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Tony Kanaan & 7-Eleven Reunite at IndyCar’s Chip Ganassi Racing

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Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) and 7-Eleven, Inc. announced that 7-Eleven, Inc. will partner with CGR and the driver of the No. 10 Honda, Tony Kanaan, as an associate sponsor at select races in the 2017 Verizon IndyCar Series season (St. Petersburg, Long Beach, Indianapolis, and Texas). The partnership between 7-Eleven, Inc., CGR, and Kanaan comes 14 years after the leading convenience retail chain first backed the Brazilian in the Verizon IndyCar Series.

7-Eleven, Inc. joined Kanaan as a primary partner in 2003 and continued their relationship until 2010.

On the return of 7-Eleven, Tony Kanaan said,”It’s an unbelievable feeling to be back in the 7-Eleven family. 7-Eleven was my home for most of my career in INDYCAR and they were with me for 14 out of my 17 wins. It’s definitely special to have them with me to celebrate my 20th INDYCAR season and I’m looking forward to getting them to victory circle again like we did many times in the past. The 7-Eleven car was a staple in the Verizon IndyCar Series for years and most of my fans still come to me and talk about how great of a run we had together. It’s natural for me to be excited that we are reuniting forces now at Chip Ganassi Racing.”

SOURCE: Chip Ganassi Racing ♦ PHOTO: Brian Groce

Thompson joins Canadian team for USF2000 season

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Parker Thompson will return for another season in the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship powered by Mazda as part of an all-Canadian effort from first-year entrant Exclusive Autosport in the lowest rung of the Mazda Road to Indy development ladder.

Thompson, who finished second in the USF2000 driver’s championship in 2016, will return to the team that helped launch his racing career in race cars piloting Exclusive Autosport’s No. 30 Mazda-powered Tatuus US-17.

“It has been a long time coming, signing Parker to a full-season program with Exclusive Autosport,” team co-owner Michael Duncalfe said. “I am especially excited that he will be one of our drivers, a series veteran, leading the EA program in our inaugural season in the USF2000 championship/MRTI. I have the utmost respect for not only Parker’s race craft, but also his work ethic on and off the track. I have never seen a driver work as hard as he does off the track on his racing program.”

Thompson, an 18-year-old from Red Deer, Alberta, last raced for the team in Formula Tour F1600 in 2015, sweeping a weekend of racing at Circuit ICAR in Mirabel, Quebec. Thompson drove in USF2000 for Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing in 2016, winning four races and finishing second to teammate Anthony Martin in the championship.

“This was easily one of the hardest offseasons I have had in my motorsport career, thus far,” said Thompson. “I honestly didn’t know if I was going to get behind the wheel of a race car in 2017, so when the opportunity arose to become a part of the EA organization, I was ecstatic.

“This is a dream team fit for myself, in a number of different ways. I met Michael when I was just 11 years old racing in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, at the Western Canadian Karting Championships. It just goes to show you what relationship-building can do for your career down the road.”

SOURCE: INDYCAR

Fans have ‘Prix View’ opportunity at Phoenix open test

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Fans are once again invited to attend “Prix View” on the second day of the Verizon IndyCar Series open test at Phoenix International Raceway, featuring virtually the entire field on track Feb. 10-11 in preparation for the 2017 season.

Gates will be open from noon-7 p.m. MT Feb. 11, with free admission and parking to watch the on-track testing sessions from 1-4 and 6-9 p.m. An all-driver autograph session is also scheduled from 4:45-5:30 p.m. Fans may obtain wristbands for the autograph session at the PIR booth on the track’s fan midway beginning at noon while supplies last. The track will not be open to the public for the first day of the open test on Feb. 10.

“The Prix View is an important testing opportunity for all the teams of the Verizon IndyCar Series to refine their approach to the championship before the season begins,” said Bryan Sperber, PIR president. “We are pleased to be able to open the track so fans can see firsthand the critical adjustments the teams are making in preparation for the Phoenix Grand Prix and the entire 2017 season schedule.”

