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The How to Get Race Control Magazine guide.

Many of you are asking how do we get a copy of Race Control. Its really very very simple so heres a guide for you all. 

Race Control is an On Line only publication made for this modern world. It gives us the freedom to create these bumper editions (we average 140 pages) for you and give you the fan the very best publication. It also means you can read it wherever you are on any PC, Tablet and any device. The app in I Tunes is currently for OS devices but will be there on android version soon as well.

ZINIO.com is our main publishing partner and the main source of finding it. Simply by going to that address and creating a free account you then can purchase thousands of magazines from around the globe and ZINIO is the worlds largest online magazine store. Race Control can be found by typing into the search field Race Control. Once you have an account (free) your issues stay there for life so you can always recall them. You can purchase either a single issue or take out a subscription which means you pretty much get several issues for FREE. With ZINIO Race Control is seen in over 12 countries directly at each countries currency as well and then equally fully global reach. The site is simple to use and very user friendly. They really are the best on line place to be.

Amazon.com It is hosted within the newsstand and magazine section of the Amazon site and there is no need for an account here just go to that section of Amazon and use the search field and type in Race Control to find us. Again you get the choice of single issues or subscriptions.

I Tunes -- the App is there and while its a little harder to find due to the number of apps. If you go to the magazines section of the I Tunes store and search Race Control you will find the Free APP and its all set to go for your OS type of phone and again offers single issues or subscriptions.

We are looking at other options for you as well but currently these are the very best in the market place today for on line reading and thats why we have gone with them. They give you the best digital quality publication and reading experience.

New Zealand Elite Driver Academy.

The 2018 Elite Driver Academy.

This video gives you the very rare chance to see inside the Motorsport New Zealand Elite Driver Academy. Run by the NZ Motorsport Scholarship Trust and the Otago Academy of Sport this program develops and aids the driving talents of the future from New Zealand. 

For over 15 years it has served the sport and added drivers and co drivers from New Zealand to assist them in the off track preparation within the sport and the science of the sport. Some 133 drivers have now attended this camp and names on the global stage such as Hartley ( LeMans winner and currently in F1), Paddon (WRC) , Evans (Formula E) and Bamber (2 x LeMans winner) are just a very small sample of the talents that have past though the doors of this year long academy.

For the very first time publicly this is your chance to see some of what takes place. Its a very rare glimpse behind what is normally very closed doors.

Look out also in Issue 2 (July) of Race Control magazine - The IndyCar fan magazine which is due out this week for an extended eight page feature that reveals even more of what takes place at Camp week and the history of this outstanding academy.

Race Control magazine is GLOBAL

News of Global Reach for Race Control.

Race Control magazine your IndyCar fan fix is now truely global with ZINIO.

The worlds largest on line magazine store today confirmed that Race Control magazine can now be found in these following countries.

USA

Australia

New Zealand

Canada

UK

Spain

France

Russia

Germany

South Africa

Japan

Argentina

You will find it under the Sports and also Car and Motorcycle  listings or simply enter into the search fields at the top of the screen 'Race Control' and the search will take you directly to the magazine page. Need to find ZINIO thats simple too just search zinio from your browser and you will find it. Magazines purchased via zinio can be read on any device (os or android) or tablet and PC. Its so simple and you can read it anywhere and save to read hundreds of times again.

Issue 1 is currently on sale and Issue 2 will hit the store in just over two weeks from now in a massive bumper Indy 500 Edition and so much more.

Race Control. Your magazine.

Its here and its here now.

Race Control Magazine -- The IndyCar fan magazine.
No matter where in the world you live it can be found for you on line and NOW.

All via zinio.com  the worlds largest on line magazine store

Simply search Race Control in the search field and bingo you will find it.

Issue 1 is currently on sale now and Issue 2 our Bumper 2018 Indy 500 Edition due out in just a few weeks time.

Its a magazine created for you the fan so enjoy.

Check us out also on Facebook under Racecontrol and become a friend for all the very latest updates

https://www.facebook.com/racecontrol/

Big Feature in NZ

June Feature in AutoFile

Many thanks to Mark Baker for the feature in this months NZ AutoFile the trade paper for the New Zealand automobile industry.

