season opening Sao Paulo Indy 300 - will air tonight at 10 p.m. EDT on VERSUS.

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March 12, 2010

AJ Allmendinger Keeping It Old School With Kart Races at Homestead-Miami Speedway: While many in the NASCAR community are enjoying an off weekend, AJ Allmendinger is using it to do what he loves. Race.

Allmendinger, who finished a season-high sixth place last weekend, will return to karting action this weekend as he races at Homestead-Miami Speedway’s kart track for the third and final round of the Championship Karting International Florida Cup presented by Supertune USA and DeFrancesco Racing  at the Homestead Karting Complex.

There is a lot of competition on deck, as drivers will compete in  KF2, KF3, CKI TaG Senior, TaG Masters and the Rotax divisions of Rotax Senior, Junior, Mini Max and Masters. AJ  will be competing this weekend with J3 Competition aboard a Kosmic chassis in the Rotax Senior division.

“We will probably get our (butts) handed to us, but it should be a good weekend for us in terms of benchmarking the kart and seeing where we are with it,” said Allmendinger after the first practice session. “There is a lot of very good competition here. It’s great to be working with (former Paul Tracy Karting) Tim Pappas again, and we are just doing it old school this weekend, just like the old days with just a handful of us here to work on the kart and  have a good time.”

Indeed, the opening session of the weekend saw AJ over one second off (“...which is FOREVER in karts...” he added) the initial pace. He tweeted that he is hoping to get the carburetors dialed into the humid conditions.

AJ Allmendinger will be back in NASCAR Sprint Cup action at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 21 in the No. 43 Ford Fusion for Richard Petty Motorsports - and will return for Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway Nov. 19-21.

Rahal to drive at St. Pete for Fisher's team: Graham Rahal missed the IZOD IndyCar Series opener in 2008 because of a crash during an Open Test at Homestead-Miami Speedway a week earlier. He went on to win in his series debut in the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

Rahal also will miss the opener -- the Sao Paul Indy 300 in Brazil -- but will compete on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla., on March 28.

In partnership with Dollar General, Sarah Fisher Racing announced that Rahal will drive the No. 67 car in the race. In addition to becoming the youngest winner in major open-wheel racing history in '08, he started from the pole in '09.

"We are all very enthusiastic about having Graham in the seat for the two road course races that start off our season," said Fisher, whose 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series schedule includes all the domestic oval races. "He has incredible talent. When it was brought to my attention that he was available, I reached out to Dollar General, who was in full support of our decision to give Graham the opportunity."

Rahal competed with Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing the past two seasons.

"Sarah has clearly done an impressive job building Sarah Fisher Racing and I really thank her, the team and Dollar General for this opportunity to compete in St. Pete and at Barber Motorsports Park," Rahal said. "I can't wait to get behind the wheel of the Dollar General No. 67 car and hopefully contribute to the success of SFR."

In the first appearance of the Dollar General car without Fisher behind the wheel, Dollar General's support of SFR remains strong.

"Dollar General would like to welcome Graham to our racing family," said Rick Dreiling, Dollar General's chairman and CEO. "We look forward to supporting him and cheering him on in the Dollar General No. 67 Honda."

March 11, 2010

Miami's Moraes returns to KV Racing Technology for full season: Mario Moraes will drive the No. 32 Banco Panamericano-KV Racing Technology entry on the streets of São Paulo and will continue in the car for the remainder of the season.

"It has been a long time waiting, but I'm pleased that I have this opportunity," said Moraes, a native of Sao Paulo who will join Takuma Sato (No. 5 car) and E.J. Viso (No. 8) this season. "I want to thank (team co-owners) Kevin Kalkhoven and Jimmy Vasser for putting this all together. For the race in Brazil, I want to thank Banco Panamericano, the Holiday Inn Parque Anhembi and Itatiaia Group for their sponsorship.
"It's great to be back working with the team. I didn't make the preseason test (Feb. 24-25 at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama), so it's straight to the race weekend. It will be a challenge and work to get used to the new engineers and new people, but I think we're going to have a good weekend."

