With a simple material switch to ARPRO from EPS Bald Spot Sports was able to offer nearly a 40 percent reduction in head G’s for high energy management motor sport applications.
The 2010 IZOD Indycar drivers will benefit from significantly improved head impact protection thanks Bald Spot Sports and the introduction of ARPRO®, an expanded polypropylene (EPP) from JSP.
With head Gs reaching over 140G during rearward accidents at circuits such as Indianapolis, the material, specified by the Indy Racing League (IRL), delivers controlled deceleration and repeatable energy absorption to protect the driver. The simple upgrade is a retrofit to the current Dallara chassis and can be carried out by the teams.
The 2010 introduction of ARPRO follows a lengthy testing program undertaken by the Indy Racing League and Bald Spot Sports to find a solution better than the expanded polystyrene (EPS) used up until now. “The EPS head restraint was inconsistent,” says Indy Racing League’s director of engineering Jeff Horton. “The goal was to tune the headrest system to allow the head Gs to be reduced in a rearward accident. Testing on both the linear impactor and full size sled showed nearly a 40 percent reduction in head G using 1.5lb/Cu-Ft EPP.”
A crucial advantage of switching to ARPRO is the repeatable impact performance available. “Our material can withstand multiple impacts and continue to retain excellent energy absorption after dynamic stress,” adds Paul Compton, JSP’s President and Chief Executive Officer - Europe. “This is a benefit for both multiple impacts and, if an accident happens early on in the race weekend, the team is able to continue to use the structure through the rest of the weekend.
Weight savings is also an advantage. "With the introduction of EPP into the process, we were able to eliminate the use of A and B resins, thus reducing weight by nearly 45 percent and mitigated the risk of human error" explains Cameron Cobb of Bald Spot Sports.
To ensure volume pricing the parts (ARPRO insert and new Kevlar skin) will only be available direct from the IRL supplied by BSS. "The skin is necessary to keep the helmet and HANS device from digging into the raw foam, which allows the driver to ramp because of the stretch of the seat belts in a rearward accident," Horton says.
Despite the major improvement in safety, the IRL is now investigating the next stage of head protection. “We are looking at a similar concept for the sides of the headrest,” adds Horton. Together with further testing and design changes such as material thickness, the IRL aims to offer a 60 percent reduction in head G.
The IndyCar Series is the latest motor sport category to recognise the safety improvements that ARPRO can deliver. Working with component developers such as Createc and Bald Spot Sports, ARPRO is approved for use in WRC, NASCAR and NHRA drag racing series in applications such as bumpers, seats and impact protection padding. Lightweight, heat resistant and fully recyclable, the material can be machined or molded to offer a solution that is easily retrofitted to existing race and rally cars.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Announces signing of J.R. Hildebrand for Mid-Ohio and Infineon
At least J.R. Hildebrand will be familiar with the surroundings at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and Infineon Raceway.
The 2009 Firestone Indy Lights champion will compete in the No. 24 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing car at the natural-terrain road courses in August. Hildebrand, 22, of Sausalito, Calif., will make his IZOD IndyCar Series debut Aug. 6-8 in the Honda Indy 200 presented by Westfield Insurance, filling in for the injured Mike Conway. He'll return Aug. 20-22 at Infineon Raceway, which he describes as his "home track."
"I look at this as a learning experience to get used to everything, but I also look at it as an opportunity to show what I'm capable of doing, which is running up to the front," said Hildebrand, who will test July 29 at Mid-Ohio. "This team has shown solid pace all season long, and having Justin (Wilson) as a teammate I'll have a good benchmark and somebody to work from. I'm hoping to be able to use that momentum to work toward something full time next year."
Hildebrand recorded four victories and 11 top-five finishes overall on the way to last year's Firestone Indy Lights championship with AFS Racing/Andretti Green Racing. He was fifth in the standings in '08 (one victory, 12 top-10 finishes) and made his series debut in 2007 in the doubleheader at Infineon Raceway. He also competed in the Atlantic Championship that season.
In 2006, Hildebrand won the Cooper Tires Formula Ford 2000 championship, posting a record 12 victories in 14 races.
