IndyCar News / Silly Season

JR: "Sir the only one who holds up the bread is me!"

I'm leaving now.

Renewed my tickets today for the Pocono race next year. Looks like they are going to make it a 500 miler for the 2014 race

crl wrote:Someone tried to rob JR...with a fake gun.

At least the wall succeeded of robbing him of something, and that's sad when a wall is better than you.

navycook75 wrote:

crl wrote:Someone tried to rob JR...with a fake gun.

At least the wall succeeded of robbing him of something, and that's sad when a wall is better than you.

That's so totally going in my signature.

http://www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/the-2014-indycar-season-is-already-a-wash/

Posting this so that Cooper can read it.

Mother of Invention wrote:http://www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/the-2014-indycar-season-is-already-a-wash/

Posting this so that Cooper can read it.

This man is obviously completely unaware of how growth of an organization works. You can't just say "poof" and make ten thousand changes over night; you have to work towards improvement. This person would know this if he even bothered to glance at IndyCar's recent operations or future plans.

Sparkz47 wrote:

Mother of Invention wrote:http://www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/the-2014-indycar-season-is-already-a-wash/

Posting this so that Cooper can read it.

This man is obviously completely unaware of how growth of an organization works. You can't just say "poof" and make ten thousand changes over night; you have to work towards improvement. This person would know this if he even bothered to glance at IndyCar's recent operations or future plans.

He must be a Trackforum user. That's one of the most pathetic things I've ever read on the Internet, and the fact that Motorsport.com, one of the best motorsports-related Websites on the Internet, published it, is really upsetting.

crl wrote:

Sparkz47 wrote:

Mother of Invention wrote:http://www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/the-2014-indycar-season-is-already-a-wash/

Posting this so that Cooper can read it.

This man is obviously completely unaware of how growth of an organization works. You can't just say "poof" and make ten thousand changes over night; you have to work towards improvement. This person would know this if he even bothered to glance at IndyCar's recent operations or future plans.

He must be a Trackforum user. That's one of the most pathetic things I've ever read on the Internet, and the fact that Motorsport.com, one of the best motorsports-related Websites on the Internet, published it, is really upsetting.

Funny thing is, I've actually known the writer for 6-7 years now. Needless to say, he got work at motorsport.com as a photographer. I think he should stay behind the camera.

Mother of Invention wrote:

crl wrote:

Sparkz47 wrote:

Mother of Invention wrote:http://www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/the-2014-indycar-season-is-already-a-wash/

Posting this so that Cooper can read it.

This man is obviously completely unaware of how growth of an organization works. You can't just say "poof" and make ten thousand changes over night; you have to work towards improvement. This person would know this if he even bothered to glance at IndyCar's recent operations or future plans.

He must be a Trackforum user. That's one of the most pathetic things I've ever read on the Internet, and the fact that Motorsport.com, one of the best motorsports-related Websites on the Internet, published it, is really upsetting.

Funny thing is, I've actually known the writer for 6-7 years now. Needless to say, he got work at motorsport.com as a photographer. I think he should stay behind the camera.

Not to mention the fact that there's a chance IndyCar's doing an European/Winter Season next year, which he's probably unaware of.

Mother of Invention wrote:http://www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/the-2014-indycar-season-is-already-a-wash/

Posting this so that Cooper can read it.

I read that. Here's the TL;DR version of that article.



All Covy Moore does in his original articles is bitch anyways.

navycook75 wrote:

crl wrote:Someone tried to rob JR...with a fake gun.

At least the wall succeeded of robbing him of something, and that's sad when a wall is better than you.

Finally, something funnier than Sebastian Saavedra's 2013 season!  

Conway and Carpenter will split the 20 car in 2014:

http://www.indycar.com/News/2013/11/11-15-Conway-to-run-roads-and-streets-for-Ed-Carpenter-Racing

crl wrote:Conway and Carpenter will split the 20 car in 2014:

http://www.indycar.com/News/2013/11/11-15-Conway-to-run-roads-and-streets-for-Ed-Carpenter-Racing

From what I've heard, Carpenter may still run the full schedule, just with a second car on the road courses.

