News for the Month of January 2016

RHR grabs podium, Sharp wins Rolex 24 – Former INDYCAR driver Scott Sharp’s Tequila Patron ESM No. 2 car won the Rolex 24 at Daytona over the weekend. Current Verizon IndyCar Series star Ryan Hunter-Reay drove the final stint for the No. 90 Visit Florida Racing Corvette and finished on the podium in P3. Full INDYCAR driver results to follow. – NBC Sports – (1/31/2016)

Plenty of INDYCAR connections in ’16 class for Motorsports Hall of Fame of America – Chip Ganassi, Sam Posey, and Bob Sweikert are among the seven inductees for the 2016 class for the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. The MSHFA is relocating to Daytona International Speedway this year and the ceremony will take place on July 29th. – FOX Sports – (1/31/2016)

Karam lands IMSA deal with Lexus – “F Performance Racing also announced that Sage Karam will join veteran racer Scott Pruett as drivers for F Performance Racing when the East Lansing, Michigan-based team campaigns the Lexus RC F GT3 for a limited schedule in the 2016 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.” “I’m really excited to be a part of the F Performance Team, it’s a great opportunity for me,” Karam said. “I have worked alongside Scott Pruett for a few years so we have a good relationship and I’m really looking forward to driving alongside him. We like to work with each other and we push each other to each other’s limits.” – Sage Karam – (1/29/2016)

Aleshin wins the pole for Rolex 24 – Schmidt Peterson Motorsports’ Verizon IndyCar Series driver Mikhail Aleshin won the overall pole for the Rolex 24 At Daytona this weekend. “It feels great,” Aleshin said. “I’m very happy to be at this track and this race with SMP Racing. It’s the first race in the U.S. for the BR01 car. I was developing it with other drivers through all of 2015 and I’m very happy that one of our great results is to be the pole sitter in Daytona. It’s one of the greatest races and one of the most difficult, for sure, that I have raced.” There are plenty more updates on INDYCAR drivers in the event at the link. – INDYCAR – (1/29/2016)

ECR returns to series as CFH Racing changes ownership – “A familiar name will be part of Verizon IndyCar Series in 2016 as Ed Carpenter Racing returns to competition. Team officials announced today that the organization that operated as CFH Racing in 2015 will be known as Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR), effective immediately. The team will remain headquartered in its current location at 1255 Main Street in Speedway, Ind. Ed Carpenter, Tony George and Stuart Reed are the owners of ECR.” “After competing for a year as CFH Racing, we will be returning to ECR for 2016 and beyond,” stated Ed Carpenter. “While we had a great year as CFH Racing, we have had some partnership changes within the organization and it makes the most sense to return to ECR. I am proud of what we have accomplished as a team since we started in 2012 and look forward to building upon that success for another exciting Verizon IndyCar Series season.” Full release at the link. – Ed Carpenter Racing – (1/28/2016)

INDYCAR releases Rolex 24 preview – INDYCAR has released their preview for this weekend’s 54th Rolex 24 At Daytona sports car race and it’s full of great information on who will be involved in the event. 24 drivers who have raced in the Verizon IndyCar Series are entered into the race. The current Verizon IndyCar Drivers racing this year are Mikhail Aleshin, Sebastien Bourdais, Scott Dixon, Jack Hawksworth, Tony Kanaan, Simon Pagenaud, Spencer Pigot, Graham Rahal, and Ryan Hunter-Reay. INDYCAR also announced that they will have a live blog during the event. – INDYCAR – (1/28/2016)

Wilson’s #ThinkSolar 500 bid gains momentum with ASES sponsorship – “IndyCar driver Stefan Wilson and the #ThinkSolar campaign team today announced a sponsorship by the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) for Wilson’s 2016 Indianapolis 500 bid to be the first IndyCar driver with a solar-powered pit crew at the 100th Running of the Indy 500 in May. Wilson aims to realize a dream of following his late brother Justin Wilson’s path to the Indy 500 by merging the worlds of motorsports and solar energy through #ThinkSolar. ASES and Wilson share the common goal of moving solar forward, faster.” – Stefan Wilson – (1/28/2016)