"I have a lot of race wins at both tracks over the years," said Hildebrand, who is a two-time AARWBA All America first-team selection in the at-large category. "Every weekend is a little different, every car and team is a little different. But there are places I know where I can go and be comfortable with my surroundings and understand what's going on, and I think that will allow me to get used to all differences relative to what I've done there in the past (Firestone Indy Lights, Formula Ford, Formula Russell)."
"We are extremely excited about putting JR in our car at Mid-Ohio and Sonoma," team co-owner Dennis Reinbold said. "He adds another dimension to our program and we are happy to have him on board for those events. JR was a very talented Indy Lights driver, having won the championship, and we are converting him over to an IZOD IndyCar and we are excited to be the team that he makes his IZOD IndyCar Series debut with."
The 2009 Firestone Indy Lights champion will compete in the No. 24 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing car at the natural-terrain road courses in August. Hildebrand, 22, of Sausalito, Calif., will make his IZOD IndyCar Series debut Aug. 6-8 in the Honda Indy 200 presented by Westfield Insurance, filling in for the injured Mike Conway. He'll return Aug. 20-22 at Infineon Raceway, which he describes as his "home track."
"I look at this as a learning experience to get used to everything, but I also look at it as an opportunity to show what I'm capable of doing, which is running up to the front," said Hildebrand, who will test July 29 at Mid-Ohio. "This team has shown solid pace all season long, and having Justin (Wilson) as a teammate I'll have a good benchmark and somebody to work from. I'm hoping to be able to use that momentum to work toward something full time next year."
Hildebrand recorded four victories and 11 top-five finishes overall on the way to last year's Firestone Indy Lights championship with AFS Racing/Andretti Green Racing. He was fifth in the standings in '08 (one victory, 12 top-10 finishes) and made his series debut in 2007 in the doubleheader at Infineon Raceway. He also competed in the Atlantic Championship that season.
In 2006, Hildebrand won the Cooper Tires Formula Ford 2000 championship, posting a record 12 victories in 14 races.
"I have a lot of race wins at both tracks over the years," said Hildebrand, who is a two-time AARWBA All America first-team selection in the at-large category. "Every weekend is a little different, every car and team is a little different. But there are places I know where I can go and be comfortable with my surroundings and understand what's going on, and I think that will allow me to get used to all differences relative to what I've done there in the past (Firestone Indy Lights, Formula Ford, Formula Russell)."
"We are extremely excited about putting JR in our car at Mid-Ohio and Sonoma," team co-owner Dennis Reinbold said. "He adds another dimension to our program and we are happy to have him on board for those events. JR was a very talented Indy Lights driver, having won the championship, and we are converting him over to an IZOD IndyCar and we are excited to be the team that he makes his IZOD IndyCar Series debut with."
Indiana company to make ‘green’ race fuel
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind., July 26 (UPI) -- An Indiana company says it is partnering with a major U.S. motor racing series to bring "green" technology to the motor sports
world.
Swift Enterprises Ltd. of West Lafayette has joined with the Great American Stockcar Series to produce high-performance "green" fuel for the series' Aug. 7 race at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa, a company release said Monday.
Unlike traditional petroleum-based racing fuels, the new fuel is renewable and made from resources like sorghum and wood, the company said.
Great American Stockcar Series founder Chris Evans said the company's product could be the right fit for him and his teams.
"We are constantly looking for ways to maximize the efficiency and power output of our race engines," he said. "The concept of Swift's formulation of an eco-efficient fuel derived from biomass sources is of great interest to us."
The 2010 Great American Stockcar Series races feature 22 custom-built, late-model stock cars powered by Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge engines.
world.
Swift Enterprises Ltd. of West Lafayette has joined with the Great American Stockcar Series to produce high-performance "green" fuel for the series' Aug. 7 race at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa, a company release said Monday.
Unlike traditional petroleum-based racing fuels, the new fuel is renewable and made from resources like sorghum and wood, the company said.
Great American Stockcar Series founder Chris Evans said the company's product could be the right fit for him and his teams.
"We are constantly looking for ways to maximize the efficiency and power output of our race engines," he said. "The concept of Swift's formulation of an eco-efficient fuel derived from biomass sources is of great interest to us."
The 2010 Great American Stockcar Series races feature 22 custom-built, late-model stock cars powered by Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge engines.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
WINSLOW HAS RACE WINNING PACE BUT IS ROBBED BY LADY LUCK AGAIN IN TORONTO, CANADA
James Winslow appeared on course for another strong Firestone Indy Lights result on the streets of Toronto, only to find that Lady Luck had deserted him again.
