| January 2013 |
| Latest news is at the bottom |
Barrichello Moves On
Jan 1 - Former Formula One driver Rubens
Barrichello will not return to IndyCar in 2013.
He was offered the chance to drive for the
Medley-sponsored team in Brazil's stock-car
series while commentating on F1 races for
Globo, Brazi's leading TV station. He
accepted because he didn't have enough
sponsorship leads. Word is he needed to
secure at least $3 million to join one of the
stronger Honda-powered teams.
Jan 1 - Former Formula One driver Rubens
Barrichello will not return to IndyCar in 2013.
He was offered the chance to drive for the
Medley-sponsored team in Brazil's stock-car
series while commentating on F1 races for
Globo, Brazi's leading TV station. He
accepted because he didn't have enough
sponsorship leads. Word is he needed to
secure at least $3 million to join one of the
stronger Honda-powered teams.
| RACE NEWS & VIEWS |
Firestone Racing Management Changes
Jan 2 - Al Speyer, one of IndyCar's strongest
supporters, announced his retirement. Speyer has been
the executive director of Firestone Racing since the
Nashville-based company returned to open-wheel
competition in 1995. The announcement came as
IndyCar extended its contract with the tire supplier
through 2018.
FIrestone's motor sports manager, Joe Barbieri is also
retiring in March. He has been with the company for 40
years.
Jan 2 - Al Speyer, one of IndyCar's strongest
supporters, announced his retirement. Speyer has been
the executive director of Firestone Racing since the
Nashville-based company returned to open-wheel
competition in 1995. The announcement came as
IndyCar extended its contract with the tire supplier
through 2018.
FIrestone's motor sports manager, Joe Barbieri is also
retiring in March. He has been with the company for 40
years.
Hulman Comapany's New CEO
Jan 3 - Mark Miles has been hired as CEO of Hulman &
Company, the parent organization of IMS and IndyCar.
Miles has previously worked for the Central Indiana
Corporate Partnershipo, Eli Lilly, ATP (Men's Tennis),
the 1987 Pan American games and the 2012 Super
Bowl.
Jeff Belskus will continue as president of Hulman &
Company and CEO of IMS and IndyCar.
Jan 3 - Mark Miles has been hired as CEO of Hulman &
Company, the parent organization of IMS and IndyCar.
Miles has previously worked for the Central Indiana
Corporate Partnershipo, Eli Lilly, ATP (Men's Tennis),
the 1987 Pan American games and the 2012 Super
Bowl.
Jeff Belskus will continue as president of Hulman &
Company and CEO of IMS and IndyCar.
| Al Speyer |
| Mark Miles |
F1 Drivers Switching Teams For 2013
French driver Charles Pic has moved from Marussia F1
to the Caterham F1 team after his 1st year in Formula One.
Nico Hulkenberg moves from Sahara Force India to
Sauber.
Sauber's 2012 test driver Esteban Gutierrez moves to
driver position for Sauber.
British World Champion Lewis Hamilton moves from
McLaren to Mercedes.
Sergio Perez moved to McLaren from Sauber.
NOTE: The HRT team owner's tried to sell the team
before the Nov 30 deadline, but was unable to. The
team was consequently dropped from the 2013 entry list.
French driver Charles Pic has moved from Marussia F1
to the Caterham F1 team after his 1st year in Formula One.
Nico Hulkenberg moves from Sahara Force India to
Sauber.
Sauber's 2012 test driver Esteban Gutierrez moves to
driver position for Sauber.
British World Champion Lewis Hamilton moves from
McLaren to Mercedes.
Sergio Perez moved to McLaren from Sauber.
NOTE: The HRT team owner's tried to sell the team
before the Nov 30 deadline, but was unable to. The
team was consequently dropped from the 2013 entry list.
2012 Drivers Currently Without Rides
Heikki Kovalainen (Finnish)
Vitaly Petrov (Russian)
Giedo van der Garde (Dutch)
Narain Karthikeyan (Indian)
Kamui Kobayashi (Japanese)
Pedro de la Rosa (Spanish)
Vitantonio Liuzzi (Italian)
Dani Clos (Spanish)
Bruno Senna (Brazilian)
Robert Kubica (Polish)
Heikki Kovalainen (Finnish)
Vitaly Petrov (Russian)
Giedo van der Garde (Dutch)
Narain Karthikeyan (Indian)
Kamui Kobayashi (Japanese)
Pedro de la Rosa (Spanish)
Vitantonio Liuzzi (Italian)
Dani Clos (Spanish)
Bruno Senna (Brazilian)
Robert Kubica (Polish)
IndyCar Loses Engine Supplier
Jan 4 - Lotus is officially out of IndyCar as an engine
supplier, which leaves Chevy and Honda.
Lotus just never got out of the gate this year and they
give up. The only team that was still using them was
HVM and it does not look like they will be back either.