May 14th Race Control will arrive!

Race Control launch is confirmed.

Race Control the all new fan magazine for followers of the IndyCar Series is now officially confirmed to launch on May14th via ZINIO.com

It will publish bi monthly within the first year and look to increase the number of issues should you the fan want it.

The signing with ZINIO the Worlds largest on line magazine store is part of a multi year relationship  and partnership. We are very delighted to be part of the ZINIO family finally.

Links and details for ZINIO will appear in the coming days but hang on tight Indy Car fans as this is going to be a blast.

The Field is set for the 101st Indy 500

All go for the 101st.

Scott Dixon thrilled Indianapolis 500 qualifying fans like they haven't been in more than two decades, capturing the pole position for the 101st Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil with the fastest average speed since 1996.

The four-time Verizon IndyCar Series champion and fourth-winningest driver in Indy car history completed four on-the-edge laps around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway 2.5-mile oval at 232.164 mph. The 10-mile run in the No. 9 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda was the best speed seen at IMS since Arie Luyendyk set the track record of 236.986 mph in second-day qualifying on May 12, 1996.

"It feels fast," Dixon said. "Any speed (above) 215 or 220 around this place feels really fast, but I think you just block it all out. You're constantly just trying to feel how the car is, see where you can place it, see if you can improve the next lap. It's been so intense this weekend just trying to hold on to the car for the four laps. I think that's where all the focus has been.

"But I think for the Verizon IndyCar Series, it's cool to see these speeds gradually creeping up. It's good to see we've made a big improvement. I think I did a 227 average last year, so it's a nice little jump."

It is Dixon's third Indy 500 pole position - he won from the front spot in 2008 - and the 26th of his 17-year Indy car career, moving the 36-year-old New Zealander past Paul Tracy and alone into 11th place on the all-time poles list.

The third-fastest driver in first-day qualifying Saturday, Dixon was the seventh of nine to make an attempt in the Fast Nine Shootout under late-afternoon Indiana sunshine today. His first lap of 232.595 mph was also the fastest official lap recorded at IMS since the 1996 Indy 500 race. Luyendyk still holds the single-lap standard, 237.498 mph, also set during his record qualifying run.

Dixon will start on point for the third-fastest field in Indy 500 history, with a 228.400 mph average. Joining him on the front row are Ed Carpenter in the No. 20 Fuzzy's Vodka Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet and defending Indy 500 winner Alexander Rossi in the No. 98 NAPA Auto Parts/Curb Honda.

In the process of taking the top spot, Dixon ended a string of six straight Verizon IndyCar Series race poles won by Team Penske, dating to the 2016 season finale at Sonoma Raceway. It also marked the 88th pole in Indy car history for Chip Ganassi Racing and its fifth at the Indianapolis 500.

Though qualifying points aren't officially awarded until after the race completion, Dixon has the provisional points lead by 21 over 2016 series champion Simon Pagenaud heading into Indy 500 worth double the normal race points.

"Today, we managed to get it done and we're starting in the right place," said Dixon, the 40-time Indy car race winner. "The hard part now is to keep it there."

Carpenter, fastest in first-day qualifying, put together a four-lap run of 231.664 mph to collect his third front-row start in the Indianapolis 500. He was the 2013 and '14 pole sitter.

"That's all she had," Carpenter said. "Would it have been fun to win a third pole? Yes, but at the same time to be in the middle of the front row with two former 500 champions, hopefully I can convert from the front row this time and earn a victory." 

Rossi started 11th as an Indy 500 rookie a year ago, fell back midway and won the 200-lap race on a risky fuel strategy. He qualified third at 231.487 mph to secure a career-best start in a Verizon IndyCar Series race - his previous best was fifth earlier this season at Long Beach - and the first front-row start of his Indy car career.

"You're always disappointed if you're not in front, but I think it's a good effort from the team," Rossi said. "Seeing Scott's speed is pretty impressive; I know we couldn't have done that. We've got to be content with the front row."

Rossi was one of four Andretti Autosport entries to compete in the Fast Nine Shootout. Teammates Takuma Sato (No. 26 Andretti Autosport Honda) and Fernando Alonso (No. 29 McLaren-Honda-Andretti Honda) earned the fourth and fifth starting positions, respectively, with Marco Andretti (No. 27 United Fiber & Data Honda) qualifying eighth.

