The lone team owner/driver in the IZOD IndyCar Series recorded a blistering four-lap average speed of 228.762 mph (best lap of 229.347 mph; 39.2418 seconds) in the No. 20 Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka Chevrolet. The one-car team bested the best of Team Penske and Andretti Autosport in the shootout to claim a $100,000 bonus and 15 precious IZOD IndyCar Series championship points.

Carpenter’s previous best start at the Speedway was eighth in 2010 and ’11; his best finish is fifth after starting 10th in 2008. His pole speed was the fastest since Sam Hornish Jr. (228.985 mph) in 2006 for Team Penske. Hornish, the last American to win the Indianapolis 500 pole, went on to win the race.

Rookie Carlos Munoz earned a front-row start and $50,000 of the Verizon Front Row Awards for second (228.342) — .2892 of a second off Carpenter’s aggregate four-lap time — and Marco Andretti was awarded a $40,000 bonus for qualifying third (228.261). It’s Andretti’s best start in eight attempts at the Speedway.

Munoz, 21, is seeking to match Juan Pablo Montoya as an Indianapolis 500 winner from Colombia. Montoya also started second – as a rookie — in his 2000 victory. He was the last first-year front-row starter.

E.J. Viso (228.150), first-year Indy 500 competitor AJ Allmendinger (228.099) and Team Penske teammate Will Power (228.087) will start on Row 2 for the 200-lap race May 26. Reigning IZOD IndyCar Series champion Ryan Hunter-Reay (227.904) will join three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves (227.762) and James Hinchcliffe (227.070) on Row 3.

Positions 25-33 will be set through four-lap qualifications May 19 on Old National Armed Forces Bump Day.

There will be at least one bump in determining the 33-car field as Schmidt Peterson Pelfrey entered the No. 81 Angie’s List Honda-powered car to be driven by Katherine Legge. She’s expected to participate in the 9-10 a.m. (ET) practice session and make at least one qualifying attempt later in the day. Each entrant is allowed three qualifying attempts as time permits.

In addition to Legge, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing teammates Graham Rahal and Michel Jourdain Jr., rookies Tristan Vautier and Conor Daly, Ana Beatriz, Buddy Lazier, Pippa Mann, Josef Newgarden and Sebastian Saavedra will attempt to qualify.

POLE DAY NOTEBOOK:

Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano is scheduled to wave the green flag as the honorary starter today.

***

The boost level will be increased from 130 kPa to 140 kPa for Pole Day qualifications today and Bump Day qualifications Sunday.
The change in pressure adds about a 40-horsepower boost to the engines produced by Chevrolet (twin-turbocharged Chevy IndyCar V6) and Honda (single turbo-charged Honda HI13R). The boost level will return to 130 kPa for final practice on Coors Light Carb Day on Friday, May 24 and the 500-mile race Sunday, May 26.

Indianapolis 500 Pole Day qualifying procedures:

Order – A blind draw was conducted Friday after practice.

Warm-up laps – Each car is permitted two warm-up laps before the timed qualification laps. IZOD IndyCar Series officials may permit three warm-up laps if they deem it necessary.

Green-flag laps – A qualification attempt consists of four timed laps. The aggregate time is recorded as the official qualifying time for the car.

POLE DAY:

Qualifying is broken down into two segments, progressively narrowing the field to determine the pole winner.

Segment One – Held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., to determine positions 1-24 in the field based on the fastest four-lap averages. Once all 24 positions have been filled, bumping will occur until 4 p.m. Each car has up to three qualifying attempts. The top nine qualifiers advance to Segment Two.

Segment Two – Held from 4:30 to 6 p.m., the top nine cars will run in reverse order based on Segment One speeds. All cars are required to make at least one attempt in Segment Two. Cars making additional attempts will receive an additional set of tires. At the end of the session, the cars are ranked 1-9 based on their four-lap average during the segment.

***

Practice from 8-9 a.m. this morning will be separated into two groups, from 8-8:30 a.m. and 8:30-9 a.m. The track will be open for all cars from 9-10 a.m.

***

Today is the 29th birthday of Simon Pagenaud, driver of the #77 Schmidt Hamilton HP Motorsports Dallara/Honda/Firestone.

***

INDIANAPOLIS 500 PRACTICE:

At 8 a.m., the ambient temperature was 67 degrees with a relative humidity of 92 percent and calm winds. Skies were cloudy. The track temperature was 73 degrees, according to Firestone engineers.

8 a.m. – GREEN. #15 Rahal first on track.

8:10 a.m. — #91 Lazier has completed final phase of refresher test.

8:44 a.m. — #2 AJ Allmendinger fastest at 229.086.

9 a.m. temperature update: the ambient temperature was 67 degrees with a relative humidity of 90 percent and calm winds. Skies were cloudy. The track temperature was 73 degrees, according to Firestone engineers.

9:13 a.m. — #12 Power fastest at 229.808, fastest lap of the month and fastest practice lap at IMS since 2003.

9:32 a.m. – YELLOW. Light rain.

9:52 a.m. – GREEN.

9:59 a.m. – YELLOW and CHECKERED. Light rain. #12 Power fastest at 229.808.

***

FASTEST TIMES/SPEEDS OF PRACTICE:

Pos. – Car – Name – Time – Speed

1. – 12 – Will Power – 39.1631 – 229.808

2. – 2 – AJ Allmendinger* – 39.2866 – 229.086

3. – 21 – Josef Newgarden – 39.3685 – 228.609

4. – 15 – Graham Rahal – 39.4187 – 228.318

5. – 77 – Simon Pagenaud – 39.4687 – 228.029

* — Rookie

***

INDIANAPOLIS 500 PRACTICE QUOTES:

WILL POWER (No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet): “It’s pretty heavy on air, you could say. It’s pretty humid out there, but it’s cool. It’s very difficult to predict what to run trim-wise for qualifying. We’ll see when the temperature comes. If it’s similar to this, I think we have a good idea. We’re just working it out. You’ve just got to make an educated guess. When I was out there, getting little bits of moisture on your visor makes you nervy. You’re not sure if it’s going to start raining in a different area. I think we’re in pretty good shape.”

AJ ALLMENDINGER (No. 2 IZOD Team Penske Chevrolet): “It’s close to ideal for me right now. The track had decent amount of grip with cool conditions. I’ve never been here before, but I’m learning really quick that weather will play a huge factor. I think the car has good speed, but it’s tough to tell with the tows that are out there. The car is pretty quick. I feel good; the car has speed in it.” (Comfort level?): “Rick (Mears, Will (Power) and Helio (Castroneves) and all the guys, this whole team here have made me feel comfortable. They make me feel at home here, like I’m not the third car but really part of the team. It has been very comfortable this week so far. Hopefully we can get through the toughest day today.”

***

Film and television star Michael Pena, who has a leading role in the upcoming 3D animated motion picture event “Turbo,” will serve as the honorary starter of the 97th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 26.

Pena will wave the green flag to start the field of 33 drivers in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” The 97th Indianapolis 500 starts at noon (ET) and will be televised live on ABC.

In “Turbo,” Pena portrays Tito, an entrepreneur who enters a super-fast snail in the Indy 500. The film races into theaters everywhere July 17. From DreamWorks Animation, and released by 20th Century Fox, the film’s titular hero is an ordinary garden snail whose dream to race in the Indianapolis 500 comes true.

Ryan Reynolds is the voice of Turbo. The film also stars Paul Giamatti, Luis Guzmán, Bill Hader, Richard Jenkins, Ken Jeong, Michelle Rodriguez, Maya Rudolph, Ben Schwartz, Snoop Dogg, a.k.a. Snoop Lion, and Samuel L. Jackson.

Chicago native Pena has appeared in numerous motion pictures and television shows in the last decade, including in the Academy Award Best Picture-winning films “Million Dollar Baby” and “Crash.” He also appeared in the Oscar-nominated film “Babel.”

***

Six iconic military airplanes that played a vital role in the United States and its allies winning World War II will soar above the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the traditional pre-race flyover before the start of the 97th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 26.

A North American B-25 Mitchell twin-engine medium bomber will be joined in formation by five North American T-6 Texan trainer aircraft in the flyover that will appear above the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at the conclusion of the national anthem.

