News for the Month of September 2014

Power officially takes the No. 1 car for 2015 – Will Power will officially exercise his right as the Verizon IndyCar Series Champion to drive the No. 1 car in 2015. Power has driven the No. 12 car since joining Team Penske. Picture at the link. – @PaddockInsider – (9/30/14)

Kimball married over the weekend with Hinch serving minister – Charlie Kimball was married on September 27th with James Hinchcliffe serving as the minister of the ceremony. “It’s something that Charlie, Kathleen and I joked about years ago, and after they got engaged they invited me to dinner and said, ‘Remember how we used to joke about you marrying us? Well, we’ve thought about it and actually would like you to do it,’ ’’ Hinchcliffe said. “In my mind, it’s about the greatest honor somebody could ask you to do so, of course, I accepted.” – INDYCAR – (9/30/14)

Gordon Pipers looking for funding for new uniforms – The Gordon Pipers Bagpipe Band are in need of around 30 new uniforms and are looking for help from the public. A long-time staple of the Month of May at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the group is still using pieces of their original uniforms from back in 1962. Donations can be made at the link. – gofundme – (9/30/14)

Cavin Q&A 9/30/14 – Curt Cavin’s fan Q&A covers his thoughts on Pagenaud to Penske, aero kits, the 2015 schedule, and the status of Ryan Briscoe. Cavin reports that he’s hearing Sage Karam is close to a deal to drive the No. 8 car for Ganassi next season leaving Briscoe without a ride. – Indianapolis Star – (9/30/14)

Hawksworth parts ways with BHA; heading to Foyt? – RACER’s’ Marshall Pruett reports that Jack Hawksworth has “amicably parted ways with Bryan Herta Autosport” and is likely heading to A.J. Foyt Racing in a second car for the 2015 Verizon IndyCar Series season. – RACER – (9/30/14)

SPM has 3 tests lined up this week after Pagenaud departure – Schmidt Peterson Motorsports will have tests with three different drivers this week after the departure of Simon Pagenaud. Gabby Chaves, Rodolfo Gonzalez, and Rocky Moran Jr. are all expected to test with the team this week. – NBC Sports – (9/29/14)

Pagenaud joins Team Penske in team’s 4th car for 2015 – Simon Pagenaud will drive for Team Penske in 2015. The team will field four cars. “Simon Pagenaud is a very talented, focused and determined driver,” said Roger Penske. “We know how tough he has been to compete with over the last few seasons and we are very happy to welcome him to Team Penske starting in 2015.” “Getting a chance to race for Team Penske is almost like a dream to me,” said Pagenaud. “I have always admired the team and everything that Roger Penske has accomplished in racing. I am so excited to become a part of Team Penske and I can’t wait for the 2015 season to start.” – Team Penske – (9/29/14)

Serralles testing for Belardi today – Felix Serralles is testing for Belardi Racing today at Putnam Park Road Course in the “old” Indy Lights car. Serralles will drive for the team in 2015. – Belardi Racing – (9/29/14)

Power battles a Cessna to a draw – Will Power won the second of two races against a Cessna Mustang Citation while driving a V8 Supercar in front of 27,000 fans in Australia. “I didn’t really know what to expect beforehand, however it was a heap of fun,” said Power. “You could hear the jet engines coming from behind and then see it spool as it took off. After losing the first race I was pretty determined to win the second. It was definitely not something you get to do every day and I think the crowd enjoyed the spectacle.” – INDYCAR – (9/29/14)

Chevy/INDYCAR release engine statistics – Cool feature from INDYCAR divulging some information on the Chevy Verizon IndyCar Series engine. It takes 100 man hours to assemble one race engine and there are 9500 parts in each engine. – INDYCAR – (9/29/14)

Power will race against a plane in Australia – Will Power will pilot a V8 Supercar against a Cessna Mustang Citation airplane at Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport this weekend. “I’ve never raced a jet before, so it should be pretty exciting,” said Power. – RACER – (9/26/14)

