Using GPS Technology to Improve the Auto Racing Fan Experience

Combining high-speed data communications, global-positioning technology, and real-time camera control, the Racef/x system from Sportvision provides graphical enhancements for live television coverage of racing events. The system allows the announcer to activate on-screen pointers to identify selected cars in the race along with an optional virtual dashboard showing vital statistics, such as speed and position in real time. The system employs an onboard telemetry system to send sensor and GPS (global-positioning-system) data to a network of receivers in strategic positions around the track. Differential-GPS techniques determine each car's position, comparing satellite-position signals to known fixed positions. Several of the broadcast cameras include remotely controlled pan and tilt heads, enabling them to automatically follow the position data from the selected car. Updated several times per second, custom software synchronizes transmissions and collects statistics from as many as 55 cars racing around the track at more than 200 mph. Sportvision introduced its Racef/x system during the 2006 Indy Racing League season, and NASCAR is now also using the system in its 2007 Busch series season. This type of tracking system also allows sanctioning organizations to capture additional revenue with subscription-based data it delivers over the Internet so that users can follow their favorite competitors.

Iowa Speedway Uses First SAFER Barrier in New Construction

Iowa Speedway, which hosts the IndyCar Series and Indy Pro Series this weekend for the first time, became the first track to be constructed using the SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) Barrier developed by the Indy Racing League and the University of Nebraska.

The SAFER Barrier was first installed in all four turns at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2002. Subsequent installations of the system around the globe have been retro-fit to existing concrete walls of racetracks.

That changed with the design and construction of Iowa Speedway. At the suggestion of Indy Racing League senior technical director Phil Casey, the track became the first to install the new Alternative Backup Structure around the entire perimeter of the 0.875-mile racing surface. The new system incorporates anchored steel posts with bundles of closed-cell polystyrene foam between them and the (40-inch tall, 28-feet long) square structural steel tubing (8 inches each, stitch welded at seams every 12 inches) that comprises the “soft wall.”

“Racetracks that are already built have cement walls, so it was easy to put the SAFER Barrier and the foam against the cement walls,” Casey said. “If you have temporary circuits like road courses or building a new racetrack, you need a way to put up SAFER Barriers and it’s so expensive to put up cement walls (about $4 million on a mile racetrack). Consequently, the Alternative Backup Structure saves about a third of the cost.”

All 12 ovals on the IndyCar Series schedule contain the SAFER Barrier.

Impacts in early races at the speedway have supported data of development and testing by the University of Nebraska group.

“It’s very strong,” Casey said. “There was considerable testing. A few ARCA cars and Silver Crowns have hit it and it performed well.”

A similar structure – a steel post imbedded in a concrete barrier with the foam and steel tubing fronting it -- could soon be incorporated in sections of road/street courses (selected corners) and ovals (pit lane walls, inside racetrack).

“Any new facility or road course that needs it in high-speed corners, the recommendation would be to put the latest generation in,” Casey said.

The sanctioning body also is working with the University of Nebraska team on development of a pit lane attenuator system (nose of pit lane wall), which is entering the testing phase. Upon impact, the device compacts (slides on a center rail) to absorb the energy.

“There is always room for development,” Casey said.

source: IndyCar

John Andretti set to take Kyle Petty's ride for five Nextel Cup races

by Jason Tweed, GrandPrixChamp.com

John Andretti made a less than spectacular return to Indy in May. He finished 30th after an interlude with the wall.

Apparently, he's now returning to NASCAR, at least part time. According to the Allentown Morning Call, local paper to Nazareth, Pennsylvania, where the Andretti's call home, Andretti is returning to Richard Petty's racing team for a few races this season. Kyle Petty is scheduled to do a few races from the broadcast booth, in what would appear to be a long overdue career transition.

Read the full story: John Andretti Set to Take Kyle Petty's Ride for Five Nextel Cup Races

Dan Weldon wins IndyCar event in Kansas

Dan Weldon drove his Target Chip Ganassi IndyCar to a win in Kansas, becoming the seventh different winner in seven races at the venue. It was Weldon's second win this season, in four events. He goes into Indianapolis as the pre-May favorite.

Read the whole story from IndyCar.com.

Strategic moves push AGR driver past Wheldon at Motegi

By Dave Lewandowski, indycar.com

A succession of drivers inherited the point late in the Indy Japan 300 because of fuel stops. Tony Kanaan, who relinquished the lead to Sam Hornish Jr. only nine laps from the checkers, was confident of being the final leader.

