EVENTS // INDY @ NOLA | SLIPPERY WHEN WET

The Verizon Indy Car Series visited NOLA Motorsports park for the first time ever, and it will definitely be remembered as the race that finished under yellow.... [read more]

NEWS // CHEVROLET RETURNS TO OPEN-WHEEL RACING

Earlier this week, General Motors announced that they will return to open-wheel racing in 2012. According to their press release, Chevrolet will supply V6 engines to Team Penske for the 2012 IndyCar Series. The new engine, which is being developed by General Motors and Ilmor engineering, will be a twin-turbocharged, direct-injection 2.4-liter V6, and will run on E85 ethanol. As far as we know, Penske is the only team that will use Chevrolet power for 2012, however, in accordance with IndyCar rules, the engine will be available to any teams interested. Follow the link for the official press release... [read more]

Chevrolet to Compete in 2012 IndyCar Series with New V-6 Engine
Returns to Open-Wheel Competition as Engine Maker in Partnership with Team Penske

2010-11-12

INDIANAPOLIS – Chevrolet will compete in the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series with a new twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V-6 racing engine powered by renewable E85 ethanol fuel. The new purpose-built Chevy IndyCar engine will be developed jointly by General Motors and Ilmor Engineering.

Team Penske is the first IndyCar team to commit to Chevrolet power in 2012. The Chevrolet IndyCar engine will be available to all entrants in accordance with the series' regulations.

"Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been a proving ground for manufacturers since Louis Chevrolet, our co-founder, first raced here in 1909," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. "Our return to IndyCar as Chevrolet enters its centennial year is natural. At the same time this engine program will be a showcase for the efficient and powerful engine technologies that parallel new Chevrolet vehicles like the Camaro, all-new Cruze compact and Equinox crossover."

Chevrolet competed previously in Indy-style competition as an engine manufacturer in 1986-93 and 2002-05 with V-8 engines, winning 104 races, powering six driver champions, and scoring seven Indianapolis 500 victories. The new Chevrolet IndyCar engine program will reunite one of the most successful partnerships in motorsports when Team Penske introduces the Chevrolet engine in 2012. Team Penske previously tallied 31 open-wheel victories with Chevrolet engines, including four Indianapolis 500 wins.

"Our vision is to design, build and sell the world's best vehicles – and racing is one of the best ways to showcase what we can do," said Tom Stephens, GM vice chairman, Global Product Operations. "Re-entering IndyCar racing will help us take our advanced engine technology to the upper bounds of what's possible. And it will also provide a dynamic training ground for engineers, who'll transfer the technologies we develop for racing to the products we sell to our customers.

"GM has become a recognized leader in implementing direct-injection technology in both 4-cylinder and V-6 engines," Stephens said. "Building on this foundation, our new partnership with Ilmor will give us even more opportunities to accelerate our advanced propulsion technology strategy. We'll work to further increase performance, while using the least amount of fuel – and we'll also learn how to get the most out of E85 ethanol."

The Chevrolet IndyCar V-6 will have a displacement of 2.4 liters. The powerplant will have an aluminum block and cylinder heads, and will be a fully stressed chassis member supporting the gearbox and rear suspension. Technical details and specifications will be released at a later date.

"We are excited to have engine manufacturer competition again in the IZOD IndyCar Series, beginning in 2012," said Randy Bernard, CEO, INDYCAR. "Chevrolet brings a strong passion for racing, technology, relevance and innovation, which is a great fit for our new car platform. We are excited about the future of IndyCar racing with the addition of Chevrolet."

Image: Curtis Creager
Info: General Motors
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

VIDEO // MANSELL VS. FITTIPALDI @ CLEVELAND CART RACE

We posted this video to our Facebook page last night and decided to repost the video on ColdTrackDays for those of you not participating in the social networking revolution. What might be one of the most epic CART races of all time, watch as Nigel Mansell and Emerson Fittipaldi battle it out at Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland, Ohio during the 1993 Grand Prix of Cleveland // [comment]

IndyCar // CASTRONEVES WINS @ TWIN RING MOTEGI

Over the weekend, the IZOD IndyCar Series held the penultimate round of their 2010 season, the Indy Japan 300 at Twin Ring Motegi. Starting from pole, Helio Castroneves managed to hold off the hard charging Dario Franchitti to collect his third win of the 2010 season. Franchitti would finish second ahead of Castroneves' teammate and current championship points leader, Will Power.

