| PRESS
RELEASE
CHAMPCAR:
Cristiano da Matta Goes Home to Miami (SEP 23, 2006)
- Cristiano da Matta Goes Home to Miami
- RuSPORT driver leaves hospital in Wisconsin; will
continue rehabilitation at home
- ELKHART LAKE, Wisc., Sept. 23, 2006 -- Champ Car World
Series driver Cristiano da Matta (#10 RuSPORT Ford-Cosworth / Lola /
Bridgestone) has left Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah, Wisc., yesterday,
and was flown to his home in Miami to continue his rehabilitation process.
Da Matta was injured after colliding with a deer that ran onto the track
near Turn Six at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisc. during a Champ
Car Open Test on August 3.
- Champ Car Medical Director Dr. Chris Pinderski traveled
with da Matta and his family from Neenah to Miami, and was able to observe
da Matta's condition throughout the trip.
- "We are pleased to announce that Cristiano da
Matta went back to his home in Miami yesterday," said Pinderski.
"His recovery so far has been nothing short of excellent and he's
done so well that the remainder of his rehabilitation will take place
on an outpatient basis. We are fortunate to have had excellent care
provided at all levels for Cristiano including the Champ Car Safety
Team, Theda Star Helicopter Service, Dr. Randall Johnson and all those
involved with his care at Theda Clark Medical Center."
- Further updates on da Matta's condition will be issued
by RuSPORT as they become available.
- After today's on-track activities are concluded at
Road America, CARA and RuSPORT will host the CARA Cruise for Cristiano,
a recreational bicycle riding event that will allow fans to take a lap
around the track at Road America with some of their favorite Champ Car
and Champ Car Atlantic Series drivers, such as Justin Wilson, Sebastien
Bourdais, Bruno Junqueira, Nelson Philippe, Dan Clarke, Jan Heylen and
Andreas Wirth, among others. Drivers participating in the CARA Cruise
will also be available for autographs. The proceeds from both of these
events will go to CARA Charities, to help support da Matta's recovery
efforts. Registration for the event will be held all day on Saturday
at the CARA Charities table in the infield of Road America, near the
Champ Car Paddock. For more information on these events, please contact
CARA Charities by phone at 317-299-2277, or by email at carachar@aol.com.
- Since da Matta's accident on August 3, RuSPORT and
Champ Car have received many messages of support for da Matta. In response,
RuSPORT also announced that, in lieu of sending flowers and gifts, anyone
wishing to express their support for da Matta during his recovery is
asked to please make a donation in his name to Hole in the Wall Camps,
an official charity of the Champ Car World Series. Donation information
can be found by visiting www.holeinthewallcamps.org, or by calling 203-562-1203.
CHAMPCAR:
Cristiano da Matta Medica Update (SEP 14, 2006)
- Champ Car World Series driver Cristiano da Matta (#10
RuSPORT Ford-Cosworth / Lola / Bridgestone) continues his rehabilitation
process as he recovers from a severe head injury. Da Matta was injured
after colliding with a deer that ran onto the track near Turn Six at
Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisc. during a Champ Car Open Test on
August 3, and has spent the past six weeks recovering at Theda Clark
Medical Center in Neenah, Wisc.
- Champ Car Medical Director Dr. Chris Pinderski returned
to Theda Clark this week for an update on da Matta's condition and to
visit with the da Matta family.
- "Cristiano has continued to show excellent progress
while recovering from his injury," said Pinderski. "Early
last week, he was transferred to the rehab unit at Theda Clark Medical
Center where he is participating in a very intensive rehabilitation
regimen designed specifically for patients with significant head injuries.
Cristiano is looking forward to returning to Miami in the near future
and will continue his rehab program there."
- Further updates on da Matta's condition will be issued
by RuSPORT as they become available.
- RuSPORT also announced today that Justin Wilson's
No. 9 CDW / RuSPORT Champ Car will carry the logos of Theda Clark Medical
Center, as well as the Champ Car Safety Team, during the Grand Prix
of Road America weekend in appreciation of the efforts of those organizations
for their help and support during da Matta's accident and his recovery.
- Also during the weekend of Sept. 22-24, Champ Car,
RuSPORT and CARA Charities will offer Champ Car fans two additional
opportunities to show their support for da Matta and his family. On
the evening of Sept. 22, CARA will host a Champ Car Tailgate party along
with a silent auction of Champ Car memorabilia. On Saturday evening,
Sept. 23, CARA and RuSPORT will host the CARA Cruise for Cristiano,
a recreational bicycle riding event that will allow fans to take a lap
around the track at Road America with some of their favorite Champ Car
and Champ Car Atlantic Series drivers, such as Justin Wilson, Sebastien
Bourdais, Bruno Junqueira, Nelson Philippe, Dan Clarke, Nicky Pastorelli
and Andreas Wirth, among others. Drivers participating in the CARA Cruise
will also be available for autographs. The proceeds from both of these
events will go to CARA Charities, to help support da Matta's recovery
efforts. For more information on these events, please contact CARA Charities
by phone at 317-299-2277, or by email at carachar@aol.com.
- Since da Matta's accident on August 3, RuSPORT and
Champ Car have received many messages of support for da Matta. In response,
RuSPORT also announced that, in lieu of sending flowers and gifts, anyone
wishing to express their support for da Matta during his recovery is
asked to please make a donation in his name to Hole in the Wall Camps,
an official charity of the Champ Car World Series. Donation information
can be found by visiting www.holeinthewallcamps.org, or by calling 203-562-1203.
