PIPPA MANN AND SAM SCHMIDT MOTORSPORTS TEAM UP FOR 2010 FIRESTONE INDY LIGHTS CAMPAIGN
INDIANAPOLIS -- With preparations well underway for the 2010 Firestone Indy Lights season, Sam Schmidt Motorsports announced today its first signed driver for its campaign with Englishwoman Pippa Mann joining the team.
"I'm really excited to be joining Sam Schmidt Motorsports for 2010," Mann said. "Sam contacted me after the last race in 2009 through my management team and let me know he would like me to test for his team. For me, going into a long winter with no definite plans for 2010, this was a great opportunity to run with one of the top teams in Firestone Indy Lights."
Mann joins the team after her first season of racing in the U.S.-based circuit, where she made 15 starts and earned three top-ten finishes, including her best finish of eighth at the season finale at the Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Since that race, she has taken part in a handful of test sessions with Sam Schmidt Motorsports, with both driver and team evaluating one another in pursuing a future campaign together.
Mann said, "Overall, the tests went well, and I was extremely impressed not just with the cars, but with the attitude and atmosphere of the entire organization throughout the test, from team manager, to engineers, to the mechanics, and tire guys. I had an extremely tough learning year in 2009, and my goal for 2010 is to bounce back from that, and come back showing everything that I've learned. Sam's team, with their vast experience and history of running championship winning cars, is a perfect environment for me to accomplish that goal."
"The team is quite pleased with what we've seen in Pippa during initial tests this off-season," team owner, Sam Schmidt, said. "Her pace and consistency has been good, and we're confident that we can provide Pippa with the tools that she needs to move up into the front part of the grid in the 2010 season."
With today's announcement, the two sides officially unite and can begin working towards a competitive 2010 season.
-credit: ssm
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
PRI Show 2009
Thanks again for everyone who made the trek to Orlando for the PRI show.
We had a great time and appreciate everyone who stopped in to see our custom seat inserts and new SFI 45.1 Roll Bar padding.
We had a great time and appreciate everyone who stopped in to see our custom seat inserts and new SFI 45.1 Roll Bar padding.
Saturday, December 05, 2009
IMIS SHOW A SUCCESS
Thanks for everyone that stopped by our booth at the IMIS show this week.
We had a great turnout and we look forward to seeing more of you in Orlando at the PRI show!
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Test for the Champ
2009 Firestone Indy Lights champion J.R. Hildebrand will fulfill a young race driver's dream when he joins Force India F1 for a two-day test at the Circuito de Jerez in southern Spain on Dec. 1-3
Hildebrand, 21, from Sausalito, Calif., will be joined in the rookies-only test by Scotsman Paul di Resta, whose cousin, Dario Franchitti, won the 2009 IZOD IndyCar Series Championship.
"I'm ecstatic about being given the chance to drive a Formula One car for the Force India F1 Team," said Hildebrand, who is currently in England preparing to drive the Mercedes-Benz-powered Force India VJM02 Formula One car. "I know it will be a challenge but I'm ready to take it on, and look forward to getting as much as I can out of the whole experience. It's an incredible way to cap off an already very special year and I'm very grateful for the opportunity."
Hildebrand's test-drive follows an impressive showing in Force India's F1 simulator in England last month.
"We are delighted to have Paul and J.R. join us for the young driver test," says Dr. Vijay Mallya, chairman and team principal of Force India.
"Both of their showings in the simulator were excellent and we had no hesitations in offering them some valuable testing. We will be looking at their performance on track very closely and should they perform well, as we are confident they will, we will look at a permanent role for one within the team in 2010, potentially as a test and reserve driver. As a young team we are looking for drivers who can grow with us. As we've always said, nationality isn't the primary selection criteria - it's talent and dedication to the cause and we have seen enough to know that these two have both."
Hildebrand was introduced to Mallya several years ago and following his Firestone Indy Lights title-winning season, was invited to try out the team's F1 test simulator.