Follow the link for complete results... [read more]



2010 Indy Japan 300 // Complete Results:

1 3 Helio Castroneves Team Penske 200 02:04:04.4780 Running 53
2 10 Dario Franchitti Target Chip Ganassi Racing 200 02:04:09.0526 Running 40
3 12 Will Power Team Penske 200 02:04:09.5523 Running 35
4 6 Ryan Briscoe Team Penske 200 02:04:10.9605 Running 32
5 7 Danica Patrick Andretti Autosport 200 02:04:12.0837 Running 30
6 9 Scott Dixon Target Chip Ganassi Racing 200 02:04:12.8421 Running 28
7 11 Tony Kanaan Andretti Autosport 200 02:04:13.8873 Running 26
8 02 Graham Rahal Newman/Haas Racing 200 02:04:16.1943 Running 24
9 37 Ryan Hunter-Reay Andretti Autosport 200 02:04:16.6905 Running 22
10 4 Dan Wheldon Panther Racing 200 02:04:16.9500 Running 20
11 26 Marco Andretti Andretti Autosport 200 02:04:19.9787 Running 19
12 5 Takuma Sato (R) KV Racing Technology 200 02:04:20.5473 Running 18
13 77 Alex Tagliani FAZZT Race Team 200 02:04:22.1554 Running 17
14 06 Hideki Mutoh Newman/Haas Racing 200 02:04:22.7591 Running 16
15 8 E.J. Viso KV Racing Technology 200 02:04:23.2129 Running 15
16 22 Justin Wilson Dreyer & Reinbold Racing 200 02:04:23.9073 Running 14
17 14 Vitor Meira A.J. Foyt Enterprises 200 02:04:24.5827 Running 13
18 2 Raphael Matos de Ferran Dragon Racing 200 02:04:25.7126 Running 12
19 18 Milka Duno Dale Coyne Racing 197 02:04:15.8904 Running 12
20 36 Roger Yasukawa Conquest Racing 195 02:04:17.7167 Running 12
21 19 Alex Lloyd Dale Coyne Racing 131 01:27:00.3441 Contact 12
22 24 Paul Tracy Dreyer & Reinbold Racing 114 01:08:35.9412 Contact 12
23 78 Simona De Silvestro Team Stargate Worlds/HVM 85 00:58:30.2743 Mechanical 12
24 32 Mario Moraes KV Racing Technology 66 00:39:41.1934 Contact 12
25 34 Bertrand Baguette Conquest Racing 1 00:00:30.9661 Contact 10

Image(s) and Info: Autoblog
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

NEWS // HONDA TO SUPPLY TURBO V6 FOR 2012 INDY CARS

Honda Performance Development will continue to supply engines for the IZOD IndyCar Series through the 2012 season, when new engine and chassis rules take effect. Following the 2011 season, the normally aspirated 3.5-liter V8 that Honda currently supplies will be replaced by smaller displacement, lower cost units that are limited to 2.4-liters. During this weekends IndyCar race at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Honda announced that it will produce a twin-turbocharged 2.4-liter V6 for the 2012 season, an engine that will be available for lease at a price 40% below the current engine's price.

Follow the link for the official press release... [read more]


Honda to Adopt New IndyCar Engine Formula

HPD to Supply Series with New, Turbocharged V-6 Starting in 2012 - 08/07/2010 - TORRANCE, Calif. -

Honda Performance Development, Inc., the racing arm of American Honda Motor Company, Inc., today announced plans to adopt the new engine formula for the IZOD IndyCar Series, extending participation beyond expiration of its current supply agreement at the conclusion of the 2011 season.

HPD has provided engines to the Series since 2003, and has served as the single engine supplier to America's premier open-wheel racing formula since 2006. HPD will continue to provide the current Honda Indy V-8 engine to all IndyCar competitors during the 2011 season, after which a new 2.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 power plant, designed by HPD, will debut when new engine specifications take effect in the series in 2012.

The cost of a season-long lease for the 2012 Honda IndyCar engine will be reduced by up to 40 percent from current pricing. This follows a number of other significant cost reductions which Honda has implemented since taking on the challenge of supplying the entire field of IndyCar entrants in 2006.

"Through both robust and trying times, our commitment to open-wheel racing in America has never wavered," said Erik Berkman, president of Honda Performance Development. "With today's announcement, we are pleased to reaffirm that commitment, and extend it deep into the current decade.

"With a passionate and energetic new title sponsor in IZOD, dynamic new management at its helm, and plans to significantly reshape its on-track product in the near future, the IndyCar Series is poised for significant growth," Berkman continued. "We are delighted to take a role in that promising future."

In 2010, HPD and technical partner Ilmor Engineering continue to prepare and maintain the engines used by all teams during competition in the season-long IndyCar Series, which includes the Indianapolis 500.

