| August 2015 News |
LED Debuts On Sides Of IndyCars
Aug 1 - The LED panels displaying a car’s real-
time running position on track made their
IndyCar Series debut in practice for the Honda
Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio. They were an immediate
hit with fans and an accepted addition with crews
for the good of the sport.
The LED panels are attached to both sides of a
car's airbox, below the camera mount and roll
hoop. The current running position of each car is
displayed in red numbers and updated multiple
times each lap as cars cross the many timing lines
embedded in every track. A running clock will
display a car’s pit stop time in green lights on the
panel and a flashing green “PP” will indicate
when a driver activates the push-to-pass button
on the car at road and street course events.
Aug 1 - The LED panels displaying a car’s real-
time running position on track made their
IndyCar Series debut in practice for the Honda
Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio. They were an immediate
hit with fans and an accepted addition with crews
for the good of the sport.
The LED panels are attached to both sides of a
car's airbox, below the camera mount and roll
hoop. The current running position of each car is
displayed in red numbers and updated multiple
times each lap as cars cross the many timing lines
embedded in every track. A running clock will
display a car’s pit stop time in green lights on the
panel and a flashing green “PP” will indicate
when a driver activates the push-to-pass button
on the car at road and street course events.
| RACE NEWS & VIEWS |
| Most recent news is at bottom of page. |
Elias Fills In at Indy MotoGP
Aug 1 - MotoGP race winner Toni Elías will return to the
championship at next weekend's Indianapolis Grand Prix,
replacing the injured Karel Abraham at the AB
Motoracing squad.
Abraham has been out of action since undergoing surgery
for the left toe dislocation he suffered during free practice
at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya last month.
Elías, who last competed in MotoGP in 2012 as a stand-in
rider for Pramac, claimed his sole win by edging out
Valentino Rossi at the 2006 Portuguese round.
The Spaniard later dropped back to the Moto2 class,
claiming the title in 2010, and switched between the two
categories over the following three seasons.
Elías contested the Superbike World Championship with
Aprilia in 2013 and 2014, and tackled the recent Suzuka 8
Hours endurance race, in which he finished 14th.
Aug 1 - MotoGP race winner Toni Elías will return to the
championship at next weekend's Indianapolis Grand Prix,
replacing the injured Karel Abraham at the AB
Motoracing squad.
Abraham has been out of action since undergoing surgery
for the left toe dislocation he suffered during free practice
at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya last month.
Elías, who last competed in MotoGP in 2012 as a stand-in
rider for Pramac, claimed his sole win by edging out
Valentino Rossi at the 2006 Portuguese round.
The Spaniard later dropped back to the Moto2 class,
claiming the title in 2010, and switched between the two
categories over the following three seasons.
Elías contested the Superbike World Championship with
Aprilia in 2013 and 2014, and tackled the recent Suzuka 8
Hours endurance race, in which he finished 14th.
MotoGP VS IndyCar
Aug 7 - The Indy Speedway hosted a fun exhibition on the
MotoGP road course yesterday.
Marco Andretti drove an IndyCar in road course trim on
the course alongside Dani Pedrosa on his MotoGP bike.
A video of it can be watched at the MotoGP Web Site.
While this was a publicity stunt and not a race, it does
prompt one to wonder which is faster on a road course.
No direct comparison can by shown because while Indy
Car now races on the IMS road course, they do so in the
opposite direction from MotoGP. Also, Turn 11 is
missing from the course for the IndyCars.
None the less, here are the best recent qualifying times for
each series on this circuit. Draw your own conclusions.
IndyCar - 1:09.489
MotoGP - 1:31.619
Aug 7 - The Indy Speedway hosted a fun exhibition on the
MotoGP road course yesterday.
Marco Andretti drove an IndyCar in road course trim on
the course alongside Dani Pedrosa on his MotoGP bike.
A video of it can be watched at the MotoGP Web Site.
While this was a publicity stunt and not a race, it does
prompt one to wonder which is faster on a road course.
No direct comparison can by shown because while Indy
Car now races on the IMS road course, they do so in the
opposite direction from MotoGP. Also, Turn 11 is
missing from the course for the IndyCars.
None the less, here are the best recent qualifying times for
each series on this circuit. Draw your own conclusions.