Having recorded a top five result on his return to the series at Watkins Glen last time out, the Briton headed across the US-Canada border confident that he was a regular frontrunner, and the weekend’s free practice session bolstered that belief as he posted the sixth best time in a field where all but three drivers, including Winslow, had previous experience of the tricky street layout.
However, as temperatures rose ahead of qualifying, the Sam Schmidt Motorsport team found its #77 BSS, Focal Point car struggling with turn-in oversteer that left it almost undriveable as the track gained in grip. Despite having a battle on his hands, Winslow narrowly missed a top ten grid slot, and then worked hard with the team to find a solution to the problem, with similar conditions forecast for raceday.
“It was such a shame to find the car so different from practice to qualifying, as I know we would have troubled the frontrunners,” the Briton admitted, “However, the Sam Schmidt team again showed why it is one of the best out there as we traced the problem – and found a cure for it – ahead of the race.”
Showing that the #77 had been transformed, Winslow blasted by three cars into turn one on the opening lap and, turning times as quick as those leading the race, closed quickly on the group battling over fourth place. Adrian Campos Jr was the next car in his sights, and the Briton dealt summarily with the Spaniard on lap 31 – only for Campos to stage a belated retaliation that saw him tag the left rear wheel of the Winslow machine.
“It was a schoolboy error,” Winslow fumed, “He only decided to fight back at the last minute, and fed me a wheel that pitched my car six feet into the air, and then into the wall. I was clearly ahead of him, the past was complete when he did that, and it cost both of us big time. I was lapping on a par with the leaders, quicker than the leaders but had my day ruined by someone else’s bad driving!”
Determined to salvage something from the race, Winslow returned to the pits to have his front wing changed, but was a long way behind when he rejoined. Despite the setback, however, he continued to show what might have been, immediately picking up the pace of the frontrunners and even lapping faster than them as he attempted to pick up any positions possible.
The time lost extricating himself from the wall and then having his car repaired ultimately proved too great even for a charging Winslow to overcome, and the Briton eventually crossed the line in eleventh place, frustrated at the result, but buoyed by the pace he managed to find in the #77 entry.
“The car was great even after the accident,” he confirmed, “The team did a good job to get me back into the race, and it was good to be able to lap faster than the eventual winner and the rest of the group at the front of the field. It just goes to show that we will be able to win races if we can just overcome the early weekend problems we have been having. I really can’t believe our luck at the moment.
“The Toronto track was awesome, and I was amazed by the improvement the #77 car showed in being able to challenge for the fastest lap of the race. That is very encouraging, and we just need to keep the momentum that we had at the end of the race and take it into Edmonton next weekend if we are able to attend.”
‘Thank you to all our supports, BSS, Team Effort, Focal Point, Gojoteki and everyone helping this programme, we will now work very hard to get to Edmonton and put our very positive pace into a race podium and even a race win’
Team boss Sam Schmidt had no doubt that Winslow could have been on course for another strong result had it not been for the lap 31 incident with Campos Jr.
“What happened to James was unfortunate,” the IndyCar Series veteran commented, “He was, once again, moving forward and making strides towards the front but, unfortunately, another driver took away the chance for him to have a good finish. Let’s hope that we can do better in Edmonton and get into the top three."
To get frequent James Winslow Racing updates and a closer day by day inside look on events log on to... www.facebook.com/winslowrace and www.twitter.com/winslowrace .
The Firestone Indy Lights series remains in Canada for the second half of its annual double-header, on the runways of Edmonton City Airport over the weekend of 25 July
Ends.
