http://www.tracksideonline.com A subscription news service that provides the latest news and information regarding the Indy Racing League. en-us Copyright © 2003-2011 TrackSide Online. All Rights Reserved 03-Feb-2012 joe@tracksideonline.com No word yet from Rubens Barrichello on whether he will take up the opportunity at KV Racing that would seem to be in front of him. Barrichello ended up staying for a third day of testing, which would seem to be a sign of how much Rubens was enjoying the test. Barrichello signing with KV could make Esteban Guerrieri the odd man out with the team. Esteban's management team has posted several videos on his YouTube channel, including one with Jimmy Vasser himself saying the team would like to sign Guerrieri for their third car. That video (which we should note was intended for an Argentinan audience) was likely recorded before Barrichello became an option. Another option could be Guerrieri running the oval races if Barrichello decides to just run road courses and (perhaps) the Indy 500. What would be a surprise to us was if KV ran four cars all season - not sure they'd be able to add a fourth car while teams like Ed Carpenter and Fisher/Hartman were still trying to find engines. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUorCcHolnk for the YouTube video of Vasser talking about Guerrieri. http://www.tracksideonline.com/news/story.php?id=20362 In evaluating the numerous prospects campaigning for a seat in the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda-powered Indy car for the 2012 season, the Indianapolis-based team was searching for the right balance of speed, success and experience to lead it into the new era of IZOD IndyCar Series competition. With his glittering Formula 1 resume and strong recent results demonstrating his continuing climb up the IndyCar Series grid, Takuma Sato proved to have all of the tools for the job, as the team named the Japanese veteran to pilot the team's #15 Dallara/Honda/Firestone - one of its two Indy cars in 2012. Sato, who made 91 starts over seven seasons in F1, joins RLL after making great strides in IndyCar in 2011. A two-time IndyCar Series polesitter last year, Sato looks to build on a successful sophomore season that saw him earn three top-five finishes, seven top-10s and lead 61 laps on his way to a 13th-place finish in the point standings. "RLL is extremely pleased to welcome Takuma to our IndyCar Series team for 2012, and we anticipate having a very strong season together," said team co-owner Bobby Rahal. "While we were determined to have an experienced driver for this season, we also needed someone that knew how to get to the front and Takuma has shown that he can do that, and we expect to have a great opportunity to win races this year. He has made great strides through the last two seasons in IndyCar and I have no doubt that we can produce a strong effort with him leading the team." http://www.tracksideonline.com/news/story.php?id=20361 Lotus DRR driver Oriol Servia completed two successful days of testing at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida. The Spaniard got behind the wheel of the Lotus-powered Dallara DW12 for the first time Tuesday and again today as he participated in engine testing for the Lotus test team. This week marked the third in a series of tests conducted for the Lotus test team, which is comprised of crew members from Lotus DRR, HVM, and Bryan Herta Autosport. The goal for the test was to check a few more boxes off of the "to do list" and continue further engine developments as well as setup work, and that's exactly what the Lotus test crew did. Servia completed 110 laps (183 miles) yesterday and logged in a total of 135 laps (225 miles) around the 1.66 mile short road course. Unfortunately, today was a cut a little bit short and the Lotus test crew wasn't able to get everything in as planned. Fortunately, Servia was still able to get track time in this morning as he recorded a total of 25 laps (42 miles) for today. http://www.tracksideonline.com/news/story.php?id=20360 E.J. Viso joined his KV Racing Technology teammate from last year Tony Kanaan and Formula One veteran Rubens Barrichello for testing at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida. Viso, got into the seat of the #5 KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone IndyCar. In the morning session he ran 40 laps, approximately 64 miles and in the afternoon 27 laps. He spent the entire day working on car setup, but in the process still produced competitive times. "These testing days at Sebring have been very successful for the KV Racing Technology team. I think we have found some solutions and new options for running this new chassis, which has definitely been a big challenge for all the teams. However, I am impressed with the performance we have been able to get out of this car. By having such an experienced driver as Rubens Barrichello, who has completed 19 full seasons in Formula