OpenWheelWorld.net: The latest IndyCar Series and Indy 500 news, results, standings and schedule of the IndyCar Series. http://www.openwheelworld.net?lg=us us 2004-2012, OpenWheelWorld.net info@openwheelworld.net Fri, 18 May 2012 01:28:53 +0200 60 The laps ticked away for Scott Dixon, Target Chip Ganassi Racing, and Honda, and at the end of the day Dixon surpassed the impressive rookie Josef Newgarden as the fastest driver around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on the sixth day of practice. Dixon led a day dominated by Honda runners, with Honda powered cars taking seven of the top ten positions. Graham Rahal and Justin Wilson were third and fifth quickest on the day, with Will Power slotted in as the only Chevy driver in the top five. Another rookie, Wade Cunningham, was an impressive seventh fastest on the day, quicker than reigning series champion Dario Franchitti. Charlie Kimball made it four Ganassi cars in the top ten by slotting into ninth on the day. Also of note, Katherine Legge to the track this morning in her newly Chevy powered Dragon Racing Dallara to attempt to complete Rookie Orientation. Sebastien Bourdais completed his refresher course and turned 21 laps this afternoon. http://www.openwheelworld.net/pages/news.php?id=10923&lg=us&r Thu, 17 May 2012 21:28:32 +0200 info@openwheelworld.net (B. Ewer) 487189443 Rookie Josef Newgarden continued a very strong month of May on Wednesday, again turning fastest lap in open practice, the third time he has done so this month. However, his speed did not come without any hiccups. The Firestone Indy Lights champion did spin exiting turn four, but in a case of "no harm, no foul," did not hit anything and continued on. http://www.openwheelworld.net/pages/news.php?id=10918&lg=us&r Wed, 16 May 2012 20:33:34 +0200 info@openwheelworld.net (K. Lavigne) 168150551 If there is one thing you realize right off the bat when you get to spend any time with the man at the IndyCar helm, Randy Bernard, it is this: There is no question that is off limits. Now, he may not answer those questions, but he does always encourage you to ask. So that we did! The affable CEO of the IZOD IndyCar series was in Toronto this week for the announcement of a three-year contract extension agreement between all of the major partners for the Honda Indy Toronto and IndyCar. http://www.openwheelworld.net/pages/news.php?id=10914&lg=us&r Wed, 16 May 2012 16:49:32 +0200 info@openwheelworld.net (M. Beer) 692619581 Another glorious day under the clear blue skies at the Indianapolis Speedway saw 30 of the 33 Indy 500 entrants take to the track for another flawless, incident free day of testing. Bigger groups, bigger tows, and bigger times were the name of the game. Teams ran in together packs, drafting and passing, working on race trim and movement, and getting used to working through traffic. Curiously, it was often all Honda's or all Chevy's working together on track, but rarely a mix of the two. http://www.openwheelworld.net/pages/news.php?id=10911&lg=us&r Wed, 16 May 2012 00:14:17 +0200 info@openwheelworld.net (M. Beer) 780959107 Josef Newgarden continued to show speed for Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing, turning fast again on the third day of open practice. Newgarden's speed of 222.486 mph was also the fast recored this month, as speed increased slightly due somewhat cooler temperatures and a big tow. Also fast were Ryan Hunter-Reay, Marco Andretti, Scott Dixon, and Sebastien Saavedra, who made up the rest of the top five. However, Newgarden was the only driver to break 222 mph, while Hunter-Reay, Andretti, and Dixon could only break 221 mph. http://www.openwheelworld.net/pages/news.php?id=10906&lg=us&r Tue, 15 May 2012 23:39:49 +0200 info@openwheelworld.net (K. Lavigne) 244080381 Young guns were the story again at Indianapolis Speedway, with Sebastian Saavedra, whose lone Indy 500 start came in 2010, leading the field on the second day of practice for the 96th Indianapolis 500. He was followed by Bryan Clauson and Josef Newgarden, who led yesterday's first practice (with Newgarden out in front), along with Scott Dixon and Justin Wilson also were also running strong, ending the day fourth and fifth. http://www.openwheelworld.net/pages/news.php?id=10901&lg=us&r Sun, 13 May 2012 20:22:08 +0200 info@openwheelworld.net (K. Lavigne) 255419067 The