Former 500 driver Kinser wrapping up his career – 1997 Indianapolis 500 14th place finisher Steve Kinser is wrapping up his legendary World of Outlaws career later this year and is competing in his final race in Indiana this weekend. “I’ve added so much (weight) that I can’t even get within the 100-pound weight rule,” says Kinser. “I give up at least a tenth (of a second) in qualifying, and that starts me in the back. It’s not fun. If I’m not willing to lose the weight, I don’t need to be racing.” – Indianapolis Star – (9/26/14)

Hunter-Reay to compete in Race of Champions in Barbados – “Indianapolis 500 champion Ryan Hunter-Reay will represent the Verizon IndyCar Series in the annual Race of Champions, slated to take place at the Bushy Park Circuit in Barbados on December 13-14. “I’m absolutely thrilled to be returning to the Race of Champions for the second time,” said Hunter-Reay, who previously raced in the Race of Champions when it was held in Thailand following his 2012 series championship. “My first ROC in Bangkok was an amazing experience, going head-to-head with some of the best drivers from every different motor sport discipline from around the world.”” – INDYCAR Press Release – (9/25/14)

Abt and Gonzalez to get IndyCar tests – GP2 and Formula E driver Daniel Abt will test for Andretti Autosport next month at Barber Motorsports Park. Former Morussia F1 test driver Rodolfo Gonzalez tested for Dale Coyne Racing earlier this week at Barber. “You can always bring some money and drive a Caterham, but is it worth it just to be called an ‘F1 driver’?,” said Abt. “I don’t think so. I’m 21 now and I’m at a point where I need to look at what makes sense.” – AUTOSPORT – (9/25/14)

Miller’s Mailbag 9/24/14 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is loaded as always. Good read. – RACER – (9/25/14)

2015 schedule taking shape – “Last year we released it (next year’s schedule) a couple of weeks after Fontana, which was late October, and by that point, we’d had all of the television plans in place to announce, and we’ll certainly hit that target,” Mark Miles told RACER. “We’re close. There’s two or three smallish things, and we’re still working on our possibilities to where we’ll start the year. I feel it’s in our best interest to give that a little bit more time because it’s a process that takes longer to complete. When we’re done, we’ll have a great schedule.” – RACER – (9/25/14)

Pagenaud has made his decision…Though it’s not ready yet – Curt Cavin reports that Simon Pagenaud has made his decision on where he’s racing in the Verizon IndyCar Series next year but will wait until the contract is finalized before he announces it. Hunter-Reay told Cavin that Simon has said he’s leaving Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. Team Penske is the most rumored destination over the last week or so. – Indianapolis Star – (9/23/14)

Cavin Q&A 9/23/14 – Curt Cavin’s fan Q&A covers JR Hildebrand’s chances of a CFH Racing ride, Marcos Ambrose at the Indy 500, future schedules, and more. – Indianapolis Star – (9/23/14)

Conway still evaluating options for 2015 – Mike Conway is still working to finalize his racing plans for 2015. Conway was able to split his time between being Ed Carpenter’s road course fill-in and his other motorsports pursuits in 2014 but he’s waiting on schedules to be released before he determines his endeavors in 2015. Conway is wanted “back” at CFH Racing next year but he also has an opportunity with Toyota in the FIA World Endurance Championship. “I’d love to do IndyCar again and I love driving this too, so it’s not an easy decision, and I still don’t know what will happen,” Conway told MotorSportsTalk. “It’s still a case of ifs, buts or maybes.” – NBC Sports – (9/23/14)

Firestone tire testing on IMS oval this Tuesday and Wednesday – Ed Carpenter, Helio Castroneves, Ryan Hunter-Reay, and Simon Pagenaud will all be on the oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this Tuesday and Wednesday doing tire testing for Firestone. “Testing will take place each day from 9 a.m.-5 p.m…Fans are welcome to watch testing for free both days from the South Terrace grandstands and the Turn 2 viewing mounds adjacent to the IMS Hall of Fame Museum.” – IMS Press Release – (9/23/14)