IndyCar - 1:09.489
MotoGP - 1:31.619
Lorenzo Fastest on Opening Day
Aug. 7 - Jorge Lorenzo of Spain paced the field during
the first day of MotoGP practice for the Red Bull
Indianapolis GP.
Lorenzo posted the fastest lap time in both practice
sessions today. His best time was 1:32 minutes
Two-time defending world champion Marc Marquez
posted the second-fastest times of the day in both
MotoGP practice sessions.
Marquez will look to add to his four-year run of
perfection at IMS. The Spanish superstar was victorious
at IMS in Moto2 in 2011 and 2012, and also posted
MotoGP wins at the Racing Capital of the World in 2013
and 2014.
Andrea Dovizioso was third-fastest in both sessions
(1:33.871 and 1:33.155) on his Ducati. Italian legend
Valentino Rossi, the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis
GP champion who enters this weekend's action as the
MotoGP points leader, had the 10th-fastest lap in the
afternoon session.
American Nicky Hayden, who was unable to compete
on the reconfigured IMS road course last year due to
injury, posted the 16th fastest time of 1:34.397 on his
No. 69 Aspar Honda during the second practice session.
"It was the first time I rode the new track, so it definitely
has a little bit more flow to it; really nice," Hayden said.
"But it's just getting some rubber down, because this
track hasn't been used a lot. But the grip for the first day
is definitely the best I've probably ever seen at Indy.
"The grip level is just more consistent all over the track,
which is really nice for the riders. Also the curbs; the
curbs are really smooth and got good grip and good
feedback. They've done a great job."
Tito Rabat of Spain led Moto2 practice at 1:36.967 on
his Kalex.
Danny Kent of Great Britain paced Moto3 practice at
1:41.437 on his Honda.
Aug. 7 - Jorge Lorenzo of Spain paced the field during
the first day of MotoGP practice for the Red Bull
Indianapolis GP.
Lorenzo posted the fastest lap time in both practice
sessions today. His best time was 1:32 minutes
Two-time defending world champion Marc Marquez
posted the second-fastest times of the day in both
MotoGP practice sessions.
Marquez will look to add to his four-year run of
perfection at IMS. The Spanish superstar was victorious
at IMS in Moto2 in 2011 and 2012, and also posted
MotoGP wins at the Racing Capital of the World in 2013
and 2014.
Andrea Dovizioso was third-fastest in both sessions
(1:33.871 and 1:33.155) on his Ducati. Italian legend
Valentino Rossi, the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis
GP champion who enters this weekend's action as the
MotoGP points leader, had the 10th-fastest lap in the
afternoon session.
American Nicky Hayden, who was unable to compete
on the reconfigured IMS road course last year due to
injury, posted the 16th fastest time of 1:34.397 on his
No. 69 Aspar Honda during the second practice session.
"It was the first time I rode the new track, so it definitely
has a little bit more flow to it; really nice," Hayden said.
"But it's just getting some rubber down, because this
track hasn't been used a lot. But the grip for the first day
is definitely the best I've probably ever seen at Indy.
"The grip level is just more consistent all over the track,
which is really nice for the riders. Also the curbs; the
curbs are really smooth and got good grip and good
feedback. They've done a great job."
Tito Rabat of Spain led Moto2 practice at 1:36.967 on
his Kalex.
Danny Kent of Great Britain paced Moto3 practice at
1:41.437 on his Honda.
| Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix News >>> DAY 1 <<<< |
| Jorge Lorenzo Marc Marquez |
In MotoAmerica qualifying:
Cameron Beaubier took the pole in Superbike with a lap
of 1:37.247 on his No. 6 Yamaha,
Bobby Fong won the pole in Supersport on his No. 50
Triumph with a lap of 1:39.848
Jake Gagne was the fastest qualifier in Superstock 1000
on his No. 32 Yamaha in 1:38.421.
Cameron Beaubier took the pole in Superbike with a lap
of 1:37.247 on his No. 6 Yamaha,
Bobby Fong won the pole in Supersport on his No. 50
Triumph with a lap of 1:39.848
Jake Gagne was the fastest qualifier in Superstock 1000
on his No. 32 Yamaha in 1:38.421.
| Toni Elias |
During a MotoGP practice session, Andrea Iannone
posted a record trap speed of 217.0 mph (349.3 km/h) for
a motorcycle at the Indianapolis Speedway.
Alex Rins of Spain won his second pole position of the
season in Moto2 qualifying with a time of 1:36.549 on
his Kalex bike.