common sentiment amongst the IZOD IndyCar drivers is that this year's car, the DW12, is very different to drive in general, but more so on ovals, and even more on the oval at Indianapolis Speedway specifically. So it should come as no surprise then that the rookie class dominated the top of the speed charts today, as they have had just that much more time to workout the nuances of the car here at Indy having recently completed their Rookie Orientation program. When all was said and done, it was in fact one of those rookies, Josef Newgarden, who sat atop the pylon with the fastest time of the day, posting the quickest lap of 220.250 mph http://www.openwheelworld.net/pages/news.php?id=10899&lg=us&r Sun, 13 May 2012 11:44:41 +0200 info@openwheelworld.net (M. Beer) 583207800 Five of this year's eight Indianapolis 500 rookie hopefuls, namely James Jakes, Simon Pagenaud, Josef Newgarden, Rubens Barrichello, and Bryan Clauson, completed all of the three phases of their Rookie Orientation Program on Thursday afternoon. The Rookie Orientation Program allows first-year drivers the opportunity to get acquainted with the 2.5-mile oval. The three speed phases, which are set by INDYCAR based on the weather and track conditions that day, are: Phase 1: 10 laps at 200-205 mph; Phase 2: 15 laps at 205-210 mph; and Phase 3: 15 laps at 210 mph-plus. (condensed from 4 phases in previous years) http://www.openwheelworld.net/pages/news.php?id=10898&lg=us&r Sun, 13 May 2012 00:11:10 +0200 info@openwheelworld.net (M. Beer) 1379245322 The Month of May is an entity all unto itself. Each on track session over the course of the next 2 and a half weeks leading up to the cornerstone race of the IndyCar season: The Indianapolis 500 Instead of doing a week to week listing, the following is a breakdown of all the on-track sessions for the entire month leading up to race day on May 27th: http://www.openwheelworld.net/pages/news.php?id=10884&lg=us&r Tue, 08 May 2012 23:12:07 +0200 info@openwheelworld.net (M. Beer) 457249847 With the focus week in and week out on the drivers, teams and championship race, it's easy to take for granted those behind the scenes, or on the sidelines, who are an equally integral part to the success of the series. OpenWheelWorld.net founder Patrick Straver. Straver recently visited North America for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach and caught up with the Holmatro Safety Team to gain some insight into the company, the team and their function at the track. Here is Part 2 of his exclusive interview. http://www.openwheelworld.net/pages/news.php?id=10871&lg=us&r Tue, 08 May 2012 11:30:09 +0200 info@openwheelworld.net (M. Beer) 1728599751 As many of you may or may not be aware, our founding site ChampCarWorld, originated in the Netherlands headed up by Patrick Straver. Straver recently visited North America for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach and caught up with the Holmatro Safety Team, a company native to the Netherlands as well. The team was incredibly welcoming to our visit and our questions, and as such, we are happy to bring you this two part series on the hardest working safety team in the business. http://www.openwheelworld.net/pages/news.php?id=10867&lg=us&r Sun, 06 May 2012 06:09:54 +0200 info@openwheelworld.net (M. Beer) 598641268 For some reason, the look back at Sao Paulo never went live. But we believe in better late than never. So it's time again it's time for a look back at the weekend, and to hand out a few kicks and kudos to the deserved. http://www.openwheelworld.net/pages/news.php?id=10866&lg=us&r Sun, 06 May 2012 16:57:11 +0200 info@openwheelworld.net (M. Beer) 718316232 After needing to charge through the field to win the previous two races, Will Power enjoyed a much more normal day for him at the Sao Paulo Indy 300. Power led from pole, led the most laps, and claimed the win on a day that saw many behind him run into problems. "Very happy to get that third win here and third in a row," said Power. "We need to make it four in a row at the most important race next." Hunter-Reay flanked Power much of the way, but couldn't find a way around him and settled for second. Takuma Sato had a strong run to third, followed by Helio Castroneves and Dario Franchitti. http://www.openwheelworld.net/pages/news.php?id=10840&lg=us&r Sun, 29 Apr 2012 20:01:27 +0200 