In an open-wheel racing history that dates to 1994 - beginning with nine seasons (1994-2002) in the former CART/Champ Car Series - Honda has recorded 170 race victories, 12 drivers' championships, 10 Manufacturers' Championships and seven Indianapolis 500 victories.

From April, 2007 through August, 2009, more than 40 drivers and teams completed 44 consecutive IndyCar Series races without the loss of a single Honda Indy V-8 engine. This total of 244,880 racing miles with 100 percent reliability exceeds the average
distance from the earth to the moon.

For the fifth consecutive year, Honda powered the entire 33-car starting field in May's Indianapolis 500, and for a record-extending fifth consecutive time - the only five times in Indy 500 history - there was not a single engine failure.

The 2010 Indianapolis 500 also marked the 100th Honda victory in IndyCar Series competition. The company recorded its 105th win on July 25, in the most recent IndyCar event at Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Honda Performance Development (HPD) is the Honda racing company within North America. Founded in 1993, and located in Santa Clarita, Calif., HPD is the technical operations center for American Honda high-performance racing cars and engines. In addition to its role as single engine supplier to the IZOD IndyCar Series, HPD is active in a variety of motorsports activities from pinnacle through grassroots, including this year's class win in its inaugural attempt at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

For more information, explore the HPD website, at http://hondaracing.com/hpd

Image: Raymond Moore
Info: Autoblog
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

NEWS // WILL POWER WINS @ 2010 HONDA INDY TORONTO

Will Power took his fourth IndyCar win of the season during last weekends 2010 Honda Indy Toronto. Thanks to a late race pass on Justin Wilson (who would spin a half lap later), Power was able to take the lead and never look back, finishing ahead of Dario Franchitti and Ryan Hunter-Reay, who crossed the line second and third respectively. Follow the link for complete results... [read more]

2010 Honda Indy Toronto // Complete Results:

1 12 Will Power Team Penske 85 01:47:15.2554
2 10 Dario Franchitti Target Chip Ganassi Racing 85 01:47:16.5311
3 37 Ryan Hunter-Reay Andretti Autosport 85 01:47:17.0159
4 11 Tony Kanaan Andretti Autosport 85 01:47:18.7936
5 02 Graham Rahal Newman/Haas Racing 85 01:47:24.9903
6 7 Danica Patrick Andretti Autosport 85 01:47:27.1993
7 22 Justin Wilson Dreyer & Reinbold Racing 85 01:47:27.6337
8 26 Marco Andretti Andretti Autosport 85 01:47:31.5914
9 78 Simona De Silvestro Team Stargate Worlds/HVM 85 01:47:36.7875
10 4 Dan Wheldon Panther Racing 85 01:47:38.4091
11 14 Vitor Meira A.J. Foyt Enterprises 85 01:47:41.1514
12 06 Hideki Mutoh Newman/Haas Racing 85 01:47:41.5432
13 15 Paul Tracy KV Racing Technology 84 01:47:22.2377
14 32 Mario Moraes KV Racing Technology 84 01:47:36.0002
15 24 Tomas Scheckter Dreyer & Reinbold Racing 84 01:47:40.0046
16 36 Bertrand Baguette Conquest Racing 84 01:47:48.5165
17 77 Alex Tagliani FAZZT Race Team 84 01:47:59.1675
18 6 Ryan Briscoe Team Penske 83 01:47:47.7712
19 8 E.J. Viso KV Racing Technology 82 01:47:42.3138
20 9 Scott Dixon Target Chip Ganassi Racing 71 01:30:49.6017
21 2 Raphael Matos de Ferran Dragon Racing 64 01:19:32.1410
22 34 Mario Romancini Conquest Racing 31 00:42:55.1542
23 19 Alex Lloyd Dale Coyne Racing 26 00:34:11.2015
24 3 Helio Castroneves Team Penske 21 00:25:30.3675
25 5 Takuma Sato KV Racing Technology 15 00:16:08.2982
26 18 Milka Duno Dale Coyne Racing 8 00:09:21.3022

Image & Info: Autoblog
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

NEWS // INDY ANNOUNCES NEW CHASSIS MANUFACTURER

From a group of chassis manufacturers that included BAT, Dallara, DeltaWing, Lola, and Swift, the IndyCar Series has just announced that Dallara will build their 'new' chassis starting in 2012. According to our friends at Autoblog, Dallara's 2012 chassis will help reduce cost for teams by up to 40%, is safer and weighs 185 pounds less than the current chassis. However, for a series that offers little in the way of diversity, with Dallara building the chassis and Honda supplying the engines, the future of open wheel racing here in the United States is, in our opinion, rather bleak // [comment]

EYE CANDY // FITTIPALDI'S FORMER OFFICE

Featured above is the dashboard of Emerson Fittipaldi's 1971 Pratt & Whitney Lotus 56B turbine powered Indy car. The photo was taken at this years Goodwood Festival of Speed and comes to us courtesy of F1Fanatic. Click here for a look at more photos of Fittipaldi's former ride // [comment]

INDY @ WATKINS GLEN // CAMPING WORLD GRAND PRIX RESULTS

Will Power collected another win this weekend at Watkins Glen, extending his IndyCar Series points lead. The Australian driver led home his Penske teammate, Ryan Briscoe, in a one-two finish, with Briscoe passing Dario Franchitti for second place on the final lap.

