2013 Indianapolis 500 Logo

INDIANAPOLIS, Saturday, May 25, 2013 -

Boston Marathon participants from Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky and Michigan will run approximately one-half mile from Turn 4 to the Yard of Bricks on the front straightaway of the famed IMS oval. The run will take place between 11:55 a.m. and noon, less than 10 minutes before the command to fire engines for the 33 starters in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

All of the participants in the ceremonial run at IMS were halted short of the finish of the 26.2-mile race April 15 by officials after two explosions near the finish line on Boylston Street in Boston.

“The tragedy last month in Boston still resonates with everyone, so we wanted to give runners the chance to finish the race in front of thousands of fans who will appreciate their persistence and determination,” said Doug Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway chief operating officer. “Everyone will remember the victims while also celebrating the strength and indomitable spirit of these special competitors as they cross the hallowed Yard of Bricks.”

Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials extended the invitation for runners to the Boston Athletic Association, which contacted non-finishers in Indiana and surrounding states.

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2013 Indianapolis 500 tickets: Tickets are on sale for the 97th Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on Sunday, May 26 at IMS.

Race Day ticket prices start at just $30. Fans can buy tickets online at www.ims.com/tickets, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or by visiting the ticket office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday.

Children 12 and under will receive free general admission to any IMS event in 2013 when accompanied by an adult general admission ticket holder.

Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information.

Source: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The article Boston Marathon Runners To Finish Race Sunday At Indianapolis 500 is from Catchfence.

Alex Tagliani in No 98 Team Barracuda - BHA IndyCar

Indianapolis, IN – May 24, 2013 -

The practice sessions have continued to improve since Opening Day at the legendary track two weeks ago, culminating today with a one-hour, full-field outing. Tagliani finished the session in P10 and feels that his car is primed for the Indy 500.

“I’m really happy with the Barracuda Racing car,” said Tagliani. “It’s really good and I know we can race with it. The Barracuda Racing boys did a great job and it’s exciting going into the race this way. I don’t think we can do anything else. We’ll just leave it the way it is and throw some wax on it!

“We’ve done everything we can this month to put ourselves in a position to win. This racetrack is really unique and very difficult, so there are no guarantees. We don’t want to get too overconfident but I don’t think we left anything out there. We have a fast car so hopefully the race will play in our favor. The goal is to just be strong and bring it home.”

The fan festivities continue tomorrow with “Legends Day” at IMS. After the Indy 500 breakfast, a full-field autograph session leads into the annual public drivers meeting. Afterwards, the 33 drivers will head downtown for the 500 Festival Parade.

On Sunday, the cannon fires at 5 a.m. to kick off race day. The 97th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race will take place on Sunday, May 26. The 200-lap race on the legendary 2.5-mile oval will be broadcast live on ABC, with pre-race ceremonies beginning at 11 a.m. ET. Barracuda Racing aims to add another win to the history books.

About Barracuda Racing

Barracuda Racing is operated by Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA). Founded by veteran driver Bryan Herta,
and noted race engineer and team manager Steve Newey, Bryan Herta Autosport has been a race-winning team in Firestone Indy Lights competition since 2009 and won the 2011 Indianapolis 500 with driver Dan Wheldon in only its second IZOD IndyCar Series start. BHA currently fields entries in the IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights with Curb – Agajanian. Since 2012, BHA has partnered with Bowen and Bowers Motorsports, Inc. (BBM). Based in Toronto, Ontario, BBM is the coming together of leading sports and entertainment property development professionals, Chris Bowers and David Bowen, along with the financial management experience of Trapeze Asset Management Inc. For more information, visit www.bryanhertaautosport.com.

About Barracuda Networks Inc.

Protecting users, applications, and data for more than 150,000 organizations worldwide, Barracuda Networks has developed a global reputation as the go-to leader for powerful, easy-to-use, affordable IT solutions. The company’s proven customer-centric business model focuses on delivering high-value, subscription-based IT solutions for security and storage. For additional information, please visit http://www.barracuda.com or follow us on Twitter: @barracuda.

Source: Barracuda Racing

The article Barracuda Racing Ready for the Greatest Spectacle in Racing is from Catchfence.

Andretti Autosport Logo

Andretti Autosport, Mazda Road to Indy

Firestone Indy Lights (FIL)

Carlos Muñoz, No. 26 Dialy-Ser

Carlos Muñoz continued to show strong in today’s Firestone Freedom 100 – leading 27 of 40 laps – finishing fourthacross the line in an incredible four-wide finish. The Colombian still leads the Firestone Indy Lights Championship by a margin of 27 points.

“It was a really intelligent race for myself and Sage (Karam). It was a close finish with four cars going through to the end. When you lead the last lap at Indy it’s really difficult especially with such a small gap. I have to be happy with fourth. My focus is on the championship and we need to keep working throughout the next races and keep pushing to the end.”

Zach Veach, No. 12 K12

Zach Veach took on his first oval race in Firestone Indy Lights today and brought home a fifth-place finish in the Firestone Freedom 100. The rookie, making his first career start at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, moved his way up from a seventh-place starting position and drove maturely to post a top-five finish. Veach moves into a tie for seventh in points heading to Milwaukee in three weeks.

” I’m very honored to get my first race in at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Looking back 100 miles later, I had a lot of fun. Starting seventh after having a little bit of wind in qualifying, I had a little bit of work to do to get back into the front of the pack and it only took us five laps to find third. I stayed in third for some part of the beginning of the race, but then just started losing the rear of the car. I think finishing where we did today with the fifth spot is pretty good for us. We did what we could with what we had and I’m excited to head in to Milwaukee for the next race. The Andretti Autosport K12 crew did a great job and they gave me a great car for today’s Firestone Freedom 100 race. I’m sad to be leaving Indianapolis for now, but I’ll be looking forward to it for next year.”

Source: Andretti Autosport

The article Carlos Muñoz & Zach Veach 2013 FIL Firestone Freedom 100 Post-Race Report is from Catchfence.

Peter Dempsey celebrates his Firestone Freedom 100 win -- Photo Credit: Michael Roth for IMS

CASTRONEVES TAKES PIT STOP CONTEST

INDIANAPOLIS, Friday, May 24, 2013 - Simon Pagenaud hopes Coors Light Carb Day is a good indication of Indianapolis 500 Race Day.

Pagenaud, who will start the 97th Indianapolis 500 from the outside of the seventh row, topped the speed chart for the final practice session, the final opportunity for teams to fine-tune their cars before Race Day.

Pagenaud, driving the No. 77 Schmidt Hamilton HP Motorsports Honda, topped the speed chart with a quick lap of 225.827 mph with Andretti Autosport E.J Viso (225.304 mph) and Ryan Hunter-Reay (225.053) right behind.

Similarly, Helio Castroneves hopes that winning the IZOD Indy 500 Pit Stop Competition could be a good omen for him.

Castroneves, driving the No. 3 Shell V-Power/Pennzoil Ultra Chevrolet, defeated Dario Franchitti of Target Chip Ganassi Racing in the championship round. His pit crew received the $50,000 first place prize for its speed and accuracy.

The winner of the competition has gone on to win the Indianapolis 500 six times, most recently with Castroneves in 2009. It was the 14th win for Team Penske and sixth for Castroneves in the pit stop contest, which extended their records.

Also on Coors Light Carb Day, Peter Dempsey came from fourth place on the final corner of the final lap to overtake Gabby Chaves, Sage Karam and Carlos Munoz and win a thrilling Firestone Freedom 100.

Exiting Turn 4 Munoz, Karam and Chaves were racing side by side to the start-finish of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Suddenly, Dempsey found a seam close to the outside wall on the 50-foot-wide frontstretch.

