|
ActuIndycar Actu Indycar - Toute l'actualité de l'indycar » IndyCar Series News
Canaux
1120 éléments (1120 non lus) dans 2 canaux
«
Expand/Collapse
IndyCar Series News (10 non lus)
-
-
6:00
»
IndyCar Series News
Ryan Hunter-Reay will compete with Andretti Autosport during the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season with Phillips-Van Heusen's IZOD brand as the primary sponsor of the No. 37 entry.
Hunter-Reay's schedule is still in development, but will include the Indianapolis 500 and races before and after the May 30 event.
"Joining a team of Andretti Autosport's caliber has been my goal for the entire 16 years of my racing career and being able to strengthen my ties to everyone at IZOD through this effort is tremendous," said Hunter-Reay, who turned 29 on Dec. 17. "This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I am ready to give 120 percent to the program."
Click it: Hunter-Reay stats, bio and more
The Floridian had a high finish of second in the 2009 season opener on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla., for Vision Racing. He moved to A.J. Foyt Racing in June as a replacement for the injured Vitor Meira, posting a best finish of fourth at Mid-Ohio. He'll be the fourth driver on the grid for Andretti Autosport (the former Andretti Green Racing), which is solely owned by Michael Andretti, joining Marco Andretti, Danica Patrick and Tony Kanaan.
"I have never met a group of people who are more determined to win races, and especially the Indianapolis 500, than the people I am working with at Andretti Autosport," said Hunter-Reay, who was the 2008 Chase Rookie of the Year in the Indianapolis 500. "When the folks around you share the same enthusiasm and determination you do the prospect for success is high, which is why, Andretti Autosport is one of the winningest teams in IZOD IndyCar Series history.
"Michael Andretti is as hungry to win races today as he has ever been and it is an honor and a privilege to drive for the same person I looked up to as a young karter."
Hunter-Reay also claimed the 2007 IZOD IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year award despite joining the series in midseason. In '03, Hunter-Reay became the first American rookie in 20 years to win an Indy car race when he took the checkers at Surfers Paradise, Australia.
"We are excited about what we've put together with PVH and Ryan, and believe we can grow this program substantially over the next several months," Andretti said. "We felt it was important to announce what we know and what we've secured, which is a great partnership under the IZOD brand name and a program that we feel will give Ryan a good shot of winning at Indianapolis. How far we take him into 2010 is still in the works, but we feel good about the potential that we will add Ryan to our driver lineup for the full season."
The announcement deepens the relationship between IZOD and Hunter-Reay, which dates to the 2008 season and Hunter-Reay's first IZOD IndyCar Series victory at Watkins Glen International with Rahal Letterman Racing.
"Our new partnership with Andretti Autosport gives the No. 37 IZOD car the best possible chance of winning the 2010 Indianapolis 500," said Allen Sirkin, president and CEO of Phillips-Van Heusen. "Since becoming the title sponsor of the IZOD IndyCar Series, we're thrilled at the level of excitement that has been built for 2010. An incredible schedule of races, a talented roster of championship drivers and a number of dedicated teams all vying for greatness will make for a thrilling season of IZOD IndyCar Series racing."
-
6:00
»
IndyCar Series News
In both the United States and Brazil, ethanol is identified as a growth industry for the new decade.
The IZOD IndyCar Series has been aligned with the ethanol industry since 2006, and continues to be the only auto racing series whose engines are fed by 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol. In 2009, the series included both corn-based and sugar cane-based ethanol produced in the United States and Brazil.
From 1.4 billion gallons of production in 1999, the U.S. ethanol industry in 2009 produced 11.1 billion gallons. Ethanol is blended in more than 80 percent of every gallon of fuel (E10) sold virtually coast to coast, and E85 pumps for flex-fuel vehicles are popping up everywhere. As recently as January 2000, there were 54 ethanol plants in the nation. Nine years later, there were more than 200 plants in 26 states, with more under construction.
American consumers will see more E85 pumps and expansion of ethanol blending with standards set by the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act, which required the use of 9 billion gallons of renewable fuel in 2008, expanding to more than 15 billion gallons in 2012 and 36 billion gallons by 2022. American-produced ethanol reduces oil imports by more than 300 million barrels a year, making the U.S. less dependent on foreign oil.
Brazil is the world's largest sugar cane-based ethanol producer and exporter. Through its partnership with the IZOD IndyCar Series, Apex-Brasil -- the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency - and ethanol producers, represented by the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA), have seen major strides. Apex-Brasil has the goal of boosting Brazilian exports. Currently the agency supports more than 60 trade associations representing industry and services sectors.
A recent inflow of foreign capital into Brazil's centuries-old sugar cane industry could accelerate the opening of new international markets. Last week, U.S. agribusiness company Bunge Ltd. announced it has entered into an agreement to purchase Brazil-based Usina Moema Participacoes S.A. -- a holding company with one wholly owned sugar cane mill and ownership interest in five additional mills.