Kanaan was right, of course, and edged Target Chip Ganassi Racing's Dan Wheldon by 0.4828 of a second to give Andretti Green Racing its initial victory of the season and first on a 1.5-mile oval since the 2005 IndyCar Series season. Kanaan's teammate, Dario Franchitti, advanced four positions to finish third, while Scott Dixon was fourth and Sam Hornish Jr. fifth.

Read the detail; Tony Kanaan Wins Indy Japan 300

Helio Castroneves wins on the streets of St. Petersburg

By Dave Lewandowski, indycar.com

Helio Castroneves made it look easy on the streets of St. Petersburg. The sweat-soaked firesuit and weary celebratory fence climb belied that notion.

Sure Castroneves started from the pole, posted the fastest race time on Lap 88 (1 minute, 3.0737 seconds; 102.737 mph) and led 95 of 100 laps. Sure his Team Penske crew was flawless on pit stops in a race that dictated ethanol fuel strategy and economy. So while it might appear that Castroneves was the grand marshal of this parade, his physical labor and mental focus was intense for the duration.

Target Chip Ganassi Racing's Scott Dixon was only 0.6007 of a second in Castroneves' wake – the closest finish in six IndyCar Series street/road course events spanning three years – and with a few more available laps, Andretti Green Racing's triumvirate of Tony Kanaan, Marco Andretti and Dario Franchitti might have been able to make some noise, too. They completed the top five.

"It's incredible," said Castroneves, who recorded his second consecutive victory in the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. "You have to be so focused. I had to be really careful that I didn't make a mistake. But it's my time. We won."

Castroneves, who has led 135 of 200 laps on the 1.8-mile, 14-turn circuit the past two years, tied Dixon as two-time winners on IndyCar Series road/street races. He is the first to translate a pole start in to a race victory on a street/road course.

Read the full story: Castroneves makes it two in a row on street course

Dan Weldon wins at Homestead-Miami Speedway

Target Chip Ganassi scores a 1-2 finish at Homestead-Miami in the season opener for the Indy Racing League. Weldon's dominant victory in Miami could be a preview of things to come in 2007 with Target Chip Ganassi Racing, especially with teammate, Scott Dixon finishing second.

Here's the top 10 results:

1. Dan Weldon -- Ganassi
2. Scott Dixon -- Ganassi
3. Sam Hornish Jr. -- Penske
4. Vitor Meira -- Panther
5. Tony Kanaan -- Andretti Green
6. Ed Carpenter -- Vision
7. Dario Franchitti -- Andretti Green
8. Tomas Scheckter -- Vision
9. Helio Castroneves -- Penske
10. Buddy Rice -- Dreyer and Reinbold

Read the Indy Racing League race report from Homestead-Miami Speedway

Danica Patrick, Marco Andretti Rivalry???

I read an article today by Mike Brudenell of the Detroit Free Press. He claims that Indy Racing League fans are anticipating a big rivalry between Danica Patrick and Marco Andretti.

I'm posing a question for my readers, is this a true IndyCar rivalry or media hype?

Shouldn't a true rivalry be competitors on different teams? Or maybe, they are teammates on Saturday and rivals on Sunday. What would Andretti Green Racing team owners Kim Green, Michael Andretti, and Kevin Savoree have to say about it?

Anyhow, here's the article: Dream Duel: Patrick versus Andretti

Let's hear what you think! Post your comments below.

Gatorz signs Sam Hornish Jr. a new three year endorsement

IBF 1 Corp. and its subsidiary, Gatorz, is pleased to announce that Sam Hornish Jr. has signed a new three year endorsement contract and has agreed to join the Corporation's board of directors.

Gatorz is a private company, wholly owned by IBF 1 Corp. carrying on the business of designing, manufacturing, distributing and marketing aircraft brushed billet aluminum and plastic action performance eyewear, including sunglasses and accessories targeted to the auto racing, motorcycle, motocross, sky diving and other sports fans and enthusiasts.

Kerry Lynch, President of Gatorz said "We are pleased and proud to take our long standing endorsement relationship for our sunglasses with Sam, to the strategic level with such a fine outstanding person". Kerry added "Rarely does the brand footprint of a company and its corporate values dovetail with the values of a high profile and successful athlete as it does in this instance".