Alonso had the most eventful day of the Andretti drivers. His car underwent a lightning-quick engine change following the pre-qualifying practice session, but it didn't unnerve the two-time Formula One champion making his Verizon IndyCar Series and oval track debut. The 35-year-old Spaniard was the first of the Fast Nine drivers to surpass 231 mph with a four-lap average at 231.300.

"The practice felt good on the car and then we spotted some issues with the engine," Alonso explained. "At one point in the morning, we didn't know if we were able to run in qualifying because we had to change the whole engine. But the team was amazing. They were guys from all six (Andretti) teams working on car (No.) 29 just to make it possible, so thanks to all that teamwork, I was able to go for qualifying."

Rounding out the top nine qualifiers were JR Hildebrand (No. 21 Preferred Freezer Service Ed Carpenter Chevrolet) in sixth, 2013 Indy 500 winner Tony Kanaan (No. 10 NTT Data Chip Ganassi Racing Honda) seventh and Will Power (No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet) ninth.

Andretti Autosport landed a fifth driver in the top 10 when 2014 Indy 500 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay led Group 1 qualifying to determine race starting positions 10 through 33. The driver of the No. 28 DHL Honda ran four laps at 231.442 mph, which would have been good enough for fourth had it come in the Fast Nine Shootout. As it stands, Hunter-Reay will start on the inside of Row 4, with Ed Jones (No. 19 Boy Scouts of America Dale Coyne Racing Honda) and Oriol Servia (No. 16 Manitowoc Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda) alongside.

Team Penske, with a record 16 Indianapolis 500 wins, struggled in qualifying. Power was slowest in the Fast Nine Shootout and starts on the outside of Row 3. Two-time Indy 500 winner Juan Pablo Montoya qualified on the outside of Row 6 and three-time winner Helio Castroneves on the inside of Row 7, Josef Newgarden and Simon Pagenaud occupying the inside and middle of Row 8.

Thirty-two cars qualified today. The 33rd position on the grid will be filled by James Davison, named today to replace the injured Sebastien Bourdais in the No. 18 GEICO Honda for Dale Coyne Racing. Bourdais sustained multiple pelvic fractures and a fractured right hip when he crashed making a qualifying attempt Saturday.

According to Dr. Geoffrey Billows, INDYCAR medical director, the four-time Indy car champion underwent successful surgery Saturday night at IU Health Methodist Hospital. Bourdais released a statement today.

"I want to thank everybody for the support and the messages," the 38-year-old with 36 career Indy car wins said. "Quite a few drivers have already dropped by. It's going to take time, but I'm feeling pretty good since the surgery. I'll be back at some point. Just don't know when yet."

Thanks for quotes ex IndyCar Media

Photos from David Turner collection Indy Grand Prix 2017

The 2017 Indy Grand Prix

Will Powers weekend.

Saturday May 13^th and two weeks before the running of the 101^st Indy 500. The Grand Prix marks the fifth round of the 2017 Indy Car Championship and the thousands of fans were treated to a beautiful spring day. Starting with a cool crisp morning leading to a wonderful afternoon of sun and racing. After what the locals tell me has been weeks of rain the day was blessed with a superb day dry and no wind at all – just magic. Looking slightly ahead and Pole day for the 500 next week has a chance of the weather closing in again but hey a week is a long time isn’t it?

The vibe around the speedway was kind of hints of the upcoming 500 even though this race means so much in the championship the thought in people’s minds had to be in two days time we go in 500 modes. Many of the one off entries for the 500 sitting quietly in the garage area and looking gleaming in brightly coloured paint schemes.

I even found this collection of Andretti pieces ready for the arrival of one Mr Alonso.

Grand Prix day kicked off very early with all three-support classes in the Road to Indy Series having races. Pro Mazda kicked things off at 8am followed by US F2000 then the Indy Lights battled it out for 35 laps. Two drivers completed weekend victory sweeps in the Mazda Road to Indy presented by Cooper Tires development ladder races today. 