Hartman withdraws as owner of CFH Racing – KWCH out of Wichita, KS reports that Wink Hartman (and therefore Sarah Fisher) is leaving CFH Racing as an owner. Hartman was Fisher’s partner before the pair merged with Ed Carpenter Racing. “It was just a matter of, racing takes millions and millions of dollars. It’s not wise for me to jeopardize what I’ve worked all my life to build over racing,” Hartman told KWCH. “It’s something I have enjoyed, and something I will hopefully join in again. But if not, that’s fine. I have well past 15 companies to run…I decided in fairness to the team that I should withdraw from the season at least, or maybe longer until energy prices stabilize. Ed Carpenter is going to continue with ECR Racing, and Josef and he will be the drivers for the team.” – KWCH – (1/28/2016)

Rosenqvist posts quickest lap of final Lights test session at Homestead – Belardi Auto Racing’s Felix Rosenqvist’s lap of 1:14.5191 was the fastest lap of the fourth and final Indy Lights test session on the Homestead road course. The rest of the Top 5 was Urrutia, Jones, Serralles, and Enerson. Full results at the link. – Indy Lights – (1/27/2016)

Rosenqvist takes P1 in third Lights Homestead test session – Belardi Auto Racing’s Felix Rosenqvist’s lap of 1:14.4371 was the fastest lap of the third Indy Lights test session on the Homestead road course. The rest of the Top 5 was Jones, Urrutia, Serralles, and Kaiser. Full results at the link. – Indy Lights – (1/27/2016)

Future of CFH ownership in jeopardy – RACER’s Robin Miller reports that Sarah Fisher and Wink Hartman’s ownership stake in CFH Racing (and more specifically the No. 67 team) could be in jeopardy due to the impact of falling oil prices on Hartman. “Obviously the concern for where the funding will come from for the operation of the equipment Wink and I own together as partners has been on deck for awhile, even this past year,” Fisher told RACER. “My motivation, regardless of how it’s labeled, is to see that Josef has a quality ride surrounding him capable of winning races, just like the assembly of guys Andy (O’Gara) and I were fortunate enough to put together for the start of 2015.” Much more at the link. – RACER – (1/27/2016)

Miller’s Mailbag 1/27/16 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (1/27/2016)

Trackside podcast 1/26/16 – 1070 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee show from 1/19/16 is available at the link. The pair is joined by Brian Till and Neil Alberico. – 1070 The Fan – (1/27/2016)

Jones fastest again in second Lights test session at Homestead – Carlin’s Ed Jones’ lap of 1:14.5376 was the fastest lap of the second Indy Lights session on the Homestead road course on Tuesday. The rest of the Top 5 was Rosenqvist, Enerson, Serralles, and Urrutia. Full results at the link. – Indy Lights – (1/26/2016)

Jones fastest in first Lights test session at Homestead – Carlin’s Ed Jones’ lap of 1:15.0360 was the fastest lap of the first Indy Lights test session of the year. The rest of the Top 5 from the Homestead road course was Blackstock, Veach, Claman De Melo, and Urrutia. Full results at the link. – Indy Lights – (1/26/2016)

Homestead hosts Lights testing this Tuesday and Wednesday – “Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires will kick off its first official series test of the year on the 2.21-mile, 14-turn Homestead-Miami Speedway road course this Tuesday and Wednesday. A mix of returning veterans and series’ newcomers will make up the 11-car field as teams continue to formulate plans for the 2016 season.” The entry list can be seen here. – Indy Lights – (1/25/2016)

Carlin names Alberico as third Lights driver – “Neil Alberico will race with Carlin in the 2016 Indy Lights Series presented by Cooper Tires. The 23 year-old American will continue his career on the Mazda Road to Indy, after finishing the 2015 season as Pro Mazda vice-champion. Alberico joins already announced Carlin drivers Ed Jones and Felix Serralles.” “Carlin came to the US and immediately proved they could win races,” said Alberico. “They have a winning formula for success, so of course I am happy to be part of that for 2016. There will be challenges to adapt to as I learn the nuances of the new car, but driving alongside a pair of experienced teammates like Ed and Felix will help accelerate the learning process.” – Carlin – (1/25/2016)

Miller provides his take on 500 sponsorship – RACER’s Robin Miller provides a balanced take on IMS adding a presenting sponsor to the Indy 500 name. Worth the full read at the link. “The 100th Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil is just business. Sure it’s sad that one of sport’s sacred cows (Indy, The Masters, Wimbledon and the Super Bowl) went for a money grab and attached a sponsor’s moniker to a national landmark. It’s also sad the old garages were torn down, Jim Nabors is gone and it’s always a struggle to field 33 cars.” – RACER – (1/25/2016)