Current points leader Danny Kent of Great Britain
captured the sixth Moto3 pole position of his career and
fourth of the season with a lap of 1:40.703 on his No. 52
Leopard Racing Honda.
The first MotoAmerica race contested at IMS was won
today by Garrett Gerloff on his No. 31 Yamaha in the
Supersport class.
The first of two MotoAmerica Superbike / Superstock
1000 races this weekend ended with polesitter Cameron
Beaubier winning the Superbike race – his seventh win of
the season -- on his No. 6 Yamaha.
Also contested during the Superbike race was the first of
two MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 races won by 2014
AMA Pro Daytona Superbike champion Jake Gagne on
his No. 32 Yamaha. This was Gagne’s 10th win in
Superstock 1000 competition this season.
posted a record trap speed of 217.0 mph (349.3 km/h) for
a motorcycle at the Indianapolis Speedway.
Alex Rins of Spain won his second pole position of the
season in Moto2 qualifying with a time of 1:36.549 on
his Kalex bike.
Current points leader Danny Kent of Great Britain
captured the sixth Moto3 pole position of his career and
fourth of the season with a lap of 1:40.703 on his No. 52
Leopard Racing Honda.
The first MotoAmerica race contested at IMS was won
today by Garrett Gerloff on his No. 31 Yamaha in the
Supersport class.
The first of two MotoAmerica Superbike / Superstock
1000 races this weekend ended with polesitter Cameron
Beaubier winning the Superbike race – his seventh win of
the season -- on his No. 6 Yamaha.
Also contested during the Superbike race was the first of
two MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 races won by 2014
AMA Pro Daytona Superbike champion Jake Gagne on
his No. 32 Yamaha. This was Gagne’s 10th win in
Superstock 1000 competition this season.
| Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix News >>> DAY 2 <<<< |
| Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix News >>> DAY 3 <<<< |
Marquez Wins Again!
Aug 9 - Defending world champion Marc Marquez
proves he is unbeatable on US soil with his fifth
consecutive win at the Red Bull grand prix from the
famous brickyard in Indianapolis. The factory Yamaha’s
of Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi complete the
rostrum.
It had been mixed weather conditions all weekend, the
premier class was declared a dry race and Spaniard
Lorenzo pipped his Yamaha M1 to the first corner ahead
of Marquez who started from pole position. Lorenzo held
the lead for 23 of the 27 lap race but Marquez managed
to power his RC213v past him from the start straight and
built a gap, crossing the finish line 1.5 seconds ahead.
On winning the race Marquez said: “Lorenzo proved he
can keep the fast pace with 32 high’s, so I decided at
beginning to wait for the pass. I overtook with four laps
to go and then on the last lap I really had to push. My
confidence is coming back, but both Yamaha riders are
really strong so it will be hard to keep this pace at every
track. I’m also very proud to have taken Honda’s 700th
victory!”
Nine times world champion Rossi, who went into the
summer break leading the standings by 13 points from his
teammate, struggled with his set-up over the weekend and
qualified in eighth place. He managed to get towards the
front group early on, overtaking Tech 3 rider Bradley
Smith for fifth place and compatriot Andrea Iannone for
fourth place. The battle then began at the halfway point
for the last step of the podium with Repsol Honda rider
Dani Pedrosa.
Changing places with the Honda rider fives times over the
race, Rossi said: “I managed to get to ahead quite fast, but
Dani was difficult and he pushed for a great battle. When
Jorge was in first and I was in fourth I was worried. I knew
I had to beat Dani. I’m happy to just lose four points to
Jorge as he has been fast all weekend. But another podium
is important and it is a good result”
Smith, the top British rider finished in fifth place, ahead
of his teammate Pol Espargaro and compatriot Cal
Crutchlow and just 0.23 seconds behind the factory
Ducati of Iannone.
Smith said: “It was a shame I couldn’t past Iannone in the
end, but those red bikes have the power down the
straight, especially here at Indy. I tried everything I could
and we’ve moved up to fifth in the championship so I’m
very pleased with that”
With eight races left in the season, Rossi maintains his lead
from Spaniard Lorenzo by nine points. Marquez moves up
to fourth place and sits 56 points behind the leader.
The podium was identical to last year's.