The 27-year-old native of Ashbourne, Ireland, immediately knew he had won the marquee race of the Firestone Indy Lights season, raising his left hand off the steering wheel, though it was a photo finish. The margin of victory was .0026 of a second — the closest on an oval in the 100-plus-year history of the Speedway.

Chaves was second and pole sitter Karam was .0280 of a second behind the winner in third. Munoz, who led Laps 13-39, was .0443 of a second off the winner.

Poison headlined a concert to conclude the busy day.

COORS LIGHT CARB DAY NOTEBOOK:

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh talked today about driving the 2014 Corvette Stingray Pace Car to lead the starting field to the green flag for the 97th Indianapolis 500 Sunday. Harbaugh played for the Indianapolis Colts during his NFL career and is a longtime partner in Panther Racing.

JIM HARBAUGH: “It’s just fantastic. It’s great to be back here and watch the team, watch our drivers and some of the youngsters, too. Ed Carpenter, I knew him when he was a child; same with Conor Daly. To see those two guys out here doing what they’re doing, it’s just wonderful.” (On driving the Pace Car): “Well, it’s like, ‘How’d you get so lucky?’ I’m just lucky, I guess. I was thrilled when they told me they were considering me. To be able to do it; I’m really thrilled to do it. It’s going to be one of life’s memorable moments. I need some work, though.” (On receiving Pace Car coaching from three-time Indy 500 winner Johnny Rutherford): “I got that going for me. Mr. Rutherford took me around the track this morning and showed me how to do it. Then he let me do it for four or five laps. I need some work, but I’ll get it down with him in my corner.”

***

Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing (SFHR) announced today a long-term sponsorship agreement with Genie Products LLC, the owners of POWERQUBE.

The POWERQUBE is the 21st-century solution to the power strip. The POWERQUBE allows users to plug in six devices and also charge three more devices in three USB ports. It can easily fit into a backpack or briefcase, at just 5.5 inches by 2.75 inches and provides

SARAH FISHER (Team owner, Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing): “We’re excited to bring on POWERQUBE as a new partner to the team. It’s neat to be a part of an industry that’s technologically advanced and innovative. We are excited about our long-term agreement with the POWERQUBE team and look forward to supporting this revolutionary product as it is launched in the United States and throughout the world.”

SCOTT WEAVER (President, Genie Products LLC): “Our agreement with SFHR is a partnership that we look to build upon for many years to come. We could not be more excited to be a part of the SFHR team as we partner to bring the POWERQUBE to consumers throughout the world.”

***

2013 IICS Team Owner Chip Ganassi - Photo Credit: Paul Powell/Catchfence

Zanardi won CART championships for Ganassi’s team in 1997 and 1998. He suffered severe injuries in a racing crash in September 2001 at Lausitz, Germany, that resulted in the amputation of both legs above the knee. Zanardi inspired millions around the world by resuming his full-time racing career in 2014 in touring cars and also won a gold medal in the handcycling men’s road time trial in the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.

ALEX ZANARDI: “It is really difficult to put it into words. I’m lucky enough to have had a long career, a career with many highlights, along with the two championships we won with Target Chip Ganassi Racing. which were, for sure, amazing accomplishments, I had days of glory which go above. Laguna Seca in 1996, of all the highlights of my racing career, was probably the most emotional one and the one that actually changed my life. I was very lucky that day, don’t get me wrong, but had I not tried that move, who knows what my racing career would have been? For sure, it changed a lot of things. The perception of all the people watching was that, after that day, I was a different guy, I was definitely a guy to keep an eye on. I’m sure I won a lot of fans that day and caused come controversy, as well. But, hey, this is what keeps us alive, and I was definitely alive that day.”

CHIP GANASSI: “I’m happy to have Alex and his team as special guests of Target Chip Ganassi Racing. (Jimmy) Vasser and Alex were the foundation of Chip Ganassi Racing. Nothing that Alex Zanardi has done has surprised anybody – from Laguna Seca to two Paralympic gold medals. There is no one like Alex … the mold was broken when Alex Zanardi was born. We never had him in a race car at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In 1996 he made the pass at Laguna Seca in the Corkscrew and went on with the win. Your contribution to this sport and to this team will never be forgotten. In Alex you see a guy who transcends all the issues of the day when we were racing in the mid-’90s. It was a breath of fresh air to see somebody who transcends all that and is all about racing. He’s had some real accomplishments since he has not been in racing. Don’t forget, you’re talking about an Olympian here, and that’s pretty heavy stuff. To be at the top of one sport and to go and be at the top of another – enough said. Only someone with his fortitude could accomplish that. To say the words: ‘Passion, commitment, excellence’ – all the things that I grew up with that meant something; I think he embodies every one of those. He embodies what we would like every athlete, we look up to, to be in our lives.” (About Zanardi never racing at IMS): “It was one of those things that the timing or the political climate, it wasn’t to be. It’s nice that he can come back here today and have the reception that he’s had and to be welcomed with open arms. That’s the one thing about this place; anyone who has ever been here in any capacity is welcomed to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with open arms. And that’s a tribute to Tony (George) and his family.”

***

The fastest IZOD IndyCar Series pit crew will receive a $50,000 first place prize for winning the Indy 500 Pit Stop Challenge during Coors Light Carb Day on Friday, May 24 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The 12-team competition will begin at 1:30 p.m. on pit lane at IMS, featuring four rounds of action. A total of $100,000 will be awarded, with the runner-up team earning $15,000.

Teams will change four tires and perform a simulated fuel hookup during each round of the competition. The quickest time wins, with time penalties added for various infractions, such as loose wheel nuts or running over air hoses.

Seven teams previously qualified based on pit performance between the 2012 Indianapolis 500 and the 2013 Itaipava Sao Paulo Indy 300 earlier this month. Five teams earned the final spots during time trials last week at IMS.

***

The article Dempsey Wins Thrilling Firestone Freedom 100; Pagenaud Leads Final Indy 500 Practice is from Catchfence.

Andretti Autosport Logo

The Billboard Music Awards’ “Rock Artist of the Year” will be featured on the No. 25 Chevrolet piloted by third-generation racer Marco Andretti along with United Fiber & Data – a new tech company founded by three members of the band.

LIVE is currently preparing for a nationwide tour this summer, but before that gets underway, the foursome made a stop in Indianapolis where they played Thursday’s Racing for Cancer The Yellow Party and will play Andretti Autosport’s annual The Night Before Party on Saturday. LIVE will spend Sunday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway walking the Celebrity Red Carpet and routing for Andretti in the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500.

LIVE’s internationally celebrated musical offerings have impacted the lives of over 60-million music fans. Having performed for more than 16 million concert attendees, selling over 22 million albums throughout their career.

Click here to find out when LIVE will be (rocking and) rolling into a town near you.

Connect with +LIVE+ on social media.
Like the band on Facebook at facebook.com/THEBANDLIVE,
follow the rockers on Twitter @Freaks4Live

The article It’s OK – Andretti Autosport is with the Band is from Catchfence.

Firestone Indy Lights

2013 INDYCAR, Firestone Indy Lights (FIL)

INDIANAPOLIS - Results Friday of the Firestone Freedom 100 Firestone Indy Lights Series event on the 2.5 mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with order of finish, starting position in parentheses, driver, laps completed and reason out (if any):

1. (3) Peter Dempsey, 40, Running

2. (4) Gabby Chaves, 40, Running

3. (1) Sage Karam, 40, Running

4. (2) Carlos Munoz, 40, Running

5. (6) Zach Veach, 40, Running

6. (10) Jorge Goncalvez, 40, Running

7. (11) Jimmy Simpson, 40, Running

8. (9) Chase Austin, 40, Running

9. (7) Juan Pablo Garcia, 40, Running

10. (5) Jack Hawksworth, 14, Contact

11. (8) Kyle O’Gara, 2, Contact

Race Statistics

Winners average speed: 162.995
Time of Race: 00:36:48.6540
Margin of victory: 0.0026
Cautions: 1 for 4 laps
Lead changes: 2 among 3 drivers

Lap Leaders:
Karam 1-12
Munoz 13-39
Dempsey 40

Point Standings: Munoz 167, Dempsey 140, Chaves 139, Karam 138, Hawksworth 132, Goncalvez 118, Garcia 106, Veach 106, Matthew Di Leo 30, Victor Carbone 26.