CHAMPCAR:
Cristiano da Matta's Condition Improving on a Daily Basis (AUG 16, 2006)
- RuSPORT driver removed from ventilator, may be moved
out of intensive care soon
- LOVELAND, Colo., Aug. 16, 2006, 4:15 pm EDT -- Champ
Car World Series driver Cristiano da Matta (#10 RuSPORT Ford-Cosworth
/ Lola / Bridgestone) has not yet fully regained consciousness, but
his condition continues to improve as he recovers from a serious head
injury at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah, Wisc. Da Matta was injured
after colliding with a deer that ran onto the track near Turn Six at
Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisc., on August 3, and has been at Theda
Clark ever since, with his family at his side.
- Champ Car Medical Director Dr. Chris Pinderski flew
back to Wisconsin today to monitor the condition of da Matta. The following
statement is an update from Pinderski on da Matta's medical status.
- "Cristiano still continues to show daily improvement
while in the intensive care unit at Theda Clark Medical Center. His
is becoming more alert each day and has been removed from the ventilator
that was providing respiratory support since his accident. It is anticipated
that he will be transferred from intensive care to a step-down unit
in the next 24-48 hours where his recovery will continue."
- Further updates on da Matta's condition will be issued
by RuSPORT as they become available.
- During the past weekend's Grand Prix of Denver, fans
of da Matta and RuSPORT turned out en masse to show their support. The
team received a substantial amount of cards, gifts and well-wishes throughout
the weekend.
- "We were overwhelmed by the concern and support
for Cristiano that we saw in Denver," said RuSPORT president Jeremy
Dale. "RuSPORT would like to thank all of the fans for the support
they have given to Cristiano and his family though this difficult time.
It's very comforting to the team and to the da Matta family to know
that the fans care so much about Cristiano."
- Since da Matta's accident on August 3, RuSPORT and
Champ Car have received many messages of support for da Matta. In response,
RuSPORT also announced that, in lieu of sending flowers and gifts, anyone
wishing to express their support for da Matta during his recovery is
asked to please make a donation in his name to Hole in the Wall Camps,
an official charity of the Champ Car World Series. Donation information
can be found by visiting www.holeinthewallcamps.org, or by calling 203-562-1203.
- Get well cards for da Matta can be sent to:
Cristiano da Matta, patient
Theda Clark Medical Center
130 2nd St.
Neenah, WI 54956
CHAMPCAR:
MEDICAL REPORT ON DA MATTA CONDITION (AUG 4, 2006)
- Champ Car World Series driver Cristiano da Matta (#10
RuSPORT Ford-Cosworth/Lola/Bridgestone) was injured Thursday when his
car collided with a deer on-track during today's Champ Car Open Test
at Road America.
- Da Matta was airlifted to Theda Clark Memorial Hospital
where he underwent emergency surgery for a subdural hematoma. The following
is a statement released by Champ Car Medical Director Dr. Chris Pinderski.
- "After arriving at Theda Clark Medical Center
a head CT scan showed Cristiano had suffered a subdural hematoma. He
was urgently taken to the operating room for surgical removal of the
hematoma and is now being observed in the intensive care unit."
- The series will continue to closely monitor the situation
concerning the 2002 series champion and will issue immediate updates
as they become available.
CHAMPCAR:
DA MATTA INJURED (AUG 4, 2006)
- RuSport Champcar driver and former F1 driver, Cristiano
da Matta has been badly injured after a freak accident during testing.
A deer had run onto the Lake Elkart track and collided with Da Matta's
car.
- CHAMPCAR MEDICAL DIRECTOR (Chris Pinderski): "Cristiano
da Matta continues to recover from a serious head injury sustained yesterday
during Champ Car Open Testing at Road America"
AMA MX: TOWNLEY OUT FOR REMAINDER OF MOTOCROSS SEASON (JULY 14, 2006)
- Irvine, Calif. (July 14, 2006) – Team Monster/Pro
Circuit/Kawasaki rider, Ben Townley, sustained a separated shoulder
on Tuesday while training at a test track in Florida.
- Townley was examined by a specialist on Thursday.
The result of the examination proved that the injury will cause Townley
to miss the remainder of the AMA Motocross season.
- Townley, 21, from Taupo, New Zealand was previously
sidelined for nearly six months from a previous knee injury and had
just returned to motocross racing at the July 2 Red Bud MX National,
where he finished fifth overall with 8-3 moto scores. “I was disappointed
with eighth in the first moto, obviously, but third in the second go-round
was more satisfying,” said Townley. “I am very disappointed
to have my season come to an end again with only one race under my belt.”
NASCAR: MONTOYA TO SWITCH TO NASCAR IN 2007 (JULY
10, 2006)
- Juan Pablo Montoya has decided to switch from Formula
1 to try NASCAR racing in USA from 2007. He will rejoin his former team
owner - Chip Ganassi, and become the first ever F1 driver to race NASCAR
full time. Montoya won the Champcar title in 1999 and made his F1 debut
in 2001. He has won 7 F1 GP races so far.
- MONTOYA: "I am so happy to be entering the fastest
growing racing league in the world ... I've thought about this for quite
some time but the opportunity had to be right. I've known and worked
with Chip for a number of years and this situation could not be better
for me"
- CHIP GANASSI: "Juan Pablo is one of the best
race car drivers in the world. He is a former CART Champion, Indy 500
winner and Formula 1 driver that will bring a much needed veteran presence
to our team ... We'll run him in Busch and Nextel Cup next year to try
and get him as much experience as quickly as possible ... We'll also
try to work in some selected Busch events near the end of this season"
- Montoya to Join Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix
Sabates and Drive No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge
- CONCORD, N.C. (July 9, 2006) Chip Ganassi Racing with
Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya
has signed a multi-year deal with the organization to compete in the
NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series beginning in 2007. Montoya will become the
first Formula 1 regular to ever join the NEXTEL Cup ranks when he assumes
the driving duties of No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge Charger next season.