Aug 9 - Defending world champion Marc Marquez
proves he is unbeatable on US soil with his fifth
consecutive win at the Red Bull grand prix from the
famous brickyard in Indianapolis. The factory Yamaha’s
of Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi complete the
rostrum.
It had been mixed weather conditions all weekend, the
premier class was declared a dry race and Spaniard
Lorenzo pipped his Yamaha M1 to the first corner ahead
of Marquez who started from pole position. Lorenzo held
the lead for 23 of the 27 lap race but Marquez managed
to power his RC213v past him from the start straight and
built a gap, crossing the finish line 1.5 seconds ahead.
On winning the race Marquez said: “Lorenzo proved he
can keep the fast pace with 32 high’s, so I decided at
beginning to wait for the pass. I overtook with four laps
to go and then on the last lap I really had to push. My
confidence is coming back, but both Yamaha riders are
really strong so it will be hard to keep this pace at every
track. I’m also very proud to have taken Honda’s 700th
victory!”
Nine times world champion Rossi, who went into the
summer break leading the standings by 13 points from his
teammate, struggled with his set-up over the weekend and
qualified in eighth place. He managed to get towards the
front group early on, overtaking Tech 3 rider Bradley
Smith for fifth place and compatriot Andrea Iannone for
fourth place. The battle then began at the halfway point
for the last step of the podium with Repsol Honda rider
Dani Pedrosa.
Changing places with the Honda rider fives times over the
race, Rossi said: “I managed to get to ahead quite fast, but
Dani was difficult and he pushed for a great battle. When
Jorge was in first and I was in fourth I was worried. I knew
I had to beat Dani. I’m happy to just lose four points to
Jorge as he has been fast all weekend. But another podium
is important and it is a good result”
Smith, the top British rider finished in fifth place, ahead
of his teammate Pol Espargaro and compatriot Cal
Crutchlow and just 0.23 seconds behind the factory
Ducati of Iannone.
Smith said: “It was a shame I couldn’t past Iannone in the
end, but those red bikes have the power down the
straight, especially here at Indy. I tried everything I could
and we’ve moved up to fifth in the championship so I’m
very pleased with that”
With eight races left in the season, Rossi maintains his lead
from Spaniard Lorenzo by nine points. Marquez moves up
to fourth place and sits 56 points behind the leader.
The podium was identical to last year's.
Marquez Takes Pole Position
Aug 8 - Marc Marquez posted a time of 1 minute 31.884
seconds on his No. 93 Repsol Honda on Saturday while
capturing the pole position for Sunday’s Red Bull
Indianapolis GP at Indianapolis.
Marquez is the first to win three consecutive poles at the
Red Bull Indianapolis GP.
Marquez, who won from the pole during the last two
MotoGP races at IMS, scored his fifth pole in 10 races
this season. He has 27 poles in 46 starts in his MotoGP
career.
Aug 8 - Marc Marquez posted a time of 1 minute 31.884
seconds on his No. 93 Repsol Honda on Saturday while
capturing the pole position for Sunday’s Red Bull
Indianapolis GP at Indianapolis.
Marquez is the first to win three consecutive poles at the
Red Bull Indianapolis GP.
Marquez, who won from the pole during the last two
MotoGP races at IMS, scored his fifth pole in 10 races
this season. He has 27 poles in 46 starts in his MotoGP
career.
In Moto3, Belgian Livio Loi took the win and Britain’s
John McPhee took second place, his first ever grand prix
podium. Both made the decision to start the race on slick
tyres, after it had been declared a wet race earlier in the
day.
John McPhee took second place, his first ever grand prix
podium. Both made the decision to start the race on slick
tyres, after it had been declared a wet race earlier in the
day.
With conditions declared wet, the Moto2 grid was faced
with a drying track, so many decided to go with slick tires.
This created loads of excitement during the opening laps
with the riders on slicks cautious as they adjusted to
conditions.
Throughout it all, though, Paginas Amarillas HP40’s Alex
Rins displayed a raw energy needed to earn his debut win.
The rookie would do this, taking the victory from pole
after some serious battling.
with a drying track, so many decided to go with slick tires.
This created loads of excitement during the opening laps
with the riders on slicks cautious as they adjusted to
conditions.
Throughout it all, though, Paginas Amarillas HP40’s Alex
Rins displayed a raw energy needed to earn his debut win.
