2011 IndyCar Series: Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 14:43, 23 November 2010
| 2011 IndyCar season | |
|---|---|
| File:Izodindycar.png | |
| Season | |
| Races | 17 |
| Start date | March 27 |
| End date | October 16 |
| Awards | |
| Drivers' champion | TBD |
| Teams' champion | TBD |
| Rookie of the Year | TBD |
| Indianapolis 500 winner | TBD |
| Discipline champions | |
| Oval champion | TBD |
| Road course champion | TBD |
The 2011 Izod IndyCar Series season will be the 100th season of American open wheel racing. Its premier event will be the 95th Indianapolis 500, scheduled for Sunday, May 29.
Series news
- The 95th Indianapolis 500 will be the third race of the three-year long Centennial era, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the 100th anniversary of the first Indy 500.
- Sunoco will become the official fuel of the series starting in 2011 and running through 2014. Sunoco will work with APEX-Brasil and UNICA to provide ethanol for the series.[1]
2011 series schedule
- The series schedule was announced on September 10, 2010, with the seventeenth and final round to be announced at a later date. The Honda Edmonton Indy was originally scheduled for the weekend of July 24, but was cancelled on November 3, 2010 due to an impasse in negotiatons between the race promoters and the city of Edmonton.[2] However, negotiations to revive the race restarted the next week and the race is once again possible.[3]
Oval
Temporary Circuit
Road Course
Schedule development
Existing contracts
- The São Paulo Indy 300 has a contract through 2019.[4]
- The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will continue through 2013.[5] City officials look to extend the contract through 2014.[6]
- Iowa Speedway is finalizing a two-year extension through 2011.[7]
- Infineon Raceway signed an extension through the 2011 season.
- An agreement has been signed with the city of Long Beach to extend the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach to 2015 with an option through 2020.[8]
- Barber Motorsports Park signed a three-year deal through 2012.[9]
- Mid Ohio has a contract through 2011[10]
New or returning races
- The Baltimore Grand Prix will debut on September 2–4, 2011. The event will take place 2.4 mile street course around the Inner Harbor and Oriole Park at Camden Yards.[11] The contract runs through 2015[12]
- A race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire, will return on August 14 in 2011, with an official announcement to take place prior to the June 27th, 2010 NASCAR race at the facility. The track last held an IndyCar event in 1998 and has since been sold to Speedway Motorsports, which has IndyCar races at Texas, Kentucky, and Infineon.[13] The original date was set for July 31, but was moved following the 2011 NASCAR schedule realignment.[14]
- The Milwaukee Mile will return in 2011, with an official announcement to be made on September 10.[15]
Possible races
- The Octane Racing Group, who promotes the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix and the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, took over as promoters of the Honda Edmonton Indy, having agreed a three-year extension. It was announced on November 3, 2010 that the group could not come to an agreement with the city of Edmonton on the location of the race course, as the city wishes to keep Edmonton City Centre Airport in operation and the alternative options were prohibitively expensive. As a result, the race was announced as cancelled.[2] However, negotiations were restarted the next week, with IndyCar's Terry Angstadt "hopeful" that a deal could be reached.[3]
- IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard says that the 17th race and season finale will either take place at Las Vegas Motor Speedway or Auto Club Speedway in Fontana.[16]
Discontinued races
- Chicagoland, Watkins Glen, Homestead, and Kansas - all tracks owned by the International Speedway Corporation - will not return.
Team and driver chart
- This chart reflects confirmed championship participants ONLY. All drivers will compete in Honda-engined, Firestone-shod, Dallara chassis. (R) reflects an IZOD IndyCar Series rookie.