Moran Jr. to test for SPM – 34 year old American Rocky Moran Jr. will test an IndyCar for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports on the road course at Homestead next week. Moran Jr. raced in Toyota Atlantics with Ryan Hunter-Reay when they were younger and won Atlantics races in 2001 and 2002. “I know a lot of people have forgotten about me but I know I can do it,” said Moran Jr. “The hardest part is finding funding so I’m spending a lot of time doing that. By no means is this a ride, it’s just a test, but it allows me to get my foot back in the door and get in a car.” – RACER – (9/23/14)

Rodolfo Gonzalez to test for DCR? – Rodolfo Gonzalez tweeted Sunday night that he will be testing an IndyCar on Monday with a picture of himself in a DCR car in Huertas’ livery. The 28 year old has spent the past two years as the test driver for Marussia F1 after a long career in Europe. His tweet translates as “God squeezes but does not strangle . Tomorrow I will have the great opportunity to try for 1st time in the Indycar series in Alabama.” – @RSpeedyGonzalez – (9/22/14)

MRTI vets Simpson and Newey take the Robopong 200 win – Jimmy Simpson and Brandon Newey won the Robopong 200 at New Castle Motorsports Park on Sunday in a veteran field full of Verizon IndyCar Series drivers. Great breakdown at the link. – ekartingnews – (9/22/14)

Kanaan takes the win in the Dan Wheldon Memorial Pro Am Karting Challenge – Tony Kanaan held off James Hinchcliffe for the win in the Dan Wheldon Memorial Pro Am Karting Challenge at New Castle Motorsports Park on Saturday. “It was a lot of fun and I want to keep racing,” said Kanaan. “It’s great to see all the guys turn out for this and honor Dan’s memory. He loved karting and I think he’d be happy to see all his buddies out here. Dan was one of my best friends and seeing Susie, Sebastian, Oliver and benefit Alzheimer’s. I’m really touched by all the people who came today.” – INDYCAR – (9/22/14)

Serralles joins Belardi for 2015 Lights season – Formula 3 driver Felix Serralles will join Belardi Racing’s Indy Lights program in 2015. “Our entire crew is fired up about the 2015 Indy Lights season and they can’t wait to get their hands on the new race car, and to have confirmed the addition of Felix is great for us,” said Brian Belardi. “I’m very excited and I believe that he’s going to be a special talent. He raced with us in 2010 right out of Skip Barber and challenged Sage Karam at Road Atlanta. I’ve been following his career ever since, so I’m expecting big things out of Felix next year.” – eFormulaCarNews – (9/19/14)

All the details of this weekend’s Dan Wheldon memorial karting event – Excellent preview of all of the action ahead this weekend at the link. “The 2nd annual Dan Wheldon Memorial ProAm kart race and 11th annual RoboPong 200 kart race will take place at New Castle Motorsports Park this weekend (September 20th & September 21st). Both events feature Verizon IndyCar Series drivers, Mazda Road To Indy drivers, and local media celebrities.” Entry list here. – The Set-Up Sheet – (9/19/14)

Brasilia officially added to 2015 IndyCar calendar – There will be a Verizon IndyCar Series race in Brazil again in 2015. The Brasília Indy will be held at Autódromo Internacional Nelson Piquet in Brasilia on March 8, 2015. “This event is an instrumental step in the growth of INDYCAR as we continue to execute our strategy of adding race markets and events that drive us forward,” said Mark Miles. – NBC Sports – (9/18/14)

8Star close to official Lights deal – 8Star Motorsports told MotorSportsTalk that their hope is to put a deposit on two Dallara IL15 chassis for next season’s Indy Lights series sometime next week. If they do, American Sean Rayhall is likely to be one of their drivers. Rayhall currently drives for the team in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship Prototype Challenge class. “We registered as a team, we were at Indy looking at the test. Very excited,” team principal Enzo Potolicchio said. “Next week we will make a decision after meetings. A lot of interest. We’ve been approached with a lot of people. We can do the job and be competitive. Good name, good brand in sports cars.” – NBC Sports – (9/18/14)

CFH Racing officially announces Chevy partnership for 2015 – CFH Racing announced today that the team will use Chevrolet engines and body kits in 2015 in the Verizon IndyCar Series. “I am very proud that CFH Racing will be powered by Team Chevy for the 2015 season,” said Carpenter. “Team Chevy has delivered for ECR over the past three years, and I know that our new combination of CFH Racing and Chevrolet will continue to put us in a great position moving forward. We are totally confident in their product, and cannot wait to debut the Chevrolet Aero Kit starting in 2015.” – Ed Carpenter Racing – (9/17/14)

