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It was a cold mid-40 degree April day in Indianapolis, so INDYCAR Chevy testing ended up being canceled at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and rescheduled for Sunday, April 2, 2017.
But never fear, we do have TWENTY photos for you!
Verizon IndyCar Series drivers will be participating in a Chevrolet manufacturer testing session on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval on Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fans can watch testing for free from the Turn 2 viewing mounds, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum parking lot and South Terrace Grandstands.
“We really enjoyed welcoming fans to the test last Friday at IMS and hope even more will come to the track this Saturday,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “It’s a fun time for the entire family and an ideal way to get fired up for the Greatest Month in Racing.”
Via Andretti Autosport:
United Fiber & Data will return to the Andretti Autosport line up for select 2017 races, starting with the April 9 Long Beach Grand Prix.
The rebranding comes as a result of the current issues being faced by hhgregg, leading Andretti Autosport to the decision of transitioning the branding on the No. 27 Indy car piloted by Marco Andretti.
“We’d like to wish Bob (Riesbeck) and the entire hhgregg family luck as they work through the current situation,” said Andretti Autosport CEO Michael Andretti. “We are blessed to have such loyal and dedicated partners; and while this is an unfortunate situation for hhgregg, we are pleased to have such a strong relationship remaining with United Fiber & Data.”
The 2017 venture will mark a fifth year in the relationship between Andretti Autosport and United Fiber & Data, who served as a major associate sponsor with the Indianapolis-based team in 2013 and 2014, and as a full primary sponsor for the No. 27 in 2014. Most recently, United Fiber & Data returned as a season-long associate of the team, and co-primary sponsor in 2016 with both Andretti and Carlos Munoz.
“We are proud of our longstanding partnership with Andretti Autosport, and we are equally pleased to continue this partnership by serving as a primary sponsor for select IndyCar races this season,” said Bill Hynes, Founder & CEO of United Fiber & Data (UFD). “We look forward to once again bringing the signature colors of the UFD livery to IndyCar tracks across the country.”
INDYCAR just released new images today of the universal aerodynamic bodywork kit that will be used by all competitors in 2018.
Following along with this year’s INDYCAR theme of “NEXT,” the computer-generated images are the next evolution of the car’s development process and provide more detail than concept sketches released in January.
“While this remains a work in progress, we are encouraged with where the development of the 2018 car stands,” said Jay Frye, INDYCAR president of competition and operations. “The look of the car is bold, the performance data from simulations is meeting targeted goals and safety enhancements built into the design will be substantial.”
Frye said INDYCAR is on target to begin testing the car by mid-summer. Verizon IndyCar Series teams will still choose between Chevrolet and Honda engines for competition next season, but all cars will be outfitted with the universal kit that covers the Dallara IR-12 chassis that has been used since the 2012 season. As with the current aero kits provided by Chevrolet and Honda through the end of this season, the universal car will come in two configurations: one for superspeedway ovals and the other for street courses, road courses and short ovals.
The supplier of the universal kit has yet to be announced, but its look is sleek and reminiscent of past Indy car favorites. Tino Belli, INDYCAR director of aerodynamic development, said the kit has been successfully reverse-designed to start with its desired appearance and build in functionality from there.
“We’ve been working on the aerodynamics to suit the look, rather than the other way around,” Belli said.
A key component of the new car is for it to generate most of its downforce from underneath instead of on top. This will improve racing and passing opportunities by decreasing the turbulent air that the Indy car leaves in its wake.
“We’re working on creating more of the downforce from the underwing,” Belli said. “The hole in the floor (of the undertray on this year’s car) will be sealed for the road courses and short ovals, but will still be open for the superspeedways.”
Belli added that simulations show the new car meets INDYCAR’s aerodynamic targets and additional safety enhancements include side impact structures in the sidepods and repositioned radiators to assist in reducing the severity of side impacts by crushing on impact.
Other noticeable features in the new car images include a lower engine cover that provides “a more traditional Indy car look,” according to Belli. Turbocharger inlets are moving to the inside of the radiator inlet ducts.