Moraes, 21, recorded six top-10 finishes (three top fives) - highlighted by a third place on the Chicagoland Speedway oval. His road/street course best finish is fourth at Infineon Raceway.

"We are very pleased to have Mario back in the seat with KVRT," general manager Mark Johnson said. "Mario showed last season he can be very competitive and is in the process of becoming one of the top talents in the series. He has grown and matured on and off the racetrack over the last year due in part to the support of his family and the many positive influences in his life.

"Mario finished the 2009 season with very strong results and I would expect more of the same starting this weekend."

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March 5, 2010

Duno signs for full season with Dale Coyne Racing: Milka Duno has participated in IZOD IndyCar Series limited-season programs the past three years. This year, she'll compete in all 17 races in the No. 18 Dale Coyne Racing car.

"I look forward to competing with Dale Coyne Racing," said Duno, who was running at the finish in six of nine races in 2009. "I've had the chance to speak with Dale and the team to discuss goals for the season and we are in harmony in all areas. For the past three seasons I've only run partial schedules and I'm anxious to be competing in all the races this year. Doing so builds momentum and maintains consistency that I feel is a key factor to good results.
"The full schedule includes seven races at tracks that I have yet to compete on so I will be doing my absolute best to learn these new tracks as quickly as possible. This full season will be challenging, but I'm very thankful for the opportunity."

The season begins March 14 with the Sao Paulo Indy 300 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

"We are very excited about the challenges and rewards that lie ahead for Milka," team owner Dale Coyne said. "We have seen Milka's competitiveness on the ovals and now we look forward to focusing on the road course effort on a full-time basis in 2010."

Duno has won on road courses before in other categories, but 2010 represents her most serious attack at the road courses of IndyCars. The team has planned an extensive testing program for the coming season with a focus on road and street circuits. An announcement regarding the driver of the No. 19 entry for Dale Coyne Racing is expected early next week.

Feb. 25, 2010

Veteran Motorsports Broadcaster Eli Gold Becomes the "Voice of the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series:  Gold and Preston Root will call the action live for the Motor Racing Network (MRN) for the remaining 11 races on the 2010 Rolex Series schedule, beginning with the Grand Prix of Miami.
The Grand Prix of Miami, Round 2 of the 2010 season, takes the green flag at 5 p.m. ET Saturday, March 6, and will be broadcast live both on SPEED and on selected MRN affiliates.

Gold has been with MRN since 1976. His NASCAR Live show, heard Tuesdays on more than 475 stations from 7-8 p.m. ET, has been a mainstay of the MRN schedule since 1982. In addition to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Gold has also called action in the World of Outlaws sprint cars, NHRA drag races and IRL IndyCar Series.

"Yes, I've been known most for NASCAR when we talk motorsports," Gold said. "But in the 35 or so seasons, I've been used to making that crossover into other forms of motorsports, and, importantly, respecting those other forms of motorsports. As a result, I think I can handle this transition, and put forth a good effort and build up the GRAND-AM Rolex Series to its fans without constantly having them think, 'Oh, that's the NASCAR guy.'  I'd like to be able to build and establish a rapport with the sports car fans."

Gold is a four-time Alabama Sportscaster of the Year Award winner. He resides in Birmingham, Ala., with his wife Claudette and their daughter Elise.

"I am very excited to be part of the team as GRAND-AM Road Racing joins the MRN family," Gold said. "Getting ready for the Grand Prix of Miami will mean doing a lot of homework. The act of calling the race is not difficult; learning the personalities and building up those personalities to the listeners is what radio is all about.  Certainly, there will be lap-by-lap coverage, but we will also talk with many of the personalities in the sport. It's going to be an educational process. The more the listener knows and understands, the more likely they are to tune in to the next race."

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Feb. 22, 2010

Miami Resident Viso Joins KV Racing for 2010:  KV Racing Technology announced today that IndyCar Series veteran E. J. Viso will join the team for the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season.  Viso will drive the #8 KVRT entry supported by PDVSA, Herbalife, CANTV, SBA Airlines and team partner Plantronics. 