"I thought I did quite well," Hildebrand said. "I knew there was room to improve but I felt I accomplished my goal, which was to learn and improve throughout the day. It took a while for the team to analyze the data but when I got the call to say I was going to have a chance to drive the car I was ecstatic. It couldn't have come at a better time."
By indycar.com
Hildebrand, 21, from Sausalito, Calif., will be joined in the rookies-only test by Scotsman Paul di Resta, whose cousin, Dario Franchitti, won the 2009 IZOD IndyCar Series Championship.
"I'm ecstatic about being given the chance to drive a Formula One car for the Force India F1 Team," said Hildebrand, who is currently in England preparing to drive the Mercedes-Benz-powered Force India VJM02 Formula One car. "I know it will be a challenge but I'm ready to take it on, and look forward to getting as much as I can out of the whole experience. It's an incredible way to cap off an already very special year and I'm very grateful for the opportunity."
Hildebrand's test-drive follows an impressive showing in Force India's F1 simulator in England last month.
"We are delighted to have Paul and J.R. join us for the young driver test," says Dr. Vijay Mallya, chairman and team principal of Force India.
"Both of their showings in the simulator were excellent and we had no hesitations in offering them some valuable testing. We will be looking at their performance on track very closely and should they perform well, as we are confident they will, we will look at a permanent role for one within the team in 2010, potentially as a test and reserve driver. As a young team we are looking for drivers who can grow with us. As we've always said, nationality isn't the primary selection criteria - it's talent and dedication to the cause and we have seen enough to know that these two have both."
Hildebrand was introduced to Mallya several years ago and following his Firestone Indy Lights title-winning season, was invited to try out the team's F1 test simulator.
"I thought I did quite well," Hildebrand said. "I knew there was room to improve but I felt I accomplished my goal, which was to learn and improve throughout the day. It took a while for the team to analyze the data but when I got the call to say I was going to have a chance to drive the car I was ecstatic. It couldn't have come at a better time."
By indycar.com
Hildebrand named to All-American Team
2009 Firestone Indy Lights champion J.R. Hildebrand is among the seven drivers honored with first-team honors on the 2009 American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association's All-America team.
Hildebrand, who won four races en route to the Firestone Indy Lights title, was the top vote-getter in the at-large category. It's the second time Hildebrand has been named to the All-America First team. He also was a selection in 2006 after winning the F2000 Championship.
"I'm honored to be included in such a fantastic group," said Hildebrand, who is testing a Formula 1 car for Force India at Jerez in Spain. "I have to thank the members of AARWBA for recognizing my season and including me on the team again."
2009 IZOD IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti, who won five races and the IndyCar Series championship in his return to the series after a year in NASCAR, earned his second first-team honor by earning the most votes in the open-wheel category. Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves earned the second-team honors in the voting of more than 300 members of the media.
Franchitti and Hildebrand, along with the rest of the first team - NASCAR Sprint Cup star Mark Martin, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday Jr., NHRA Top Fuel Champ Tony Schumacher, Rolex Sports Car Series co-champs Jon Fogarty and Alex Gurney and World of Outlaws titlist Donnie Schatz - will be honored at the 40th AARWBA banquet Jan. 16 in Brownsburg, Ind.
The winner of the Jerry Titus Award, which is awarded to the top vote-getter over the seven categories, also will be announced at the banquet.
By indycar.com staff Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Hildebrand, who won four races en route to the Firestone Indy Lights title, was the top vote-getter in the at-large category. It's the second time Hildebrand has been named to the All-America First team. He also was a selection in 2006 after winning the F2000 Championship.
"I'm honored to be included in such a fantastic group," said Hildebrand, who is testing a Formula 1 car for Force India at Jerez in Spain. "I have to thank the members of AARWBA for recognizing my season and including me on the team again."
2009 IZOD IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti, who won five races and the IndyCar Series championship in his return to the series after a year in NASCAR, earned his second first-team honor by earning the most votes in the open-wheel category. Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves earned the second-team honors in the voting of more than 300 members of the media.