- "We are thrilled to be getting a driver of this
caliber to put into the No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge," said Chip
Ganassi. "Juan Pablo is one of the best race car drivers in the
world. He is a former CART Champion, Indy 500 winner and Formula 1 driver
that will bring a much needed veteran presence to our team."
- "We are very happy to have such an accomplished
driver behind the wheel of the No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge" said
Mark Nelson, president of Chevron Global Lubricants. "His impressive
CART, IndyCar and Formula 1 record is sure to translate into success
on the NASCAR circuit as well."
- The 30 year old Montoya joins CGRFS with impressive
open-wheel credentials. He has made 137 starts between the CART, IndyCar
and Formula 1 Series' where he's tallied 18 wins, 26 poles, 60 top-five
and 79 top-10 finishes. Over his five complete seasons in Formula 1,
Montoya has finished sixth or better in the standings. He will become
the first Formula 1 driver in the 58-year history of NASCAR to compete
on the circuit full-time.
- The Colombia native and Team Owner Chip Ganassi are
no strangers. Montoya drove for Ganassi's open-wheel team during the
1999 and 2000 CART seasons. Montoya captured the CART Championship and
Rookie of the Year honors in 1999, becoming the youngest champion in
the history of the series. The following year he visited victory lane
three times for the Ganassi team, including a win at the prestigious
Indianapolis 500. He and legendary British driver Graham Hill are the
only two drivers in history to win both the Indianapolis 500 and the
Grand Prix of Monaco (2003). Following his two years with Ganassi, Montoya
made the jump to Formula 1.
- "I am so happy to be entering the fastest growing
racing league in the world," said Montoya. "I've thought about
this for quite some time but the opportunity had to be right. I've known
and worked with Chip for a number of years and this situation could
not be better for me. I have a lot of confidence in my ability as a
race car driver and in Chip and Felix as owners. I know the transition
will not be easy but I can't wait to get behind the wheel."
- Montoya began racing karts in 1981 at the age of six
and by nine he won the Children's National Kart Championship. In 1986
he won the junior division of the National Championship and finished
his karting career by taking the Kart Junior Championships in 1990 and
1991. In 1998 won the prestigious Formula 3000 Championship.
- Montoya will pilot the No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge
Charger while running for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Rookie of the Year title
along with an assortment of NASCAR Busch Series races. Texaco/Havoline
will also be celebrating its 20th season as a primary NASCAR sponsor
in 2007. (CHIP GANASSI RACING)
CHAMPCAR: NICKY PASTORELLI TO RUN FULL-TIME
IN THE #8 ROCKETSPORTS RACING (APRIL 28, 2006)
- EAST LANSING, Michigan (April 28, 2006) - After three
most-recent Champ Car tests, Nicky Pastorelli of Holland has demonstrated
that his driving skills are enough to match the demands of running with
the top drivers in the Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series
Powered by Ford and Rocketsports Racing is proud to announce the signing
of Pastorelli to run in its #8 entry for the 2006 season.
- Born in The Hague, Netherlands, the Italo-Dutch driver
comes from mixed parentage. His father is Italian and his mother is
Dutch. He was first introduced to the sport of karting at the age of
ten. He drove his first laps at an empty parking lot. Pastorelli fell
in love with the sport and less than a year later he was making practice
laps at the professional Strijen Circuit.
- In 1993, he started in the Mini League followed by
Junior League, in which he had his first successes. At the age of 14,
Pastorelli became a member of Peter de Bruin's karting team. He stayed
there for several seasons and drove the ICA and Formula A Leagues. In
2000, he moved to the Formula Arcobaleno League. Competing in six out
of eight races, he won the pole position five times, earned three wins,
and finished third in the Dutch Championship. In 2001 he entered the
Formula Renault 2000 European Championship before moving into the Euro
3000 Series in 2003, where he earned two second place finishes and finished
fifth in the championship. He was crowned the Superfund Euro 3000 Champion
and earned his first chance to drive a Champ Car with Walker Racing
at Sebring. Pastorelli was a F1 test driver in 2005 with Jordan, and
was the first driver to be officially introduce d in the "Young
Driver Programme" initiated by Midland F1 to help promising junior
drivers develop their talent in preparation for entry to Formula One.
- The 23-year-old was a guest of Rocketsports in Long
Beach. Although he was sidelined in Long Beach, he did know what it
was going to feel like being behind the wheel after just completing
a test with Dale Coyne Racing in Fontana with a majority of the Champ
Car field. "What a weekend it was!" said Pastorelli on being
a special guest of the Rocketsports team. "The race weekend at
Long Beach was a really fantastic experience. The whole event was excellent
and very busy with large crowds of spectators during the whole weekend.
They perfectly know how to entertain the racing fans there at Long Beach.
It was also a great opportunity for me to get to see the Rocketsports
crew in action to get a feel for what it would be like driving for them
if the opportunity presented itself."
- Pastorelli's enthusiasm in the pits was strong, as
he explained how much fun it is to drive a Champ Car and how bad he
wanted to be driving out there in Long Beach. Rocketsports then invited
him to test with them in Portland a few days after the Long Beach event,
followed by a most-recent test in Milwaukee where Pastorelli turned
laps on an oval for the first time in his career.