Jan 4 - Lotus is officially out of IndyCar as an engine
supplier, which leaves Chevy and Honda.
Lotus just never got out of the gate this year and they
give up. The only team that was still using them was
HVM and it does not look like they will be back either.
Dallara Parts Controversy Concludes
Jan 17 - IndyCar chose Dallara to manufacture their new
chassis last year. Contractual agreements between
them stipulated that parts must be purchased from
Dallara.
This created a hot controversy as the team owners said
the parts cost too much and that they could fabricate
them or buy them elsewhere for less.
The matter has now been resolved with IndyCar getting
a 14% price reduction and a 15-month price-freeze
from Dallara.
The Italian company Dallara built a factory in the town of
Speedway last year.
Jan 17 - IndyCar chose Dallara to manufacture their new
chassis last year. Contractual agreements between
them stipulated that parts must be purchased from
Dallara.
This created a hot controversy as the team owners said
the parts cost too much and that they could fabricate
them or buy them elsewhere for less.
The matter has now been resolved with IndyCar getting
a 14% price reduction and a 15-month price-freeze
from Dallara.
The Italian company Dallara built a factory in the town of
Speedway last year.
| The new Dallara racecar factory in Indianapolis |
1963 Winner Finally Gets Trophy.
Jan 17 - Parnelli Jones has just about everything
money can buy and memories that are priceless. But he
always wanted of those baby Borg-Warner trophies to
commemorate his 1963 Indianapolis 500 victory.
Trouble was, Borg-Warner didn’t start giving them away
until 1988 so Jones was left with “trophy envy” the past
25 years.
However, that all changed Wednesday night in Detroit.
In a secret plan concocted by three-time Indy winner
Dario Franchitti, racing publicist Steve Shunck and
Borg’s Tim Maganello, Parnelli flew to Detroit
ostensibly to give Franchitti his third 18-inch replica of
the four-foot trophy.
Jones did just that and then the Scotsman turned the
tables.
“I was floored,” said the oldest living Indy winner who
celebrates his 50th anniversary of that win this May. “It
was a great surprise and those guys did a good job of
keeping it a secret. I guess everybody knew but me.
“That trophy is so famous and I always wanted a copy
because all we got back then was a plaque. I even
offered to buy one so this is really a neat deal.”
Franchitti said the plan was launched last fall during a
cookout at Parnelli’s place with Rick Mears and Shunck.
Jan 17 - Parnelli Jones has just about everything
money can buy and memories that are priceless. But he
always wanted of those baby Borg-Warner trophies to
commemorate his 1963 Indianapolis 500 victory.
Trouble was, Borg-Warner didn’t start giving them away
until 1988 so Jones was left with “trophy envy” the past
25 years.
However, that all changed Wednesday night in Detroit.
In a secret plan concocted by three-time Indy winner
Dario Franchitti, racing publicist Steve Shunck and
Borg’s Tim Maganello, Parnelli flew to Detroit
ostensibly to give Franchitti his third 18-inch replica of
the four-foot trophy.
Jones did just that and then the Scotsman turned the
tables.
“I was floored,” said the oldest living Indy winner who
celebrates his 50th anniversary of that win this May. “It
was a great surprise and those guys did a good job of
keeping it a secret. I guess everybody knew but me.
“That trophy is so famous and I always wanted a copy
because all we got back then was a plaque. I even
offered to buy one so this is really a neat deal.”
Franchitti said the plan was launched last fall during a
cookout at Parnelli’s place with Rick Mears and Shunck.
“First of all, it’s been an honor getting to know Parnelli
and hearing stories about the roadster era and battling
with Jimmy (Clark) so it was really cool to be able to give
him a Baby Borg,” said the Scotsman, who joined Louie
Meyer, Wilbur Shaw, Mauri Rose, Bobby Unser, Johnny
Rutherford and Helio Castroneves as three-time winners.
“The look on his face was worth it. He was totally
surprised.”
It’s been a good month for Jones as his biography, ‘As
A Matter of Fact I am Parnelli Jones’ came out a couple
weeks ago and he’ll be honored at the Speedway this
May.
and hearing stories about the roadster era and battling
with Jimmy (Clark) so it was really cool to be able to give
him a Baby Borg,” said the Scotsman, who joined Louie
Meyer, Wilbur Shaw, Mauri Rose, Bobby Unser, Johnny
Rutherford and Helio Castroneves as three-time winners.
“The look on his face was worth it. He was totally
surprised.”
It’s been a good month for Jones as his biography, ‘As
A Matter of Fact I am Parnelli Jones’ came out a couple
weeks ago and he’ll be honored at the Speedway this
May.
| Parnelli Jones |
IndyCar-Experienced Drivers Find Success at
Rolex 24 at Daytona
Jan 28 - Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates
returned to victory lane this weekend in the Rolex 24 At
Daytona with drivers Scott Pruett, Memo Rojas, Juan
Pablo Montoya and Charlie Kimball triumphed and
picked up another prestigious Rolex watch. The win was
the fifth for CGRFS in just 10 appearances at the twice-
around-the-clock endurance race, and the fifth for Pruett
who ties Hurley Haywood’s record for most overall wins
in the event.
