Tag: paddock

IndyCar – Tuesday Talk

John Olsakovsky

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Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadTuesday Talk is a segment featuring random news and notes from the world of IndyCar. All opinions expressed are mine, meaning they are inherently correct. Disagree? Well, I’ll pray for you. First off, congratulations to Charlie Kimball for his first career win. I don’t think anyone has worked harder for a victory in the last few years than Charlie. He came up from the Euro F3 ranks into Lights with PBIR and Andretti. Back in 2011, Charlie got his break into the IZOD IndyCar Series…

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IndyCar – Updates to the 2013 Rulebook

John Olsakovsky

INDYCAR has made the following updates to the 2013 rulebook, effective immediately. 7.6.1.2–Restarts On restarts within 15 laps of the finish of a race, all lapped cars will be moved to the back of the field. 9.2.2–Race Procedure Penalties If circumstances do not permit a penalty to be served during a race, the Race Director shall declare the results provisional and officials shall review the penalty. The review is independent of  technical inspection. (Basically, time penalties can be issued.) 14.14.6.6.5–Tires If a car receives tire damage during a race, the…

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IndyCar – Tuesday Talk

John Olsakovsky

Tuesday Talk is a new segment featuring random news and notes from the world of IndyCar. All opinions expressed are mine, meaning they are inherently correct. All signs point to Alex Tagliani being out at Bryan Herta Autosport. Even though the entry list for Mid-Ohio hasn’t been released yet, looks for Luca Filippi in the #98 Barracuda Networks ride. Tag started the season with a 10th at St. Pete and 11th at Barber, but has only managed one Top Ten finish over the balance of the season. Over a seven…

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IndyCar – Twin Turbo mandatory for 2014

John Olsakovsky

INDYCAR announced today that all engines supplied to IZOD IndyCar Series teams will utilize only twin turbocharger systems beginning with the 2014 season. The decision, which was confirmed after consultation in an INDYCAR Engine Committee meeting, will further strengthen engine parity. It also dovetails with the manufacturers’ first homologation update cycle for the 2.2-liter, direct-injected V6 engines supplied by Chevrolet and Honda. “In an effort for parity throughout the turbocharger range, mandating only a twin turbo system simplifies our efforts to ensure even closer competition,” said Derrick Walker, president, competition…

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IndyCar – Round 10: Iowa Corn Indy 250 Presented by DEKALB preview

John Olsakovsky

WHAT: Iowa Corn Indy 250 Presented by DEKALB WHERE: Iowa Speedway, Newton, IA WHO: Defending Series Champion and Race Winner Ryan Hunter-Reay looks to repeat his performance form 2012 after winning last week’s event in Milwaukee. Points leader Helio Castroneves has never won at Iowa, but he looks to break through this weekend after a 6th place finish at Iowa last season. Marco Andretti has looked poised to take another victory several times in 2013, but has suffered some sort of unfortunate ending every time. Can the former Iowa winner…

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IndyCar – Former IndyCar/NASCAR Driver Jason Leffler Killed in Sprint Car Crash

John Olsakovsky

BRIDGEPORT, NJ (June 12, 2013)– Former IndyCar and NASCAR driver Jason Leffler was killed at Bridgeport Speedway in New Jersey when his Sprint Car flipped during a 412 Sprint race. Leffler was transported from the scene via helicopter, where he was later pronounced dead. Leffler’s upper level racing career began in USAC, where he was a three time National Midget Champion and the 1998 Silver Crown Champion. He made 4 Nationwide Series starts for Roger Penske in 1999 while also pursuing an IRL career. He made his first IRL start…

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IndyCar – Round 9: Milwaukee IndyFest Preview

John Olsakovsky

What: Milwaukee IndyFest 2013 Where: The Milwaukee Mile, West Allis, WI Who: Defending IZOD IndyCar Series Champion Ryan Hunter-Reay also happens to be the defending race winner. Helio Castroneves comes to the Mile as the most recent oval winner. Unfortunately, The Mile hasn’t exactly been kind to him; in 11 starts, Castroneves has 2 top 10’s with a best finish of 2nd way back in his first appearance at the track in 1998 with Bettenhausen Racing. When: Saturday, June 15 at 4pm EDT. NBC Sports Network Storylines This was where…

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IndyCar – Team Penske Docked $35,000 For Texas Violation

John Olsakovsky

INDIANAPOLIS (June 11, 2013)– Helio Castroneves’ #6 Team Penske entry was docked 15 entrant points and $35,000 today for vioating rules involving the underwing tunnel exits. This is a violation of Rule 14.6.4.11, which states 14.6.4.11 The exit of the underwing height is 7.600 inches with a tolerance of 0.050 inches and minus 0.00 inches. This is actually a pretty serious rules violation. Experts I’ve spoken with say that by raising the underwing exit height, more downforce is generated, allowing the car to stick to the track better. By raising…

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Formula One – UPD: Track Marshall Killed Following Accident

John Olsakovsky

MONTREAL (JUNE 9, 2013)– A track marshall is in critical condition in a Montreal hospital following a tragic accident near the end of today’s Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Giles Villeneuve. On Lap 66, the Sauber of Esteban Gutierrez slid off track in Turn 1 and into a tire barrier. In the extraction process, marshalls were on track using a left to remove the car. One of the marshalls appeared to trip next to the lift and fell onto the track. the marshall was then struck by an unnamed…

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IndyCar – Penske Finally Breaks Through: Helio Wins Texas

John Olsakovsky

FORT WORTH (JUNE 8, 2013) — After an unprecedented start to the season with seven different winners (including two first time winners) over the first eight races and no winners from Team Penske or Target Chip Ganassi Racing, Helio Castroneves finally broke through with a win for the “red cars” in the Firestone 550 at Texas Motor Speedway. Defending IZOD IndyCar Series champion Ryan Hunter-Reay finished second, continuing a spectacular season for the Andretti Autosport team. 2013 Indianpolis 500 Champion Tony Kanaan brought the SUNOCO/Turbo ride home in third for…

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