- Graham Rahal signed a two–year sponsorship contract with Service Central, which will provide him with full–season sponsorship for the 2011 and 2012 seasons. Rahal is still "shopping" his services to prospective teams.[17]
Team and driver news
- Chip Ganassi Racing: Graham Rahal is strongly connected to be the pilot in the team's third entry in 2011. Ganassi confirmed that there would be no third car, and in an article on indycar.com, Franchitti confirmed his return to the team for 2011. On November 21, SPEED's Robin Miller reported that Ganassi is close to signing Graham Rahal to a deal to compete as part of a Ganassi satellite team, possibly ran out of the race shop of Don Prudhomme. Charlie Kimball is a candidate to join Rahal in a 2nd car at the new team.[18]
- Team Penske: Team Owner Roger Penske told the Indianapolis Star that the plan for 2011 is to remain a three–car team, although at present he does not have full sponsorship for all three cars.[19] Shell will join the team as an associate sponsor for all three cars in 2011, replacing Mobil 1. The #3 and #6 cars, currently without a primary sponsor, could also adopt the Shell Team Penske moniker, although Shell may based the livery on their Pennzoil brand, which had been with Penske in CART from 1983–90, with two Indy 500 wins in the traditional Pennzoil "Yellow Submarine" livery in 1984 and 1988.[20] Hélio Castroneves is signed to a multi–year contract that covers the 2011 season, and Will Power re–signed with Team Penske in September 2010. Team Penske executives say that they are "very close" to signing Ryan Briscoe for the 2011 season.[21] Roger Penske confirmed on November 12 that all 3 drivers would be returning.[22]
- Andretti Autosport: Tony Kanaan was signed to a multi–year deal with Andretti Autosport before the 2009 season, and his contract ran through 2012. Curt Cavin suggested in his 9/27 Q&A article that 7-Eleven would return with Kanaan, but a segment on the October 3 edition of the SPEED Report confirmed that the company would in fact not return in 2011, rendering Kanaan a free agent. Marco Andretti will be in the second year of a four–year contract with the team in 2011 along with his sponsor Venom Energy.[23][24] Michael Andretti is currently seeking sponsorship for Ryan Hunter-Reay to return as a full–time driver in 2011.[25] It was later announced on October 29 that Hunter-Reay would return to Andretti Autosport through to the 2012 Indycar Series season.[26]
- FAZZT Race Team: Driver Alex Tagliani is in the second year of a four–year contract with the team.[27] The team is committed to running a second full–time car in 2011,[28] according to manager Rob Edwards. Team co–owner Andre Azzi told a Montreal newspaper that the second driver will be Canadian, as he wanted FAZZT to be a Canadian team. He mentioned Paul Tracy as one of the top contenders. GP2 Series and former Renault test driver Ho-Pin Tung tested with the team at Sebring in November and is a candidate for the 2nd seat.[29]
- Bryan Herta Autosport: The team is seeking sponsorship to expand its one–car Indy–only effort from 2010, with the ultimate goal of fielding two cars in 2011.[20]
- AFS Racing: Team owner Gary Peterson announced that he has purchased a car and will enter it for the full season in 2011.[30]
- de Ferran Dragon Racing: Driver Raphael Matos signed a "multiple year" contract with the team before the 2009 season. It was reported by team owner Gil de Farran that Matos' deal was for only 2 years. Thus leaving the #2 car open for 2011. de Ferran told the Indianapolis Star that he expects to employ Tony Kanaan next season and that efforts to find funding were going well.[22]
- Team REDLINE Xtreme: On July 28, 2010, VPX Sports announced a partnership with newly–formed SH Racing for an entry into the 2011 Indianapolis 500 with the driver yet to be named.[31] The team will be partnering with KV Racing Technology.[32]
- Walker Racing Partners: Greg Beck, Steve Sudler, and Derrick Walker have joined forces for a 2011 effort under the banner Walker Racing Partners.[33]
- Panther Racing: 2010 team driver Dan Wheldon confirmed in a Kentucky post–race interview that his contract expires after this season and he is unlikely to return to the team in 2011. Team owner John Barnes is unsure if the team will run one or two cars in 2011.[34] Barnes is looking to Graham Rahal as a potential addition to the team. The #4 National Guard car will be return in 2011 season, a second car is likely to run a split season with Ed Carpenter on ovals, and an other driver on road courses.
- Lotus KV Racing Technology: On September 28, 2010, it was announced that Lotus will provide sponsorship to two KV Racing Technology entries in 2011.[35] Drivers for the team's entries in 2011 have yet to be announced. In an article on speedtv.com by Marshall Pruett, Jimmy Vasser confirmed that the team would be rebranded as "Lotus/KV". He also said all 3 2010 drivers were highly likely to return.[36] E.J. Viso confirmed his return to the team for 2011.[37]
- Vision Racing: The team would like to return to full-time competition with Ed Carpenter next season after a limited 2010 program.
- Dreyer & Reinbold Racing: Justin Wilson has been rumored to other teams for 2011, while Mike Conway looks to return after a crash in the 2010 Indianapolis 500 ended his season. Ana Beatriz is also a candidate to drive for the team, while Paul Tracy attended the 2010 finale at Homestead with the team and seems confident in a return to full-time racing in 2011.[38] On November 11, Justin Wilson announced he will continue racing with the team in 2011.
- Sarah Fisher Racing: SFR wants a full–time driver in one car for 2011. Team owner Sarah Fisher may not be the driver.[39] Indycar.com claims a press conference has been set for November 29th to announce SFR's plans for 2011.
- HVM Racing: 2010 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year, Simona de Silvestro will be returning to HVM Racing in 2011.[40] The team planning a second car in 2011[citation needed].
- Highcroft Racing, which has won back–to–back American Le Mans Series titles, has expressed interest in running a partial IndyCar Series schedule in 2011, by way of running in conjunction with an existing team. Their current ALMS driver (and former Champ Car driver), Simon Pagenaud, has been tipped as the favorite to drive.[41]
- A. J. Foyt Enterprises: The team confirmed the return of Vitor Meira in 2011[citation needed].
- Robby Gordon Motorsports: Robby Gordon is preparing to run the 2011 Indy 500 with his own team.[42]
- Dale Coyne Racing:
- Conquest Racing:
- Condor Motorsports:
- Newman/Haas Racing:
- Rahal Letterman Racing:
- Forsythe Racing:
References
- ^ "Sunoco to Become Official Fuel of Indy Racing League in 2011". IndyCar Series. Business Wire. 2010-05-27. Retrieved 2010-05-27.
