Indy Car Series Notes

March 5, 2008 – Several wrinkles have yet to be ironed out regarding the
Indy Racing League absorbing the Champ Car World Series. One item that
is looking clearer is the question of victory podiums at the Indy Car
races this year. The Indy Cars Series plans to honor the top three
finishers at the majority of its races with a podium ceremony like ones
seen in the Champ Car Series races. But, so far, the Indianapolis Motor
Speedway, which only honors the winner since the race began in 1911, has
declined to have a podium celebration as has the Texas Motor Speedway.
However, the Milwaukee Mile will embrace the podium ceremony. In the
past, the podium celebration was an opportunity to showcase the popular
Andretti sweep at the historic track in 1991 when winner Michael
Andretti led his cousin, John and father Mario across the finish line.

Another question answered is the future of the Gold Coast Indy 300. It
has been reported that a deal was reached with the Indy Racing League’s
‘new-look’ IndyCar Series and V8 Supercars Australia. Queensland
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport, Judy Spence, made
the announcement yesterday after a visit to Indianapolis this week by
event Chairman Terry Mackenroth and General Manager Greg Hooton. The
final 2008 IndyCar Series schedule, including details on how the race
will fit in a championship format, still need to be worked through and
then ratified by the sport’s world controlling body the FIA.

Indy Cars in Australia

“The Gold Coast Indy 300 has been a part of the Queensland Major Event
landscape for 18 years and I am delighted that it will continue to
showcase Queensland for many years to come,” said Spence.

“The event has overcome many hurdles in its history, but this latest
development probably puts it in its best shape ever.” It was reported
that estimates figure that the event returns $60 million in economic
benefits to the State of Queensland. Spence added, “It will also be
fantastic to see two talented young Australian drivers the likes of Will
Power and Ryan Briscoe racing wheel to wheel on the streets of Surfers
Paradise, while the V8 Supercars will continue to bring out the passion
for Ford and Holden.”

Today’s announcement is a reward for so many people who have made the
Gold Coast Indy 300 an event of international significance, according to
Mackenroth.

New Team for Indy 500

Veteran Indy 500 driver Max Papis has been confirmed to participate in
the Indianapolis 500 for the new Rubicon Race Team, co-owned by Jim
Freudenberg and actor Jason Priestley. Papis, a former sports car
champion, will be seeking his third start in the 500. He finished 23rd
in 2002 and 14th in 2006. His car, which will be prepared by Sam
Schmidt Motorsports, will be sponsored by GEICO.

Kanaan Quick in Testing

Tony Kanaan topped the speed chart for the second straight day during an
IndyCar Series Open Test at Sebring International Raceway. Nine drivers
tested March 3-4. A second group of nine will test on the circuit’s
11-turn, 1.7-mile circuit March 5-6. Kanaan took over the top position
on the speed chart from rookie teammate Hideki Mutoh with less than 15
minutes remaining in the day and then topped things off with his fastest
lap as the checkered flag waved. Kanaan’s 124th lap came in at 52.8609
seconds, 113.732 mph.

“The car got a lot better,” Kanaan said. “We made huge improvements
during the day. I gave some of my stuff to Hideki and to Marco
(Andretti) and to Danica (Patrick), and I got some stuff from Hideki.
Actually, the last change that we made on my car was something that he
tried and he liked it, so I’ve got to thank him for that.

Mutoh and Andretti swapped positions from the previous day when Andretti
was second fastest and Mutoh was third. Testing resumes at 1 p.m. ET
March 5 with drivers from A.J. Foyt Racing, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing,
Panther Racing, Target Chip Ganassi Racing and Team Penske taking to the
track.

Only 24 days for the 2008 IndyCar Series season to begin.

The GAINSCO Auto Insurance Indy 300 is set for Saturday, March 29 at
Homestead-Miami Speedway which will be seen under the lights for the
first time. The good news is those with HDTV, all races in 2008 will be
telecast in High Definition. The 2008 Indy Pro Series season also begins
on March 29 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The 16-race schedule, which
features eight ovals and four road/street course doubleheader weekends,
will be televised by ESPN2.

Steve Zautke

Steve Zautke, a Milwaukee, WI native, was raised in the sport of auto racing. His father, Bill, was a movie photographer that shot racing footage at tracks such as the Milwaukee Mile and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the 1960’s and 1970’s Steve’s first professional job in racing was as an Emergency Medical Technician at tracks such as Angell Park and Hales Corners Speedway (1988-1991). Steve has also worked for the Milwaukee Mile as videographer, in media relations and historian (1993-2011). Steve also has worked as a reporter for Racing Information Systems (RIS) and has written features for ‘Vintage Oval Racing’ and ‘Victory Lane’ magazines. Most recently, Steve has written a book on Road America for Arcadia Publishing. ( http://www.amazon.com/Road-America-Nascar-Library-Collection/dp/1467111457 ) Steve co-hosts “Sparky’s Final Inspection” a motorsports-based radio show with hosts, Steve “Sparky” Fifer and “NASCAR Girl” Summer Santana on Sports Radio 1250AM in Milwaukee and is also available on the internet at www.Sportradio1250.com. A member of the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame Induction Committee, Steve follows all types of racing from the dirt tracks to Formula One.

racingnation.com

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