“We are very excited to have E. J. join our driver line-up for 2010,” said General Manager Mark Johnson.  "We have been in talks with E. J. for quite some time now and successfully tested him at Sebring.  Over the last two seasons he has impressed both Jimmy (KVRT co-owner Jimmy Vasser) and I with his race craft and growth as a driver.  E. J. brings IndyCar and oval experience to our team, which will be extremely valuable as we progress through the season.  I would also like to welcome commercial partners PDVSA, Herbalife, CANTV and SBA Airlines to the KVRT organization.  We look forward to working with all of them.”

Commenting on the announcement Viso said, “I want to thank Kevin Kalkhoven, Jimmy Vasser, Mark Johnson and my valued partners PDVSA, Herbalife, CANTV and SBA Airlines for making it possible for me to race with KV Racing Technology this season.  As I have said before KVRT is an outstanding team and I think joining them is the best thing for my racing career right now.  I believe the structure KVRT has in place will provide for a very productive 2010 season.”

Viso, 24, spent the last two IndyCar Series seasons competing for HVM Racing.  His best finish is a fourth at St. Petersburg in just his second IndyCar race.  He also led his first career IndyCar Series laps at St. Petersburg (12). 

Viso joins Takuma Sato, who signed with the team last week, in a two-car effort for KVRT during the 2010 IndyCar Series season.

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Feb. 15, 2010

E.J. Viso Tests for Vasser and KV Racing Technology at Sebring: KV Racing Technology and E.J. Viso announced today that they will conduct a test at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida on Monday, Feb. 15.
 
“E.J. is an outstanding driver,” said KVRT General Manager Mark Johnson. “We have been in discussions with him for several weeks about possibly joining KV Racing Technology for the 2010 IndyCar Series season. Testing him at Sebring seemed like the next logical step in that process.”
 
Viso, 24, spent the last two seasons competing for HVM Racing. Last year was a tough season for the native of Caracas, Venezuela. He competed in all 17 IndyCar events earning a season high seventh at Watkins Glen. In 2008, his first in the IndyCar Series, Viso had a solid season contesting 15 races and earning five top-10 finishes including one top-five showing, improving 11 positions to finish fourth at St. Petersburg in just second IndyCar race. He also led his first career IndyCar Series laps at St. Petersburg (12). Additionally, Viso competed in the Champ Car World Series finale in Long Beach placing ninth and finished sixth in the Nikon Indy 300 exhibition race in Australia both with HVM Racing.
 
“I want to thank Kevin Kalkhoven, Jimmy Vasser and Mark Johnson for the opportunity to test with KV Racing Technology. I would also like to thank my sponsors PDVSA, Herbalife, SBA Airlines and CANTV for their support,” said Viso. “KVRT is an outstanding team and one that is very competitive. I look forward to showing them what I can do during the test and hopefully everything will go well so we can all move forward toward racing together in 2010.”

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Feb. 5, 2010

Montoya: Patrick needs Patience: Juan Pablo Montoya says the media, fans and her employers must give Danica Patrick time to fully acclimatise to NASCAR before judging whether her stock car experiment is a success or failure.

Patrick is evaluating a future in NASCAR by contesting a limited schedule of ARCA and Nationwide events around her IndyCar campaign - starting with Saturday's ARCA race at Daytona.

Montoya pointed out that his transition from Formula 1 to NASCAR in 2006 had not been easy, but he improved and became a Chase contender last year. He expects a similar trajectory for Patrick.

"I think she will be fine," he said. "To start with, she is going to struggle, but if they are patient enough with her, I think she will be fine.

"It is going to be hard until it clicks. Once it clicks and you understand what you have to do to go fast, then you go 'ahhh...'

"I was lucky enough to have a boss in Chip [Ganassi] that was patient enough and understood enough what I was going through. And they supported me and I think that was one of the key factors.

"The same thing with Danica - after two or three races if she runs bad and they go to her and tell her that she has to run better or we are done then she is going to be screwed but if they go there and they say 'don't worry about it, let's keep on working on this' then she'll be fine."