One, is definitely giving us a few tips, which is helping to develop this new car for the start of the first race." Barrichello, returned for a half day of testing. He adopted his "brother's" #11 KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone car, which coincidentally has been his favorite number all his life. He ran a total of 57 laps, 92 miles this morning and was able to provide valuable feedback to the entire team. "It's been a really good morning," commented Barrichello. "I was able to do a lot of laps in Tony's car and very happy to be in the #11, it's been my favorite number all my life. The small amount of laps I did yesterday was compensated today and I want to thank the team again for letting me return. My feedback I think will be very beneficial to Tony and the whole team and I am satisfiedwith what we have achieved. I leave Sebring now with a good taste in my mouth." Kanaan, reclaimed his #11 car for the afternoon session. He continued making what he likes to call his "cook book" so when he arrives at a race he can open it up and find the dish he wants. He completed 63 laps, approximately 101 miles in the new car. Talking about the test, Kanaan said, "It has been a positive day, having three drivers helps with the setup and gives us a lot of feedback and information. Obviously we are not racing at Sebring but we are now able to go back to the shop and work on what we need to do for the future." http://www.tracksideonline.com/news/story.php?id=20359 Rubens Barrichello apparently was having so much fun driving the No. 5 KV Racing Technology car that he decided to stay an extra day. The Formula One veteran was scheduled to leave Sebring International Raceway after testing Jan. 30-31 of the new Dallara DW12 chassis powered by Chevrolet's 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 engine. He canceled an appointment in Brazil to get in more laps Feb. 1 before turning over the No. 11 entry to longtime friend Tony Kanaan for the remainder of the session. "It's been a really good morning," said Barrichello, who totaled 334 miles over the three days. "I was able to do a lot of laps in Tony's car and very happy to be in the No. 11. It's been my favorite number all my life. My feedback I think will be very beneficial to Tony and the whole team and I am satisfied with what we have achieved. I leave Sebring now with a good taste in my mouth." Barrichello's smile at the completion of the first two days was an apt display of the sense of accomplishment. He had positive thoughts about the car, the atmosphere of the IZOD IndyCar Series and his abilities after a four-month layoff. http://www.tracksideonline.com/news/story.php?id=20358 The Autosportradio.com 2012 Show will stream live audio/video from McGilvery's Speedway, 3009 N. High School Road Tuesday, January 31, 2012, beginning at 7:00 PM ET. The show can be seen/heard live by logging on to www.autosportradio.com and clicking on the "Current Show" tab. When the guest page opens click on where it says.."click here to watch live" or click here. Our First Scheduled Guest... Mark Jaynes Mark is an aid to special needs students at Monrovia High School. Mark is also the varsity football coach. Mark has been in broadcasting for 25 years in Martinsville, Terra Haute and Indianaoplis and a member of the IMS Radio network as a reporter for the IndyCar races from the inception of the Series in 1996. A Second Guest Is Being Worked On http://www.tracksideonline.com/news/story.php?id=20357 "Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee" airs tonight from 7-9 eastern on 1070 The Fan (WFNI-AM) in Indianapolis and via the internet at www.1070TheFan.com. Listen for a recap of the kick off to the 2012 racing season - the Rolex 24 from Daytona - and the latest from the IndyCar test at Sebring, which includes F1 veteran Rubens Barrichello. Brant James of SI.com is at the test and will offer his insight. Tony Kanaan is also tentatively scheduled after finishing testing today with his long-time friend, Barrichello. Other guests include Marco Andretti, who drove an IndyCar and a Grand Am DP car on Saturday. And Michael Shank, whose team won the 24 at Daytona and is trying to finalize a deal with Paul Tracy for a farewell season in IndyCar. Questions and comments are welcome at Kevin@1070TheFan.com or via Twitter at @KevinLee23. A podcast will be available at www.1070TheFan.com/Trackside or via iTunes. http://www.tracksideonline.com/news/story.php?id=20356 Belardi Auto Racing's 2011 Firestone Indy Lights driver, Jorge Goncalvez, and his Michael Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian teammates finished in third place at the 50th Anniversary of the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway less than 24 hours ago. His first time at the endurance race, Jorge teamed up with GRAND-AM winner and NASCAR driver Michael McDowell, fellow Firestone Indy Lights driver Gustavo Yacaman and Formula Three Champion Felipe