Oliver Askew of Cape Motorsports won for the second straight day on the IMS road course and for the fifth time in six Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship races this season. Victor Franzoni (Juncos Racing, making their 500 debut) captured his second race of the weekend in the Pro Mazda Championship. Askew and Franzoni lead their respective championships.

In Indy Lights also presented by Cooper Tires, the top level of the Mazda Road to Indy, Kyle Kaiser of Juncos Racing drove to victory a day after Nico Jamin of Andretti Autosport won the first race of the weekend. With today's win, Kaiser took over the championship lead by 13 points over Jamin.  All in all a very busy two days for these teams. The Indy Lights return for the annual Freedom 100 race on the famed oval on Carb Day Friday.

Watching cars go the other way around after years of covering the 500 takes a little bit of getting used to but it’s a good sight and the track is so super smooth and looked stunning. It certainly feels a lot different to any 500 day that’s for sure, why you might ask? Yes the crowd is a part of it, yes the direction is part of it too but most of all its that sound of hearing cars at 223mph+ on the throttle all the time and it’s a sound that you can only ever associate with this place.

To the Grand Prix and for kiwi fans of Scott Dixon it was heart-beating moments as he stalled on the first of the two formation laps. He got going within seconds and took his P4 qualifying position. It was to be all about Will Power who dominated the IndyCar Grand Prix on the 2.439-mile, 14-turn road course to collect win No. 30 in his 13-year Indy car career. The milestone victory pushed the 36-year-old Power ahead of current teammate Helio Castroneves and retired Team Penske legend Rick Mears for sole possession of 11th place on the all-time list. For the first time in the history of the event the field made it past turn one so a new record was set there as well.

Power, making his 175th career start, led 61 of the 85 laps in the caution-free race and cruised across the finish line 5.283 seconds ahead of Scott Dixon in the No. 9 NTT Data Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing. Power has now won at least one race in 11 straight seasons and becomes the fifth different driver to win in as many Verizon IndyCar Series races this season.

"It feels really good to finally have a good day," Power said. "Everyone on this team has been working really hard. We should have had a couple of wins by now.

"I think that is (win) No. 30; that is a good number. I want to make it 31 by the end of this month."

Power owned the Grand Prix weekend. He was fastest in every practice session, earned the pole position Friday with a track-record lap in Verizon P1 Award qualifying and set a race record speed average of 120.813 mph. Amassing the maximum possible points, Power advanced two positions into fifth in the standings in his quest for a second series championship.

"After (morning) warm-up, I was thinking, 'Wow, I've actually been quickest in every session. Yeah, it would be amazing to win the race.'

"It's funny, momentum, once your whole team and crew believes that you have a shot at winning races - which we have had all year - but when you execute it, it definitely gives them confidence. It's just good (to) get a win and very, very good for everyone."

Dixon made his 275th career start and extended his consecutive starts streak to 212 races, breaking a tie for the second-longest all-time run with Jimmy Vasser. Only Dixon's current teammate Tony Kanaan - who started his 270th straight race today - has run more Indy car races consecutively.

"I think today we got the most out of it," said Dixon, the four-time Verizon IndyCar Series champion. "The car was pretty strong, we had good pace, but we just couldn't hold on to the rears. I think the Honda was just too much for the (Firestone alternate) red tires for the most part.

"Good points for everybody on the NTT Data car, great day for Honda. Obviously not a win, but very close." Again in my eyes Dixon and his team are the number one men at Ganasii that’s for sure.

Ryan Hunter-Reay moved from eighth on the starting grid to finish a season-best third in the No. 28 DHL Honda. It marked the 100th top-10 finish of the Andretti Autosport driver's career and gave the 36-year-old American a feeling of momentum heading into Indianapolis 500 competition that starts with practice on Monday.

"It's certainly a nice feeling," said Hunter-Reay, the 2012 Verizon IndyCar Series and 2014 Indianapolis 500 champion. "This group isn't happy if we're not on the top step (of the podium), but we've had a lot of bad luck this year, a lot of misfortune. It's been a frustrating start to the year, but we kept our heads down and today we came home with a solid result.

"This is nice to roll into the next two weeks, preparing for the biggest race in the world."

Pagenaud now has 191 points to Dixon's 181. Team Penske drivers Josef Newgarden (152), Castroneves (149) and Power (145) hold the third through fifth spots, respectively.

