INDYCAR Unveils New Name, Double-File Restarts, Kids in the Garage

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Speaking to racing journalists and industry insiders Tuesday in Indianapolis, INDYCAR CEO Randy Barnard revealed big changes for the series ranging from a new name for the sanctioning body -- INDYCAR -- to double-file restarts in oval races, to lowering the age for visitors in the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway garage area.

In his first formal "state of the sport'' address since taking over as CEO a year ago, Barnard (above) spoke about the responsibility and commitment to listen to open-wheel fans as he tries to reinvigorate the once-thriving genre. And that means, according to Barnard, a new name "to move the sport forward.''

One of the most visible changes announced Tuesday will be double-file restarts beginning with the May 29 Indianapolis 500, where, for the first time in the track's 102-year history, children nine years of age and older will be allowed in the garage on race day. The engine committee also revealed it will go with a smaller 2.2-liter engine for the new 2012 car, instead of the 2.4-liter originally approved for the cars. Honda, Chevrolet and Lotus have all committed to supplying engines.

"We're trying to increase the excitement and drama around the events," said President of Competition Brian Barnhart. "Much of it is a response to fans' expectations."

Earlier Tuesday, INDYCAR announced the opening of an office outside Los Angeles with the intent to integrate a Hollywood-feel within the series -- bringing the entertainment industry into the fold to help promote the sport.

"This will be a one-stop shop to pursue opportunities and make deals across multiple business lines and entertainment outlets,'' Barnard said.

 

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Source: http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2011/01/11/indycar-unveils-new-name-double-file-restarts-kids-in-the-gara/

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Renault reveals final colour scheme

Renault has revealed its definitive 2011 black-and-gold colour scheme, as it embarks on a new era with title sponsor Lotus. Following the tie-up with the sports car manufacturer last year, amid plans for Lotus to become shareholders in the team, Renault is switching to the colours that were made famous by the British marque during the late 1970's and early 1980's.

Source: http://www.inracingnews.com/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/renault-reveals-final-colour-scheme/

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Life-Saving Speed Cams Find an Enemy in New York AAA

Legislation to bring automated speed enforcement to the city is drawing fire from the New York branch of AAA. Speed cameras have proven to be effective in clamping down on highly dangerous behavior. A pedestrian hit by a driver obeying the city’s 30 mph speed limit has about a 45 percent chance of dying, while at [...]

Source: http://www.streetsblog.org/2011/01/13/life-saving-speed-cams-find-an-enemy-in-new-york-aaa/

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Al-Attiyah, Coma near victory in Dakar Rally

Nasser Al-Attiyah of Qatar drove his car and Marc Coma of Spain rode his bike without any major problems in Fridays next-to-last stage of the Dakar Rally, setting themselves up for victory on Saturday. Al-Attiyah finished 6 minutes, 11 seconds behind the winner and defending champion Carlos Sainz of Spain to take third in the 12th stage.

Source: http://www.nascarracinglive.com/nascar/al-attiyah-coma-near-victory-in-dakar-rally-ap.html

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Charles Morgan: What I?d Do Differently ? Interview

The boss of the eponymous English sports-car maker has kept it in the family. C/D: Were you always aware that Morgan was the family business? CM: Absolutely. When I was born, my grandfather [company founder, H.F.S. Morgan] was still alive. He?d retired in ?57, when I was six, and my father had taken over. I vividly remember [...] Related posts:
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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/pqQc-n7FXvk/

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NASCAR Drivers Must Declare for One Championship in 2011

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NASCAR drivers will have to declare which championship they want to contend for in 2011 -- choosing to earn championship points in only one of the three national touring series, Sprint Cup, Nationwide or the Camping World Truck Series, according to a posting from NASCAR's official Twitter account late Monday night.

NASCAR President Mike Helton will be addressing the media in a "competition update" on Jan. 21 during the open test session at Daytona International Speedway and there was no official statement regarding the format change. However, NASCAR.com is reporting that veteran driver Kenny Wallace confirmed the change in policy after receiving his 2011 licensing agreement from NASCAR last week.

According to Wallace, drivers are asked to place a check next to the series of their choice, meaning that while they may compete in multiple series, the days are gone for a Cup driver to also run for the Nationwide title and/or truck series title. Cup driver Brad Keselowski (above), for example, is the reigning Nationwide Series champion and will have to decide whether to defend his title or stay eligible to try to make the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship.

It is still unclear how the points will be awarded to drivers competing in multiple series, but that issue and possible changes to the Cup series' Chase playoff format are both expected to be addressed next week in NASCAR's competition update news conference.

NASCAR Chairman Brian France has said repeatedly this season that he was open to changing the format in the Nationwide Series to better showcase the up-and-coming Nationwide Series-only drivers and to entice and reward teams to compete in NASCAR's triple-A series. And he has also hinted that he's open to "tweaking" the Chase format it he felt it would significantly improve the playoff feel.

 

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Source: http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2011/01/10/nascar-drivers-must-declare-for-one-championship-in-2011/

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