The B-25, nicknamed “Axis Nightmare,” and T-6 military aircraft performing the flyover will be provided by the Cincinnati Warbirds EAA Squadron 18 and the Tri-State Warbird Museum that jointly promote the preservation of historic military aircraft, remember those who fought for our freedom and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

***

Light rain began falling at the Speedway at 10:25 a.m., delaying the 11 a.m. scheduled start of Pole Day qualifications.

The sun began shining over the Speedway at 11:33 a.m. as track-drying efforts continued.

***

Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano rode in the IZOD IndyCar Series two-seater car today at IMS, with 1969 Indianapolis 500 winner Mario Andretti driving.

CHUCK PAGANO: “That (the two-seater rider with Mario Andretti) was the most exciting thing I’ve ever done, obviously. What a treat, what a pleasure. Just absolutely exhilarating. When we took off and you get thrown into the back of that car a little bit and start feeling the G-forces like you do, what a sensation. But then you kind of settle in and start enjoying the ride. It was the opportunity of a lifetime, obviously, and a very humbling experience to be out here and be a part of this great tradition. It’s a great, historic day.”

***

IMS Historian Donald Davidson recently was named as one of five 2013 inductees to the Richard M. Fairbanks Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame. Induction ceremonies are scheduled for Oct. 3.

Davidson has been a member of the IMS Radio Network team since 1965. His popular show, “The Talk of Gasoline Alley,” has been heard nightly during May on Indianapolis radio since 1971.

He also has appeared on qualification and race coverage for numerous Indianapolis television stations in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s and on a weekly nostalgic music program, “Looking Backward With Davidson,” in 1973 on Indianapolis NPR affiliate WIAN-FM.

***

Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports driver Simon Pagenaud spoke to the media today during the rain delay. Today is Pagenaud’s 29th birthday.

SIMON PAGENAUD (No. 77 Schmidt Hamilton HP Motorsports Honda): “It’s the weather – something you can’t really control. You go with what you can control, and you only go with that. The nice thing is that I am really comfortable in the car. The car has been fantastic. In race trim and qualifying trim, we are very comfortable. I am really looking forward to the race. Qualifying is important. Of course, I would like to be on pole position. But we know what we’ve got. I think we are good enough to be in the top 12 and then go from there. I think in the race we might have something better. I am really putting my sight on Race Day. Today it is important not to crash the car, first, because it is a great race car, and I don’t want to damage it. But we want to make sure we are in a good position to start (the race.) We want to get one good run in. We know what speed we’ve got. It should be pretty good off the bat. I don’t see any reason why we would go back for a second one (qualifying attempt.) We know what we’ve got. But it’s all going to depend on the weather. We drew number 66, so we are going to be one of the last to go out. Depending on the weather, that might not be a bad thing today.” (What would be an ideal birthday present for you today?): “Pole position. That would be a great present.”

***

Schmidt Peterson Motorsports team manager Rob Edwards talked today about the team’s plans for its No. 99 Honda-powered entry, which has not been on track this month or assigned to a driver.

ROB EDWARDS: “It’s obviously in the garage. It’s being prepared. The focus today is on Simon (Pagenaud) and Tristan (Vautier). If we get to where we need to get to with the two of them, then we’ll have some fun tomorrow. Absolutely 100 percent the focus today is on Simon’s program and Tristan’s program.” (On preparing for qualifying with variable weather conditions): “We got a good chance to run this morning. We’re pretty happy where we are with Simon’s car. We’re not quite where we want to be with Tristan’s car. We got a couple more things to try in qualifying. But I think it’s difficult until everyone gets out there and actually does there run and sees where everyone stacks up. We’re reasonable optimistic but not overly confident.”

***

The crew servicing the No. 1 DHL Dallara/Chevrolet/Firestone driven by reigning IZOD IndyCar Series champion Ryan Hunter-Reay will have a different look this month at the 97th Indianapolis 500 – crew members will wear bright red pants.

Crew members will go retro by wearing red Dickies® Original 874® work pants with their yellow-and-red crew shirts. Many Indianapolis 500 crews wore colored trousers decades ago.

RYAN HUNTER-REAY (No. 1 DHL Chevrolet): “I think the crew looks great in red (pants), and it complements the yellow/red paint scheme of the No. 1 DHL Chevy perfectly. It’s such an important race for us, and there is so much history here at the Speedway that having the crew go a little retro and get outside of the box is fitting.”

***

Pole Day schedule revision: The first segment of Indianapolis 500 qualifying will take place until 6 p.m. Fast Nine Qualifying will start at 6:30 p.m., with each car getting one attempt.
If weather forces the first segment to be stopped, Fast Nine Qualifying will not take place.

INDIANAPOLIS 500 POLE QUALIFYING CHRONOLOGY:

At 1:15 p.m., the ambient temperature was 71 degrees with a relative humidity of 79 percent and calm winds. Skies were cloudy. The track temperature was 87 degrees, according to Firestone engineers.
Each qualifying attempt will start on the second time past the flag stand.

1:28 p.m.
#9 SCOTT DIXON/Auckland, New Zealand
Target Chip Ganassi Racing

QA-1
Q – 1
1 – 39.7517 – 226.405
2 – 39.7798 – 226.245
3 – 39.8058 – 226.098
4 – 39.8435 – 225.884
T 2:39.1808 – 226.158

1:32 p.m.
#14 TAKUMA SATO/Tokyo
ABC Supply Co A.J. Foyt Racing

QA-1
Q – 2
1 – 39.8105 – 226.071
2 – 39.8123 – 226.061
3 – 39.8618 – 225.780
4 – 39.8835 – 225.657
T 2:39.2681 – 225.892

1:36 p.m.
#15 GRAHAM RAHAL/New Albany, Ohio
Midas/Big O Tires

QA-1
Q – 3
1 – 39.9246 – 225.425
2 – 39.9564 – 225.246
3 – 40.0191 – 224.893
4 – 40.0008 – 224.996
T 2:39.9009 – 225.139

1:41 p.m.
#2 AJ ALLMENDINGER/Los Gatos, Calif.
IZOD Team Penske

QA-1
Q – 4
1 – 39.4837 – 227.942
2 – 39.4878 – 227.918
3 – 39.5237 – 227.711
4 – 39.5651 – 227.473
T 2:38.0603 – 227.761

1:45 p.m.
#91 BUDDY LAZIER/Vail, Colo.
Lazier Partners

QA-1
Q – 5
1 – 40.2598 – 223.548
2 – 40.2977 – 223.338
3 – 40.3760 – 222.905
4 – 40.4485 – 222.505
T 2:41.3820 – 223.073

1:50 p.m.
#78 SIMONA DE SILVESTRO/Mont-sur-Rolle, Switzerland
Nuclear Entergy Areva KVRT

QA-1
Q – 6
1 – 40.0079 – 224.956
2 – 39.8821 – 225.665
3 – 39.8948 – 225.593
4 – 39.9313 – 225.387
T 2:39.7161 – 225.400

1:54 p.m.
#27 JAMES HINCHCLIFFE/Toronto
GoDaddy

QA-1
Q – 7
1 – 39.4510 – 228.131
2 – 39.5085 – 227.799
3 – 39.6112 – 227.208
4 – 39.6757 – 226.839
T 2:38.2464 – 227.493

1:59 p.m.
#41 CONOR DALY/Noblesville, Ind.
ABC Supply Co./A.J. Foyt Racing

QA-1
UA – 1
1 – 40.6269 – 221.528
2 – 42.0149 – 214.210
3 – Waved off
#41 Daly pulled off on third lap after light smoke started to trail from rear of car.
YELLOW. Track inspection.