- "I am very excited to join the Rocketsports Racing
team," said Pastorelli on his announcement to drive the #8 Rocketsports
Ford-Cosworth/ Lola/Bridgestone Champ Car. "I have enjoyed working
with the team and getting to know them, along with the car. They have
helped me out a lot and I know that I can learn a lot this season by
working with them. Houston will be a good opportunity for me to make
my Champ Car debut because since it is a new venue to all the teams
and drivers, it will be a level playing field and technically I won't
be "a rookie" on that course. Every driver will b e in the
same situation as me, learning the track and finding a good race set-up.
It will be a great challenge, one that I really looking forward to in
addition to the other events that I will be racing in this year with
Rocketsports."
- Pastorelli will attempt to make his first Champ Car
start in Houston, Texas on May 13. Champ Car is making its return to
the Houston market after last competing on the downtown streets in 2001.
The new edition of the Champ Car Houston Grand Prix will take place
at Reliant Park, site of the Houston Texans' Reliant Stadium as well
as the historic Houston Astrodome. The event will be held under the
lights, marking the second time that Champ Car has run a night race
on a temporary circuit.
INDYCAR: 2006 INDIANAPOLIS 500 ENTRY (APRIL 13,
2006)
- SIX WINNERS, COMEBACKS BY LEGENDS TAKE SPOTLIGHT IN
INDY FIELD
- Thirty-eight entries, 66 cars set for 90th Indianapolis
500
- INDIANAPOLIS, Thursday, April 13, 2006 -- Six winning
drivers are among the highlights of the entry list for the 90th Indianapolis
500, scheduled for Sunday, May 28 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
- The six winners on this year's list include defending
champion Dan Wheldon, Buddy Rice (2004), Helio Castroneves (2001, 2002),
Eddie Cheever Jr. (1998), Buddy Lazier (1996) and Al Unser Jr. (1992,
1994).
- It's the largest number of past winners on the entry
list since 2002, when six previous visitors to Victory Lane also were
named to entries for "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."
- A total of 26 drivers have been named to the 38 entries
filed this year for the 33 starting spots in the world's most prestigious
auto race. Sixty-six cars are included on those 38 entries, including
backup cars.
- The 90th Indianapolis 500 is scheduled to start at
1 p.m. (ET) Sunday, May 28 and will be broadcast live by ABC Sports
and the IMS Radio Network. The local start time is one hour later than
in 2005 due to Indiana implementing Daylight Savings Time this spring.
- On-track activity starts Sunday, May 7 with The Star
and CareerBuilder.com Opening Day. Other schedule highlights include
WorldPoints Visa Pole Day on Saturday, May 13, Bump Day on Sunday, May
21, American Family Insurance 500 Festival Community Day on Wednesday,
May 24 and Miller Lite Carb Day on Friday, May 26.
- The new qualifying format that debuted in 2005, with
bumping produced on all four days of qualifying, will continue this
year. Besides WorldPoints Visa Pole Day and Bump Day, Second Day Qualifying
is set for Sunday, May 14 and Coca-Cola Throwback Day Qualifying set
for Saturday, May 20.
- Miller Lite Carb Day also will have a full day of
action and entertainment for fans. The final practice for the 90th Indianapolis
500, a driver autograph session, the Freedom 100 for the Indy Pro Series^Ù,
the Checkers/Rally's Pit Stop Competition and Miller Lite Carb Day Concert
all are included with a ticket.
- Wheldon will attempt to earn his second spot on the
Borg-Warner Trophy as a race winner, but he will attempt to make his
fourth career Indianapolis 500 start with 2000 "500" winner
Target Chip Ganassi Racing. Wheldon, who won last year in an Andretti
Green Racing entry, will drive the No. 10 Target Chip Ganassi Racing
Dallara/Honda/ Firestone.
- Rice will attempt to make his first Indy start since
winning in 2004, as he missed last year's race due to an injury suffered
in practice. He will drive the No. 15 Rahal Letterman Racing Team Argent
Panoz/Honda/ Firestone.
- Castroneves will attempt to join an elite club by
earning his third Indianapolis 500 victory in the No. 3 Marlboro Team
Penske Dallara/ Honda/Firestone. Just eight drivers have won the race
three times or more since the inaugural event in 1911.
- Dreyer & Reinbold Racing is entering cars for
two past Indy winners, Lazier and Unser. Lazier will drive the team's
No. 5 Dallara/Honda/ Firestone entry, while Unser also will shoot for
his third Indianapolis 500 victory in the No. 31 Dreyer & Reinbold
Racing Dallara/Honda/ Firestone. Unser's father, Al, and uncle Bobby
have won the race four and three times, respectively, as the race's
most winning family.
- This will be Unser's first attempt to qualify at Indianapolis
since 2004. He has 17 previous Indianapolis 500 starts, the most of
any driver named to an entry.
- Another past winner making a comeback is Cheever.
He is driving the No. 51 Cheever Racing Dallara/Honda/Firestone in his
first attempt to make the field since 2002.
- A high-profile comeback also is taking center stage
at defending race champion Andretti Green Racing. Indy legend Michael
Andretti will attempt to race in the "500" for the first time
since 2003, driving the No. 1 Jim Beam/Vonage Dallara/Honda/Firestone.
- Andretti will attempt to earn his long-coveted first
Indy 500 victory. He has led 426 laps during his 14 prior Indy starts,
the most by any driver without a victory.
- The comeback will be sweetened for Andretti by the
presence of his 19- year-old son, Marco, in an AGR entry for the race.
