The Borg Warner on the Road

For the first time in its 82-year history, the Borg-Warner Trophy has left the United States. The iconic prize, which features the faces of every Indianapolis 500 winner -- along with former Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Tony Hulman -- is currently in Japan for a 15-day celebration of Takuma Sato's victory this past May in the 101st running of the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing."the Indy 500.

The Borg Warner trophy left its home at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum on late November and is flying to Tokyo for festivities to honor Sato as the first Japanese winner of 500 and to celebrate Honda's 12th 500 victory. According to the itinerary, stops on the Japanese tour include a variety of events in Tokyo, the Twin Ring Motegi race circuit and the Japanese cities of Nabari and Fukuroi.

"I think it is very special that the Borg-Warner Trophy is traveling to Japan," Sato said in a news release. "The trophy represents winning the greatest race in the world, and I am very proud to have won the 2017 Indianapolis 500 and have my image on the trophy. For nearly two weeks, the trophy will be seen throughout Japan by fans and media. I am honored to be the first Japanese driver to win the Indy 500 and extremely grateful the Borg-Warner Trophy will be traveling outside United States for the first time ever to celebrate my team's and Honda's accomplishments. Let's do it again next year, too!"

According to the release from the Speedway, the trophy will travel around 12,780 miles during its journey, which will end back at the IMS Museum on Dec. 12. 

Photo supplied from the IndyStar photographer Michelle Pemberton.

Back Home Again

Beloved Indianapolis 500 Icon Nabors Passes Away

Actor-Entertainer Sang 'Back Home Again in Indiana' during Pre-Race Ceremonies for 36 Years

Actor-entertainer Jim Nabors, one of the most beloved figures in Indianapolis 500 history for his stirring pre-race rendition of "Back Home Again in Indiana," passed away Thursday, Nov. 30 at his home in Hawaii. He was 87.

Nabors sang the iconic tune 36 times between 1972 and 2014 during pre-race ceremonies for the Indianapolis 500. Although born in Alabama, Nabors was considered a true Hoosier due to his performances at the "500" but even more so because of his warmth, grace and generosity, and his very close relationship with the Hulman-George family, owners of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

"Jim Nabors was such a kind, caring man, and we will miss him greatly," the Hulman-George family said. "Jim was born in Alabama, but he became a Hoosier to all of us almost immediately after he began his superb performances of 'Back Home Again in Indiana' starting in 1972. He loved coming back home to the Speedway almost every May for more than 40 years and seeing his friends and race fans, who loved him dearly. Jim was not only a treasured friend, but truly a cherished member of our family.

"We will never forget his genuine kindness, sincerity and loyalty. He was a wonderful man who inspired millions of people across the globe every May and throughout his entire life."

Nabors was best known for his television portrayal of bumpkin Gomer Pyle in the "The Andy Griffith Show" in the early 1960s and for his starring role in the popular spin-off television comedy "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C." from 1964-69. His catchphrase on both shows, "Gollllll-ly!" was flavored with the Southern drawl of his native Alabama.

But Nabors also had an extensive background in singing with his rich baritone in cabaret and night club performances before his acting career. He sang on episodes of "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C." and on televised variety shows and theater performances for many years.

Nabors' journey to performing "Back Home Again in Indiana" was an anecdote he enjoyed telling. He was the guest of casino magnate Bill Harrah at the 1972 Indianapolis 500 when, on Race Morning, Nabors was approached shortly before pre-race ceremonies to sing during the festivities. He presumed he would be asked to perform the national anthem.

Instead, race officials asked Nabors to sing "Back Home Again in Indiana." He didn't know the lyrics, so he scrawled them on the palm of his hand and wowed the huge crowd with his performance.

Nabors returned to sing each year from 1973-78, becoming a big hit with fans and the Hulman-George family. Other singers performed the song from 1979-82, with Nabors returning in 1983 and 1984. Nabors was in Indianapolis to sing in 1986, but the race suffered two full days of rain delays. He was unable to return to sing when the race ran the following weekend.

In 1987, Nabors began a run of singing "Back Home Again in Indiana" for 27 of the next 28 years. He missed the 2007 race due to illness, and his rendition in 2012 was taped in advance and shown on the track's video boards since Nabors couldn't travel from Hawaii due to illness.

Nabors' final performance came in 2014, when he also joined IMS Chairman of the Board Emeritus Mari Hulman George to give the command to start engines for the 98th Indianapolis 500.