Source: Timing and Scoring provided by INDYCAR

The article 2013 FIL Firestone Freedom 100 Race Results is from Catchfence.

Iowa Speedway Logo

(NEWTON, Iowa – May 24, 2013)

Now titled ‘Iowa Corn Indy 250 presented by the DEKALB brand’, the 250-lap IZOD IndyCar race will be contested on the Newton track’s 7/8-mile tri-oval on Sunday afternoon, June 23, beginning at 2:00 pm CDT.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to work closely with the Iowa Corn Growers Association and Iowa Speedway, as well as feature the DEKALB brand’s commitment to powerful innovation and performance,” stated Jason Hoag, DEKALB Brand Lead.  “The DEKALB brand has partnered with American farmers for over 100 years and we look forward to working with our industry partners, dealers and farmers to bring forth innovation that is ahead of pace, allowing tomorrow’s ideas to be products of today.”

Iowa Speedway Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Chuck Spicer, was equally enthusiastic about the DEKALB brand’s presenting sponsorship of the facility’s seventh annual IndyCar race.

“We are delighted to welcome the DEKALB brand to Iowa Speedway’s growing family of promotional partners,” Spicer said.  “We think it’s very appropriate that the DEKALB folks will use this event sponsorship opportunity to entertain and thank their customers for the commitment they have to high yielding performance each and every year, and there’s not a more exciting venue than Iowa Speedway to do just that.”

Tickets for the seventh annual ‘Iowa Corn Indy 250 presented by the DEKALB brand’ are currently on sale through the Iowa Speedway Ticket Office in Newton, online at www.iowaspeedway.com, or through the track’s toll-free ticketing hotline, 866-RUSTY-GO (787-8946).  Season Tickets and weekend passes are also available for Iowa Speedway’s 2013 racing season, which begins on June 7 – 8 with the first of two NASCAR Nationwide Series event weekends.

For more information about DEKALB, farmers can contact their local DEKALB dealer, visit http://www.DEKALB.com and follow its business onhttp://www.facebook.com/DEKALB. 

About Monsanto Company

Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. Monsanto remains focused on enabling both small-holder and large-scale farmers to produce more from their land while conserving more of our world’s natural resources such as water and energy. To learn more about our business and our commitments, please visit: www.monsanto.com<http://www.monsanto.com> .  Follow our business on Twitter(r) at www.twitter.com/MonsantoCo <http://www.twitter.com/MonsantoCo> , on the company blog, Beyond the Rows at www.monsantoblog.com <http://www.monsantoblog.com> , or subscribe to our News Release RSS Feed <http://monsanto.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=95> . 

About Iowa Speedway

Iowa Speedway is a state-of-the-art 7/8 mile asphalt paved tri-oval race track and motorsports facility located just 30 miles east of Des Moines at I-80 Exit 168 in Newton, Iowa. The track is owned and operated by U.S. Motorsport Corporation and designed by NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace, now an anchor and analyst for ABC-TV/ESPN. Call 1-866-RUSTY-GO, or visit www.iowaspeedway.com to learn more.

Source: Iowa Speedway

The article Monsanto’s DEKALB Brand To Present ‘Iowa Corn Indy 250′ is from Catchfence.

INDYCAR Logo

INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, May 24, 2013) -

INDYCAR hopes to interest future engineers, mechanics and race fans by igniting their passion for math and science through the educational aspects of the sport. INDYCAR has formed a partnership for this initiative with Project Lead The Way, the nation’s leading provider of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum, and Jostens, a top provider of products, programs and services for schools.

“Our sport is deeply rooted in science and engineering so it’s important for us to create opportunities for students to see the connection between what they study and real-world situations. This is another way for us to reach youngsters to help ignite their interest in math and science, and it’s a way for us to become more involved in the communities where we compete,” said Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Company, the parent company of INDYCAR.

The “Future of Fast” at-track program is a hands-on racetrack program for eighth-grade students designed to accelerate learning beyond the walls of the classroom and put students on the fast track. The curriculum is created specifically for INDYCAR by Project Lead The Way and will feature different learning pods related directly to various aspects of Indy car racing. Project Lead The Way has been working hand-in-hand with INDYCAR to create the program, which will culminate in an education day held at INDYCAR race venues.  In addition to developing the curriculum, Project Lead The Way also will train the volunteer educators in each race market.

Students participating in The Future of Fast program will spend a day at the racetrack and rotate through each of the learning pods . After completing the activities within each pod, students will then apply that knowledge in a virtual environment.

“When the team at INDYCAR contacted us to work with them on this project, we were immediately on board as it is a win-win situation for all involved,” said Vince Bertram, president and CEO of Project Lead The Way. “The technology, speed and excitement of INDYCAR racing provides the perfect backdrop for us to develop curriculum that will engage and excite young students and encourage them to pursue their interests in STEM.”

In its initial year, the program will reach thousands of students among six different race markets with a short-term goal of demonstrating that science can be fun and a long-term goal of creating future engineers, scientists, mechanics and race fans. In future years, the program will expand into more INDYCAR race markets throughout the United States.

In 2013, events will take place at the Indianapolis 500 as well as Detroit (June 1-2), Fort Worth, Texas (June 8); Baltimore (Sept. 1); Houston (Oct. 5-6) and Fontana, Calif. (Oct. 19). Project Lead The Way and Jostens will reach out to schools in these markets to encourage them to attend.  Through the support of the INDYCAR community, students will receive the hands-on learning experience at no expense to them or their schools.

“This real, relevant, kinesthetic and interactive education program can be a catalyst for thousands of students’ understanding that STEM can be exciting, rewarding and fun to learn,” said Lisa Spain, Jostens’ director of Customer Experience. “STEM education is critical for the next generation’s success both economically and culturally, and Jostens is proud to present this program in collaboration with INDYCAR and Project Lead The Way.”

Source: INDYCAR

The article INDYCAR Accelerates Learning with ‘The Future of Fast’ STEM Initiative is from Catchfence.

Sarah FIsher Hartman Racing Logo

INDIANAPOLIS (May 24, 2013) - 

“We’re excited to bring on POWERQUBE as a new partner to the team,” SFHR team owner Sarah Fisher stated. “It’s neat to be a part of an industry that’s technologically advanced and innovative. We are excited about our long-term agreement with the POWERQUBE team, and look forward to supporting this revolutionary product as it is launched in the United States and throughout the world.”

The POWERQUBE is the 21st Century solution to the age old power strip. The sleek design of the  POWERQUBE means you do not have to try to hide it.  It is compact enough to place on a desk, conference table, kitchen counter, nightstand or anywhere you need power management and USB charging capabilities. At a very compact 5.5 inches by 2.75 inches, it can easily fit into your backpack or briefcase. 

Scott Weaver, President of Genie Products LLC and owner of POWERQUBE is proud to partner with SFHR.

“Our agreement with SFHR is a partnership that we look to build upon for many years to come,” Weaver said. “We could not be more excited to be a part of the SFHR team as we partner to bring the POWERQUBE to consumers throughout the world.”