The rear wing and front wing main plane are smaller in the new car look and the centerline wicker from the nose of the car to the cockpit is tapered. The rear wing in the road course/short oval configuration is lower and wider. The fins on the leading edge of the sidepods of the current car will be removed or minimized on the 2018 car.
Though there is still work to be done, Belli feels that INDYCAR has achieved “97 percent” of its goals when it set out to create the new car’s look and efficiency.
SOURCE: INDYCAR
Genetic Technologies Limited has announced an agreement with Dale Coyne Racing driver Ms. Pippa Mann to promote BREVAGenplus®, the Company’s first-in-class, clinically validated risk assessment test for sporadic breast cancer. The partnership is reflective of the Company’s continuation of its U.S. focused marketing program for BREVAGenplus, with Mann serving for a second consecutive term as the product’s ambassador and spokesperson.
Mann is one of only nine female athletes to ever compete in the “Indy 500” and the only female driver to start in the race over the past four consecutive years. In addition to her role with Genetic Technologies, Mann is partnering with Susan G. Komen®, the world’s largest breast cancer organization, which funds more breast cancer research than any other non-profit, outside of the U.S. government, while providing screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs. In 2016, Mann was honored as one of Komen’s More Than Pink™ heroes in support of the organizations Bold Goal – to reduce the current number of breast cancer deaths in the U.S. by half, by 2026.
“We are excited to continue this outstanding partnership with Pippa. She is truly dedicated to leveraging her platform as a world-class athlete to impact women’s health and shares our passion for the integral role BREVAGenplus can play as a breast cancer risk assessment and preventative treatment management tool,” commented Eutillio Buccilli, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Genetic Technologies.
Key partnership activities this year will include the BREVAGenplus logo represented on Mann’s #63 Dale Coyne Racing car and promotional apparel. Mann will also participate at select BREVAGenplus oriented events and other promotional activities over the course of 2017. The 101st running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 28, 2017, will serve as the official launch of this year’s partnership program. The “Indy 500” is the largest single-day sporting event in the world and offers important promotional opportunities during the month-long lead-up to the race, which includes 12 days of on-track activities and hospitality event participation.
“I’m thrilled to welcome back Genetic Technologies as a partner with Dale Coyne Racing and proud to represent the BREVAGenplus brand. I’m excited to do my part in helping women and healthcare providers learn about the test and highlight how important it can be in determining individual breast healthcare plans and personal medical maintenance,” commented Pippa Mann.
SOURCE: Dale Coyne Racing
Billboard-charting pop group Forever In Your Mind will perform the national anthem before the start of the INDYCAR Grand Prix on Saturday, May 13 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Forever In Your Mind (FIYM), comprised of band members Ricky Garcia, Liam Attridge and Emery Kelly, has amassed more than 30 million video views from its self-titled debut EP released by Hollywood Records in 2016. The stylish trio also has sold out concerts nationwide and has a combined global reach of more than 2 million followers on social media.
“The harmonies of Forever In Your Mind will be on full display during their performance of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ before the INDYCAR Grand Prix,” said J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president. “Fans of all ages will appreciate and enjoy their rendition, and we look forward to welcoming them to IMS at the start of the Greatest Month in Racing.”
Said FIYM’s Garcia: “We can’t wait to perform the national anthem at the Racing Capital of the World at the start of May. Jumping in an Indy car was seriously epic; these guys go fast and deal with a lot of pressure as they navigate a course. I think we’ll stick to singing for now, but it was awesome being a race car driver for a day!”
SOURCE: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Pippa Mann is returning to Dale Coyne Racing for a fifth consecutive year to pilot the team’s third entry in the 101st Indianapolis 500. Mann will be back behind the wheel of the #63 Dale Coyne Racing Honda as she looks to make her sixth start at the famed 2.5-mile superspeedway.
The British driver will once again be paired with engineer Rob Ridgely. Ridgely was Mann’s engineer when she scored her best IndyCar Series finish in 2015 (13th), as well as her best Indy 500 result (18th) last year.