That gesture was a prominent example of the extremely close friendship between Nabors and the Hulman-George family, especially Mari Hulman George. Nabors, fellow actor and entertainer Florence Henderson and Mari Hulman George enjoyed spending time together for decades as an almost inseparable trio of best friends during all Race Weekend activities, such as the Public Drivers Meeting, 500 Festival Parade and Victory Celebration.

Nabors' common touch and humility also were displayed annually to thousands of IMS fans who loved him dearly as an institution of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing." He always had a kind word for everyone and posed for countless pictures and signed seemingly limitless autographs. Nabors often visited the gift shop in the IMS Museum on Saturday of Race Weekend after the 500 Festival Parade, unassumingly walking in, waving and greeting excited IMS employees with genuine affection and enthusiasm about making his annual return to the Speedway.

"Everyone at IMS is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend Jim Nabors," IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. "Jim's stirring rendition of 'Back Home Again in Indiana' became as much of a tradition of the Indianapolis 500 as the command to start engines or the winner's bottle of milk.

"But more importantly, Jim was such a nice man. He was beloved by our fans because he loved the Speedway and the '500' just as much as them. He wasn't born in Indiana, but he was a true Hoosier. We always will remember Jim and extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends."

Nabors is survived by his husband, Stan Cadwallader.

Information from IMS Media.

Look who is coming back in 2018 to the Indy 500.

Danica Plans To Race in 102nd Indianapolis 500 Next May.

                                                  Danica Patrick on the Yard of Bricks at Indy in 2005

Announced  on Friday November 17th in Indianapolis - Fan favourite Danica Patrick plans to race in the 102nd Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil in May 2018, the last start in her barrier-breaking career as a race driver.

Patrick, from Roscoe, Illinois, has made seven career starts in "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" from 2005-11, setting a number of milestones for female drivers.

Her best finish - third in 2009 - and start - fourth as a rookie in 2005 - both are records for female drivers in the "500." She also has led 29 laps during her "500" career, including 19 in her electrifying debut in 2005. Both also are race records for a female driver.

"This will be my last season as a full-time driver," Patrick said of 2017. "I'm not totally done. I'm going to do the Daytona 500 and Indy 500 next year, and I'm really excited about that. I think it's going to be a great way to cap it off."

Patrick, 35, intends to complete a "Danica Double" comprised of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 18 at Daytona International Speedway and then the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil on Sunday, May 27 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the last two starts in her career.

She has raced full time in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series for Stewart-Haas Racing since 2013, including five consecutive starts in the Big Machine Brickyard 400.

Patrick did not reveal during the press conference at Homestead-Miami Speedway the team with which she will make her final Indianapolis 500 start.

"We're glad Danica plans to return to the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil next May," IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. "Her final career start will make what's already shaping up to be a terrific Month of May even more interesting for our fans.

"It's also fitting that Danica is wrapping up her career at the place and in the race where she became a household name and captured the world's attention in 2005 - the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500. We're looking forward to seeing her back in an Indy car next May alongside all of the tremendous drivers of the Verizon IndyCar Series."

Tickets for all Month of May events in 2018 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, including the fifth annual INDYCAR Grand Prix and the 102nd Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil, are on sale now at IMS.com and the IMS Ticket Office.

The vibe for the 2018 IndyCar Series is already in full flight and now with this news surrounding the magic month of May its only getting better thats for sure.

Media and Photo with thanks from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Sato takes the 101st Indy 500

Sato becomes first Japanese winner of Indy 500 in thrilling finish.

Sunday, May 28, 2017. Kiwi Team Manger for Sato played a major role in the race win for first time winner Sato. New Zealander Paul (Ziggy) Harcus well known in the IndyCar paddock claimed another 500 victory today and back to back wins as well in his role as team manager at Andretti Autosport and today May 28th 2017 in his season role this season in charge of race tactics for Sato.

Many wondered if an experienced Formula One driver competing for Andretti Autosport could win the 101st Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil. It happened, just not by the one some expected.

Takuma Sato capped off another thrilling Indianapolis 500 that featured a record number of drivers leading the race. The driver of the No. 26 Andretti Autosport Honda edged three-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves to the finish line by 0.2011 of a second to become the first Japanese winner of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."

Sato passed Castroneves for the lead on Lap 195 - the last of 35 lead changes in the 200-lap race on the historic 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval and the seventh straight year that the decisive pass for the Indy 500 lead occurred in the last six laps. Sato held off aggressive charges from Castroneves, the driver of the No. 3 Shell Fuel Rewards Team Penske Chevrolet, in the sixth-closest finish in Indy 500 history.

