Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis Fast Facts

Track: Indianapolis Motor Speedway circuit, a 2.439-mile, 14-turn road course (clockwise)

Race distance: 82 laps / 200 miles
Entry List:  Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis (PDF)
Push-to-pass parameters: 10 activations for 20 seconds each
Firestone tire allotment: Eight sets primary, three sets alternate
Twitter: @IMS @IndyCar, #GPofINDY, #IndyCar
Event website: www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com
INDYCAR website: www.IndyCar.com
2014 race winner: Simon Pagenaud

2014 Verizon P1 Award winner: Sebastian Saavedra, 1:23.8822, 104.672 mph
Qualifying lap record: Simon Pagenaud, 1:09.6716, 126.062 mph, May 2014 (Segment 1).
ABC race broadcast: Saturday, May 9 (3:30 p.m. ET)

Allen Bestwick is the lead announcer for ESPN on ABC broadcasts for the second consecutive year alongside analysts Scott Goodyear and Eddie Cheever Jr. Rick DeBruhl, Dr. Jerry Punch and Jon Beekhuis are the pit reporters.

Radio broadcasts: Paul Page is the chief announcer alongside analyst Davey Hamilton. Qualifying and all Verizon IndyCar Series races are broadcast live on the Advance Auto Parts INDYCAR Radio Network, Sirius 212, XM 209, IndyCar.com, indycarradio.com and on the INDYCAR 15 app. Verizon IndyCar Series practice sessions are available onIndyCar.com, indycarradio.com and the INDYCAR 15 app.

Video streaming: All practice sessions for the 2015 Verizon IndyCar Series season and this weekend’s qualifying session (3 p.m. ET, May 8) will be available onRaceControl.IndyCar.com.

INDYCAR 15 app: The Verizon INDYCAR 15 app has been enhanced with new features to keep fans in the know of the latest race-day action. Exclusive features of the INDYCAR 15 app for Verizon Wireless customers will stream live through the app and include interactive 3D Live View with real-time leaderboard and car telemetry to see where a fan’s favorite driver is positioned, leaderboard with enhanced 2D marching ants and car telemetry, in-car camera video streams from cameras that move 360 degrees and driver-pit crew chatter as drivers talk strategy with their pit crews during the race.

At-track schedule (all times local):

Thursday, May 7
11 a.m. -1 p.m. – Verizon IndyCar Series practice
3-4:40 p.m. – Verizon IndyCar Series practice

Friday, May 8
11-11:45 a.m. – Verizon IndyCar Series practice
3 p.m. – Three rounds of Verizon IndyCar Series knockout qualifications (live-streamed on RaceControl.IndyCar.com)

Saturday, May 9
11:30 a.m.-Noon. – Verizon IndyCar Series warm-up
3:30 p.m. – ABC on air
3:50 p.m. – Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis green flag (ABC, Live).

Race notes:

* The Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis will be the second Indy car event conducted on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s road course. Simon Pagenaud won the inaugural race in 2014 and will look for his first win with Team Penske.

* There have been four different winners in four Verizon IndyCar Series races in 2015: Juan Pablo Montoya (Streets of St. Petersburg), James Hinchcliffe (NOLA Motorsports Park), Scott Dixon (Streets of Long Beach) and Josef Newgarden (Barber Motorsports Park). In 2014, there were a record-tying 11 different race winners.

* Drivers from Team Penske are the only drivers to start from pole position in 2015. Helio Castroneves (Long Beach and Barber) and Will Power (St. Petersburg) earned Verizon P1 Awards through knockout qualifying. Juan Pablo Montoya started on pole at NOLA by virtue of the entrant point standings entering that race, after qualifications were cancelled by rain.

* At least three drivers will compete in their first Verizon IndyCar Series race on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course: Gabby Chaves, Stefano Coletti and Luca Filippi. Chaves has competed at IMS in Indy Lights, while Coletti won a Formula BMW USA race on the IMS road course in 2006.

* Five drivers have a chance to become the first to win on both the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course and the famed 2.5-mile oval: Ryan Hunter-Reay, Tony Kanaan, Scott Dixon, Helio Castroneves and Juan Pablo Montoya have all won the Indianapolis 500.

* Scott Dixon won at Long Beach on April 19 and took sole possession of fifth on the all-time Indy car victory list with 36. He is the active leader in wins.

* Tony Kanaan seeks to start his 238th consecutive race, which would extend his Indy car-record streak that began in 2001 at Portland. Teammate Dixon has made 179 consecutive starts.

* Castroneves will attempt to make his 300th career Indy car start. He will become the seventh Indy car driver to reach the milestone, joining Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Al Unser Jr., Al Unser, Michael Andretti and Johnny Rutherford.

* Charlie Kimball’s car number (83) has a special meaning to not only him, but also his father, Gordon, and team owner, Chip Ganassi. In 1983, Ganassi had his best finish at the Indianapolis 500 while driving a car that was designed by Gordon Kimball, a noted engineer and car designer.

* The 2015 Verizon IndyCar Series season marked the competition debut of aerodynamic bodywork kits designed, manufactured and supplied by Chevrolet and Honda. Cars are differentiated by their shape as the manufacturers have designed separate aero kit specifications for road and street course/short ovals and superspeedways for the Dallara IR-12 chassis. References to the cars will incorporate the name of the corresponding manufacturer.

* The No. 27 Snapple Andretti Autosport Honda crew of Marco Andretti won the Firestone Pit Stop Performance Award during the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama on April 26 with a total pit lane time of 84.023 seconds. The Snapple Andretti Autosport crew will receive its $10,000 award during pre-race festivities at the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis.

ANGIE’S LIST GRAND PRIX OF INDIANAPOLIS PRE-RACE DRIVER QUOTES:

WILL POWER (No. 1 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet): “The new road course at Indianapolis is such a mega facility, probably one of the nicest racetracks that we go to as far as how it’s laid out. It has quickly become a favorite of many of the drivers in the Verizon IndyCar Series. I wanted so badly to win the first race there last year, but I’ve turned my focus to winning this weekend instead. Whether it is the road course or the oval, Indianapolis is such a special place to me. It just brings out the absolute best in a driver. We really need to get that first win of the season for the No. 1 Verizon Chevy team. It’s not for a lack of effort and I think it’s going to come sooner rather than later.”

JUAN PABLO MONTOYA (No. 2 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet): “The Indianapolis road course is a cool track and last year’s race was amazing. With the long straights and the drafting they create, it gives the drivers an opportunity to put on a great show. I really feel like we let one slip away here last year. Unfortunately, we had a part break on the car, but we were good enough with the Verizon Chevy to win the race. With a year of experience under our belt, I expect us to have a great car again. A win on the road course would be a good way to start the month of May and keep the points lead. If you would have told me before the season started that we would have the points lead going into Indianapolis, I wouldn’t have believed you. But this Verizon Chevy team has come out of the gates really strong and I’ve been fortunate to be the driver.”

HELIO CASTRONEVES (No. 3 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet): (On making his 300th career Indy car start in the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis): “What a special moment for me to wake up every day and do something that I love 300 times. It’s fantastic and it’s a blessing. I’m just a person living out my dream and I’m very fortunate to be able to keep doing it with the same enthusiasm that I had in my first race. I can still recall that first race at Homestead in 1998. I was just hoping to make it to 50 starts or 100 starts. To have this type of longevity means that I’ve been fortunate to have a great team around me. We have been able to do a lot of special things and we still have plenty more to do. Hopefully we end the day on Saturday with a big celebration because that will mean we have put the No. 3 Verizon Chevrolet in Victory Lane at Indianapolis again.”

STEFANO COLETTI (No. 4 KV Racing Technology Chevrolet): “I am very excited to get back in the car for the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis. It’s a track that I’m more familiar with, having won there in 2006 when I was driving in Formula BMW (as a support race to the Formula One U.S. Grand Prix), but there are some parts that have changed since I was there. I am sure the team and I will do a great job and that the result that we have been waiting for will finally come this weekend.”