Rosenqvist set for Belardi Lights test – “Belardi Auto Racing is ready to break cover at Homestead-Miami Speedway next week to begin their quest to regain the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires championship that they won in 2014 with Gabby Chaves. The team announced the popular signing of series race winner Zach Veach back in November and the young American will be joined by reigning European F3 champion Felix Rosenqvist on the 2.21-mile 14-turn road course on January 26-27. This is the first official test of the 2016 season and the Mazda Road to Indy technical staff will be trackside to make sure the cars are legal and the drivers are primed and ready to go.” – Indy Lights – (1/22/2016)

DiZinno’s silly season update – NBC Sports’ Tony DiZinno has posted his second “silly season” update of the Verizon IndyCar Series offseason and it’s full of good information about who, where, and how the field will be filled this year. Great read. – NBC Sports – (1/22/2016)

PennGrade Motor Oil named presenting sponsor of Indy 500 – “The historic 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 29 added more history today with the race’s first presenting sponsor, PennGrade Motor Oil. A brand of Lebanon, Indiana-based D-A Lubricant Company, PennGrade Motor Oil will serve as presenting sponsor through a multi-year deal running through 2018.” “This historic announcement is welcome news for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and generates even more momentum for the entire Verizon IndyCar Series,” Hulman & Company CEO Mark Miles said. “PennGrade Motor Oil, with its deep understanding of the heritage and tradition that fuels the Indy 500, is the perfect presenting sponsor for the world’s greatest race.” “We’re thrilled that PennGrade Motor Oil is joining us, not only for the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 but for more Indy 500s going forward,” Indianapolis Motor Speedway president Doug Boles said. “My grandmother worked for D-A Lubricant so I’m well-versed in the company’s history and I know our fans will appreciate the Hoosier connection as well.” – IMS – (1/21/2016)

Karam confirmed for Indy 500 – RACER’s Robin Miller reports that Sage Karam will drive a Dreyer & Reinbold/Kingdom Racing entry at this year’s 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. The entry will be sponsored by Gas Monkey Garage as a promotion for the brand’s new energy drink. “I’m really thrilled to be associated with Gas Monkey Garage for the 100th Indy 500,” said Karam. “It’s exciting to return to the Dreyer & Reinbold – Kingdom team as well. We had a great run in 2014 at Indy. As a kid, Discovery Channel was one of my favorite stations and, mostly recently, I really got into the ‘Fast N’ Loud’ show with the Gas Monkey Garage guys.” – RACER – (1/21/2016)

Juncos Racing breaks ground on new HQ – Juncos Racing breaks ground on their new headquarters in Speedway, IN today and a picture can be seen at the link. – Juncos Racing – (1/21/2016)

“The Team Penske Story” video created for team’s 50th Anniversary – INDYCAR posted the Tom Brokaw-narrated video Team Penske created for their 50th Anniversary this year. Check it out at the link. – INDYCAR – (1/21/2016)

AA experiences more “predictable” car in Honda aero kit opening test – Rob Edwards of Andretti Autosport told motorsport.com that his drivers all commented that their cars felt more predictable in their first experience with the revamped Honda aero kit in test at Sebring on Wednesday. “Yes, the car felt more predictable, according to all three drivers. It’s not like it was night and day different, but more consistent. That gives you as a team and as a driver more opportunity to extract performance from other areas. Last year we were doing stuff we didn’t necessarily want to do just to overcome the nasty handling characteristics of the aero kit.” Much more at the link. – motorsport.com – (1/21/2016)

IndyCar testing kicks off at Sebring – NBC Sports’ Tony DiZinno has a nice compilation of images and videos found on social media from Wednesday’s Honda Verizon IndyCar Series test session at Sebring International Raceway. Check it out at the link. – NBC Sports – (1/20/2016)

Stefan Wilson working towards 500 program – Stefan Wilson is working hard towards a deal to drive in the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race this year. Wilson has a promising #ThinkSolar program well underway and does stand a substantial chance to put something together. “We signed three new partners in the last week, so our sponsorship program is definitely heading in the right direction,” Wilson told motorsport.com. “However I need a couple more deals to come together to have all the budget I need for a full Indy 500 ride.” – motorsport.com – (1/20/2016)