“I’m very happy to be rejoining Dale Coyne Racing for my fifth consecutive year with the team at the 101st Indy 500,” expressed Mann. “Dale has invested heavily in the team over the winter, and it’s an exciting time to be part of his organization. I’m looking forward to working with the same familiar faces from my 2016 campaign, like my race engineer Rob Ridgely, as well as working with the new members of the team, including my new teammates Sebastien (Bourdais) and Ed (Jones). I’m thrilled to be getting back on the race track this May for my sixth Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
As she’s done for the past four consecutive years, Mann will continue to raise awareness for the Get Involved Campaign alongside her racing program. This year, the campaign that raises money for Susan G. Komen® is partnering with Auction Cause, a premier cause marketing agency, that will run the auction on eBay for Charity. The campaign will launch May 1 and close the week following the Indy 500. The funds raised will be used to support Komen’s global breast cancer research and community-based programs throughout the U.S.
“I’m also excited about the link up with Auction Cause and eBay for Charity this May,” added Mann. “They have so much experience running online campaigns, I feel like it’s a huge step for me, and for the Get Involved Campaign to partner with them. This new format has allowed me to reach out to more drivers, get them involved with more signed items, and I’m hoping we’re able to reach more race fans, and raise even more money for Susan G. Komen than we have ever done before.”
In the past two years, the campaign has raised over $135, 000. Items available in the 2017 auction will include 1:18 die-casts and artwork signed by various drivers, Mann’s race worn, pink helmet and suit, a karting night at Speedway Indoor Karting, as well as the popular ‘Turn the cockpit pink’ option where names of people are placed in the cockpit to honor the memories of loved ones lost, or those who are fighting or who have fought cancer.
“It’s always a pleasure to have Pippa on board for the Indy 500 and to help promote the Get Involved Campaign, raising funds for Susan G. Komen,” shared Team Owner Dale Coyne. “Pippa works hard every year to put together this program and to race in the Indy 500. With her perseverance and enthusiasm for our sport, it’s only fitting that we continue this relationship that started five years ago.”
SOURCE: Dale Coyne Racing
The 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil in 2016 was nominated for the Sports Event of the Year award to be presented at the 10th annual Sports Business Awards, the leading recognition for the North American sports industry.
Sports industry leaders will gather Wednesday evening, May 24 at the New York Marriott Marquis at Times Square for the ceremony, presented by Street and Smith’s SportsBusiness Journal. This year’s event features 87 nominees across 17 categories.
“The 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil was an incredible success that created lifelong memories for our fans and generated significant momentum for the Verizon IndyCar Series,” Hulman & Company CEO Mark Miles said. “We’re grateful to the SportsBusiness Journal for its recognition of the hard work that went into years of planning and execution for this once-in-a-lifetime event.”
This is the first time “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” has been nominated for this esteemed award. Other 2016 nominees are the Copa America Centenario Knockout Round, Ryder Cup, World Series, Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol and the World Cup of Hockey.
The 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 was one of the most memorable and successful editions of the world’s most prestigious race, which has been an American icon since the inaugural running in 1911.
IMS was completely sold out for an Indianapolis 500 Race Day for the first time, with a massive crowd witnessing Alexander Rossi become the first rookie winner of the race since 2001.
The facility, which opened in 1909, also underwent many significant physical improvements for spectators as part of the Project 100 program that culminated with the 100th Running.
SOURCE: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Sebastien Bourdais went for a Sunday drive in his adopted American hometown, but it was far from leisurely. The Frenchman charged from last to first to win today’s Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, the opening race on the 2017 Verizon IndyCar Series schedule.
Bourdais piloted his No. 18 Dale Coyne Racing Honda to a 10.3508-second victory over countryman Simon Pagenaud in the 110-lap race on the 1.8-mile temporary street circuit to secure the 36th victory of his illustrious Indy car career. It moved the 38-year-old Bourdais past Bobby Unser into sole possession of sixth place on the all-time win list.
“It’s probably the hardest race to recover, the (pit) windows are really narrow and it’s really hard to pass,” said Bourdais, whose Indy car career began 14 years ago at the inaugural St. Petersburg race.