Marco Andretti will attempt to qualify for his first Indy 500 in the
No. 26 NYSE Group Dallara/Honda/Firestone.
- It will be the third generation of father-and-son
Andretti starts at Indianapolis. Mario and Michael Andretti started
the race together 10 times from 1984-94, while Mario, Michael and Jeff
Andretti were in the same field from 1991-93.
- Al Unser and Al Unser Jr. were the first father-son
combination to compete in the race, in 1983. Like Mario and Michael
Andretti, they took the green flag together in 10 Indianapolis 500-Mile
Races.
- Marco Andretti is one of two high-profile, second-generation
Indy rookies in the field. Arie Luyendyk Jr., son of 1990 and 1997 Indianapolis
500 winner Arie Luyendyk, was named to the No. 61 Panoz/Honda/Firestone
entry fielded by his father's Luyendyk Racing.
- Marco Andretti, Luyendyk and P.J. Chesson are the
three rookies named to cars in this year's field.
- Six JPMorgan Chase Indianapolis 500 Rookies of the
Year are named to entries, led by last year's rookie sensation, Danica
Patrick in the No. 16 Rahal Letterman Racing Team Argent Panoz/Honda/Firestone.
She qualified and finished fourth last year, the best performance ever
by a woman at Indianapolis. Patrick also led 19 laps, a first for a
woman at Indy.
- Other Rookies of the Year named to entries are Kosuke
Matsuura (2004), Tomas Scheckter (2002 co-Rookie of the Year), Castroneves
(2001), Cheever (1990) and Michael Andretti (1984 co-Rookie of the Year).
- The field also includes the strength of six IndyCar®
Series champions: Wheldon (2005), Tony Kanaan (2004), Scott Dixon (2003),
Sam Hornish Jr. (2001, 2002), Lazier (2000) and Scott Sharp (co-champion,
1996). Kanaan won the WorldPoints Visa Pole last year at Indianapolis
and will return in the No. 11 Team 7-Eleven entry fielded by Andretti
Green Racing.
- Defending IndyCar Series champion Andretti Green Racing
entered 10 cars, more than any other team. Rahal Letterman Racing, Marlboro
Team Penske, Vision Racing and Target Chip Ganassi Racing each entered
six cars.
- The most prevalent chassis manufacturer among the
entries is Dallara with 46. All cars will use Honda engines and Firestone
tires.
- ENTRY SUMMARY: DRIVERS (26)
- Race winners (6): Helio Castroneves (2001, 2002),
Eddie Cheever Jr. (1998), Buddy Lazier (1996), Buddy Rice (2004), Al
Unser Jr. (1992, 1994), Dan Wheldon (2005).
- Pole winners (5): Helio Castroneves (2003), Tony Kanaan
(2005), Scott Sharp (2001), Buddy Rice (2004), Al Unser Jr. (1994).
- Rookies (3): Marco Andretti, P.J. Chesson, Arie Luyendyk
Jr.
- U.S. born (15): Marco Andretti, Michael Andretti,
Jeff Bucknum, Ed Carpenter, Eddie Cheever Jr., P.J. Chesson, Larry Foyt,
Bryan Herta, Sam Hornish Jr., Buddy Lazier, Danica Patrick, Buddy Rice,
Scott Sharp, Jeff Simmons, Al Unser Jr.
- Foreign born (11): Helio Castroneves, Brazil; Scott
Dixon, New Zealand; Dario Franchitti, Scotland; Felipe Giaffone, Brazil;
Tony Kanaan, Brazil; Arie Luyendyk Jr., Netherlands; Vitor Meira, Brazil;
Marty Roth, Canada; Kosuke Matsuura, Japan; Tomas Scheckter, South Africa;
Dan Wheldon, England.
- Youngest: Marco Andretti, 19.
- Oldest: Eddie Cheever Jr., 48.
- Most previous starts: Al Unser Jr., 17.
- CARS (66)
- Chassis: Dallara 46, Panoz 15, TBA 5.
- Indy 500 tickets on sale: Tickets are on sale for
the 2006 Indianapolis 500, the 90th running of the "Greatest Spectacle
in Racing."
- Fans can order tickets online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com,
by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700 or (800) 822-INDY
outside the Indianapolis area, or at the ticket office at the Indianapolis
Motor Speedway. Parking and camping information also can be obtained
through the ticket office.
- Hours for phone orders and the ticket office are 8
a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday, while online orders can be made at any
time.
- Ticket prices start at just $20.
CHAMPCAR: ANTONIO PIZZONIA TO MAKE CHAMPCAR DEBUT (APRIL 1, 2006)
- ANTONIO PIZZONIA EAST LANSING, Mich. (March 29, 2006)
- After a long off-season with all efforts predominately on securing
a solid sponsorship package and competitive driver line-up, Rocketsports
Racing is proud to announce that Antonio Pizzonia has been signed to
drive the #8 Rocketsports Ford-Cosworth/Lola/Bridgestone Champ Car in
Long Beach with sponsorship announcements to be forthcoming.
- The overall performance of Rocketsports Racing throughout
the 2005 season led to Timo Glock's consistency and running for Rookie-of-the-
Year honors. Rocketsports has chosen to run another rookie, but rookie
is no way to describe this young, vibrant Brazilian. Pizzonia is a well-
experienced open-wheel racer. He has a solid racing pedigree that has
brought him to the ranks of Formula 1. The 25-year-old joins Rocketsports
with great anticipation to extend his racing resume by entering the
Champ Car World Series in search for a new challenge in his extensive
career.