Nasr. Together they piloted the No. 6 Ford-powered Riley to a podium finish in the historic endurance race. "The entire Belardi Auto Racing family is very happy for Jorge and the entire Michael Shank Racing team," said Belardi Auto Racing owner, Brian Belardi. "We are so proud to see one of our former drivers on podium at such a renowned event. It was great to see Jorge, as well as Anders, competing at the 24 Hours, and we are all very proud of them both. I am sure they will continue their successes wherever 2012 takes them." Goncalvez's 2011 Indy Lights teammate, Anders Krohn, also competed in the 50th Anniversary of the Rolex 24. Krohn had a great run in the No. 36 Yellow Dragon Motorsports car, with co-drivers John and Jarrett Andretti and Taylor Hacquard, until they were forced to retire due to mechanical issues in the early hours of Sunday morning. http://www.tracksideonline.com/news/story.php?id=20355 Don Halliday, one of the most respected engineers in open wheel racing, has signed with AJ Foyt Racing as chief engineer of the No. 14 ABC Supply Dallara powered by Honda and driven by Mike Conway. Halliday's connection with Foyt can be traced to one of Foyt's former drivers, Kenny Brack, who won the IndyCar championship in 1998 and followed that up by winning the Indianapolis 500 in 1999. "Kenny and I were talking about AJ's situation," Halliday explained. "Kenny and AJ have remained in touch ever since Kenny drove for him, and Kenny is a very good friend of mine, so there was a connection," said Halliday. Contact was made with Larry Foyt, team director of AJ Foyt Racing, who has been working the phones since October interviewing several drivers and engineers as he began reshaping the team in preparation for the 2012 IZOD INDYCAR Series season. "It's really exciting to have Don on board with us," said Foyt. "The chief engineer is obviously a very important piece of the puzzle when you talk about building a race team, so getting to know him and watching him interact with our group as we started to work together makes me very optimistic. I really enjoy his approach to engineering a race car and his methodology, and I think it's going to fit in really well with our team. So far everyone has jelled very quickly and we're all really looking forward to getting on the race track and going racing." http://www.tracksideonline.com/news/story.php?id=20354 The second annual Celebration of Automobiles, scheduled for Saturday, May 12 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, will feature an expanded lineup of events that continues to pay tribute to the rich heritage of automotive development at the track for more than 100 years. A Vintage and Historic Car Show featuring some of the most beautiful and rare cars from 1920-70 once again will be the focal point of the 2012 Celebration of Automobiles, with an Emerging Tech Showcase also being integrated into the event. The new addition is an Automobile Festival, featuring hundreds of current and late model vehicles, and displays from aftermarket accessory and automotive product companies. "It's a great thrill for everyone at IMS to welcome back an expanded Celebration of Automobiles," said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and chief executive officer. "Last year's inaugural event during the 100th Indianapolis 500 was such a rousing success with car owners and enthusiasts that we wanted to grow this event into another wonderful annual tradition of the Month of May at the Speedway." http://www.tracksideonline.com/news/story.php?id=20353 Formula One legend Rubens Barrichello and IndyCar superstar Tony Kanaan put in a full day of testing today for KV Racing Technology at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida. Barrichello, #5 KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone, who was driving an IndyCar for the first time and for the first time at Sebring, ran 94 laps, approximately 150 miles, making progress throughout the day. By the end of the day he was posting times that were competitive with drivers who have been in the series for several years and tested at Sebring before. "I had a very very nice day with KV Racing Technology," Barrichello said. "In the morning I was getting used to the car and not doing anything silly because obviously you don't want to put it in the wall. It's a different machine from what I'm used to, but it had a good feeling. Whatever happens for the future, which might change, all I said at the beginning was I want Kevin (Kalkhoven), Jimmy (Vasser) and Tony to remember when we were here at Sebring, 'Rubens tried that and it was really good and made us go faster, so let's try that again for this circuit'. So, I've had a very good and productive day behind the wheel and with all the setup options that I have tried, I think it went well. You could call me a rookie, even though I've had 33 years doing this job, but today I was an IndyCar rookie. " http://www.tracksideonline.com/news/story.php?id=20352 