Montoya believes the press would rather see Patrick struggle than succeed.

"Probably in her shoes and like mine where I came from, I think more people want you to fail than to do good," he said. "Not because they are bad people, but you will be better news if you fail than if you did well. That is always hard.  But at the same time, there are always people who want you to do well. And it is a struggle because you are not going to do well to start with."

He said the difference in driving style between single seaters and stock cars should never be underestimated.

"The feeling is so different. The feedback you get from the car is so different from what I was used to, that was really really hard," Montoya recalled.

"Because in an open wheel car, at least when I drove Indycars, that thing starts stepping out and you are going to hit the fence. Here, the thing starts stepping out and you still aren't loose enough."

The Colombian reckons this will be a particularly tough challenge for Patrick given that she is racing in both NASCAR and IndyCar this year.

"Especially for her, to go back and forth, I think it is going to be harder not being committed to one thing 100 per cent," he said.

But Montoya added that moving from F1 to NASCAR had been extremely rewarding for him.

"Personally and professionally, I am really, really happy," he said. "It's been a lot of fun. It has been exciting because it has been such a challenge. Personally it has been an incredible challenge."

Jan. 30, 2010

IndyCar Presence on South Beach for the Super Bowl:If you'll be strolling down Lincoln Road in downtown Miami later this week during Eats, Beats and Cleats, be sure to snap a photo of the Indy Racing League Championship Cup.

The trophy, hoisted by Dario Franchitti at Homestead-Miami Speedway in October, will be on display at the four-day and night block party beginning Feb. 4 that celebrates Super Bowl XLIV in town. More than 75 current and former NFL All-Stars and other sports legends will be featured as the festival launches with fan experiences and VIP events. The event replaces the mothballed NFL Experience.

Ryan Hunter-Reay, who tested the No. 37 IZOD car for Andretti Autosport at Sebring International last week and competed in the Rolex 24 At Daytona over the weekend, will be among the participants in the Super Bowl Hall of Fame Players Classic presented by Van Heusen on Feb. 4 at the Biltmore Golf Club and Resort in Coral Gables. The event's goals are to raise awareness and funds for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinees Assistance Fund, which lends assistance to fellow Hall of Fame Alumni.

Andretti Autosport driver Danica Patrick will be a guest on "Super Bowl's Greatest Commercials" on Feb. 3 (8 p.m. ET, CBS). Patrick has been featured in GoDaddy.com spots during the Super Bowl the past few years.

Doing It Again in 2010: Homestead-Miami Speedway made motorsports history in 2009 as the only venue ever to host all of North America’s premier motorsports Championships. It’s more of the same this fall as THE Championship Track will be the site for both the IndyCar (Oct. 1-2) and NASCAR (Nov. 19-21 Championship finales. Homestead-Miami Speedway also will host the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series “Grand Prix of Miami” on March 6. For ticket information on all of these events, call (866) 409-RACE or visit THEChampionshipTrack.com.

Jan 29, 2010

Helmet signed by Indy 500 winners added to IMS Haiti relief auction:A helmet signed by 22 Indianapolis 500 winners is among the unique new items added recently to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway eBay auctions to benefit American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti, which already have raised more than $8,400.

Indy winners who signed the helmet include Helio Castroneves, Scott Dixon, A.J. Foyt, Gordon Johncock, Buddy Lazier, Arie Luyendyk, Rick Mears, Bobby Rahal, Jim Rathmann, Buddy Rice, Johnny Rutherford, Tom Sneva, Al Unser, Al Unser Jr., Bobby Unser, Dan Wheldon and more.

“What a great piece of history,” Dixon said. “I’m not sure anything like this helmet exists today. I hope it will bring in a big number, as the proceeds will definitely be going toward a very worthy cause.”

