Episode 140 – OpenPaddock.net Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadShaun returns after a two week break to talk all about the 96th Indianapolis 500. Join Shaun and Mike as they talk all about the happenings this past weekend and break down what has been called one of the best Indy 500s ever. The show uses the new format with a primary focus on the IZOD IndyCar Series and Mazda Road to Indy. We do briefly cover a couple F1 and rally topics at the end. Given the new format, you may be disappointed…

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IndyCar – Indy Not Franchitti Bites Sato

It was a battle that lasted but one corner. However, it turned out to be THE battle for the 96th running of the Indianapolis 500. As Takuma Sato crossed the start/finish line to collect the white flag, all he could think about was getting around Dario Franchitti to be the first car to the checkered flag. It almost worked….almost. Coming off of a balls of steel pass on Scott Dixon the lap before, Takuma dove to the inside of Franchitti into turn one and bobbled. The car made massive impact…

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IndyCar – Carb Day Photos

The final day of practice before the 2012 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, Carburetion Day, was jam packed with action. All the teams and drivers were out trying to shake down their cars and find the right raceday setup. It was also a crazy day for crowds! The heat may have kept some people away, but there was still a great turn out. Here are the photos of the day and of the IZOD IndyCar Series practice. I’ll have photos of the Firestone Freedom 100 posted with some comments later.

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Hinchcliffe-“We’re Here To Put On a Show”

I had the chance to speak with James Hinchcliffe, driver of the #27 Andretti Autosport GoDaddy.com car this week. James is set to start Middle Front Row this Sunday in the 96th Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, the second Indy 500 of his career. Thanks to the Indycar PR staff, I was able to ask James a few questions during a media scrum held on Wednesday. For the past few years, the IZOD Indycar Series has used the Shootout to decide pole. In this format, drivers take their first qualifying run…

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Row By Row-The 96th Indianapolis 500 Mile Race

This year is a unique Indianapolis 500. Not only do we have new cars and engines, but lots of new drivers as well. Filling this year’s filed are eight rookies, four other drivers that were not in last year’s 500, and only three returning winners. Interestingly enough, this has also been one of the cleanest Months of May ever. Contributing to that might be the fact that of the eight rookies, only two had never driven at a Champ Car, IRL or Formula One level before. Four drivers in this year’s…

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Episode 139 – OpenPaddock.net Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadMike and Doug run amuck as Shaun enjoys time off and discuss all the silliness surrounding the IZOD IndyCar Series, the Lotus (Slowtus?) engines, and preview the Indianapolis 500, the Mazda Road to Indy races, WRC Rally Acropolis, and the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix.

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IndyCar – Fuzzy’s Vodka, Supporting Those Who Support Us

It’s been said often enough by those of us on Twitter, but the best way to encourage sponsors to continue to fund and support the sport we love is to give those sponsors our custom and let them know what we appreciate their involvement. If you’re a fan of IndyCar and especially of Ed Carpenter Racing, then you have a special opportunity to personally meet and thank one of the big supporters of the IZOD IndyCar Series, Fuzzy Zoeller. He and Ed Carpenter have been visiting various local liquor grocery…

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IndyCar – Bump Day Photos

The 2012 “Bump” Day is in the books, and the only bumping that actually happened was allegedly done behind the scenes as Pippa Mann and Jay Howard, who both had funds and deals secured for a car and a Honda engine, had their engine deals withdrawn unexpectedly. The rumor is that Lotus, in exchange for releasing Dragon Racing from its engine contract, were guaranteed two spots on the grid, and that the league ordered teams to not bring out their backup cars. The league has denied the rumor, but there’s…

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