Franchitti and Hildebrand, along with the rest of the first team - NASCAR Sprint Cup star Mark Martin, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday Jr., NHRA Top Fuel Champ Tony Schumacher, Rolex Sports Car Series co-champs Jon Fogarty and Alex Gurney and World of Outlaws titlist Donnie Schatz - will be honored at the 40th AARWBA banquet Jan. 16 in Brownsburg, Ind.
The winner of the Jerry Titus Award, which is awarded to the top vote-getter over the seven categories, also will be announced at the banquet.
By indycar.com staff Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Motor Racing Goes Green!
MOTOR RACING GOES GREEN WITH NEW
ZERO-EMISSION ELECTRIC CAR SERIES
EV CUP LEADS THE WAY
The world's first 'green' motor racing series, based totally around zero emission electric cars, has been launched in London, with plans to have cars racing across Europe in 2011.
The pioneering new series, known as the EV (Electric
Vehicles) Cup, is working with vehicle manufacturers to bring together a range of electric-powered cars to race at top circuits throughout Europe.
A new, London-based company, EEVRC Ltd, has been set up to introduce and run this new racing sector, which aims to help the car makers change the image of electric vehicles, from being local runabouts to high-performance, highly-desirable cars.
The EV Cup events initially plan to feature three different sectors of cars. The City and Sports classes will use race-prepared production cars, while the Prototype class will feature innovative new models. Already EV manufacturers THINK, Ginetta, Lightning Car Company and GreenGT have expressed their support for the series.
In 2010, EV Cup will hold a number of promotional events in the UK and mainland Europe, aimed at giving the public and would-be competitors a chance to sample the high power delivery of these innovative, green electric cars.
In 2011, the series is provisionally planning a six-race programme of events at top motor racing circuits in the UK, France and Germany. The organisers will work with the national and world-wide governing bodies to establish a unique, new set of rules for electric cars, with particular emphasis on safety.
Says Managing Director Sylvain Filippi: "We are creating an opportunity for the EV manufacturers to promote their vehicles in a new and exciting way. We want to show that green motor sport is a reality - and an exciting one at that."
The team at EV Cup have a wealth of experience in the motor industry, electric vehicle development and motor sport, all three sectors of which are seen as paramount in making this green concept motor sport take off.
Directors Sylvain Filippi and Andrew Lee have eight years'
experience within the electric vehicle sector. Race Director Grahame Butterworth has more than 30 years experience within motor sport as a competitor, organiser and sponsor. Most recently he introduced the innovative Fun Cup endurance series to the UK, where it is now flourishing.
Further details of the series and photos for download can be viewed at http://www.evcup.com.
Ends
FURTHER GENERAL ORGANISATION INFORMATION:
Sylvain Filippi
Tel: +44 (0)207 812 0578
Email: sfilippi@eevrc.com
Andrew Lee
Tel:+44 (0)207 812 0589
Email: alee@eevrc.com
FURTHER RACE INFORMATION:
Grahame Butterworth
Tel: +44 (0)1427 875900
Email: gbutterworth@eevrc.com
[Distributed by CDWrite on behalf of EEVRC Ltd.
ZERO-EMISSION ELECTRIC CAR SERIES
EV CUP LEADS THE WAY
The world's first 'green' motor racing series, based totally around zero emission electric cars, has been launched in London, with plans to have cars racing across Europe in 2011.
The pioneering new series, known as the EV (Electric
Vehicles) Cup, is working with vehicle manufacturers to bring together a range of electric-powered cars to race at top circuits throughout Europe.
A new, London-based company, EEVRC Ltd, has been set up to introduce and run this new racing sector, which aims to help the car makers change the image of electric vehicles, from being local runabouts to high-performance, highly-desirable cars.
The EV Cup events initially plan to feature three different sectors of cars. The City and Sports classes will use race-prepared production cars, while the Prototype class will feature innovative new models. Already EV manufacturers THINK, Ginetta, Lightning Car Company and GreenGT have expressed their support for the series.