All proceeds from the eBay auction of racing memorabilia, which began Jan. 15, are being donated to Red Cross relief efforts for the devastating earthquake Jan. 12. Items are designated as part of the Haiti relief program. The auction site:

http://shop.ebay.com/ims_online/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25

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Jan 27, 2010

MRN Provides Rolex 24 Coverage: Four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson tops the list of nine drivers with NASCAR ties who will participate in this weekend's Rolex 24 At Daytona International Speedway.

The green flag will wave at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday for the 48th running of the twice-around-the-clock classic. Johnson is entered as part of the GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing team. Other NASCAR drivers on the entry list are AJ Allmendinger, Colin Braun, Bobby Labonte, Jamie McMurray, Paul Menard, Juan Pablo Montoya, Max Papis and Boris Said.

Jon Fogarty and Alex Gurney have won the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Cask No. 16 Daytona Prototype championship in two of the last three years, but still are looking for their first Rolex 24 victory. They willl team with Johnson and Jimmy Vasser to drive the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Chevrolet Riley.

Seven of the nine NASCAR drivers are entered in the Daytona Prototype class, with Labonte and Said competing in GT. Practice opens Thursday morning with qualifying set for Thursday afternoon.

MRN Radio will have five hours of coverage throughout the weekend, starting with the openings laps from 3-5 p.m. ET on Saturday. Thirty-minute updates will air at 8 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. Sunday, with full coverage of the closing laps and post-race activities from 2-4 p.m. Sunday.

David Donohue and Darren Law return with Brumos Racing as defending race winners. They will share driving duties with Butch Leitzinger, Raphael Matos and Hurley Haywood - who is running for the final time in the event he first won in 1973.

Milka Duno To Be Inducted Into Latin American International Sports Hall Of Fame: Racer car driver Milka Duno will be inducted into the Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame at the 35th Annual Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Laredo, TX  January 30.

Duno will be the first Venezuelan athlete inducted into the Hall of Fame. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame, which was founded in 1975 to recognize individuals who have excelled in sports and/or have contributed to the promotion of sports and goodwill in the Latino community.

The Hall of Fame serves to honor and salute the outstanding contributions and accomplishments of local, regional, national and international athletes and sports personalities that have enhanced the heritage of Latinos in sport.

"The Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame is proud and honored to have selected Milka Duno as a 2010 inductee. Milka was selected for her racing achievements, her personal excellence in education and her passion in stressing the importance of education to students of all ages," said Pitin Guajardo, Founder, Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame. "We have been able to bring major national and international sports figures from every sport to our city to honor them for their athletic excellence - while also recognizing athletes and supporters of athletics from the local and surrounding area. This unique opportunity opens Laredo to the world of sports and focuses attention on our city every year at this time."

"I’m honored to have been selected as an inductee for the Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame 35th Anniversary Induction Ceremony – and very proud as well to be the first Venezuelan athlete inducted!" said Duno. "As a young girl growing up many athletes served as inspirations for me – as athletes have for millions of children all over the world– and I feel that it is important for young people to have these sources of inspiration. I never imagined that one day I might be recognized in this way. It is both a privilege and a responsibility to be included among all the other Hall of Fame alumni and I will do my best to live up to that privilege and responsibility."

Duno's racing career to date has generated remarkable and historical results –some of which include:

