PressSnoop

It’s another beautiful day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s warm, sunny with no breeze. The sky is blue with lots of fluffy white clouds. The crowd is no where near the size of Friday’s mammoth turnout, but they are dedicated and die-hard fans. There was a morning autograph session with the 33 Indianapolis 500 drivers, with lines queuing all over the available open area around the Pagoda. Afterwards was the open driver’s meeting with a variety of presentations and introductions, followed by input for the drivers and public about Sunday’s race.

ANDY GRANATELLI presented the STP Unsung Hero Award to MICHAEL ANDRETTI, which was accepted by son MARCO ANDRETTI. Michael Andretti has led more laps at Indy than any other non-winning driver – 431.

Several awards for winning the 2008 Indy 500 were presented to team owner, CHIP GANASSI and driver SCOTT DIXON, including their Baby Borgs – replicas of the famed Borg-Warner trophy, their individual championship rings and a sizable check from Borg-Warner.

Indy 500 Rookie RAPHAEL MATOS/No.2 Luczo Dragon Racing received his 2008 Firestone Indy Lights championship ring.

All the drivers and Pace Car driver, actor JOSH DUHAMEL, received their Indy 500 starter rings.

The IndyCars will use 85 gallons of ethanol, the pit lane speed is 50 mph, and after lap 185, no cars will be towed. The drivers can start the race on scuffs or new tires. This is the only IndyCar race of the year which starts three abreast. The track is fifty-feet wide and there is only one groove going into Turn One. IRL will sweep the track every chance it can.

After the Driver’s Meeting, busses carried the drivers downtown for the traditional Indy 500 parade.

ApexBrasil is a multi-year sponsor with the Indy Racing League – official Energy and Trade Partner of both IRL series. ApexBrasil is a consortium of 62 Brazilian companies seeking to create a marketing platform to promote its products in North America. To this end, guests are hosted at each IRL race, and at Indy there are 80 guests and trading partners. Also, for the first time this season ApexBrasil brought its mobile multi-media trailer, which is parked outside the Indianapolis Museum and open to the public. It’s no secret that Brazil is openly courting an IRL race, or two, as soon as next year and several sites are interested. IRL officials have been to visit sites in Brazil. The season’s finale race at Homestead Miami Speedway will be a very important race for ApexBrasil. Miami is seen as the gateway to American business for the Brazilians.

ApexBrasil has a personal services contract with TONY KANAAN/No.11 Andretti Green Racing, who is currently leading the IndyCar standings. He will be featured in a new commercial airing for the first time this weekend.

Indy Racing League’s IndyCar driver, HELIO CASTRONEVES is in the air even as we speak flying from Miami FL back to Long Beach after he was acquitted Friday of Federal tax evasion charges. The popular Brazilian racer had been on trial, along with his older sister/business manager, KATUICIA, and attorney ALAN MILLER. All three had been acquitted of their respective tax evasion charges, and the jury hung on the conspiracy charges against the Castroneves siblings and acquitted Miller on his conspiracy charge.

IRL and Team Penske held a hastily-called press conference Friday afternoon, following two other major driver/team announcements, with Team Penske president TIM CINDRIC: IRL president of competition and racing operations, BRIAN BARNHART, and Team Penske drivers RYAN BRISCOE and WILL POWER, who left after the conference for Friday afternoon practice. Power was fastest and Briscoe was ninth in the session, and the media joked with Power that it was his audition for a full time Penske ride.

Cindric would not comment on the trial or any possibility of a retrial on the conspiracy charges. “I’m a racing guy. That’s technicalities and that’s for someone else at another time.”

Castroneves, who has raced for Team Penske the past ten years, has not been in a race car since last October. His FIA racing license was renewed by ACCUS and he’s good to go. NICK CRAW, President of ACCUS, said it is a full service operation, 24/7. IRL already had Castroneves’ medical, ACCUS had the paperwork, and the license was ready to issue.