In 2010, EV Cup will hold a number of promotional events in the UK and mainland Europe, aimed at giving the public and would-be competitors a chance to sample the high power delivery of these innovative, green electric cars.
In 2011, the series is provisionally planning a six-race programme of events at top motor racing circuits in the UK, France and Germany. The organisers will work with the national and world-wide governing bodies to establish a unique, new set of rules for electric cars, with particular emphasis on safety.
Says Managing Director Sylvain Filippi: "We are creating an opportunity for the EV manufacturers to promote their vehicles in a new and exciting way. We want to show that green motor sport is a reality - and an exciting one at that."
The team at EV Cup have a wealth of experience in the motor industry, electric vehicle development and motor sport, all three sectors of which are seen as paramount in making this green concept motor sport take off.
Directors Sylvain Filippi and Andrew Lee have eight years'
experience within the electric vehicle sector. Race Director Grahame Butterworth has more than 30 years experience within motor sport as a competitor, organiser and sponsor. Most recently he introduced the innovative Fun Cup endurance series to the UK, where it is now flourishing.
Further details of the series and photos for download can be viewed at http://www.evcup.com.
Ends
FURTHER GENERAL ORGANISATION INFORMATION:
Sylvain Filippi
Tel: +44 (0)207 812 0578
Email: sfilippi@eevrc.com
Andrew Lee
Tel:+44 (0)207 812 0589
Email: alee@eevrc.com
FURTHER RACE INFORMATION:
Grahame Butterworth
Tel: +44 (0)1427 875900
Email: gbutterworth@eevrc.com
[Distributed by CDWrite on behalf of EEVRC Ltd.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
BSS SFI 45.1 Roll Bar Padding Arrives!
Newly designed BSS SFI 45.1 Roll Bar Padding is in stock. Check us out at the IMIS show booth 305 and at PRI with our client Motorama Kart Parts booth 323.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Paul Dana Award Presented to Indiana City
The city of Fort Wayne has won the 2009 Paul Dana Excellence in Bioenergy Leadership Award. Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman made the announcement during the 10 year anniversary celebration of the Central Indiana Clean Cities Alliance.
Fort Wayne has been honored for steps it has taken to incorporate alternative fuel-powered vehicles into its fleet.
The award is named after Indy Racing League Driver and Indiana biofuels supporter Paul Dana, who died in a racing accident in 2006.
Source: Inside INdiana Business
Fort Wayne has been honored for steps it has taken to incorporate alternative fuel-powered vehicles into its fleet.
The award is named after Indy Racing League Driver and Indiana biofuels supporter Paul Dana, who died in a racing accident in 2006.
Source: Inside INdiana Business
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Check Out Bald Spot Sports At The International Motorsports Industry Show!
Be sure to check out Bald Spot Sports at the International Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS) this December 2nd and 3rd. We will be located at Booth 305 and we will have staff on site to help discuss your interior foam needs from roll bar padding to custom seat inserts.
Racers, teams, dealers/distributors and industry professionals,may register to attend the International Motorsports Industry Show. Just check out the following link for more information: https://www.conference.com/eventmanager/OnlineRegistration.asp?EventCode=AMX
Racers, teams, dealers/distributors and industry professionals,may register to attend the International Motorsports Industry Show. Just check out the following link for more information: https://www.conference.com/eventmanager/OnlineRegistration.asp?EventCode=AMX
Friday, October 09, 2009
2009 Petit Le Mans Scott Sharp HUGE Practice Crash ONBOARD
Highcroft Racing's driver Scott Sharp crashes @ Petit Le Mans and walks away. Highcroft uses BSS custom seat inserts.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
BSS - Proud to Sponsor APR Superleague
Powerboat Superleague – Just the facts
Since 1986, Superleague has conducted over 138 racing events, coast-to-coast. Over the past 23 years, the series has raced on two continents and in four countries. An estimated 700,000 fans watch the action up-front during the season with another 25 million viewing the action during the selected national and international television broadcasts in cooperation with of Romesburg Media Group LLC. (go to: http://www.SuperleagueMedia.com to view full-length broadcasts).