• First woman in history to win a major international race in North America.
• Eight professional career race wins at top levels. Numerous wins at minor levels.
• First Hispanic woman, in 93-year history of the race, to compete in the Indy 500.
• First Hispanic woman to compete in the IndyCar Series.
• First Hispanic woman to lead an IndyCar Series race.
• Historic 2nd place finish and highest finish ever by a female driver in the 24 Hours of Daytona in its 45-year history.
• Three wins in the Rolex Grand American Series.
• Five wins in the American Le Mans Series.
• First woman to win at Petit Le Mans – has won twice.
• In only 2nd year of racing named "Venezuelan Auto Racing Driver of the Year"
• In only 2nd year of racing won first racing championship – Panoz GT Series.
• Crowned Vice-Champion Driver in American Le Mans LMP 675 Championship.
• First woman to reach the podium in GTS Class of American Le Mans Series.
• First woman to drive LMP 900 – fastest car in American Le Mans Series.
• First woman to drive Daytona Prototype – fastest car in Rolex Series.
• Twice competing at legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, France.
• Invited by Porsche AG to be VIP Porsche Supercup Driver at F1 GP of Spain.
• First woman to drive the fastest car in Europe's World Series by Nissan.
• First woman to score points in Europe's World Series by Nissan.
• First woman to win a Ferrari Challenge racing in the USA.
A vast array of athletes and sports personalities have been recognized throughout the Hall’s history. These include athletes from the United States, Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean Islands, as well as Central and South America. Hall of Fame alumni include athletes such as Major League Baseball’s Minnie Minoso (Chicago White Sox), Juan Marichal (San Francisco Giants), Orlando Cepeda (St. Louis Cardinals) and Tony Perez (Cincinnati Reds), the National Football League’s Danny Villanueva (Dallas Cowboys), Orlando Canizales (Boxing) and USA Olympic Gold Medalists Crystal Bustos (Softball), Lisa Fernandez (Softball), and Steve Lopez (Martial Arts – Taekwondo) – to name a few.

In conjunction with the Hall of Fame and through her "Milka Way" program Duno will be speaking to students at United High School in Laredo as part of the two-day Hall of Fame schedule of activities.

Duno, a qualified Naval Engineer with four master's degrees - in Organizational Development, Naval Architecture, Aquaculture and Maritime Business (earning the last three degrees simultaneously) – will speak to the students about how a strong academic background will benefit them their entire life – in all aspects of their life – and in any career they choose.

"I am very passionate about education and I want to do everything that I can to inspire students of all ages to study hard and aim for the stars," says Duno. "I feel blessed to be able to speak with students here in Texas as part of the Hall of Fame’s 35th Anniversary Induction activities."

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Jan. 26, 2010

IZOD commercials seen by almost 100 million viewers: IZOD IndyCar Series commercial spots during the NFC and AFC Championship Game broadcasts Jan. 24 were seen by almost 100 million viewers.
That's a lot of eyeballs as IZOD continued its promotional TV campaign of the series' schedule that kicks off March 14 with the inaugural Sao Paulo Indy 300 on a temporary street circuit in the heart of the largest city in South America.

IZOD, which in November was introduced as the title sponsor of the premier North American open-wheel racing series, began its network promotion two weeks ago with spots that criss-crossed entertainment - from the Golden Globe Awards pre- and post-event shows on E! to college basketball games on ESPN to ABC's "Good Morning America." It will continue throughout the IZOD IndyCar Series season.

The NFC and AFC Championship Games averaged 52.9 million viewers -- the NFL's most-viewed championship Sunday since 1982 (60.2 million average). Fox's telecast of the New Orleans Saints' 31-28 overtime victory over the Minnesota Vikings was watched by 57.9 million. Excluding Super Bowl telecasts, the game marked TV's most-viewed program since the "Seinfeld" finale in '98.

The Indianapolis Colts' 30-17 victory over the New York Jets in the AFC was watched by 46.9 million people on CBS. It was the largest audience for an AFC title game since NBC earned 47.5 million viewers for Patriots-Dolphins in '86.

Jan. 14, 2010

Coral Gables' Castroneves Picks Up His Third Indy 500 Ring:Helio Castroneves collected his third Indianapolis 500 winner's ring and saw his likeness added to the event's Borg-Warner Trophy.

The Team Penske driver, who had previously won Indy in 2001 and 2002, claimed a third success in the IndyCar Series' showpiece event last year.

All Indy winners have a representation of their face added to the trophy, and Castroneves joked that he could tell he had aged since his first two wins.

"We can see that the years are passing by," he said. "My hair is kind of going backward. I can see that. Isn't that amazing? Oh my goodness! This is just incredible."

The likeable South Flordia resident is now aiming to equal AJ Foyt, Al Unser Sr and Rick Mears' record of four Indianapolis victories.

"I have to work four times harder now," Castroneves said. "I have the right team. I have great people surrounding me. I guess I know what I need to do. Certainly, it will be tough. It will be difficult, but I have no doubt in my mind that everything is possible, so I'm going to go for it."

