(CONCORD, NC - JAN 25, 2012 - RIS) Charlotte Motor Speedway's Communications Department made the following notes available Wednesday evening. We'll return tomorrow after the end of the Tour with more personal notes and photos.
Ford presented the new 2013 Fusion race car to the world today at Charlotte Motor Speedway as part of the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Media Tour Presented by Charlotte Motor Speedway
THIRTIETH MEDIA TOUR LAUNCHES FOR 2012
(CONCORD, NC - JAN 23, 2012 - RIS) Media from across the globe and nation descended on Concord, NC and the
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - RIS - It looks like the Daytona Pre-Season Thunder event pushed teams to make decisions on 2012. If you remember, David Ragan, David Reutimann, Kurt Busch, and Clint Bowyer were dismissed or left their rides following the 2011 season. One by one, they found employment, but the changes were substantial.
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - RIS - Two Joe Gibbs Racing Toyotas were the fastest in Day 1 of NASCAR Sprint Cup testing at Daytona International Speedway. Both Busch and teammate Joey Logano ran speeds in excess of 202 mph while drafting in the afternoon session. Brad Keselowski, A.J. Allmendinger, and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. were second through fifth fastest.
CONCORD, NC - RIS - Richard Petty Motorsports announced today that Aric Almirola will drive the No. 43 Ford Fusion during the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. With David Reutimann heading to Tommy Baldwin Racing and the hiring of Almirola, it left only former Roush-Fenway driver David Ragan and Red Bull's Brian Vickers among major drivers without a ride for the new season.
INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011) - A first-ever event in China and two venues that return after multi-year absences highlight the IZOD IndyCar Series schedule for 2012 announced today.
The 2012 season, which will feature the return of engine manufacturer competition and a new universal chassis produced by Dallara Automobili, kicks off Sunday, March 25, with the eighth Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
The IZOD IndyCar Series again presents the most diverse schedule in motorsports with the challenges of races on temporary street circuits, permanent road courses, superspeedways and short ovals in four countries.
After the continuing activity during this off-season, I have but one conclusion. You just never know what is going to happen. Witness the separation of Penske Racing and Kurt Busch. Even though Busch pretty much sealed his own fate with his actions this year, you had to feel that a championship caliber driver would not be asked to move on. I was wrong. I imagine sponsor Shell-Pennzoil had a lot to do with that decision. So, the next shoe to drop shouldn’t have been a surprise.
LAS VEGAS ACCIDENT REVIEW COMPLETE
INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 15, 2011) - A comprehensive review of the racing accident that claimed the life of Dan Wheldon is complete, INDYCAR announced Dec. 15.
Wheldon, the 2005 IZOD IndyCar Series champion and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, suffered a non-survivable head injury Oct. 16 in a 15-car crash in Turn 2 of Las Vegas Motor Speedway during the final race of the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series season.
"There are multiple factors that are not uncommon to racing that came together in a way that claimed Dan's life," said Brian Barnhart, President of Operations, INDYCAR. "It is a tragedy. Our thoughts and support will always be with Dan's family."
Kurt Busch is out as driver for the No.22 Penske Racing Shell Dodge. According to multiple sources, Busch’s firing will be announced on Monday. It is the second time Busch has lost his job for off-track difficulties. In November, Busch was fired from Roush-Fenway Racing for being charged with criminal recklessness in Avondale, Arizona for what police described as an alcohol related event. Busch has already taken a ride for 2006 with Penske at the time.
INDIANAPOLIS/RIS - December 1, 2011 - Newman Haas Racing announced today they are done with INDYCAR racing due to the state of the economy. “The economic climate no longer enables Newman/Haas Racing to participate in open wheel racing at this time,” said Carl Haas, owner and co-founder of Newman/Haas Racing.
INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 30, 2011) - INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard announced today organizational changes in the commercial and operations/competition divisions of the sanctioning body of the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights effective Jan. 1.
Terry Angstadt has resigned as Commercial Division President and will be succeeded by Marc Koretzky, who joined INDYCAR in May as Director of Corporate Business Development. Angstadt will assist with the transition.
Also, because of increasing demands on the Competition and Operation division, INDYCAR will split the responsibilities of President of Operations and Race Director into separate positions. Brian Barnhart will remain President of Operations, overseeing the operational and logistical areas, while INDYCAR is reviewing candidates to fill the position of Race Director.
