Indy Car Info

Saturday

Should Tony Stewart take Roger Penske?s offer of an Indy 500 ride?

During his speech at Friday night's Sprint Cup Series banquet Roger Penske offered Tony Stewart a ride in a Penske IndyCar for the Indianapolis 500.

It was a joke.

Right?

Wrong, apparently. When asked after the banquet about his line, Penske didn't exactly back away or laugh it off.

From the AP:

''If he wants to do the double, I'd put him in it,'' Penske said. ''We've talked about it before, I guess I made it official tonight.''

Well holy crap.

Stewart moved over from the IndyCar Series to NASCAR full time in 1999 and last ran the Indianapolis 500/Coca-Cola 600 Memorial Day weekend double in 2001. That year, he finished 6th in the 500 for Chip Ganassi and then third in the 600 for Joe Gibbs Racing, his only Sprint Cup Series team until he got an ownership stake in Stewart-Haas Racing and started driving for his team in 2009.

He has sworn off the double (NASCAR chatters, insert your Whopper jokes here) since then. But will Penske's public proclamation sway him? He's won 15 Indianapolis 500s, you know.

If a driver was going to do the Indy/Charlotte double in the near future, the favorite to do so looked like it would be Danica Patrick, who was entertaining the thought as recently as this summer. But with her move to the Sprint Cup Series full-time in 2013, wiser heads prevailed and those plans have been scuttled, for now at least.

However, should her NASCAR owner do it? Stewart has never won the crown jewel of IndyCar racing ? his best finish is a 5th with 64 laps led in 1997. He's also never won the Daytona 500, going 0-14.

So how about this proposal: if Stewart wins the 2013 Daytona 500, he takes Penske's offer. Only Mario Andretti and AJ Foyt (who Stewart chose his car number at SHR after) have won both races. Stewart would have the opportunity to be the first driver to win both in the same season, and if he prevents his 0-fer streak from getting one closer to Dale Earnhardt's in Daytona, why shouldn't he go for it in Indianapolis?

Of course, there are many logistics to sort out if Stewart was to take Penske up on his offer; namely sponsor conflicts (Mobil 1 vs. Shell Pennzoil) and the time juggling that would be required to maintain a regular Sprint Cup Series focus while getting in as much seat time as possible in Indianapolis.

After all, Indianapolis is the race that Stewart grew up attending and dreaming about. And it's a track that, like Daytona, has teased him with strong performances. With Daytona knocked off the bucket list, only Indy would remain unchecked. It'd be too tantalizing to pass up.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nascar-from-the-marbles/tony-stewart-roger-penske-offer-indy-500-ride-003756333--nascar.html

Hans Binder Clemente Biondetti Pablo Birger Art Bisch

2012 season in the rear view: Juan Pablo Montoya

Vitals: 22nd in the points standings. 0 wins, 0 top 5s, 2 top 10s. 5 DNFs.

Moment to remember: Oh, gee, what could it be?

Even if Juan Pablo Montoya won the 2012 Sprint Cup Series title, nothing was going to top the jet dryer incident at Daytona in February. Nothing. And Montoya obviously didn't win the championship, so nothing was really a close second either.

So when it comes to performance on the box score (the blaze was performance art at its finest), the highlight of Montoya's season are the back-to-back poles that he scored at Pocono at Watkins Glen in August. But, as Montoya's 2012 tended to go, they lead us directly into the next section.

Moment to forget: Those two poles could have been a great launching point for Montoya to grab a win, jump into the top 20 and suddenly be in the discussion for a Chase wild card berth over the final three races of the regular season. But instead, Montoya finished 20th at Pocono and then 33rd at Watkins Glen after issues with his left front tire. And it wasn't like Montoya was at the front for very long in each of those races. He led a combined eight laps.

The wrap: Chip Ganassi made some personnel switches at Earnhardt Ganassi before the season, including putting Chris Heroy atop Montoya's pit box for the season, and hinted that there could be more on the way if the team's performance didn't pick up. And it didn't. Teammate Jamie McMurray was just one spot ahead of Montoya in the standings.

The team announced that it would field Hendrick engines next year, switching from Earnhardt-Childress Racing engines. Will the powerplant swap be a catalyst for an uptick in performance in 2013? Or is there more to Earnhardt-Ganassi's struggles?