-
6:00
»
IndyCar Series News
Share an evening of memories -- and create some -- with three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves, reigning IZOD IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti, two-time Indy 500 winner Al Unser Jr. and others on Jan. 11 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum.
The event, also featuring IZOD IndyCar Series drivers Tony Kanaan, Sarah Fisher and Ed Carpenter, is a fund-raiser for IRL Ministry. VERSUS and ESPN on ABC broadcaster Jack Arute will be the master of ceremonies. IRL Ministry is a not-for-profit, non-denominational organization that ministers to the racing community.
Wine tasting, desserts, auction items and unique museum tours by Indianapolis Motor Speedway historian Donald Davidson also will highlight the eventing.
Register by Jan. 6 at www.irlministry.com or by calling 317-716-8850.
-
-
6:00
»
IndyCar Series News
Air bags in the cockpit?
The Indy Racing League isn't quite there, but the sanctioning body of the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights continues to research, test and develop innovative hardware and materials to better protect drivers in the current Dallara chassis while projecting applications for the new generation of race car due in 2012.
Indy Racing League director of engineering Jeff Horton recently tested a variety of headrest configurations at the Center for Advanced Product Evaluation in Westfield, Ind. Results will be presented at the annual Indy Racing League season preview meeting Jan. 12 and recommended for implementation by teams for the season that begins March 14 in São Paulo, Brazil.
"For the past several years we've seen higher head G forces in rearward accidents than we think we should," Horton says. "The car will hit at 50-70 Gs against the SAFER Barrier and with the centrifugal force pulling the driver's head forward they get a little bit of a run at the headrest. So it's not uncommon to see near 100 Gs or higher on the head when the Gs of the car are much lower. The goal was to tune the headrest system to allow the head Gs to be reduced in a rearward accident."
Horton developed a "floating back" to curb the disparity in G forces. The Kevlar skin of the headrest is attached to the front of the foam and the sides are allowed to float, "so the driver only feels the effect of the foam during impact," according to Horton.
"The skin is necessary to keep the helmet and HANS device from digging into the raw foam, which allows the driver to ramps because of the stretch of the seat belts in a rearward accident," Horton says.
They also have experimented with different foams that provide increased energy absorption. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) - beads mixed with a two-part resin and harden - has been the standard.
"Through our own testing, we know the inconsistencies of the how glue affects the hardness of the foam," Horton says. "The material of the future is Expanded Polypropylene (EPP, engineered plastic foam). Its beads are steamed together, and all the material is made in blocks and then machined into the shape you want and it's 100 percent consistent.
"It's lighter (1.5 pound per cubic foot), which is the same technology as some of our seats. Teams are switching because of the weight difference. This should be less expensive because a team should be able to handle repairs in-house -- it's a simple machined piece of foam with a Kevlar skin that's been molded and all they have to do is glue it together. Before, it required body work so you needed a carbon shop to do the repairs and there was a specific process needed to pour the EPS foam."
Impact testing at CAPE consistently showed a drop in head G forces from 148 for the current headrest to 104 using the floating system and EPP foam.
"As better materials come along, it's easier to put them in," Horton says. "It gives you the flexibility to change materials; if something better comes along that attenuates the energy then it's no problem. Everything Dr. Trammel and I have done research-wise we're trying to make the current cars safer and collect data on everything that will help us make things safer and less expensive on the new car."
So air bags in the cars next? Horton and Trammel have looked into at least mini-air bags on the six-point driver harness. They'll do more research.
-
-
6:00
»
IndyCar Series News
The elegant Champion of Champions ring is one of the most coveted spoils of winning the Indianapolis 500 for any driver.
Now fans of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" also can wear a similar piece of beautiful racing jewelry. Herff Jones, which produces the Champion of Champions ring, is offering for the first time an exclusive Indy 500 Fan Ring.
This gold, college-style ring can be ordered in various sizes at www.herffjones.com/indy500 or by calling (800) 473-2895, ext. 112.
The ring features the words "INDIANAPOLIS 500" engraved on the face of the ring, around an engraved brick motif featuring the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway "Wing and Wheel" logo. Two cubic zirconia stones also adorn the ring's face, with genuine diamonds available at an additional cost via phone order.
One side of the ring features crossed checkered flags, while the other side features crossed green-and-white flags.
A charm comprised of the face of the ring also is available.
-
-
6:00
»
IndyCar Series News
Dan Wheldon hasn't passed up many opportunities during the off-season to hone his road racing skills through karting competition. This week, he's competing on the half-mile Sprint track during Daytona KartWeek By Cometic Gasket.
Wheldon, who drives for Panther Racing and lives in St. Petersburg, Fla., loves racing karts whenever he gets the opportunity in his schedule.