JAMES HINCHCLIFFE (No. 5 Arrow/Lucas Oil Schmidt Peterson Honda): “The Indy GP is an incredible event. Obviously, last year it was a bit of a low point for my season because of the concussion (sustained in the race), but hopefully that means the track owes me one. I don’t remember much about the inaugural event, but from what I hear, last year was such a success and the track is a lot of fun to drive. The Arrow Electronics car had some great race pace in Barber and hopefully we can just keep pushing and be competitive when it counts on race day.”

JAMES JAKES (No. 7 Schmidt Peterson Honda): “I’m very excited to drive at the Indy grand prix course; it’s my first time there, so I can’t wait to get out on Thursday and drive it. I’ve heard really good things about the track and the event. It’s just a great way to kick off the month of May and hopefully we can get a good result to start off an exciting few weeks of racing at IMS.”

SEBASTIAN SAAVEDRA (No. 8 AFS Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet): “Last year we started in the best spot you could have here – on pole for the very first Indy car road course race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, so it was cool to be a part of history in a sense. The first race with the team this year in Long Beach was great. I felt comfortable and felt I got up to speed quickly. It’s such a great team to be a part of. I want to continue the momentum we started there and carry it into this weekend and then into the Indianapolis 500. We just need to take one lap at a time and continue to get better, and I’m confident we can do that.”

SCOTT DIXON (No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet): “Well, we didn’t have the greatest race here last year in the Target car, so I’m looking forward to getting a better result this time around. In 2014 we had good pace and got a good start. We got into it a little bit with the No. 12 car (Will Power) and went off the track, though, and that was our race, really. We’ve started the year strong on the road courses, winning at Long Beach and finishing on the podium at Barber, so I’m hoping that will translate into a good result on Saturday for the No. 9 team in the grand prix.”

TONY KANAAN (No. 10 NTT Data Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet): “It’s always great to be back at the (Indianapolis Motor) Speedway in May, especially with the chance to get out on the road course for the second annual GP of Indianapolis. We had a decent race here last year with a top-10 finish, but with this season’s consistently solid road course qualifying efforts I think we have a chance for a much better result this weekend. The No. 10 car had a tough weekend at our last race at Barber, but NTT Data Chip Ganassi Racing has refocused and we’re ready to for this weekend.”

SEBASTIEN BOURDAIS (No. 11 Team MISTIC E-Cigs – KVSH Racing Chevrolet):“The KVSH Racing team has had a good start to the season. We have shown good pace, but haven’t achieved the results we want and need. It is time to get on the podium and score some bigger points if we are going to be players in the championship race. I was skeptical of the changes they made to the Indy road course, but have to admit that they turned out very well. We were quite strong there last year, finishing fourth, but we need to build on that to have a good race this weekend for the team and our sponsors, Mistic, Hydroxycut, Circle K, Plantronics, GEICO, American Racing Wheels, everyone.”

TAKUMA SATO (No. 14 ABC Supply AJ Foyt Racing Honda): “(The circuit) is unique, simply as it is Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It has a long straight so we trim out the downforce level, which is unique, as not many other road circuits do in our calendar. And because of that, there are quite a few overtaking opportunities and that’s great for racing. … IMS did a good job to make it fun to drive by combining fast and technical sections together. The track layout is quite a bit different from F1 days, but still one-third of the track is the same, so it reminds me of the USGP and my special memory here (finishing third in 2004). It is a good feeling.” (On how he thinks the Honda aero kit will perform on the road course): “It should perform well as the track has a long straight line, so we need a good top speed. Honda has been very fast in the speed trap so I am looking forward to racing there.”

GRAHAM RAHAL (No. 15 Steak ‘n Shake Honda): “I hope a lot of the (car) setup for Barber (Motorsports Park) works for the (Angie’s List) Grand Prix of Indianapolis. We’re going to start from a pretty similar setup as we did there. Barber went so well for the Steak ‘n Shake team, I don’t know why you would change the car so much. We were pretty competitive on the Indy road course last year and had a solid baseline setup, so that will help as well. Last year, we had run in the top five or six and then (Juan Pablo) Montoya, who was a lap down, hit us on a restart and ended our day with plenty of racing to go. I hope we can have a really good weekend this year. We are so close in points now that a good finish would mean so much to us as a team. We need to be good and continue to rack up points. We’re only nine points out of fifth place in the championship. If we can have a couple of good days, we can slide right up in there. The car felt pretty good in Barber, so I hope it transfers to Indy. We get a lot of practice timeon Thursday, so we should be all right. Momentum is pretty important to have heading into May and we have it right now. We just need to keep it.”

SIMON PAGENAUD (No. 22 DeVilbiss Team Penske Chevrolet): “It’s such a great feeling to go into the month of May as a member of Team Penske. Everyone knows the history that the team has at Indianapolis. I’m very excited to get to work with my new sponsors, DeVillbiss and Avaya for both the GP of Indy and the Indianapolis 500. The No. 22 team is ready to break out with a win and I would love to do that this weekend at the GP of Indy. My win in the inaugural race last year was definitely one of the highlights of my career. It’s a beautiful track, one that all the people at Indianapolis should be proud of. This race has just added another level of excitement to the month.”

JUSTIN WILSON (No. 25 Andretti Autosport Honda): “I’m really looking forward to getting back in the car for the (Angie’s List) Grand Prix of Indianapolis. It’s been a long time since I’ve driven on a road course in an Indy car. I’m very much looking forward to the race, working with Andretti Autosport, my new teammates and experiencing the Honda aero kits for the first time. There is a lot to do and a lot to cram into a short amount of time, but excited to get this race weekend started and get going.”

CARLOS MUNOZ (No. 26 AndrettiTV/Cinsay Honda): “I’m excited to go to the Grand Prix of Indy. Last year, I couldn’t really start the race (due to an incident at the start). … The road course circuit is really nice and it will be a new experience with the aero kits. Looking forward to starting the weekend.”

MARCO ANDRETTI (No. 27 Snapple Honda): “Last year’s grand prix was an exciting race, for sure, and any day we get to spend at Indy is a good day. It’s been busy on the crews to get turned around from the oval test, but we’ll be ready to go Thursday. The long straight and passing zones make it difficult to dial in all the levels of downforce, but we’re looking forward to a good weekend in the Snapple car.”

RYAN HUNTER-REAY (No. 28 DHL Honda): “It’s really great to be back in Indy and get the grand prix going this weekend. Last year’s grand prix was good start to the month for us; we finished second and then went on to win the ‘500.’ I’m hoping to one better with the grand prix this year for the DHL Honda and keep the momentum going through the month.”

JACK HAWKSWORTH (No. 41 ABC Supply AJ Foyt Racing Honda): “This has always been a great circuit for me. The front-row start last year and then leading the most laps, etc., winning the sports car race here in July and topping the time sheets in my first Star Mazda test way back in 2011, it’s certainly been a happy hunting ground for me. I don’t particularly think there is any specific reason why I have been strong here, other than I seem to have had some pretty good cars. It’s certainly an interesting circuit, though, and being good on the brakes and carrying good minimum speed is pretty important. … The key is the same as it always is, you need to be fast, consistent and mistake-free. We need to call a good strategy and be strong on both the start and restarts. It’s a very long run down to Turn 1 and that makes things very interesting.”

CHARLIE KIMBALL (No. 83 Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet):“Obviously any race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is exciting, and to be coming back for the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis is definitely one I’m looking forward to. We had a good race here last year, ending up in the top five. We’ll be able to apply some of the things we’ve learned at both Barber and New Orleans this year to the Indy road course. The NovoLog FlexPen car has been quick; we could do with a little bit of luck. But I know the Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing guys – all of Chip Ganassi Racing, really – have been working really hard, so I feel like we’ll be in good shape when we get on track Thursday for practice.”