Teams will spend tomorrow Sunday setting cars into oval spec and the track will also be returned to oval spec ready for Monday’s first practice for the 500, the season is now alive.

While I have the chance a big shout out to two men turning heads in this series. The Julian brothers from New Plymouth New Zealand. Blair who is crew chef for Scott Dixon and has been with Scott all this time since he arrived in the US and risen to the role of Crew Chef and his brother Anton now returning to the series after been the Crew Chef at Andretti Autosport then Sarah Fisher Racing, Anton makes a one off appearance as Crew Chef this time for someone you might of heard of Mr Alonso. Well done boys, know your mum and dad are very proud.

Dixon Starts the Season in Blue

GE LED Lighting to Serve as Primary Partner on No. 9 Honda in St. Petersburg with Scott Dixon.

NTT DATA Tabbed for Associate-Level Role in INDYCAR Season Opener

Announced in Indianapolis on March 7th.

Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) announced that four-time Verizon IndyCar Series Champion and Indianapolis 500 Winner Scott Dixon will be sporting the colors of GE LED Lighting in Round 1 of the Verizon IndyCar Series on March 12 at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, with additional associate-level support coming from NTT DATA.

Scott Dixon is the four-time Verizon IndyCar Series Champion (2003, 2008, 2013, 2015) and 2008 Indianapolis 500 Winner returns to CGR in 2017 for his 16^th season – the longest tenure for a driver in team history (1990-Present). 

Dixon holds the distinction of being the winningest active Indy car driver with 40 victories and is currently ranked fourth on the all-time Indy car win list. In addition, he ranks third on the all-time list for most consecutive starts with 207 straight dating back to the 2004 race in Michigan. The New Zealander has 270 Indy car starts, producing 40 wins, 27 poles, 131 top-five and 188 top-10 finishes (2001-Present). In Dixon’s 12 starts in St. Petersburg (2005-2016), he has recorded three podiums, led 94 laps and has over 95% laps completed.

Media Facts and Photos from CGR Media Services.

New Kids on the Block.

Could be the ones to watch in 2017.

Big changes in the driver line ups at A.J.Foyt Racing this week and this news via the IndyCar Insider really warrants some attention. A.J. has always spotted talent and these two could very well be the next best thing on the block.

Having watched Carlos Munoz since he arrived on the scene this guy has a certain magic to him and twice has been unlucky not to pull off a 500 win. He was in tears this year after the race wondering how it got away from him. The thing I take from this is he wants it and wants it bad and A.J. just might be the one to ensure it happens and what a story that would be. I think I would certainly look for some surprises from these guys in 2017 and Munoz,a Chevy and A.J. well its good a great vibe.

So I share with you this release from the IndyCar Media team.

Carlos Munoz and Conor Daly are convinced it’s time for the next generation of young racers to be contenders in the Verizon IndyCar Series.

The 24-year-old drivers will look to assert themselves with AJ Foyt Racing in 2017 in a deal announced late November that has both signed to drive for the winningest driver in Indy car history. Munoz will drive the No. 14 entry based out of the team’s shop in suburban Houston. Daly will drive the No. 4 car based at the team’s second shop in Speedway, Indiana. Both cars will continue to be sponsored by ABC Supply Co.

“It’s a new chapter in my life. I’m really honored to be on this team,” Munoz said. “There were a lot of options and I know a lot of drivers called (team president) Larry Foyt. I think the best teammate is Conor. First, he’s American. Fans really like him and he’s a really good driver. He has experience. INDYCAR needs a change in generations and it’s starting right now. We are both young and we are both really fast drivers, so I think it’s a great combination for the team.”

A.J. and Larry Foyt promised major changes after a disappointing 2016 season with drivers Takuma Sato and Jack Hawksworth for the full year and Alex Tagliani for two races. Sato had the best finishes with a pair of fifths. He finished 17th in the points and Hawksworth placed 20th. Sato’s 2013 victory at Long Beach is Foyt Racing’s only win since 2003.