POWERQUBE

About POWERQUBE 

Nothing on the market today will allow you to plug in 6 devices such as a monitor, printer, computer, coffee maker, toaster, TV and much more, PLUS the ability to charge 3 more devices; including 2 iPads® simultaneously, in any of the 3 USB ports.  How does it do that you ask?  It’s a smart device that senses the additional power requirements and sends the power to the USB ports.  Charge all of your personal electronic devices: iPad®, iPhone®, iTouch®, Samsung® smart phone, Android® etc., with the POWERQUBE.  Please help us to rid the world of the ugly, old power strip and replace every one of them with the sleek, functional, and  revolutionary POWERQUBE. Visit  www.pwrqube.com for more information.

Source: GRand Solutions, LLC., for Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing

The article SFHR Announces Sponsorship Agreement with POWERQUBE is from Catchfence.

Racing For Cancer

Membership-based mobile marketplace lets fans “Race for a Cause”

Indianapolis, IN – May 24, 2013 - Just in time for the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500, Racing For Cancer, in conjunction with 2012 IndyCar champion Ryan Hunter-Reay, announces a new partnership with Hippino to launch the “Team Hippino: Racing for a Cause” campaign.

Hippino, LLC, a multi-faceted digital enterprise, has set a goal of raising $1 million for Racing For Cancer, through the download and membership of their mobile marketplace app, called Hippino.

The app, which costs just $1.99 instantly gives fans more than $500 in downloadable coupons for a wide variety of their favorite brands. Also, by downloading the app, fans will automatically be entered to win 4 VIP tickets and hotel accommodations for their choice of one of three IndyCar races in 2014. For every download, $1 goes to Racing For Cancer.

Not only will fans enjoy the savings and contest perks, Hippino’s racing element should be a hit as well. In addition to nominating Tony Kanaan and Ryan Hunter-Reay, fans may choose other favorite drivers on the app, placing the top three nominated in contention for the “Survivor Cup” – a cash prize awarded to any nominated driver who wins the next three IndyCar races at Indy, Detroit and Texas.

“As a sponsor for Tony Kanaan, Hippino is extremely excited about partnering with Racing for Cancer to raise awareness and money to fight cancer,” says Hippino CEO EJ Falk. “Cancer awareness is more than just a cause–it is something that truly benefits every community in every part of the country. When we were approached with the chance to work with Racing for Cancer, we jumped at it, and decided to dedicate everyone on staff to make as much out of this opportunity as possible.

“Our goal is to raise one million dollars for Racing for Cancer by the end of the Indy race in Texas–and with a driver like Tony Kanaan, and the goal of fighting cancer generating the fans and cheers supporting us, we are ready to meet our goal by mid June, and then start planning our strategy for how we can double it for next year.”

Racing For Cancer CEO and co-founder Tom Vossman echoed Falk’s sentiment, saying, “We are very excited about our new partnership with Hippino. They are on the leading edge of connecting consumers with businesses through a developing mobile marketplace. We admire their focus on giving back to charity and partnering with us in our efforts to support the cancer community.

“We also want to thank Tony Kanaan for his continued support of Racing For Cancer. The coupon value, contest entry and Racing For Cancer charitable aspect make this a win-win for everyone. Tell your friends and enjoy this new opportunity while helping us beat cancer! Simply download the app and join the $1.99 membership using the promo code ‘RHR’ or ‘BEATCANCER.’”

The Team Hippino livery will appear on Tony Kanaan’s KV Racing Technology IndyCar for the upcoming “Dual in Detroit” race weekend. Just over one month later, the membership-based Hippino mobile marketplace will officially launch on July 15, 2013. More information can be found at www.Hippino.com.

About Racing For Cancer

Racing For Cancer, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) organization, is “helping pick up the pace… one fan at a time.” Racing For Cancer was formed to unite motorsports fans around the world, racing organizations, drivers and sponsors to help those afflicted with cancer. The mission is simply to beat cancer. Support is focused towards early detection and prevention, and efforts to help raise awareness and support of fighting childhood cancer. One hundred percent of the net proceeds of fundraising efforts are committed to the cause. Racing For Cancer also partners with various marketing efforts to aid in the global cancer awareness campaign. For more information, visit www.RacingForCancer.org.

About Hippino

Hippino, a membership based mobile marketplace and directory that profit-shares its revenue with non-profit organizations, is changing the way businesses market their products and promotions to consumers. According to Hippino’s business model of putting “people first and profits second” there are infinite ways for a business to build and increase its customer base, while simultaneously raising money for non-profit organizations. In turn, those non-profits direct their members to Hippino, completing the circle between businesses, customized mobile marketplace promotions, and charitable organizations. For more information, visit www.Hippino.com.

Source: Racing For Cancer

The article Racing For Cancer Teams with Hippino is from Catchfence.

Sage Karam with the Firestone Firehawk -- Photo Credit: Chris Owens/IMS

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, May 23, 2013) -

Karam, driving the No. 8 Comfort Revolutions car for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports with Curb-Agajanian, is in his first season in the series after placing third in the Pro Mazda Championship in 2012. He has a pair of podium finishes in the three races on road/street circuits. It’s the fifth earned pole and sixth pole start for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports in the Firestone Freedom 100.

Series points leader Carlos Munoz, who recorded a two-lap average of 189.276 mph, will start second in the No. 26 Dialy-Ser Andretti Autosport car. He was .0703 of a second off Karam’s cumulative time over the five miles. Munoz also will start second in his first Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on May 26.

Peter Dempsey (189.359) and Gabby Chaves (187.770) will share Row 2 in the Firestone Freedom 100. St. Petersburg race winner Jack Hawksworth (187.410) and Kyle O’Gara (187.393), making his Firestone Indy Lights debut, will be on Row 3.

DAY 10 NOTEBOOK:

ABC will televise the Indianapolis 500 for the 49th consecutive year on Sunday, May 26, continuing a Memorial Day tradition that began in 1965.

A one-hour preview show airs from Indianapolis Motor Speedway at 11 a.m. ET, with the race telecast, presented by GoDaddy, at noon.

ESPN’s production of the Indianapolis 500 on ABC will utilize 84 cameras to televise the premier event of the IZOD IndyCar Series, including three onboard cameras per car in 12 of the 33 cars competing in the race.

Among the cameras will be the newly-enhanced “Batcam,” a camera that provides unique and dramatic views running on a cable over pit road and the frontstretch and has been utilized by ESPN at Indy for several years. But with new technology, “Batcam” can now move faster than ever, reaching speeds of 95 mph.

Views and replays also will be enhanced with expanded usage of four Ultra Hi Motion cameras. As was the case last year when the cameras were used for the first time, they will be located in the short chutes at each end of the 2.5-mile track as well as at the fourth-turn exit, with a fourth robotic camera added this year to provide a low shot entering the first turn. The cameras can shoot at speeds of up to 1,200 frames per second. ESPN also will have Super Slo Motion cameras positioned in each turn.

Pole sitter Ed Carpenter will be one of the 12 drivers carrying onboard cameras, as will defending race winner Dario Franchitti and defending IZOD IndyCar Series champion Ryan Hunter-Reay. Others will be Charlie Kimball, JR Hildebrand, James Hinchcliffe, Townsend Bell, Will Power, Helio Castroneves, Marco Andretti, Graham Rahal and Tristan Vautier.

Viewers of the ABC telecast will have the option of a second-screen experience through a choice of live streaming video from the onboard cameras on ESPN3, ESPN’s multi-screen live sports network. ESPN3 will carry the feeds exclusively through WatchESPN and on Indycar.com to fans who receive their Internet or video subscription from an affiliated provider. Viewers will be able to choose which driver’s onboard cameras they want to watch from among the available cars and this year, for the first time, all of the feeds also will include ESPN’s live scoring ticker. ESPN3 also will have replays of the ABC telecast following the event. ESPN3 is available online at WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app and through ESPN on Xbox LIVE.

