Trouble brewing at Milwaukee Mile Jul 1, 2009
The track s list of open-wheel race winners reads like a racing Hall of Fame: Foyt, Roger Ward, Jimmy Clark, Parnelli Jones, Mario and Michael Andretti, Al Unser Sr., Al Unser Jr. and Bobby Unser, Tom Sneva and Rick Mears. NASCAR races are a more recent addition to the track, but have proven to be popular. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
* Brazilian Castroneves wins his third Indy days after tax charges dropped May 26, 2009
Castroneves, who hopped back in his Team Penske race car as soon as he was cleared of charges that could have sent him to prison for six years, is just one win away from joining A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears in the elite group of four-time winners. Castroneves pumped his fist all the way down the final straight. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
ON THIS DATE May 26, 2009
1991 Rick Mears passes Michael Andretti with 12 laps to go and wins his fourth Indianapolis 500, by 3. 1 seconds. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Castroneves happy but carrying a scar May 26, 2009
Rick Mears, 1979, 84, 88, 91 ... Castroneves has the opportunity to join Rick Mears, A.J. Foyt and Al Unser as four-time winners. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Castroneves captures Indy 500 May 26, 2009
And now, the biggest win of all, No. 3 for the guy who drives car No. 3, leaving him only one win away from joining the most elite group of all: four-time Indy winners A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears. For Penske, it was Indy win No. 15 more than any other car owner and ensuring that the Captain has never gone more than three years between wins at this place, except for the time he didn't run because of a split in open-wheel racing. (Honolulu Advertiser)
'My tears speak for everything': Castroneves clinches third Indy500 title May 26, 2009
My tears speak for everything': Castroneves clinches third Indy 500 title. The Sydney Morning Herald: national, world, business, entertainment, sport and technology news from Australia's leading newspaper. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
LOPRESTI: Major reversal for Castroneves May 25, 2009
" Six weeks ago, there were moments when Castroneves wondered if he had any future. Everything could have been lost. Now, his future rings with historic possibility. He is only 33 years old and drives for arguably the most efficient operation in racing. He already has three Indianapolis 500 titles. A.J. Foyt, Rick Mears and Al Unser are the only men with four. Nobody has won five. You do the math. "You can't be thinking about five without making three," he said. "Now we think about four. "I will... (USA Today -- Sports)
INDIANAPOLIS 500 3rd win gives Castroneves an emotional rescue May 25, 2009
Rick Mears - 1979, 1984, 1988, 1991. Al Unser Sr. - 1970, 1971, 1978, 1987. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Truex nears his decision May 22, 2009
native shared 1978 rookie of the year honors with Rick Mears after finishing 11th. He finished 19th the following year in his only other Indy 500 start. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Notebook: NASCAR forming online racing series May 21, 2009
"My parents taught me at a young age that my goals are and should be more than just about the things I want to personally accomplish.'' O'Neal, who has also won four NBA titles and was the league's MVP in 2000, has focused his charity work on helping children and families in need. By partnering with champion athletes each year, team co-owners Steve Luczo and Jay Penske have delivered more than $1 million to charitable organizations worldwide in two years. With the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
'09 Indianapolis 500 Preview May 19, 2009
By earning his third Indy pole, he joins an elite list of drivers, including Rick Mears (6) and A.J. Foyt (4), with multiple pole winning performances. It's never a good idea to count out legendary Team Penske owner Roger Penske. (Suite101.com)
Penske has 14 Indy 500 wins and wants more May 16, 2009
"But, more important, it's the teamwork. I think when you look at this group of employees, team members, we have here, we probably have 600 or 700 years of experience at this racetrack.''One of those longtime employees is Rick Mears, who started driving for Penske in 1979 and gave him four of his Indy wins, the last coming in 1991. Since retiring after the 1992 season, Mears has worked for Penske Racing as a consultant and driver coach.Over the years, the equipment has changed, the team has... (MSNBC -- Sports)
Pole Day qualifying at Indy is a guessing game May 9, 2009
"You know, yesterday we ran very safe and just got some confidence in the car, and I'm just taking little step,'' said Power, who is being mentored by four-time Indy winner and longtime Penske driver coach Rick Mears. "Rick has been a huge help,'' the Australian driver said. "I think he'll be there all month and we're looking for a good result at the end, not at the beginning.'' Castroneves, who has started second, first and fourth here the last three years, said he may not be as patient as his... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
St. Pete: Luczo Dragon Racing preview Apr 1, 2009