After spending seven years in Formula One, Sato came to the Verizon IndyCar Series in 2010. His only previous Indy car victory was in 2013 with AJ Foyt Racing on the streets of Long Beach, California. Sato joined Andretti Autosport this season, and his first oval win today is the fifth for Andretti Autosport in the Indianapolis 500 - including three in the last four years.

"It's such a privilege to win here," said Sato, who crashed while battling eventual winner Dario Franchitti for the lead on the final lap of the 2012 Indy 500. "So whether it was the first attempt or eighth attempt or you had a drama in the past, it doesn't really matter. Winning today, it's just superb.

"But, yes, I do feel after 2012 I really needed to correct something I left over. Today, I was so happy that I made it and won in a good move."

Sato is the 71st driver to win an Indianapolis 500 in its 101 runnings. The best previous finish by a Japanese driver was fifth by Tora Takagi in 2003.

Castroneves overcame a black-flag penalty for jumping a restart and dodged mayhem in two race incidents to finish second at Indy for the third time - making him one of seven drivers with three Indianapolis 500 runner-up finishes. It is the 41st second-place finish of the Brazilian's 20-year Indy car career, which ranks second all time.

"The Shell Fuel Rewards Chevy team almost got it done today," said Castroneves, attempting for the eighth straight year to join A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears as four-time Indy 500 winners. "It was so close. 

"I say, 'great job' to my guys," added Castroneves, who recovered from his worst Indy 500 start (19th) and the pit drive-through penalty to finish runner-up. "They worked their tails off, we saw it all today. We were in the back and we led some laps. We avoided disaster and we almost got (win) No. 4."

Dale Coyne Racing rookie Ed Jones finished a career-best third. Like Castroneves, Jones had to climb from the rear of the field after having the rear wing assembly on his No. 19 Boy Scouts of America Honda replaced during a pit stop.

"We kept pushing on, kept making up positions," the 23-year-old from Dubai said. "I had a great Dale Coyne Racing car underneath me the whole way that got me to make those passes. ... Congrats to Sato. I didn't really have the pace for him and Helio at the end, but we did the best we could."

Fernando Alonso was the most heralded rookie coming into the race. The two-time Formula One champion, who bypassed today's F1 Monaco Grand Prix to fulfill a dream to drive in the Indy 500, started fifth, ran up front most of the day and led 27 laps in the No. 29 McLaren-Honda-Andretti Honda. Alonso's race came to a premature conclusion 24th place with a mechanical issue after 179 laps.

"Obviously disappointed not to finish the race because every race you compete, you want to be at the checkered flag," Alonso said. "Today, (it) was not possible. Anyway, (it) was a great experience, the last two weeks. I came here basically to prove myself, to challenge myself. I know that I can be as quick as anyone in an F1 car. I didn't know if I can be as quick as anyone in an Indy car.

"Thanks to IndyCar, an amazing experience," the 35-year-old Spaniard added. "Thanks to Indianapolis, thanks to the fans. I felt at home. I'm not American, but I felt really proud to race here."

Despite going a lap down early with handling issues, Chip Ganassi Racing's Max Chilton led the most laps (50) before finishing fourth. It was the best showing of the 26-year-old Brit's two-year Verizon IndyCar Series career.

"I don't think anyone has ever won this race without a little bit of luck," said Chilton, driver of the No. 8 Gallagher Honda. "When we did end up getting out front, the car was really quick and you can see why this place is so special and so electric in that moment. ... To come from a lap down to lead and have a chance to win here at Indy is a massive accomplishment for the whole team."  

A total of 15 drivers led the event, breaking the record of 14 set in 2013. The race was slowed by 11 cautions periods for a total of 50 laps. A red flag stopped action for 19 minutes to repair the SAFER Barrier and catch fencing in the short chute between Turns 1 and 2. It was the result of a Lap 53 collision between Jay Howard and pole sitter Scott Dixon that vaulted Dixon's car into the safety materials on the inside of the track. Neither driver was injured.

"I'm just a little beaten up," said Dixon, driver of the No. 9 Camping World Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing. "It was definitely a bit of a rough ride.

"I was hoping that Jay was going to stay against the wall, but obviously, there was the impact. I had already picked that way to go and there was nowhere else to go to avoid him. It was definitely a wild ride. Big thanks to the Holmatro Safety Team, INDYCAR and Dallara and everyone for the safety standards we have on these cars."