info@openwheelworld.net (K. Lavigne) 1511900040 The more things change, the more they stay the same in the IZOD IndyCar Series. Following a week full of engine drama—with teams leaving Lotus and Honda defeating Chevy's protest over the use of a new turbo—it seemed like there might be change at the front of the field in Sao Paulo. However, as was the case in the previous three races, a Team Penske driver stormed through qualifying and took the pole position. This week, the honor went to Will Power, who picked up his second pole position of the year with a lap of 1:21.405, just edging Target Chip Ganassi's Dario Franchitti, who started from the pole position in Long Beach following the en masse Chevy engine changes. http://www.openwheelworld.net/pages/news.php?id=10830&lg=us&r Sat, 28 Apr 2012 15:01:53 +0200 info@openwheelworld.net (B. Ewer) 102103060 John Barnes, co-owner of Panther Racing, has been fined $25,000 and placed on probation until December 31 for making disparaging remarks over twitter regarding the Series' latest engine controversy. Responding to the hearing which would resolve Chevrolet's protest of Honda's new turbo (note: Honda won in the protest), Barnes wrote, "Today is the day to resolve TURBOGATE! I hope @IndyCar gets their act together. It has been embarrassing." Though he later removed the tweet, the damage was done. http://www.openwheelworld.net/pages/news.php?id=10827&lg=us&r Sat, 28 Apr 2012 13:42:34 +0200 info@openwheelworld.net (K. Lavigne) 634813303 In an already compressed two-day schedule in Sao Paulo, the competitors in the IZOD IndyCar Series found their time on-track limited in the second practice sessions as multiple red flag incidents eliminated about half of the scheduled one hour of running. At the end of the session, though, Dario Franchitti and Target Chip Ganassi Racing were thankful for their newly installed BorgWarner turbos for their Honda engines as he set the quickest lap (1:22.2611) around the city streets of Sao Paulo. Longtime rival Will Power was just behind in P2, followed by Ryan Hunter-Reay, Scott Dixon, and Ryan Briscoe. http://www.openwheelworld.net/pages/news.php?id=10824&lg=us&r Sat, 28 Apr 2012 13:35:41 +0200 info@openwheelworld.net (B. Ewer) 1716395728 Will Power took over the top of the leaderboard at the checkered flag at the end of the first of 2 practice sessions before qualifying for this weekend's Sao Paulo Indy 300. The mostly clean session was the first opportunity for the field 26 to test out the subtle changes to the track made for this year, as well, it was the first tour of the tricky track for some drivers, notably hometown hero Rubens Barrichello. http://www.openwheelworld.net/pages/news.php?id=10821&lg=us&r Sat, 28 Apr 2012 10:25:48 +0200 info@openwheelworld.net (M. Beer) 1099525939 The series has packed all of it's gear on cargo plans and headed to South America for round four of the 2012 IZOD IndyCar season on the bumpy, slick, and sometimes treacherous streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil, for the 3rd running of the Brazil Formula Indy GP Sao Paulo Indy 300. This already popular popular stop on the tour will be off the hook this year as Rubens Barrichello makes his first appearance on the streets of Sao Paulo. With the weather looking iffy at best, and pre-race track time limited to a single day, qualifying will again be key. *unless you're Will Power apparently, if the last two races are any indication* http://www.openwheelworld.net/pages/news.php?id=10819&lg=us&r Fri, 27 Apr 2012 23:40:24 +0200 info@openwheelworld.net (M. Beer) 1483250383 Lotus will have two fewer teams under its umbrella for the rest of the 2012. Bryan Herta Autosport and Dreyer and Reinbold Racing have parted ways with the British marque, with all parties reaching a mutual agreement. Dreyer and Reinbold will be racing Brazil this week, but Bryan Herta Autosport will forego the fly-away event to better prepare itself for the Indianapolis 500. http://www.openwheelworld.net/pages/news.php?id=10809&lg=us&r Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:05:07 +0200 info@openwheelworld.net (K. Lavigne) 1547317678 It's Kicks and Kudos time (a little delayed, sorry) from Long Beach. We can sum up Long Beach in three words. Penalties, precipitation and petulance! Here's what stood out to us last weekend, and who we felt deserved a