Mario Andretti finds victory lane at A&P Auto's 25th anniversary (3) Aug 30, 2009
These days, Andretti s racing involvement is primarily rooting on his son s team, especially his grandson, Indy Racing League star Marco Andretti. He said he gets more nervous watching the races than he did competing in them. (Oswego Palladium-Times, NY)
DirecTV Could Drop Versus Aug 21, 2009
Versus, formerly Outdoor Life Network, was rebranded in 2006 and is the home of the National Hockey League as well as collegiate sports from the Pac-10, Big 12, Mountain West and Ivy League conferences, the Tour de France bicycle race, Davis Cup Tennis, the Professional Bull Riders (PBR), World Extreme Cage fighting (WEC), the Indy Racing League and Professional Boxing. The network is available in about 75 million homes and is wholly-owned by Comcast. (Multichannel News)
Taelor made for racing Aug 18, 2009
I like NASCAR a lot, but I like Indy racing best ... In Indy racing, you get to turn right, left, up, down, all that good stuff. (Santa Maria Times)
Baltimore starts its engines in pursuit of Grand Prix car race Aug 18, 2009
The City Council passed a measure Aug. 10 giving Baltimore Racing Development exclusive rights to negotiate with the Indy Racing League to bring a Grand Prix event here late summer 2011. Chuck Kosich, general manager at MJ Promotions, said the event will not be branded as a race, but rather a three-day festival of speed that s family-affordable, featuring concerts. (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)
Alone At The Top Aug 10, 2009
By winning Sunday's Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio, Dixon claimed the 20th victory of his Indy Racing League (IRL) career and that breaks the career victory record he shared with Sam Hornish, Jr. ... Tony George may not have had a driver such as Dixon in mind when he created the Indy Racing League but Dixon has grown into the role of "Mr. IRL" and can now boast the accomplishment of being the all-time victory leader in the series and has replaced Hornish as "Mr. IRL.". (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
RESULTS: Honda Indy 200 Aug 10, 2009
Indy Racing League - Honda Indy 200 - USATODAY.com. Search. (USA Today -- Sports)
De Ferran to retire from American Le Mans Series Aug 8, 2009
The two-time IndyCar champion believes making the transition from racing exclusively in sports cars to open wheel will be smoother because of the team's strong engineering department and a management staff (including former Honda Performance Development chief Robert Clarke) well versed in the Indy Racing League. "The skeleton of how to operate the team is always there," de Ferran said. (USA Today -- Sports)
Local motor sports schedule Aug 7, 2009
Indy Racing League officials released the 2010 schedule on Friday, with two new venues added and two dropped. The schedule features nine road/street courses and eight ovals. (Fresno Bee -- Sports)
Brant JamesINSIDE RACING Aug 6, 2009
" But first, you play. Passing grade: There was some irony in the facts that the Indy Racing League's oval-track product being deemed stale by some observers so far this season -- devoid of much side-to-side racing and a parade behind the top-moneyed teams -- and that the widely lauded measures taken to improve it eventually put another gentry team's driver on top of the podium. It was Ryan Briscoe calculatedly thumbing the newly implemented power boost button to catch front-running Ed Carpenter... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Opinion: NASCAR should take a hint from IndyCar Aug 5, 2009
And it was that way thanks to fairly quick action on the part of Indy Racing League officials. NASCAR overtook open-wheel in terms of popularity in this country in the last decade by putting on good races which featured side-by-side and nose-to-tail racing on tracks where all of that was visible to those in the grandstands. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Straight Shooter Aug 3, 2009
Bruton Smith (left) was one of the first supporters of the Indy Racing League ... Smith was one of the first supporters of the Indy Racing League when it began competition as an "all-oval series" in 1996. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Lesser access for babies? Jul 31, 2009
After weeks of negotiations, International Speedway Corp. officials announced yesterday that the Indy Racing League event won t return next year to Richmond International Raceway. Track President Doug Fritz said officials for IRL and ISC, the track s.. (Yahoo News -- Child Welfare)
Indy's new CEO pondering track's future plans Jul 30, 2009
Most are convinced the new man will run a more efficient operation, something the board clearly craved after George spent hundreds of millions of dollars to make track improvements and keep the Indy Racing League afloat over the past 13 years. So how will Belskus be different from George. (News & Observer -- Sports)
JAMES:One driver who wouldn't follow Schumacher's example Jul 30, 2009