The beneficiaries of the Luczo Dragon profit donation program are: Always Dream Foundation (Kristi Yamaguchi), All Stars Helping Kids (Marcus Allen, Ronnie Lott), Bay Area Women's Sports Initiative (Brandi Chastain), Chase the Stars Foundation (Kerri Walsh), Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Indiana Chapter (Rick Mears), Donovan McNabb Foundation (Donovan McNabb), Fisher House, Colorado Chapter (John Elway), Four Rings Montana Family Foundation (Joe Montana), Jackson Community College Foundation Wilbur... (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
2009 Sprint Cup Series drivers glance Feb 15, 2009
Nephew of four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Rick Mears recently became a father for the first time. No. 09 Chevrolet, Phoenix Racing. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Twenty years after demise, Mint 400 race will be reborn Mar 26, 2008
During its heyday, the race attracted Indianapolis 500 winners such as Parnelli Jones, Al Unser Sr. and Rick Mears, off-road racing pioneers Mickey Thompson, Walker Evans and Ivan Stewart, actors James Garner and Steve McQueen and astronaut Gordon Cooper. The brainchild of Norm Johnson, the former publicity director of Del Webb's Mint Hotel and Casino, the Mint 400 annually drew tens of thousands of spectators (estimates ran as high as 100,000 some years) to Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas... (Scripps Howard News Wire)
Luczo Dragon Racing to Enter Three IndyCar Races in 2008, Including 92nd Indianapolis 500, Raising Money for Charity Feb 16, 2008
He was part of the 1991 Penske Team that claimed the Indy 500 title with Rick Mears driving. He served as chief mechanic for Team Green from 2000-2003 and has managed teams in each of the last four Indy 500 races. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Indy, Champ appear ready to merge Feb 9, 2008
"Reports that open-wheel racing is close to unification is the best thing to happen to the sport since Rick Mears, Mario Andretti, Al Unser Jr. and Danny Sullivan were battling each other in front of huge crowds 20 years ago," said Texas Motorspeedway President Eddie Gossage in a press release. "From a promoter's perspective, it will provide our fans with a larger field that could lead to even more exciting races and drama.". (Washington Times, DC)
Mergertalks between Champ Car, IRL hit roadblock Feb 9, 2008
"The bottom line is that this is desperately needed. There's no losers in a situation like this, starting with the fans.''Eddie Gossage, president of Texas Motor Speedway, which has a race on the IndyCar schedule, also issued a statement that said, in part, "Reports that open-wheel racing is close to unification is the best thing to happen to the sport since Rick Mears, Mario Andretti, Al Unser Jr. and Danny Sullivan were battling each other in front of huge crowds 20 years ago. I hope this deal... (MSNBC -- Sports)
Serena Williams Jan 30, 2008
Once diva Celine Dion's territory, the community now is home to the likes of baseball Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt, four-time Indy 500 winner Rick Mears and Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres. BAR BANS BIKERS' COLORS. (The Palm Beach Post)
Mears overshadowed by 3 superstar teammates Jan 9, 2008
"There are only so many hours in the day, and if there's one thing I learned it's that the guy who uses those hours the best is going to be the guy who is furthest ahead.''The No. 5 team can't afford to fall behind early. If it does, it most certainly will be left in the dust by the Hendrick stars, and Mears has already experienced that once before.He had high hopes when he joined Hendrick last year after four winless seasons at Chip Ganassi Racing, but a shakeup of the crew just a week before... (MSNBC -- Sports)
SPECIAL EVENT (FRESNO, CA.) - Q&A with four-time NHRA world champ Gary Scelzi Dec 15, 2007
Scelzi received numerous honors this season, including the prestigious Rick Mears Good Guy Award from the American Association of Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters (AARWBA). Q GARY SCELZI. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Sprint Series to have international flavor Oct 19, 2007
A perfect story line, at one time, would have been for him to win the Indy 500 and talk about how he was born in California and now he has something in common with hero Rick Mears. Instead, he won the first time NASCAR invaded Indy, became a 4-time Cup champion and matinee idol, and redefined the sport. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Open-wheel stars fill pipeline toward stock-car side of things Oct 16, 2007
" Gillett Evernham Motorsports owner Ray Evernham says, "If the money wasn't there, they wouldn't be over here wanting to run NASCAR." Long-term cash flow The funding has dried up in U.S. open-wheel racing during the 11 years since political infighting split the sport into two major series. In Champ Car this season, Sebastien Bourdais has won $611,000 while marching toward a fourth consecutive championship. Franchitti won $4,017,583 for this year's IRL IndyCar title. Of the top 25 in Cup, 15... (USA Today -- Sports)
Opinion: NASCARs Race to the Chase a dud Sep 4, 2007