2:12 p.m.
#7 SEBASTIEN BOURDAIS/Le Mans, France
Dragon Racing

QA-1
Q – 8
1 – 39.7947 – 226.161
2 – 39.7892 – 226.192
3 – 39.7806 – 226.241
4 – 39.7898 – 226.189
T 2:39.1543 – 226.196

2:16 p.m.
#19 JUSTIN WILSON/Sheffield, England
Dale Coyne Racing

QA-1
Q – 9
1 – 39.6818 – 226.804
2 – 39.7462 – 226.437
3 – 39.7892 – 226.192
4 – 39.8146 – 226.048
T 2:39.0318 – 226.370

2:21 p.m.
#3 HELIO CASTRONEVES/Sao Paulo

1. (20) Ed Carpenter, Dallara-Chevy 02:37.3689 ( 228.762)
2. (26) Carlos Munoz, Dallara-Chevy 02:37.6581 ( 228.342)
3. (25) Marco Andretti, Dallara-Chevy 02:37.7139 ( 228.261)
4. (5) EJ Viso, Dallara-Chevy 02:37.7907 ( 228.150)
5. (2) AJ Allmendinger, Dallara-Chevy 02:37.8264 ( 228.099)
6. (12) Will Power, Dallara-Chevy 02:37.8342 ( 228.087)
7. (1) Ryan Hunter-Reay, Dallara-Chevy 02:37.9614 ( 227.904)
8. (3) Helio Castroneves, Dallara-Chevy 02:38.0596 ( 227.762)
9. (27) James Hinchcliffe, Dallara-Chevy 02:38.5411 ( 227.070)
10. (4) JR Hildebrand, Dallara-Chevy 02:38.2830 ( 227.441)
11. (98) Alex Tagliani, Dallara-Honda, 02:38.3209 ( 227.386)
12. (11) Tony Kanaan, Dallara-Chevy 02:38.6260 ( 226.949)
13. (22) Oriol Servia, Dallara-Chevy 02:38.7206 ( 226.814)
14. (19) Justin Wilson, Dallara-Honda, 02:39.0318 ( 226.370)
15. (7) Sebastien Bourdais, Dallara-Chevy 02:39.1543 ( 226.196)
16. (9) Scott Dixon, Dallara-Honda, 02:39.1808 ( 226.158)
17. (10) Dario Franchitti, Dallara-Honda, 02:39.2434 ( 226.069)
18. (14) Takuma Sato, Dallara-Honda, 02:39.3681 ( 225.892)
19. (83) Charlie Kimball, Dallara-Honda, 02:39.3768 ( 225.880)
20. (16) James Jakes, Dallara-Honda, 02:39.4268 ( 225.809)
21. (77) Simon Pagenaud, Dallara-Honda, 02:39.5219 ( 225.674)
22. (60) Townsend Bell, Dallara-Chevy 02:39.5438 ( 225.643)
23. (8) Ryan Briscoe, Dallara-Honda, 02:39.8117 ( 225.265)
24. (78) Simona De Silvestro, Dallara-Chevy 02:39.8398 ( 225.226)

The 2012 race winner recorded the fastest lap of the day of 224.235 mph (40.1363 seconds) with 27 minutes left in the six-hour afternoon session in the No. 10 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.

No less than 15 drivers toured the 2.5-mile oval in groups of three, four and five in the final 30 minutes in an effort to experience the balance of their cars in traffic and continue to develop their overall race setup. In total, 32 drivers piled up 2,165 laps without incident on day 5.

Townsend Bell, in his second full on-track session, climbed to second (223.716 mph; 40.2295 seconds) in the No. 60 Sunoco “Turbo” Chevrolet for Panther Racing. Three-time Indianapolis 500 champion Helio Castroneves was among the fastest again (223.699 mph) in the No. 3 Shell V-Power/Pennzoil Ultra Team Penske Chevrolet.

Marco Andretti (221.419 mph) in the No. 25 RC Cola Chevrolet and Andretti Autosport teammate E.J. Viso (220.305 mph), driving the No. 5 Team Venezuela Chevrolet, recorded the fastest non-tow laps earlier in the session.

DAY 5 NOTEBOOK:

The crews for #22 Servia (Panther DRR), #83 Kimball (NovoNordisk Chip Ganassi Racing), #27Hinchcliffe (Andretti Autosport), #8 Briscoe (Chip Ganassi Racing) and #25 Andretti (Andretti Autosport) qualified for the Indianapolis 500 Pit Stop Competition through pit stop time trials held this morning.

The five join the crews for #1 Hunter-Reay (Andretti Autosport), #3 Castroneves (Team Penske), #9 Dixon (Target Chip Ganassi Racing), #10 Franchitti (Target Chip Ganassi Racing), #11 Kanaan (KV Racing Technology), #12 Power (Team Penske) and #14 Sato (A.J. Foyt Racing) who qualified through pit performance at IZOD IndyCar Series events between the 2012 Indianapolis 500 and 2013 Itaipava Sao Paulo Indy 300.

The Pit Stop Competition will take place at Coors Light Carb Day on May 24.

***
Ed Carpenter will again carry a Butler University logo on his #20 Fuzzy’s Vodka Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet during the Indianapolis 500. Carpenter, a 2003 graduate of the Indianapolis school, unveiled the logo along with Butler University President James Danko, Butler Athletic Director Barry Collier, Butler Men’s Basketball Coach Brad Stevens and mascots Butler Blue II and Butler Blue III.

ED CARPENTER (Owner/driver Ed Carpenter Racing): “It’s a lot of fun being in Indianapolis, my hometown, and Butler is just down the road. It’s nice to be able to do something together. Hopefully we’ll be able to celebrate together at the end of this month. They’ve been great to me from the time I was there (as a student) and since I’ve graduated. It’s a great community and it’s fun to represent them.”

BRAD STEVENS (Butler University men’s basketball coach): “It’s great when you get to follow the race so close because it’s in your hometown. To have a sincere rooting interest is fun too. Ed has been great to us. We’re rooting for him. We’re proud of him and appreciate he’s put the bulldog on his car.”

***

INDIANAPOLIS 500 PRACTICE:

At noon, the ambient temperature was 86 degrees with a relative humidity of 36 percent and winds from the west at 12 mph. Skies were sunny. The track temperature was 113 degrees, according to Firestone engineers.

Noon – GREEN. #20 Carpenter and #41 Daly are first on track.
12:43 p.m. – YELLOW. Track inspection.
12:54 p.m. – GREEN.
1:27 p.m. – YELLOW. Debris on the frontstretch. #6 Saavedra lost decals off his car.
1:39 p.m. – GREEN.
2:22 p.m. – YELLOW. Track inspection.
2:32 p.m. – GREEN
2:50 p.m. – YELLOW. Track inspection
3:01 p.m. – GREEN.
3:09 p.m. – #1 Hunter-Reay sets fastest lap of the day, 222.170 (40.5096).
3:29 p.m. – YELLOW. Track inspection.
3:40 p.m. – GREEN.

***

Charlie Kimball played host to four members of the Indianapolis Colts today at the Speedway. Indianapolis Colts quarterbacks Andrew Luck, Matt Hasselbeck and Chandler Harnish along with wide receiver Griff Whalen toured the No. 83 Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing garage and spent time on the pit lane with the team.

CHARLIE KIMBALL (No. 83NovoLog FlexPen Honda): “I got the opportunity to go to an event a few weeks ago sponsored IU Health Sports Performance that was Andrew Luck’s Change the Play event. I met Griff (Whalen) and Andrew (Luck), and sort of connected being a Stanford fan, getting in (to school there), my dad being an alumni and I think Andrew mentioned that my aunt spoke to his freshman English literature class. It’s all in the family. I’m a Stanford fan, and now an Indianapolis resident and Colts fan. I wanted them to come see my office, because in the Winter, it’s easy to turn on the TV and see these guys go to work on Sundays. I wanted to give them the opportunity see what I think is the greatest sporting venue in the world – the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and see us turn laps at 215, 220 mph and give them the full Indianapolis experience.”

ANDREW LUCK (Indianapolis Colts quarterback): “I didn’t make it out last year. I think we were still in school last year and free weekends were at a premium. Unfortunately, I’m going to be out of town next weekend so I won’t be able to come to the race, but I wanted to come and pay our respect to Charlie because he was kind enough to come out to our IU-Riley event. As a sports fan, it’s awesome to see a spectacle like this, a stadium like this. To see how different athletes operate and how a race car team operates compared to a football team. Hopefully it will be a little educational for us.”

***

Andretti Autosport Firestone Indy Lights driver Zach Veach spent most of Wednesday afternoon in the #26 pit box of his Indy Lights teammate Carlos Munoz. Munoz leads the Firestone Indy Lights points’ standings and is attempting to qualify for his first Indianapolis 500. Veach led a Firestone Indy Lights test May 2 at 190.045 mph. Practice and qualifying for the Firestone Freedom 100 is scheduled for Thursday, May 23, with the race at 12:30 p.m. Friday, May 24.