Cindric said that Castroneves will sleep better Friday night than previous nights. He’s got energy. Because of the uncertainty of the days’ events, Cindric didn’t know when Castroneves would be available for comment. Cindric hadn’t personally spoken with him since the verdict, but they had exchanged text messages. Cindric said “We’re ready” and Castroneves said “I’m coming.”

Cindric spoke to the logistics of returning Castroneves to Long Beach from the trial. “It’s still work in progress in getting him back. Roger’s resources are beneficial in situations like this. If anyone could get Air Force One, it would be Roger. The basics are – Roger dispatched a plane from Detroit for whenever Helio will be ready. He’ll be here this evening in one of Roger’s planes.”

As promised, Team Owner, ROGER PENSKE, will have a race car for Castroneves. Saturday he will be in No.3 with a full set of Firestone tires – six primarys (blacks) and three alternatives (reds). Castroneves will race No.3 this weekend and going forward. Barnhart said IRL would grant concessions to Team Penske for Saturday morning practice. Castroneves will be allowed to drive in both groups.

Power will finish Friday in No.3. Saturday he will switch to a third Team Penske race car, No.12 with Verizon Wireless sponsorship, taking with him the tires assigned to him. His pit space will be at Pit Entry. Power will be allowed extra practice time Saturday morning in No.12.  His race strategist will be JOHN ERICKSON, from Team Penske’s sports car team.

Power has been filling in for the absent Castroneves, starting with the pre-season testing and the season’s opener race at St. Petersburg, where he started and finished sixth, in No.3. Power drove No.3 in the Friday morning session, finishing fourth overall in a field of 22 drivers.

Power will also race No.12 with Verizon sponsorship in the Indianapolis 500. He only learned of his Indy 500 ride last night, according to Cindric.

Penske is currently in Phoenix with his NASCAR Nationwide Series team. He will fly to Long Beach after Friday night’s race and spend Saturday with the IndyCar team, before flying back to Phoenix for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race. Then, Saturday night Penske will be back on the plane to Long Beach.

Cindric said the team has been dealing with various contingency plans for Helio since before the St. Pete race. “Everything looked like a decision was coming, and we had to have a contingency and reward Will for all he has done, but Helio’s best medicine is to be back in the race car.

“If I didn’t know him that well, I’d question is this the right move. His focus and concentration is among the best, the trust I have in him at Indianapolis. I put him up against the best of them for being mentally prepared.”

Because of the uncertainty of the times, Cindric couldn’t say what other driving opportunities might be available for Power and Team Penske. The only oval race between Long Beach and Indy is Kansas, and at this point Cindric said there were no plans for Power to run that race. “But with us you never know. as we sit here today. always subject to change. This time last year at this time we were focusing on Helio’s dancing, and this year we were focusing on Helio’s trial. I hope next year at this time there’s something more positive on which to focus.”

“We haven’t run three cars for quite awhile. It’s been a bit of a mixed bag and a moving yardstick for us. I’ve heard nothing but support for Helio. I can’t say enough about Will and the task he’s had with all the maybes and what abouts. I don’t want to speculate on what will happen with Will.”

Cindric wasn’t sure about further Verizon sponsorship. “Our plate if pretty full right now going forward. Lots can happen between now and May. We’re playing it a race at a time and focusing on May. Look at Will – our position is that if he was going to run for us, it’s an opportunity for the team to get to work with the guy and the growing pains before we get into May. This year is a short schedule the first week. It is a big advantage for all of us preparing for a third car at Indy.”

COMMENTS:
Cindric said “We’re ecstatic about the outcome. It’s been a very difficult time for all of us, especially Helio and his family. It’s good to know he can go on with his life, business as usual. His usual business is different. I’m looking forward to having him back as a driver in our organization.”