About James Winslow
James Winslow is one of Britain’s best motor racing talents, having won three international titles in as many years, four in all, and won races in every category he has contested – from karting to Renault V6. A full member of the British Racing Drivers’ Club [BRDC], he followed up the 2006 Asian F3 crown with similar success in Renault V6 in 2007 before adding another title in the close-fought Australian F3 series. He became a vital member of Team Great Britain in the A1 Grand Prix series and raced impressively on his debut in Australia’s V8 Supercar category, but came to wider prominence when he was awarded the Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal, and other accolades, for bravery shown in rescuing a fellow driver from a burning car in 2006. For more, visit www.jameswinslow.com
About Sam Schmidt Motorsport
Sam Schmidt Motorsports is one of the biggest names in US open-wheel motorsport, having dominated the Indy Pro and Firestone Indy Lights series. The team, founded by former IRL driver Sam Schmidt, has won three drivers’ titles and 30 races to date, including four Freedom 100s at Indianapolis. For more, visit www.samschmidtmotorsport.com and, for more on the Bright Side of the Road Foundation, visit www.brightsideoftheroad.org
About Firestone Indy Lights
The Firestone Indy Lights Series (nee Infiniti Pro Series) is the final staging post for drivers on their way to the IZOD IndyCar Series. Using identical Dallara chassis, powered by 3.5-litre V8 engines and featuring sequential six-speed gearboxes, the category provides a level playing field, and takes in some of the most iconic US venues, including Indianapolis, Watkins Glen and Long Beach. For more, visit www.firestoneindylights.com.
Having recorded a top five result on his return to the series at Watkins Glen last time out, the Briton headed across the US-Canada border confident that he was a regular frontrunner, and the weekend’s free practice session bolstered that belief as he posted the sixth best time in a field where all but three drivers, including Winslow, had previous experience of the tricky street layout.
However, as temperatures rose ahead of qualifying, the Sam Schmidt Motorsport team found its #77 BSS, Focal Point car struggling with turn-in oversteer that left it almost undriveable as the track gained in grip. Despite having a battle on his hands, Winslow narrowly missed a top ten grid slot, and then worked hard with the team to find a solution to the problem, with similar conditions forecast for raceday.
“It was such a shame to find the car so different from practice to qualifying, as I know we would have troubled the frontrunners,” the Briton admitted, “However, the Sam Schmidt team again showed why it is one of the best out there as we traced the problem – and found a cure for it – ahead of the race.”
Showing that the #77 had been transformed, Winslow blasted by three cars into turn one on the opening lap and, turning times as quick as those leading the race, closed quickly on the group battling over fourth place. Adrian Campos Jr was the next car in his sights, and the Briton dealt summarily with the Spaniard on lap 31 – only for Campos to stage a belated retaliation that saw him tag the left rear wheel of the Winslow machine.
“It was a schoolboy error,” Winslow fumed, “He only decided to fight back at the last minute, and fed me a wheel that pitched my car six feet into the air, and then into the wall. I was clearly ahead of him, the past was complete when he did that, and it cost both of us big time. I was lapping on a par with the leaders, quicker than the leaders but had my day ruined by someone else’s bad driving!”
Determined to salvage something from the race, Winslow returned to the pits to have his front wing changed, but was a long way behind when he rejoined. Despite the setback, however, he continued to show what might have been, immediately picking up the pace of the frontrunners and even lapping faster than them as he attempted to pick up any positions possible.
The time lost extricating himself from the wall and then having his car repaired ultimately proved too great even for a charging Winslow to overcome, and the Briton eventually crossed the line in eleventh place, frustrated at the result, but buoyed by the pace he managed to find in the #77 entry.
“The car was great even after the accident,” he confirmed, “The team did a good job to get me back into the race, and it was good to be able to lap faster than the eventual winner and the rest of the group at the front of the field. It just goes to show that we will be able to win races if we can just overcome the early weekend problems we have been having. I really can’t believe our luck at the moment.
“The Toronto track was awesome, and I was amazed by the improvement the #77 car showed in being able to challenge for the fastest lap of the race. That is very encouraging, and we just need to keep the momentum that we had at the end of the race and take it into Edmonton next weekend if we are able to attend.”
‘Thank you to all our supports, BSS, Team Effort, Focal Point, Gojoteki and everyone helping this programme, we will now work very hard to get to Edmonton and put our very positive pace into a race podium and even a race win’
Team boss Sam Schmidt had no doubt that Winslow could have been on course for another strong result had it not been for the lap 31 incident with Campos Jr.
“What happened to James was unfortunate,” the IndyCar Series veteran commented, “He was, once again, moving forward and making strides towards the front but, unfortunately, another driver took away the chance for him to have a good finish. Let’s hope that we can do better in Edmonton and get into the top three."