Marty Reid will call the race, with analysis by former Indianapolis 500 driver Scott Goodyear and 1998 Indianapolis 500 winner Eddie Cheever. ESPN “SportsCenter” anchor Lindsay Czarniak will host the telecast while pit reporters will be Rick DeBruhl, Jamie Little, Dr. Jerry Punch and Vince Welch.

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The Tony Hulman Classic USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car race has been rescheduled for Friday, June 21 at the Terre Haute Action Track. Rain forced the postponement of the race Wednesday.

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The Race Day talent lineup for the IMS Radio Network’s broadcast of the 97th Indianapolis 500: Mike King, anchor; Davey Hamilton, driver analyst; Donald Davidson, track historian; Jerry Baker, color analyst; Paul Page, race commentary; Jake Query, Turn 2 announcer; Mark Jaynes, Turn 3 announcer; Chris Denari, Turn 4 announcer; Kevin Lee, pit reporter; Nick Yeoman, pit reporter; Michael Young, pit reporter; Dave Furst, pit reporter; Dave Wilson, garage and medical center reporter.

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Indianapolis 500 veteran drivers will sign autographs for fans in two sessions Saturday afternoon during Legends Day Honoring Parnelli Jones at the Speedway. Both sessions will take place in the Plaza Pavilion. Autographs are free with gate admission for the day, $10 for adults, with 12 and under free.

The session lineup, with all drivers subject to change:

•1-2:30 p.m.: Bill Alsup, Tom Bagley, Donnie Beechler, Tom Bigelow, Brian Bonner, Geoff Brabham, Pancho Carter, Michael Chandler, Steve Chassey, Gil de Ferran, Dominic Dobson, Josele Garza, Phil Giebler, Paul Goldsmith, Janet Guthrie, Bob Harkey, Bernard Jourdain, Mel Kenyon, Steve Knapp, Phil Krueger, Arie Luyendyk, Arie Luyendyk Jr., Jack Miller, Rocky Moran, Eldon Rasmussen, Sam Schmidt, Jerry Sneva, Bobby Unser, Johnny Unser

•3-4:30 p.m.: Mario Andretti, Kenny Brack, Buzz Calkins, Tyce Carlson, Derek Daly, Spike Gehlhausen, Stephan Gregoire, Scott Harrington, Stefan Johansson, Herm Johnson, Lee Kunzman, Bob Lazier, Jaques Lazier, Greg Leffler, Robby McGehee, Hiro Matsushita, Max Papis, Johnny Parsons, Bill Puterbaugh, Billy Roe, Eliseo Salazar, Joe Saldana, Bill Simpson, Bruce Walkup, Bill Whittington, Denny Zimmerman

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IZOD IndyCar Series team co-owner Sarah Fisher has enrolled in the College of Business at WGU Indiana to finish her bachelor’s degree.

Fisher, co-owner of Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing, will begin her studies in August. She began college after graduating seventh in her high school class with honors in Ohio. But her IZOD IndyCar Series and USAC driving commitments forced her to postpone finishing her degree.

WGU Indiana was established nearly three years ago by former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels for working Hoosiers to pursue a high-quality college degree at an affordable price. The university has grown to more than 3,300 students and graduated more than 700. Students and graduates represent every county in the state. As Indiana’s nonprofit, online university, WGU Indiana’s flat-rate tuition is $3,000 per six-month term, a rate that has not increased since the university was created.

SARAH FISHER: “Now that I’m a mother, a wife and an IndyCar team owner, I’m constantly juggling my schedule. I’m ready to finish my degree, but I need a university that’s adaptable to my life and offers quality programs that make going back to school a good investment of my time and energy. I’m excited about earning my degree at WGU Indiana.”

ALLISON BARBER (Chancellor, WGU Indiana): “WGU Indiana is proud to provide an education to a disciplined, determined competitor. I expect Sarah to excel in our university because she demonstrates the same traits of our other students – a strong work ethic, independence and a commitment to excellence. I’m excited to watch her learn and inspire other Hoosiers to continue their dreams of a college degree.”

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CountryMark will serve as an associate sponsor for the No. 20 Fuzzy’s Vodka/Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet entry driven in the 97th Indianapolis 500 by pole sitter Ed Carpenter. It’s the second consecutive year the Indianapolis-based corporation has sponsored Carpenter’s team.

CountryMark is a recognized as a trusted and leading American oil company. CountryMark maximizes sustainable value by producing and supplying market-leading energy products and services.

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John Haslett of Penske Racing received the C&R Racing “True Grit” Award after qualifications Sunday. Haslett received a $5,000 award from Indianapolis-based C&R Racing, which manufactures and distributes complete cooling systems, chassis and drivetrain components, wind-tunnel models and an assortment of other parts and pieces to race teams.

Haslett received the award for dedication to his work with IZOD IndyCar Series cars, the ability to overcome adversity and the embodiment of the excellent qualities of such a highly skilled trade. He has participated in 29 Indianapolis 500 Mile Races with a position in transportation and as a tire specialist.

JOHN HASLETT: “I am honored to receive this award,” said Haslett. “I started working in racing when I was just 22 years old. I was green as green can be, fresh out of the U.S. Navy. My first year at Indy, I was working on Bobby Unser’s car. We won that race, and I have been hooked on racing ever since. It is the best feeling ever to help win the ’500′ for Roger Penske, and I’m grateful to be acknowledged for all my efforts.”

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PEAK Motor Oil and Advance Auto Parts will sponsor the No. 91 Lazier Partners Racing Inc. entry for 1996 Indianapolis 500 winner Buddy Lazier in the 97th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday.

BUDDY LAZIER: “I am really proud of what the team has accomplished in such a short amount of time and to now sign PEAK Motor Oil and Advance Auto Parts is evidence of how hard everyone is working. Getting the car on the track and finding a sponsor were the two top goals of the team, and we’ve now done that. So we’re ready to go racing with PEAK Motor Oil and Advance Auto Parts Sunday.”

BRYAN EMRICH (Senior vice president of marketing, PEAK): “Peak Motor Oil & Antifreeze along with our partner Advance Auto Parts are proud to join forces with Lazier Partners Racing to support Buddy’s bid to win the Indy 500 for the second time. PEAK is a company that is proud of its independent, family-owned heritage, the same spirit that drives Lazier Racing. We look forward to the racing.”

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FIRESTONE FREEDOM 100 PRACTICE:

At 9 a.m., the ambient temperature was 62 degrees with a relative humidity of 84 percent and winds from the west at 5 mph. Skies were overcast. The track temperature was 73 degrees, according to Firestone engineers.

9 a.m. – Firestone Indy Lights officials have delayed the start of session due to track preparation following overnight rain showers.

9:21 a.m. – GREEN.

10:08 a.m. – YELLOW. Light rain. #8 Karam fastest at 189.981.

10:27 a.m. – Rain stops. Track-drying efforts start.

10:59 a.m. – CHECKERED. INDYCAR officials determined track will not be dry by noon.

***

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Rain returned at 11:40 a.m. to the Speedway.

Firestone Freedom 100 qualifying started at 4:15 p.m., three hours after its scheduled start of 1:15 p.m., due to rain.

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FIRESTONE FREEDOM 100 SUNOCO POLE QUALIFYING:

Firestone Indy Lights qualifying consists of a two-lap qualifying attempt. Cars are ranked in order based on the quickest cumulative time. Cars take the green flag on the first time past the flag stand. Only one attempt is allowed per car.

Track qualifying record: Wade Cunningham, 1 minute, 34.6485 seconds, 190.177 mph (May 2009). Fastest Firestone Indy Lights lap today: #8 Sage Karam, 47.3732 seconds, 189.981 mph.