Barnhart said “We couldn’t be happier for Team Penske, Helio Castroneves and his family and look forward to having him back on the race grid at Long Beach. Helio has played an integral part in the growth of the IndyCar Series on and off the race track the past few years and has an incredible legion of fans. He is a true star in every sense of the word and his infectious personality, popularity and success on the race track is welcomed back.” Barnhart joked about looking forward to the driver’s meeting and all Helio’s special questions will begin again

Briscoe said “I’m looking forward to having him back and excited to continue that going forward. Will is in similar shoes as I was couple years ago. Will impressed us all. I’m happy for Helio.”

Power said “I’m very happy for Helio and his family. I can’t imagine what it might be alike. I’m excited to be driving the 12 car and in the Indy 500. The team has made me feel welcome. It’s a  first class team, and I loved working with these guys.”

“I knew the situation and none of this is a surprise, they keep me well informed. I appreciate the way it’s all played out.”

SCOTT DIXON/No.9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing, 2008 IndyCar Champion said “It’s cool, a nice surprise for everybody. He’s a huge guy for our series, one of our better personalities. It’s unfortunate he went through what he did.”

Indy Racing League’s IndyCar driver, HELIO CASTRONEVES is in the air even as we speak flying from Miami FL back to Long Beach after he was acquitted Friday of Federal tax evasion charges. The popular Brazilian racer had been on trial, along with his older sister/business manager, KATUICIA, and attorney ALAN MILLER. All three had been acquitted of their respective tax evasion charges, and the jury hung on the conspiracy charges against the Castroneves siblings and acquitted Miller on his conspiracy charge.

IRL and Team Penske held a hastily-called press conference Friday afternoon, following two other major driver/team announcements, with Team Penske president TIM CINDRIC: IRL president of competition and racing operations, BRIAN BARNHART, and Team Penske drivers RYAN BRISCOE and WILL POWER, who left after the conference for Friday afternoon practice. Power was fastest and Briscoe was ninth in the session, and the media joked with Power that it was his audition for a full time Penske ride.

Cindric would not comment on the trial or any possibility of a retrial on the conspiracy charges. “I’m a racing guy. That’s technicalities and that’s for someone else at another time.”

Castroneves, who has raced for Team Penske the past ten years, has not been in a race car since last October. His FIA racing license was renewed by ACCUS and he’s good to go. NICK CRAW, President of ACCUS, said it is a full service operation, 24/7. IRL already had Castroneves’ medical, ACCUS had the paperwork, and the license was ready to issue.

Cindric said that Castroneves will sleep better Friday night than previous nights. He’s got energy. Because of the uncertainty of the days’ events, Cindric didn’t know when Castroneves would be available for comment. Cindric hadn’t personally spoken with him since the verdict, but they had exchanged text messages. Cindric said “We’re ready” and Castroneves said “I’m coming.”

Cindric spoke to the logistics of returning Castroneves to Long Beach from the trial. “It’s still work in progress in getting him back. Roger’s resources are beneficial in situations like this. If anyone could get Air Force One, it would be Roger. The basics are – Roger dispatched a plane from Detroit for whenever Helio will be ready. He’ll be here this evening in one of Roger’s planes.”

As promised, Team Owner, ROGER PENSKE, will have a race car for Castroneves. Saturday he will be in No.3 with a full set of Firestone tires – six primarys (blacks) and three alternatives (reds). Castroneves will race No.3 this weekend and going forward. Barnhart said IRL would grant concessions to Team Penske for Saturday morning practice. Castroneves will be allowed to drive in both groups.

Power will finish Friday in No.3. Saturday he will switch to a third Team Penske race car, No.12 with Verizon Wireless sponsorship, taking with him the tires assigned to him. His pit space will be at Pit Entry. Power will be allowed extra practice time Saturday morning in No.12.  His race strategist will be JOHN ERICKSON, from Team Penske’s sports car team.

Power has been filling in for the absent Castroneves, starting with the pre-season testing and the season’s opener race at St. Petersburg, where he started and finished sixth, in No.3. Power drove No.3 in the Friday morning session, finishing fourth overall in a field of 22 drivers.