Unser III teases comeback – Al Unser III has been tweeting about making a comeback to racing and teasing promising progress in his attempt and Tony DiZinno has posted an update on the situation. While there’s no tangible news to report here it is something to keep an eye on. – NBC Sports – (1/20/2016)

Miller’s Mailbag 1/20/16 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (1/20/2016)

Trackside podcast 1/19/16 – 1070 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee show from 1/19/16 is available at the link. The pair is joined by Dillon Welch and Mark Jaynes. – 1070 The Fan – (1/20/2016)

Honda shares image from wind tunnel testing – Honda shared a picture from their aero kit testing in a wind tunnel on Tuesday night. It can be seen at the link. – HPD – (1/20/2016)

New group opposes GP of Boston – NECN has a report on the new NoGrandPrixBoston.org group that has popped up relatively anonymously to oppose the Verizon IndyCar Series Grand Prix of Boston. “The No Indy Car group says it fears there could be 4 to 6 months of construction shutting down streets, Interstate 90 on- and off-ramps, and MBTA stations, including the removal of the median on Congress Street and widening of Cypher Street, at the west end of the BCEC. It’s also concerned about crowds of up to 200,000, many of them consuming alcohol, and race-car noise they assert could reach 140 decibels.” More at the link. – NECN – (1/20/2016)

Hildebrand opens up on his future – In an interview with David Malsher on motorsport.com, JR Hildebrand was very open and honest about his future plans in racing. “Everyone’s sponsorship program at this stage is about the 100th Indy 500, but I’m always looking for opportunities to expand beyond that. Over the last few years I’ve been putting a lot of effort into developing a program that has value and can grow over time. I have not been one of those guy who’s just bounced around to wherever I could find a drive. Instead, I’ve tried to apply more method to the madness – as much as anything, for the sake of my own sanity! And I think that has been the right move.” Much more at the link. – motorsport.com – (1/19/2016)

Harvey in talks with BHA and DCR – AUTOSPORT reports that two-time Indy Lights runner-up Jack Harvey is still working on sponsorship deals to enable him to land a ride with Bryan Herta Autosport or Dale Coyne Racing. “Honestly, to end up with any of the teams would be great, they’ve all shown they can win races and that’s what I’m trying to achieve if we can,” Harvey told AUTOSPORT. Harvey is optimistic of his Verizon IndyCar Series chances but did express that WEC could be a possible alternative if he can’t work something out. – AUTOSPORT – (1/19/2016)

Verizon IndyCar Series testing starts Wednesday 1/20 – Marco Andretti, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Carlos Munoz, and Graham Rahal will test at Sebring International Raceway on Wednesday, January 20th as part of a Honda Manufacturer Day to kick off Verizon IndyCar Series testing in 2016. The current (and tentative) full preseason testing calendar is available at the link. – NBC Sports – (1/19/2016)

UFD returns to Andretti Autosport as associate sponsor – “The familiar shield of United Fiber & Data will once again be seen on Andretti Autosport entries for the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series. The tech company, which served as a primary sponsor for the team’s 2014 season, will return as an associate sponsor with branding on the 27 and 28 cars driven by Marco Andretti and Ryan Hunter-Reay, respectively. This will mark a third season in the relationship between Andretti Autosport and the Pennsylvania-based company. Full liveries of the cars will be unveiled at a later date.” More at the link. – Andretti Autosport – (1/19/2016)

Karam working on ’16 plans – Sage Karam is still working through his options for 2016 and it doesn’t sound like an announcement is imminent. “We’re still working really hard to figure something out,” Karam told RACER. “I need to be in a car. I need more seat time, but I don’t have anything right now to speak of. Nothing’s done yet. We’re working with some options here; I think I’ll be in something, and there’s good things to come, but I need to be patient and see how it all unfolds.” – RACER – (1/18/2016)

Saavedra hopeful for ’16 opportunities – Sebastian Saavedra is sounding optimistic about his 2016 possibilities based on a recent conversation with Marshall Pruett from RACER. “Things are looking promising; things are moving in the right direction at a rapid pace,” Saavedra told RACER. “We should have some news sooner than later. I’m back with Gary Peterson and AFS Racing, and this is going to be our seventh year working together. We’re a family and looking to make thing happen and help the series to get where it deserves to be…What I really need is for some of the older guys to retire so there are more seats open to younger guys like me! To win the championship, you need to be in one of those big seats.” – RACER – (1/18/2016)