ZACH VEACH: “It was really special to get to spend some time in Carlos’ pit box today and see my teammate’s dream coming true,” said Veach. “it was a bit surreal because I hope that’s me next year too! But this year, I couldn’t be more thrilled for Carlos and his opportunity. He is such a great guy and has been a huge help to me this season in Indy Lights. I’ll definitely be rooting for the #26 car come Indy 500 race day.”

***

AutoNation, America’s largest auto retailer, announced today it has partnered with 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series champion Ryan Hunter-Reay to support his Racing for Cancer charity.

AutoNation’s primary charitable focus over the next two years will be cancer awareness and prevention, and Hunter-Reay’s charity will serve as a key component of that program. Hunter-Reay founded the charitable organization following the 2009 passing of his mother due to colon cancer.

Racing for Cancer’s mission is simply to help beat cancer. The organization seeks to unite motorsport fans, sponsors, teams and others in a coast to coast effort to help eradicate the disease. Efforts are focused on early detection and prevention along with an emphasis on supporting childhood cancer initiatives. With the support of AutoNation, Racing for Cancer will have 21,000 teammates in 15 states.

All of the organization’s net proceeds go directly to supporting the cancer community. AutoNation will match the first $500,000 raised through Racing for Cancerand will contribute directly to the designated charities. Seventy-five percent of the funds generated by Racing for Cancer will be distributed in the markets where they’re collected, and 25 percent will be designated to Racing for Cancer’s trust fund programs.

AutoNation will be participating in race-related events in a number of markets coast-to-coast, including Long Beach, Calif., and Northern California; St. Petersburg/ Tampa, Fla., and South Florida; Fort Worth/ Dallas and Houston; and Baltimore, Md.. The company also expects to add Phoenix, Seattle, Atlanta, Las Vegas and Denver to the list, with additional cities to be announced. AutoNation also will participate in Racing for Cancer’s third annual “Yellow Party” on May 23 in Indianapolis, the charity’s signature event and biggest annual fundraiser, held around the Indianapolis 500 each year.

MIKE JACKSON (Chairman and CEO, AutoNation): “All of us are touched by cancer in some way, and we’re proud to join forces with Ryan in the race to help conquer this disease. We’re looking forward to committing our efforts and the efforts of our 21,000-strong team of associates to the fight. Through his professional outreach and personal involvement, Ryan has demonstrated an amazing commitment to fighting cancer and we hope that the contributions we’re able to make will bring us across the finish line that much faster in the battle to defeat cancer.”

INDIANAPOLIS 500 PRACTICE: (Cont.)

At 4 p.m., the ambient temperature was 91 degrees with a relative humidity of 34 percent and winds from the west-southwest at 8 mph, gusting to 16 mph. Skies were mostly cloudy. The track temperature was 126 degrees, according to Firestone engineers.
4:36 p.m. – YELLOW. Track inspection.
4:47 p.m. – GREEN.
At 5 p.m., the ambient temperature was 88 degrees with a relative humidity of 37 percent and winds from the west-southwest at 8 mph, gusting to 17 mph. Skies were mostly cloudy. The track temperature was 117 degrees, according to Firestone engineers.
5:04 p.m. – YELLOW. Tow-in for #41 Daly, who has stopped in the deceleration lane in Turn 4.
5:10 p.m. – GREEN.
5:33 p.m. – #10 Franchitti posts fastest lap of the day, so far, 224.236 mph.
6 p.m. – CHECKERED.

***

Thirty-two drivers were on track today. Only driver not on track was #91 Lazier, who has not turned any laps so far this month.

FASTEST TIMES/SPEEDS OF PRACTICE:

Pos. – Car – Name – Time – Speed
1. – 10 – Dario Franchitti – 40.1363 – 224.236
2. – 60 – Townsend Bell – 40.2295 – 223.716
3. – 3 – Helio Castroneves – 40.2327 – 223.699
4. – 1 – Ryan Hunter-Reay – 40.3420 – 223.093
5. – 8 – Ryan Briscoe – 40.3945 – 222.803

***

INDIANAPOLIS 500 PRACTICE QUOTES:

JOSEF NEWGARDEN (No. 21 Sarah Fisher Hartman/Century 21 Honda): “We had a shorter day today but still a productive one for setup changes. We still have a little bit of a list to work on, but I think we are actually sitting quite well. I think the car handles well in traffic and by itself and seems to be quick as expected from this team, as they built a fast race car. We’re looking good. We just have to stay on task. You can get caught off guard around this place easily, so we have to make sure it doesn’t get ahead of us.”

CHARLIE KIMBALL (No. 83 NovoLog FlexPen Honda): “Today was a really good day. We ran through a lot of stuff. We did nearly 70 laps in different conditions, both early in the afternoon and late in the afternoon. We worked on a lot of race stuff and are still focusing on next Sunday, for the race. We have to make sure that the No. 83 NovoLog FlexPen car is going to be happy in different situations and different conditions, whether we’re running in traffic or running by ourselves. We worked on some developmental stuff, just to make sure we have as many tools in our toolbox as possible come Race Day. I think the car is pretty happy. We just have to keep making adjustments and paying attention as things develop. Obviously, as we’re getting closer to the end of the week, we’ll start looking toward qualifying. What’s really important is what happens a week from Sunday, not necessarily what happens on Saturday in qualifying. Saturday is important; it’s just not the only important thing ahead of us.”

E.J. VISO (No. 5 Team Venezuela/Andretti Autosport/HVM Chevrolet): “The preparation is still happening. We’re still following each of the steps of our test plan. Today we still answered some good questions that we had about the car, and what we are trying to do right now is make our race car even stronger. I think we are going to be good for the race, but there are still plenty of details to fix to have an even better car.”

RYAN BRISCOE (No. 8 NTT DATA Honda): “It was a long day and pretty good. We got some long runs in there at the end of the day and got to run in packs, so we were really happy with that. We made some big suspension changes throughout the day and found a really good direction with the car, so we were happy with that, as well. We are definitely moving in the right direction, and we’re really happy with what we have moving into tomorrow and on to qualifying.”

RYAN HUNTER-REAY (No. 1 DHL Chevrolet): “It was a good day for the DHL crew. We tried quite a few different setups because the weather is changing. The wind’s changing; it’s getting hotter. So we’re just logging more data for weather conditions and ended the day on a good note. We were on the top of the charts most of the day but finished with a great race car, so I’m really happy with it.”

JAMES HINCHCLIFFE (No. 27 GoDaddy Chevrolet): “I think the GoDaddy crew made some really good gains today. We had some troubles early on, but we’ve bounced back from that. We’re still fighting the good fight that is Indianapolis. Well keep working at it; we gathered a lot of data over the five (Andretti Autosport) cars today, and we’ll see where we are at come week’s end.”

SIMON PAGENAUD (No. 77 Schmidt Hamilton HP Motorsports Honda): “It’s day five, so we got to touch closely to what we think will be a good setup for the race. We optimized some changes that we made, and it was interesting to get to try all of those items. We’ll definitely have a strong race car. We can race in the pack pretty easily. Since it’s hot today, that’s a great testing environment because that’s similar to what the weather will be on May 26. I’m enjoying driving the car because it feels much more competitive than it was last year.”

TRISTAN VAUTIER (No. 55 Lucas Oil/Schmidt Peterson Motorsports Honda): “Today was the first day where I really managed to get some time in the pack. I’m glad we made some progress there. It was a good day, although I wish we could have run even more. It was useful time, though, because it gave us a direction to head in. Hopefully we can get some time on the track tomorrow and Friday if the weather isn’t too bad. I really want to keep working because we’re catching up a bit since I’m a rookie, and I need to get comfortable on this track.”