Carlos Munoz finished 10th in the 2016 championship, the highest points position for an Andretti Autosport driver. The Colombian has one career win at Belle Isle in 2015 and is a two-time Indianapolis 500 runner-up, including his series debut in 2013, when Daly also made his first start in the same race for Foyt and finished 22nd. “He was hard to beat there in his Andretti machine, when he started on the front row as a rookie,” Daly said of Munoz. “That was pretty impressive. We know he’s really good at Indy and really good on the ovals, for sure. He’s very brave. I have a lot of respect for him. We know he’s got a lot of experience, although we’re both young. We’re both the same age. It’s just two good, young drivers ready to continue our IndyCar careers.”

Daly, from Noblesville, Indiana., is coming off his first fulltime Verizon IndyCar Series season in which he had five top-six finishes, including a career-best second at Belle Isle for Dale Coyne Racing. He finished 18th in the points. Daly said he always kept in touch with Foyt after that first Indy 500 three years ago. “They gave me such an opportunity to get into the Verizon IndyCar Series,” Daly said. “They took a chance on me when Takuma couldn’t get into the country for a test, they tested me. After that, they hired me to drive in the Indy 500. They paid me to drive when I was 21 and coming out of Indy Lights. It was a really cool program to be a part of. They gave me my first taste and ever since then, I’ve had a really good relationship with them. I’m certainly a very, very different driver compared to 2013. I’m certainly much more ready to jump in and deliver. Thankfully, Dale Coyne gave me an opportunity to get my foot in the door and here we are. We make the progression to another team. Hopefully we can be here for a good amount of time. I’d like to be with this team for more than a year. You have to take it as it comes day by day, but I’m excited to at least get back to work and have a deal done sooner rather than later.”

Munoz and Daly were actually teammates once before for a karting race a decade ago. Munoz doesn’t remember the experience, but Daly recalled his teammate being quick and helpful. Both were in a similar situation as free agents in need of sponsorship this offseason. That won’t be a problem now because Foyt has a long-term deal with ABC Supply.

“As we celebrate our 35th anniversary at ABC Supply, we are very happy to be continuing our relationship with AJ Foyt Racing,” Keith Rozolis, ABC Supply Co. Inc. president and chief executive officer, said in a released statement. “They’ve been part of the ABC team since 2005 and our associates and customers look forward to watching Carlos and Conor compete and win in 2017.”

Munoz said he understands how the business side of racing led to him not being retained by Andretti. While some drivers might be upset about not getting a new contract after being the team’s highest points finisher, Munoz expressed gratitude to his former employer of six years, the first two in Indy Lights. “I’m always thankful to them,” he said. “They gave me my career back in auto racing from the first year I came here to the United States from Europe. That last year in Europe was really tough, so it was my last chance in America or retire. They gave me a great shot here in America to race in my first Indy 500 and I did well. I’m always going to be respectful to them. Just nowadays, you have to find a sponsor. We were bringing a little sponsor from Colombia, and this year was the limit for everything. But I’m not disappointed with them. On the contrary, I’ll always be grateful to them, with Michael and everybody who works at Andretti. We have to be realistic in motorsports right now. It’s really tough to find the sponsor that we need, we didn’t have the whole budget to be 100 percent on the grid next year. This was the best for us. I wish them the best.”

As the stepson of Indianapolis Motor Speedway president Doug Boles, Daly was raised with an appreciation for that track’s racing history. That inevitably meant Daly respected and admired A.J. Foyt, the first four-time Indy 500 winner. “I love A.J.,” Daly said. “I have a lot of respect for him and I do love the way he is. There’s no messing around with A.J. He’ll give it to you straight. A lot of people won’t do that these days. It’s cool to be working with him again. I really, really, really want to bring those guys a race win and some success because they deserve it after the last couple of years, it’s been rough (for them). If we just keep on building a team and building on my experience level, there’s no telling what we’ll be able to achieve this year.”

Because he’s come so close to winning the Indy 500, Munoz is excited about another run in May. “I love that race,” Munoz said. “I’ve raced in it four times and I know how big the race is. I know what it means to win that race. I’ve been really close twice, if I can be honest. I have two seconds, one fourth and another one I had a penalty when I was running fifth. I’ve had really good races there. I’m not putting my main objective on winning the Indy 500. Of course, everyone wants to win it. But I think what we needed to do first is put in good work with the engineers and with the mechanics and everybody who comes on board this year. We need to do a good job and do our best each race. But for sure one of the goals of the team is to do really good in the Indy 500.”