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nascar-from-the-marbles/2012-rear-view-juan-pablo-montoya-204409078--nascar.html

Jean Alesi Jaime Alguersuari Philippe Alliot Cliff Allison

Grosjean hangs on to Lotus seat for 2013

One of the last remaining pieces of the 2013 F1 puzzle fell into place when Lotus confirmed that Romain Grosjean will stay on alongside Kimi Raikkonen next season. The Frenchman, who won the Race of Champions in Bangkok on Sunday, … Continue reading →

Source: http://adamcooperf1.com/2012/12/17/grosjean-hangs-on-to-lotus-seat-for-2013/

Patrick Depailler Pedro Diniz Duke Dinsmore Frank Dochnal

FIVE Young Racers Set To Shine In 2013

Champions elect, Sebastian Vettel and the Red Bull team have thoroughly dominated recent F1 history. After rampaging their way to three successive Constructors? and Drivers? Championships the Milton Keynes based outfit are the team to beat heading into the new season. But where does that leave Formula One in the long term? With revolutionary engine [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Formula1Fancast/~3/EHhd8VSqcDI/five-young-racers-set-to-shine-in-2013

Walt Ader Kurt Adolff Fred Agabashian Kurt Ahrens Jr

The better part of valor: Conway recuses himself from INDYCAR finale

Source: http://www.popoffvalve.com/2012/9/13/3328582/the-better-part-of-valor-conway-recuses-himself-from-indycar-finale

Michael Bartels Edgar Barth Giorgio Bassi Erwin Bauer

Friday

Man shoots collection of Dale Earnhardt memorabilia after death of pet snake

A man in Denver, NC said he was so distraught over the death of his 17 year old pet snake that he shot the cabinet that contained his Dale Earnhardt collection.

How the snake died, however, is up for debate. Gary Wayne Ericcson says he shot the snake after it was dead, however, he was arrested Sunday and charged with killing it himself.

From the Charlotte Observer:

Gary Wayne Ericcson, 46, was arrested Sunday on multiple charges, including cruelty to animals, after the shooting at his home. He was released from custody after posting a $20,000 bond.

But Ericcson says the snake, which he said was named Anonymous, had died before the shooting.

He told NBC Charlotte that he couldn't bury the snake because "the other animals would get him." Ericcson said that he and his wife can't have children, so their pets, which include two cats and a dog, are their children.

There has been no word on the status of his Earnhardt collection.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nascar-from-the-marbles/man-shoots-collection-dale-earnhardt-memorabilia-death-pet-152708074--nascar.html

Michael Bartels Edgar Barth Giorgio Bassi Erwin Bauer

Thursday

RETRO: Celebrating ?Il Lione?s triumph - Twenty years later

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/nofenders/zbjv/~3/FY2vR8cM_qI/retro-celebrating-il-liones-triumph.html

Jimmy Davies Colin Davis Jimmy Daywalt JeanDenis Deletraz

Andy Ahern is an entrepreneur par excellence

Andy Ahern has been at the helm in the transportations and trucking logistics sector since the day he went public with Ahern and Associates in 1987. Before Andy established his own truck transportation and logistics consultancy, he had garnered sufficient experience about trucking transportation. He had worked in senior positions in many companies. Even the [...]

Source: http://www.autocarblog.co.uk/373-andy-ahern-is-an-entrepreneur-par-excellence.html

Hans Binder Clemente Biondetti Pablo Birger Art Bisch

Man shoots collection of Dale Earnhardt memorabilia after death of pet snake

A man in Denver, NC said he was so distraught over the death of his 17 year old pet snake that he shot the cabinet that contained his Dale Earnhardt collection.

How the snake died, however, is up for debate. Gary Wayne Ericcson says he shot the snake after it was dead, however, he was arrested Sunday and charged with killing it himself.

From the Charlotte Observer:

Gary Wayne Ericcson, 46, was arrested Sunday on multiple charges, including cruelty to animals, after the shooting at his home. He was released from custody after posting a $20,000 bond.

But Ericcson says the snake, which he said was named Anonymous, had died before the shooting.

There has been no word on the status of his Earnhardt collection.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nascar-from-the-marbles/man-shoots-collection-dale-earnhardt-memorabilia-death-pet-152708074--nascar.html

Andrea Chiesa Ettore Chimeri Louis Chiron Joie Chitwood

Another Smooth Move by Belskus...