Milwaukee attendance the same as last year – According to Wisconsin State Fair Park CEO Rick Frenette attendance at the Milwaukee Indyfest featuring the ABC Supply Co. Wisconsin 250 was roughly the same as last year. Last year’s race had 28,000 in attendance and Frenette said this year’s attendance was between 25-30,000. “We had a good walk up (ticket sales) because the weather was good,” Frenette said. “They (Andretti) seemed happy with that.” Race officials would like to keep an August date but they’re unsure of what their exact date will be in 2015. – Milwaukee Business Journal – (9/17/14)

IMS provides special day (and future) for Make-A-Wish cancer patient – JD Casper, a 19-year-old non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma patient, had a visit to Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Tuesday for a tour with JR Hildebrand and ended up with so much more. His 1974 Pontiac Grandville was revealed to be completely restored as a total surprise. Pictures and quotes at the link. – WTHR – (9/17/14)

Aleshin released from Indy hospital – Russian rookie Mikhail Aleshin was released from Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis today as he recovers from his massive crash in practice at Fontana late last month. “I’m feeling better each day,” Aleshin said. “I’m very happy to be back in Indianapolis with my friends and the team. The doctors are taking very good care of me. Everything is going as planned with my recovery, and before you know it I’ll be back behind the steering wheel.” – INDYCAR – (9/16/14)

Robin Miller claims Pagenaud to Penske and CFH will be Chevy – RACER’s Robin Miller reports that he believes Simon Pagenaud will be in a fourth car for Team Penske in 2015 and that CFH Racing will have Chevy engines next season. That’s two big losses for Honda. A good read if you have the time. – RACER – (9/16/14)

Cavin Q&A 9/16/14 – Curt Cavin’s fan Q&A covers whether INDYCAR is moving forward or backward, the status of a few race locations, Foyt IV, and simulators. – Indianapolis Star – (9/16/14)

CFH to make “major announcement” on Wednesday – CFH Racing, the combined team of Ed Carpenter Racing and Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing, will make a “major announcement” on Wednesday at 11:30AM according to a team press release. The assumption is that this will reveal their engine manufacturer for 2015. – CFH Press Release – (9/16/14)

INDYCAR researching cockpit canopies – INDYCAR President of Competition Derrick Walker told RACER that canopies are being considered for the cockpit of the next Verizon IndyCar Series chassis. “It is being considered; it’s been on my radar ever since I came to IndyCar,” Walker told RACER. “I’ve had discussions with Dallara about trying to design a partial canopy, not a fully enclosed, but a partial one that would serve as a deflector for debris that comes at the driver. It’s on the radar.” 2018 is the tentative date for the next chassis to be used in competition. – RACER – (9/15/14)

Cavin Q&A 9/15/14 – Curt Cavin’s fan Q&A today only responds to appreciation for his excellent article on John Paul, Jr.’s battle with Huntington’s disease. – Indianapolis Star – (9/15/14)

Pigot fastest in Lights testing over the weekend – Pro Mazda champion Spencer Pigot was fastest in all four sessions of Indy Lights testing this past weekend at IMS. Parker Kligerman was 2nd fastest. Each driver tested for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. – INDYCAR – (9/15/14)

Walker opens talks on plans for 2018 car – INDYCAR President of Competition Derrick Walker has started discussions with current team owners on plans for the series’ new car for 2018. “When you back up from ’18 to here, it says certainly within the next 12 months we have to be thinking and developing a plan that says, this is what we’re going to do, this is where we’re going with the sport, and build it into the 2018 car and engine,” Walker told RACER. “We proposed to the team owners – just food for thought, because it wasn’t an official proposal in any way – that we would take one year to actually evolve and think through a plan and come back with a plan that entails those options or those ideas for them to consider.” – RACER – (9/12/14)