I really reckon this is one heck of a line up for A.J.Foyt Racing for 2017 and look forward to seeing these cars up and amongst it a lot next season as I feel these two young drivers with the talent they have and the depth the team has makes them not only one to watch but one of the strongest teams outside of the big three.

Photo and release ex IndyCar Media.

News from New Zealand

                                         
                                                      Hayden Paddon WRC Factory Driver Hyundai

While on this site I write of many things relating to IndyCar and the IndyCar series I present this to you today as news from New Zealand if you are reading it in another part of the world and the great privilege that I have to share in this great academy and feel its worthy of your interest as a fan or a person that enjoys Motorsport.

Elite Motorsport Academy fosters rising stars.

Eight rising stars of New Zealand motorsport will have the opportunity to further their motorsport aspirations as part of the class of 2017 at the New Zealand Elite Motorsport Academy.

Applications for next year’s Elite Motorsport Academy programme have opened and while applications don’t close until 17 March next year, the trustees of the MotorSport New Zealand Scholarship Trust, which manages the Academy, urge applicants to submit their application early so their racing exploits over the summer months can be monitored and assessed.

The Elite Motorsport Academy first ran in 2004 with race drivers Nelson Hartley, Christina Orr, Andy Knight and Tim Edgell among the selected participants that year. 

“Since then, many Kiwi motorsport stars who regularly make news headlines around New Zealand and the world, such as Shane Van Gisbergen, Hayden Paddon, Brendon Hartley, Mitch Evans and Richie Stanaway, have graduated from the only training academy of its kind in New Zealand,” says Wayne Christie, President of MotorSport New Zealand and a trustee of the Scholarship Trust. “We know from other motorsport governing bodies around the world, that our Elite Motorsport Academy is held in high regard, so New Zealand competitors can be assured of a truly world-class programme which will make a significant difference to their ability to further their motorsport aspirations.”

Trustee David Turner puts out the call to all race and rally drivers (and co-drivers), karters and other four-wheel motorsport competitors to prepare their Academy application.

“The Elite Motorsport Academy offers you the chance to have some of the best service providers in the country assist you in your professional development as a motorsport competitor. The Academy isn’t about teaching you to drive a race car – you have proven your talents prior to your selection. We aim to add to your toolbox of skills around the mental training, fitness, sponsorship and marketing, nutrition and media skills needed to succeed in this sport. 

“While there is a natural focus on the Academy camp in Dunedin in July where you will learn an incredible amount from tutors at the Academy of Sport South Island and the University of Otago’s School of Physical Education’s Human Performance Centre, the programme provides a tailored twelve-month follow-up package for the Academy graduates to ensure you retain and further develop the training regimes and educational opportunities demonstrated during the camp.”

Turner says earlier graduates will testify to the large stepping stone that the Academy will create for graduates determined to make a career in motorsport. “You will also enjoy the long-standing friendships that are formed as being part of the Academy.”

Turner suggests competitors who have applied in the past may wish to consider applying again. “It’s important that you do not feel like you cannot apply again, because you can and should.”

Applications are now open with more information and the application form available on the Academy page of MotorSport New Zealand’s website, www.motorsport.org.nz.

“We urge prospective applicants to take the time to look at the Academy information on the website and see what it has to offer,” Turner says. “Speak to others who have attended and listen to all they got from it – how can it benefit you as well? One only has look back at the earlier graduates and see the levels many of them have attained in our domestic motorsport series and around the world.

“This is a great chance to be one of the select few that can be classed as Elite Motorsport Academy graduates and I urge you all to apply and see what it can do for you in 2017.”

ENDS/

Attached images are free to use for editorial purposes. They show 2005 Elite Motorsport Academy graduate Brendon Hartley, now defending world champion in the FIA World Endurance Championship, and Hayden Paddon, who graduated the Elite Motorsport Academy in 2006 and now holds fourth in the 2016 FIA World Rally Championship drivers’ standings.