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/nofenders/zbjv/~3/1Cy68a5P0bA/another-smooth-move-by-belskus.html

Paolo Barilla Rubens Barrichello Michael Bartels Edgar Barth

Wednesday

Video: 2013 Camaro SS 1LE is Best Handling Camaro Ever

Posted on 01.9.2013 14:00 by Simona

In the latest episode of its "Ignition,? Motor Trend reviewed Chevrolet?s response to Ford Mustang Boss 302 ? the Camaro SS 1LE. The car was tested by pro driver Randy Pobst at Willow Springs International Raceway to see how it tackles the track.

The result was pretty impressive as he names the car "the best handling Camaro ever." Not a surprising result, considering that over the SS version, the 1LE package adds an updated suspension, a set of 20-inch alloy wheels with stickier tires and performance brakes.

The Camaro 1LE is powered by a 6.2-liter LS3 V-8 engine that delivers a total of 426 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to an exclusive Tremec TR6060-MM6 six-speed manual transmission.

The model is on sale at a starting price of $37,035.

Watch the video and let us know what you think. Do you agree that the new 1LE indeed the best handling Camaro ever?

gallery: 2013 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE

Video: 2013 Camaro SS 1LE is Best Handling Camaro Ever originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 9 January 2013 14:00 EST.

Source: http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/video-2013-camaro-ss-1le-is-best-handling-camaro-ever-ar143181.html

Larry Crockett Tony Crook Art Cross Geoff Crossley

Victory Hard-Ball

Posted on 01.9.2013 08:08 by Serafim , Sulthoni

The Victory Hard Ball is equipped with a 106 cubic-inch Freedom V-twin engine which delivers enough power to reward you with a rush of adrenaline every time you jump on the saddle. The counter-balanced, fuel-injected, air- and oil-cooled engine delivers a maximum torque of 106 ft-lb and is mated on a 6-speed overdrive transmission. The transmission comes with helical-cut gears, which means that every shift is smooth and precise.

As far as styling goes, the Victory Hard Balll comes with a set of adjustable, blacked-out ape hanger handlebars which enhance its outlaw look. The custom look of the motorcycle is completed by the black 40-spoke laced wheels housed in the imposing sharp-cut fenders. The motorcycle received a black paint scheme which is complemented with red accents.

On the safety side of things the Victory Hard-Ball comes with ABS brakes which provide precise and reliable stopping power. Hit the jump for more information on the 2013 Victory Hard-Ball.

Victory Hard-Ball originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 9 January 2013 08:08 EST.

Source: http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/victory/2013-victory-hard-ball-ar142452.html

Tommy Byrne Giulio Cabianca Phil Cade Alex Caffi

2012 season in the rear view: Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Vitals: 12th in the points standings. 1 win, 10 top 5s, 20 top 10s. 0 DNFs.

Moment to remember: Where were you on Sunday, June 17, 2012, the day that Dale Earnhardt Jr. ended his winless streak?

If you're a tried and true NASCAR fan, you likely remember every moment of that historic and incredible day in NASCAR history. One that saw Earnhardt Jr. lead 95 laps and pull away from Tony Stewart to record his first win in four years and cause many men, women and children to cry tears of joy.

Moment to forget: Entering Talladega, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was in seventh place, 39 points behind the Chase lead. After Talladega, he was 11th, and 51 points back.

But the standings weren't the issue. During that wild crash on the final lap (one that has seemed to be a staple of these year-end reviews because of the individual circumstances it created for many drivers) Junior suffered his second concussion in weeks. The first was a previously undiagnosed one he suffered while tire testing for Goodyear at Kansas Speedway at the end of August. Junior was ruled out of the next two races, Charlotte and Kansas, and Regan Smith took his place.

The wrap: The decision for Junior to sit out two races was, rightfully so, uncontroversial, given the place that concussions have taken at the forefront of sports injury discussion. And it wasn't one that likely cost him a shot at the championship given the deficit and number of drivers between himself and the points lead after Talladega.

But while Junior's final place in the standings looks like a step backward from 2011 by simply looking at the year-end standings, it was a serious step forward for Junior and the No. 88 bunch.

