Pop Off Valve: FanShots

BAT launch blog, press release, image of 2012 Indy chassis

2010-03-05T16:29:16Z

BAT launch blog, press release, image of 2012 Indy chassis

Three of the most successful designers in recent IndyCar history have joined forces, and will look to return to the winners circle at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with an innovative new IndyCar design once again starting in 2012.

Bruce Ashmore, Alan Mertens and Tim Wardrop announced on Friday the formation of BAT Engineering (Bruce, Alan, Tim) and will be submitting a comprehensive proposal to the Indy Racing League as the next chapter in IndyCar racing is being written.

The BAT proposal focuses not only on creating a dynamic new competitive platform for the IndyCar Series, but it also brings an extensive plan for job creation in Indiana.

See more at

BAT looking to build 2012 IndyCar close to Brickyard

2010-02-23T15:47:02Z

BAT looking to build 2012 IndyCar close to Brickyard

Three Indianapolis 500 winning designers have joined forces in a bid to become the next IndyCar chassis supplier. The BAT project, named after its three principals, Bruce Ashmore, Alan Mertens and Tim Wardrop, combines not only tremendous experience but also an initiative to rebuild the racecar industry of Indiana.

If it is successful in its bid, the firm will design and build the entire car within a 30-mile radius of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, using American labour.

Lotus raises stakes in 2012 chassis dash

2010-02-22T23:25:10Z

Lotus raises stakes in 2012 chassis dash

According to a Motorsports News report republished in Racecar Engineering, famed racing name Lotus will be represented at the 2010 Indianapolis 500 with the possibility of a 2012 chassis build.

The effort, titled Team Lotus USA, will initially be a partnership with an existing IndyCar team, but there is speculation that Lotus could be aiming to build their own car for 2012. Only one chassis proposal thus far - DeltaWing - offers teams the option of building their own cars based on an approved spec.

Pop Off Valve head writer Tony Johns set a blisteringly slow target for IndyCar drivers as they...

2010-02-22T22:13:32Z

Pop Off Valve head writer Tony Johns set a blisteringly slow target for IndyCar drivers as they prepare to open preseason testing at Barber Motorsports Park. Johns, 38, drove his #64 Blowhard McWordbutcher Dallara to a hotlap (or, more precisely, a coldlap) of 1:13.53 in testing at the track.

"Our aim was to set the bar as low as humanly possible so that even backmarker teams could have something to brag about," said Johns. "I think we accomplished that fairly well."

Johns' time was even more admirably pathetic when viewed in the light that it was scored on the iRacing simulator in perfect weather conditions.

"I think Milka will thank me later," he opined.

Menard Engine Group sold to series vet Hamilton, other investors

2010-02-17T15:43:18Z

Menard Engine Group sold to series vet Hamilton, other investors

Four respected members of the Indianapolis and open-wheel racing communities announced today its purchase of Indianapolis-based Menard Engine Group (MEG).

IZOD IndyCar Series veteran driver Davey Hamilton will lead a group comprised of Scott Jasek, Joe Kennedy and Jeff Sinden - the three owners of Indy Parts, the Indy Racing Experience and Experiential Marketing Incorporated - in the acquisition of MEG.

Luczo Dragon Racing (co-owned by Roger Penske's son, Jay) is merging its operations with de Ferran...

2010-02-16T17:22:45Z

Luczo Dragon Racing (co-owned by Roger Penske's son, Jay) is merging its operations with de Ferran Motorsports. Gil de Ferran, whose team didn't have sponsorship after Honda's ALMS pullout, becomes co-owner and president of the merged IndyCar team.

Nate Ryan, USA Today

L-O-L-A, Lolaaaa...: 2012 Lola concepts released

2010-02-15T18:17:36Z

L-O-L-A, Lolaaaa...: 2012 Lola concepts released

The new 2012 Lola concepts are out, and after the hubbub over the DeltaWing the Lolas look decidedly pedestrian. Check them all out here.

Lola joins race for IRL chassis deal

2010-02-08T15:13:24Z

Lola joins race for IRL chassis deal

On the heels of Dallara Automobili's release of 3D concept art for the 2012 IndyCar chassis - and hours before Swift Engineering, Inc. plans to do the same - former CART and Champ Car chassis supplier Lola is expected to present a "dual body style" proposal to the Indy Racing League. Details to follow.

IndyCar Series details 2012 chassis criteria

2010-02-04T20:25:14Z

IndyCar Series details 2012 chassis criteria

A interchangeable road/street course-oval race car that would cost about half of the current model, be lighter and more fuel efficient are among the objectives the Indy Racing League has relayed to potential manufacturers for the next IZOD IndyCar Series chassis.

Officials of the Indy Racing League, sanctioning body of the IZOD IndyCar Series, have been in ongoing discussions with Dallara Automobili, DeltaWing, Lola and Swift about manufacturing and supplying the new chassis scheduled to debut for the 2012 season.

Dallara, which has supplied the third generation of IZOD IndyCar Series chassis since 2003, and longtime Indy car chassis manufacturers Lola and Swift have provided design concepts based on the league's objectives. The DeltaWing project will be unveiled Feb. 10 at the Chicago Auto Show.

Wilson, Conway announced for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing

2010-02-02T16:30:43Z

Wilson, Conway announced for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing

Justin Wilson will move to Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, driving the #22 Z-Line Designs Dallara alongside Mike Conway in the #24 Dad's Root Beer Dallara.