The Phoenix Grand Prix on the historic 1-mile PIR oval will be the fourth race of the 2017 season, with race weekend set for April 28-29. Tickets are on sale now, with prices ranging from $35-70, $10 for children discounts for active-duty military and veterans. Fans can get the ultimate experience with a garage and pit pass for $50. For ticket information, visit phoenixraceway.com or call (866) 408-RACE (7223).

SOURCE: INDYCAR

Gateway Motorsports Park race gains title sponsor

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The Bommarito Automotive Group, the leading retailer of new and used vehicles in the St. Louis region, has been named title sponsor of the Verizon IndyCar Series race at Gateway Motorsports Park scheduled for Aug. 26.

The Bommarito Automotive Group 500 will mark the return of Verizon IndyCar Series racing to the 1.25-mile oval in nearby Madison, Illinois, for the first time in 14 years. The event under the lights is the 15th of 17 races on this year’s schedule.

“We are pleased to announce that Bommarito Automotive Group will join Gateway Motorsports Park in the production of our inaugural INDYCAR event as the title sponsor,” said Curtis Francois, owner and CEO of Gateway Motorsports Park. “This is a tremendous event for the St. Louis region and no one knows our town better than the folks at Bommarito. They are a progressive group, known for a high standard of quality and excellence. It’s the same standard of on-track action and family-friendly experience that we look forward to delivering with our landmark event.”

Indy car races were run annually from 1997-2003 under CART and INDYCAR sanctioning, with the winners’ list a who’s who including Paul Tracy, Alex Zanardi, Michael Andretti, Juan Pablo Montoya, Al Unser Jr., Gil de Ferran and Helio Castroneves. This year’s race weekend will also include competition in the upper two levels of the Mazda Road to Indy presented by Cooper Tires development ladder: Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires and the Pro Mazda Championship presented by Cooper Tires.

“We are excited to partner with Gateway Motorsports Park and the Verizon IndyCar Series,” said John Bommarito, president of Bommarito Automotive Group, which has served the area for 45 years. “When approached by Gateway about the return of INDYCAR to St. Louis, we felt it was important to have a major St. Louis company step forward and support the return of open-wheel racing to the region. We are extremely proud to be the title sponsor of the Bommarito Automotive Group 500.”

Gateway Motorsports Park is located just across the Mississippi River from downtown St. Louis. Ticket information for the Aug. 28-29 race weekend is available at gatewaymsp.com.

SOURCE: INDYCAR

NAPA AUTO PARTS to sponsor Alexander Rossi for 7 races in 2017

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“We are pleased to announce our continued partnership with one of the more iconic brands in all of motorsports, the Andretti brand,” stated NAPA President, Dan Askey. “We are equally excited to partner with one of the rising stars in the sport in Alexander Rossi and proud to have Alexander representing NAPA both on and off the track. We were fortunate to come on board in May of 2016 becoming a part of history as we rode along with Alexander capturing the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500. Andretti Autosport remains one of the elite teams in the IndyCar Series and we look forward to what 2017 holds.”

“NAPA is a storied, American brand and I couldn’t be more proud to announce our partnership is continuing,” said Andretti Autosport CEO Michael Andretti. “We were pleased to have previously announced that Alexander will be returning for the full season, and now to be able to confirm that NAPA is back on board – what a great way for us to start 2017. Our relationship with NAPA came together quickly during our Month of May program last year, and it wasn’t long before the partnership was written into history books. We can’t wait to add a few more pages to history together.”

“Confirming NAPA AUTO PARTS is the perfect way for us to start off 2017,” said Alexander Rossi, 25.“NAPA is one of the most recognized brands in the U.S., and with over 6,000 stores, they touch every corner of our nation. In 2016, we had historic success together in the Verizon IndyCar Series, however there is still much more to accomplish. I’m proud to have NAPA back on board the No. 98 and am motivated to carry our momentum together through 2017.”

For more information, please visit AndrettiAutosport.com.