The rookie would do this, taking the victory from pole
after some serious battling.
| The Start! |
| Marquez passed Lorenzo for the lead at the end. |
IndyCar Returns to Elkhart Lake Wisconsin
Aug 11 - Road America, which was acclaimed by drivers
and revered by fans when it hosted Indy car racing from
1982-2007, is on the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series
schedule.
The event is set for June 24-26 on the 14-turn, 4.048-mile
circuit. Road America, established in 1955, has featured
some of the greatest names in Indy car racing. Legendary
drivers Mario Andretti, Michael Andretti and
Emerson Fittipaldi each won three times at Road
America. Jacques Villeneuve and Paul Tracy were
two-time winners on the high-speed course located in the
Kettle Moraine area of east-central Wisconsin.
Derrick Walker, IndyCar president of Competition and
Operations, fielded entries at many of the past Road
America races as a team owner or manager. Walker
visited the track several times during negotiations for the
2016 event and is confident Road America will bring out
the best in the present-day Indy cars.
“It’s truly great news that open-wheel racing will be back
at Road America,” Walker said. “It’s a classic road
course: long, with almost every type of challenging
corner. The track is designed to make full use of the
natural terrain, which makes for great spectator locations
to see the Verizon IndyCar Series at its best. In addition,
our cars at Road America with aero kits will showcase
some very exciting racing for our fans.”
In addition to the Verizon IndyCar Series, all three levels
of the Mazda Road to Indy will compete on the race
weekend. Road America officials have been overwhelmed
with fan requests for Indy car racing to return to the
venerable track, and worked hard with INDYCAR to
make it happen.
Aug 11 - Road America, which was acclaimed by drivers
and revered by fans when it hosted Indy car racing from
1982-2007, is on the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series
schedule.
The event is set for June 24-26 on the 14-turn, 4.048-mile
circuit. Road America, established in 1955, has featured
some of the greatest names in Indy car racing. Legendary
drivers Mario Andretti, Michael Andretti and
Emerson Fittipaldi each won three times at Road
America. Jacques Villeneuve and Paul Tracy were
two-time winners on the high-speed course located in the
Kettle Moraine area of east-central Wisconsin.
Derrick Walker, IndyCar president of Competition and
Operations, fielded entries at many of the past Road
America races as a team owner or manager. Walker
visited the track several times during negotiations for the
2016 event and is confident Road America will bring out
the best in the present-day Indy cars.
“It’s truly great news that open-wheel racing will be back
at Road America,” Walker said. “It’s a classic road
course: long, with almost every type of challenging
corner. The track is designed to make full use of the
natural terrain, which makes for great spectator locations
to see the Verizon IndyCar Series at its best. In addition,
our cars at Road America with aero kits will showcase
some very exciting racing for our fans.”
In addition to the Verizon IndyCar Series, all three levels
of the Mazda Road to Indy will compete on the race
weekend. Road America officials have been overwhelmed
with fan requests for Indy car racing to return to the
venerable track, and worked hard with INDYCAR to
make it happen.
“We listened to the fans and the local community, and
after careful negotiations struck a deal to bring back one
of the greatest forms of open-wheel racing ever to grace
our beautiful 4-mile road course,” said George
Bruggenthies, Road America president. “We have
wanted to bring INDYCAR back for quite some time
and we knew what it would take to make it work for
everyone involved.”
Ten current Verizon IndyCar Series drivers have raced
on the circuit, with Sebastien Bourdais winning the last
Indy car race there in 2007 under Champ Car sanction.
“I am really excited to see Road America back on the
2016 Indy car schedule,” said Bourdais, a four-time Indy
car champion who currently drives for KVSH Racing.
“This place allows our cars to stretch their legs fully and
show what the Verizon IndyCar Series is all about. It is
our duty toward road racing to continue this tradition and
I could not be happier that a new deal got penciled. For
me, it is the best racetrack in North America and I have
some great memories there, including the win in 2007,
and I am looking forward to coming back.”
Hector Rebqaue won the first Indy car race at Road
America in 1982. Dario Franchitti holds the track record
with a lap of 1 minute, 39.866 seconds (145.924 mph) set
in qualifying for the 2000 race.
"I have said several times that Road America is the one
track in this country that needs to be added to the
IndyCar Series schedule immediately," said Juan Montoya
of Team Penske, who is the series championship points
leader heading into the final two races of the season.