Bourdais moved to St. Petersburg permanently more than a decade ago and rejoined Coyne’s team this season after leaving it six years ago.
“It’s putting the band back together and hopefully we’ll have many more days like this,” he said.
After crashing his car in the first round of qualifying Saturday, Bourdais started today’s race at the rear of the 21-car field. He had advanced to ninth place when the second and last full-course caution flag waved on Lap 26. When seven cars in front of Bourdais made pit stops under the yellow, Bourdais seized the advantage. He passed reigning Verizon IndyCar Series champion Pagenaud for first place on Lap 37 and led 69 of the last 84 laps.
“Honestly, I’m a little speechless,” said Bourdais, the four-time Indy car champion who now has led 2,526 laps in his career, good for 22nd place all-time. “We had a miserable day yesterday (in qualifying) and that was all me, and today we turned it into a great day. Once you’re in the lead here, it’s awful difficult to lose it unless you throw it away, so I sure tried not to do that again.”
Pagenaud finished runner-up at St. Petersburg for the second consecutive year. The Team Penske driver of the No. 1 PPG Automotive Refinish Chevrolet used the 2016 St. Pete result as a launching pad to his first series championship.
“At the end (of the race), I pushed really, really hard at the beginning of the stint on the (Firestone alternate) red tires to try to come back and get (Bourdais) on the pit sequence,” Pagenaud said. “And I pushed so hard that actually the tires dropped off really quickly afterwards and I couldn’t keep up toward the end of the stint.
“I’m very happy that we finished second, which is where we finished last year, so hopefully that’s good luck.”
Scott Dixon placed third in the No. 9 GE LED Lighting Honda, marking the 90th time the Chip Ganassi Racing driver has finished in the top three and tying the New Zealander with Helio Castroneves for sixth on the all-time podium chart.
Andretti Autosport teammates Ryan Hunter-Reay and Takuma Sato finished fourth and fifth, respectively, giving Honda four of the top five finishers. Bourdais’ win is the first for Honda on a temporary street circuit since the manufacturer swept the Houston doubleheader in June 2014, also the last time Dale Coyne Racing won a race.
The next stop on the 17-race Verizon IndyCar Series schedule is the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach the weekend of April 7-9. Live race coverage starts at 4 p.m. ET April 9on NBCSN and the Advance Auto Parts INDYCAR Radio Network.
SOURCE: INDYCAR
Ed Carpenter Racing tested Tuesday on a road course for the first time in 2017, as teammates JR Hildebrand and Spencer Pigot completed a one-day session at Sonoma Raceway, home to the GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma that will conclude the 2017 Verizon IndyCar Series season in September.
It marked Pigot’s first time in an Indy car this year. The 23-year-old Floridian is driving ECR’s No. 20 Chevrolet at road- and street-course events this season, with team owner Ed Carpenter in the car for the six oval races. Hildebrand is driving the entire season in the No. 21 Chevy and tested Feb. 10-11 on the oval at Phoenix Raceway.
The Sonoma test also served as a homecoming for Hildebrand, a native of Sausalito, California, who got his start at Sonoma Raceway driving karts and formula cars before making the jump to professional racing in 2010.
“It feels great to be here. I grew up racing here, grew up watching races here and went through the whole system; pretty much everything I’ve ever raced, I’ve raced here at some point,” said Hildebrand, who has a best finish of eighth in four Verizon IndyCar Series starts at Sonoma Raceway. “This is our first road course test of the season, so it’s a nice familiar place for us to be doing that, and it’s one of the most difficult tracks on our schedule so it’s a great place for us to be collecting a bit of data.”
Pigot returns for his sophomore Verizon IndyCar Series season. After winning the 2015 Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires championship, Pigot drove in three Verizon IndyCar Series races for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing last year before joining ECR for eight road/street races.
“It’s been a while since we were here and it’s been since September since I drove the car, so I’m excited to be back in an Indy car and so far, so good,” said Pigot. “We had a really productive morning, and we’ve been sticking to our test plan, which we spent a lot of time going over before we got here in order to maximize our day.”
SOURCE: INDYCAR