CGRT likely to enter fourth car for ’16 – Marshall Pruett reports that “multiple sources have confirmed to RACER that the defending Verizon IndyCar Series champions are preparing the No. 8 chassis for use in 2016, and the car is set to take part in pre-season testing prior to the opening round at St. Petersburg, FL., on March 13.” Pruett goes on to say that Max Chilton is a potential candidate for the empty seat. – RACER – (1/18/2016)

Team Pelfrey excited for debut season in Lights – After their acquisition of 8Star Motorsport’s Indy Lights program, Team Pelfrey is ready to be competitive in the 2016 Indy Lights season. Team owner Dale Pelfrey bought an additional IL-15 for the season and the team expects to have two entries ready to go at the start of the year. The drivers for those seats are yet to be confirmed but the team plans on having that settled by a February 25th test at Phoenix International Raceway. Much more at the link. – NBC Sports – (1/18/2016)

Dixon family proud Indiana residents – Curt Cavin of the Indianapolis Star wrote a great piece on how Scott Dixon and his family are the rare Indianapolis 500-winning family to settle in Indianapolis. Interesting read. “We love it here,” said Emma Davies-Dixon. “The people are the reason we’ve stayed. Sooo many good people!” – Indianapolis Star – (1/18/2016)

Harkey passes away at 85 – Robin Miller posted a nice tribute on RACER to six-time Indy 500 starter Bob Harkey, who passed away over the weekend. Check it out at the link. – RACER – (1/18/2016)

Jaynes named new “Voice” of INDYCAR – Mark Jaynes was announced as the new lead announcer of the official INDYCAR broadcast of the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series season on Thursday. “Jaynes has been named chief announcer for the Advance Auto Parts INDYCAR Radio Network that airs every Verizon IndyCar Series race. Included among the 16 events in 2016 is the highly anticipated 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500.” “The most important thing to me is to make sure that the event is front and center, and not me,” Jaynes said. “I think all of the chief announcers have done a tremendous job of that, and that’s what I want to continue. I hope to glean the passion and enthusiasm that they all felt for the race itself and the facility and the fans.” – INDYCAR – (1/14/2016)

Carlin Lights star Jones to race in 24 Hours of Dubai – Carlin Indy Lights driver Ed Jones is racing in this weekend’s 24 Hours of Dubai. “It’s exciting to be making my endurance racing debut this weekend with Lechner Racing Middle East,” Jones said. “It was a last-minute deal, but it will be amazing to compete on home turf and I have a strong team behind me and four excellent team-mates. I’ve never driven a sports car before let alone entered a 24-hour race, so their knowledge will be vital as I endeavor to get to grips with everything as swiftly as possible.” – NBC Sports – (1/14/2016)

Penske and Montoya collect Baby Borgs – Roger Penske and Juan Pablo Montoya received their “Baby Borgs” for winning the 99th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race in a ceremony in Detroit on Wednesday. Here’s Montoya on what winning the 100th Running of the event this year would mean: “It would be the same as the 99th one,” Montoya said. “For me, I just think of it as a race. For everything I experienced with Borg, the trophy, coming here to Detroit and get presented with the trophy, the whole nine yards this year, it would really make it a really nice experience (next year).” Pictures at the link. – INDYCAR – (1/14/2016)

Marco aims for wins in 2016 – Marco Andretti has been very consistent with solid, if not great, finishing results over the last couple seasons and he aims to improve that in 2016. “Honestly, I’m coming for wins,” Andretti told RACER. “That is the goal this year. It sounds obvious that everybody wants to win, but honestly, that is the only thing that is escaping me. We were close to wins last year, and the year before, but I want to try to win races outright. I want to win it on track position; I don’t want to win it at a pack race or a strategy-type race. We want to win outright.” – RACER – (1/13/2016)