You guys will be interested to listen to what I heard earlier during the F1 practice: Derek Walker has been talking with someone from the FIA (can't remember they're exact name) and they've been playing as a consultant on various aspects of Indycar, including bringing up Race Control to a higher standard. Thought that was interesting to hear.

RACECAR wrote:You guys will be interested to listen to what I heard earlier during the F1 practice: Derek Walker has been talking with someone from the FIA (can't remember they're exact name) and they've been playing as a consultant on various aspects of Indycar, including bringing up Race Control to a higher standard. Thought that was interesting to hear.

Herbie Blash, Charlie Whiting's right hand man.

Carlos Munoz will drive for Andretti Autosport next year in the IndyCar Series.

http://www.indycar.com/News/2013/11/11-18-Munoz-joins-Andretti-Autosport-for-2014

Had a feeling he was gonna go there, he's got a great IndyCar Career in front of him.

Munoz i think will win sometime in 2014. He's looking really fast out of the gate.

flyingturns89 wrote:Carlos Munoz will drive for Andretti Autosport next year in the IndyCar Series.

http://www.indycar.com/News/2013/11/11-18-Munoz-joins-Andretti-Autosport-for-2014

Good to hear. The guy has impressed me a lot.

Because this is a guy people are just clamoring to see in IndyCar again:

http://motorsportstalk.nbcsports.com/2013/11/18/arie-luyendyk-jr-back-in-an-indycar-today-for-first-time-since-2006/

crl wrote:Because this is a guy people are just clamoring to see in IndyCar again:

http://motorsportstalk.nbcsports.com/2013/11/18/arie-luyendyk-jr-back-in-an-indycar-today-for-first-time-since-2006/

I completely forgot about him more then anything.

He got rejected in the bachelor and he'll get rejected by Dale Coyne Racing.

Alpineopossum wrote:He got rejected in the bachelor and he'll get rejected by Dale Coyne Racing.

Not if his wallet is big enough. At least we know who Sebastian Saavedra's spiritual successor will be.

Cynon wrote:

Alpineopossum wrote:He got rejected in the bachelor and he'll get rejected by Dale Coyne Racing.

Not if his wallet is big enough. At least we know who Sebastian Saavedra's spiritual successor will be.

Just what IndyCar needs: another son of a legend riding Daddy's coattails and underperforming in a ride he doesn't deserve. I hope Wilson kicks his ass in testing.

Sato will be a test and development driver for Formula E. His 2014 IndyCar plans are not yet known.

Win Rookie of the Year, get replaced by a guy who's never driven on an oval in his life:

http://motorsportstalk.nbcsports.com/2013/11/22/schmidt-signs-mikhail-aleshin-to-second-indycar/

crl wrote:Win Rookie of the Year, get replaced by a guy who's never driven on an oval in his life:

http://motorsportstalk.nbcsports.com/2013/11/22/schmidt-signs-mikhail-aleshin-to-second-indycar/

Aleshin has backing from Red Bull (and a handful of Russian companies), so I'm guessing that's why he got the gig. Vaultier was the only full time rookie by the way.

The Silly Season so far
- National Guard is choosing between Panther and Rahal. If they stick with Panther a second car is likely. If not Panther will be a one car team (except at Indy)
- Dreyer and Reinbold might be back.
- EJ Viso is looking for a ride, and if he can keep his Venezuelan funding he will probably get one.
- Dale Coyne Racing has tested with Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Francesco Dracone (remember him?)
- Takuma Sato is testing for Formula E but it is believed he will still be back with Foyt.
- Jack Hawksworth is potentially in the running for a seat at Rahal Letterman Racing.
- Sage Karam is looking for a ride (perhaps at Sam Schmitt Motorsports) and has money from his Indy Lights title scholarship.
- Paul di Resta and Sergio Perez may be in the hunt for the No. 10 car. A number of Indy Lights drivers are possibilities as well such as Sage Karam, Peter Dempsey, and Jack Hawksworth. And then there's the usual substitutes like Alex Tagliani, Tomas Scheckter, Townsend Bell, and Oriol Servià. Of the latter group, Tagliani has the best chance.