To get frequent James Winslow Racing updates and a closer day by day inside look on events log on to... www.facebook.com/winslowrace and www.twitter.com/winslowrace .
The Firestone Indy Lights series remains in Canada for the second half of its annual double-header, on the runways of Edmonton City Airport over the weekend of 25 July
Ends.
About James Winslow
James Winslow is one of Britain’s best motor racing talents, having won three international titles in as many years, four in all, and won races in every category he has contested – from karting to Renault V6. A full member of the British Racing Drivers’ Club [BRDC], he followed up the 2006 Asian F3 crown with similar success in Renault V6 in 2007 before adding another title in the close-fought Australian F3 series. He became a vital member of Team Great Britain in the A1 Grand Prix series and raced impressively on his debut in Australia’s V8 Supercar category, but came to wider prominence when he was awarded the Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal, and other accolades, for bravery shown in rescuing a fellow driver from a burning car in 2006. For more, visit www.jameswinslow.com
About Sam Schmidt Motorsport
Sam Schmidt Motorsports is one of the biggest names in US open-wheel motorsport, having dominated the Indy Pro and Firestone Indy Lights series. The team, founded by former IRL driver Sam Schmidt, has won three drivers’ titles and 30 races to date, including four Freedom 100s at Indianapolis. For more, visit www.samschmidtmotorsport.com and, for more on the Bright Side of the Road Foundation, visit www.brightsideoftheroad.org
About Firestone Indy Lights
The Firestone Indy Lights Series (nee Infiniti Pro Series) is the final staging post for drivers on their way to the IZOD IndyCar Series. Using identical Dallara chassis, powered by 3.5-litre V8 engines and featuring sequential six-speed gearboxes, the category provides a level playing field, and takes in some of the most iconic US venues, including Indianapolis, Watkins Glen and Long Beach. For more, visit www.firestoneindylights.com.
Dallara creates new IndyCar chassis for 2012
The IZOD IndyCar Series just announced the new rules package for 2012 through 2015.
This is very exciting news as the Dallara chassis is slated to be built in Indianapolis. Dallara plans include a manufacturing facility to be built in the new Speedway Redevelopment area close to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
This means more jobs and another great International company doing business in the racing capitol of the world. More proof that "Indy is Racing"!
This is very exciting news as the Dallara chassis is slated to be built in Indianapolis. Dallara plans include a manufacturing facility to be built in the new Speedway Redevelopment area close to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
This means more jobs and another great International company doing business in the racing capitol of the world. More proof that "Indy is Racing"!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Dallara creates new IndyCar chassis for 2012
Dallara creates new chassis for IndyCar
By CLIFF BRUNT (AP) – 37 minutes ago
INDIANAPOLIS — The IndyCar Series has decided to go with a Dallara chassis for the 2012 season in a move it hopes will help small-budget teams and generate some fresh buzz for open-wheel racing.
The new chassis will cost $349,000 each, officials said Wednesday, with a complete car costing $385,000. That's a 45 percent price decrease from the current formula.
"The figures they throw up are a good start," said Sarah Fisher, a driver and owner of Sarah Fisher Racing.
Cars will feature a rolling chassis with an enhanced safety cell, and manufacturers will be able to be dress the cars in multiple ways with aero kits. Each team can race two different aero kits from any manufacturer during the season, with a maximum price of $70,000 for each kit.
"I think it definitely helps the smaller teams," IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard said. "To think that if Mr. (Roger) Penske wants to build an aero kit, a small team can purchase that for $70,000 — that's what's going to happen. I think there's going to be some major companies and individuals who want to create that aerodynamic. I think some of the smaller teams will be able to make some gains because of that."
Points leader Will Power likes the simplicity. For example, the suspension will be a part of the safety cell, meaning teams won't have to figure that out on their own.
"Basically, you get the car and you design it the best you can, and you go as fast as you can," Power said.
The decision falls in line with Bernard's goal to create more excitement in the series and cut costs for the teams. Since coming to IndyCar from the Professional Bull Riders Association in February, he has made dramatic changes that include adding oval and street/road course championships to the season and creating competition for the future engine package.
Safety was a primary concern in the decision.
"A lot of drivers told us they wanted to see it go faster and they wanted to break track records, and that's great, but our primary responsibility has to be the drivers and the fans," Bernard said. "I think it's very important that we put that in perspective at this time."