Castroneves and team boss Roger Penske will receive scaled-down replicas of the Borg-Warner Trophy.

 
Jan. 12, 2010

IndyCar Safety and Competition Changes that may Affect Homestead-Miami:Changes announced at Winter meetings: More than 250 IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights drivers and team representatives descended on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Jan. 12 for the Indy Racing League's annual winter meeting and preseason physicals.
Brian Barnhart, president of competition and racing operations for the sanctioning Indy Racing League, announced several changes to IZOD IndyCar Series cars for the 2010 season during the meeting while other various sanctioning body departments, manufacturers and partners presented updates.

Changes announced for 2010 include removal of the four-position fuel mixture switch from the cars. The Honda overtake assist system will remain and receive almost a doubling of horsepower boost.
The Honda overtake assist was added for the race at Kentucky Speedway in August 2009 and carried through the remainder of the season on ovals and road courses. It provides drivers a boost in horsepower and RPMs for a predetermined number of uses and durations by activating a button on the steering wheel.

"Teams and drivers can still save fuel because they can develop their own fuel strategy, but instead of having a mechanical device to achieve it they can use their right foot," Indy Racing League senior technical director Les Mactaggart said. "It will allow the drivers more strategy during the event. If they want to save fuel they can by controlling the throttle and equally so the overtake assist will be more effective because they'll have more horsepower. The strategy really is to try to give the drivers more choice."

From a technical perspective, there aren't any issues, according to Honda Performance Development technical division manager Roger Griffiths. The "yellow" position will remain - to be used during caution periods if the driver chooses.

A reverse gear supplied by promotional partner Xtrac will be incorporated in cars for the nine road and street course races and be available to drivers through the paddle shift system. Drivers will retain six forward gears, and the kit won't be required for the eight oval events.

"We've been making updates every year (changing gear size, adding the paddle shift system) and it just happened to be the right time to put the gear in the car," IZOD IndyCar Series technical director Kevin Blanch said. "It doesn't make any of the parts obsolete; you just add the new kit. It's on the drop gear side, so when the crew is making gear changes it doesn't interfere. It just stays in the car the whole time."

Additionally, a "floating back" headrest configuration that has been researched and tested by Indy Racing League director of engineering Jeff Horton was recommended for implementation by teams.
Horton developed the "floating back" to curb the disparity in G forces between the car and head in rearward crashes. The Kevlar skin of the headrest is attached to the front of the foam and the sides are allowed to float, "so the driver only feels the effect of the foam during impact," according to Horton.

Teams will realize a dollar savings through decreases in the Honda engine full-season and Indianapolis 500-only lease programs.

A lease for the 17-race season has been reduced $27,000 to $935,000 ($15,000 lease and removal of $12,000 shipping fee) - about half of the 2005 lease program cost. For the Indianapolis 500, Griffiths said: "We're still offering a variety of options, but the basic price for an Indy-only team is $150,000. Last year it was $225,000." The package includes 800 miles of practice and qualifications, Miller Lite Carb Day and the race. A fresh engine for Miller Lite Carb Day and the race will be available for $60,000.

A "short Indy" program - commencing Thursday, May 20, two days before qualifications - will be offered for $90,000. It includes 500 miles of practice and qualifying, with the engine carried over to Miller Lite Carb Day and the race.

Jan. 10, 2010

South Florida's Montoya Joins Star-Studded Lineup:Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates has announced a star-studded line up for its assault in the upcoming 24 Hours of Daytona, where the team will field two BMW-powered Riley prototypes.

Ganassi, which has won three of the past four editions of the legendary endurance event, will have arguably the strongest line-up on the grid, fielding former IndyCar Series champions and Indianapolis 500 winners Miami resident Juan Pablo Montoya, 2009 IndyCar Series Champion Dario Franchitti and Scott Dixon - all former Daytona 24 Hours winners as well - in the #02 car, where NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver and Montoya teammate, Jamie McMurray, will also take turns behind the wheel.