crl wrote:Win Rookie of the Year, get replaced by a guy who's never driven on an oval in his life:

http://motorsportstalk.nbcsports.com/2013/11/22/schmidt-signs-mikhail-aleshin-to-second-indycar/

With that kind of sponsorship package, I am surprised Sauber wasn't considering him for an F1 ride!  

Apparently Vaultier is talking with someone about indycar for 2014 and its not Sam Schmitt Motorsports. I can't possible imagine who that might be. I doubt it's Ganassi. RLL seems to be set on Hawksworth. Penske, Andretti, Herta, and Carpenter aren't open. Who does that leave?

crl wrote:The new radio voice of IndyCar is actually a very familiar one.

And ESPN Indycar coverage is officially up in the air now, Who knows who gets that spot.

crl wrote:Mike Hull says expect Dario's replacement to be announced before the holidays.

I'm expecting someone totally unexpected (like Ana Beatriz or Simona de Silvestro) or even Barrichello (no!)

bsoyuz wrote:

crl wrote:Mike Hull says expect Dario's replacement to be announced before the holidays.

I'm expecting someone totally unexpected (like Ana Beatriz or Simona de Silvestro) or even Barrichello (no!)

PLEASE CHIP!

I'd become a massive Ganassi fanboy if they pick Simona. Seriously.

bsoyuz wrote:I'm expecting someone totally unexpected (like Ana Beatriz or Simona de Silvestro) or even Barrichello (no!)

Simona wouldn't be completely unexpected, since so many people (myself included) are clamoring for her to get a ride at a top team, and considering how well Rubens did last year in average equipment, I really wouldn't have a problem with him getting the ride, either, even if he's old (for a big-time IndyCar ride, at least).

OK, so, Tags says he's out of contention for a ride at Ganassi. And Curt Cavin is reporting that Tony Kanaan will move over to the 10 car, and that the new 8 car will be filled by...Ryan Briscoe. 

In splitting the 4 car this season, Oriol Servia had a best finish of 7th twice; Briscoe didn't even crack the Top 12. Hell, JR Hildebrand finished 5th at Long Beach.

Too bad Ganassi never considered Wilson (or Simona), but considering how big of a Dale Coyne fan Cy is, he's (Cy) probably happy Wilson is staying put.

According to what I'm reading, Panther will now pursue Simona.

>Simona in a somewhat decent car

Implying that a team which sucked with the biggest sponsorship in IndyCar is somewhat decent.

Briscoe confirmed as the driver of the #8, Kanaan confirmed as the #10.

http://www.indycar.com/News/2013/12/12-13-Briscoe-returns-to-Ganassi-Racing

Alpineopossum wrote:Implying that a team which sucked with the biggest sponsorship in IndyCar is somewhat decent.

I'm trying to imply Simona can carry it on her back...plz ;____;

Takuma Sato has been confirmed to be returning to the #14 for AJ Foyt. There was some question on whether or not he was returning because of massive failure in the second half of the season, dropping him from the points lead entering Indy, to 17th at the end of the season.

There's been a series of minor news stories that I thought I'd post here

- Andy Granatelli, the STP owner and longtime backer of Mario Andretti's Indy 500 runs passed away at the age of 90. Called "Mister 500" he was known for entering a turbine powered car on several occasions and for fielding Mario Andretti's winning car in 1969.

- The circumstances surrounding the mysterious cancelation of the Brazil race have come to light: legal wrangling between the promoter and IndyCar. IndyCar has filed a lawsuit against Radio Televisao Bandeirantes, the promoter of the event.