The 1999 Indianapolis 500 winner and 1998 Indy Racing League champion learned the limitations of his physical abilities four years ago when he returned from a horrific 2003 crash at Texas Motor Speedway that left him with broken bones in his back, leg, ankles and sternum that required eight surgeries to repair. And he learned he could handle it. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Former Indy CEO wants answers about his removal Jul 27, 2009
During his 20-year tenure as the speedway's top executive, George spent hundreds of millions of dollars on track renovations and more money to keep the Indy Racing League afloat after he formed the series in 1994. The series did not hold its first race until 1996. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Ganassi to Patrick: Don't be so quick to leave IRL for NASCAR Jul 25, 2009
Don't be so quick to leave the Indy Racing League for a NASCAR ride. If you do make the full-time leap to the Sprint Cup Series in 2010, my team can't help you. (USA Today -- Sports)
New speedway chief vows support for IRL Jul 22, 2009
INDIANAPOLIS The new head of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway says the Hulman-George family remains committed to the Indy Racing League despite a management shake-up. But Jeff Belskus says auto racing is under a lot of financial pressure and the speedway must compete with other sports for ticket dollars. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Troubled Milwaukee Mile draws promoters' interest Jul 22, 2009
With NASCAR and the Indy Racing League poised to post their 2010 schedules soon, any deal will have to come soon ... Indy Racing League spokesman John Griffin said series officials are holding out hope for a return to Milwaukee. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Joie Chitwood Resigns as President of IMS Jul 21, 2009
Chitwood was one of the first staff members of the Indy Racing League, as the liaison to its teams, and in 2002 he had the honor of serving as Pace Car driver for the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race ... "Because of my family's history here at the Speedway, it was very difficult to make this decision to leave. Since my grandfather started bringing me here when I was young and knowing he raced in the '500,' I had a lifetime of memories for this place before joining the company in 1996 as an Indy Racing... (FOX59, IN)
Castroneves seeks support for IRL race in Brazil Jul 21, 2009
SAO PAULO (AP) -Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves met with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva Monday to seek support for an Indy Racing League race in the South American nation next year. Castroneves said the race would help Brazil promote its ethanol, which is being used in IRL cars. (MSNBC -- Sports)
George says he declined staying as IRL chief Jul 11, 2009
By Curt Cavin, The Indianapolis Star TORONTO Tony George declined to remain chief executive officer of the Indy Racing League in part because it would create an unnecessary layer of management, he wrote Friday on the website of his IndyCar Series team. As it stands, the two IRL presidents Brian Barnhart (competition division) and Terry Angstadt (commercial division) report to Jeff Belskus, the new chief executive officer of Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corp. Belskus became CEO on July 1. (USA Today -- Sports)
Report: Turkoglu, Raptors agree on deal Jul 5, 2009
Ryan Briscoe won the pole for the Indy Racing League s Camping World Grand Prix at Watkins Glen International. Anselmo Moreno retained his WBA bantamweight title with a split decision over Mahyar Monshipour in Poitiers, France. (Boston Globe)
Kenseth might pull out of event at Milwaukee Mile Jul 5, 2009
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Wisconsin Motorsports also owes the Indy Racing League an undisclosed amount ... The Indy Racing League event at the Milwaukee Mile ran May 31, one week after the Indianapolis 500. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
•Criticism of IRL founder made writer feel awkward Jul 3, 2009
George, who until this week was the CEO of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy Racing League, had been the target of some rather unflattering columns I had written. Subscribers, to read full story. (The Daily Journal)
Trouble brewing at Milwaukee Mile Jul 1, 2009
Now the track s promoters are behind on payments to NASCAR and the Indy Racing League, leaving its future uncertain. The Milwaukee Mile hosted its two biggest events of the year over the past month: An IndyCar series race May 31 and NASCAR s Nationwide and Camping World Trucks series races June 20. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
George replaced as head of Indy speedway Jul 1, 2009
According to a person familiar with the league's inner workings, George was offered the chance to remain CEO of the Indy Racing League but declined ... "We are pleased that he will continue to be an important part of the Indy Racing League as a team owner and as a member of our Board of Directors, and we wish him every success," she said in a statement ... "Our board had asked Tony to structure our executive staff to create efficiencies in our business structure and to concentrate his leadership... (MSNBC -- Sports)