GABBY CHAVES (No. 98 Angie’s List Honda): “I am very excited to be part of this partnership with Angie’s List for this weekend. Not only are they the title sponsor for the Grand Prix of Indianapolis, but they also are a local Indianapolis company and that makes the connection even stronger. I will be looking forward to a very exciting Angie’s List Grand Prix. Last year proved the track is well designed for passing and I’m confident we’ll have a good car from the beginning of practice through race day.”

INDIANAPOLIS (May 3, 2015) – Opening Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was highlighted by a significant jump in speed in the on-track debut of superspeedway aero kits from Chevrolet and Honda. Twenty-one drivers surpassed last year’s fastest lap of Opening Day as drivers turned more than 1,800 laps in preparation for this month’s 99th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.

“It’s faster, for sure, no doubt about it. Speeds are going to be up,” 2014 Indianapolis 500 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay said. “The difficult part for teams and drivers is balancing the clouded read you get from a big tow and new tires versus getting a read on the new car.”

Juan Pablo Montoya, who 15 years ago won the Indy 500, recorded the fastest lap at 226.772 mph (39.6874 seconds) on the 2.5-mile oval as 28 driver/car combinations became acclimated to the aero kits and developed a baseline for practice that begins May 11. The fast lap on Opening Day last year was set by Will Power at 223.057 mph.

“(Having the fastest lap) is good for Verizon and for Chevy and for everybody that is paying attention. But I think the time sheet, as always, is irrelevant until you get to the race or until you get to qualifying,” Montoya said.

Montoya, the Verizon IndyCar Series championship points leader in the No. 2 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet, was 0.0533 of a second faster than teammate and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves. Marco Andretti was third on the speed chart at 226.268 mph and the fastest of the Honda contingent. Scott Dixon, driving a Target Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet, was fourth at 225.881 mph and Simon Pagenaud of Team Penske was fifth at 225.641 mph.

Takuma Sato (225.571) was sixth in an AJ Foyt Racing Honda, followed by Simona de Silvestro (225.317) in an Andretti Autosport Honda and two-time defending Indianapolis 500 Verizon P1 Award winner Ed Carpenter (225.257) in a CFH Racing Chevrolet. Hunter-Reay was ninth in an Andretti Autosport Honda (225.208) and Sage Karam, who made his Verizon IndyCar Series debut in the 2014 Indy 500, was 10th (224.931) in a Chip Ganassi Racing Teams Chevrolet.

A rookie orientation test and refresher test for drivers who had not competed in a Verizon IndyCar Series oval race since last May also was part of the on-track activity.

Gabby Chaves of Bryan Herta Autosport completed the three phases of the rookie program that examines car control, placements and a consistent driving pattern at various speed parameters. Stefano Coletti was out of the country and will run through the rookie phases May 11 in a KV Racing Technology Chevrolet.

Overall, 1,845 laps were turned without incident.

A balance between aerodynamic drag reduction and maintaining sufficient downforce is the hallmark of both manufacturer superspeedway aerodynamic bodywork kits. Different approaches were taken by manufacturers to achieve optimal performance in conjunction with their 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 engines, and it is reflected in their base platforms.

Both manufacturer packages include a variety of individual aerodynamic components fitted to the Dallara rolling chassis that make them markedly different from the road/street and short oval kit that has been utilized in the first four races of the Verizon IndyCar Series season. Additionally, multiple options are available to teams to explore during practice for qualifications May 16-17 and the May 24 race.

“We have a laundry list of changes to try and luckily we have time to work with it,” Andretti said of the aero options.

Verizon IndyCar Series teams return to Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 7 for a Promoter Test on the 2.439-mile, 14-turn road course in preparation for the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis on May 9. Pagenaud was the winner of the inaugural road race in 2014 while with Schmidt Peterson Motorsports.

Daly Will Be ‘Fueled By Bacon’

Smithfield Foods will be the primary sponsor of Conor Daly’s No. 43 Schmidt Peterson Motorsports Honda at the Indianapolis 500. The team’s third entry will be called the Fueled By Bacon Special in reference to Smithfield, the global food company founded in 1936 that is the world’s largest provider of high-quality pork products.

“We’ve been in motorsports, as most people know across the country, now in (NASCAR) Cup,” said Bob Weber, Smithfield’s vice president of corporate marketing. “It’s exciting for us to finally step forward with the Indy 500. It’s the next logical step for us. Our motorsports has proven very effective for us, not only in expanding our brand nationally, but also in generating sales for our company.”

Daly, who made his Verizon IndyCar Series debut in the 2013 Indianapolis 500 with AJ Foyt Racing, participated in today’s open test on the 2.5-mile oval.

Clauson Ready for Second Indy 500 Chance

Despite a three-year absence from the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” Bryan Clauson feels on more even footing with the competition as practice began today for the 99th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race – thanks to the new superspeedway aerodynamic bodywork kits that debuted with the oval test.

Clauson, the multiple champion in the U.S. Auto Club national series for sprint cars and midgets, made his one and only Indy 500 appearance in 2012 as a benefactor of an INDYCAR scholarship that funded his ride with Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing (now CFH Racing). Clauson started 31st and finished 30th, retiring after just 46 laps with mechanical problems. The Noblesville, Ind., resident has had a year to prepare for this opportunity after being named to drive the No. 88 KVSH Racing/Jonathan Byrd’s Chevrolet in May 2014.

He spent Opening Day going through the mandatory driver refresher program to get himself back up to speed at a methodical pace. Clauson, 25, believes the fact everyone else has little experience with the new aero kits will work to his benefit.

“I guess it’s probably a good year to come in again because everybody is starting, not necessarily from scratch, but not everybody knows what they have when they rolled in here this morning,” Clauson said. “So we’re all kind of starting from the same level to some degree. It’s been too long for me (since driving an Indy car) to sit here and say that I could tell you the difference between it. It seems like the aero kits are definitely more efficient from what we’ve seen and definitely add some intrigue.”

Making Entrepreneurs Out of Lemonade

A group of local young entrepreneurs met today with the Verizon IndyCar Series drivers they are paired with to raise funds for charity on Lemonade Day Greater Indianapolis, May 16 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

A total of 10 lemonade stands will be set up on Pagoda Plaza that day. The young business owners selected to operate the stands will sell their individually prepared beverages to fans attending the first day of qualifications for the 2015 Indianapolis 500. Portions of the proceeds from each stand go to charities designated by the driver teamed with each stand. Among the charities benefitting from the day will be: the Julian Center (Juan Pablo Montoya), Susan G. Komen (Pippa Mann), Indianapolis Humane Society (Will Power, Simon Pagenaud) and Indy Family Foundation (Ed Carpenter).

The stand owners and drivers held an introductory session this morning to prepare for the big event. Lemonade Day is an annual national initiative directed at teaching children the fundamentals of starting and operating a business, as well as giving back to their community. Scott Jones, local entrepreneur and founder of Cha Cha, spearheaded bringing the program to Indianapolis in 2010.

Of Note

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard waved the green flag to start the afternoon practice session. … Food, music and interaction with present and past Indy car stars was on the menu Saturday night during Rev presented by Fifth Third Bank at IMS. Attendees dined on driver-inspired cuisine prepared by top chefs and danced on the Yard of Bricks. Photos with the Borg-Warner Trophy and vintage race cars also was a highlight of the evening under clear skies. Funds raised will support Indiana University Health statewide trauma programs, including medical services for drivers and patrons at the IU Health Emergency Medical Center of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

POST-PRACTICE DRIVER QUOTES:

JUAN PABLO MONTOYA (No. 2 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet, fastest of the day): “It’s OK. (Having the fastest lap) is good for Verizon and for Chevy and for everybody that is paying attention. But I think the time sheet, as always, is irrelevant until you get to the race or until you get to qualifying. Everybody is posting times in the draft and it’s a matter of who is doing the best in the draft. I’ll tell you, the Hondas are looking strong – I think they were doing a lot of race work at the end, so we’ll see.” … (On switching from today’s oval test to the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis road course): “It’s going to be a little bit of work for the team this week to switch the cars over, but it is what it is, and it’s the same for everybody. This is a pretty cool road course and the race last year was pretty amazing. With the long straights and the draft, it’s pretty exciting and it should bring really good racing.”