Buddy Lazier was involved in a single-car incident on Lap 122. The 1996 Indy 500 winner spun and contacted the Turn 2 SAFER Barrier in the No. 44 Lazier Racing-StalkIt-Tivoli Lodge Chevrolet. Complaining of chest discomfort, Lazier was transported to IU Health Methodist Hospital, where he was treated and released.

The final caution flag waved on Lap 184 when the cars of James Davison and Oriol Servia touched in Turn 2, sparking a five-car incident that also collected James Hinchcliffe, Josef Newgarden and Will Power. None of the drivers was injured.

Sato becomes the sixth different winner in as many Verizon IndyCar Series races this season and jumps to third place in the standings. Castroneves leads with 245 points while reigning series champion Simon Pagenaud, Sato and Dixon each has 234. Alexander Rossi is fifth in points with 190 after finishing seventh today.

Photo of Paul Harcus at IMS 2016 David Turner Collection

Media quotes ex IndyCar Media

IndyCar the next generation and the 101st 500.

INDYCAR unveils exciting images of 2018 Verizon IndyCar Series car design.

Announced in  Indianapolis on Wednesday 29th March the exciting latest pics of the design of the car to be used in Verizon IndyCar Series competition in 2018 is coming more into focus.

INDYCAR, sanctioning body for the premier North American open-wheel racing series, released new images today of the universal aerodynamic bodywork kit that will be used by all competitors in 2018. Following along with this year's INDYCAR theme of "NEXT," the computer-generated images are the next evolution of the car's development process and provide more detail than concept sketches released in January.

"While this remains a work in progress, we are encouraged with where the development of the 2018 car stands," said Jay Frye, INDYCAR president of competition and operations. "The look of the car is bold, the performance data from simulations is meeting targeted goals and safety enhancements built into the design will be substantial."

Frye said INDYCAR is on target to begin testing the car by mid-summer. Verizon IndyCar Series teams will still choose between Chevrolet and Honda engines for competition next season, but all cars will be outfitted with the universal kit that covers the Dallara IR-12 chassis that has been used since the 2012 season. As with the current aero kits provided by Chevrolet and Honda through the end of this season, the universal car will come in two configurations: one for superspeedway ovals and the other for street courses, road courses and short ovals. 

The supplier of the universal kit has yet to be announced, but its look is sleek and reminiscent of past Indy car favorites. Tino Belli, INDYCAR director of aerodynamic development, said the kit has been successfully reverse-designed to start with its desired appearance and build in functionality from there.

"We've been working on the aerodynamics to suit the look, rather than the other way around," Belli said.

A key component of the new car is for it to generate most of its downforce from underneath instead of on top. This will improve racing and passing opportunities by decreasing the turbulent air that the Indy car leaves in its wake.

"We're working on creating more of the downforce from the underwing," Belli said. "The hole in the floor (of the undertray on this year's car) will be sealed for the road courses and short ovals, but will still be open for the superspeedways."

Belli added that simulations show the new car meets INDYCAR's aerodynamic targets and additional safety enhancements include side impact structures in the sidepods and repositioned radiators to assist in reducing the severity of side impacts by crushing on impact.

Other noticeable features in the new car images include a lower engine cover that provides "a more traditional Indy car look," according to Belli. Turbocharger inlets are moving to the inside of the radiator inlet ducts.

The rear wing and front wing main plane are smaller in the new car look and the centerline wicker from the nose of the car to the cockpit is tapered. The rear wing in the road course/short oval configuration is lower and wider. The fins on the leading edge of the sidepods of the current car will be removed or minimized on the 2018 car.

Though there is still work to be done, Belli feels that INDYCAR has achieved "97 percent" of its goals when it set out to create the new car's look and efficiency.

Things certainly seem to be progressing and in a great way as well. Its sure to be a very exciting 12 months as we await the new design.

Expected Entires for the 101st Indy 500.

                                                           Pre race at Indy May 2016.

The field for May's 101st running of the Indianapolis 500 just got a little bigger. 

On Tuesday this week, Dale Coyne Racing announced that is bringing back Pippa Mann for the fifth straight year.

Mann's addition brings the unofficial car count for the 500 to 28 and there will be more to follow.

Remember, some teams are expected to add more cars -- and other teams could join the fray -- but here's where things stand as of Tuesday, March 28.

Team Penske will have a massive FIVE entrants: Juan Montoya, Helio Castroneves, Josef Newgarden, Will Power and Simon Pagenaud.

