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

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

The List: Best American Non-NASCAR Drivers (SI/CNN)

Here's a top 10 List published by Sports Illustrated and CNN of the Best American Non-NASCAR Drivers.

1. John Force -- NHRA
2. Sam Hornish Jr. -- IRL
3. Marco Andretti -- IRL
4. Steve Kinser -- World of Outlaws
5. Kenny Bernstein -- NHRA
6. Tony Schumacher -- NHRA
7. Michael Andretti -- IRL
8. Scott Speed -- Formula One
9. Gary Scelzi -- NHRA
10. Danica Patrick -- IRL

Editor's note: I'm right there with them on a couple, but I question others. Sam Hornish Jr. and Steve Kinser, no question, they've been completely dominant throughout their careers. I'm not a big fan of drag racing, but John Force and Kenny Bernstein have seen similar dominance. I know Michael Andretti is planning to run Indy, but this list looks like to me a list of active drivers and I don't consider one race a year as active. Marco Andretti, Scott Speed and Danica Patrick are all young and talented, but besides being great marketing commodities, all of them are unproven as of now.

Let's hear your arguments, or maybe even another top 10 list.

Perhaps the top 10 "best Americans of all time" or maybe a top 10 non-NASCAR list that includes foreign drivers running in American series.

One last thought, where it is Boris Said? I know he's part time NASCAR, but as I remember Steve Kinser has been behind the wheel of a NASCAR vehicle on a few occasions.

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.