MARCO ANDRETTI (No. 27 Snapple Honda, third fastest of the day): “It’s interesting. I think there are definitely still some gremlins to work out. We have an overwhelming laundry list of changes to try. Luckily we have a lot of time to work with it, but we’re going to need some time. I don’t really want to go into a lot of detail, but there are a lot of things to work out still. I’m not thoroughly pleased with my car now. The good thing about that is we’re still in the hunt speed-wise.” … “I enjoy the road course. It’s tougher on the (team) because for me, you can wake me up and I’ll drive whatever and wherever. But I enjoy this layout with the long straightaways, we’re going to see a lot of different downforce levels and a lot of games being played. From that standpoint, it’s fun. We’re trying to find the ultimate lap time, do you want to trim, do you not? And it’s going to be the same for everybody.”

GRAHAM RAHAL (No. 15 Steak ‘n Shake Honda): “It was a good first day testing the aero kit. We also had to mileage out an engine, which we successfully did, but we have a little work to do with the handling of the Steak ‘n Shake car. It’s better than last year, but we’re not where we need to be. It’s the first on-track day of the month, which is good, so there is a lot of time ahead of us. The team is a little split up right now over the two cars, but once we get a full staff in here it will be a lot easier.”

DAVEY HAMILTON (No. 24 Robert Graham Special Chevrolet, filling in for Townsend Bell, who was racing sports cars at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca): “It’s cool to be back and in a race car. Townsend couldn’t be here today. We’re just running the car to shake it down and do a system check. We’re doing a few baseline runs. It’s definitely not a full test; just for today and then Townsend will take over.”

JUSTIN WILSON (No. 25 Andretti Autosport Honda): “The day started off really good, but as soon as it got a little hotter it got a little difficult and we started to slide around quite a bit. All in all I’m quite pleased with the first day, there is still a lot to work on and lots to try and understand with the new aero kits and the new downforce levels. We’re not sure what is a typical baseline for running race run trim or qualifying trim, so we’re just working it all out.”

CARLOS MUNOZ (No. 26 AndrettiTV/Cinsay Honda): “The first day with the new Honda oval aero kits – our first time at IMS with the new aero kits. Today was just a learning day. I feel really good with the car and I think we had a fast car all day. Here in Indy, it comes down to whoever has the best tow, the least amount of aero. It’s only the first day; we still have a lot of testing to go, but it feels pretty good.”

SIMONA DE SILVESTRO (No. 29 TE Connectivity Honda): “Today was a pretty good first day. … I think our speed was OK. For me, it was a really good day just being with the team and learning a little bit on the oval. I think we’re all pretty happy with the test day, and for sure we have some work to do, but I think we’ll be OK. I’m just happy to be back in the car here in Indy.”

ORIOL SERVIA (No. 32 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda): “I enjoy driving here almost every time. It felt really good, I felt at home immediately and it helped that I was with the team I drove with last year. Everything felt like it was only yesterday that I drove an Indy car here instead of a year ago. The team did a great, great job. It already felt better than last year. We just went through a lot of changes and gathered data. We have a whole week now to look at the data and basically understand the new aero package. We have wind tunnel figures, which is good, but it’s not the same as being on track so both cars tried different things to gather as much data as possible. Graham (Rahal) and I did a lot of laps today, but this week the engineers have a lot of work ahead of them to go through. I’m feeling pretty good. It’s quite amazing to see how different the two aero packages are and yet are still so close in speed.”

PIPPA MANN (No. 63 Dale Coyne Racing Honda): “First off, it was just absolutely fantastic to finally be back in an Indy car after almost a year sitting out on the sidelines. It’s great to be reunited and continue the strong relationship with my team at Dale Coyne Racing. I’m pretty happy with our performance on day one since we were able to get over 223 miles per hour. We have some work to do next week to help polish out everything, especially the driver. We certainly knocked the rust off today and I am really looking forward to getting in the car on a more consistent basis come next week. It was also great to get the INDIEGOGO logos on the pink Indy car and out on track today for people to see because our partnership with INDIEGOGO is so important to help us raise money in the fight to end breast cancer forever.”

GABBY CHAVES (No. 98 Bowers & Wilkins/Curb Honda, who completed his Rookie Orientation Program): “This was a very special day for me to be out there in an Indy car and to work with the new aero kits. The car felt great, very comfortable. I can leave today with a very positive feeling and I’m very happy with the teamwork. This is the first time I have gone over 200 miles per hour. It’s very different. I thought it would be closer to what it was like in an Indy Lights car. When you’re running 30 miles per hour faster than you have ever gone before, everything comes at you a lot quicker. That was the first thing I noticed, how quickly I am completing laps. We managed some pretty good results, top three in the trap times. We kept finding more speed all day. Now we can focus on trying to build a strong consistent race car.”

INDYCAR NEWS AND NOTES – May 1, 2015

Verizon IndyCar Series Headlines:

1. Honda Unveils Superspeedway Aero Kit Designed for Indianapolis 500 Performance
2. Avaya To Back Pagenaud at Indianapolis, Other Events
3. Angie’s List to Sponsor Chaves, BHA in Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis
4. Carpenter Eager to Learn About Aero Kits
5. Ganassi Lands Ivy Tech Partnership for Karam
6. Fisher to Expand Business Interests in Speedway with Karting Track

Click HERE to view and download the May 3 Indianapolis Oval Promoter Test Participant List.

1. Honda unveils superspeedway aero kit designed for Indianapolis 500 performance: Reduced drag and increased engine performance equal speed on the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval, and Honda Performance Development COO and vice president Steve Eriksen believes its Verizon IndyCar Series entries in the 99th Indianapolis 500 Mile Race will have all three with its superspeedway aerodynamic bodywork platform and 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 engine.

Honda’s superspeedway aerodynamic bodywork package on the No. 29 TE Connectivity Andretti Autosport entry to be driven by Simona de Silvestro was unveiled at Indianapolis Motor Speedway featuring a range of options available to teams to utilize for qualifications and the 200-lap race. The platform was designed, developed and supplied by California-based Honda Performance Development, and the aero kit will make its public on-track debut May 3 during a Promoter Test at IMS. Chevrolet’s superspeedway aero package also will be on track May 3.

Practice opens May 11, with qualifications May 16-17 and the 99th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 24. Ryan Hunter-Reay, driving the No. 28 DHL Honda for Andretti Autosport, won the 2014 Indianapolis 500.

“We do expect faster speeds. You’ve seen it already on the road and street courses,” Eriksen said.

The superspeedway package includes a variety of individual aerodynamic components fitted to the Honda-powered Dallara chassis but is markedly different from the road/street and short oval kit that has been utilized in the first four races of the Verizon IndyCar Series season. The front wing of the superspeedway kit contains fewer components to reduce drag and a rear wing element that Eriksen said is wide “like a glider.” The rear wing main plane has “swan neck” supports that are carried over from Honda’s sports car program, where HPD engineers learned that they helped with air flow over the rear wing. The rear wing main plane is unique to the Indianapolis 500, though an entry has the option to run the main plane to be used on the other three big ovals on the schedule.

“One of the great things about (the Verizon) IndyCar (Series) is that this aero kit has to operate over such a diverse range of circuits, it’s unlike any other racing series, and it’s a real challenge to make a kit that is going to work on every track well. But we welcomed it and have enjoyed doing it,” Eriksen said. “The process really started with us looking at what has made us successful. The Indy 500 wins that we’ve had we look at and say, ‘What did we do well and what could we do better in the future.’ We wanted to build on that experience to build the best kit possible, and I think we’ve done that.”

There will be visual differences between the Honda and Chevrolet superspeedway kits, within both manufacturers’ qualifying and race specs, and within their respective teams that likely will run different elements – even asymmetrical on the cars – during practice.