DARIO FRANCHITTI (No. 10 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Honda): (About being fastest of the day): “It doesn’t really count for much, but it’s nice, nonetheless. Right now we’re still very much in the preparation stage. We’re making changes to the car, and sometimes doing one- and two-lap runs. I think we had a pretty tough morning there and made some big changes to the Target car in the afternoon. We ran some and was pretty happy with it, so we went out there with some of the Andretti guys and my teammates – Scott, Ryan, and I think Charlie was involved for a minute there, as well – and some other guys involved in a pack, and really the lap time came from being in the right place at the right time. It was a bit like everybody out there: It was when you got the tow and how big the tow was. So for us, it was more important that the car balanced and how the car is in traffic and stuff, and we’re getting there with that. Still got a little work to do, but we’re closer than we have been.”

TAKUMA SATO (No. 14 ABC Supply Co./A.J. Foyt Racing Honda): “It was a productive day again. After yesterday, we were delayed on the program, but I think we caught up nicely and we tried several things we wanted to try over the last two days, and it was good to see the changes. We collected good data today, and finally we were able to run in traffic to see how the car performed. We found some positives and some not so much. We’ll sort it out in the debrief tonight and hopefully continue to progress tomorrow.”

CONOR DALY (No. 41 ABC Supply Co./A.J. Foyt Racing Honda): “We got over 220 today, which was enjoyable. I got to run in traffic at the end of the day, so that was good experience, a whole new experience for me, and I really enjoyed it. As long as I can keep running like that tomorrow, I think we’ll have a good platform for the race.” (Was running in traffic what you expected?): “It was a little surprising. It’s tough to really get close to people, so I think there’s some stuff we can do with the car to help that. But I think mainly it’s just me trying to figure out how to navigate traffic, so it should get better.”

TOWNSEND BELL (No. 60 Sunoco “Turbo” Panther Racing Chevrolet): (Is it more fun to go fast than to talk about guys going fast?): “It is a lot more fun. It feels a lot more at home for me to jump in and not have to say anything, not have to smile. No one can see me beneath the helmet and just get after it. It’s been great. The car has been solid. The Panther guys have done an awesome job. We had a rocky start with me coming in late from Laguna, but we’ve rebounded nicely since then.”

ORIOL SERVIA (No. 22 Panther DRR Chevrolet): “It was again a difficult day in terms of the conditions. It was very hot and even windier than yesterday. It’s tricky because the car wants to slide around. There toward the end, we made a couple of changes that gave me more grip, which is what we were after. Honestly, it’s hard when you do changes to get a read sometimes because you’re out there and do some laps alone, and you get a perfect read. Then all of a sudden you’re behind a big pack of cars, and you basically lose 200 pounds of downforce. We get caught in trying to see both things – how the changes are and how your car is in traffic because that’s how it’s going to be during the race. It’s an interesting dynamic that happens out there. I think we made the best of it today.”

ED CARPENTER (No. 20 Fuzzy’s Vodka/Ed Carpenter Chevrolet Racing): “We had a busy day. We ran 107 laps, more than twice any other day for us. We had bad day on Tuesday, just a lot of problems. The Fuzzy’s Chevy felt much better today, and we ran in a lot of traffic. With the heat and more cars, the track was more in a race setting. We aren’t where we want to be just yet, but I think we are back into our scheduled plan. We aren’t sure how the weather will play out the next two days, so we wanted more laps today. We have been working on the race car and haven’t trimmed anything out for a qualifying setup. Let’s just hope the weather is cooperating with us to get more laps in for Thursday and Friday.”

MARCO ANDRETTI (No. 25 RC Cola Chevrolet): “Today was interesting, to say the least. We finished sixth overall, but we were trying new things on the car. Obviously, some things aren’t always going to work out for the best. It kind of goes back to ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t try and fix it,’ so not every change to the car is a good change. We made more progress yesterday than today, but that’s why we practice so much here. Tomorrow will be a better day for the RC Cola Chevy. We have a solid idea of the setup we want the car to have at this point.”

JR HILDEBRAND (No. 4 National Guard Panther Racing Chevrolet): “We’re feeling pretty good. We haven’t worked very much on our qualifying stuff yet because there are still a couple of days before we really have to do that. More than anything, once we get to Friday and Saturday, it’s hard to work on race stuff, so we’ve been running through a lot of things to make the National Guard car works well in traffic. And we’ve been trying to figure out what we need to do so we’ve got a fast car but also a car that works well throughout an entire stint. I feel like we’ve made good progress the last few days. It’s always hard to tell running in traffic what other guys are doing, but we certainly aren’t one of the cars struggling to get by people out there. But we’ve got to keep working at it, because at this place you certainly can’t take anything for granted.”

AJ ALLMENDINGER (No. 2 IZOD Team Penske Chevrolet): “It was warmer outside today than it was yesterday, which changed some of the things the IZOD crew out into the setup of the IZOD Chevrolet. The track had less grip than the day before, as well. I got to experience being in race traffic along with practicing pit stops, which was a first for me. Overall, it was another solid day on the track. We continue to learn more and more as the week goes on.”

HELIO CASTRONEVES (No. 3 Shell V-Power/Pennzoil Ultra Team Penske Chevrolet): “The Shell-Pennzoil car was good today. It was interesting out on the track with the wind conditions. We will keep finding little things and making improvements.”

WILL POWER (No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet): “We did a lot of race setup work today. Some long runs, and the guys worked on pit stops, too. It was a good day for the Verizon team. We accomplished a fair bit of work today. There is bit more in the car, and I feel pretty good about it.”

SCOTT DIXON (No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Honda): “The No. 9 Target car was decent today. We went through a bunch of changes. The last run, when everyone was getting big times, we had too much understeer. It was really hard. I could keep up with the pack but couldn’t pass anyone. Looks like the team cars were good. I’m excited to see what they were up to and see if we can make good changes tonight.”

***

A total of 42 cars are at the Speedway, with 41 passing technical inspection. Thirty-two drivers have been on the track to date and turned 2,226 laps today and 5,235 laps this month. E.J. Viso turned 134 laps today, most of any driver. There were five cautions for a total of 43 minutes today.

***

THURSDAY’S SCHEDULE (all times local):
8 a.m. Garages open
11 a.m. Fuzzy’s Triple Crown Media Availability, Economaki Press Conference Room
Noon-6 p.m. Indianapolis 500 practice
6:05 p.m. Fastest Driver of the Day media availability, Economaki Press Conference Room

***

The 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series season continues with the 97th Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on Sunday, May 26, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race will be televised live at 11 a.m. (ET) by ABC and broadcast by the IMS Radio Network, including on Sirius and XM Channels 211 and www.indycar.com. The next Firestone Indy Lights race is the Firestone Freedom 100 on Friday, May 24, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race will be broadcast by the NBC Sports Network live, during the network’s coverage of Carb Day.

The 8 hours of Talledega

David Ragan was a 100-1 shot going into Talledega’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race on Sunday. But he ended up being at the right place at the right time in the green and white checker that brought that NASCAR Sprint Cup race to a merciful end. Leading when it really counted, the Georgia driver proved a point that almost anybody left in that field had a chance at that win. But you also had to be on top of your game and lucky enough to survive up to the end in order to be in contention. Another factor that made the final laps of the race tense as that the track was quickly running out of daylight.

“I’m a low key guy. I’d just like to thank everyone that helped me get here. I don’t know what else to say, ” said the winner. It was also Ragan’s second career win. Equally suprised at his performance was his teamate and runner-up Dave Gilliland. “I’m very proud of my team. This is awesome. I didn’t dare to back off,” said the second place finisher. As it turned out both were able to work together to finish one-two in the final laps of that long afternoon grind.

Both drivers were among the survivors who were able to avoid those huge crashers that eliminated many of the top runners in the field. Replacing those cars for the teams is very expensive even for the well sponsored organizations. For some teams not as wealthy, those wrecks that totally destroy the racing cars can put them out of business. Given the way the races are run, we don’t see any solution on those restrictor plate tracks.

When all of the dust settled, Jimmie Johnson was still in the Sprint Cup point lead. “In a race like this, you have to be up in the top 4 to 6 in order to have a chance at a win.,’ he said.

Complicating the race was a three hour and forty-six minute rain delay. NASCAR, it seemed, was determined to give the fans a complete race. The race got the red flag with just 63 laps remaining in that wreck-filled race. One of the attributing factors was four-wide racing which played a major part in destroying a good part of the field.

On the under card, Ragan Smith won the Nationwide race followed by Joey Logano and Kasey Kahne which finished under a yellow flag. Smith also leads the Nationwide points over Sam Hornish, Jr.