Melangton to join IMS staff – The President of the Indiana Sports Corp., Allison Melangton, is leaving the organization to join the staff at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Melangton would bring massive experience to IMS as she was the CEO of Indy’s 2012 Super Bowl Committee and played a large role in Indy’s bid for 2018. – IBJ – (9/12/14)

Road to Indy test this weekend at IMS – The Fourth Annual Chris Griffis Memorial Mazda Road to Indy Open Test will take place this weekend on the IMS Road Course. The four drivers doing Lights testing will be Parker Kligerman, Alan Sciuto, Dalton Kellett, and Spencer Pigot. – Entry List – (9/12/14)

The Dan Wheldon Memorial karting race will feature many INDYCAR stars – “The Dan Wheldon Memorial Pro-Am Karting Challenge returns Sept. 20 to New Castle (Ind.) Motorsports Park, where participants will race to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association…The event will feature Indianapolis 500 winners and Verizon IndyCar Series champions Scott Dixon and Tony Kanaan in addition to Marco Andretti, James Hinchcliffe, Ryan Briscoe, Josef Newgarden, Ed Carpenter, Sebastian Saavedra and others.” – INDYCAR – (9/12/14)

Pappas, Davis, and Dick out at RLL – Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing announced restructuring changes today that will result in Bill Pappas, Mitch Davis and John Dick leaving the team. Eddie Jones, the engineer of the part-time No. 16 for RLL, will take over for Graham Rahal’s team in the same role. Mike Talbott will join the program in a research and develpment role. – RACER – (9/11/14)

Bird wants INDYCAR move – After a successful junior career in Europe Englishman Sam Bird wants a career in the Verizon IndyCar Series. Bird will drive for Virgin Racing in Formula E this weekend in Beijing. “I really believe that I can forge a very good career in America,” said Bird. “I like the lifestyle, I very much enjoy the atmosphere and the paddocks. I think the U.S. motorsport scene is a perfect fit for me, and with so many drivers like Dario Franchitti, Justin Wilson, Mike Conway and other Brits being successful in IndyCar, I know it’s absolutely possible for me to do the same.” – RACER – (9/11/14)

Schmidt profiled by Forbes – Terrific article by Forbes profiling Sam Schmidt’s recovery from a brutal racing incident to a successful team owner. A must read. “Given the option, I wouldn’t be in this chair,” Schmidt says. “But because I am, I’m able to help and inspire others and still participate in a sport I love.” – Forbes – (9/11/14)

Sato to race in Formula E in Beijing – Takuma Sato will drive for Amlin Aguri in Formula E as a teammate of former IndyCar driver Katherine Legge this weekend in Beijing. “I’m very much looking forward to making history with Amlin Aguri as we compete in the first ever Formula E race,” said Sato. “I’m excited to join the team especially reconnecting with old friends from Super Aguri, and going racing together again.” – ITV – (9/11/14)

INDYCAR and IMS back in the black – For the first time in five years INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway are profitable again. The article sites increased activity at IMS in May, staff restructuring, and the compressed schedule as factors in the financial turnaround. “We feel good about the organizational changes made to bring in outside talent and consolidate the commercial side of racing between IMS and IndyCar,” Mark Miles said. “It’s fair to say that there were great opportunities in front of us if we executed the right strategy.” – SBJ – (9/10/14)

Cavin Q&A 9/10/14 – Curt Cavin’s fan Q&A covers TV ratings, the possibility of Firestone adopting Pirelli’s colored tyre type structure, and changes at the Star (again). – Indianapolis Star – (9/10/14)

Pigot to test a Lights car for SPM – 2014 Pro Mazda champion Spencer Pigot will test a Lights car this weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. Pigot will join Parker Kligerman as Lights test drivers for SPM. – @SpencerPigot – (9/10/14)

Miller’s Mailbag 9/10/14 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is excellent as always. Plenty to talk about as INDYCAR begins silly season. – RACER – (9/10/14)

Kligerman to test a Lights car for SPM – NASCAR driver Parker Kligerman will test a Lights car this weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. The 24 year old has expressed interest in INDYCAR in the past. – @bobpockrass – (9/9/14)