The #01 car will be driven by former 2008 GRAND-AM Series champions and Daytona event winners Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas, joined by IndyCar Series race-winner Justin Wilson and American Le Mans regular Marino Franchitti.

This year the team has switched to BMW power following the departure of Lexus from the series.

"We have been fortunate to have experienced a lot of success in the Grand-Am series over the last six years," said team owner Chip Ganassi.

The two-car driver lineup team features eight overall Rolex 24 wins, three Indianapolis 500 titles, nine championships and over 125 victories.

“We’re real excited about the drivers up here but probably equally excited about our engine package this year,” said Ganassi, whose No. 02 entry was fastest in the first session on Saturday with a speed of 124.036 mph. “BMW has stepped up and said they want to help us out a little bit and we’re really excited about that. I’ve never been as excited about being here, I’ve never been as excited about the driver lineup and the plan that we have and the team that we have built together.”

Jan. 8, 2010

Alex Tagliani Completes Two-Day Test:The new FAZZT team that Alex Tagliani will drive for in this year's IndyCar Series made its testing debut at Homestead-Miami Speedway this week.  Tagliani completed two days of running on the Miami oval with the new squad, which is a partnership between entrepreneur Andre Azzi, motorsport promoter Jim Freudenberg, and actor Jason Priestley.

"These two days have been unbelievable," said Tagliani. "It has been the best days at the track for me in a long, long time. The team showed up and by all appearances you would think we had been working together for 10 years."

The team has acquired the former Roth Racing equipment, and will give former Champ Car race-winner Tagliani his first full IndyCar season after recent partial campaigns with Conquest Racing.

"The crew worked unbelievably hard to keep the car running and running smoothly over the course of the test and I think we were all pleasantly surprised that our first test for this brand new team was so trouble free."

Jan. 6, 2010

Firestone test at Homestead-Miami signals start of  2010: The sounds of IZOD IndyCar Series cars returned to South Florida as Target Chip Ganassi Racing and Team Penske participated in the first day of the first Firestone tire test of the 2010 season at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

The two-day test features reigning IZOD IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti and Team Penske's Ryan Briscoe. Though it was 40 degrees cooler than it was the last time the drivers toured the Homestead-Miami Speedway 's 1.5 oval, everyone seemed excited to get back on track and get to work.
Franchitti said he's enjoyed the off-season (only two visits to the shop in Indianapolis), which included the wedding of his brother, Marino, to Holly Mason (daughter of Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason).

"He's still in one piece and the wedding came off," Franchitti said. "It was an amazing wedding and I really enjoyed that a lot."

The Franchitti brothers will be at Daytona International Speedway this week for Rolex 24 At Daytona testing. They'll be driving separate Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates prototypes. The race is Jan. 30-31.

"I'm looking forward to being on the same team with him again, though it's not in the same car," Dario said.

Also back to work was Briscoe, who was married last month in Hawaii where he said everything went off without a hitch.

"It was absolutely perfect," said Briscoe, who wed Nicole Manske. "We had all our closest friends and family there. It actually was a big turnout for being a destination wedding; we had about 100 guests. We're really happy."

Howard gets back on the track: Jay Howard, the 2006 Firestone Indy Lights champion who will compete in four IZOD IndyCar Series races this season for Sarah Fisher Racing with backing from Tire Kingdom, will be back in a go-kart for the CKI Florida Cup at the circuit adjacent to Homestead-Miami Speedway.  Round 1 of the Florida Cup is scheduled for Jan. 29-31. The others are in February and March. He'll compete in the Rotax Senior Division at the Florida Cup in addition to select WSK North American Series events.

Also, Howard has formed an on-site engine building, repairing and service support program with a recent partnership with British and European champions Ogden Racing Engines of the UK.

"I am excited to get back in a kart," said Howard, a Florida resident. "I try and do select events each year and with the way the CKI program is headed, I had to jump at the opportunity on my off weekends from the professional circuit. I am very excited about the opportunities and possibilities in 2010."

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