Down in Rio, Canadian James Hinchcliffe won his second IZOD Indy Car race of the season when he was able to pull off a last lap pass over Takuma Sato. In the other two previous Indy Car races, Hinchliffe had two dnf’s. Penske driver Helio Castro-Neves, though, still leads the point chase as the next race on that schedule moves to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Across the Atlantic, Dani Pedrosa won the FIM MotoGP at the Jaurez circuit in Spain.

Check Jayski.com to see what’s happening over the Mother’s Day weekend which will be rather thin.

NASCAR Champion Kurt Busch To Test
IZOD IndyCar Series Car Thursday at IMS

2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Kurt Busch will test a Chevrolet-powered Andretti Autosport IZOD IndyCar Series car Thursday morning, May 9, just two days before IMS opens for practice for the 97th Indianapolis 500.

Andretti Autosport team owner and Indianapolis 500 legend Michael Andretti will be on hand to provide driver coaching and assist Busch, who is expected to be on track from approximately 8:30 a.m.-noon. Under the supervision of INDYCAR officials, Busch will go through the speed phases similar to the Rookie Orientation Program in which all drivers must participate to compete in Indianapolis 500 practice and qualifying.

A pre-test photo opportunity will start at 8 a.m. on pit lane near the MotoGP garages. Busch and Andretti will be available to the media after the test at 12:15 p.m. in the Economaki Press Conference Room on the first floor of the IMS Media Center.

Fans are welcome to watch testing for free from the South Terrace grandstands and the Turn 2 viewing mounds adjacent to the IMS Hall of Fame Museum.

Media wishing to cover this event must RSVP to Suzi Elliott of IMS Public Relations and enter via Gate 2 off 16th Street. Media will be directed to park in the Media Center parking lot.

WHAT: Kurt Busch IZOD IndyCar Series Test

WHO: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Driver Kurt Busch,
Andretti Autosport team owner Michael Andretti

WHEN: Thursday, May 9
Busch will be on track from approximately 8:30 a.m.-noon.

MEDIA Photos: 8 a.m., Pit Lane near MotoGP garages
OPS: Interviews: 12:15 p.m., Economaki Press Conference Room

DETROIT (May 1, 2013) – With three races on the 19-event 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series schedule in the record books, Chevrolet holds the lead in the Series’ Manufacturers’ Standings, and Team Chevy driver Helio Castroneves holds the lead in the overall driver point standings heading into this weekend’s 75-lap, 190.2-mile race on the Streets of São Paulo (Brazil).

After a perfectly choreographed journey of over 5,000 miles, the Chevrolet teams and drivers will face the 11-turn, 2.536-mile temporary street circuit that presents a set of circumstances virtually unlike any other. The engineers from Chevrolet and its technical partners have been working tirelessly with team engineers in preparation for a successful trip to South America.

“The Streets of São Paulo circuit is a conglomerate of challenges all wrapped into one venue on the IZOD IndyCar Series schedule,” said Chris Berube, Chevrolet Racing Program Manager, IZOD IndyCar Series. “A number of unique circumstances coexist there that dare our Chevrolet engineers, team engineers and technical partners to reach optimum performance from the Chevrolet twin turbocharged V6 powered cars. The altitude, 2,368 feet above sea level, is higher than any other circuit visited by the IndyCar Series.  This, along with weather patterns that can change unexpectedly, can bring engine cooling, aero setup and calibration to the top of the focus list.  In addition, the circuit offers the longest straightaway (0.93 mile) followed by one of the slowest corners on the schedule which gives the brakes a workout and provides opportunities for passing.  Combine all that with the road surface variability of a street circuit and you have a situation that rewards the team and driver that adapts quickest and best.  With the enthusiasm the Brazilian fans have for the sport, the São Paulo Indy 300 is always brimming with intensity and excitement.”

Chevrolet drivers James Hinchcliffe, and defending IZOD IndyCar Series champion Ryan Hunter-Reay took Chevrolet V6 power to Victory Lane respectively in the first two races of the 2013 season to give the Bowtie Brand the lead in the IndyCar Series Manufacturers’ point standings.

Brazilian born Castroneves, whose consistency so far this season has landed him on the podium in two of the three races run to-date, and took him to the top of the standings, has been a fan favorite since the Series’ first race on the São Paulo circuit in 2010.  In the 2012 Chevrolet IndyCar V6 debut in his native city, the three-time Indianapolis 500 winner rebounded from a qualifying effort that landed him deep in the field to finish in fourth position.

Will Power heads to Streets of São Paulo undefeated in IndyCar competition on the circuit. He is the only winner in the three-year history of the event, winning in both 2011 and 2012 from the pole.

Tony Kanaan, another fan favorite from the Chevrolet stable, will make his fourth start in IndyCar competition in his native Brazil. He calls Salvador, Brazil his home.

The 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series season continues with the Itaipava São Paulo Indy 300 presented by Nestle on Sunday, May 5 on the streets of São Paulo, Brazil. The race will be televised live at 11 a.m. (ET) by the NBC Sports Network (Verizon FiOS 90/590, DirecTV 220, DISH 159 and AT&T UVerse 640) and broadcast by the IMS Radio Network, including on Sirius and XM Channels 211 and www.indycar.com.

CHEVROLET IN THE IZOD INDYCAR SERIES – FROM THE DRIVER’S SEAT:

HELIO CASTRONEVES, NO. 3 HITACHI TEAM PENSKE CHEVROLET, POINTS LEADER: “It is really exciting for me to return to Brazil and drive the No. 3 Hitachi Team Penske Chevrolet in front of the hometown fans. Certainly there is a little extra pressure to do well for them but we are going to continue to be focused on staying consistent and end the race still in the points lead. But you never know; a couple good breaks here and there and maybe this is finally the year we can have a Brazilian win the race.”

MARCO ANDRETTI, NO. 25 RC COLA ANDRETTI AUTOSPORT CHEVROLET, 4^TH IN STANDINGS: “I really need a podium in Brazil. Being fourth in the standings is a great place to be, but we are so close to being at the top of the board.  Leading the points going into Indy would give me a big advantage for the rest of the year. I am pleased with our street course performances and I’m confident we can keep it going. I love coming down to São Paulo—the fans are the best. “

RYAN HUNTER-REAY, NO 1 DHL ANDRETTI AUTOSPORT CHEVROLET, 6^TH IN STANDINGS (ONE 2013 WIN): “I really enjoy the São Paulo street circuit. We’ve finished second here twice so, as a team, we certainly feel it’s time to take that next step and win one for DHL and Chevy in Brazil. I’d really like to be able to carry some momentum from a strong result here into the month of May at Indy. The weather is always a factor here as well so as driver you’ve got to be ready for anything, I’m fully expecting some wet weather running.”

WILL POWER, NO. 12 HITACHI TEAM PENSKE CHEVROLET, 8^TH IN STANDINGS: “I am really looking forward to going to Brazil; it is a great circuit and a place where the Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet has had some success in the past. There has been such a high level of racing so far this year and I expect it to be really competitive again this weekend. I know the Chevrolet team has been working really hard to give us great engines and Brazil is going to be really telling of who has the best engine going right now. The circuit really tests the driver and car and hopefully we can come out with some solid points.”

SIMONA DE SILVESTRO, NO. 78 NUCLEAR ENTERGY AREVA KV RACING TECHNOLOGY CHEVROLET, 9^TH IN STANDINGS:  “I’m really excited to be going back to Brazil. I led my first lap as an IndyCar driver there and for me it’s just a fun track to drive. We had a good race in Long Beach and I think we can do even better in Brazil. The team has been working really hard and I’m pretty confident that I can get my Nuclear Clean Air Energy Chevy into the top-twelve in qualifying. It will be easier to get that top-five finish we’re looking for if we start up front. I’m really looking forward to the race. It’s going to be fun.”

JAMES HINCHCLIFFE, NO. 27 GODADDY.COM ANDRETTI AUTOSPORT CHEVROLET, 10^TH IN STANDINGS (ONE 2013 WIN): “I think going to Brazil we look forward to… it’s not Barber and it’s not Long Beach. It’s unfortunate because we’ve had a quick car at, I think, every race so far this year. Barber we didn’t get a chance to show it, really; Long Beach we did get the chance to show it was there, but obviously fate had other plans. So, we take some comfort in knowing that we’ve been competitive at every event this season. We just need to stick to the basics and not try and trick ourselves and over think it – just keep what we are doing and, hopefully, on Sunday when it counts, we can put it all together again for the Go Daddy crew.”