“We’re excited to unveil our superspeedway aero kit, the newest element in this era of enhanced manufacturer competition in the Verizon IndyCar Series,” HPD president Art St. Cyr said. “Coupled to our proven Honda Indy V-6 engines, these aero kits are the products of thousands of hours of research, development and testing, as we seek to give our drivers and teams the tools they need to win the race that Honda holds as its most important goal each season: the Indianapolis 500.”

Both manufacturers, under INDYCAR regulations, designed components in “legality boxes” that complement the standard components of the rolling chassis. Areas open for development in these legality boxes include sidepods, engine cover, rear wheel guards, front and rear wing main planes and end plates, superspeedway front wing main plane and the Indianapolis 500 rear wing main plane. Standard components for all cars include the underwing, road course front wing and rear wing main planes, nose, mirror housing and roll hoop fairing.

2. Avaya to back Pagenaud at Indianapolis, other events: Avaya will sponsor the Team Penske entry of Simon Pagenaud for at least four Verizon IndyCar Series races beginning with the 99th Indianapolis 500.

“We are excited to welcome Avaya to Team Penske through their relationship with HP, supporting Simon Pagenaud and Brad Keselowski,” team owner Roger Penske said. “Avaya is a growing global brand that has a great opportunity to continue that growth through motorsports. We can benefit from Avaya’s technologies and expertise across our Penske businesses and we appreciate their partnership as Simon and the No. 22 team establish themselves as championship contenders in the Verizon IndyCar Series.”

The Avaya partnership was fostered through the long-term relationship between Team Penske and HP. Together, Avaya and HP Enterprise Services are delivering infrastructure modernization services. As technology continues to revolutionize communications in racing, the partnership between the three organizations is a winning combination for all.

“Avaya and HP, two of Silicon Valley’s business technology powerhouses, have been on the forefront of communications and enterprise technology innovation for decades,” said Joe Manuele, vice president, Global Cloud Services, Avaya. “Communications is entering the cloud-era, and we are proud to offer our technology and expertise to Team Penske in an effort to help the team continue to produce at a high level.”

In addition to the Indianapolis 500, Avaya will also serve as the primary sponsor for Pagenaud and his No. 22 Chevrolet Indy car in Verizon IndyCar Series events at Texas Motor Speedway, the streets of Toronto and Sonoma Raceway. Pagenaud, in his debut season at Team Penske, is currently ranked ninth in the point standings after posting top-10 finishes in three of the first four races.

“I’ve had a long-standing relationship with HP over the years, so to see that expand and to now be associated with a company like Avaya is pretty special,” Pagenaud said. “I want to succeed on the racetrack with Team Penske and having a sponsor like Avaya on the car will help our team reach new heights. We can’t thank them enough for their support and I hope this is just the beginning of a winning partnership.”

3. Angie’s List to sponsor Chaves, BHA in Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis: Angie’s List will be the primary sponsor of the No. 98 Bryan Herta Autosport Honda driven by Gabby Chaves for the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis on May 9.

“Gabby is the epitome of someone who’s paid his dues and is ready to take the national stage by storm,” Angie’s List founder Angie Hicks said. “We can’t wait to see him out on the track.”

Chaves, the 2014 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires champion, is one of the youngest competitors in the Verizon IndyCar Series and currently leads the Verizon IndyCar Series’ Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings.

“I am very excited to be part of this partnership with Angie’s List. Not only are they the title sponsor for the Grand Prix of Indianapolis, but they also are a local Indianapolis company, and that makes the connection even stronger,” Chaves said. “I will be looking forward to a very exciting Angie’s List Grand Prix and putting forward all the efforts necessary to take us to the top step of the podium.”

Added team owner Bryan Herta: “Angie’s List has built a winning reputation for connecting homeowners with great local service providers. We are pleased to partner with them to celebrate their Festival of Service, and to add a winning reputation on the race track during the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis.”

4. Carpenter eager to learn about aero kits: Ed Carpenter hasn’t competed in the No. 20 Fuzzy’s Vodka Chevrolet since the 2014 Verizon IndyCar Series finale on the 2-mile Auto Club Speedway oval, so pardon the CFH Racing co-owner/driver for his exuberance over a May 3 Promoter Test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

It will be the initial opportunity for teams to get acclimated with the new superspeedway aerodynamic bodywork packages designed, manufactured and supplied by Chevrolet and Honda. Carpenter joined Team Penske’s Helio Castroneves in running the Chevrolet superspeedway kit on the 1.5-mile, high-banked Texas Motor Speedway oval March 10, but there is an Indy 500-only rear wing main plane of both manufacturer kits.

“We have this day on Sunday, which is going to be extremely valuable,” said Carpenter, who earned the Verizon P1 Award for the Indianapolis 500 the past two years. “Even the teams that did the lion’s share of development in the offseason for the aero kit, I don’t think any of them ran the car in the full speedway configuration like we’ll have it on Sunday, and there’s quite a few options that we have for the car.

“There’s going to be a lot to learn. Even though the month of May is condensed from when I started my career, there’s still way more track time than we get anywhere else, as long as Mother Nature cooperates. The one thing that’s certain is it’s the same for everyone, so whichever team and drivers can be most efficient and make the best use of their time certainly has the ability to get a leg up on the competition.”

CFH Racing, co-owned by Sarah Fisher and Wink Hartman, has three entries for the 99th Running of the 500 Mile Race – Carpenter, JR Hildebrand and Josef Newgarden, who won the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama on April 26.

“I think we’ll see what we learn here on Sunday, and I think that will kind of set the course for how we attack the first part of the week once we get back on the oval,” Carpenter said. “But the one thing I am looking forward to is we have three great cars and I have two really good teammates to lean on. I ran with JR last year and Josef has been strong at the speedway the past two years, as well, being in the Fast Nine and racing against him there. So we have three strong combinations in the team, and certainly that should work to our benefit.”

5. Ganassi lands Ivy Tech partnership for Karam: Ivy Tech Community College will serve as a partner on the No. 8 Comfort Revolution/Big Machine Records Chevrolet of Sage Karam for the Indianapolis 500, Chip Ganassi Racing announced.

“The partnership with Ivy Tech and Sage is a great fit for us, highlighted by the connection between Sage’s age and that of Ivy Tech’s student body,” said Steve Lauletta, President, Chip Ganassi Racing Teams. “Ivy Tech’s reach and activation with Sage, combined with the team’s focus on millennials, makes for a great program for the No. 8 team during the month of May.”

Karam, 20, will be the centerpiece of a social/digital media campaign during the month of May in Indianapolis leading up to the “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

The partnership also provides the Indiana-based community college a direct connection to the demographic of its student body, and specifically to automotive tech students with a look to the future of potential careers in motorsports.

“This will not only provide exposure for our brand to hundreds of thousands of people at the track, but more importantly provide a wonderful experience for our students and potential students,” said Jeff Fanter, Senior Vice President for Student Experience, Communications and Marketing, Ivy Tech. “We believe Sage can relate with a large number of our students here at Ivy Tech and to give them access to Sage and the Ganassi team only helps enhance an already rewarding educational experience.”

6. Fisher to expand business interests in Speedway with karting track: Sarah Fisher, who formed a Verizon IndyCar Series team in 2008, continues her entrepreneurship by announcing plans for a 60,000-square-foot indoor karting facility near the headquarters of CFH Racing that she co-owns with Ed Carpenter and Wink Hartman on Main Street in Speedway, Ind.

The multi-level Speedway Indoor Karting facility is a privately owned investment by Fisher and her husband, Andy O’Gara. It will include a 14-turn road course with multiple elevation changes and a banked oval that will be sunk into the floor to enable viewing for spectators on both floors of the facility. A restaurant — 1911 Grill — also will be included in the facility.

Speedway Indoor Karting is set to open in April 2016, a month before the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.

“I congratulate Sarah and Andy for their vision and tenacity to translate a personal passion for auto racing into a successful business venture,” Indiana Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann said. “Sarah’s success as a race car driver, their ownership of a (Verizon) IndyCar (Series) team and now this new endeavor make them model Hoosier entrepreneurs.”