By admittedly laying back, Kanaan prevented anyone else from passing Franchitti tactics racing great Rick Mears said damaged the integrity of sport. Kanaan then won Sundays race in Detroit, putting himself in mathematical contention to win the title while caustically dedicating the performance to Mears. (MSNBC -- Sports)
LOCAL SCENE: Call it a two-for-one special Aug 26, 2007
Gary Scelzi of Fresno, a four-time NHRA champion, will be presented the Rick Mears "Good Guy" award by the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association. Scelzi will be honored the first week of November at the American Auto Club finals in Pomona. (Fresno Bee -- Sports)
Indy's quiet man Aug 19, 2007
Sperb's Patrick Racing crew mates spilled over the pit wall on their way to celebrating victory at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway after driver Gordon Johncock held off the hard-charging Rick Mears to win the 1982 Indy 500. The car Johncock flashed across the yard of bricks at the finish line was the last American-made car to win the great race. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Murphy's Indy role: Tradition Jul 29, 2007
30-day news archives. A.J. (Foyt) has won in every type of racing, he's been a champion. (Florida Today)
For Jeff Gordon, where does the time go Jul 29, 2007
"Gordon climbed behind the wheel at 5 and moved to Pittsboro at 13 because Indiana let him race 650-horsepower sprint cars three years younger than most states. He idolized Rick Mears and imagined racing in the Indianapolis 500 but instead found opportunities in stock cars.Gordon won 11 poles in his second year in the Busch Series, and by the end of that 1992 season he was driving a Winston Cup car for the Hendrick Motorsports powerhouse. Gordon cried when he won for the first time _ the 1994... (Columbus Telegram, NE)
Indy special to drivers, fans and, yes, me Jul 29, 2007
But getting to stand on the front straightaway and walk on the same bricks at the finish line that legends such as Rick Mears, Mario Andretti and A.J. Foyt crossed after victories was simply chilling. Let's not forget NASCAR legends Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jeff Gordon winning at the home of the second-largest single-day sporting event. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Edwards catches a good break Jul 27, 2007
Follow the leader When Jeff Gordon tallied his fourth Brickyard 400 victory in 2004, it tied him with legendary open-wheel drivers Al Unser, Rick Mears, and A.J. Foyt -- all four-time winners of the Indianapolis 500 -- for most victories at this famous 2 1/2-mile track. They all rank behind retired Formula One ace Michael Schumacher, who won five F1 races at the Brickyard, albeit on the track's road course. (Boston Globe)
NASCAR team notes Jul 26, 2007
"I grew up an open-wheel fan and a huge fan of Rick Mears and always wanted to race in the Indy 500. Winning at Indianapolis was pretty special, and every time we go there it's just the history and the mystique of the whole race track that I enjoy. You've got the old grandstand and covers just everything about Indy is just neat for everybody. Track position is really important. Obviously, you have to have the whole package. You need horsepower, you need your car to handle good and you have to... (USA Today -- Sports)
Number change would boost merchandising sales Jun 14, 2007
There's speculation he could wind up in the No. 5 that Kyle Busch has been driving or the No. 25 if Rick Mears decides to run the No. 5. Team owner Rick Hendrick said he may try to acquire the rights to the No. 8 from Dale Earnhardt Incorporated. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
There's still plenty that drives Indy 500 Jun 2, 2007
Mears, the nephew of four-time Indy 500 winner Rick Mears, knew what it meant to finally win his first NASCAR Nextel Cup race, on Memorial Day, no less. "Obviously, the 500 still means a lot to me," Mears said yesterday at Dover, Del. (Boston Globe)
Here's a look at this week's auto racing activity Jun 1, 2007
Mears is the nephew of Rick Mears, a 4-time Indianapolis 500 champion. Jeff Gordon, who started last week's race with a 231-point lead in the standings, finished 41st and saw his lead shrink to 132 points over Jimmie Johnson. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Focus on: Auto racing this week May 31, 2007
The winner, Casey Mears, is the nephew of Rick Mears, a four-time Indianapolis 500 champion. Jeff Gordon saw his points lead shrink from 231 points to 132. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Mears scores Coca-Cola 600 upset for first Cup victory May 28, 2007
" Mears' first victory was especially meaningful coming on Memorial Day. His uncle, Rick Mears, is a four-time winner of the Indianapolis 500. His father, Roger, also raced at Indy. In addition, his car, sponsored by the National Guard, carried the names of fallen soldiers. "What better car to win. " said Mears. retained a 132-point lead in the series despite crashing early and finishing 41st. Mears, who had been on the bubble for a guaranteed starting spot, jumped six places, from 35th to 29th.... (USA Today -- Sports)
A.J. Foyt celebrates 50 years at Indy May 27, 2007
He also was the first to win Indy four times, a feat later matched by Rick Mears and Al Unser Sr., and he owned the winning car driven by Kenny Brack in 1999. (This story continued on page )Page. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