IndyCar considered opening the series up to multiple chassis, but Bernard said that would have driven up the cost. Five companies created designs for the new chassis. In the end, IndyCar went back to Dallara — the same company that created the current chassis in use since 2003.
"I am happy about Dallara," Fisher said. "They've been great in the past. I think it's great that as a committee, Randy put together and listened to all of us and all of our thoughts moving forward."
Bernard said the competition gave the series a chance to improve its product.
"I think this allowed us to make some changes," he said. "Our fans told us they wanted to see different cars on that racetrack. They didn't want to see a single spec. I think the fact that it's very safe, and the fact that it offers relevance to aerodynamics — it offers everything we set out to do."
Dallara, based in Parma, Italy, also announced that will expand its operations to Speedway, Ind., where the chassis will be built. The new location will be the racing company's only operation outside of Italy. Bernard said it was important that the chassis be American made.
Ground is to be broken later this year, and the plant is expected to be up and running by the end of 2011.
"We're going to fast-pace it," said Scott Harris, executive director of the Speedway Redevelopment Commission. "There's a lot of decisions to be made. This has evolved quickly."
Harris said it could add more than 100 jobs.
Now, the race to create the best body begins.
"I think there's the question of who's going to come in and build the different aero packages," Fisher said. "I think that's really exciting."
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
By CLIFF BRUNT (AP) – 37 minutes ago
INDIANAPOLIS — The IndyCar Series has decided to go with a Dallara chassis for the 2012 season in a move it hopes will help small-budget teams and generate some fresh buzz for open-wheel racing.
The new chassis will cost $349,000 each, officials said Wednesday, with a complete car costing $385,000. That's a 45 percent price decrease from the current formula.
"The figures they throw up are a good start," said Sarah Fisher, a driver and owner of Sarah Fisher Racing.
Cars will feature a rolling chassis with an enhanced safety cell, and manufacturers will be able to be dress the cars in multiple ways with aero kits. Each team can race two different aero kits from any manufacturer during the season, with a maximum price of $70,000 for each kit.
"I think it definitely helps the smaller teams," IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard said. "To think that if Mr. (Roger) Penske wants to build an aero kit, a small team can purchase that for $70,000 — that's what's going to happen. I think there's going to be some major companies and individuals who want to create that aerodynamic. I think some of the smaller teams will be able to make some gains because of that."
Points leader Will Power likes the simplicity. For example, the suspension will be a part of the safety cell, meaning teams won't have to figure that out on their own.
"Basically, you get the car and you design it the best you can, and you go as fast as you can," Power said.
The decision falls in line with Bernard's goal to create more excitement in the series and cut costs for the teams. Since coming to IndyCar from the Professional Bull Riders Association in February, he has made dramatic changes that include adding oval and street/road course championships to the season and creating competition for the future engine package.
Safety was a primary concern in the decision.
"A lot of drivers told us they wanted to see it go faster and they wanted to break track records, and that's great, but our primary responsibility has to be the drivers and the fans," Bernard said. "I think it's very important that we put that in perspective at this time."
IndyCar considered opening the series up to multiple chassis, but Bernard said that would have driven up the cost. Five companies created designs for the new chassis. In the end, IndyCar went back to Dallara — the same company that created the current chassis in use since 2003.
"I am happy about Dallara," Fisher said. "They've been great in the past. I think it's great that as a committee, Randy put together and listened to all of us and all of our thoughts moving forward."
Bernard said the competition gave the series a chance to improve its product.
"I think this allowed us to make some changes," he said. "Our fans told us they wanted to see different cars on that racetrack. They didn't want to see a single spec. I think the fact that it's very safe, and the fact that it offers relevance to aerodynamics — it offers everything we set out to do."
Dallara, based in Parma, Italy, also announced that will expand its operations to Speedway, Ind., where the chassis will be built. The new location will be the racing company's only operation outside of Italy. Bernard said it was important that the chassis be American made.
Ground is to be broken later this year, and the plant is expected to be up and running by the end of 2011.
"We're going to fast-pace it," said Scott Harris, executive director of the Speedway Redevelopment Commission. "There's a lot of decisions to be made. This has evolved quickly."
Harris said it could add more than 100 jobs.
