Pop Off Valve, for IndyCar fans

The checkered flag will again drop in Baltimore when the IZOD IndyCar series returns for the 2012 Labor Day weekend. Charm City entered into a five-year agreement with Downforce Racing to run the Baltimore Grand Prix. The partners in the new group are Indianapolis-based contractor Dale Dillon, as well as Felix Dawson and Daniel Reck of Wilkes Lane Capital in Baltimore.

Robin Miller at SPEED reports that Brian Barnhart will move to President of Operations for INDYCAR but will no longer be involved in day-to-day management of the racing series. He also reports that INDYCAR commercial division president Terry Angstadt will be replaced by Mark Koretzky, previously director of business development.

INDYCAR officially announced today that Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon and his Bryan Herta Autosport team will begin testing of the 2012 Dallara IndyCar starting in August. IZOD IndyCar Series teams are scheduled to receive their first new chassis Dec. 15 and the second by Jan. 15.

In a move sure to get his butt kicked by IMS yellow shirts, Larry Hawley at FOX 59 in Indiana leaked this photo of the 2012 IndyCar in oval trim. Please note: the aero kit is for display only and, according to Tony Cotman, will not resemble the actual aero kit in use at the start of the 2012 season. CLICK HERE FOR THE ROAD COURSE VERSION

Helio Castroneves appeared on FOX Business Network speaking about the recent rise of INDYCAR.

THE THACK IS BACK! Bob Jenkins returns as anchor, with Jon Beekhuis and Wally Dallenbach as color analysts. Lindy Thackston, Kevin Lee, and Marty Snider will be the regular pit reporters. Robin Miller will also contribute.

Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations and INDYCAR announced that Firestone will continue to serve as the sole tire supplier to the IZOD IndyCar Series through the 2013 season. Late last week the companies announced that they would allow the Firestone sponsorship and supply contract to expire at the end of the 2011 season, but a last-ditch plea from INDYCAR team owners led to a compromise solution.

The IZOD IndyCar Series will not be returning to Twin Ring Motegi, site of Danica Patrick's groundbreaking first win and the home of the greatest engine start command ever given, in 2012.

INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard stopped by "The Big Joe Show" on 1070AM The Fan in Indianapolis yesterday. Follow the jump for the interview.

Curt Cavin on IndyStar.com reports Firestone is looking for an exit strategy to leave IndyCar after contract runs out at the end of this season.