"Elkhart Lake is a racing town. The people there love what
we do and they really supported the series when we ran
there in the past.
after careful negotiations struck a deal to bring back one
of the greatest forms of open-wheel racing ever to grace
our beautiful 4-mile road course,” said George
Bruggenthies, Road America president. “We have
wanted to bring INDYCAR back for quite some time
and we knew what it would take to make it work for
everyone involved.”
Ten current Verizon IndyCar Series drivers have raced
on the circuit, with Sebastien Bourdais winning the last
Indy car race there in 2007 under Champ Car sanction.
“I am really excited to see Road America back on the
2016 Indy car schedule,” said Bourdais, a four-time Indy
car champion who currently drives for KVSH Racing.
“This place allows our cars to stretch their legs fully and
show what the Verizon IndyCar Series is all about. It is
our duty toward road racing to continue this tradition and
I could not be happier that a new deal got penciled. For
me, it is the best racetrack in North America and I have
some great memories there, including the win in 2007,
and I am looking forward to coming back.”
Hector Rebqaue won the first Indy car race at Road
America in 1982. Dario Franchitti holds the track record
with a lap of 1 minute, 39.866 seconds (145.924 mph) set
in qualifying for the 2000 race.
"I have said several times that Road America is the one
track in this country that needs to be added to the
IndyCar Series schedule immediately," said Juan Montoya
of Team Penske, who is the series championship points
leader heading into the final two races of the season.
"Elkhart Lake is a racing town. The people there love what
we do and they really supported the series when we ran
there in the past.
| Aerial View of Road America course |
MotoGP Movie
Aug 22 - "Hitting the Apex” is an upcoming
MotoGP documentary directed by Mark Neale and
narrated by Brad Pitt. It will follow the careers of
six of the biggest names in the past decade of
MotoGP competition: Valentino Rossi, Jorge
Lorenzo, Marc Marquez, Dani Pedrosa, Casey
Stoner and Marco Simoncelli.
Unfortunately, its release dates - Sept. 2 in theaters
and Sept. 7 for DVD, Blu-Ray and Digital - are
only for the UK, and currently the movie is only
available for pre-order on the United Kingdom’s
Amazon.co.uk
Aug 22 - "Hitting the Apex” is an upcoming
MotoGP documentary directed by Mark Neale and
narrated by Brad Pitt. It will follow the careers of
six of the biggest names in the past decade of
MotoGP competition: Valentino Rossi, Jorge
Lorenzo, Marc Marquez, Dani Pedrosa, Casey
Stoner and Marco Simoncelli.
Unfortunately, its release dates - Sept. 2 in theaters
and Sept. 7 for DVD, Blu-Ray and Digital - are
only for the UK, and currently the movie is only
available for pre-order on the United Kingdom’s
Amazon.co.uk
"Hitting the Apex" Movie Trailer
Justin Wilson In Coma
Aug 23 - IndyCar raced for 500 miles at the huge
2.6-mile tri-oval that is Pocono Raceway.
The competition was fierce and there were a lot of
incidents. By the end, there had been 12 cautions,
although one was for a fox that ran across the track and
one at the end was for a blown motor in Gabby Chavez'
racer which resulted in the race ending under yellow.
Each restart was like it was a run for the checkered flag.
During one startling restart, some drivers were not sure if
the green flag had waved and cars behind them began
sprreading out across the wide track and the field came
out of turn 3 7-wide! By the end, only 11 cars of 24
were still running.
With two races remaining in the season, Graham Rahal
was anxious to gain points on Juan Montoya, who has
held the points lead all season. Unfortunately for Rahal,
he got taken out in a crash involving Tristan Vaultier.
Montoya would finish in 3rd, pulling away from Rahal
who still retains 2nd in the standings. Rahal still has hope
though since the last race is worth double points.
The young guys in the field made a good showing, often
in the top five. Josef Newgarden lead the most laps and
finished the race in 2nd place.
Near the end of the race, a collision sent a nose cone
flying through the air. Justin Wilson was unlucky
enough to hit it with his head. It knocked him out and
his car dropped down and ran into a wall head first. He
was taken away by helicopter. Later that night they said
he was in a coma and in critical condition.
Aug 23 - IndyCar raced for 500 miles at the huge
2.6-mile tri-oval that is Pocono Raceway.