SOURCE & PHOTO: Andretti Autosport

AJ Foyt Racing makes switch to Chevrolet official

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AJ Foyt Racing will use Chevrolets to power its ABC Supply Racing team in the 2017 Verizon IndyCar Series.

“I am looking forward to what will be a new chapter for us that involves returning to an old friend in Chevrolet,” said Team President Larry Foyt. “There are a lot of changes happening within our team this off season and I won’t minimize the challenges, but I see a lot of potential with our plan.”

“We are pleased to welcome AJ Foyt Racing to the Chevrolet IndyCar program,” stated Mark Kent, Director Chevrolet Motorsports Competition. “Chevrolet and Foyt both have long histories in IndyCar racing, including prior opportunities to work together. We look forward to renewing the partnership and a strong start to the 2017 season.”

Carlos Munoz will drive the team’s flagship No. 14 ABC Supply Chevrolet while Conor Daly will pilot the No. 4 ABC Supply Chevrolet. Both drivers recently celebrated their 25th birthdays and are younger than most of the full-time drivers this season. The team expects to conduct its first test in the ABC Supply Chevrolets at Sebring International Raceway later this month.

The last time that A.J. Foyt drove a Chevrolet-powered car at the Speedway was the Chevrolet Camaro he used to pace the field for the 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 in 2011.
The last time the team used Chevrolet engines was in the latter part of 2005 when A.J. Foyt IV piloted the No. 14 ABC Supply Indy car.

The senior Foyt has competed in Chevrolet-powered cars throughout his illustrious career whether it was in NASCAR, sports cars, sprint cars or Indy cars. In his final IndyCar race as a driver—the 1992 Indianapolis 500—he drove the Chevy-powered No. 14 to a ninth place finish at age 57. In his eighth front row start, he qualified second at Indy in 1991 in his Chevy-powered car. That Indy 500 Diamond Jubilee Front Row included pole winner Rick Mears and Foyt’s longtime rival Mario Andretti.

“I’m glad to be back with Chevy,” said A.J. Foyt, team owner and first four-time winner of the Indy 500. “I’ve had a lot of success with them in the past and I’m looking forward to more success in the future.”

SOURCE & PHOTO: AJ Foyt Racing

Team INDYCAR places two drivers in Chili Bowl Nationals feature

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Team INDYCAR had a successful showing in the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals at Tulsa Expo Raceway on Saturday night, placing two drivers among the top eight finishers.

Tyler Courtney of Clauson-Marshall Racing was the highest-placed finisher among Team INDYCAR‘s 10 sponsored drivers, taking sixth in his first Chili Bowl Championship feature race. Courtney, who won his preliminary night race to qualify for the finale, earned $1,000 in contingency money from INDYCAR. Jerry Coons Jr. earned $500 after qualifying for his Chili Bowl-record 14th consecutive Championship feature and placed eighth. Native Oklahoman Christopher Bell won the 55-lap event celebrating its 31st running.

Four other Team INDYCAR drivers reached the B feature – essentially the semifinals, with the top six in each of two races advancing to the Championship feature – but World of Outlaws sprint car champion Donny Schatz came up one spot shy of advancing in the first B race and Dave Darland had a late-race run-in with five-time Chili Bowl winner Sammy Swindell in the second that knocked both veterans out of a chance to transfer to the main event. Chad Boat and David Gravel also reached the B feature but could not advance.

SOURCE: INDYCAR

Josef Newgarden named honorary chair for 2017 Rev charity event

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Without question, Verizon IndyCar Series driver Josef Newgarden will be hungry to win the Indianapolis 500 and INDYCAR Grand Prix when he arrives at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with Team Penske in May.

But the organizers of Rev presented by Fifth Third Bank – the 3,000-person strolling food event that kicks off the month of May at IMS – are betting he’ll be hungry for even more than that. Rev announced that Newgarden will serve as the fourth honorary chair for the popular May 6 party, which will include food from more than 60 restaurants, multiple live bands and showcase Verizon IndyCar Series drivers and Indianapolis’ celebrated culinary scene.