- Pizzonia will rendezvous with the team in Houston
on Saturday, April 1 for some more time in his Lola in preparation to
make his first Champ Car start in Long Beach, California for the Champ
Car season opener, April 7-9.
- "I am very happy about the opportunity that Rocketsports
has given to me,” said Pizzonia on his upcoming test and making
his debut in Champ Car. "The test this weekend will be very important
for me and the team as we prepare f or the first race. I obviously need
to get more familiar with the car, as it was my first time in the cockpit
of a Champ Car when I tested with the team in Houston a couple of weeks
ago. So the extra time will be good for me to learn more and really
prepare for Long Beach. I am really looking forward to Long Beach; it
will be a new experience for me, a new ride, and a new challenge. That
is what I was looking for and I am thrilled to be with the Rocketsports
team. I really enjoyed working with them in Houston when I tested with
them, so I am looking forward to working with them again.”
- Pizzonia started racing karts when he was 10 and after
winning the local championships he began to commute to Sao Paulo on
the weekends to race in more competitive Sao Paulo championships. By
the time he was 15, he had won the Brazilian national title. This led
to the decision to go to the United States to compete in the Barber
Dodge series and then in 1997 he moved to Britain to race in Formula
Vauxhall Junior. He was the champion in 1998 and moved up to Formula
Renault and won the title in 1999. This led to a test with the Williams
F1 team. He raced in Formula 3 the following year, winning the title
during his rookie season and earning another F1 test with the Benetton
team. In 2001 he signed a long-term deal with Williams becoming a member
of the Petrobras Junior Team in Formula 3000 and in 2002 his responsibility
with the team expanded making him also a test driver in the Williams
F1 machines. In 2003 he ran part of the F1 season, under a new squad,
Jaguar, before returning to Williams in 2004 as a test driver and replacement
in some of the races for Ralf Schumacher. He retained his duties for
the team in 2005.
- "Formula 1 was a great experience,” said
Pizzonia when asked about his switch from F1 to Champ Car. "Every
day you learned something new in that car because there was so much
money invested in t he teams. But I am a racing driver, and I want to
go racing not just testing. Champ Car is really a great series. The
races are great, there is passing and battles on the track, it is exciting
and that is exactly what I need and desire. I can't wait to get to climb
into the #8 Rocketsports car and go racing!”
- Pizzonia recently ran a two-day test with the Rocketsports
team down in Houston, Texas at the MSR Houston road course. With only
a few hours of seat time, he was running laps close to the best times
that were posted by other Champ Car teams at that venue, which resulted
in a very positive test and left a strong impression with the Rocketsports
team owner, Paul Gentilozzi.
- "Pizzonia demonstrated a great understanding
of open-wheel cars through his quick learning skills and performance
during the Houston test a few weeks ago," said Gentilozzi on his
overall impression on Pizzonia's driving talent. "He showed us
that he could run at the same level with former series championship
drivers, which goes to show he will be able to run up front with these
guys in competition. I am happy to have him on board; he will bring
a lot to the team with his previous knowledge, his wonderful personality
and winning spirit."
- In 2003, Rocketsports Racing team owner Paul Gentilozzi
expanded his racing program to compete in the Champ Car World Series.
With popular veteran driver Alex Tagliani at the wheel, the team was
set to make a statement. In their first year, the freshman Champ Car
team had many successes, including two pole positions and three podium
finishes. In 2004, the Champ Car operation was further enhanced with
the addition of a second car. Round 8 at Road America on August 8th
was the pinnacle of the season for Rocketsports Racing with the sophomore
team's first victory. In 2005 Rocketsports continued to demonstrate
its ability to produce reliable race cars for their drivers, as Champ
Car rook ie Timo Glock finished second in most laps completed to two-time
Champ Car Champion Sebastien Bourdais. Crowned Rookie-of-the-Year, Glock
finished eighth overall, one of only two rookies to finish in the top
ten of the championship standings
INDYCAR: LOSS OF INDY CAR DRIVER PAUL DANA AT HOMESTEAD (MAR 26, 2006)
- HOMESTEAD, Fla. (March 26, 2006) IRL IndyCar®
Series driver Paul Dana suffered fatal injuries Sunday in a practice
crash prior to the 300- mile IndyCar Series event on the Homestead-
Miami Speedway's 1.5- mile oval track. Dana, a St. Louis native who
lived in Indianapolis, was pronounced dead shortly before noon (EST)
at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, a Level 1 trauma center.
- Dana, 30, driver of the No. 17 Team Ethanol Honda
Panoz Firestone car for Rahal Letterman Racing, was involved in a two-car
incident in a practice session in preparation for the season- opening
IndyCar Series race. Ed Carpenter's car spun high in Turn 2 and made
contact with the outside wall just after 10 a.m. Carpenter's machine
then slid down the track's banking and was slowing when Dana's car struck
Carpenter's car in the left-rear section at high speed.
- Both Dana and Carpenter were airlifted to Jackson
Memorial Hospital trauma center. Carpenter is listed in stable condition,
according to Dr. Henry Bock, Indy Racing League director of medical
services.
- Dana was preparing for his first race with the Rahal
Letterman Racing team after recording a career-high ninth place in Saturday's
qualifying.
- "It is a black day for us, and on behalf of Rahal
Letterman Racing, our sponsors and associates, our prayers and sympathy
go out to the entire Dana family," said team co-owner Bobby Rahal,
the 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner.