Powerboat Superleague offers daytime entertainment designed to meet the needs of local communities, in particular the local organizer’s sponsors and area spectators. The racing events are held close to shore on rivers, lakes and small bays/coves. The boats are all state-of-the-art in design and power, piloted by experienced drivers (most of them hold national and international titles and records).
A privately owned partnership, APR Events Group and its national circuit Powerboat Superleague, is committed to producing professional events where spectators can expect to see exciting championship racing and equally important, where local producers and local sponsors can receive value for their participation. We work with the community host by partnering with a non-profit organization for program enhancement, serving as a catalyst for funding the organization’s area projects, or by focusing specific attention on a community need. We also work with festivals, supporting and providing entertainment.
Powerboat Superleague is a member of and sanctioned by the American Power Boat Association (APBA) the recognized authority (since 1903) in the United States for amateur and professional boat racing. We are member of the Union International Motonautique (UIM) the world sanctioning body for international events.
Referred to as the “next wave” in powerboat racing, an event that includes the Superleague circuit promises excellent competition and high standards of professionalism; a safe well-managed race that benefits everyone involved.
Since 1986, Superleague has conducted over 138 racing events, coast-to-coast. Over the past 23 years, the series has raced on two continents and in four countries. An estimated 700,000 fans watch the action up-front during the season with another 25 million viewing the action during the selected national and international television broadcasts in cooperation with of Romesburg Media Group LLC. (go to: http://www.SuperleagueMedia.com to view full-length broadcasts).
Powerboat Superleague offers daytime entertainment designed to meet the needs of local communities, in particular the local organizer’s sponsors and area spectators. The racing events are held close to shore on rivers, lakes and small bays/coves. The boats are all state-of-the-art in design and power, piloted by experienced drivers (most of them hold national and international titles and records).
A privately owned partnership, APR Events Group and its national circuit Powerboat Superleague, is committed to producing professional events where spectators can expect to see exciting championship racing and equally important, where local producers and local sponsors can receive value for their participation. We work with the community host by partnering with a non-profit organization for program enhancement, serving as a catalyst for funding the organization’s area projects, or by focusing specific attention on a community need. We also work with festivals, supporting and providing entertainment.
Powerboat Superleague is a member of and sanctioned by the American Power Boat Association (APBA) the recognized authority (since 1903) in the United States for amateur and professional boat racing. We are member of the Union International Motonautique (UIM) the world sanctioning body for international events.
Referred to as the “next wave” in powerboat racing, an event that includes the Superleague circuit promises excellent competition and high standards of professionalism; a safe well-managed race that benefits everyone involved.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Hildebrand Wins 2009 Firestone Indy Lights Championship
JR Hildebrand, of Sausalito, Calif., finished fifth to wrap up the series title in the penultimate race at Chicgaoland. The Firestone Indy Lights closes the books Oct. 10 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
"My strategy was not to crash," said Hildebrand, who entered the race needing to finish 14th. It's just a dream come true. I came into this year with Andretti Green Racing knowing I had every opportunity to make this happen. It feels great to bring it home to the boys and bring everything back together after the last few years. Hopefully, we can take this (championship) and move forward for next year."
Hildebrand, who has four victories and 10 top-five finishes in 14 races, is closing out his second full season in the series.
Congrats JR!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
BSS customers take top five @ Mid Ohio
BSS customers sweep the top five postions in the IndyCar race @ Mid Ohio! Davison gets second win, first for Vision's FIL team. Hildebrand takes thrid!
Way to go guys!!!
Way to go guys!!!
Sam Hornish Jr. Big Crash @ The Glen
BSS customer Sam Hornish Jr. took a huge hit at the Glen today.
His BSS Arpro bead seat insert did it's job and he was able to walk away.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc3XFMGZ4vk
His BSS Arpro bead seat insert did it's job and he was able to walk away.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc3XFMGZ4vk
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