Chip Ganassi Racing will have its series four entrants: Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan, Max Chilton and Charlie Kimball.

Andretti Autosport will have four entrants: Marco Andretti, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Takuma Sato and Alexander Rossi. I wonder if that may become five with drivers such as Townsend Bell  to join in as he has the past few years.

Ed Carpenter Racing will have two entrants: Ed Carpenter and J.R. Hildebrand.

Schmidt Peterson Motorsports will have three entrants: James Hinchcliffe, Mikhail Aleshin and Jay Howard (sponsored by Tony Stewart Foundation).

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing will have two entrants: Graham Rahal and Oriol Servia.

Dale Coyne Racing will have three entrants: Sebastian Bourdais, Ed Jones and Pippa Mann.

A.J. Foyt Racing with have two entrants:Carlos Munoz and Conor Daly. Could this increase to the three they have run in  the past few years by adding Alex Tagliani in recent times?

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing will have one entrant: Sage Karam.

Juncos Racing will have one entrant (confirmed, but could still be two in the ex KV cars) with a driver to be named .

Stefan Wilson will also compete in the Indy500, but he has yet to declare a team.

Its shaping up and the 101st will be equal to any other 500 -- why because simply this its the Indy 500!

IndyCar Media Release ex Indy Car Media Services  and Indy 500 Entry as currently know and Photo ex the 100th indy 500 and the David Turner Collection

Exciting new entry for the 101st Indy 500.

Juncos Racing Steps Up.

Fifteen years ago, Ricardo Juncos came to the United States and started work as an unpaid go-kart mechanic.

Now this week Juncos proudly announced that he will operate a team competing in the 101st Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil. Juncos, the founder and team principal of Juncos Racing – the highly successful operation in the Mazda Road to Indy presented by Cooper Tires developmental ladder – said his team will take the next step to the Verizon INDYCAR Series on its biggest stage at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May. While driver and manufacturer announcements await, the news signals a “dream come true” for the immigrant from Argentina.

“The opportunity that this country gave me is unbelievable,” said Juncos, whose Mazda Road to Indy program has developed champions and current Verizon INDYCAR Series drivers the likes of Conor Daly and Spencer Pigot. “Sometimes I shock myself where we are today. If you told me 15 years ago that all this will happen, I would be laughing. Today, 15 years later, it’s a reality. What is it (more that) you can ask in life if you can make a living doing something you love?”

With support and equipment from KV Racing Technology, Juncos Racing is preparing for the Indy 500 at the team’s new 40,000-square-foot shop in the shadows of IMS in the ever updated and now very trendy Main Street complex. At the same time, it will continue to field two full-season entries in Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires, the top rung of the INDYCAR-sanctioned Mazda Road to Indy.

Jay Frye, INDYCAR president of competition and operations, said Juncos is a shining example of the Mazda Road to Indy’s mission. “INDYCAR has been fortunate to have many drivers graduate from the Mazda Road to Indy program to the Verizon INDYCAR Series, and those drivers have done a phenomenal job over the years,” said Frye. “Another goal of the Mazda Road to Indy program is to graduate teams and INDYCAR is working hard to help create opportunities for those teams to move up to the Verizon INDYCAR Series. Ricardo and Juncos Racing have a great history of success and we are proud to have them become a part of the Verizon INDYCAR Series.”

Ricardo Juncos started a small formula car team in Buenos Aires in 1997. Faced with difficult economic times, he moved to America in 2002 and began as an unpaid mechanic at a karting team in Florida. Within three months, he said he was the team manager. “I always tried my best to get the best of any situation,” Juncos said. “Always on my mind was live every day but do the best we can in each individual moment.”

Juncos Racing entered Mazda Road to Indy competition in 2009 at the middle level, the Pro Mazda Championship presented by Cooper Tires (then called Star Mazda). A year later, Conor Daly (then 18) won a record-tying seven races on his way to the title.

Now entering his second full season in the Verizon INDYCAR Series, Daly credits his time at Juncos for helping him get where he is today. “It’s fantastic to see Ricardo Juncos take his team to the top level,” said Daly, who will drive the No. 4 ABC Supply Chevrolet for AJ Foyt Racing this season. “I was very lucky to have been a part of the team in my Pro Mazda days and had one of my most successful seasons in racing with them. Ricardo has such a deep love for the sport and is so passionate about his team and drivers succeeding. The Juncos team has won races at every level and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”

The team expanded its effort into Indy Lights in 2012 and had its most successful season three years later, capturing the Indy Lights drivers’ championship with Spencer Pigot and the Pro Mazda team title. Pigot, who’ll drive a second Verizon INDYCAR Series season for Ed Carpenter Racing in 2017, said he was happy but not surprised to learn of Juncos taking the next step.