Added Fisher: “Andy and I have many goals for Speedway Indoor Karting, all of which are driven toward providing our community, fans and anyone interested in our sport with a destination here in Speedway where they may experience first-class, hands-on racing. We want our customers to leave educated and passionate about returning to our community here in Speedway.

“It is a privilege to have fans who are willing to give us their time, and for that, we want to build on the destination that the Town of Speedway is developing here, especially as a neighbor to the most iconic speedway in the world. There is so much to share about our sport, about karting, the science, the math and the technology, and you can’t forget the social fun.

“Starting my own team in 2008 and taking it to where it is today has only begun the learning process for our small business ventures. And if we’ve learned one thing over the past eight years, it’s that everyone who walks through our door, big or small, is important to your success.”

Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Post-Event Infractions

INDIANAPOLIS (April 29, 2015) – INDYCAR announced the following post-event infractions from the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama, which was held April 25-26 at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala.:

• Chevrolet received a deduction of 20 manufacturer championship points per Verizon IndyCar Series regulations. According to Rule 10.6.4.4, 20 points will be deducted for a non-minor engine repair to the Chevrolet engine in the No. 8 entry. Chevrolet notified INDYCAR and completed the repair within the scope of the rules.
• INDYCAR officials fined crew members of Team Penske a total of $1,500 for violating Rule 7.9.6 (failure to attend equipment during pit stop).
• INDYCAR officials fined KV Racing Technology $500 for violating Rule 7.10.1.3 (passing over own airhose).
• INDYCAR officials fined a crew member of Chip Ganassi Racing Teams $500 for violating Rule 7.9.6 (failure to attend equipment during pit stop).
• INDYCAR officials withdrew the $500 penalty imposed against a crew member of KV Racing Technology on April 22 for violating Rule 1.2.7.2(f) (fueling without visor down) after a further internal review.

Members may contest the imposition of the penalties pursuant to the procedures and timelines detailed in the review and appeal procedures of the Verizon IndyCar Series rulebook.

Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Race Results

Click HERE to view and download the official box score from the Honda Grand Prix of Alabama.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Results Sunday of the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Verizon IndyCar Series event on the 2.3-mile Barber Motorsports Park road course with order of finish, starting position in parentheses, driver, chassis-engine, laps completed and reason out (if any):
1. (5) Josef Newgarden, Chevrolet, 90, Running
2. (8) Graham Rahal, Honda, 90, Running
3. (4) Scott Dixon, Chevrolet, 90, Running
4. (2) Will Power, Chevrolet, 90, Running
5. (18) Ryan Hunter-Reay, Honda, 90, Running
6. (22) Carlos Munoz, Honda, 90, Running
7. (10) James Hinchcliffe, Honda, 90, Running
8. (7) Sebastien Bourdais, Chevrolet, 90, Running
9. (3) Simon Pagenaud, Chevrolet, 90, Running
10. (13) Marco Andretti, Honda, 90, Running
11. (9) Luca Filippi, Chevrolet, 90, Running
12. (11) Charlie Kimball, Chevrolet, 90, Running
13. (6) Tony Kanaan, Chevrolet, 90, Running
14. (15) Juan Pablo Montoya, Chevrolet, 90, Running
15. (1) Helio Castroneves, Chevrolet, 90, Running
16. (17) Gabby Chaves, Honda, 90, Running
17. (20) Takuma Sato, Honda, 90, Running
18. (12) Sage Karam, Chevrolet, 90, Running
19. (16) Stefano Coletti, Chevrolet, 90, Running
20. (21) Rodolfo Gonzalez, Honda, 90, Running
21. (19) Jack Hawksworth, Honda, 90, Running
22. (14) James Jakes, Honda, 89, Running
23. (23) Francesco Dracone, Honda, 89, Running

Race Statistics
Winners average speed: 107.176
Time of Race: 01:55:53.0630
Margin of victory: 2.2061 seconds
Cautions: 2 for 9 laps
Lead changes: 10

Lap Leaders:
Castroneves 1 – 18
Pagenaud 19 – 21
Newgarden 22 – 34
Rahal 35 – 46
Hinchcliffe 47
Bourdais 48 – 49
Montoya 50
Newgarden 51 – 62
Dixon 63 – 64
Rahal 65 – 69
Newgarden 70 – 90

Point Standings: Montoya 136, Castroneves 133, Dixon 123, Newgarden 119, Power 112, Hinchcliffe 110, Kanaan 110, Rahal 103, Pagenaud 96, Bourdais 91

Newgarden Scores First Career Victory at Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (April 26, 2015) – Josef Newgarden wasn’t nervous with three-time Verizon IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon and a hard-charging Graham Rahal within striking distance in the closing laps of the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama. The 24-year-old Tennessee native held off both competitors and pulled away for his first Verizon IndyCar Series victory in his 55th start.

Newgarden, driving the No. 67 Hartman Oil CFH Racing Chevrolet, is the fourth different winner in as many races this season. This was the first victory since the merger of Ed Carpenter Racing and Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing and the team’s sixth win overall.

“This is the way I wanted to do it. I didn’t want to win on some crazy incident, or on luck,” Newgarden said. “This team deserves it. They gave me an incredible car and let me get out there and rip with the thing and pass people on pure merit. And that’s due to CFH Racing – they were just incredible today. We’re going up against the giants, but I think this team can be a giant one day.”

Rahal, who charged from fifth in the final 10 laps on the 2.3-mile, 17-turn Barber Motorsports Park road course, overtook Dixon on the final lap to claim his first podium finish since Belle Isle 1 last May. Rahal, driving the No. 15 Steak ‘n Shake Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda, finished 2.2061 seconds behind Newgarden.

“The Honda did a great job for me today,” Rahal said. “I passed a lot of guys and I hope everyone enjoyed the race because we were pushing to the last seconds. A few more laps and I think we would have had (Newgarden).”

Dixon, who won a week earlier on the streets of Long Beach, Calif., finished third in the No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet. He has finished on the podium in all six races at Barber Motorsports Park (four second-place finishes and third in each of the past two seasons).

Reigning Verizon IndyCar Series champion Will Power, who won at Barber in 2011 and 2012, placed fourth in the No. 1 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet. Ryan Hunter-Reay, who won the past two races at Barber, finished fifth in the No. 28 DHL Andretti Autosport Honda.

Helio Castroneves was running fourth in the final laps but had to pit with one lap remaining for a splash of fuel. The unplanned stop dropped the three-time Indianapolis 500 winner to 15th place in the waning laps – one position behind Team Penske teammate Juan Pablo Montoya, who maintained the series championship lead by three points over Castroneves heading to the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis on May 9.

Newgarden, who started a season-high fifth, had a previous best finish of second (Baltimore 2013 and Iowa 2014). He placed eighth after starting fourth at Barber Motorsports Park last year. He led a field-high 46 laps – more than double his previous career total.

Auburn Football Coach Impressed in First Visit to Race

Gus Malzahn has coached some great athletes on the gridiron, but the Auburn University football coach had a newfound appreciation for the conditioning of Verizon IndyCar Series drivers after visiting the KV Racing Technology compound before today’s race. Malzahn was a guest of Raymond Harbert, chairman and CEO of the Harbert Management Company that is an associate sponsor this weekend on the No. 4 KV Racing Technology Chevrolet driven by Stefano Coletti.

“I enjoy Indy car racing and this will be my first experience seeing it first-hand,” Malzahn said as he took his first close-up look at the KV cars. “The fact that it worked out, I was in town already with Mr. Harbert and Charlie Miller (Harbert’s executive vice president and global head of distribution). It’s great to be here. I’m just learning about it behind the scenes.”

Malzahn, who guided Auburn to the national championship game in his first year at the helm in 2013, planned to be an interested spectator in Coletti’s pit during the race. He was impressed with the preparations drivers must undertake to stand up to the rigors of Verizon Indy Car Series racing.