The race came down to the final hour as four cars battled
fuel mileage and on-track positions. Montoya drove the
final stint, coming back after falling to fourth following a
late-race restart. He regained his position as the leader,
and then prevailed in a battle of splash-and-go fuel stops
in the closing minutes to beat Max Angelelli to the
checkered flag by 21.922 seconds. The victory marked
the third win for Montoya and Rojas in the Rolex 24, and
the first win for Kimball in his first GRAND-AM start.
The No. 02 Target car with drivers Dario Franchitti,
Scott Dixon, Jamie McMurray and Joey Hand were a
fixture among the lead pack and were running in second
15 hours into the marathon race before they encountered
problems. McMurray brushed the wall while exiting pit
road following a green flag pit stop, costing the No.02
seven laps in the garage for repairs. The No .02 returned
to the track and gained five laps back when the car lost
drive with less than three hours remaining, ending their
chance for redemption. The Target/TELMEX team would
finish out the race in 37th position overall.
Rolex 24 at Daytona
Jan 28 - Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates
returned to victory lane this weekend in the Rolex 24 At
Daytona with drivers Scott Pruett, Memo Rojas, Juan
Pablo Montoya and Charlie Kimball triumphed and
picked up another prestigious Rolex watch. The win was
the fifth for CGRFS in just 10 appearances at the twice-
around-the-clock endurance race, and the fifth for Pruett
who ties Hurley Haywood’s record for most overall wins
in the event.
The race came down to the final hour as four cars battled
fuel mileage and on-track positions. Montoya drove the
final stint, coming back after falling to fourth following a
late-race restart. He regained his position as the leader,
and then prevailed in a battle of splash-and-go fuel stops
in the closing minutes to beat Max Angelelli to the
checkered flag by 21.922 seconds. The victory marked
the third win for Montoya and Rojas in the Rolex 24, and
the first win for Kimball in his first GRAND-AM start.
The No. 02 Target car with drivers Dario Franchitti,
Scott Dixon, Jamie McMurray and Joey Hand were a
fixture among the lead pack and were running in second
15 hours into the marathon race before they encountered
problems. McMurray brushed the wall while exiting pit
road following a green flag pit stop, costing the No.02
seven laps in the garage for repairs. The No .02 returned
to the track and gained five laps back when the car lost
drive with less than three hours remaining, ending their
chance for redemption. The Target/TELMEX team would
finish out the race in 37th position overall.
| CGRFS Winning Entry |
Major Overhaul Forced on Speedway by ADA
Jan 10 - A visitor to the speedway, Dan Ward was
unable to get his wheelchair into the pits during a
practice day, so he filed a complaint with the ADA.
As a result, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has worked with
IMS officials to come up with a plan to bring the facility
into compliance by modifying or improving hundreds of
features, elements and spaces, including restrooms,
parking lots, grandstands and dining areas.
A Department of Justice spokesperson said the
modifications, which are estimated to take 30 months to
complete, likely will cost the speedway “millions of dollars.”
The speedway will submit reports to and get inspected
by the Department of Justice to insure things comply
with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In addition, IMS has agreed to develop new training
procedures for employees and to develop a policy that
permits individuals with disabilities to enter the pit or
garage areas with the proper credentials.
Jan 10 - A visitor to the speedway, Dan Ward was
unable to get his wheelchair into the pits during a
practice day, so he filed a complaint with the ADA.
As a result, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has worked with
IMS officials to come up with a plan to bring the facility
into compliance by modifying or improving hundreds of
features, elements and spaces, including restrooms,
parking lots, grandstands and dining areas.
A Department of Justice spokesperson said the
modifications, which are estimated to take 30 months to
complete, likely will cost the speedway “millions of dollars.”
The speedway will submit reports to and get inspected
by the Department of Justice to insure things comply
with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In addition, IMS has agreed to develop new training
procedures for employees and to develop a policy that
permits individuals with disabilities to enter the pit or
garage areas with the proper credentials.
Ward works for the
Indiana Protection and
Advocacy Services as
an intake advocate.
He put himself in a
wheelchair trying to play
rugby. So now
everyone else has to pay
for his mistake..
Indiana Protection and
Advocacy Services as
an intake advocate.
He put himself in a
wheelchair trying to play
rugby. So now
everyone else has to pay
for his mistake..
IMS also has to pay Ward $35,000 to settle the
complaint.
The speedway was built in 1909, well before the ADA
took effect in 1990.
complaint.
The speedway was built in 1909, well before the ADA
took effect in 1990.
Sam Schmidt wonders where his $35,000 is.
Oh, he got into the pits.
Oh, he got into the pits.