3 Andrettis racing May 27, 2007
Michaels best finish in 15 starts was second in 1991, losing an epic battle with four-time winner Rick Mears. Jeffs top performance in three starts was 15th that same year as a rookie. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Newman longs for old days May 27, 2007
idolizing that town's favorite son -- four-time Indy 500 winner Rick Mears -- and dreaming of following in his footsteps at the Brickyard. "It's something that I'd probably like to do down the road," Harvick said. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Success aside, Indy holds special place for Wheldon May 26, 2007
" Today in Sports Wheldon's place in Indy's rich tradition is already secure. He won the race in 2005 the first British champion since Graham Hill in 1966 and was a flat tire away from repeating last year. He also finished third in 2004. But he doesn't want to be one of those drivers with one Indy title to his name. He wants to be like the Unsers and Rick Mears and A.J. Foyt, multiple winners at the Brickyard. "The self-satisfaction I got out of winning this race was enough to tide me over for a... (International Herald Tribune)
Gentlemen, be a star May 26, 2007
Team Penske consultant Rick Mears a four-time Indy winner himself, and the driver Hornish is most often compared to points out that as different as Castroneves and Hornish are outside the car, they re really of one temperament once the engines fire. Outside the car, they re kind of opposite ends, Mears says. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Pistone: No milk run for Gordon; he'll kiss brick instead May 24, 2007
"Growing up my hero was Rick Mears," Gordon said of the four-time Indy winner. "To me, all that I ever heard about growing up racing sprint cars were Johnny Rutherford and Mario Andretti. I watched the Indy 500 and Rick Mears was the man. I went to the Indianapolis 500 back in 1981, something like that. I think probably the only time I can really remember standing and waiting to get an autograph was for Rick Mears.". (CBS News)
3 women in Indy 500? May 20, 2007
MORE MEMORIESFormer Indy winner Bobby Rahal had his own throwback party Saturday, hosting a 25th anniversary celebration of Gordon Johncocks memorable victory over Rick Mears in 1982. Johncock won by 0. (MSNBC -- Sports)
A.J. Foyt The Legend: Back home again (and again) in Indiana May 20, 2007
He was the first to win Indy four times, a feat later matched by Rick Mears and Al Unser Sr., and he owned the winning car driven by Kenny Brack in 1999. Foyt's temper and competitiveness became as famous as his driving skill. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Ben WhiteGordon's entered into NASCAR world quite by accident 15 years ago Apr 25, 2007
Gordon's entered into NASCAR world quite by accident 15 years ago - The Lexington Dispatch. I told (crew chief) Stevie (Letarte), I owed him one from last week (at Texas), and, you know that one got away from us. (Foster's Daily Democrat)
NASCAR driver profiles Apr 19, 2007
Career starts/wins: 151/0 PIR best finish: 20 Key fact: Nephew of four-time Indy 500 winner Rick Mears joins new team in pursuit of first top 10 points finish. 26 Jamie McMurray Points: 805 (10) Team: Roush Fenway Racing Sponsor/Car: Crown Royal/Irwin Industrial Tools Ford Hometown: Joplin, Mo. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Michael Andretti to try again for elusive Indy win Apr 4, 2007
Michaels best finish at Indianapolis was second in 1991 to four-time winner Rick Mears. Slide show: The Week in Sports Pictures. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Honda Grand Prix Of St. Petersburg Ready To Roar Mar 30, 2007
Four-time Indy 500 winner Rick Mears, who has active roles with both Team Penske and the Indy Racing League, says young Andretti did everything he could at the end. "I didn't agree with the first block," he said last week at Homestead. (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- Sports)
Harvicks can't watch race finish enough Feb 20, 2007
"I grew up (in Bakersfield, Calif., Rick Mears' hometown) wanting to race Indy cars," he said. "But for stock car racing, this is as big as it gets. Stock cars pretty much were born here."On the flip side of Harvick's euphoria were a wide range of emotions: disappointment (Martin), frustration (Tony Stewart, who crashed while leading with 47 laps to go), relief (Clint Bowyer, who walked away unscathed after crossing the finish with his car upside-down and on fire) and embarrassment (Toyota,... (Indianapolis Star)
Daytona 500 Capsules Feb 18, 2007
Got start in open-wheel racing and is nephew of four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Rick Mears. 18. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Confident Montoya has quiet qualifying day Feb 12, 2007
"It was pretty cool to watch. Hopefully, next year we'll be in it.'' For now, he has other business to take care of. Montoya posted a lap of 185.338 mph Sunday, good for fourth in the time trials portion of Daytona qualifying. That gives him a front-row starting spot for one of Thursday's two 150-mile qualifying races that will help set the field for next Sunday's 500. Montoya, who replaced Casey Mears in the No. 42, has no worries about making the big race. The top 35 entries in last year's car... (MSNBC -- Sports)