Cavin Q&A 9/9/14 – Curt Cavin’s fan Q&A covers Power on Letterman, the 2015 schedule, and changes at the Indianapolis Star. – Indianapolis Star – (9/9/14)

Pagenaud not sure of his plans for 2015 and beyond – RACER’s Marshall Pruett caught up with Simon Pagenaud as he reflects on 2014 and evaluates his options for 2015. Pagenaud accepts Pruett’s comparison to Will Power at this stage of his career and the need for improvement to better his title chances. “At this point I’m contemplating what I want to do next year, and I haven’t made the decision yet,” said Pagenaud. “I’m trying to step away from racing and put everything on paper and see what is the best situation and then decide. – RACER – (9/8/14)

DiZinno’s offseason preview – MotorSportsTalk’s Tony DiZinno wrote an excellent piece highlighting what INDYCAR fans need to watch for in this offseason. Good read. – NBC Sports – (9/8/14)

Aleshin medical update – Aleshin will return to Indy soon before heading back home to Russia. Aleshin is sore and a little bored but is doing well all things considered. “It’s the first thing I thought about when I woke up – how is my car, and can I race?” said Aleshin. “At the moment, the only thing I have to do is my recovery, and then I will think about 2015 when I am better.”  – RACER – (9/8/14)

Miller’s race control favorites – Robin Miller gives his take on potential candidates to replace Beaux Barfield in race control. Brian Barnhart, Scott Pruett, and Wally Dallenbach, Jr. are his three most likely in the format of his editorial. – RACER – (9/8/14)

Barfield resigns from race director role – Beaux Barfield has resigned from his role as INDYCAR race director to join IMSA. “INDYCAR would like to thank Beaux Barfield for his contributions to the Verizon IndyCar Series during the past three seasons and we wish him all the best as he assumes his new position with IMSA. INDYCAR’s on-track product showcases extremely competitive and compelling racing and we look forward to identifying a race director that will take the Verizon IndyCar Series to an even higher level starting in 2015.” – INDYCAR – (9/5/14)

Dixon and Hinchcliffe testing IL15 on Friday – Verizon IndyCar Series drivers Scott Dixon and James Hinchcliffe are testing the new Dallara Indy Lights chassis at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday, September 5th. Picture of Dixon in the car at the link. – @Jason_Penix – (9/5/14)

Miller’s take on future INDYCAR scheduling – RACER’s Robin Miller wrote a terrific column on his thoughts on how INDYCAR should move forward with their scheduling policy. A must read. “Miles has a chance to try and put the right pieces in place. He did a good job of getting the month of May on ABC and he may be able to score some decent money for the teams with Dubai and Brazil. But he’s got to listen to reason and to his teams, fans and promoters – not an East Coast consulting group that has no clue about IndyCar’s audience or culture. Almost no one in the paddock thinks it’s smart or good business to end the season on Labor Day weekend (hence it’s real tough to find anybody that wants the season finale in 2015) and five months between the end of one season and the start of the next is suicide.” – RACER – (9/5/14)

Jakes hoping for IndyCar return in 2015 – Briton James Jakes believes he’s close to putting a plan together to return to the Verizon IndyCar Series in 2015. The former Dale Coyne Racing and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver spent 2014 on the sidelines after showing much improvement in 2013 with RLL. “It’s frustrating not to have a ride this year after the potential we showed last year, so I’ve been working on putting deals together to make something happen,” Jakes told RACER. “I’m just waiting on a few final details and responses and I can’t wait to get back to IndyCar.” – RACER – (9/4/14)

Cavin Q&A 9/4/14 – Curt Cavin’s fan Q&A addresses concerns over the future of INDYCAR, aero kits, testing, and more. – Indianapolis Star – (9/4/14)

Power to be a guest on Letterman on 9/4/14 – Verizon IndyCar Series champion Will Power will appear on the Late Show with David Letterman on September 4th, 2014. – @IndyCar – (9/3/14)

Watch Will Power’s championship speech – The link contains video of Will Power’s excellent speech at the INDYCAR Championship Celebration. – NBC Sports – (9/3/14)

Miller’s Mailbag 9/3/14 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is loaded as always. – RACER – (9/3/14)