"Any kart race that I can do, I will try to do and when you've got one going on at Daytona, that's certainly one that you want to compete in," Wheldon said. "It's like all of these kart races, it's very competitive.
"It's very nice to spend Christmas with my wife and my son, but she knows that if I sit at home too long that I will probably drive her mad. You don't get the time to do this as much as you would like. Anytime that you do get time, you definitely want to utilize it."
Wheldon has been behind the wheel at Daytona before turning laps in both IZOD IndyCar Series testing as well as competing in the Rolex 24 At Daytona.
He has a strong passion for karting and believes it's a great developmental series for anybody interested in racing.
"I think it is the only way that people start nowadays," Wheldon said. "Whether it's on a road course in a go-kart or whether they race on some dirt, I think karting is the stepping stone to any form of motorsport. It's very competitive in America. I think America is a great place to start a karting career.
"From what I've seen, there's huge competition but there's also a very nice atmosphere. I think that it's a great environment for children to grow up in but also where they can learn the fundamentals of racing and learn how to respect people and share great family time."
-
6:00
»
IndyCar Series News
IZOD IndyCar Series driver Graham Rahal is featured in an advertisement on the video board above ABC's Times Square Studio in New York. Look for it during the televised New Year's Eve festivities.
The video featuring the Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing driver began running Dec. 7. What it looks like
-
-
6:00
»
IndyCar Series News
Milka Duno reviews her 2009 races with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and looks ahead to 2010 in a narrative for indycar.com.
Well, I have to say that the 2009 season was filled with ups and downs, but overall it was pretty good. I was very happy to be back with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing. I competed with them in 2008 and it was great to be back with them again for 2009.
I want to start off by saying thank you to my sponsor CITGO, Dennis Reinbold and Robbie Buhl, Larry Curry and my entire crew. They all worked so hard this year to give me a good car and were a great support for me. I also have to thank the fans. They make coming to the track so wonderful and they helped make my third year in IndyCar a special one.
Click it: Duno bio, stats and more
My first race this season was in Kansas. I wasn't able to do the first two races with the team, but I was happy that I was able to do that one. Kansas is a very special place for me, because I made my debut in the IndyCar Series there. We had a really good qualifying and I started 12th, which helped kick off my season. We brought the car home with a solid result and I think it helped us build for the rest of the year.
I always enjoy the month of May. It's a wonderful experience. The fans are great and the energy is so positive. I will have to say that month was definitely filled with a lot of ups and downs, but luckily we all worked together and had a great result in the end.Â
This year I did a few more road course races than I did last year. I was excited to race on those circuits because I really enjoy learning and growing on the road courses in the IndyCar. I wanted to take every opportunity and learn as much as I could, so I flew out to Boston to the iRacing.com headquarters to practice on the simulator. It really helped prepare me for the upcoming races. When we went to test at Watkins Glen, I improved my time from last year by two seconds, which was a great step forward.Â
There were some races that we didn't get the results that we had hoped for -- like in Kentucky, Texas and Mid-Ohio to name a few -- but overall I think it was a positive season.
I didn't get to race the whole year. I did nine races, which was tough because I would go a month away from the team and I missed being at the track. I would spend my time watching and cheering for my team or work with my charity Milka Way and fly back home to Venezuela in between.
I hope to be back next year competing in IndyCar and to be racing full time. As a driver, I really feel like I have learned a lot and can't wait to get back in the car again.
-
-
6:00
»
IndyCar Series News
It's been quite a year for Helio Castroneves - being acquitted of federal tax evasion charges, winning his third Indianapolis 500 and on Dec. 28 welcoming his first child into the world.
Castroneves' girlfriend, Adriana Henao, gave birth to Mikaella in Atlanta. The vitals: 7 pounds, 3 ounces and 19 inches long. Mom and child are doing well; Dad was last seen lighting up the sky with his smile.
"We are so happy that Mikaella is finally here,"Â Castroneves relayed. "She is absolutely beautiful and she already has dad running around like crazy. Adriana and the baby are both doing great and we want to thank everyone for their good wishes. This is one holiday season we will never forget."
-
6:00
»
IndyCar Series News
If you're hanging around the house this week and trying not to be under foot or aren't swamped at work, check out the Pit Race Off game on hotwheels.com that features the IZOD IndyCar Series.
It's chic (latest college campus word I'm informed for cool) for a novice gamer such as me. Using the arrow keys to navigate the road course or oval track you select, you must periodically pull into the pits to refuel and change tires as quickly as possible.
You're racing against the clock, with the best times posted on the leaderboard. After several atempts, my name won't be found in lights and I turned over the laptop to the 11-year-old son.Â
Enjoy the game compliments of Hot Wheels -- an official sponsor of the IZOD IndyCar Series -- and Apple Jacks cereal. CLICK HERE for a quick link to the game.
|
|
|
|