Now, the race to create the best body begins.
"I think there's the question of who's going to come in and build the different aero packages," Fisher said. "I think that's really exciting."
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Thursday, July 08, 2010
WINSLOW CHARGES INTO TOP FIVE RESULT AT WATKINS GLEN
WINSLOW CHARGES INTO TOP FIVE RESULT AT WATKINS GLEN
James Winslow finally achieved the result his Firestone Indy Lights Series form has deserved when he claimed fifth place in the Corning 100 at the historic Watkins Glen circuit in New York State.
The Briton’s previous three outings in the IndyCar feeder series had seen him suffer more than his share of misfortune but, despite qualifying at the former Formula One venue suggesting that Lady Luck was again absent from his side of the Sam Schmidt Motorsport garage, Winslow turned things around on race day to produce his best result of the season.
Facing another new venue, but not having so much as set foot in a race car since his last Indy Lights outing on the streets of Long Beach – where the steering wheel of the #77 car came off in his hands as he was chasing a potential podium finish – Winslow’s initial progress was slowed by handling problems that plagued his practice sessions.
Still struggling massively to pinpoint the right balance and set-up heading into qualifying, the multiple F3 and V6 champion was denied the chance to continue working on the car when a fitting on the sump broke on a kerb, causing him to spin out of the session before he had set a time, and leaving the #77 at the very back of the grid. The post-session examination of the car also revealed a faulty front brake cylinder, which had no doubt contributed to Winslow’s woes and added to the problems that needed to be addressed before Sunday’s 30-lap encounter.
“It was good to be back in the car after early three months away, but I couldn’t believe it when we started the weekend with more bad luck,” Winslow commented, “We know that the car is good, but we just couldn’t get a handle on the set-up to start with. We needed the track time, but didn’t get it – and then the sump breaking in qualifying just compounded matters.”
Without a qualifying time, the #77 car lined up last on the grid but, with the various problems solved, Winslow suddenly found that he had a car he could work with, and wasted little time making up places. A good start gained four spots immediately, with another falling to the Briton on lap two. Four laps later, Sam Schmidt team-mate Philip Major was accounted for, while fellow countryman Stefan Wilson’s retirement handed Winslow another position.
In all, Winslow completed eight passing moves as he made his way through the closely-matched field, and was catching another Briton, Martin Plowman, as the race entered its final stages. However, despite setting his fastest lap of the race during his pursuit of the second-year driver, Winslow saw any chance of catching – and passing – his rival when Plowman’s AFS/Andretti Autosport team-mate, Charlie Kimball, blocked the #77 car, despite being four laps down.
“The car was completely different in the race,” Winslow confirmed, “I was comfortable with it straight away and was able to drive it on the limit. That allowed me to catch and pass drivers ahead of me, and I was flying until Kimball blocked me. I was a second a lap faster than Plowman, and got to within a second of him, so I’m sure team orders were in play. It’s frustrating as I’m sure that I could have finished fourth.
“Still, it was good to be competitive – we were trading lap times with the top three drivers – and making up all those places meant that I earned the Hard Charger award. I have to thank the team for sorting the issues we faced this weekend and for giving me a great car for the race. Hopefully, this is the change of luck that the #77 team needed, and we can run at the front from now on.”
‘A big thank you must go out to Peter Thornton and Focal Point Lighting, Sam & Jeanne Mudd, Alan Lewis, Dean Tank, Gordon Hunt and the Sam Schmidt Motorsport team for helping to get this great result, I’m looking to take this momentum forward and finish in the top 3 at the coming events’
"James had an awesome race," team owner Sam Schmidt added, "He's shown over and over again that he can make passes happen where others can't. To start from last and come away with a top five is very satisfying for him and that whole crew."
The Firestone Indy Lights series now heads across the US-Canada border, to the streets of Toronto, for round seven of the season on the weekend of 18 July.
Ends.