Cavin predicts the 2015 Verizon IndyCar Series schedule – The Indianapolis Star’s Curt Cavin predicts the 2015 Verizon IndyCar Series schedule. He adds the Brazil race but doesn’t feel comfortable adding Dubai at this time. Other highlights include Pocono (July 12) and Fontana (June 20 or 27) moving dates as needed and Milwaukee as the last race on September 6th, 2015. – Indianapolis Star – (9/3/14)

MAVTV 500 gets a 0.18 rating – The Verizon IndyCar Series MAVTV 500 drew a 0.18 rating on NBCSN on Saturday night which is down from 0.22 last year. – ShowBuzzDaily – (9/2/14)

Daly wants INDYCAR in 2015 – 22 year old American GP2 driver Conor Daly wants to be in the Verizon IndyCar Series in 2015. “There’s no ‘abandoning’ anything,” said Daly. “It’s making a career move that I think is the right time to do, and the right situation, and the right momentum that IndyCar has got right now…There’s a sense of not a lot of momentum in the young driver paddock in Europe right now, and that’s kind of the reason why a lot of the guys in GP3 and GP2 ask me how they can get to IndyCar…For me, I want to be in IndyCar, without a doubt. Like, 150-million per cent – which I know is physically not possible, but we’re going to put that many zeroes on it. This is the right time.” – RACER – (9/2/14)

UFD will be back in 2015 – Rumors have been circulating that United Fiber & Data was on the verge of exiting INDYCAR after one year but they announced Tuesday night that those rumors are false and that they “will indeed be back for many more years.” That’s terrific news for Andretti Autosport and INDYCAR as a whole with the amount of promotion the company did in 2014. – NBC Sports – (9/2/14)

Cavin Q&A 9/2/14 – Curt Cavin’s fan Q&A covers the start of silly season and is loaded with great information. He thinks the Toronto event will move to Mosport in July with one race. He spoke with the president of ACS and believes next year their race will be in early to mid June. MAVTV is signed on as a sponsor for two more years for the Fontana race. Cavin believes Pagenaud will sign for Andretti Autosport on a multi-year deal. – Indianapolis Star – (9/2/14)

Power to take #1 in 2015 – According to this Tim Cindric tweet Will Power will exercise his right as champion to race as No. 1 in the Verizon IndyCar Series in 2015. Ryan Hunter-Reay last raced with the number in 2013 as Scott Dixon stuck with No. 9 after winning the championship in 2013. – @TimCindric – (9/1/14)

INDYCAR car distributes awards at their Championship Celebration – The following are the INDYCAR awards and recipients for the 2014 season:

Championship driver (Astor Challenge Cup): Will Power
Jostens Championship Driver Award (ring): Will Power
Championship team (Astor Challenge Cup): Verizon Team Penske
Championship team sponsors: Verizon
Championship team manager: Jon Bouslog
Chief Mechanic of the Year Award: Matt Jonnson
Sunoco Diamond Performance Award ($75,000): Will Power
Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award ($50,000): Carlos Munoz
TAG Heuer “Don’t Crack Under Pressure” Award ($25,000): Charlie Kimball
Second place championship driver: Helio Castroneves
Second place championship team: Team Penske
Third place championship driver: Scott Dixon
Third place championship team: Target Chip Ganassi Racing
Tony Renna Rising Star Award: Jack Hawksworth
Verizon P1 Award: Will Power
Manufacturers Championship: Chevrolet
Dan and Susie Wheldon “Make a Difference” Award ($1,000 charitable donation): Susie Wheldon
Verizon IndyCar Series Fan Favorite Driver: Juan Pablo Montoya

RACER – (9/1/14)

Power wins the Verizon IndyCar Series Championship as TK wins in Fontana – Tony Kanaan finished off his late season surge with a victory in the MAVTV 500 but the story of the night was Will Power bringing home his first Verizon IndyCar Series championship. An emotionally drained Power celebrated with a sense of relief rather than outright excitement but his happiness was undoubted. Helio Castroneves was taken out of championship contention by a late penalty for a violation of pit entry. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (8/30/14)

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