At 4:15 p.m., the ambient temperature was 63 degrees with a relative humidity of 72 percent and west winds at 11 mph. Skies were mostly cloudy. The track temperature was 82 degrees, according to Firestone engineers.

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FIRESTONE INDY LIGHTS SUNOCO POLE WINNER QUICK QUOTE:

SAGE KARAM (No. 7 Schmidt Peterson c/w Curb-Agajanian): “I can’t thank the team enough. The team put a good car together for me. The rain threw a little bit of a curve ball. To get the pole is a surprise to me. We’ve been working really hard on the race setup. Qualifying here isn’t as important as other tracks, but it’s definitely a confidence-booster.” (Is your goal to climb to the IZOD IndyCar Series?): “Oh, yeah. That has been my goal since I first walked into the tunnel at 4 years old.”

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FIRESTONE FREEDOM 100 FIELD NOTES:

•This is the first career Firestone Indy Lights Sunoco Pole for Sage Karam, in his first year in the series. His previous best start was third in April at Barber Motorsports Park.

•Sage Karam is the first American to win the pole position for the Firestone Freedom 100 since Ken Losch in 2007.

•Carlos Munoz has qualified on the front row for all four Firestone Indy Lights races this season. He won the Sunoco Pole for the first three races of the season and qualified second today.

•Carlos Munoz is the first driver to qualify on the front row for the Indianapolis 500 and Firestone Freedom 100 in the same year. He qualified second for both races in Andretti Autosport entries.

•Peter Dempsey qualified third, his best Firestone Indy Lights start at Indianapolis. His previous best at Indianapolis was sixth in 2011.

FIRESTONE FREEDOM 100 FIELD NOTES:

•This is the fifth earned pole and sixth pole start for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports in the Firestone Freedom 100. Winning the pole for SPM were Thiago Medeiros (2004), Jaime Camara (2005), Wade Cunningham (2009), Pippa Mann (2010) and Sage Karam (2013). Bryan Clauson started from the pole in 2011 in an SSM car after qualifying was rained out.

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FIRESTONE FREEDOM 100 POST-QUALIFYING QUOTES:

KYLE O’GARA (No. 67 SFHRD/RW/SPM – Moynahan Williams): “We were still a little bit conservative, being my first qualifying attempt ever in an Indy Lights car. We definitely had some room to go if we could have. If we would have had a little more practice in this morning, it might have changed that. But, I am very thankful for being here. I am looking forward to tomorrow. We had a very good race car this morning and at the test. We’re looking forward to it.”

JACK HAWKSWORTH (No. 77 Schmidt Peterson c/w Curb-Agajanian): “It was great to get out on the track because we’ve been pits all day with the rain. There was a lot of waiting around, time spent going over things for qualifying. We had a good run, qualified fifth. The car was pretty decent, and we’re pretty happy with it. The qualifying round doesn’t mean too much, so we can’t read too much into it. It’s going to be about what happens tomorrow. I was very happy with the race car the last time we ran it, so I think we’re in for a good race.”

GABBY CHAVES (No. 7 Schmidt Peterson c/w Curb-Agajanian): “I think it was a good qualifying effort. We were flat out from the moment we left the pits, and after that, it’s just being as smooth as you can, going through the gears correctly and hoping you get a gust of wind at the right moment to pick up a few miles an hour. I think we had a good qualifying, and we have a strong car for the race.”

PETER DEMPSEY (No. 5 Belardi Auto Racing): “I wasn’t really happy with the first lap, but the second lap was really solid. The Belardi Auto Racing guys put amount of effort into this car over the past month. The wind has definitely picked up since we rolled onto pit lane for qualifying. I was just trying to pick the best gear selection that I could and play around with the tools that I had in the car. Hopefully, I got it right. Definitely, my second lap, I nailed it.”

JUAN PABLO GARCIA (No. 2 TMR-International-Euclid Chemical): “Unfortunately we were quite a bit slower than this morning in practice. I’m not sure what changed with the car. The car didn’t feel bad; it felt good. Qualifying well is an important piece but not the most important thing. We have a good car that is fast and capable of winning tomorrow. We will go back to the garage and go over everything in the car to ensure we have a winning result tomorrow.”

CARLOS MUNOZ (No. 26 Dialy-Ser/Andretti Autosport): “It was pretty good. It was totally different as I was used to IndyCar (and) to go back to Indy Lights. They have a great car, and we will focus on the race tomorrow.” (How does it feel to have the potential to win both the Indy 500 and the Firestone Freedom 100 in the same year?) “It would be great. Here in Indy Lights, the qualifying is not as important as the tow in the race. Here (at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway) the race is really amusing. We had so much fun last year in that race because we were overtaking all the time. But I am going one by one. I am focusing first with Indy Lights – then I will focus on the Indy 500.”

CHASE AUSTIN (No. 28 Starting Grid): “We had a better car than that in practice. I’m not quite sure what happened. We have to go back and look at the telemetry. But we are looking forward to the race tomorrow. We got a good race car. Like I said, I just don’t know what happened. I am excited for the race tomorrow. I can’t wait for it. We have a good car, and we got a chance of winning.”

ZACH VEACH (No. 12 K12/Andretti Autosport): “I don’t think that is what we had in the car. I don’t know why we fell off what we did in practice. We were very quick this morning, but we will go back and see what we can do better. The race is a lot better than qualifying. I think we have a good race car. We’ll go back and see what we’ve got to do now, and we’ll get after it again tomorrow.”

SAGE KARAM (No. 7 Schmidt Peterson c/w Curb-Agajanian): “That was a really good run for us. We’ve been really focusing on race setup, and to go a qualifying lap like that was really kind of unexpected. We’ll take it. We’re happy with that. There was a little less grip (on the track after the rain), but we trimmed the car out more. The rain did throw a little curve ball at us, but the team responded real well and gave me a good car. I was pretty stable out there, and I felt real good about the car.”

JORGE GONCALVEZ (No. 4 Belardi Auto Racing): “It was really hard because I so flat out there the whole run. Basically, the setup of the car was pretty good. We found a good setup for qualifying, but something was wrong with the car. We will try to figure it out later. It should be good for the race.”

JIMMY SIMPSON (No. 22 TMR-Reed Smith-Xtreme Drilling & Coil): “I’m a little bit disappointed that we weren’t quicker. We thought we would be quite a bit quicker than this. We made some changes to the car that we thought would be faster, and the thing actually went slower than we were in practice. I’m not really sure. I think we’re just going to look at the data and make some sense of it and make some improvements for tomorrow. And, you know, we do have a race car. The thing is very comfortable in traffic. It’s just really strange that the car was this slow. I think the wind made a big difference for me. I noticed one of my laps was quite a bit quicker than the other one, and I got into the rev limiter a little earlier – quite a bit earlier – on the first lap, and I think I must have caught a gust on the second lap. But something might be amiss with the car. We’ll just have to check and see what is going on with it. We were quicker in race trim and, as you know, race trim is quite a bit slower than qualifying trim.”

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StemCyte Inc., a global leader in human cord blood stem cell banking, has become an associate sponsor of the No. 16 Acorn Stairlifts Honda fielded by Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and driven by James Jakes in the IZOD IndyCar Series for the remainder of the 2013 season.

StemCyte, Inc. and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) will work to support awareness of umbilical cord blood banking and its educational initiative “Stars for Stem Cells.” Cord blood stem cells are potential cures for more than 80 illnesses, including cancers, blood disorders and immune and genetic diseases, and continue be a key element in regenerative medicine research.

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IMS Historian Donald Davidson and legendary car builder A.J. Watson, both members of the Auto Racing Hall of Fame, will sign copies from noon-12:30 p.m. Friday of a brand-new 32-page photo essay book featuring the Sheraton-Thompson Watson Offy roadster that A.J. Foyt drove to his second Indianapolis 500 victory in 1964.