- "This is a great tragedy. As a result, and in
honor of Paul, we will not run the team's No. 15 (with driver Buddy
Rice, the 2004 Indy 500 winner) and No. 16 (with driver Danica Patrick,
the 2005 Indy 500 and IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year) cars in today's
event."
- Dana, who helped bring the Team Ethanol sponsorship
to the Indy Racing League in 2004, finished second in the 2004 Indy
Pro Series standings, with a victory at Milwaukee. He debuted in the
series in 2003, finishing ninth in points. Dana moved up to the IndyCar
Series in 2005 with Hemelgarn Racing but competed in only three races
due to a season-ending back injury suffered in May during practice for
the Indianapolis 500.
- "Paul was a very special guy," said David
Vander Griend, president and CEO of ICM, a primary sponsor on the Team
Ethanol car. "He demonstrated his belief in what ethanol can do
for all of America through his racing. He helped us with so many things
in bringing ethanol to the IndyCar Series. He will be missed tremendously.
Our thoughts are with his family today.
CHAMPCAR: SERVIA
TO PILOT SECOND PKV RACING ENTRY DURING 2006 (MAR 9, 2006)
- INDIANAPOLIS, IN - - MARCH 9, 2006 - - PKV Racing announced today
that it has signed Oriol Servia to pilot a second entry for the team
during the 2006 Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered
by Ford season.
- Servia, who is entering his seventh Champ Car season, has made 98
career Series starts. The 31-year-old native of Pals, Catalonia, Spain
has earned 51 top-ten finishes including 25 top-five showings, 12 podium
performances and one victory (Montreal 2005). Servia had the best season
of his Champ Car career in 2005, placing second in the standings. After
starting the year with Dale Coyne Racing, he replaced Bruno Junqueira
in the Newman/Haas Racing machine after Junqueira was injured in the
Indianapolis 500. Servia made 11 starts for Newman/Haas, earning seven
podiums including the win in Montreal, his first career Champ Car victory.
The resident of Miami, Florida started on the front-row a career high
four times including his first career pole (Australia).
- "We tested several young drivers and looked a several veteran
drivers," said PKV Racing co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven. "After
analyzing all the data, we felt the best move for the immediate and
future success of the team and our sponsors Gulfstream and Bell Micro,
was to sign a veteran driver. Oriol had a tremendous season last year
and has proven he can compete for the championship. We believe that
Oriol's skill and knowledge will not only be an asset to the team, but
will significantly help in the development of Katherine Legge."
- Commenting on his signing with PKV Racing Servia said, "I feel
very lucky and very happy to have been selected by Kevin (Kalkhoven),
Dan (Pettit) and Jimmy (Vasser) to drive the Gulfsteam/Bell Micro PKV
Racing car in 2006. This is a fantastic opportunity and I look forward
to continuing the success that I had last year. PKV Racing is an outstanding
team with veteran leadership from Jim McGee, who I have a lot of respect
for, and Jimmy Vasser, who I was hoping would be my teammate, but is
now going to be my boss. I think Katherine and I will work very well
together and we will be competitive on the track."
- Pettit, the "P" in PKV Racing, echoed Kalkhoven's remarks
saying, "After reviewing all the data from the tests and the information
we gathered on veteran drivers, it became very clear to all of us that
the best decision for now and for the future success of the team was
to sign Oriol. He is an outstanding race car driver and brings a lot
of technical knowledge to the team."
- Vasser weighed in saying, "I think it is only appropriate that
since we have a rookie in Katherine (Legge) driving one of the PKV Racing
cars that we have a veteran in the second seat. And the best veteran
out there is Oriol Servia. I believe in Oriol's ability to get the job
done 100%."
CHAMPCAR:
LEGGE TO BECOME THE FIRST FULL-TIME FEMALE DRIVER (FEB 14, 2006)
- LOS ANGELES (February 14, 2006) After completing a record-setting
campaign in 2005 where Katherine Legge became the first woman to ever
win a major open-wheel race in the United States, the young Brit is
preparing to reach even greater heights.
- Legge will become the first woman to ever compete full-time in the
Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford in 2006,
as she takes over as one of the drivers for the two-car PKV Racing team.
Legge, who won three Atlantic events on her way to securing third place
in the 2005 championship , both landmark accomplishments for female
drivers in a U.S. open-wheel series.
- "I am extremely proud to become a part of the PKV Racing Team,"
Legge said. "It is a great honor to work with people like Jimmy
Vasser, Jim McGee and all the members of the team. I want to especially
thank Mr. Kalkhoven, Dan Pettit and Jimmy for giving me this opportunity.
I know that it will be a challenge to make the transition form Atlantics
to Champ Cars. The Champ Car World Series is the most competitive series
in the world and I am looking forward to the journey."
- Legge followed up her milestone season by taking each and every opportunity
to test different race cars during the offseason. Legge ran in three
separate Champ Car test sessions at Sebring, piloted a Formula 1 car
in a Minardi test and also ran a A1GP car under the watchful eye of
British racing great John Surtees.
- "Katherine did a fantastic job last year in Atlantics and has
been impressive in her tests this off-season," said PKV Racing
co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven. "Based on her Atlantic results, her Champ
Car tests and frankly, her Formula 1 test, we believe Katherine is ready
to make the jump to Champ Cars. We recognize that, as with any young
driver, there is a large learning curve in making the jump from Atlantics
to Champ Cars, but we are firm in our conviction that Katherine's skill
and determination will be up to the task. The 2006 season will be a
learning and developmental year for Katherine, however, we are confident
that she will continue to grow and improve as a driver, which will make
her very competitive in 2007 when there will be a new Champ Car chassis."