After finishing seventh last year, Junior more than doubled his top fives (from 4 to 10) and nearly did so with his top 10s. (12 to 20). And he gave us that memorable day.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nascar-from-the-marbles/2012-season-rear-view-dale-earnhardt-jr-152936582--nascar.html

Conny Andersson Mario Andretti Michael Andretti Keith Andrews

Aspar Press Release Interview: Aleix Espargaro on Ending As Top CRT

The Power Electronics Aspar team issued a press release last week containing an interview with top CRT rider of 2012, Aleix Esparagaro. In the interview, Esparagaro talks about his experience with the Aspar team, the joy of beating teammate Randy de Puniet to the top CRT spot, his close relationship with his brother Pol, and his obsession with the color pink. The press release follows below:

'JORGE MARTINEZ HAS HELPED TO ME MATURE AND MADE ME MORE CALM AND CONFIDENT'

At just 23 years of age Aleix Espargaró is already a veteran of World Championship competition, having made his debut back in 2004. The Spaniard has competed at every level of Grand Prix racing and his happy go lucky nature and constant smile have made him one of the most well loved and charismatic riders in the paddock. This season has seen the POWER ELECTRONICS Aspar Team rider curb his natural enthusiasm and find the inner calm and confidence needed to make progress as a rider and as a person. In this interview he reveals some of his most carefully guarded secrets and reflects back on his best ever season, which saw him crowned as the first ever CRT 'champion' in MotoGP.

First of all what is your reaction to the Espargaró brothers being handed the Shoya Tomizawa Fair Play Award for your sportsmanship and support of each other?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/OZTmkucXeCQ/aspar_press_release_interview_aleix_espa.html

Giulio Cabianca Phil Cade Alex Caffi John CampbellJones

Tuesday

Monster Join Yamaha As Sponsorship Partner In MotoGP

Monster Energy has agreed to a two-year partnership deal with Yamaha Factory Racing, which will see the Monster brand act as sponsor to Yamaha's MotoGP team. The announcement had been widely anticipated, and reported on here prior to Christmas, and extends Monster's participation in MotoGP, where they go head-to-head with the other energy drink giant, Red Bull.

Though the deal between Yamaha and Monster will provide a useful influx of cash for the Japanese factory team (Spanish website Motocuatro.com put the total sponsorship deal at 4 million euros) Monster will not become title sponsor. Instead, the Monster logos will receive the same kind of prominence as Japanese oil sponsor ENEOS, appearing on the fairings of both bikes, as well as on the leathers of both Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/CBusJZqMxFk/monster_join_yamaha_as_sponsorship_partn.html

Tom Bridger Tony Brise Chris Bristow Peter Broeker

Kasey Kahne to drive for JR Motorsports in Nationwide Series; Danica Patrick to Turner?

The first business day of 2013 brought some driver and sponsorship news on the Nationwide Series front.

JR Motorsports announced that Kasey Kahne and Brad Sweet would split time driving the No. 5 car for the team in 2013 with sponsorship from Great Clips. If the combination of drivers and sponsor sounds familiar, it's because it is. The two drove the Great Clips car for Turner Motorsports last season.

The sponsorship will be for 28 races, with 27 of them for the No. 5 car and Kahne or Sweet.� (Kahne now gets to be one of the few drivers identifiable by a sole number in multiple series.) The other race will be for Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the No. 88. Regan Smith, who won the final race of the season at Homestead for JRM, will run the No. 7 car full-time. The team is still looking for funding for Cole Whitt, who drove the No. 88 car last year.

You may remember that Danica Patrick drove the No. 7 for JR Motorsports last year. While Patrick is moving to the Sprint Cup Series full-time for Stewart-Haas Racing, she's planning to run 10 Nationwide Series races next year and according to ESPN, those races will come with Turner Motorsports. Similar to JR Motorsports, Turner gets engines and equipment from Hendrick Motorsports, where Stewart-Haas receives its Sprint Cup Series engines and chassis.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nascar-from-the-marbles/kasey-kahne-drive-jr-motorsports-nationwide-series-danica-010344732--nascar.html

Alberto Ascari Peter Ashdown Ian Ashley Gerry Ashmore

Stewart: Hamilton Has Taken A Risk

Sir Jackie Stewart believes that Lewis Hamilton has taken a big risk by leaving McLaren to join Mercedes. The Brit announced towards the end of last year that he would be racing for the German team following an unsuccessful 2012 campaign. Stewart believes that Hamilton has gambled, but that it could prove to be a [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Formula1Fancast/~3/fo9oKcJ39d8/stewart-hamilton-has-taken-a-risk

Ernesto Brambilla Vittorio Brambilla Toni Branca Gianfranco Brancatelli