“It’s real interesting to me about the drivers, how much they have to work out and how fit they’ve got to be,” Malzahn said. “I just got through talking to (Coletti) and he was talking about his workout routine. A lot of people probably don’t know that, but working out two hours a day and the mental and physical awareness you have to have to do this is really unbelievable.”

‘It Feels Good’ for Country Singer to See Race

Drake White’s current country music hit is “It Feels Good,” which described well the local native’s first visit to a Verizon IndyCar Series race. White sang the national anthem before today’s Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama.

“It does feel good,” White said when asked to sum up his excitement. “Because I say it all the time, I try not to make the pun, but it does feel good out here, man.”

White, from Gadsden, Ala., felt even better seeing his name decaled on the No. 8 Comfort Revolution/Big Machine Records Chevrolet driven by Sage Karam. White is signed to Dot Records, a Big Machine subsidiary, and said he draws motivation from the progress of Karam, who at 20 is the youngest driver in the field.

“To come out here and see my name and my hard work paying off from a music standpoint, and being plastered on the back of a car, is pretty awesome,” White said. “(Karam) being a young guy and being able to come out here and do what he’s been able to do is just a testament to his dedication and his talent.

“I love the aspect of maybe telling somebody to follow the dream or push forward or go for it. Just because it hasn’t been done doesn’t mean that it can’t be done. He’s really inspired me to go out and push my boundaries musically.”

Of Note
Brian Campe, race engineer for Juan Pablo Montoya’s No. 2 Hawk Performance Team Penske Chevrolet, grew up in Huntsville, Ala., where his father was a NASA employee. Montoya won the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 29 and led the point standings heading into the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama. “We finished the 2014 season on a high note and we have carried that momentum through the offseason and into the start of 2015,” Campe said. “We found out where our weaknesses were and we attacked those, which were the street courses and road courses, and we’ve been strong in those areas so far.” … Spencer Pigot (Juncos Racing) made it a sweep in Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, winning the weekend doubleheader nightcap today by 5.9781 seconds over Jack Harvey (Schmidt Peterson Motorsports with Curb-Agjanian). Pigot took over the championship lead by seven points over Ed Jones (Carlin). … In the second Pro Mazda Presented by Cooper Tires race of the weekend, Neil Alberico (Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing) inherited the lead and drove to victory after pole sitter Weiron Tan (Andretti Autosport) was penalized and moved to the rear of the field for blocking at the start. It was the third win in five races this season for Alberico, who holds an eight-point lead in the standings over Santiago Urrutia (Team Pelfrey).
POST-RACE DRIVER QUOTES

JOSEF NEWGARDEN (No. 67 Hartman Oil CFH Racing Chevrolet, race winner): “This is the way I wanted to do it. I didn’t want to win on some crazy incident or on luck. This team deserves it. They gave me an incredible car and let me get out there and rip with the thing and pass people on pure merit. And that’s due to CFH Racing – they were just incredible today. We’re going up against the giants, but I think this team can be a giant one day. We’ve got great partners in Chevrolet and Firestone – they deserve it and today they made it easy on me. Today was a good day and we need to have more of these.”

GRAHAM RAHAL (No. 15 Steak ‘n Shake Honda, second place): “I’m really proud of these Steak ‘n Shake guys. They’ve worked extremely hard and today I drove that race 110 percent, every single lap. We knew when we made the strategy call to stay out (that) we had to go fast in order to make up the gap. I’ve got to say Honda did a great job for me today. It’s still tough to follow, but obviously I passed a lot of guys. This team has come a long way and I think we have proven that. Eventually one of these days we’ll win one of these things. I hope everybody enjoyed the race because we were pushing there until the last second. It was great racing with Ryan (Hunter-Reay), Will (Power) and (Scott) Dixon – he gave me room there in those last couple turns. That’s pretty nice of him; not a lot of guys do that.” … (On if he had a chance to win): “(Jack) Hawksworth got out of the pits in front of me and that held me up and we lost a few seconds right there, so we had to pit a little earlier than we wanted to. A couple laps
earlier, we would have gotten him I think.”

SCOTT DIXON (No. 9 Coke/Target Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet, third place): “It was definitely a tough day. It started horribly, we kind of got pushed around there at the start and just didn’t get a clean line there. We dropped like a rock – we bled the rear tires off on the first set and I think we were the first to stop in that situation. It kind of altered the day and how we could kind of deal with tires and fuel and all that kind of stuff. We knew the alternate strategy was going to come late and it came strong. All in all, congratulations to Josef (Newgarden) – he’s a hell of a driver, with a small team, and for them to get a victory is really cool to see.”

WILL POWER (No. 1 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet, fourth place): “Very eventful. A fun race that you like if you end up in a good position. Man, I didn’t even see what happened when I got put in the gravel there (the incident with Sato). But I did everything I could to get back and got back to fourth, so it’s a good result considering. After (the incident) I was just focusing on doing a good job, saving fuel and passing when we could. Did everything we could, got back. I didn’t even see what happened on that penalty because I just felt a hit from behind. I thought I was clear. I looked in the mirror, it was hard to see, but that’s racing.”

RYAN HUNTER-REAY (No. 28 DHL Honda, fifth place): “I think that was as good as we were going to get today. We really worked hard on saving fuel. We had to have a lot of discipline to pull that off. Some guys pitted a little later than us and they were able to go a little heavier, a little harder (at the end), so we missed out on the podium because of that. All in all a good day. Progress. We had to save a lot of fuel today. One of the worst things in an Indy car is having to save fuel while guys behind you are on good tires and don’t have to save any (fuel), like Graham (Rahal).”

JUAN PABLO MONTOYA (No. 2 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet, series points leader): “We had a long day with the No. 2 Hawk Performance Chevy. We started with a bad qualifying effort, but we seemed to be in an OK position to dig ourselves out of the hole at one point. We were racing with (Ryan) Hunter-Reay and he finished fifth. It’s hard to race with some of the guys in the back of the pack. They are young and sometimes make moves like you aren’t even there when you are right beside them. So we ended up with two broken wings and a 14th-place finish.”

HELIO CASTRONEVES (No. 3 AAA Insurance Team Penske Chevrolet): “Not the finish we hoped for the AAA Insurance Chevrolet. There was just a bit of miscommunication on our fuel number that, unfortunately, caused us to have to pit with one lap left. You never want to see the white flag on pit road. We were on the same strategy with (Josef) Newgarden and (Scott) Dixon, but we were needing to meet a different fuel number than they were and I didn’t understand that. So I was trying to balance making the number we had to meet with not giving up a position to Dixon, who was behind me. Unfortunately that caused us to come up short. I hate it because the AAA guys gave me another car that could’ve easily won the race, but it was a crazy race out there today.”

STEFANO COLETTI (No. 4 KV Racing Technology Chevrolet): “We were off to a great start with a great strategy. We pitted and then after that we were running 10th and the car felt great and we were up there. However, when we pitted, an accident just happened and Race Control apparently thought that I came in when the yellow was out, which I really don’t think is the case. We need to get that clarified because they sent me to the back of the field and my race went downhill from there. I tried to pass (James) Jakes and we both made contact and spun, and then I got a drive-through penalty for avoidable contact and after that it was really over for me. I feel bad for my team because they have been working so hard to give me such a fast race car, but we seem to be getting the worst luck and hopefully that changes soon.”

JAMES HINCHCLIFFE (No. 5 Arrow/Lucas Oil Schmidt Peterson Honda): “The race was pretty good for the Arrow Electronics team. We were able to pick up a couple of spots, obviously. The pace of the car was really good and I think the guys called the right strategy for where we started. We were missing in one area: We just didn’t quite have it on the brakes today, unfortunately. That allowed Graham (Rahal) to stay in front of us while he was on blacks (primary tires) there and it really got us stuck behind those Coyne cars for way too long. You look at where Graham finished and we were right with him there. Obviously we missed a bit but strategy was good, car was good and like I said, if we’d of just had a little bit more on the brakes, I think we could’ve made some good headway. We stayed out of trouble, had a good points day and we’ll take it. We get faster and faster, more and more competitive in these races and that’s what we need to see. A big thanks to all the Arrow crew guys for a solid weekend and we look forward to the GP of Indy now.”