- The native of Northampton, England will be the first woman to race
in North America's top open-wheel racing series since Lyn St. James
competed at Michigan in 1995. She will be the first woman to ever attempt
a full-season run in the Champ Cars, with St. James' six events in 1993
serving as the series' high-water mark for races in a season by a woman.
- "We watched Katherine become one of the rising stars in all of
racing last year, and are very excited about her prospects for success
in Champ Car," said Champ Car President Steve Johnson. "Today's
announcement is significant not only for Champ Car, but for all forms
of motorsport and we look forward to Katherine competing in the series
for many years to come." (CHAMPCAR)
CHAMPCAR: LEGGE TO MAKE CHAMPCAR
DEBUT WITH PKV RACING (FEB 14, 2006)
- INDIANAPOLIS, FEBRUARY 14, 2006. PKV Racing announced today that it
has signed Katherine Legge to campaign one of the team's two entries
during the 2006 Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered
by Ford season.
- Legge, considered a rising star, burst on the open-wheel racing scene
last year when she captured three races in route to a third-place showing
during her rookie season in the Atlantic Championship Series, which
is part of the Champ Car World Series ladder system. Personable and
articulate off the track, Legge's aggressive and determined on- track
racing style has made her a winner and a fan favorite. The talented
25-year-old native of Great Britain won her debut event in the Atlantic
series taking the victory in Long Beach, which made her the first woman
to win a major open-wheel race in North America. The win in Long Beach
earned Legge Southern California's Top 2005 Racing Moment of the Year
Award in voting by the public. She also won the 2005 Atlantic Championship
Series BBS Rising Star Award and recently was named the winner of RACER
magazine's Most Promising Road Racer Award as voted by fans around the
world.
- Legge has had a busy off-season. In addition to what can only be describe
as a "brutal" conditioning program to improve both her strength
and stamina, she has been impressive in tests with Formula 1's Minardi
Team in November, A1 Grand Prix's Great Britain Team in December and
Champ Car's Rocketsports Racing also in December. She subsequently tested
twice with PKV Racing, late in December and in January. Legge's contract
with the team is a multi-year agreement.
- "Katherine did a fantastic job last year in Atlantics and has
been impressive in her tests this off-season," said PKV Racing
co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven. "Based on her Atlantic results, her Champ
Car tests and frankly, her Formula 1 test, we believe Katherine is ready
to make the jump to Champ Cars," he explained. "We recognize
that, as with any young driver, there is a large learning curve in making
the jump from Atlantics to Champ Cars, but we are firm in our conviction
that Katherine's skill and determination will be up to the task,"
Kalkhoven noted. "The 2006 season will be a learning, a developmental
year for Katherine, however, we are confident that she will continue
to grow and improve as a driver, which will make her very competitive
in 2007 when there will be a new Champ Car chassis," he concluded.
- "I am extremely proud to become a part of the PKV Racing Team,"
Legge said. "It is a great honor to work with people like Jimmy
Vasser, Jim McGee and all the members of the team. I want to especially
thank Mr. Kalkhoven, Dan Pettit and Jimmy for giving me this opportunity.
I know that it will be a challenge to make the transition form Atlantics
to Champ Cars. The Champ Car World Series is the most competitive series
in the world and I am looking forward to the journey."
- Commenting on the signing of Legge, PKV Racing co-owner Jimmy Vasser
said, "It has been a pleasure getting to know Katherine and watching
her grow as a driver. I can honestly say that I have not seen a driver
so determined to succeed in quite some time." Vasser, who has helped
such notable drivers as Alex Zanardi and Juan Pablo Montoya make the
transition to Champ Cars, went on to say, "I will be there to help
her every step of the way."
- Legge began her racing career in 1990 winning numerous British Karting
championships through the 1998 season. In 2000, she became the first
woman to win a pole position the British Formula Ford
- Zetec Series. Legge competed in the British Formula Renault and British
Formula 3 championships from 2002-03. She then raced for parts of both
the British Formula Renault and North American Formula Renault series
in 2004. Following the 2004 season, Legge excelled in an off- season
test for Polestar Racing Group and when Champ Car World Series and PKV
Racing co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven agreed to sponsor her she entered the
ranks of Atlantic drivers competing for the PKV Racing ,Polestar Racing
Group in 2005. In her first full season of professional racing, Legge
took the Atlantic Championship Series by storm scoring three wins including
her debut event (Long Beach, also won back-to-back races in Edmonton
and San Jose). Legge also enjoyed podium results at Portland, where
she finished third, and Road America, where she placed second. Legge
is the first woman in more than a decade to have an official Formula
One test when she put the Minardi F1 car through its paces in November.
She posted the second- fastest time among five drivers who tested for
the team in Italy.
- PKV Racing will conduct its fourth off-season test on February 23
in Sebring as the team continues to evaluate data and examine all of
its options before determining the driver of the second entry for the
2006 Champ Car World Series season. No time table has been established
for announcing the second driver.
- Founded in January 2004, Indianapolis-based PKV Racing (PK Racing
was established in 2003 with a different ownership group) will contest
its third season of competition during the 2006 Bridgestone Presents
The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford season. PKV Racing is owned
by successful venture capitalists Kevin Kalkhoven, who also co- owns
the Champ Car World Series, and Dan Pettit, along with 1996 Series Champion
Jimmy Vasser. The team is managed by Jim McGee who became General Manager
in January of 2005. McGee is the most successful Manager/Chief Mechanic
in USAC/CART/Champ Car history having amassed 90 victories and nine
national championships. (PKV RACING)
2005 news
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