Q and A: Michael Andretti and James Hinchcliffe

  INDYCAR Conference Call Transcript
Andretti Autosport owner Michael Andretti and IZOD IndyCar Series driver James Hinchcliffe were guests on an INDYCAR conference call today to discuss Hinchcliffe's signing with Andretti Autosport.  Andretti Autosport announced today it has signed Canadian Hinchcliffe to a multi-year IZOD IndyCar Series deal. Hinchcliffe, a young, yet accomplished racer, steps into a big role as driver of the GoDaddy.com Chevrolet for 2012.

Ft. Lauderdale is destined to be IndyCar's season finale

  by Mark J. Cipolloni
Hat's off to IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard for trying.  Las Vegas as a season finale was a nice idea but the fans didn't turn out and it failed.  But sometimes things happen for a reason and I think there's a better place for IndyCar to hold their season finale - Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  Ft. Lauderdale fits the bill as the perfect venue for IndyCar to end their season on a high note. In this article I will examine why it makes perfect sense on many levels.  You will understand why IndyCar driver Ryan Hunter-Reay, the founder of the Ft. Lauderdale Grand Prix, is working hard to make this race a reality for IndyCar.

Nick Neri Might Just Be the Fastest Kid in America

  by Keith Ori
There’s that video image of the fast Brazilian kid (there’s always a fast Brazilian kid in these stories)- the one that won one of the Big Deal scholarships and competed in the National Championship last year. Road Atlanta, last lap, hair on fire, chin strap between his teeth, trying an outside pass at 10A. Next frame he’s bouncing across the sand and grass like a damn dune buggy.  With that, Nick Neri, a then-15 year-old from Palmetto, FL, won the first car race he’d ever entered. In the entire history of auto racing, I can’t even name another driver that won their first race against legitimate competition in equal cars.

Ganassi and Franchitti reflect on 2011 Championship

  IndyCar title
An interview with 2001 IZOD IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti and his Target Chip Ganassi team boss Chip Ganassi:
DARIO FRANCHITTI
CHIP GANASSI

Las Vegas Accident Investigation Press Conference

  IndyCar
AMY KONRATH: I'd like to introduce our speakers Randy Bernard, chief executive officer of INDYCAR, and Brian Barnhart, president of operations, INDYCAR. Randy, I'll turn things over to you to begin.
RANDY BERNARD: Thank you. Good morning. This morning we released the results of the Las Vegas investigation. It's only been two months since this tragic event, and it's been a very difficult month for everyone in the racing community, as Dan was loved by all.

Dissecting IndyCar's findings on Wheldon's accident

  by Tim Wohlford
It is a natural thing to wonder “why” when someone is taken from us.  It is equally common that all of the information in the world doesn’t provide any comfort, and only leads to more questions.  Such is the case of today’s IndyCar press conference, announcing the findings of the investigation into Dan Wheldon’s death at Las Vegas.  Some facts from today’s press conference at IMS.

Will abandoning oval racing really hurt IndyCar?

  by Mark J. Cipolloni
This ESPN.com article argues, and rightly so, that IndyCar is wrong to blame the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for Dan Wheldon's death.  It could have happened at any 'pack' racing oval track facility.  In fact we have seen many accidents in the IRL over the years that were just as horrific as what happened in Las Vegas.  The problem is not so much the track as it is the 'pack' racing mentality that IndyCar had. We said for years they were going to kill someone and we just hoped they did not launch a car into the grandstands and kill 50 fans in one fell swoop.

Wheldon honored at memorial kart race

  Top stars came out to support event
F1 star Jenson Button and newly crowned IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti were among a host of top racing drivers all competing in a very special two-hour endurance kart race staged at Daytona Milton Keynes last night (5 December) to commemorate the life and many achievements of their friend Dan Wheldon. Daytona Milton Keynes kart track was the perfect venue to honor the much loved and admired Wheldon.

Q&A with car owners of D&R IndyCar team

  IndyCar
Dreyer & Reinbold team owners Dennis Reinbold and Robbie Buhl were guests on today's INDYCAR conference call. The pair discussed the team's decision to join Lotus for 2012 and its plans for the upcoming season. "We are excited to kind of be part of the evolution of this program, and Lotus's involvement in IndyCar as we get into this next era of these cars. So we are excited to be part of that and building it," said Buhl.

So you want to be a NASCAR driver, part 3

  by Tim Wohlford
So the Winter Hot Stove League has a new topic this year – “Hey, do you think that Danica can win the Daytona 500?”  Honestly, some of the online blogs have started to look like ABC’s Indy 500 coverage:  All Danica, all the time. First, let me get this straight – I have nothing against Danica.  She’s treated me professionally when I’ve been in press conferences with her.  I think she’s a genius at marketing herself, and wish her the best in the future.

KV Racing to be powered by Chevrolet

  IndyCar
KV Racing Technology announced today that the team will be powered by the new Chevrolet IndyCar V-6 racing engine for the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series season. KV Racing Technology was founded in January 2003 and joined the IndyCar Series in 2008.  The Indianapolis based team is owned by successful venture capitalist and former JDS Uniphase President, CEO and Chairman Kevin Kalkhoven and 1996 CART Indy Car World Series Champion Jimmy Vasser.

Wheldon cherished as great man

  Champion at Indianapolis memorial
Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon was remembered as a great race driver - but more importantly, as a wonderful father, husband, friend and man - at a public memorial service Sunday, Oct. 23 at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. A large crowd, including Wheldon's wife, Susie, and family, gathered to cherish the life of Wheldon, who suffered fatal injuries in a racing accident Oct. 16 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.