Pistons fire Curry after one season Jul 1, 2009
It was not clear how closely he'll remain tied to the day-to-day operations of the Indy Racing League. Gomez dealt to Canadiens. (News & Observer -- Sports)
NAMES & FACES Jul 1, 2009
George has been asked to resign as president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and his family's business - and it's not clear how closely he'll remain tied to the day-to-day operations of the Indy Racing League. The board of directors of the speedway and Hulman ny announced that a new management team will take over the Hulman-George companies effective today. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Tony George Out, Management Changes Announced At Indianapolis Motor Speedway Jul 1, 2009
"Our board had asked Tony to structure our executive staff to create efficiencies in our business structure and to concentrate his leadership efforts in the Indy Racing League," said Mari Hulman George, IMS chairman of the board ... "Our family and the entire racing community are grateful to Tony for the leadership and direction he has provided since 1990. We are pleased that he will continue to be an important part of the Indy Racing League as a team owner and as a member of our Board of... (FOX59, IN)
On the Fast track Jun 30, 2009
He spent a year on the main Indy Racing League (IRL) circuit and 3 1/2 years racing Indy Lights. While his home is in Paradise Valley, AZ., which is just outside Phoenix where he lives with his wife Jacqui and two children 12 year old son Peter and 7 year old daughter Annabel he never misses the chance to race at the Santa Maria track. (Lompoc Record, CA)
IndyCars taking fast track to Brazil in 2010 Jun 24, 2009
INDIANAPOLIS - The Indy Racing League plans to take advantage of one of its most popular racing venues next season Brazil. Terry Angstadt, the series' commercial division president, has confirmed next year's season-opener is likely to be run at Ribeirao Preto, Brazil, in March. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Speedway, partner unveil Kansas City casino proposal Jun 18, 2009
"Combine that with NASCAR fans' higher propensity to gamble than the general population and the higher propensity of IRL (Indy Racing League) fans to gamble, compared to the general population," Weinberg said. "No one can match our ability to drive revenue to this market.". (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Business)
Speed Brings Together Tressel, Rahal Jun 17, 2009
Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel and Indy Racing League driver Graham Rahal put their own ideas to the test Monday when the latter helped the former take a spin in a two-seat IndyCar. The two talked shop as well, and suffice it to say that speed was part of the discussion. (Bucknuts.com)
Franchitti, Dixon Favorites for IRL... Jun 3, 2009
After five races in the 17-race 2009 Indy Racing League season, let's take stock of what we know and don't know about the championship chase. Ganassi Racing and Penske Racing Leading the Way. (Suite101.com)
Indy CEO Tony George keeps job _ for now May 28, 2009
George, the Indy Racing League founder, must report back to the board later this year ... "The Indy Racing League represents our greatest growth opportunity and therefore deserves the most attention at this point," she said in the statement ... "We spend a lot of money keeping it in the condition we do. Certainly the Indy Racing League has in the past required a lot of capital to keep it going when there was two competing series - and a lot of money was spent last year trying to unify.". (News & Observer -- Sports)
Tracy, Foyt giving IRL unified voice in Milwaukee May 28, 2009
Foyt hired Tracy on Tuesday, giving the mouths of the Indy Racing League a chance to run together this weekend in Milwaukee. I think I ve got the same reputation, so that makes us get along real good that way, Foyt said during a conference call Wednesday. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Can this man save Indy? May 25, 2009
To the Indy Racing League, no name could be more appropriate for the man who could make open-wheel racing important for more than one day a year. You must have caught Helio Castroneves act when he won the Indy 500 Sunday. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Patrick comes close to win at Indy May 25, 2009
Within two laps, Indy Racing League officials ordered Briscoe to back off and let Patrick move past. At the end, Patrick, who has four top 10 finishes in five Indy starts, was smiling. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Bobby Allison no fan of NASCAR's new car May 25, 2009
" ___ RAINY START: A brief afternoon shower had the dryers on the track, temporarily delaying teams from pushing their cars out for the start of the race. But just as they were assembled, a downpour had crews racing to cover the cars, delaying NASCAR's longest race indefinitely. Radar showed bands of showers throughout the Southeast. The teams' final practice on Saturday was also cut short by rain. Showers ended Saturday's Nationwide race early, too. ___ DANICA'S FUTURE: Danica Patrick's... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Why Do They Race? May 25, 2009