Follow the link for highlights and complete results... [read more]



2010 IndyCar Series // Camping World Grand Prix @ Watkins Glen:

1. Will Power Penske 1h40m27.4391s
2. Ryan Briscoe Penske + 1.2181s
3. Dario Franchitti Ganassi + 1.4573s
4. Raphael Matos De Ferran Dragon + 5.3454s
5. Mario Moraes KV + 9.3229s
6. Dan Wheldon Panther + 9.7523s
7. Ryan Hunter-Reay Andretti + 10.5003s
8. Scott Dixon Ganassi + 12.0546s
9. Helio Castroneves Penske + 12.9834s
10. Justin Wilson Dreyer & Reinbold + 13.5635s
11. EJ Viso KV + 18.7591s
12. Hideki Mutoh Newman/Haas + 20.2279s
13. Marco Andretti Andretti + 26.6965s
14. Paul Tracy Dreyer & Reinbold + 27.7310s
15. Takuma Sato KV + 28.8774s
16. Adam Caroll AFS/Andretti + 29.3624s
17. Alex Tagliani Fazzt + 35.3753s
18. Bertrand Baguette Conquest + 36.5350s
19. Vitor Meira Foyt + 36.9869s
20. Danica Patrick Andretti + 38.2675s
21. Tony Kanaan Andretti + 38.6700s
22. Mario Romancini Conquest + 1 lap
23. Milka Duno Dale Coyne + 3 laps

Retirements:

Simona de Silvestro HVM 38 laps
Alex Lloyd Dale Coyne 22 laps

Photo/Video: IndyCar
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

NEWS // CHRISTODOULOU TO TEST INDY LIGHTS @ MID-OHIO

2009 Star Mazda champion turned GRAND-AM road racer, Adam Christodoulou, has been offered the chance to test an Andersen Racing Indy Lights car on Thursday, June 10 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The test, which was made possible by Performance Friction, is part of a previously-announced expansion of the Indy Racing League's 'Road to Indy' program in which the 2009 and 2010 Star Mazda series champions are guaranteed a test with a top Firestone Indy Lights team... [read more]

"I've been an open-wheel racer all my life, so I'm very excited to get back behind the wheel of a single-seater for my test with the Andersen Racing Indy Lights team," says Christodoulou. "And the fact that my time in the car will take place during a private test with several top teams participating will give me a good comparison of my pace against other the top drivers in the series. Right now I'm focused 100% on helping Mazda win the 2010 GRAND-AM GT class, but I'm definitely keeping my options open for the future. The opportunities that arise from being part of the Star Mazda Championship, the Road to Indy and the MAZDASPEED Ladder are much greater than anything that exists in Europe. These programs have provided a huge boost to my career and I would recommend them to any driver who is serious about advancing their ambitions to have a professional career in motorsports."

Image and Info: Star Mazda
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

INDY @ TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY // FIRESTONE 550 RACE RESULTS

Ryan Briscoe collected his first win of the 2010 season yesterday, beating Danica Patrick across the line at the Texas Motor Speedway. Following a spectacular finish for Team Penske at this years Indianapolis 500, Briscoe's win moves the young Aussie driver into fifth place overall, just 38 points back from championship leader, Dario Franchitti. Finishing second was Danica Patrick, followed shortly thereafter by Marco Andretti.

Follow the link for complete results and video highlights... [read more]



Firestone 550K @ Texas Motor Speedway // Race Results:

1. Ryan Briscoe Penske 228 laps
2. Danica Patrick Andretti + 1.4629s
3. Marco Andretti Andretti + 2.3162s
4. Scott Dixon Ganassi + 3.0770s
5. Dario Franchitti Ganassi + 7.5882s
6. Tony Kanaan Andretti + 8.0664s
7. Ryan Hunter-Reay Andretti + 13.9390s
8. Alex Lloyd Dale Coyne + 14.3084s
9. Dan Wheldon Panther + 15.0859s
10. Vitor Meira Foyt + 15.8250s
11. EJ Viso KV + 18.8687s
12. Hideki Mutoh Newman/Haas + 23.0449s
13. Tomas Scheckter Dreyer & Reinbold + 1 lap
14. Will Power Penske + 1 lap
15. Sarah Fisher Sarah Fisher + 1 lap
16. Raphael Matos De Ferran Dragon + 2 laps
17. Mario Romancini Conquest + 2 laps
18. Alex Tagliani Fazzt + 3 laps
19. Justin Wilson Dreyer & Reinbold + 3 laps