Gatorz eyewear products are marketed through traditional advertising channels as well as certain contractual endorsements by celebrity athletes including Marco and Michael Andretti, Kurt Busch, Sam Hornish Jr., and Alex Tagliani.

source: Gatorz

Michael Andretti will run at Indy

The co-owner of Andretti Green Racing and past Champ Car champion will test his skill again at the Indianapolis 500. Michael Andretti has never won the Indianapolis 500. He did finish second (1991) once and last year finished third directly behind his son Marco Andretti.

Michael Andretti retired from full-time racing three years ago, but came out of retirement for one race last season and had a strong showing. This season Marco, Michael, and Danica Patrick will all be driving for Andretti Green Racing after finishing second, third, and fourth respectively in 2006.

Source: The Associated Press

March 2007 -- Auto Racing Schedule of Events

For most open-wheel auto racing, the season begins in March. Formula One, IndyCar, and the Indy Pro Series kickoff their seasons. Champ car and Atlantic series finish testing. The schedule also includes other racing series and related events. Formula One, IndyCar, and Champ Car races are in bold.


March 4 -- Busch Series -- Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez , Mexico City -- 1:30 p.m. Eastern -- ESPN2
March 7 -- Atlantic Series -- Spring Training -- Laguna Seca
March 10 -- Champ Car -- Spring Training -- Laguna Seca
March 10 -- Busch series -- Las Vegas motor Speedway -- 2:30 p.m. Eastern -- ABC
March 11 -- NASCAR -- Las Vegas Motor Speedway -- 4 p.m. Eastern -- FOX
March 16 -- NASCAR trucks -- Atlanta motor Speedway -- 8:30 p.m. Eastern -- SPEED
March 17 -- Busch series -- Atlanta motor Speedway -- 2:30 p.m. Eastern -- ABC
March 18 -- Formula 1 -- Australian Grand Prix -- 10 p.m. Eastern -- SPEED
March 18 -- NASCAR -- Atlanta Motor Speedway -- 1:30 p.m. Eastern -- FOX
March 24 -- Indy Pro Series -- Homestead Miami Speedway -- 5 p.m. Eastern -- ESPN2
March 24 -- IndyCar -- Homestead Miami Speedway -- 8 p.m. Eastern -- ESPN2
March 24 -- Busch series -- Bristol motor Speedway -- 2:30 p.m. Eastern -- ABC
March 25 -- NASCAR -- Bristol Motor Speedway -- 1:30 p.m. Eastern -- FOX
March 31 -- NASCAR trucks -- Martinsville Speedway -- 3 p.m. Eastern -- FOX

Cars and Liquor Team up Again

Cabo Wabo joins A.J. Foyt Racing as associate sponsor: Sammy Hagar is a legend in the world of rock 'n roll. Now he is joining auto racing legend A.J. Foyt.

Hagar's Cabo Wabo Enterprises has signed as an associate sponsor of A.J. Foyt's IndyCar Series team for the 2007 season. It is the first time in Foyt's storied career that a liquor company has been associated with his Indy car team.

"I'm happy to have Sammy Hagar and his company involved with our team," said Foyt, who is celebrating his 50th anniversary in Indy car racing. "Cabo Wabo is a premium tequila, and I think our race fans will show their appreciation in a responsible way. Our team will help promote responsible drinking which creates a win-win for everyone. And there's nothing I like more than winning."

Hagar's sponsorship of the No. 14 IndyCar Series entry isn't his only involvement with the IndyCar Series or Indy Pro Series. Hagar also is co-owner of Team KMA's Indy Pro Series car driven by Robbie Pecorari.

"To be given the opportunity to be a part of such a great sport, and to do it along side A.J. Foyt's team is such an honor," Hagar said. "The fans, the team, the races, they all represent the best of what motorsports has to offer. We're looking forward to a great season."

source: press release

Daytona Open Test Kicks Off 2007 IndyCar Series Season

Tony Kanaan was the fastest driver in preseason testing at the Daytona road course. Seventeen drivers participated and fastmachines.com publish the results.

Marco Andretti focuses on IndyCar

Floridatoday.com ran a terrific story about Marco Andretti. I'm really starting to like this kid. His talent lives up to the hype, which is difficult to do when your last name is Andretti. Furthermore, he's confident without appearing cocky. I'm looking forward to watching him race this season.

The story reported that he got a test drive in a Formula One car and posted a respectable time. But it is for now he's completely dedicated to Indycar.

Read the full story about Marco Andretti.