Pocono announces safety enhancements – “Pocono Raceway has added additional SAFER Barriers and extended the pit wall as part of enhancements made at the 2.5-mile track, President & CEO Brandon Igdalsky announced today. The pit wall has been lengthened 100 feet and 6,600 feet of SAFER Barrier has been added, Igdalsky said. An additional 5,100 feet of SAFER Barrier will be installed prior to the 2017 season when all outside walls, including straightaways will be covered, he added.” “We are always looking to make our track safer for drivers, teams and fans and these enhancements do just that,” said Igdalsky. “As cars and technology change and evolve, so do tracks. We are adapting to ensure Pocono Raceway is as safe as possible. We will continue to monitor races and technology and aggressively add safety measures where appropriate.” – Pocono Raceway – (1/13/2016)

Clauson and Fisher to race in the Chili Bowl – Bryan Clauson and Sarah Fisher are the prominent INDYCAR names racing in this weekend’s Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa. – IMS – (1/13/2016)

Miller’s Mailbag 1/13/16 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (1/13/2016)

Trackside podcast 1/12/16 – 1070 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee show from 1/12/16 is available at the link. The pair is joined by Donald Davidson, Townsend Bell, and Kelli Stavast. – 1070 The Fan – (1/13/2016)

Aleshin happy to be back in IndyCar – Mikhail Aleshin participated in the Roar Before the Rolex 24 at Daytona last weekend and told MotorSportsTalk that he’s excited to be back in the Verizon IndyCar Series. “We had a test in Sebring together. He’s a nice guy and I think he’s a good worker. He seems like an open guy and I’m sure we’re going to have some fun times this season,” Aleshin said of his future with new teammate James Hinchcliffe. More at the link. – NBC Sports – (1/12/2016)

INDYCAR drivers to drive in Roar Before the Rolex 24 this weekend – NBC Sports’ Tony DiZinno has posted an excellent summary of the INDYCAR drivers that will be in action this weekend for testing at Daytona International Speedway for the Roar Before the Rolex 24. Check out the full list at the link. – NBC Sports – (1/8/2016)

The Romantics to play the Saturday concert at Belle Isle – “One of the Motor City’s most popular homegrown national bands will return to their roots as The Romantics will rock the MotorCity Casino Hotel Entertainment Stage on Saturday, June 4 at the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix.” More at the link. – Detroit GP – (1/8/2016)

INDYCAR breaks down the shaker rig – RACER’s Marshall Pruett breaks down how a shaker rig works with Chip Ganassi Racing’s Brad Goldberg in an article for the INDYCAR website. Too informative to shorten so check it out at the link. – INDYCAR – (1/8/2016)

Bourdais confident of deal at KVSH – Sebastien Bourdais told Curt Cavin of the Indianapolis Star that he has his deal with KVSH Racing worked out for this year but they’re working on funding for next year (2017) before announcing a deal. “It’s whether it’s a one- or a two-year (contract),” Bourdais told The Star. “I’d like two (years), but you can only do that if (the team has) the sponsorship.” – Indianapolis Star – (1/8/2016)

Serralles named as Carlin Lights driver – “Felix Serralles will race with Carlin’s Indy Lights team for the 2016 season, joining already announced driver Ed Jones for the British squad’s second year in the USA. Serralles is already a race winner in the Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires Series, taking a total of two podiums including a race win in his rookie season.” “I have wanted to be a part of this great team for a number of years while I was racing in Europe,” said Serralles. “I am really pleased this opportunity has now presented itself for me and I look forward to bringing home trophies with Carlin this year.” – Carlin – (1/7/2016)

Kahne admits interest an INDYCAR “try” – NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne said on a Twitter Q&A on Wednesday that “I think @IndyCar would be neat to try.” While a singular tweet doesn’t guarantee he’ll be in an INDYCAR seat tomorrow Kahne could be one to watch moving forward in a Verizon IndyCar Series test or one-off event. – NBC Sports – (1/7/2016)

Rayhall named to full-time DeltaWing program – Indy Lights race winner Sean Rayhall was named as a driver for Panoz DeltaWing in the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship. “I’m extremely excited to sign on with Panoz DeltaWing Racing for the year,” said Rayhall. “The team were excellent when I tested with them back in November and I think it will be a great fit! I’m very grateful for the opportunity Dr Panoz has given me.” He also tweeted here that he doesn’t think he’ll end up in Lights in any part-time capacity this season. – IMSA – (1/6/2016)