Indy racing has also been affected, but to a lesser extent. Of course, it's also the least popular-except over the Memorial Day weekend every year-despite having Danica Patrick in the mix. (Slate)
Going All-in: Indys Intrigue May 24, 2009
And while Tony George has received an unfair amount of bashing for the creation of the Indy Racing League in the mid-90s and, creating the split between his organization and CART in open-wheel racing and, it is said, opening the door for the rise in NASCAR, but time has proven George correct. So, ladies and gentlemen, start your engines and have a safe race. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Indy drivers warned to be patient at the start May 24, 2009
"Some segments of the race are about position, but the first turn of the first lap isn't one of them,'' Indy Racing League president Brian Barnhart said Saturday at the drivers meeting along the straightaway at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "Let's get off to a safe start ... "The No. 11 car felt good, and I'm getting excited for the race.''Defending Indy winner Scott Dixon had the most laps of any driver in one car, turning 501 laps in his primary car.Pole winner Helio Castroneves had 480... (MSNBC -- Sports)
Three female drivers again in Indy 500: Fisher, Duno and Patrick May 24, 2009
Patrick won her first Indy Racing League race last year in Japan and hopes last weeks Preakness Stakes is a precursor for Sundays race. In the Preakness, Rachel Alexandra became the first filly to win that race in 85 years. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Stewart hoping for one happy holiday May 23, 2009
"It's a scenario where you can't just show up and get in one of those things anymore and be good in them," said Stewart, the 1997 Indy Racing League champion. "To really put together an effort to not just try to make the Indy 500, but try to win the Indy 500, you have to start the season with a team and run through the Indy 500 if you're even going to have a shot at it.". (Athens Banner-Herald)
IndyCar drivers on board with drug testing May 22, 2009
The Indy Racing League conducts random drug testing under a policy that was beefed up before the 2008 season. But the drug-testing debate was stirred up again this month when NASCAR racer Jeremy Mayfield was the first driver to be suspended under that series' policy, toughened this season after former stock car driver Aaron Fike admitted using heroin - even on days he raced. (Boston Globe)
Indy's 100th birthday merits celebration May 22, 2009
What: Indianapolis 500, 4th of 17 races for the Indy Racing League's IndyCar Series. Where: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 2. (USA Today -- Sports)
Drug testing sufficient, IndyCar drivers say May 22, 2009
The Indy Racing League conducts random drug testing under a policy that was beefed up before the 2008 season. But the drug-testing debate was stirred up again this month when NASCAR racer Jeremy Mayfield was suspended over a positive random test that remains clouded in secrecy. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Celizic: Danica cant carry IRL May 20, 2009
She says she loves the open-wheeled Indy Racing League cars, but shes also shown a keen head for self-promotion. And she might realize that with the IRL, its a matter of if she cant make it there, she can make it elsewhere or at least rake in a lot of bucks trying. (MSNBC -- Sports)
'09 Indianapolis 500 Preview May 19, 2009
After an ill-fated foray into NASCAR last year, Franchitti returned to the Indy Racing League as a member of defending series champion Target Chip Ganassi Racing in '09. With a victory already under his belt this season (Long Beach), Franchitti, who starts the race from the third position, stands third in points. (Suite101.com)
Tagliani's team takes blame for qualifying mistake May 18, 2009
He was the only driver to start every 500 since the inception of the Indy Racing League in 1996. During a late morning ceremony at the track, new American armed forces enlistees were sworn in by Sen. (MSNBC -- Sports)
SPRINT SHOWDOWN May 17, 2009
Hornish wins Showdown, earns spot in All-Star Race - USATODAY.com. Hornish wins Showdown, earns spot in All-Star Race. (USA Today -- Sports)
Penske has 14 Indy 500 wins and wants more May 16, 2009
The Penske team then skipped 1996 through 1999 at the speedway, joining other top CART teams that boycotted the Indy Racing League's biggest event as that rivalry grew. Penske decided to return with a one-car effort for Jason Leffler in 2000, testing an IRL car and see if he wanted to make the jump to the IndyCar Series. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Auto racing: With sponsorship deal finally in hand, Rahal ready to go May 14, 2009