Retirements:

Helio Castroneves Penske 129 laps
Mario Moraes KV 129 laps
Bertrand Baguette Conquest 129 laps
Milka Duno Dale Coyne 116 laps
Simona de Silvestro HVM 97 laps
Takuma Sato KV 56 laps
Jay Howard Sarah Fisher 37 laps

Image: Autoblog
Info: IndyCar
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

2010 INDIANAPOLIS 500 // RACE RESULTS

Having started on the front row, Dario Franchitti managed to pull out the win for Chip Ganassi Racing at this years Indianapolis 500. Franchitti, who took an early lead and held it for much of the race, was passed by Will Power on lap 31. However, during a pit stop, Power left before the fuel hose had been completely detached, dragging the fuel line down pit lane and onto the track, bringing out yet another yellow flag... [read more]

This would lead to a drive-through penalty for Power, dropping him to 25th. Following the incident, Franchitti was able to retake the lead and would stay out front, even though he slowed his pace to conserve fuel. Dan Wheldon for Panther Racing finished second, while Marco Andretti, who had originally finished sixth, was granted a third place finish following a post race review that showed that three cars had passed him during the final caution period.

Franchitti's win meant that his team owner, Chip Ganassi, became the first owner to win both the Indianapolis 500 and the NASCAR Daytona 500 in the same season.

2010 Indianapolis 500 // Race Results:

1: Dario Franchitti (W) Chip Ganassi Racing 200 155 50
2: Dan Wheldon (W) Panther Racing 200 0 40
3: Marco Andretti Andretti Autosport 200 1 35
4: Alex Lloyd Dale Coyne Racing 200 0 32
5: Scott Dixon (W) Chip Ganassi Racing 200 0 30
6: Danica Patrick Andretti Autosport 200 0 28
7: Justin Wilson Dreyer & Reinbold Racing 200 11 26
8: Will Power Team Penske 200 5 24
9: Hélio Castroneves (W) Team Penske 200 3 22
10: Alex Tagliani FAZZT Race Team 200 0 20
11: Tony Kanaan Andretti Autosport 200 0 19
12: Graham Rahal Rahal Letterman Racing 200 0 18
13: Mario Romancini (R) Conquest Racing 200 0 17
14: Simona De Silvestro (R) HVM Racing 200 0 16
15: Tomas Scheckter Dreyer & Reinbold Racing 199 5 15
16: Townsend Bell Sam Schmidt Motorsports 199 0 14
17: Ed Carpenter Panther Racing 199 0 13
18: Ryan Hunter-Reay Andretti Autosport 198 (Contact) 0 12
19: Mike Conway Dreyer & Reinbold Racing 198 (Contact) 15 12
20: Takuma Sato (R) KV Racing Technology 198 0 12
21: Ana Beatriz (R) Dreyer & Reinbold Racing 196 (Contact) 0 12
22: Bertrand Baguette (R) Conquest Racing 183 0 12
23: Sebastian Saavedra (R) Bryan Herta Autosport 159 (Contact) 0 12
24: Ryan Briscoe Team Penske 147 (Contact) 5 12
25: E.J. Viso KV Racing Technology 139 (Contact) 0 10
26: Sarah Fisher Sarah Fisher Racing 125 (Contact) 0 10
27: Vitor Meira A. J. Foyt Enterprises 105 (Contact) 0 10
28: Hideki Mutoh Newman/Haas Racing 76 (Handling) 0 10
29: Raphael Matos De Ferran Dragon Racing 72 (Contact) 0 10
30: John Andretti Andretti Autosport 62 (Contact) 0 10
31: Mario Moraes KV Racing Technology 17 (Contact) 0 10
32: Bruno Junqueira FAZZT Race Team 7 (Contact) 0 10
33: Davey Hamilton De Ferran Dragon Racing 0 (Contact) 0 10

Image and Info: IndyCar
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

VIDEO // 2010 INDIANAPOLIS 500 HIGHLIGHTS

For those of you that may have missed it, featured above is the official highlight reel from this years Indianapolis 500, a race that saw no less than nine cautions and 13 lead changes // [comment]

VIDEO // CONWAY SURVIVES AMAZING CRASH @ INDY 500

On the last lap of this years Indianapolis 500, Mike Conway collided with an out-of-gas Ryan Hunter-Reay, sending Conway backwards into the catch fence. Amazingly, Conway survived the accident // [comment]

NEWS // DIXON LEADS 1-2 FINISH FOR GANASSI @ KANSAS

Scott Dixon gave Chip Ganassi Racing their first IndyCar victory of the 2010 season. As he crossed the finish line, Dixon was followed by his teammate, Dario Franchitti. The pair, who had been following polesitter Ryan Briscoe for a number of laps, were finally able to take the lead shortly before the first pitstops. As the field returned to the track, Dixon quickly pulled away and never looked back, leading by as much as seven seconds at one point.