Full press release

No bull: IRL hires PBR's Randy Bernard to fill CEO spot

2010-01-30T14:13:38Z

No bull: IRL hires PBR's Randy Bernard to fill CEO spot

The Indy Racing League landed a new chief executive officer Friday when Randy Bernard accepted the position vacated by Tony George. Bernard, the founder and now former CEO of Professional Bull Riders Inc., will be confirmed next week, industry sources told The Indianapolis Star's Curt Cavin.

Bernard turns 43 Sunday. He has never attended an IndyCar Series race. The resident of Colorado City, Colo., said earlier this week that his background shouldn't be a hindrance to growing the IRL.

"It is with profound regret and heavy hearts that we share the following update with you all....

2010-01-28T17:08:15Z

"It is with profound regret and heavy hearts that we share the following update with you all. Despite the team's best efforts, Vision Racing will be suspending all racing operations. We have an amazing group of people here that appreciate all the support you have given the team. Efforts to find a solid sponsor partnership have been difficult but will continue so that we may take to the track once again. We hope to see you all at the track in the near future."

Vision Racing Official Twitter

Junior Strous, who won his first two Firestone Indy Lights races last season, will return to the...

2010-01-26T22:30:49Z

Junior Strous, who won his first two Firestone Indy Lights races last season, will return to the series in 2010 with Team Moore Racing.

The 23-year-old Dutchman will drive the No. 2 Xtreme Coil Drilling-Shell car for the team as as part of the Shell Driver Development Program.

Team Moore Racing won its first race in 2008 with Pablo Donoso and finished 10th in Firestone Indy Lights entrant points last season with Andrew Prendeville's podium finish at Chicagoland Speedway as its highlight of the season. Team co-owners Mark Moore and Tom Wood hope Strous can return to the team to championship contention in 2010.

"Tom and I are very proud to have Junior competing for us in the 2010 championship," Moore said. "I believe he is a rare talent and has great charisma. When you at look the past season, Strous had the highest per race win ratio of any of the drivers. This is very impressive given the talent level of our series. He is also quite a fine young man and I know we will work well together. This is going to be a great season for us all."

IndyCar.com

The red caution light on IZOD IndyCar Series cars will be located on the face of the attenuator for...

2010-01-26T22:28:36Z

The red caution light on IZOD IndyCar Series cars will be located on the face of the attenuator for all 2010 events. It had been above the attenuator (a carbon fiber honeycombed structure attached to the rear of the gearbox to absorb impact).

"The mandated location of the caution light for Indianapolis is the attenuator, so it makes sense to keep it there for the other races," said Kevin Blanch, IZOD IndyCar Series technical director. "By keeping it in the same spot for every race, teams won't have to keep moving the light for each race, so it helps us contain the costs."

IndyCar.com

FAZZT signs Maryeve Dufault to development program

2010-01-26T17:45:15Z

FAZZT signs Maryeve Dufault to development program

Alex Tagliani's FAZZT Race Team has signed Maryeve Dufault to a development program that will include support in both the IndyCar ladder and the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. Dufault currently races in the Rotax International Karting Series.

Ricky Byers to Race For A Cure at Daytona

2010-01-26T17:11:02Z

Ricky Byers to Race For A Cure at Daytona

It's not IndyCar, but it's a sufficiently good cause that it's worth posting. Ricky Byers and Andy Belmont Racing are going to Daytona to raise money for cancer research. Ricky is a two-time cancer survivor and promises to donate all of his race winnings to help defeat cancer. As someone who has lost family to cancer, anything that I can do to support an effort like this is the least I can do. Head over to our network partner NASCAR Ranting and Raving for more details.

Firefox 3.6 Persona

2010-01-23T00:36:34Z

Firefox 3.6 Persona

Users of Firefox 3.6 can now download and use the PopOffValve.com "persona" for their browser!

Tony George resigns from boards of IMS, Hulman Companies

2010-01-19T19:45:42Z

Tony George resigns from boards of IMS, Hulman Companies

The Board of Directors of Hulman & Company and affiliated companies, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, has received the resignation of Anton H. "Tony" George from the board of directors effective immediately, according to Mari Hulman George, chairman.

His resignation removes George from any remaining role in Hulman & Company, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indy Racing League, IMS Productions and other affiliated companies. His term as CEO of the family companies ended June 30, 2009. He continues to be involved in racing through his ownership of Vision Racing, a competitor in the IZOD IndyCar Series of the Indy Racing League.

DONATE NOW TO RED CROSS HAITI RELIEF

2010-01-14T20:43:22Z

DONATE NOW TO RED CROSS HAITI RELIEF

Join us at Pop Off Valve in donating to help the victims of the Haiti earthquakes. It's the least we can all do.

Sam Schmidt Motorsports, Townsend Bell to attempt 2010 Indy 500

2010-01-13T18:27:50Z

Sam Schmidt Motorsports, Townsend Bell to attempt 2010 Indy 500

After sharing a successful partnership in the 2009 Indianapolis 500, Sam Schmidt Motorsports and Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) have announced today that the two teams will once again combine to contest the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing."

The #99 SSM/CGR entry will be driven by Townsend Bell from San Luis Obispo, California.

Bell, the 2001 Indy Lights Champion, has always been competitive on the 2.5-mile oval with three previous starts in the Indianapolis 500. His best finish was fourth in 2009, giving KV Racing its highest finish ever at the event. He also earned the honor of being the fastest qualifier on the second day of qualifications in 2008 with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing. He went on to finish 10th that year, giving that team its second-best finish ever.