" Sponsorship from software maker DAFCA allowed Rahal to fulfill his pledge to have his Hilliard-based team in the Indianapolis 500 for a seventh straight year. But he's making no promises on a full-time return to the Indy Racing League. "Only if we have the proper level of funding," Rahal said. "The last few years have been difficult because we've really had to squeeze the stone to get blood out of it. You can be here that way, but I don't like being here that way. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Auto Racing Capsules: NASCAR should reveal Mayfield's drug violation May 12, 2009
Other Articles in this Category. 2 hours 26 minutes ago. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Knee injury sidelines Serena in Madrid May 12, 2009
An Indy Racing League spokesman says the 25-year-old driver from England also bruised his lungs when he spun in the second turn at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and slammed hard into the wall Sunday. Conway won't be cleared to drive again until he meets with track doctors Friday. (News & Observer -- Sports)
IndyCar series considers races in Brazil, China May 11, 2009
Terry Angstadt, president of the Indy Racing League's commercial division, told The Associated Press on Sunday that there have been discussions among series officials about adding future races in Brazil and China. In fact, series officials have already visited both countries to look at potential sites. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Teams cope with schedule cutback and rain May 7, 2009
"So it's great there's still a lot more time here. Obviously the speed and the track and the history and the heritage warrant it, but whether you need three weeks or two weeks or one week is debatable.''In deciding to cut back the schedule, it was clear to the Speedway and the Indy Racing League that many aspects of the race hadn't changed, making it possible for drivers to re-acclimate quickly."From a team standpoint, we're in the fifth or sixth year of this formula - Dallara chassis, Firestone... (MSNBC -- Sports)
Smith will strengthen fences at New Hampshire May 6, 2009
Three fans were killed at Lowe's Motor Speedway, one of Smith's properties, in a 1999 accident during an Indy Racing League event. Debris from the accident flew into the stands, and Smith changed the fencing at Lowe's and Texas Motor Speedway shortly after. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Auto racing: Rahal expecting big things at Indy May 6, 2009
His team didn't have that kind of speed last year after its last-minute transition from the Champ Car series, which was absorbed by the Indy Racing League just before the season started. "I think our best qualifying on a 1.5-mile oval last year was like 18th, and now we're going into this week after having won the pole at Kansas, so we've improved that amount," said Rahal, whose teammate Robert Doornbos was the fastest in rookie orientation yesterday. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Deal with Seattle could earn Hill $38m May 1, 2009
Miscellany IRL suspends Guthries indefinitely The Indy Racing League suspended driver Sean Guthrie, 21, and his father, car owner Jim Guthrie, for disregarding directions by officials during a Firestone Indy Lights race last week in Kansas. IRL competition vice president Tony Cotman said their actions put "everyone at risk" during a yellow caution period and that the suspensions are for an indefinite period. (Boston Globe)
TAKING A CUE: What racing should learn from other sports Apr 30, 2009
But NASCAR begins its season with its biggest race -- the Daytona 500 -- and the Indy Racing League contests the Indianapolis 500 four races into its season at the end of a long May run-up. NASCAR abates a post-Daytona lull with a long schedule and a culminating playoff format. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Danica Patrick Becoming IRL Force Apr 28, 2009
Danica Patrick may be one of the most popular drivers in the Indy Racing League (IRL), but with just one victory to her credit in her four-year open wheel racing career, there have been whispers that she s more style than substance. But her fourth place finish in the April 19 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, her best career showing on a road or street course, and a fifth place finish at the April 26 race on the oval in Kansas, showed that Patrick has the speed and race savvy to position herself... (Suite101.com)
Dixon races back into Winners Circle Apr 28, 2009
Scott Dixon followed his first Indy Racing League championship by going into a funk, dropping to 10th the next season. Two middle-of-the-pack finishes to start this season had Dixon wondering if he was headed down the same road after his second series title last year. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Driver Hopes to Shift the Indy 500 Into Neutral Apr 28, 2009
All of the cars in the Indy Racing League currently run on ethanol, which is a renewable fuel, but the debate is still open as to whether or not its production and use emit less carbon overall than gasoline. FOX NEWS VIDEOS. (Fox News)
Risks, rewards of Danica-NASCAR merger Apr 28, 2009
- A year ago, Danica Patrick was in Japan, recording the first victory by a woman in an Indy Racing League event. This weekend, she will be in a seaside suburb of Los Angeles, driving in the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. (MSNBC -- Sports)