The autograph session will take place in the Pagoda Plaza. The book, written by Davidson with considerable input from Watson, is available in all IMS Gift Shops. Foyt wrote the foreword.

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Firestone Indy Lights rookie Jimmy Simpson, driving the No. 22 TMR-Reed Smith-Xtreme Drilling & Coil car, has won the Purdue evGrand Prix and the collegiate evGrand Prix for electric-powered vehicles at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Purdue Grand Prix for gas-powered vehicles on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. He is the first person to win both the electric and gas races. Simpson went to Cathedral High School in Indianapolis and is a student at Purdue University.

JIMMY SIMPSON: “The EVC (Electric Vehicle Club) car was really good the entire time and we ended up winning. The Purdue Grand Prix was just an awesome race. The race was really long and really wore on the driver a lot. We brought a really good pit crew and ended up winning that, as well. It’s a pretty wild race. There are a lot of crashes all over the place. I saw an onboard video of another guy who actually ran into me in the middle of the race. I was like: ‘There’s me. He ran into me.’ Of course, racing at Indy is more fun, but the gas karts are a blast. I grew up racing gas karts, so winning that race meant a lot. There was a whole grand prix week leading up to that. And it means a lot to everybody. I was glad to win that.” (As a local person, what does it mean for you to be able to race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?): “It is an amazing feeling. I remember all through high school my parents would pull me out of school early and write me some note like I was sick or something, and we would come to the racetrack for a couple days to watch. Being able to race here is just amazing. I’ve come here since I was a little kid. It is just fantastic to be able to race in front of all of your friends and family – especially at this place. This is the coolest place in the world. You’re going 200 miles an hour, and it is an amazing feeling.”

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Firestone Indy Lights rookie Kyle O’Gara, the brother-in-law of former IZOD Indy Car Series competitor and current team owner Sarah Fisher, has some busy days ahead.

O’Gara practiced and qualified today for the Firestone Freedom 100 and will drive in the race Friday. and qualifying in his No. 67 SFHRD/RW/SPM – Moynahan Williams car for the Firestone Freedom 100, followed by the race on Carb Day Friday. On Saturday, he is graduating from Roncalli High School, located on the south side of Indianapolis. After he receives his diploma, he heads out to the NOS Energy Drink Night Before the 500 USAC Midget Series at Lucas Oil Raceway.

KYLE O’GARA: “I’m looking forward to it. We know it is going to be a busy weekend. I think we can tackle it and take it all one step at a time. I am really looking forward to (Friday.) It will be my first time racing in the Indy Lights series. There are a lot of talented drivers in the field. The car count may not be high, but the quality is up. I’m really looking forward to it. On Saturday, I’m driving for RW Motorsports after I graduate from high school. It’s going to be fun.” (Is it true that your high school principal is letting you graduate first so you can make the Saturday night race?) “That is right. I am walking first from my class. Then I am heading out to Clermont to practice for The Night Before the 500. I think we can pull out another podium. We raced out in New Smyrna, Florida, in the beginning of February. It was my best national finish (second.) The team has really stepped up this year. I have Bobby Santos as a teammate. He is very good to lean on. I tested out there last week, and everything went really well.” (With the busy weekend ahead, which is the bigger event for you: Driving and racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or graduating from high school?) “Definitely turning laps at Indy. It is something that I have always looked forward to doing. We got this chance at the beginning of the month. Every lap is something different; you learn something different. It’s awesome. I have studied the history of the track for a long time, since I was little. To be a part of it now really means a lot.”

FRIDAY’S SCHEDULE (all times local):

7 a.m.

Garages open

8:30-9:45 a.m.

Vintage race car laps

9:30 a.m.

INDYCAR press conference, Economaki Press Conference Room

10 a.m.

Chip on the Bricks media availability with special guest Alex Zanardi, Yard of Bricks

11 a.m.-noon

Indianapolis 500 final practice

12:05 p.m.

Indianapolis 500 final practice fastest driver media availability, Economaki Press Conference Room

12:30 p.m.

Firestone Freedom 100 (40 laps)

1:30 p.m.

Firestone Freedom 100 winner media availability, Economaki Press Conference Room

1:30 p.m.

Indy 500 Pit Stop Challenge

3 p.m.

Indy 500 Pit Stop Challenge winner media availability, Economaki Press Conference Room

3:30 p.m.

Coors Light Carb Day Concert featuring Poison, Coors Light Stage, infield

Source: INDYCAR

The article Karam Captures Pole Position for Firestone Freedom 100 is from Catchfence.

Firestone Indy Lights

2013 INDYCAR, Firestone Indy Lights (FIL)

INDIANAPOLIS - Qualifying Thursday for the Firestone Freedom 100 Firestone Indy Lights event on the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with qualifying position, car number in parentheses, driver, time and average speed for two laps in parentheses:

1. (8) Sage Karam, 1:35.1160 (189.243)

2. (26) Carlos Munoz, 1:35.1863 (189.103)

3. (5) Peter Dempsey, 1:35.3426 (188.793)

4. (7) Gabby Chaves, 1:35.8619 (187.770)

5. (77) Jack Hawksworth, 1:36.0459 (187.410)

6. (67) Kyle O’Gara, 1:36.1147 (187.276)

7. (12) Zach Veach, 1:36.2499 (187.013)

8. (2) Juan Pablo Garcia, 1:36.5103 (186.509)

9. (28) Chase Austin, 1:36.6384 (186.261)

10. (4) Jorge Goncalvez, 1:36.6789 (186.183)

11. (22) Jimmy Simpson, 1:36.7912 (185.967).

Source: Timing and Scoring Provided by INDYCAR

The article 2013 FIL Firestone Freedom 100 Qualifying Results is from Catchfence.

Afterburner Autosport switches to oval competition with talented trio of Wyatt Gooden, Brandon Newey, and Jeroen Slaghekke taking to Lucas Oil Raceway. (Photo: USF2000 Championship - John Hendrick)

Gooden, Newey, and team newcomer Slaghekke ready to continue early season run of form during Night Before the 500

MINNEAPOLIS, MIN. (May 23, 2013) – Afterburner Autosport resumes what has been an impressive start to its quest for Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda supremacy on Saturday (May 260, when it takes to the Lucas Oil Raceway oval in Indiana. In conjunction with the famed Night Before the 500 event, the Minnesota-based squad will contest the lone ‘circle track’ race on the series calendar with highly-regarded rookies Wyatt Gooden, Brandon Newey, and Jeroen Slaghekke getting behind the wheels and ready to challenge for top honors.

When the USF2000 Championship cars return action at Lucas Oil Raceway as part of the Indianapolis 500 festivities, one of the teams everyone will be keeping an eye on is Afterburner Autosport. The reason for the attention is a result of the squad’s strong run of form in the opening four rounds in Florida back in March, which witnessed a pair of runner-up finishes, an additional top-five result, and seven total top-10s. That being said, Round Five in Indiana presents a new challenge…oval racing. The Afterburner Autosport team and its drivers don’t, however, enter one of the premier events on the series calendar empty-handed, with a top-10 finish last year on its resume, and a full day of official series testing recently completed.

Prior to Gooden, Newey, and team newcomer Slaghekke sampling the 0.686-mile banked oval for a first time via testing, the trio took part in the annual Mazda Road to Indy Oval Clinic. Featuring information, insight, and instruction from INDYCAR leaders and Mazda Road to Indy graduates, the Afterburner racers gained valuable knowledge and pointers. This was promptly put to use one day later in three tests sessions. In less than ideal cool conditions, all three Afterburner Autosport drivers went through a planned program of driver and car development. With car setup being a key factor on a oval, they steadily gained confidence, experience, and speed. When the final checkered flag waved, the trio were in striking distance of one another on the timesheets just outside of the top-10, having most importantly gathered extensive data and experience.