TONY KANAAN, NO. 11 ITAIPAVA KV RACING TECHNOLOGY SH RACING CHEVROLET, 12^TH IN STANDINGS: “Racing in Brazil is always a huge deal for me because of the crowd. My fans, family, friends and sponsors always gives me a huge boost every time I come into town, but this race means a little bit more to me than the previous three times that IndyCar raced in São Paulo. It will be my 200th consecutive start in IndyCar, 260th if counted all together. People tell me it’s a big number…  The consecutive starts goes all the way back to Portland 2001, I think. I rarely pay attention to numbers or records, but I’m pretty happy with this one and the weekend can’t come soon enough so I can start driving my KV Itaipava/Chevy/Firestone trough the streets of São Paulo.

ORIOL SERVIA, NO. 22 VALSPAR PANTHER DREYER AND REINBOLD RACING CHEVROLET, 14^TH IN STANDINGS: “I am excited to return to São Paulo this weekend. The fans in Brazil are fantastic and I am sure IndyCar’s super competitive field will put on a good show for them. We had a good race in Brazil last year under difficult circumstances so I am looking forward to seeing what we can do with Chevy power. We’re coming off a great 6th place finish in Long Beach, now we will keep pushing and proving what we are capable of.”

JR HILDEBRAND, NO. 4 NATIONAL GUARD PANTHER RACING CHEVROLET, 15^TH IN STANDINGS:  “We’re excited to head down to São Paulo this weekend. We were finally able to turn things around last week at Long Beach and we’ve been pretty good at Brazil in the past. The biggest thing for us is that we were able to correct some things before the St. Pete race that really helped our pace. So we’ve been legitimately fast and we have a grasp of what we’ve done to make us fast, so that will be a big help for us this weekend in Brazil.”

E.J. VISO, NO. 5 TEAM VENEZUELA ANDRETTI AUTOSPORT HVM CHEVROLET, 16^TH IN STANDINGS: “Heading back to Brazil, it’s probably the race that is closest to my house, my home. I really like Brazil. It is a layout that has been evolving and progressing. It’s a race full of positive energy, music, nice people, good times, and on top of that, it’s a track that is amazing to drive on. It has the longest straight in the championship which normally gives us the opportunity to make great overtakings. Normally the weather plays a little bit of a factor over there; it’s been raining in every single year we’ve been there, so the statistics say that it will rain again this year. Hopefully all these performances that we’ve been doing this year are going to really take off and give us a win. We’ve been very close – we showed that we could do it. Last race we did the fastest lap of the race as well. I believe we have all the factors to make it happen on this one.”

SEBASTIEN BOURDAIS, NO. 7 MCAFEE DRAGON RACING CHEVROLET, 18^TH IN STANDINGS: “The São Paulo race-track is a bumpy place that makes setting the car up a real challenge. The race tends to get a little crazy at times with the super long back straight, and the weather is always a factor. The goal for the #7 McAfee/Chevrolet will be to keep out of trouble and bring some big points home before the 500.”

ED CARPENTER, NO. 20 FUZZY’S VODKA ED CARPENTER RACING CHEVROLET, 23^RDIN STANDINGS: “I really enjoy the Brazil race.  The course is very unique.  It has the longest straightaway in our IZOD IndyCar Series.  Just at a mile long.  Longer than Indy and Pocono’s straights.  The fans are really passionate about their racing there too.  Of course, so many great drivers have come from Brazil dating back to Emerson (Fittipaldi) and (Ayrton) Senna.  And they love their current drivers too.  We have had a pretty good race car in the earlier street races at St. Pete and Long Beach, but our results haven’t shown it.  We ran in the top-ten last year there too, but we got hit.  I’m optimistic about this week’s race for the Fuzzy’s Vodka Chevrolet.”

SEBASTIAN SAAVEDRA, NO.  6 TRUECAR DRAGON RACING CHEVROLET, 25^TH IN STANDINGS: “After a tough weekend for the team in Long Beach, it is always good to go to a positive familiar place like Brazil. I lived there for 2 years when was 14 and it feels like me second home. I also had my best finish in my first race with IndyCar in 2011. I was able to run in the Top-5 in the rain, but had to get a splash of fuel and go. I am really excited to run there again this weekend. We need to keep the positive energy going as its a long season ahead of us.

CHEVROLET INDYCAR V6 STATISTICS:

2012 IndyCar Champion – Ryan Hunter-Reay

2012 IndyCar Oval Track Champion – Ryan Hunter-Reay

2012 IndyCar Road Course Champion – Will Power

2012 IndyCar Manufacturer Champion – Chevrolet

2012 VICTORIES:

St. Petersburg – Helio Castroneves
Barber Motorsports Park – Will Power
Streets of Long Beach – Will Power
São Paulo, Brazil – Will Power
Milwaukee – Ryan Hunter-Reay
Iowa – Ryan Hunter-Reay
Toronto – Ryan Hunter-Reay
Edmonton – Helio Castroneves
Sonoma – Ryan Briscoe
Baltimore – Ryan Hunter-Reay
Auto Club Speedway (Fontana) – Ed Carpenter

TOTAL: 11

2012 POLES:

St. Petersburg – Will Power
Barber Motorsports Park – Helio Castroneves
São Paulo, Brazil – Will Power
Indianapolis Motor Speedway – Ryan Briscoe
Mid-Ohio – Will Power
Sonoma – Will Power
Baltimore – Will Power
Auto Club Speedway (Fontana) – Marco Andretti

TOTAL: 8

2013 VICTORIES (2 of 3):
St. Petersburg – James Hinchcliffe
Barber Motorsports Park – Ryan Hunter-Reay

2013 POLES (2 of 3):
St. Petersburg – Will Power
Barber Motorsports Park – Ryan Hunter-Reay

NHK, Japan’s largest TV Network, devoted a long segment early in its national news broadcast to the first Japanese winner of an Indy car race. He was the main story on Yahoo Japan and on the front page of all the major Tokyo newspapers (a first for IndyCar racing since Danica Patrick won at Twin Ring Motegi in 2008). “Likes” and Facebook comments on the main indycar.com story showed a ten-fold increase.

“We all did banzai (traditional Japanese exclamation meaning long life) when ‘Taku’ received (the) checker(ed) flag,” relayed GAORA Sports TV director Keiichi Inamine, whose network broadcast the early-morning (in Japan) race. “We took photo with all members in our studio.”

Following a visit April 22 to Honda Performance Development in Santa Clarita, Calif., by Honda team drivers, Sato returned to Tokyo for what was to be a brief vacation before the May 4-5 Itaipava Sao Paulo Indy 300 presented by Nestle in Brazil. Those plans certainly will be altered as Japan’s most-famous race car driver and now a national hero will be inundated with media requests.

That he could bring some positive news to his countrymen still recovering from the earthquakes and tsunami of March 2011 and facing threats from North Korea and China is another reward.

“I think it’s great news from sporting point of view for the Japanese all over the world,” Sato said. “Any win is really great news for us, particularly that we had such a tragedy with the earthquakes. People are still on the way back; 300,000 people still don’t have a home, have temporary living.

“This hopefully is good news to cheer them up and hopefully, yes, this is just a start, and to bring more IndyCar excitement and enthusiasm to Japanese fans to know it. Motor racing people already know IndyCar is special. Unfortunately, we don’t have Indy in Japan, but hopefully this is a little start to recover and not so long time I’d love to go back to Japan with the series.”

The victory was the first for A.J. Foyt Racing since Airton Dare won at Kansas Speedway.

“I’ve been in Victory Lane a lot myself (67 times) and I know what that’s like,” said team owner A.J. Foyt, who watched the race on NBC Sports Network from home because of chronic back pain. “I am so glad to see them there. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there with everybody but I’m glad it shows they can win without me.

“And now they’re going to have to win with me because I will be at Indy.”