Follow the link for complete results and a highlight video... [read more]



Road Runner Turbo Indy 300 // Complete Results:

1. Scott Dixon Ganassi 1h50m43.1410s
2. Dario Franchitti Ganassi + 3.0528s
3. Tony Kanaan Andretti + 3.2210s
4. Helio Castroneves Penske + 3.8300s
5. Ryan Hunter-Reay Andretti + 6.1133s
6. Ryan Briscoe Penske + 6.7951s
7. Mario Moraes KV + 1 lap
8. Alex Tagliani Fazzt + 1 lap
9. John Andretti Andretti + 1 lap
10. Vitor Meira Foyt + 1 lap
11. Danica Patrick Andretti + 2 laps
12. Will Power Penske + 2 laps
13. Marco Andretti Andretti + 2 laps
14. Mike Conway Dreyer & Reinbold + 2 laps
15. Dan Wheldon Panther + 2 laps
16. Raphael Matos Luczo Dragon/de Ferran + 2 laps
17. Sarah Fisher Sarah Fisher + 2 laps
18. Justin Wilson Dreyer & Reinbold + 3 laps
19. Alex Lloyd Dale Coyne + 3 laps
20. Bertrand Baguette Conquest + 3 laps
21. Simona de Silvestro HVM + 3 laps
22. Mario Romancini Conquest + 4 laps

Retirements:
Hideki Mutoh Newman/Haas/Lanigan 186 laps
Takuma Sato KV 186 laps
Jay Howard Sarah Fisher 172 laps
Milka Duno Dale Coyne 84 laps
EJ Viso KV 71 laps

Image: Autoblog
Info: Autosport
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

EVENT // TOYOTA GRAND PRIX OF LONG BEACH

A full grid of cars took to the streets of Long Beach this weekend for the 36th running of the Long Beach Grand Prix. As usual, the weather was beautiful for the marquee race, with cloudless blue skies and a cool ocean breeze making its way over the 2 mile, 11-turn street course.

Qualifying saw Will Power once again claim the Pole Position, his 3rd of the season, ahead of Dana Point resident (and local hero) Ryan Hunter-Raey, and 3rd place qualifier Justin Wilson. Helio Castroneves, Ryan Briscoe and Tony Kanaan – three names that need no introduction for fans of the Indy Racing League – finished out the Top 6 qualifying positions for the 85 lap race... [read more]



The 4th round of the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series was largely free of incident, save for a brief full course caution three-quarters of the way into the race as a result of a Turn 1 collision between Mario Romancini and Graham Rahal. Will Power was dominating the race from the start, as has become common this season, until lap 18 when his car got stuck in first gear exiting the famous 30mph hairpin turn exiting onto the front straight. This hiccup allowed both Ryan Hunter-Raey and Justin Wilson to slip past the current season points leader. Despite displaying impressive speed, the Australian was unable to retake his position and ended up finishing the race in 3rd place, behind Justin Wilson.


The day belonged to Ryan Hunter-Raey. The Florida-born driver and local resident won the event after a dominant performance in which he led 64 of 85 laps. Amazingly, Ryan does not yet have a full ride for the season in place, though that is likely going to change soon! With two Top 5 finishes thus far this season and a growing reputation as the best American open wheel racer in the league (media darling Danica Patrick did herself no favors with her critics with her 16th place finish), it can probably be said with confidence that Ryan Hunter-Raey will be on the podium many more times before the season comes to a close in Homestead.



Taking place in the shadows of high rise condominium buildings and the Queen Mary ocean liner, the Long Beach Grand Prix is second only to the Indianapolis 500 on the IRL racing calendar, and for good reason. The racing atmosphere and enthusiasm of the crowds simply cannot be beat; the sounds of Honda V8 engines bouncing off of the city walls is intoxicating, and the sight of a Dallara chassis making its way down Shoreline Drive at close to 200mph must truly be seen to be believed! With the race now in the books, Ryan Hunter Raey can place his name among such legends as Mario Andretti, Gilles Villeneuve, Nelson Piquet, Niki Lauda, Al Unser, Jr., Alex Zanardi and Juan Pablo Montoya as the winner of the Long Beach Grand Prix!