JAMES JAKES (No. 7 Schmidt Peterson Motorsports Honda): “It was a disappointing day for the No. 7 MediaTech Honda with UMP and HelpForScoliosis.com. We just had an error in the pits and then we got turned around, actually when we were on the lead lap. It’s disappointing but we’ll take credits from this weekend and move on to the Indy grand prix. Obviously, the No. 5 car got some more points for the team, which is good, and we’ll try to do the same next week.”

SAGE KARAM (No. 8 Comfort Revolution/Big Machine Records Chevrolet): “Another rough day for the No. 8 Comfort Revolution/Big Machine Records Chevrolet. We started out well on that first lap and actually moved up a position fighting for a spot in the top 10, but then the setup just went kind of loose. We came in and looked at what was going in and it looks like one of my rear springs actually broke. There’s nothing we can do about that, but it’s still a shame because I think we had a good car all weekend.”

TONY KANAAN (No. 10 NTT Data Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet): “It was a tough day for NTT Data Chip Ganassi Racing. We really had a roller coaster of a race weekend with a bad practice to start and then a solid qualifying effort. It just kind of went downhill even from the first lap when I got caught between some cars and dropped a few spots. It was just a hard day for the No. 10 NTT Data Chevrolet, with struggling to maintain tires and get back to the front of the pack. I’m happy for Scott (Dixon) for scoring another podium, but the 10 car definitely needs to get back up to the front.”

SEBASTIEN BOURDAIS (No. 11 Team Mistic E-Cigs-KVSH Chevrolet): “We had a great day. The Mistic machine was awesome. It’s just Race Control ruined it for us. You can’t leave two drivers stranded out there because they did a great job. Simon (Pagenaud) and I were managing our tires better than most people, we were first and second and we were going to come into the pits a few laps later and they called a caution for debris. They should have let us know they were going to call a caution and given us a chance to pit. They didn’t do that and it ruined our day. After that, it was recovery mode. Thankfully, we had a great car and we beat all the guys we were competing against … some guys in front of us and the guys who were on the same strategy. But you can’t overcome being dropped to the back of the pack like that. That was a shame because it should have been a very different day. The Mistic crew did a great job and we will keep trying, but for sure it is very frustrating.”

TAKUMA SATO (No. 14 ABC Supply AJ Foyt Racing Honda): “It was good to finish the race under the very tough and difficult circumstances. At the start of the race we gained a couple positions and we were working through our strategy when the yellow came out and we tried to take advantage of it, so we pitted. I think the decision was OK as there were a couple other good cars on the same strategy. We used red (alternate) tires in two stints, but one stint was really long and later in that stint we were struggling to keep pace quite a lot. Now you can say we should have come in, change tires, get a splash of fuel, etc., but at that time it was a difficult decision. We were losing a lot of positions, but the team decided at the time to stay out so I would only have one more pit stop. It was a tough day. And I had the collision with Will (Power), which looked like he didn’t see me when I was already committed into the turn. He just came out of the pit and we were side by side and I tried to avoid him, but it was not possible. He is the last guy I would want to hit out there. It was a tough day but we learned something for both cars and hopefully we can put it to good use for the Indy grand prix.”

RODOLFO GONZALEZ (No. 18 Dale Coyne Honda): “We were really competitive and it is a bit misleading to see a 20th-place finish because we had made up some really good ground during the race. I had a lot of interesting battles with some big names in the series, so that was good. We finished quite a few places below where we were running a lot of the day because we took a little gamble on fuel at the end and didn’t have enough to make it to the end. We were still running pretty good even though I was saving fuel and then I had to save even more, which was difficult. We ran as high as 10th and were running P15 at the time. I had some good battles with (Juan Pablo) Montoya and (Takuma) Sato, who are very good drivers. Two laps from the end, we didn’t quite make the fuel numbers and it was disappointing I had to come in and finish 20th. In the end, it was good experience and in the future I just have to be more cautious of the way I save fuel.”

FRANCESCO DRACONE (No. 19 Dale Coyne Honda): “This felt like a never-ending race because of all of the track action and how physical it was out there. I was a little disappointed in my performance during some phases of the race, but there were others where I gave some guys a good battle when I was in the middle of the pack. I got my lap back and was slightly off strategy, so I was fighting for position for a while with some fast guys. During the last stint someone came into my rear tire and we had to do an extra pit stop. I didn’t have any more (alternate) red tires left so we had to go to black and I ended up last because of this. I think I would have finished 21st or something without that puncture. The strategy was really good and I was running in clean air, but someone hit my tire and that was it.”

SIMON PAGENAUD (No. 22 Penske Truck Rental Chevrolet): “We had plenty of pace in the Penske Truck Rental Chevrolet. Plenty. Plenty. We would have challenged for the win. In the first stint when we got by Will (Power), we were looking really strong coming up on Helio (Castroneves) and (Josef) Newgarden. It was a little bit of a shame. We just got unlucky with the yellow there. From then on we had to be really aggressive and attack and pass people, which we did. That was fun from that part; I’m happy with my driving. But I feel like we had a much better car than the result we actually had, but there are always some outside factors you can’t control. Congratulations to Newgarden on his first win. He deserves it. He has been knocking on the door for a long time. I’m really happy for him.”

CARLOS MUNOZ (No. 26 AndrettiTV Cinsay Honda): “I think sixth for me is like a victory today. I mean, I always want to win, but this sixth feels so good because of how we started the weekend. Starting 22nd at Barber (Motorsports Park), it is really hard to make your way to the front. My team did a great job – in pit stops, in strategy. I think I did a great job at saving fuel; I’m more or less a rookie at saving fuel, but I think now I have my ‘saving fuel degree’ from university (laughs). Now I’m looking forward to the next one.”

MARCO ANDRETTI (No. 27 Snapple Honda): “I lost too much time early in the stint to (Scott) Dixon and Ryan (Hunter-Reay). I had a go at Dixon … I got pushed off the track, so we lost a lot of track position. I lost a lot of time, really, in that stint trying to conserve (fuel). I need to get better at managing, but we were losing the rear tires, so it was a real struggle.”

JACK HAWKSWORTH (No. 41 ABC Supply AJ Foyt Racing Honda): “I didn’t get a great start off the line, got caught in it in the first corner, but got my rhythm in the first stint and picked off a few cars. Then we pitted and had a good second stint and were running with (Simon) Pagenaud and (Tony) Kanaan. Then on the restart, I passed Pagenaud but couldn’t stop the car on the exit and I ended up losing that spot. Then we settled into a rhythm and were doing OK, but we died there on the reds (alternate tires) at the end and should have pitted a lap earlier. When we did pit we had an issue and we lost a lot of time in the pits, so then it was day done. We just had to bring the car home. It’s disappointing really because we could have gotten a top 10 or 11 out of it. So a bit disappointed.”

CHARLIE KIMBALL (No. 83 Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet): “It was kind of a frustrating race with some of the calls that were made and I think they’re worth investigating further. Overall, the Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing crew just never stopped fighting. We had really good pit stops. We did get caught out with that first yellow and had to go with an alternate strategy, but we were quick when we needed to be. I mean to be knocking on the door of a top-10 finish after our strategy went completely wrong is a pretty good result for the No. 83 NovoLog FlexPen Chevrolet. I’m looking forward to the Indy road course and the entire month of May. I feel like we made a big step as a team this weekend and hopefully we can keep that up in a few weekends at the GP of Indianapolis.”

GABBY CHAVES (No. 98 Bowers & Wilkins/Curb Honda): “We ended up with the right strategy to take us to a possible top-eight finish. One of our stints on the (alternate) red tires, we just couldn’t hang on to the handling. About four or five laps in, and it just took us off the pace. I’m very happy we again showed our strength in race trim and had strong stops by the BHA guys.”