Pigot named to Mazda Rolex24 driver lineup – “Mazda Motorsports has two categories of driver development programs that support drivers on their way to the top of North American auto racing. The Mazda Road to 24 (#MRT24) is a ladder system for sports car racers while the similar Mazda Road to Indy (#MRTI) provides driver scholarships in the open-wheel ranks. For the Rolex 24 at Daytona, those two categories come together as Indy Lights champion Spencer Pigot will join the Mazda Prototype team.” – Mazda Racing – (1/6/2016)

Jon Herb sentenced to 25 years in prison – Former INDYCAR driver and two-time Indianapolis 500 Mile Race starter Jon Herb was sentenced to 25 years in prison. “The Naples Daily News reports that 45-year-old Jon Herb pleaded no contest in court Monday to lewd and lascivious molestation and 13 counts of child pornography possession.” Full details at the link. – WISHTV – (1/6/2016)

Miller’s Mailbag 1/6/2016 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (1/6/2016)

Trackside podcast 1/5/2016 – 1070 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee is a great listen as always in their first show of 2016. – 1070 The Fan – (1/6/2016)

iRacing 16th Street Racing League Indianapolis 500 is Tuesday night – “The 16th Street Racing League concludes their 2015-2016 season tonight as they head to Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indianapolis 500, beginning at 6 p.m. ET and will be streamed live on IndyCar.com, complete with commentators and race stewards. The league is a collaboration among INDYCAR, iRacing and RACER magazine.” The race can be viewed live at the link. – INDYCAR – (1/5/2016)

Bourdais and Bourdais named to Ganassi Ford GT Rolex24 program – ” Ford Chip Ganassi Racing announced today the drivers who will complete the Ford GT lineup for the Rolex 24 At Daytona. French driver Sébastien Bourdais joins American Joey Hand and German Dirk Müller in the No. 66 Ford GT, while German Stefan Mücke will be paired with Australian Ryan Briscoe and Richard Westbrook, of England, in the No. 67 Ford GT.” – CGRT – (1/5/2016)

Hulman Motorsports fills Senior Director of Safety and Security role – “Veteran public safety official Michael G. Bates will join Hulman Motorsports as Senior Director of Safety and Security beginning Jan. 14. Bates takes on this new position after serving as Deputy Chief of Police for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, heading IMPD’s Homeland Security Division and playing a leading role in safety and security planning for Super Bowl XLVI, several NCAA Final Fours, Big Ten Conference championships and NFL playoff games.” – IMS Press Release – (1/4/2016)

Dixon skeptical about aero kits – Reigning Verizon IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon was critical of aero kits in an article posted on RACER. “My opinion is the aero kits were very unneeded,” Dixon said. “In some areas I think it made the racing slightly worse. Behind cars the dirty air was much worse. It was hard to get close on road courses.” More at the link. – RACER – (1/4/2016)

RHR and Hinch’s NYD duties go well – Ryan Hunter-Reay and James Hinchcliffe each held noteworthy responsibilities at major sporting events on New Year’s Day and as expected each did a great job promoting INDYCAR. Check out the link for quotes and images from their experiences at the Rose Bowl and NHL Winter Classic. – INDYCAR – (1/4/2016)

INDYCAR-related New Year’s events planned all over the country – INDYCAR has posted a summary of New Year’s plans involving an INDYCAR theme all over the country. There’s an INDYCAR drop at midnight in Indianapolis, James Hinchcliffe is an honored guest at the NHL’s Winter Classic, and Ryan Hunter-Reay will lead the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasedena, CA in the new Acura NSX. – INDYCAR – (12/31/2015)

Miller’s Mailbag 12/30/15 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (12/30/2015)

Dixon and Kanaan named as Ganassi Rolex24 drivers – “Chip Ganassi Racing Teams’ (CGRT) four-time and reigning Verizon IndyCar Series Champion Scott Dixon joins teammates Tony Kanaan (2004 Champion and 2013 Indianapolis 500 Winner), Kyle Larson (NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 2014 Rookie of the Year) and Jamie McMurray (NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 2010 Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400 Winner) in the No. 02 car to defend their 2015 win.” – CGRT – (12/29/2015)

Drama surrounds aero kits in ’16 – RACER’s Marshall Pruett provides some insight into what to expect from Year 2 of aero kits in the Verizon IndyCar Series. Includes quotes from key players at Chevy, Honda, and INDYCAR as manufactures decide how and when to make the three changes they’re allowed per season. Fascinating piece. – RACER – (12/28/2015)

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