Pos Driver Team Gap
1. Ryan Hunter-Reay Andretti 85 laps
2. Justin Wilson Dreyer & Reinbold + 5.6031s
3. Will Power Penske + 8.5864s
4. Scott Dixon Ganassi + 10.6287s
5. Tony Kanaan Andretti + 11.7732s
6. Mario Moraes KV + 16.5171s
7. Helio Castroneves Penske + 16.8928s
8. Ryan Briscoe Penske + 18.2214s
9. Dan Wheldon Panther + 19.4575s
10. Mike Conway Dreyer & Reinbold + 19.9307s
11. Vitor Meira Foyt + 27.4005s
12. Dario Franchitti Ganassi + 28.1352s
13. Hideki Mutoh Newman/Haas/Lanigan + 28.6037s
14. Marco Andretti Andretti + 30.0120s
15. EJ Viso KV + 31.6182s
16. Danica Patrick Andretti + 32.1804s
17. Simona de Silvestro HVM + 33.1652s
18. Takuma Sato KV + 1 lap
19. Alex Lloyd Dale Coyne + 1 lap
20. Raphael Matos Luczo Dragon/de Ferran + 1 lap

Retirements:

Alex Tagliani Fazzt 65 laps
Graham Rahal Sarah Fisher 58 laps
Mario Romancini Conquest 58 laps
Bertrand Baguette Conquest 45 laps
Milka Duno Dale Coyne 10 laps

For a look at more photos from the 2010 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, click here

Photo/Editorial: Robert Carrier

NEWS // CASTRONEVES WINS INDY GRAND PRIX OF ALABAMA

Helio Castroneves collected his first victory since last June, utilizing a two-stop strategy to win the IndyCar Series' inaugural round at the Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama. Ganassi's Scott Dixon and Dario Franchitti, who chose to use the same two-stop strategy as Castroneves, completed the podium.

Will Power, who won the first two races of the season, chose to make three stops, a decision that would cause the Australian driver to finish fourth. Although he lead much of the race, Marco Andretti, who hasn't won an IndyCar race in nearly four years, was forced to pit late in the race as his attempt to conserve fuel failed. Andretti would go on to finish in fifth.

Follow the link for complete results... [read more]

Indy Grand Prix of Alabama // Complete Results:

1. Helio Castroneves Penske 1h56m41.3928s
2. Scott Dixon Ganassi + 0.5703s
3. Dario Franchitti Ganassi + 8.1590s
4. Will Power Penske + 8.6639s
5. Marco Andretti Andretti + 9.7410s
6. Ryan Briscoe Penske + 10.9611s
7. Justin Wilson Dreyer & Reinbold + 11.5478s
8. Tony Kanaan Andretti + 12.8533s
9. Mike Conway Dreyer & Reinbold + 13.3162s
10. Alex Tagliani Fazzt + 14.8450s
11. Dan Wheldon Panther + 15.2007s
12. Ryan Hunter-Reay Andretti + 15.6727s
13. Mario Moraes KV + 16.7242s
14. Raphael Matos Luczo Dragon de Ferran + 1 lap
15. Hideki Mutoh Newman/Haas/Lanigan + 1 lap
16. EJ Viso KV + 1 lap
17. Graham Rahal Sarah Fisher + 1 lap
18. Vitor Meira Foyt + 1 lap
19. Danica Patrick Andretti + 1 lap
20. Bertrand Baguette Conquest + 1 lap
21. Simona de Silvestro HVM + 1 lap
22. Mario Romancini Conquest + 1 lap
23. Alex Lloyd Dale Coyne + 1 lap
24. Milka Duno Dale Coyne + 4 laps
25. Takuma Sato KV + 22 laps

Video: IndyCar Series
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

INDY @ ST.PETERSBURG // WILL POWER WINS AGAIN

Penske driver, Will Power, has collected his second IndyCar win in as many races. Following a rain delay that saw the race moved to Monday, Power, who managed to avoid contact a number of times, went on to finish just ahead of Justin Wilson in the Dreyer & Reinbold car. Power's teammate, Ryan Briscoe, finished third followed closely by Helio Castroneves in the third Penske car.