pat on the back or a pat on the backside... Kudos: Starting with a positive: To everyone involved in putting on the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach this year. From the organizers, to the the teams/drivers, to the fans. Once again Long Beach proves it's one of the jewels in the crown of the schedule. http://www.openwheelworld.net/pages/news.php?id=10802&lg=us&r Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:31:36 +0200 info@openwheelworld.net (M. Beer) 765696708 Will Power needed to play the fuel-strategy game to overcome his 10-spot grid penalty and had to endure a late-race rally from Simon Pagenaud, but was able to hang on to win a thrilling Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Pagenaud, who was running full rich compared to a leaned-out Power, came within a second of the lead, but could not muster up enough to overtake Power for the win. "It's a great day for the Verizon Team Penske Chevy," said an elated Power. "We really didn't think it was possible to win from 12th place here because it was a two-stop race, but once again with (strategist) Tim (Cindric), Dave (Faustino), my engineer, and all the boys we overcame a 10-spot penalty. Hinchcliffe, Tony Kanaan, and J.R. Hildebrand completed the top five. http://www.openwheelworld.net/pages/news.php?id=10783&lg=us&r Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:21:45 +0200 info@openwheelworld.net (K. Lavigne) 375030748 Esteban Guerrieri started second, but claimed the lead early and then checked out, leading the entire way to claim victory in Long Beach, his first of the 2012 season. "Yeah, it definitely feels very good," said Guerrieri. "After I think last year I started on pole and then couldn't manage a very good pace in the race. But we got experience from last year. We understood well probably how the tires would work, and we just went for low downforce setup to try to gain the position in the start from Sebastian, to be under pressure to race with those guys like him and like Tristan, because there is respect there. So it's good. makes it three different winners in the first three races and improves to second in the championship standings, two points behind Saavedra. Tristan Vautier ended the day third, followed by Victor Carbone and Carlos Munoz. http://www.openwheelworld.net/pages/news.php?id=10778&lg=us&r Sun, 15 Apr 2012 20:57:37 +0200 info@openwheelworld.net (K. Lavigne) 532658224 A quick note about todays results: Grid penalties will be applied "On the grid". As such, the final grid will be issued after the final warmup on Sunday morning. So the results for this session will be as they stand only for today. You can either do the math yourself or wait until Sunday Morning for the final grid placement. (we're waiting till tomorrow) http://www.openwheelworld.net/pages/news.php?id=10766&lg=us&r Sat, 14 Apr 2012 21:06:12 +0200 info@openwheelworld.net (M. Beer) 10151622 Ryan Briscoe went out this afternoon and captured the third pole in as many races for Team Penske. Here is where it gets a little confusing though; Briscoe will not start on the front row for Sunday's race, but rather alongside his Penske teammate Will Power, second fastest in the session, on row 6. The pole "position" actually went to Dario Franchitti, despite only being 4th quickest in the shootout. As the only non-Chevy engine in the top 6 shootout, and the only driver in the fast 6 not facing a 10-spot grid penalty on Sunday, he knew he had the pole before turning a wheel in the final session. Strategy coming into qualifying: For the penalized teams, qualify as high as possible to account for being docked 10 spots. For the non-penalized teams, qualify as high as possible to take advantage of the other cars being docked 10 spots. Here is how the sessions unfolded http://www.openwheelworld.net/pages/news.php?id=10764&lg=us&r Sat, 14 Apr 2012 18:51:04 +0200 info@openwheelworld.net (M. Beer) 566056597 Sebastian Saavedra saved the best for last and squeaked onto the pole for the Firestone Indy Lights race here at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Tristan Vautier provisionally sits on the outside of the front row, followed by Esteban Guerrieri, Oliver Webb, and Carlos Munoz. http://www.openwheelworld.net/pages/news.php?id=10761&lg=us&r Sat, 14 Apr 2012 17:32:42 +0200 info@openwheelworld.net (B. Ewer) 132489555