- Panther Racing has signed a major extension of their partnership with the Lincoln Technical Institute, which would indicate that they will be on track in some capasity next year.

- It's still unclear whether the National Guard will be in IndyCar next year. If they are, they will sponsor either the #4 Panther Racing car or a car at Rahal Letterman. Both of Rahal's current drivers (Graham Rahal and James Jakes) have sponsors, so the National Guard car could appear on the team's #17 car, which was part time last season with Mike Conway and Michel Jourdain Jr.

- Jack Hawksworth tested with Dale Coyne Racing and supposedly the team was very impressed with the Indy Lights driver. Hawksworth also tested with Rahal Letterman Racing and is considered to be a serious candidate for a ride at either team.

- Juan Pablo Montoya tested with Team Penske at Phoenix. The car carried only "Team Penske" decals. Not sure if this means he's unsponsored but I doubt it. I would think that the car is in a testing livery. It was also #12, so JPM's actual race car will probably look significantly different. Helio Castroneves and Rick Mears were also at the test to help Juan adjust to the IndyCar.

- It's unclear whether EJ Viso will be back, but he does have money so it appears he will be racing somewhere in 2014. He has expressed interest in the new IMSA USCR series and has been talking with a few high profile prototype teams including Action Express, Michael Shank Racing, Level 5 Motorsports as well as the Oak Racing from France which is running a IMSA team this year. Oak has already announced that Olivier Pla, Roman Rusinov, and Gustavo Yacaman will drive for them. If Viso does run the USCR he could still run IndyCar. Sebastien Bourdais has run numerous Grand Am races in addition to his IndyCar schedule, and depending on which class Viso is in, he could run both without missing many races in either.

Has anything been mentioned about Luca Filippi for this season?

Milan655 wrote:Has anything been mentioned about Luca Filippi for this season?

I think he'll be with the 98 team if they're still around...but that's just my guess.

Alta wrote:

Milan655 wrote:Has anything been mentioned about Luca Filippi for this season?

I think he'll be with the 98 team if they're still around...but that's just my guess.

Herta will run either JR Hildebrand or Filippi in the #98 and will run both as a two car team if he can find the money. Right now it looks like one full time car though.



In other news, some schedule relating stories have been surfacing, mostly related to the 2015 season. The series looks set to run a race in Providence, Rhode Island in August. It's a two mile street circuit with the start finish line in front of the statehouse, but no map has been released yet. This race seems quite likely to happen.

Baltimore, Phoenix, and Road America are all working on a possible return for what we can now properly call next year, although Baltimore seems to be shooting for 2016. I've also heard that Chicagoland wants IndyCar back but there seems to be little interest from the series.

I would imagine that (sadly) the Iowa race isn't going to be around for much longer. NASCAR (not the affiliated by separate ISC) now owns that track, and I doubt they would allow their arch rival series to race there.

Alpineopossum wrote:- The circumstances surrounding the mysterious cancelation of the Brazil race have come to light: legal wrangling between the promoter and IndyCar.

the same happened with the Rio 400. the REAL reason is: why make a race here, if no brazilian wins it.

bsoyuz wrote:

Alpineopossum wrote:- The circumstances surrounding the mysterious cancelation of the Brazil race have come to light: legal wrangling between the promoter and IndyCar.

the same happened with the Rio 400. the REAL reason is: why make a race here, if no brazilian wins it.

Home town drivers aren't gifted wins in IndyCar just because they're home town heroes. Sucks for them that they all kept throwing the race away.

Cynon wrote:
Home town drivers aren't gifted wins in IndyCar just because they're home town heroes. Sucks for them that they all kept throwing the race away.

Agreed. And just to give an example of how brazilians only watch sports that has brazilians in it, IndyCar was only broadcasted in Brazil, because it had Fittipaldi.