The competition was fierce and there were a lot of
incidents. By the end, there had been 12 cautions,
although one was for a fox that ran across the track and
one at the end was for a blown motor in Gabby Chavez'
racer which resulted in the race ending under yellow.
Each restart was like it was a run for the checkered flag.
During one startling restart, some drivers were not sure if
the green flag had waved and cars behind them began
sprreading out across the wide track and the field came
out of turn 3 7-wide! By the end, only 11 cars of 24
were still running.
With two races remaining in the season, Graham Rahal
was anxious to gain points on Juan Montoya, who has
held the points lead all season. Unfortunately for Rahal,
he got taken out in a crash involving Tristan Vaultier.
Montoya would finish in 3rd, pulling away from Rahal
who still retains 2nd in the standings. Rahal still has hope
though since the last race is worth double points.
The young guys in the field made a good showing, often
in the top five. Josef Newgarden lead the most laps and
finished the race in 2nd place.
Near the end of the race, a collision sent a nose cone
flying through the air. Justin Wilson was unlucky
enough to hit it with his head. It knocked him out and
his car dropped down and ran into a wall head first. He
was taken away by helicopter. Later that night they said
he was in a coma and in critical condition.
| Ryan Hunter-Reay beat Josef Newgarden to the finish. |
“With deep sadness, the parents of Justin Wilson, Keith
and Lynne, his wife Julia, and his brother Stefan share
the news that Justin passed away today after succumbing
to injuries suffered during the Verizon IndyCar event at
Pocono Raceway on Sunday, August 23.
Justin was a loving father and devoted husband, as well
as a highly competitive racing driver who was respected
by his peers.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Lehigh
Valley Health Network Cedar Crest Hospital, Pocono
Raceway, Andretti Autosport, and the Verizon IndyCar
Series as well as the entire racing community for the
amazing outpouring of support from fans around the
world.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers,
donations be made to the Wilson Children’s Fund.”
and Lynne, his wife Julia, and his brother Stefan share
the news that Justin passed away today after succumbing
to injuries suffered during the Verizon IndyCar event at
Pocono Raceway on Sunday, August 23.
Justin was a loving father and devoted husband, as well
as a highly competitive racing driver who was respected
by his peers.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Lehigh
Valley Health Network Cedar Crest Hospital, Pocono
Raceway, Andretti Autosport, and the Verizon IndyCar
Series as well as the entire racing community for the
amazing outpouring of support from fans around the
world.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers,
donations be made to the Wilson Children’s Fund.”
| Justin Wilson RIP 1978-2015 |
Donations can be made online at
www.wilsonchildrensfund.com
or sent to the following address:
Wilson Children's Fund
c/o Forum Credit Union
P.O. Box 50738
Indianapolis, IN 46250-0738
317-558-6000
www.wilsonchildrensfund.com
or sent to the following address:
Wilson Children's Fund
c/o Forum Credit Union
P.O. Box 50738
Indianapolis, IN 46250-0738
317-558-6000
IndyCar's Season Ending Race
Aug 31 - IndyCar’s “Ice Man,” Scott Dixon, repeated
his 2014 win at Sonoma Raceway, and stealthily stole
the 2015 Verizon IndyCar Series championship in the
process.
He did so on a tiebreaker in the most dramatic of
fashions, both tied on 556 points with three wins to
Juan Montoya’s two. It’s Dixon’s fourth championship
(2003, 2008, 2013) and his 38th career win. The win
is also Chip Ganassi Racing’s 100th in IndyCar.
Through a mix of strategy and misfortune that struck
his title rivals Montoya and Will Power, and with
Graham Rahal having an off day, Dixon came from
47 points back in the double points season finale to win
the title.
Dixon beat Ryan Hunter-Reay, Charlie Kimball,
Tony Kanaan and Ryan Briscoe, with Briscoe holding
off Montoya for fifth and the final position he needed to
win the title.
The race was always going to be something of a
strategy affair with tire fall off present throughout the
race, and a mix of different strategies emerging.
A key moment emerged early when Dixon beat Power
and Josef Newgarden off a round of pit stops, even
though there were 12 cars running off sequence ahead
of them who did not pit on Lap 35. Dixon was net
leader at that point.
While only one yellow occurred in the first 38 laps, and
Sebastian Saavedra emerged as a surprise race leader,
the race – and championship – took a dramatic turn
just before the halfway point.
Montoya and Power collided in Turn 4 on Lap 39.