Follow the link for complete results and a highlight reel... [read more]



Honda Grand Prix of St.Petersburg // Race Results:

1. Will Power Penske 2h07m05.7968s
2. Justin Wilson Dreyer & Reinbold + 0.8244s
3. Ryan Briscoe Penske + 4.7290s
4. Helio Castroneves Penske + 5.1699s
5. Dario Franchitti Ganassi + 22.2172s
6. Alex Tagliani Fazzt + 29.3224s
7. Danica Patrick Andretti + 30.3360s
8. Raphael Matos de Ferran Luczo Dragon + 30.6695s
9. Graham Rahal Sarah Fisher + 30.8426s
10. Tony Kanaan Andretti + 31.3508s
11. Ryan Hunter-Reay Andretti + 31.6286s
12. Marco Andretti Andretti + 32.1703s
13. Mario Romancini Conquest + 39.8086s
14. Hideki Mutoh Newman/Haas/Lanigan + 39.9949s
15. Vitor Meira Foyt + 56.0593s
16. Simona de Silvestro HVM + 1 lap
17. EJ Viso KV + 3 laps

Retirements:

Scott Dixon Ganassi 73 laps
Mike Conway Dreyer & Reinbold 64 laps
Dan Wheldon Panther 46 laps
Mario Moraes KV 45 laps
Takuma Sato KV 21 laps
Alex Lloyd Dale Coyne 10 laps
Milka Duno Dale Coyne 7 laps

Image and Info: IndyCar Series
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

EVENT // INDY CARS ON THE STREETS OF SAO PAULO

Thought you guys would enjoy this shot ColdTrackDays correspondent, Alemiro Almeida, took last weekend when the IndyCar Series visited São Paulo, Brazil for their first race of the 2010 season.

Follow the link for video highlights and complete results... [read more]



To say the race was exciting would be an understatement. As dark clouds loomed overhead, only a few drivers headed to pitlane to switch from slicks to rain tires. A few minutes later the rain came. The race was halted, allowing the remainder of the field to pit. When the green flag waved again, the drivers, who had to battle not only the weather, but an uneven track surface, as well as excessive dust and debris, had only a few laps to sort out who would win the first race of the season.

São Paulo Indy 300 // Complete Results:

1. Will Power Penske 61 laps
2. Ryan Hunter-Reay Andretti Autosport 61 laps
3. Vitor Meira AJ Foyt 61 laps
4. Raphael Matos de Ferran Luczo Dragon 61 laps
5. Dan Wheldon Panther 61 laps
6. Scott Dixon Ganassi 61 laps
7. Dario Franchitti Ganassi 61 laps
8. Mike Conway Dreyer & Reinbold 61 laps
9. Helio Castroneves Penske 61 laps
10. Tony Kanaan Andretti Autosport 61 laps
11. Justin Wilson Dreyer & Reinbold 61 laps
12. EJ Viso KVRT 61 laps
13. Ana Beatriz Dreyer & Reinbold 61 laps R
14. Ryan Briscoe Penske 61 laps
15. Danica Patrick Andretti Autosport 60 laps
16. Simona de Silvestro Stargate Works/HVM 58 laps R
17. Mario Romancini Conquest 46 laps R
18. Alex Lloyd Dale Coyne 30 laps R
19. Alex Tagliani FAZZT 28 laps
20. Hideki Mutoh NHLR 27 laps
21. Milka Duno Dale Coyne 20 laps
22. Takuma Sato KVRT 0 laps R
23. Marco Andretti Andretti Autosport 0 laps
24. Mario Moraes KVRT 0 laps

Click here for additional images from Alemiro Almeida's visit to the São Paulo Indy 300.

Stay tuned for continued coverage of the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series!

Photo: Alemiro Almeida
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

NEWS // LOTUS BACK @ INDIANAPOLIS IN 2010?

Rumor has it that Lotus, having partnered with both Cosworth and KV Racing, intends to participate in this years IndyCar Series. Following news that Lotus and Cosworth would once again work together on both road going and racing cars, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that the UK based automaker would want another shot at Indy... [read more]

In 1963, at the wheel of the Lotus 25, Jim Clark finished second at the Indianapolis 500, after oil left on the track by eventual race winner, Parnelli Jones, prevented him from taking the lead. Two years later, this time at the wheel of the Lotus 38, Clark won the 500. He had to miss that years Monaco Grand Prix in order to race at Indianapolis, however he made history as he was the first person to win the 500 in a mid-engined car.

Skip to 2010. The collabortation between Lotus and KV Racing has been described as both technical and commercial, however it is unclear what exactly Lotus intends to do, as the current crop of IndyCars are not only powered by Honda, but essentially a spec racing series.

Perhaps the collaboration will allow Lotus, Cosworth and KV Racing to test a new engine/chassis package for the next generation IndyCar? Time will tell. But what we do know, is that the Lotus badged car will make its racing debut at the Honda Grand Prix of St.Petersburg on March 28th, with ex-Honda F1 driver Takuma Sato at the wheel.

Editorial: Justin W. Coffey
Images and Info: Autoblog