Power will also race No.12 with Verizon sponsorship in the Indianapolis 500. He only learned of his Indy 500 ride last night, according to Cindric.

Penske is currently in Phoenix with his NASCAR Nationwide Series team. He will fly to Long Beach after Friday night’s race and spend Saturday with the IndyCar team, before flying back to Phoenix for the NASCAR Sprint Cup race. Then, Saturday night Penske will be back on the plane to Long Beach.

Cindric said the team has been dealing with various contingency plans for Helio since before the St. Pete race. “Everything looked like a decision was coming, and we had to have a contingency and reward Will for all he has done, but Helio’s best medicine is to be back in the race car.

“If I didn’t know him that well, I’d question is this the right move. His focus and concentration is among the best, the trust I have in him at Indianapolis. I put him up against the best of them for being mentally prepared.”

Because of the uncertainty of the times, Cindric couldn’t say what other driving opportunities might be available for Power and Team Penske. The only oval race between Long Beach and Indy is Kansas, and at this point Cindric said there were no plans for Power to run that race. “But with us you never know. as we sit here today. always subject to change. This time last year at this time we were focusing on Helio’s dancing, and this year we were focusing on Helio’s trial. I hope next year at this time there’s something more positive on which to focus.”

“We haven’t run three cars for quite awhile. It’s been a bit of a mixed bag and a moving yardstick for us. I’ve heard nothing but support for Helio. I can’t say enough about Will and the task he’s had with all the maybes and what abouts. I don’t want to speculate on what will happen with Will.”

Cindric wasn’t sure about further Verizon sponsorship. “Our plate if pretty full right now going forward. Lots can happen between now and May. We’re playing it a race at a time and focusing on May. Look at Will – our position is that if he was going to run for us, it’s an opportunity for the team to get to work with the guy and the growing pains before we get into May. This year is a short schedule the first week. It is a big advantage for all of us preparing for a third car at Indy.”

COMMENTS:
Cindric said “We’re ecstatic about the outcome. It’s been a very difficult time for all of us, especially Helio and his family. It’s good to know he can go on with his life, business as usual. His usual business is different. I’m looking forward to having him back as a driver in our organization.”

Barnhart said “We couldn’t be happier for Team Penske, Helio Castroneves and his family and look forward to having him back on the race grid at Long Beach. Helio has played an integral part in the growth of the IndyCar Series on and off the race track the past few years and has an incredible legion of fans. He is a true star in every sense of the word and his infectious personality, popularity and success on the race track is welcomed back.” Barnhart joked about looking forward to the driver’s meeting and all Helio’s special questions will begin again

Briscoe said “I’m looking forward to having him back and excited to continue that going forward. Will is in similar shoes as I was couple years ago. Will impressed us all. I’m happy for Helio.”

Power said “I’m very happy for Helio and his family. I can’t imagine what it might be alike. I’m excited to be driving the 12 car and in the Indy 500. The team has made me feel welcome. It’s a  first class team, and I loved working with these guys.”

“I knew the situation and none of this is a surprise, they keep me well informed. I appreciate the way it’s all played out.”

SCOTT DIXON/No.9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing, 2008 IndyCar Champion said “It’s cool, a nice surprise for everybody. He’s a huge guy for our series, one of our better personalities. It’s unfortunate he went through what he did.”

IndyCar driver, HELIO CASTRONEVES, was acquitted Friday on the six counts of tax evasion, with a hung jury on the conspiracy charge. His sister, Katuicia, was also acquitted of the tax evasion charges, with the jury hung on her conspiracy charge. Attorney ALAN MILLER was acquitted on three charges of tax evasion and one of conspiracy. The federal court case lasted more than a month in Miami FL.

The word in the IRL paddock is that a black IndyCar and crew are awaiting the arrival of Castroneves, to race this weekend at the 35th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Stay tuned.