Here are some of the more pertinent quotes from today’s press conference with Kurt Busch, who tested an IndyCar at Indianapolis Motor Speedway today and completed all three phases of the Rookie Orientation Program. Quotes courtesy Indycar PR/Amy Konrath. MODERATOR: Kurt, first impressions? You spent two days here last week in a Cup car and today was a completely different feel. What are your thoughts? KURT BUSCH: Just an incredible feeling to be able to drive at Indianapolis in May in and IndyCar and have the name Andretti on it. …
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Episode 187 – OpenPaddock.net Podcast
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Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadKevin has the plague this week, so Mike, Doug, and Mike are given free reign of the controls! Whitesell and Patterson debate Sato’s driving and Barfield’s non-call, we recap Indy Lights testing at IMS, BRIEFLY preview F1’s return to Europe, and Shaw brings us all the gory details of the Oregon Trail Rally and Loebs return and dominance at Rally Argentina. Show Notes Preview IndyCar – Sao Paulo has a new Mayor, despite incumbent’s attempts to block his election, and yes Virginia, it’s May!…
Read MoreIndyCar – Sato: Blocking or Fair Play?
I don’t think you’ll find anyone who watched today’s Itaipava Sao Paulo Indy 300 that didn’t think it was one of the best IndyCar races in a very long time. What you will find is a lot of controversy over A.J. Foyt Racing’s Takuma Sato and his driving style in the final laps of the race. While defending his position first against Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing’s Josef Newgarden and finally Andretti Autosport’s James Hinchcliffe, it appeared to many that he actively blocked and chopped in front of his competitors. To…
Read MoreEpisode 186 – OpenPaddock.net
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Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadMr. Shaw gets ready for his weekend of rally goodness as Rally America visits his stomping grounds for the Oregon Trail Rally. Doug recaps the first SCCA Midwest Division Solo event of the year, and Kevin and Mike Whitesell preview the Sao Paulo IndyCar race, and recap all the news from IndyCar and Formula 1. Show Notes Preview Weekend of Rally goodness – Rally America Oregon Trail, WRC Argentina IndyCar building up to the 500 (It’s almost MAY!!!!), but first Sao Paulo Why F1…
Read MoreIndyCar – Round 4: Itaipava Sao Paulo Indy 300 preview
What: 4th Annual Itaipava Sao Paulo Indy 300 Where: Anhembi Sambadromo Circuit, Sao Paulo, Brazil Who: Will Power. In three races at the circuit, Power has three poles and three wins. Granted Power’s not having quite the start of the season he’s used to, you have to put him at the top of the list here simply because of his domination. Teammate Helio Castroneves enters the event as points leader, so being in front of the home crowd is sure to energize. Takuma Sato has been quick all season, but…
Read MoreIndyCar – Dreyer & Reinbold Racing to Suspend Operations
INDIANAPOLIS, IN- News broke today that long time IZOD IndyCar team Dreyer & Reinbold Racing plans to suspend operations after this year’s Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. Fighting a lack of funding, the team plans to suspend operations after the race unless new investors or sponsorship can be found. Team Principle Dennis Reinbold, owner of Indianapolis’ Dreyer & Reinbold Automotive Group, said earlier today “It’s disappointing, obviously, but financially it has to make sense. IndyCar racing is getting more and more affordable and it needs to continue that way but we just…
Read MoreIndyCar – Neely’s Nine: Field Rankings after Toyota GP Long Beach
Three rounds into the 2013 season, and we’re all still scratching our heads. No wins by Ganassi or Penske. Will Power has no podiums. Down is up. Left is right. The world is a flat out nutty place! As always, these rankings are purely subjective. If you disagree with my opinions, then we’ll pray for you. 1. Helio Castroneves #3 AAA/Turbo Team Penske Chevrolet (Previously #1) Helio leaves Long Beach with his points lead intact, which is all he could really ask for anyway. He wasn’t as quick as he’s…
Read MoreEpisode 185 – OpenPaddock.net Podcast
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Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIndyCar leaves the Streets of Long Beach littered with bent metal and shards of carbon fiber from both the big cars and the Lights cars! Kevin and Mike Whitesell review the Grand Prix of Long Beach, Doug goes on his yearly rant about unrestrained aggression and reviews the Indy Lights race, Mike and Mike review the Formula 1 Bahrain GP, and Mr. Shaw wraps up the show with a review of the Global Rallycross event at the Brazil X-Games. Show notes and outline OP…
Read MoreIndy Lights – Unfettered Aggression and the Failures It Causes
The Firestone Indy Lights series is a dangerous time for young drivers. Many come to the series after having experienced success in the lower formula, be it in Europe, South America, or in the USF2000 and Pro Mazda championships that are part of the Mazda Road to Indy. When they get to compete in the Firestone Indy Lights series, they are so close to their goals of being an IZOD IndyCar Series driver, that bravado and excitement can often take control of their thoughts, pushing rational thinking and all the…
Read MoreIndyCar-Turning Laps With Ease: Sato Takes Long Beach
After many near misses, Takuma Sato finally took his maiden victory in the IZOD IndyCar Series on the Streets of Long Beach this past Sunday, holding off Graham Rahal in his best result to date for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. Justin Wilson captured his first podium of the season in Third Position for Dale Coyne Racing. The win is AJ Foyt Enterprises’ first win since Airton Dare finished first at Kansas Speedway on July 7, 2002. The last Road/Street course victory for the team came at the Silverstone Circuit in…
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