"(The Verizon INDYCAR Series) has always been their goal and Ricardo is very determined to make that happen,” Pigot said. “They have been a big part of my career since I started karting and it's been great to watch the team grow from two go-karts to being a Mazda Road to Indy powerhouse and now a Verizon INDYCAR series team. I wouldn't be an INDYCAR driver without the things I learned from them and I'm glad to have been part of their success."

Ricardo Juncos said several factors contributed to the decision to enter the Indianapolis 500 this year. The team’s new shop in Speedway, Indiana, offers enough room for the Indy effort while also continuing its Indy Lights program. With an eye toward joining the Verizon INDYCAR Series fulltime in 2018, he approves of the series’ technical direction with the planned universal aero kit. On top of that, the assistance and equipment from KV Racing co-owners Kevin Kalkhoven and Jimmy Vasser made it a “no-brainer” to consummate the deal. It included access to KV’s technical data, which Juncos said would have taken years on track to acquire. When you think about it,” Juncos said, “if I delay one year, probably we don’t have this opportunity anymore.”

Also crediting Jay Frye and Mark Miles, CEO of INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway parent Hulman & Co., for being “massively, massively helpful,” Juncos said the goal is to finish the Indianapolis 500 and use it as a learning experience. “At the moment I am going to focus on the Indy 500 and that will be a starting point,” he said. “The ideal situation will be to run full time in ’18. If the opportunity happens that we can race more races than the 500 (in ’17), we’re going to take it. Now we are becoming a new team in the Verizon INDYCAR Series and will run in ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,’ the Indianapolis 500,” Juncos added. “This is definitely one of the biggest moments in my life.”

Hard to think that May is just around the corner already and the time will fly on by but pre season this certainly has to be one of the great stories of the season ahead.

Photo and quotes ex indy Car Media Services.

This Weeks Indy Car Series News

Wrapping up a quite busy week in IndyCar Series news here is all the latest tit-bits for you all to keep you updated in the long off season break as well as getting excited in the countdown to the start of the 2017 season.

First up more announcements from the series and a new multiyear contract extension with Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC (BATO), continuing its longtime partnership with Firestone as the official tire supplier of the Verizon IndyCar Series. The announcement extends the tire brand's involvement in open-wheel racing that dates to Ray Harroun's Firestone-equipped Marmon Wasp winning the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911. 

"Firestone is part of the fabric of INDYCAR and its commitment to evolving performance, innovation and safety in the Verizon IndyCar Series has been remarkable," said Jay Frye, INDYCAR president of competition and operations. "The Firestone brand has been part of our sport for more than 100 years and continues to be an integral partner in the growth of INDYCAR on and off the racetrack."

Firestone has been involved in racing competitions since the early days of the automobile, particularly at the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. Alexander Rossi's win at the 100th Running of the Indy 500 last May was the 67th for Firestone - more than all other tire manufacturers combined - in the iconic race. Firestone, which returned to Indy car racing in 1995 following a 20-year hiatus, has been the sole supplier of Verizon IndyCar Series tires since 2000 and provides teams with a known, stable and reliable platform for the future of INDYCAR. 

"For more than a century, the Firestone brand has utilized racing as the ideal stage to showcase the trusted dependability of our tires," said Lisa Boggs, director of motorsports, Bridgestone Americas. "This partnership is integral to our marketing initiatives as it allows us to engage with fans via the unique, multi-faceted platform that the Verizon IndyCar Series provides, and we look forward to building upon the brand's time-tested racing legacy."

This season, following discussion with Verizon IndyCar Series teams, IndyCar and Firestone have added to the overall tire allotment at each event to increase the amount of on-track activity during practice sessions. Additionally, teams will be permitted to run one set of alternate (red-sidewall) Firestone Firehawk tires during Friday practice sessions at all road/street course events to better evaluate their capabilities for qualifying and the race.

In the world of Drivers and who is where in 2017.

Ed Carpenter Racing announced that Spencer Pigot will retain his duties as road & street course driver for the No. 20 Chevrolet for the 2017 season. After joining ECR partway through 2016 in the same role, Pigot will be behind the wheel of the No. 20 at non-oval events for the entire 2017 season. The only owner/driver in the series, Ed Carpenter, will continue to pilot the No. 20 Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka Chevrolet at all oval races.