WENATCHEE, WA (April 22) – After months of anticipation, drivers and fans of the Pacific Northwest are just days away from the return of organized stock car racing to the region with this weekend’s Apple Blossom 200. The season opener for Wenatchee Valley’s Super Oval (WVSO) will also double as the inaugural event for the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) Northwest Triple Crown.

PASS is largely regarded as the premier sanctioning body for short track asphalt racing in the North America. The Apple Blossom 200 has traditionally been one of the biggest Super Late Model races in the Northwest, so the pairing of the two just seems to make sense. The PASS Northwest Triple Crown has already drawn lots of interest from racers excited about the possibilities for this year and beyond.

“Guys are hopeful and ready to support PASS in the Northwest,” said WVSO promoter and short track racing legend, Garrett Evans. “I know several drivers that have been saving their cars because they are committed to the PASS Northwest Triple Crown. We’ve had teams practice here at WVSO from Spokane and other places. And the local guys have been practicing a lot too and are really excited.”

Since he became a full-time PASS driver in 2009, Durham, NC’s Jay Fogleman has been one of the series staunchest supporters. The series has allowed the veteran driver to race from Florida to Maine at speedways he never once imagined prior to joining PASS. That will continue this weekend when Fogleman travels to WVSO to compete in the Apple Blossom 200.

“I can’t thank Garrett [Evans] enough for this opportunity to come out and race at Wenatchee against some of the best short track racers in the West,” said Fogleman, the defending PASS National Champion. “PASS helped resurrect Super Late Model racing in the Southeast and I think the PASS Northwest Triple Crown will do the same for that part of the county. I’m just really excited and ready to go race at a new facility for me against a lot of really talented race car drivers.”

Gary Lewis of Snohomish, WA is one of those talented racers. Lewis is a former champion of the old Northwest tour and is usually at the top of the contenders list wherever he races. The PASS Northwest Triple Crown at WVSO is vital to the region Lewis believes.

“First off, I’m really excited that PASS is coming in and giving the Northwest racers a place to race and a chance at growing a series through the coming years,” said Lewis. “I think it will be a good race, a lot of top teams have shown interest and the Apple Blossom 200 has always been one of those races you want to win. We tested a new car at Wentachee, it went really good and I think we will have a great shot at the win.”

In addition to drawing veteran drivers like Fogleman and Lewis, the Apple Blossom 200 will also have its share of youth and exuberance. Idaho’s Jonathon Gomez has proven himself wherever he races across the West Coast and feels Saturday’s field of competitors will rank among the best.

“I see this year’s Apple Blossom being a very professional race and should be a very clean race because I will be racing against a great group of drivers from the Northwest,” said Gomez.

Gomez echoed the feelings of many that believe the time is right for PASS to come to the Northwest.

“I think it’s great that there will be another series for us to compete on in the region and I hope that it will only grow bigger and better through the years,” Gomez continued.

The PASS Northwest Triple Crown looks to build on an outstanding start to the season for both PASS North and PASS South that has seen extremely high car counts thus far. Canadian champion Brian Levant has already filed an early entry along with Oregon’s Alan Kress. Several drivers from Washington state have also entered, many of whom have experience at WVSO, including Ricky Allen, Michael Knutson, Kelly Mann, Josh Roberts, and Todd Walters with many more drivers expected this weekend.

Action gets under way on Friday, April 26th for the Apple Blossom 200 with rotating practice from 11 AM – 4 PM for the PASS Northwest Super Late Models, WESCO Sprints, Pro 4 Alliance, and Pure Stocks. On Saturday, April 27th, rotating practice for all divisions begins at Noon, with qualifying at 4 PM, and main event racing to follow at 6 PM.

PASS Northwest Triple Crown entry forms the Apple Blossom 200 at Wenatchee Valley’s Super Oval along with PASS North Super Late Model entry forms for Beech Ridge Motor Speedway and the 40th Annual TD Bank 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway can be found at ProAllStarsSeries.com.

LONG BEACH, Calif. (Sunday, April 21, 2013) – Takuma Sato became the first driver from Japan to win an Indy car race, prevailing in the 39th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Sato, who started fourth in the 80-lap race on the 1.968-mile, 11-turn street circuit, provided A.J. Foyt Racing its first victory since July 7, 2002, at Kansas Speedway with Airton Dare behind the wheel. The last win for the team on a road/street course was by A.J. Foyt on Oct. 1, 1978, at Silverstone. Overall, A.J. Foyt Racing has 44th victories.

“Takuma made it look too easy,” team director and race strategist Larry Foyt said. “It made me so nervous watching it out there. He just drove a flawless race.”

Sato, making his 52nd IZOD IndyCar Series start, overtook Ryan Hunter-Reay for second on Lap 23 and assumed the point on Lap 30 when race leader Will Power pitted under yellow. The remainder of the race Sato’s No. 14 ABC Supply car was strong on both the Firestone primary and alternate tires.

“It was just a perfect weekend to be honest,” said Sato, whose previous best finish was second at Edmonton in 2012. “The team did a tremendous job. It is great news for the Japanese. Japan has had such a tough time after the earthquake. I’m really happy to give everybody some good news.”

Sato led Graham Rahal across the finish line under caution. It was the best finish for Rahal since finishing second at Texas last June. Justin Wilson, who won that race at Texas Motor Speedway, advanced from the 24th starting position to finish third.

Sato is the third winner in as many IZOD IndyCar Series races this season and climbed to second in the championship standings. Helio Castroneves, who finished 10th, has a six-point lead heading into the May 5 race on the street circuit in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Honda-powered teams swept the podium for the first time this season.

Also at Long Beach, Carlos Munoz won the Firestone Indy Lights Long Beach 100 from the pole position. It was the second consecutive flag-to-flag victory for Munoz, driving the No. 26 Dialy-Ser car for Andretti Autosport.

Gabby Chaves finished second for Schmidt Peterson with Curb-Agajanian and Sage Karam was third in another Schmidt Peterson with Curb-Agajanian car. Munoz moved to first in the championship standings heading to the Firestone Freedom 100 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 24.

1. (4) Takuma Sato, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running
2. (11) Graham Rahal, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running
3. (24) Justin Wilson, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running
4. (1) Dario Franchitti, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running
5. (12) JR Hildebrand, Dallara-Chevy, 80, Running
6. (18) Oriol Servia, Dallara-Chevy, 80, Running
7. (25) Marco Andretti, Dallara-Chevy, 80, Running
8. (17) Simon Pagenaud, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running
9. (19) Simona de Silvestro, Dallara-Chevy, 80, Running
10. (6) Helio Castroneves, Dallara-Chevy, 80, Running
11. (26) Scott Dixon, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running
12. (13) James Jakes, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running
13. (16) Josef Newgarden, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running
14. (22) Ana Beatriz, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running
15. (15) Sebastien Bourdais, Dallara-Chevy, 80, Running
16. (3) Will Power, Dallara-Chevy, 80, Running
17. (27) Tristan Vautier, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running
18. (23) Ed Carpenter, Dallara-Chevy, 80, Running
19. (21) Alex Tagliani, Dallara-Honda, 79, Running
20. (8) Tony Kanaan, Dallara-Chevy, 78, Contact
21. (9) Charlie Kimball, Dallara-Honda, 78, Running
22. (10) EJ Viso, Dallara-Chevy, 53, Running
23. (14) AJ Allmendinger, Dallara-Chevy, 51, Mechanical
24. (2) Ryan Hunter-Reay, Dallara-Chevy, 49, Contact
25. (5) Mike Conway, Dallara-Honda, 38, Electrical
26. (7) James Hinchcliffe, Dallara-Chevy, 34, Contact

27. (20) Sebastian Saavedra, Dallara-Chevy, 1, Contact

Race Statistics
Winners average speed: 85.763
Time of Race: 01:50:08.7155
Margin of victory: Under caution
Cautions: 5 for 16 laps
Lead changes: 4 among 4 drivers
Lap Leaders:
Franchitti 1 – 6
Hunter-Reay 7
Franchitti 8 – 28
Power 29 – 30
Sato 31 – 80
Point Standings: Castroneves 99, Sato 93, Dixon 89, Andretti 87, Wilson 81, Hunter-Reay 73, Rahal 66, Power 62, de Silvestro 62, Hinchcliffe 61.