Headlines away from the track: IndyCar

[IndyAndy]

The Indianapolis Star is reporting that INDYCAR has opted not to replace the cancelled Brazil race with another venue, & will instead simply start the IndyCar Series season in St. Petersburg later in the Month of March.

www.indystar.com

 

[Retroram52]

Carlos Munoz has changed his number for better numerology flow from 34 to 26. Andretti is going to be 27 and Hunter-Reay is of course 28. Here is the link.

IndyCar: Munoz changing numbers as well, from 34 to 26 | MotorSportsTalk

 

[IndyAndy]

Interesting. Wonder why Andretti didn't stick with 26 and 'make' Munoz take 27.

 

[Retroram52]

I don't know the answer to that question Indy as to why Andretti moved over to the 27. My guess is he wanted to leave all the bad luck he had last year behind and when Hinchcliffe left, he gobbled up the number. Just a guess.

 

[IndyAndy]

James Jakes land a deal for the 2nd car at Schmidt-Peterson Motorsports:

nbcsports.com

 

[Retroram52]

Any word on who gets the fourth ride at Andretti Autosport?

 

[IndyAndy]

Not yet. They may only do a fourth car as a part time ride from what I've found.

Ganassi may do the same with their extra car.

About the only seat left that I'm confident will be a full time ride is the 2nd Coyne car.

 

[IndyAndy]

Sage Karam will driver for Ganassi at St. Pete - &, I'm assuming, select other races this year:

www.foxnews.com/sports

 

[Retroram52]

Now that Kurt Busch lost his appeal with Nascar, I wonder if he takes Mikey's standing offer to drive the fourth car for a full season in the IRL? We shall see.

 

[Schmoopy1000]

Now that Kurt Busch lost his appeal with Nascar, I wonder if he takes Mikey's standing offer to drive the fourth car for a full season in the IRL? We shall see.

IndyCar is monitoring Kurt Busch caseBrant James
USA TODAY
2/21/15

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- IndyCar says it is closely monitoring the Kurt Busch situation and ''will act firmly and strongly in responding to all matters of domestic violence."

Busch attempted the double last May, running in the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend. He finished sixth in a Chevrolet for Andretti Autosport, but has not applied yet for this year's race.

Andretti Autosport had said he was welcomed back after last year's run.

INDYCAR's full statement reads:
"INDYCAR has not received an application for membership from Kurt Busch, and have no indication that he intends to apply. The series takes domestic violence very seriously, and its rules (including Rule 2.11.3) provide the basis of authority to address personal conduct. INDYCAR is monitoring this situation as it evolves. We will act firmly and strongly in responding to all matters of domestic violence"

 

[IndyAndy]

Justin Wilson's chances at landing a ride this year are not looking good.

www.indystar.com

Such a shame that someone that talented can't attract sponsors.

 

[IndyAndy]

INDYCAR enters into a multi-year marketing deal with USA TODAY.

www.indycar.com

Hopefully this will help spread the word and grow the fan base.

 

[Retroram52]

That's a good sign.

 

[IndyAndy]

Want to read thr IndyCar Series Rulebook?

Rulebook

 

[IndyAndy]

According to the Indianapolis Star's Robin Miller (a fairly reputable source), Simona de Silvestro and Andretti Autosport are working on a deal for the fourth car, at least through May.

www.racer.com

Kind of a double-edged sword, really. Hardly enough time to get in sync with a pit crew & on the same page with the engineers, but nonetheless results WILL be expected almost immediately.

 

[Retroram52]

SDS back in the Indy Car series. This ought to be interesting.

 

[IndyAndy]

Not "official" yet, but I've got my fingers crossed...

 

[GenJac]

21 days to go until the start of the 2015 Indy Car season.

 

[Schmoopy1000]

According to the Indianapolis Star's Robin Miller (a fairly reputable source), Simona de Silvestro and Andretti Autosport are working on a deal for the fourth car, at least through May.

www.racer.com

Kind of a double-edged sword, really. Hardly enough time to get in sync with a pit crew & on the same page with the engineers, but nonetheless results WILL be expected almost immediately.

I like rooting for Simona. That would be awesome news. Even if she struggled early on.

 

[IndyAndy]

KV Racing has named former GP2 driver Stefano Coletti of Monaco as their 2nd driver (alongside Sebastien Bourdais).

autoweek.com

Is this the end for Sebastian Saavedra? - Not that he'll be missed...