Montoya clipped Power, left front to right rear,
although Power later admitted in a post-race interview
he took fault for not realizing Montoya is there. Either
way, it dropped them both outside the top 20 in the
race, and put them both on the comeback trail.
Saavedra led past halfway before Tony Kanaan took
the lead on Lap 45 at Turn 7.
Aug 31 - IndyCar’s “Ice Man,” Scott Dixon, repeated
his 2014 win at Sonoma Raceway, and stealthily stole
the 2015 Verizon IndyCar Series championship in the
process.
He did so on a tiebreaker in the most dramatic of
fashions, both tied on 556 points with three wins to
Juan Montoya’s two. It’s Dixon’s fourth championship
(2003, 2008, 2013) and his 38th career win. The win
is also Chip Ganassi Racing’s 100th in IndyCar.
Through a mix of strategy and misfortune that struck
his title rivals Montoya and Will Power, and with
Graham Rahal having an off day, Dixon came from
47 points back in the double points season finale to win
the title.
Dixon beat Ryan Hunter-Reay, Charlie Kimball,
Tony Kanaan and Ryan Briscoe, with Briscoe holding
off Montoya for fifth and the final position he needed to
win the title.
The race was always going to be something of a
strategy affair with tire fall off present throughout the
race, and a mix of different strategies emerging.
A key moment emerged early when Dixon beat Power
and Josef Newgarden off a round of pit stops, even
though there were 12 cars running off sequence ahead
of them who did not pit on Lap 35. Dixon was net
leader at that point.
While only one yellow occurred in the first 38 laps, and
Sebastian Saavedra emerged as a surprise race leader,
the race – and championship – took a dramatic turn
just before the halfway point.
Montoya and Power collided in Turn 4 on Lap 39.
Montoya clipped Power, left front to right rear,
although Power later admitted in a post-race interview
he took fault for not realizing Montoya is there. Either
way, it dropped them both outside the top 20 in the
race, and put them both on the comeback trail.
Saavedra led past halfway before Tony Kanaan took
the lead on Lap 45 at Turn 7.
The race took its ultimate turn once Dixon took the lead
on Lap 51 for the first time, leading Newgarden, before
the final pit stop sequence occurred close to Lap 60.
Dixon pitted on Lap 62 for what would be the final
time. Newgarden, who had been second, fell out of
contention courtesy of a pit fire and a long stop.
The race took another turn following a heavy accident
by James Jakes on Lap 65 at Turn 9, with Jakes
indicating a brake failure occurred on his car.
Another yellow occurred when Jack Hawksworth
contacted Carlos Munoz at Turn 7, leaving the
Colombian beached.
Another notable championship moment occurred when
Sebastien Bourdais crashed into Rahal on Lap 78,
going into Turn 7. Bourdais was issued a drive-through
penalty for avoidable contact.
Montoya was then 3.4 seconds behind Briscoe for fifth,
needing to pass the former Ganassi and Penske driver to
secure the championship. While he clawed the gap to
1.2 seconds, he did not pass him.
Dixon won the title on a tiebreaker, with Montoya now
having lost a title on one after winning one over Dixon’s
old teammate Dario Franchitti in 1999.
Afterwards, Dixon and team boss Ganassi crowd-surfed.
on Lap 51 for the first time, leading Newgarden, before
the final pit stop sequence occurred close to Lap 60.
Dixon pitted on Lap 62 for what would be the final
time. Newgarden, who had been second, fell out of
contention courtesy of a pit fire and a long stop.
The race took another turn following a heavy accident
by James Jakes on Lap 65 at Turn 9, with Jakes
indicating a brake failure occurred on his car.
Another yellow occurred when Jack Hawksworth
contacted Carlos Munoz at Turn 7, leaving the
Colombian beached.
Another notable championship moment occurred when
Sebastien Bourdais crashed into Rahal on Lap 78,
going into Turn 7. Bourdais was issued a drive-through
penalty for avoidable contact.
Montoya was then 3.4 seconds behind Briscoe for fifth,
needing to pass the former Ganassi and Penske driver to
secure the championship. While he clawed the gap to
1.2 seconds, he did not pass him.
Dixon won the title on a tiebreaker, with Montoya now
having lost a title on one after winning one over Dixon’s
old teammate Dario Franchitti in 1999.
Afterwards, Dixon and team boss Ganassi crowd-surfed.