What began as a pick-me-up message from Tony Kanaan two weeks ago has developed into serious consideration by Brazilian Formula One veteran Rubens Barrichello to join the IZOD IndyCar Series for the 2012 season. "We'll see," said Barrichello, who drove a second car prepared by KV Racing Technology. "I don't have anything else (competitive driving), so we'll see." Kanaan, who sent the note to his good friend after Barrichello was replaced by Bruno Senna at Williams F1, welcomed Barrichello with a dinner attended by Helio Castroneves, Will Power and Oriol Servia ("he noticed the atmosphere; how we all get along") on Jan. 29. Kanaan was happy to have Barrichello accept the invitation to join him at Sebring. "Over the winter we talked about it, but it became serious when I was testing (at Sebring) and they announced that he wouldn't be with Williams, and I tweeted a picture of my car saying 'It's ready for you,'" said Kanaan, who is godfather to one of Barrichello's sons and vice versa with his son, Leonardo. "Then I called him up and said, 'Hey, you want to come test at the end of the month?' And he said yes, so I called Jimmy (Vasser). "It's great to have a guy I can call a brother with us. (His future) is in his hands. Right now, it's just an invitation for him to help us out as far as his feedback. Nineteen years in Formula One, the guy has so much knowledge we need to take advantage of . What goes beyond that, it's up to him. "Knowing Rubens, his timeline will be pretty short. By the time he gets out of the car (Jan. 31), he'll have a pretty good idea what he wants to do. Right now, we don't have anyone signed for the other two cars. You can tell by his face he's having a lot of fun." http://www.tracksideonline.com/news/story.php?id=20351 Nice to see the unofficial start of the racing season with this weekend's Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, and nice to see an INDYCAR driver again amongst those taking overall success. This year it was Justin Wilson in his first race back from his injury at Mid-Ohio driving for Michael Shank Racing, who will be joining INDYCAR this season (and more on that in a bit). Another nice result was that of Firestone Indy Lights drivers Jorge Goncalvez and Gustavo Yacaman, who were in Shank's second car and finished third. Most other INDYCAR drivers did not fare so well - the two Ganassi cars experienced minor mechanical problems that kept them from contending for the overall win, but at least they had better luck than Ryan Briscoe's SunTrust Racing team. Their engine broke after just 30 minutes and before Briscoe even got in the car, leaving Briscoe to ride the Daytona Ferris wheel and run some go-karts instead. http://www.tracksideonline.com/news/story.php?id=20350 http://www.tracksideonline.com/news/story.php?id=20349 http://www.tracksideonline.com/news/story.php?id=20348 American Honda and its Honda Performance Development (HPD) subsidiary will power a two-car effort from Dale Coyne Racing in the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series, HPD and the team announced today. Under terms of the agreement, HPD will provide its new, turbocharged 2.2-liter Honda Indy V-6 engines to all Coyne entries in the IZOD IndyCar Series and at the Indianapolis 500. “Dale Coyne Racing has been one of IndyCar’s most durable teams, with a history that extends for nearly 30 years.” said Erik Berkman, president of Honda Performance Development and vice president, corporate planning and logistics, for American Honda. “It’s great to have them racing with us in 2012. Dale’s team has made great strides in recent seasons, and he has made moves this off-season to further improve. We’re looking forward to continuing our association with him in 2012.” http://www.tracksideonline.com/news/story.php?id=20347 http://www.tracksideonline.com/news/story.php?id=20346 http://www.tracksideonline.com/news/story.php?id=20345 "Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee" airs tonight from 7-9 eastern on 1070 The Fan (WFNI-AM) in Indianapolis and via the internet at www.1070TheFan.com. Guests include the new IndyCar Commercial Division President, Marc Koretzky. Plus, Scott Jasek of the Indy Racing Experience (The IndyCar 2-seater group) details the IndyCar presence at the Super Bowl in Indianapolis and the latest on the new building in Speedway they will share with Dallara. John Andretti will talk about his return to this weekend's Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona and the opportunity to team with his son, Jarett. And ESPN.com writer John Oreovicz, who attended last week's Sebring test, will share his reporting on the new car and other developments. Questions and comments are welcome before 2pm at Kevin@1070TheFan.com or via Twitter at @KevinLee23. A podcast will be available at www.1070TheFan.com/Trackside or via iTunes. http://www.tracksideonline.com/news/story.php?id=20344 http://www.tracksideonline.com/news/story.php?id=20343