“As a team we’ve all been working well together, which has allowed us to have very productive tests in early May,” commented No.

17 PerfectPedal.com Afterburner Autosport racer Gooden. “With that being said, I’m eager to get out on the oval and put on an exciting show this weekend!”

“I’m very much looking forward to my first oval race with the Afterburner Autosport guys,” commented Newey, who drives the No. 98 Curb Records/Calcium Pro/USANA/Miller Oils/OMP/Bell Helmets Bryan Herta Autosport/Afterburner Autosport entry. “After going and testing on the oval for the first time, I’m very excited about our car, and think we will be very competitive come race time. Tim and Brian have been working really hard to make sure we continue to be strong in the races, and I’m sure it will transfer over to the oval race.”

“Testing at Lucas Oil Raceway went very well,” stated Slagehekke, who will pilot the No. 18 Carriere/W-H Sports Group Afterburner Autosport entry. “It was my first time working with the team, and I am very happy to be working with such a capable and motivated group of people. I’m looking forward to Lucas Oil Raceway, where after a strong test, we know where to still improve, and I firmly believe we can put on a very strong result.”

The pursuit of an inaugural Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda win at Lucas Oil Raceway starts for Afterburner Autosport on Friday (May 25) with three test runs. The Night Before the 500 event official commences one day later with two afternoon practice runs, prior to single car qualifying on the oval. Round Five is scheduled to get the green flag under the lights in front of a large crowd at 7:40 pm local time. Afterburner Autosport enters the prestigious event currently second in the team standings, with Gooden second, and Newey eighth in the driver’s championship. Live timing and scoring will be available at www.f2000.com/Multimedia/Live.aspx

Additional information on Afterburner Autosport is available from the team’s website @

The article Afterburner Autosport Resumes USF2000 Title Chase with Oval Action in Indiana is from Catchfence.

INDYCAR Logo

Members of new INDYCAR Competition Committee finalized

INDIANAPOLIS, Thursday, May 23, 2013-INDYCAR will open the door to increased technical innovation in its cars and continue its longstanding effort to improve safety in open-wheel racing, Hulman & Co. CEO Mark Miles and incoming INDYCAR President of Operations and Competition Derrick Walker announced May 23.

Walker will be responsible for identifying specific technology improvements and guiding their implementation, with the goal of managed increases in speed.

“In the short term, we’ll look for incremental changes to our cars through components such as aerodynamics, horsepower and tires,” Walker said. “In a way, we’re going back to the future. Indy cars have always been about innovation and speed, and our goal is to open the door for that again. We’ll start with our current car platform and give our teams and suppliers more ability to affect how they race. We always have to be mindful of costs, but that doesn’t mean we can’t manage improvements to create more exciting racing and at the same time do it safely.”

Miles said there have been many breakthroughs in Indy car speeds over the decades, but it has been 17 years since Arie Luyendyk set the last record at Indianapolis.

“We’ve achieved a great car platform, so now we can move forward to explore what’s next,” Miles said. “By managing improvements in certain components, speeds will gradually increase, and we could break the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track record by our 100^th running in 2016.”

“We already race the fastest closed-circuit cars in the world, and we continue to strive for further innovation that ultimately results in increased speed and safety,” said 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series champion Ryan Hunter-Reay. “This is an opportunity for us to go back to our roots. Indy car is all about the progression of speed and pushing the performance barrier, and I strongly feel that this needs to be a big part of the future of our sport. The sooner we can get going, the sooner we can have a shot at Arie’s record. It’s been standing for far too long.”

Walker and Miles made the announcement against a backdrop of IMS historical innovations in speed and safety: the roadster Parnelli Jones used to break the 150-mph barrier in 1962, Tom Sneva’s 1984 March/Cosworth that first broke 210 mph at IMS; the Reynard/Ford Cosworth in which Luyendyk set the one-lap track record of 237.498 mph in 1996 and the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series-winning car driven by Hunter-Reay. Also present were a section of the SAFER Barrier, a revolutionary track safety development initiated by INDYCAR and IMS, and fire suits, which drivers at IMS were among the first to use.

Walker said the technical staff at INDYCAR, teams and suppliers — with support from members of the newly formed Competition Committee — will be engaged in the measured innovation efforts. Walker said the first substantive announcement, likely about aero kits, will be made soon.

Potential safety innovations could come in the form of new types of track fencing to protect drivers and fans, more precautions on pit lane and continued driver compartment safety enhancements.

In March, INDYCAR announced the formation of an advisory Competition Committee to formalize communications among industry stakeholders on competition and technical matters. The committee, which met earlier today, will advise INDYCAR on competition-related matters such as rules, technical specifications and safety initiatives.

Members of the INDYCAR Competition Committee for 2013 have been finalized. They are:

·         Derrick Walker (chair), incoming INDYCAR President, Operations and Competition

·         Roger Griffiths, Honda Performance Development Technical Division Director

·         Chris Berube, Chevrolet Program Manager, IZOD IndyCar Series

·         Andrea Toso, Dallara Head of R&D and U.S. Racing Business Leader

·         Dale Harrigle, Firestone Senior Project Engineer, Race Tire Development

·         Dario Franchitti, Target Chip Ganassi Racing Driver (Honda)

·         Ryan Hunter-Reay, Andretti Autosport Driver (Chevrolet)

·         Tim Cindric, Penske Racing President (Chevrolet team)

·         Bryan Herta, Bryan Herta Autosport Owner (Honda team)

·         Brian Barnhart, INDYCAR Senior Vice President of Operations

·         Will Phillips, INDYCAR Vice President of Technology

Source: INDYCAR

The article INDYCAR Opens Way for Innovation in Speed, Safety is from Catchfence.

Jim Nabors - Photo Credit: Dave Elberstein/IMS Photo

Indiana native McLaughlin to sing ‘God Bless America’

INDIANAPOLIS, Thursday, May 23, 2013 - Legendary actor, singer and entertainer Jim Nabors will sing “(Back Home Again In) Indiana” in person during pre-race ceremonies for the 97th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 26 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Nabors was unable to attend the race last year due to illness, but a rendition of the song he performed at his home in Hawaii was played on the video screens at IMS during pre-race.

“I’m looking forward to coming home,” Nabors said.

Nabors’ rendition of the song has become a beloved tradition of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” since he first performed it in 1972. He has performed the popular song – with thousands of race fans singing along in the grandstands – 33 times in person at IMS since 1972.

Indiana native Jon McLaughlin will sing “God Bless America” during pre-race ceremonies. Actress and entertainer Florence Henderson is unable to attend the race this year to perform the song due to illness.

Pop-rock singer-songwriter McLaughlin, a native of Anderson, Ind., has recorded four full-length albums since his self-titled debut in 2004. His latest album is “Promising Promises,” was released in 2012 by Razor & Tie/Sony Records.

McLaughlin’s song “So Close” was featured in the Disney film “Enchanted” and was nominated for an Academy Award in 2007 in the Best Original Song category. McLaughlin performed the song live at the 80th Academy Awards in February 2008.

“This is such an incredible honor for me to be a part of the ’500′ this year,” McLaughlin said. “I’m excited to carry on such a great tradition and just hope I can do the moment justice!”

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2013 Indianapolis 500 tickets: Tickets are on sale for the 97th Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on Sunday, May 26 at IMS.

Race Day ticket prices start at just $30. Fans can buy tickets online at www.ims.com/tickets, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or by visiting the ticket office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday.

Children 12 and under will receive free general admission to any IMS event in 2013 when accompanied by an adult general admission ticket holder.

Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information.

Source: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The article Nabors To Return To IMS To Sing During Indianapolis 500 Pre-Race is from Catchfence.