“I'm very excited to be staying with Ed Carpenter Racing for the 2017 season,” Pigot stated. “It's a great feeling to know that I have a secure ride for all of the road and street course races so we can start preparing for the season now. I can't thank everyone at ECR, P1 Management and Rising Star Racing enough for their help getting this deal done.”

The 23-year-old from Orlando, Fla. graduated to the Verizon IndyCar Series last season after winning the 2015 Indy Lights championship. The title came with a guaranteed three-race IndyCar program, which Pigot ran in a Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda. Following the Indianapolis 500, Pigot transitioned to the Chevrolet-powered ECR team.

Pigot competed in the remaining seven road and street course events for ECR, scoring two Top 10 finishes along the way. In only his second event weekend in the No. 20, his ninth-place finish at Road America was the highest of all rookies. A career-best finish of 7th came at Mid-Ohio, where he was also the top-finishing ECR car. He took the checkered flag in nine out of ten races his rookie year, his streak broken only at the season finale when a mechanical issue sidelined him from competition. Pigot worked on improving from his qualifying attempts each weekend, gaining an average of six positions in every race he finished.

“I learned a lot in my rookie year and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to build on that experience. I know I have the team around me to fight at the front and that's what we'll be trying to do in 2017,” said Pigot.

Team owner Carpenter is looking forward to sharing the No. 20 with Pigot. “We are happy to have Spencer back. It was a challenging situation for him to step into the team last year mid-season as a rookie. We believe that Spencer has the potential to be a contender in this sport and we will continue to focus on maximizing that potential,” remarked Carpenter. “It is great to have some offseason left to allow us to continue that development before the season kicks off. We are anticipating a strong sophomore campaign from Spencer.”

In his second season in the Verizon INDYCAR Series, Pigot will drive all 11 road and street course events alongside JR Hildebrand, full-time driver of ECR’s No. 21 Chevrolet. Since 2014, the No. 20 has been split between Carpenter on the ovals and a second driver for the road and street races. Pigot is the first driver to have the road and street course seat of the No. 20 for a second year.

As the winningest driver in the Mazda Road to Indy, Pigot earned four scholarships from Mazda to continue his career’s momentum towards the Verizon INDYCAR Series. In five years, he won four championships and 24 races in USF2000, Pro Mazda and Indy Lights. Pigot is now part of a very select group of young open-wheel drivers aligned with Rising Star Racing, an organization whose mission is to ensure the most deserving drivers get the opportunities they have earned by matching them with corporate sponsors. Pigot is represented by P1 Management, LLC, who worked with RSR to finalize the agreement with Ed Carpenter Racing.

Pigot will be in the No. 20 for the first time this year when he joins Hildebrand for a test at Sonoma Raceway on February 7. Prior to climbing back in an INDYCAR, Pigot will compete in the Rolex 24 at Daytona on January 28 and 29 with Mazda Racing. The 2017 Verizon INDYCAR Series season will open in St. Petersburg, Fla. on March 12.

After joining ECR after the 2016 Indianapolis 500, Pigot will be behind the wheel of the No. 20 Chevrolet at all road and street course events for the entirety of the 2017 season. Since 2014, the No. 20 has been split between Carpenter on the ovals and a second driver for the road and street races. Pigot is the first driver to have the road and street course seat of the No. 20 for a second year.

NAPA Auto Parts and Alexander Rossi drove into racing history by capturing the twin-checkers at the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500, and the pair will again join with Andretti Autosport in 2017. The seven-race, co-primary sponsorship will see the reigning Indy 500 champion take the wheel of Andretti’s No. 98 NAPA Auto Parts Honda starting at the 2017 Verizon INDYCAR Series season opener in St. Petersburg, Florida. Rossi will then carry NAPA Know How for races in Long Beach, Indianapolis, Road America, Watkins Glen and Sonoma.

“We are pleased to announce our continued partnership with one of the more iconic brands in all of motorsports, the Andretti brand,” stated NAPA President, Dan Askey. “We are equally excited to partner with one of the rising stars in the sport in Alexander Rossi and proud to have Alexander representing NAPA both on and off the track. We were fortunate to come on board in May of 2016 becoming a part of history as we rode along with Alexander capturing the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500. Andretti Autosport remains one of the elite teams in the INDYCAR Series and we look forward to what 2017 holds.”