“It’s a great honor to be partnering with Rev this year for a cause that does so much for the community of Indianapolis,” said Newgarden, who will drive for Team Penske this year. “The growth of this event in such a short time is a testament to the hard work everyone puts in to support Methodist Health Foundation. I’m really looking forward to helping the event continue the upward trend.”

Newgarden follows INDYCAR driver James Hinchcliffe, who was Rev’s honorary driver chair last year and reigning Verizon IndyCar Series champion Simon Pagenaud, who served in 2015. Four-time champion and 2008 Indianapolis 500 winner Scott Dixon served as the honorary chairman of the inaugural event in 2014.

As a partnership between Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital and IMS, Rev raises funds that support Indiana University Health statewide trauma programs including medical services for drivers and patrons at the IU Health Emergency Medical Center on the IMS grounds.

“The relationship of IU Health and Methodist Health Foundation with IMS is over 100 years old and great events like Rev help make our partnership stronger than ever while ensuring that both drivers and fans continue to receive top-notch care,” said Doug Boles, IMS president. “Josef is a fantastic addition to this year’s Rev team and will ensure the event continues to grow and serve as an excellent month of May kickoff.”

For tickets and additional information about the event, visit RevIndy.org.

SOURCE: INDYCAR

Race Of Champions draw provides dramatic matchups

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Verizon IndyCar Series drivers Ryan Hunter-Reay and Helio Castroneves assisted with Monday’s draw for this week’s Race Of Champions competition in Miami, and it made for some very intriguing matchups.

Drivers from multiple racing disciplines including INDYCAR, NASCAR, Formula One, rallycross and more will compete Saturday and Sunday in identically prepared cars on a temporary track set up inside Marlins Park, the home of baseball’s Miami Marlins. INDYCAR drivers scheduled to compete are Hunter-Reay, Castroneves, James Hinchcliffe, Tony Kanaan, Juan Pablo Montoya, Alexander Rossi and Gabby Chaves.

In Saturday’s individual competition, Hinchcliffe and Kanaan are poised to square off in the opening round of Group C. Castroneves is in Group A and will battle the winner of a playoff race between 2016 Indianapolis 500 winner Rossi and another Andretti Autosport driver, Global Rallycross champ Scott Speed.

Montoya faces the challenge of two-time FIA World Rallycross champ Peter Solberg in the opening round of Group B, while Hunter-Reay is up against ex-Formula One standout and two-time ROC champion David Coulthard in Group D.

“It’s unbelievable to be back in South Florida racing cars again,” Hunter-Reay said. “I did the Miami Grand Prix back in the day (in CART), but to see a racetrack taking shape here in Marlins Park, where I bring my family for games, is incredible. And I also think it’s the best layout yet. I’m a hometown guy so hopefully the crowd will be cheering me on against two former ROC champions in my group.”

The Nations Cup competition Sunday finds Team USA INDYCAR (Hunter-Reay and Rossi) in the same group as Team USA NASCAR (brothers Kurt and Kyle Busch), Team USA Rally X (Speed and Travis Pastrana) and Team ROC Factor Canada (Hinchcliffe and Stefan Rzadzinski).

Nations Cup Group C is loaded with INDYCAR talent. Montoya and Chaves make up Team Colombia, Kanaan and F1’s Felipe Massa are Team Brazil and Castroneves holds up the Team ROC Factor Latin America banner with Gabriel Glusman.

“This is all about having a good time,” Castroneves said. “As for my group? I’m not worried! No, I respect all of the drivers and every one of them competing has some amazing qualities, plus switching cars throughout the event means the advantage will constantly be shifting. That’s why this is such a great event.”

In addition to the Nations Cup competition Sunday, the event will conclude with an America vs. the World competition that puts the six U.S. drivers against a team of six international drivers in a Ryder Cup-style competition. For Race Of Champions schedule and ticket information, visit raceofchampions.com.

SOURCE: INDYCAR