- ^ a b http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-edmonton-race-axed/
- ^ a b http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/Edmonton+Indy+dead/3823086/story.html
- ^ "Brazil and its drivers pumped as IndyCar invades Sao Paulo". usatoday.com. 2010-03-12. Retrieved 2010-03-15.
- ^ "Event Extension". indycar.com. 2008-04-06. Retrieved 2008-04-06.
- ^ "Grand Prix is a winner for St. Petersburg". indycar.com. 2009-04-06. Retrieved 2009-04-06.
- ^ "Back for more in '10". IndyCar.com. 2009-06-21. Retrieved 2009-06-22.
- ^ Oreovicz, John (2008-04-16). "Champ Car finale signals new start for Long Beach Grand Prix". ESPN. Retrieved 2009-07-27.
- ^ "Indy Car race coming to Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama". al.com. 2009-07-26. Retrieved 2009-07-26.
- ^ "Is time running out on reviving Cleveland's tradition of open-wheel racing?". Elton Alexander. Cleveland Plain Dealer. 2010-07-11. Retrieved 2010-07-11.
- ^ "Series roars into Baltimore in 2011". indycar.com. 2010-06-02. Retrieved 2010-06-02.
- ^ "Details of Baltimore Grand Prix expected Wednesday". baltimoresun.com. 2010-06-01. Retrieved 2010-06-02.
- ^ "IndyCar returning to New Hampshire". IndyStar.com. 2010-06-21. Retrieved 2010-06-21. [dead link]
- ^ Lewandowski, Dave (2010-08-11). "New Hampshire 2011 race set for Aug. 14". IndyCar Series. Indy Racing League. Retrieved 2010-08-11.
- ^ http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/102381544.html
- ^ http://www.indystar.com/article/20100911/SPORTS0107/9110345/1052/SPORTS01/Seeking-Vegas-finale
- ^ "Rahal gets 2011 full-time ride team TBA". indycar.com. 2010-10-02. Retrieved 2010-11-15.
- ^ http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-rahal-to-ganassi-story-developing/
- ^ "Wilson conserves his tires". indystar.com. 2010-07-18. Retrieved 2010-07-19. [dead link]
- ^ a b "Shell Oil Company and Penske Racing Announce Alliance". penskeracing.com. 2010-04-21. Retrieved 2010-04-21. Cite error: The named reference "Penske Shell" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ http://www.indystar.com/article/20101002/SPORTS0107/10020345/Izod-IndyCar-Series-notebook-Wheldon-s-lawsuit-against-Panther-resolved-and-he-might-return-to-team
- ^ a b http://www.indystar.com/article/20101113/SPORTS0107/11130342/GM-returns-to-IndyCar-another-manufacturer-might-follow
- ^ "Venom Energy Drink Signs Multi-Year Sponsorship With Andretti Autosport". PR Newswire. Venom Energy. 2009-12-03. Retrieved 2009-12-03.
- ^ "Marco Andretti, the Twitterview". Pressdog. Pressdog. 2010-06-17. Retrieved 2010-06-17.
- ^ Kekis, John (2010-07-07). "Carroll gets IndyCar shot with Andretti Autosport". Associated Press. USA Today. Retrieved 2010-07-07.
- ^ http://indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/40317-hunter-reay-stays-with-andretti-autosport
- ^ Lewandowski, Dave (2009-08-28). "Newest entrant". IndyCar Series. Indy Racing League. Retrieved 2009-08-28.
- ^ http://www.racer.com/ask-fazzt-your-indycar-questions-answered/article/177981/
- ^ http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-tung-finishes-first-test-with-fazzt/
- ^ http://www.racer.com/afs-plans-full-time-indycar-graduation/article/176794/
- ^ http://pressdog.typepad.com/dogblog/2010/07/team-redline-xtreme-aims-at-indy-2010.html
- ^ http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-kv-partners-with-sh-racing-for-indy-500/
- ^ http://www.16thandgeorgetown.com/2010/08/beck-sudler-walker-together-for-11.html
- ^ http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-marshall-pruett-who-will-replace-dan-wheldon-in-2011
- ^ http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/87051
- ^ http://http://ar.sports.yahoo.com//19112010/24/d-sport-piloto-ernesto-jose-viso-confirmo.html/
- ^ http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-kv-closing-in-on-new-lotus-deal/
- ^ http://paddocktalk.com/news/html/story-146210.html
- ^ http://www.autoweek.com/article/20101002/IRL/101009980
- ^ http://www.16thandgeorgetown.com/2010/10/simona-returning-to-hvm-in-11html
- ^ http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-highcroft-eying-limited-2011-campaign
- ^ http://www.mikemulhern.net/DailyBriefing/kevin-harvick-takes-jab-mike-ford-taking-jab-chad-knaus-pit-crew-swap