The blue and yellow NAPA livery first entered the Andretti stable in May 2016, just in time to claim victory at the historic 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500. Rossi then carried the NAPA branding on to Detroit’s double header weekend. The Indy 500 winning car and livery of Rossi can be seen on display at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum.

“NAPA is a storied, American brand and I couldn’t be more proud to announce our partnership is continuing,” said Andretti Autosport CEO Michael Andretti. “We were pleased to have previously announced that Alexander will be returning for the full season, and now to be able to confirm that NAPA is back on board – what a great way for us to start 2017. Our relationship with NAPA came together quickly during our Month of May program last year, and it wasn’t long before the partnership was written into history books. We can’t wait to add a few more pages to history together.”

"Confirming NAPA Auto Parts is the perfect way for us to start off 2017,” said Rossi, 25. “NAPA is one of the most recognized brands in the U.S., and with over 6,000 stores, they touch every corner of our nation. In 2016, we had historic success together in the Verizon INDYCAR Series, however there is still much more to accomplish. I’m proud to have NAPA back on board the No. 98 and am motivated to carry our momentum together through 2017.”

Rossi joins teammates Ryan Hunter-Reay (No. 28 DHL Honda), Marco Andretti (No. 27 hhgregg Honda) and Takuma Sato (No. 26 Honda) as the battle for the 2017 Verizon INDYCAR Series championship. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         AJ Foyt Racing will run Chevrolet engines for the first time since the 2005 season, with drivers Carlos Munoz (second from right) and Conor Daly. (Courtesy: AJ Foyt Racing)(Photo: Dan R. Boyd)

More changes are afoot at AJ Foyt Racing, as the team announced Tuesday that it will be powered by Chevrolet engines for the 2017 Verizon IndyCar Series season. “I am looking forward to what will be a new chapter for us that involves returning to an old friend in Chevrolet,” team president Larry Foyt said via release. “There are a lot of changes happening within our team this off-season and I won’t minimize the challenges, but I see a lot of potential with our plan.” In 2005, A.J. Foyt IV piloted the No. 14 ABC Supply Indy car with a Chevy engine, the last time the manufacturer was used by the team.

Announced earlier, Carlos Munoz will pilot the No. 14 and Conor Daly will drive the No. 4. Tests for both are scheduled at Sebring International Raceway later this month. “I’m glad to be back with Chevy,” said A.J. Foyt, the team’s owner and the first four-time Indianapolis 500 winner, in a release. “I’ve had a lot of success with them in the past and I’m looking forward to more success in the future.”

IndyCar kicks off its season with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 12 so not too long to go now.

Counting down to the 101 Already!

INDIANAPOLIS — January 2017

Dear me its still snowing out there but heck its now officially just months until the 101 yep thats right the 101st running of the Indy 500 Mile Race. Cant wait!

This week as part of the build up it was announced that Four-time Grammy winner Keith Urban will headline the annual Firestone Legends Day Concert on Saturday, May 27, the day before the 101st Indy 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil. 

Tickets go on-sale Monday, Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. with a pre-sale for current 2017 IMS ticketholders taking place at an earlier date.

Urban’s songs have reached the top of the charts 21 times, most recently with current smash hit “Blue Ain’t Your Color.” Urban has recorded eight studio albums and is the first male Country artist to debut atop the all-genre charts in the U.S., Canada and Australia. He’s won both a People’s Choice Award and an American Music Award and has been nominated for a Golden Globe. He’s also won eleven Academy of Country Music Awards, has had five consecutive platinum or multi-platinum albums and is a member of the famed Grand Ole Opry.

“Firestone Legends Day has become an awesome way to celebrate the night before the Indianapolis 500 each year and having Keith Urban headline this year’s concert is going to be fantastic,” said IMS President J. Douglas Boles. “Keith’s many chart-topping Billboard hits, along with his appreciation for racing, will give thousands of spectators a can’t miss show to help celebrate the 101st Indy 500 Race Weekend.”

“The Firestone Legends Day concert has become a much anticipated Indianapolis 500 tradition, and we are excited to partner with the Speedway to bring superstar Keith Urban to the IMS stage,” said Philip Dobbs, chief marketing officer, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. “This event gives us the perfect platform to showcase the hard work and trusted dependability that make up the Firestone brand, and it allows us to connect with passionate country music fans in an engaging way.”

Dustin Lynch and Clayton Anderson will be special guests and fill out the full lineup.

Roll on the merry month of May

Race day images

The 100th running of the Indy 500.

Race day images from the David Turner collection.