For further information, please contact:

David Turner, Trustee, MotorSport New Zealand Scholarship Trust

M: 021 244 1504

E: perspectivegroupltd@gmail.com

http://www.motorsport.org.nz/academy/elite-academy

                                                         Brendon Hartley WEC Factory Driver Porsche.

Statements and photos from Motorsport NZ.

Classy Dixon at Spring Training

Had to share this with you all as the 2016 season gets close.

Captured at Spring training today for the 2016 IndyCar season via my friend Arni at IndyCar Media this shot of the 2015 IndyCar Series Champion Scott Dixon.

What makes it so classy from the 4 time champ and 2008 Indy 500 winner is that the small print on the back of the helmet as it pays tribute to three great drivers lost in recent years within the sport. Tony Rena, Dan Weldon and Justin Wilson all lost way too soon.

Then to top it off proudly showing his heritage from New Zealand.

With out a doubt Dixon will go down as a great of the sport.

Another week and more news.

Upgrades and an all new look at Turn 2 are the feature news this week.

As the countdown to the 100th running of the Indy 500 gets closer on May 29th 2016.

For decades the turn two suites have been part of the landscape of the speedway and this week saw the revealing of the re-branded and refreshed suites. New paint, new look, new entrance  a total refresh and more as the countdown draws closer.

Fuzzy's Ultra Premium Vodka owner Fuzzy Zoeller the ten time winner on the PGA Golf Tour and winner on the 1979 US Masters commented "Well we all knew the building needed to be repainted and we were happy to help with the paint and the rebranding."

The paint is white and green just like at the golf course and in keeping with the companies colours. There will be a commemorative bottle of Fuzzy's Ultra Premium Vodka released for the running of the 100th Indianapolis 500 this year as well.

Ed Carpenter Racing will again feature the companies colours across the 2016 IndyCar Series as the sponsorship with the team carries on as it has for the past few seasons so all in all the brand will be in full flight come May at the Speedway.

Another chapter in the changing face of the Speedway and the 500 --- be sure to check out my new book The Mystique of Indy, my personal story of learning about life at the Brickyard, due to be out very soon and the link will be posted for you and if you are a fan or thinking of attending this years event then check out the already published book Indy 500 Bound Travel Tips for race fans. and see a sample of it and the link to it in the post from Feb 9th.

Its going to be an awesome event thats for sure. David

95 Days and Counting.

The countdown seems to be really kicking off in style now with just under 95 days to the running of the 100th Indy 500 Mile race. It is certainly looking like we will not be short of any news in the countdown period thats for sure.

This week Firestone Racing unveiled a special tire sidewall design for that honors the drivers who contributed to the brand's 66 victories at the world's most renowned race. Every winning driver on the side of the tire very cool I say.

Firestone has carried more drivers to Victory Lane at Indianapolis Motor Speedway than all other tire manufacturers combined - starting with Ray Harroun in the first race in 1911 and continuing through Juan Pablo Montoya's victory last year.

"The Firestone brand solidified its place in motorsports history at the first running of the Indianapolis 500 with driver Ray Harroun," said Lisa Boggs, director of Bridgestone Americas Motorsports. "More than a century later, we are honored to celebrate all of the legendary drivers who have taken Firestone to victory circle at the 'Greatest Spectacle in Racing,'

"From the beginning, Harvey Firestone believed in the power of motorsports and the Indianapolis 500 as a showcase for our company's performance, innovation and technology. That legacy is at the core of everything we do and we are proud to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime event."

The special sidewalls shown here in this photo that Firestone released this week show how it will feature the names of every driver who won the Indianapolis 500 on Firestone tires. Also displayed on the sidewall is the 100th running logo and customary Firestone brand markings, including red and white Firestone "F shield" logos unique to the Indianapolis 500 tire because they identify the right- and left-side race tires, respectively.

The tires for the Indy 500 this year will feature an updated right-front construction designed to improve driver confidence in the corners, a softer left-rear construction to add overall grip and a more heat resistant left-side compound. Firestone will produce more than 5,000 tires to be used in May for practice, qualifying and the historic race.

It is all starting to really become exciting and look out for my latest book to learn more on the history of this great race it will be out in just a few weeks and I hope you all enjoy it so keep a look out for it.

David