About James Winslow
James Winslow is one of Britain’s best motor racing talents, having won three international titles in as many years, four in all, and won races in every category he has contested – from karting to Renault V6. A full member of the British Racing Drivers’ Club [BRDC], he followed up the 2006 Asian F3 crown with similar success in Renault V6 in 2007 before adding another title in the close-fought Australian F3 series. He became a vital member of Team Great Britain in the A1 Grand Prix series and raced impressively on his debut in Australia’s V8 Supercar category, but came to wider prominence when he was awarded the Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal, and other accolades, for bravery shown in rescuing a fellow driver from a burning car in 2006. For more, visit www.jameswinslow.com
About Sam Schmidt Motorsport
Sam Schmidt Motorsports is one of the biggest names in US open-wheel motorsport, having dominated the Indy Pro and Firestone Indy Lights series. The team, founded by former IRL driver Sam Schmidt, has won three drivers’ titles and 30 races to date, including four Freedom 100s at Indianapolis. For more, visit www.samschmidtmotorsport.com and, for more on the Bright Side of the Road Foundation, visit www.brightsideoftheroad.org
About Firestone Indy Lights
The Firestone Indy Lights Series (nee Infiniti Pro Series) is the final staging post for drivers on their way to the IZOD IndyCar Series. Using identical Dallara chassis, powered by 3.5-litre V8 engines and featuring sequential six-speed gearboxes, the category provides a level playing field, and takes in some of the most iconic US venues, including Indianapolis, Watkins Glen and Long Beach. For more, visit www.firestoneindylights.com.
James Winslow finally achieved the result his Firestone Indy Lights Series form has deserved when he claimed fifth place in the Corning 100 at the historic Watkins Glen circuit in New York State.
The Briton’s previous three outings in the IndyCar feeder series had seen him suffer more than his share of misfortune but, despite qualifying at the former Formula One venue suggesting that Lady Luck was again absent from his side of the Sam Schmidt Motorsport garage, Winslow turned things around on race day to produce his best result of the season.
Facing another new venue, but not having so much as set foot in a race car since his last Indy Lights outing on the streets of Long Beach – where the steering wheel of the #77 car came off in his hands as he was chasing a potential podium finish – Winslow’s initial progress was slowed by handling problems that plagued his practice sessions.
Still struggling massively to pinpoint the right balance and set-up heading into qualifying, the multiple F3 and V6 champion was denied the chance to continue working on the car when a fitting on the sump broke on a kerb, causing him to spin out of the session before he had set a time, and leaving the #77 at the very back of the grid. The post-session examination of the car also revealed a faulty front brake cylinder, which had no doubt contributed to Winslow’s woes and added to the problems that needed to be addressed before Sunday’s 30-lap encounter.
“It was good to be back in the car after early three months away, but I couldn’t believe it when we started the weekend with more bad luck,” Winslow commented, “We know that the car is good, but we just couldn’t get a handle on the set-up to start with. We needed the track time, but didn’t get it – and then the sump breaking in qualifying just compounded matters.”
Without a qualifying time, the #77 car lined up last on the grid but, with the various problems solved, Winslow suddenly found that he had a car he could work with, and wasted little time making up places. A good start gained four spots immediately, with another falling to the Briton on lap two. Four laps later, Sam Schmidt team-mate Philip Major was accounted for, while fellow countryman Stefan Wilson’s retirement handed Winslow another position.
In all, Winslow completed eight passing moves as he made his way through the closely-matched field, and was catching another Briton, Martin Plowman, as the race entered its final stages. However, despite setting his fastest lap of the race during his pursuit of the second-year driver, Winslow saw any chance of catching – and passing – his rival when Plowman’s AFS/Andretti Autosport team-mate, Charlie Kimball, blocked the #77 car, despite being four laps down.
“The car was completely different in the race,” Winslow confirmed, “I was comfortable with it straight away and was able to drive it on the limit. That allowed me to catch and pass drivers ahead of me, and I was flying until Kimball blocked me. I was a second a lap faster than Plowman, and got to within a second of him, so I’m sure team orders were in play. It’s frustrating as I’m sure that I could have finished fourth.
“Still, it was good to be competitive – we were trading lap times with the top three drivers – and making up all those places meant that I earned the Hard Charger award. I have to thank the team for sorting the issues we faced this weekend and for giving me a great car for the race. Hopefully, this is the change of luck that the #77 team needed, and we can run at the front from now on.”
‘A big thank you must go out to Peter Thornton and Focal Point Lighting, Sam & Jeanne Mudd, Alan Lewis, Dean Tank, Gordon Hunt and the Sam Schmidt Motorsport team for helping to get this great result, I’m looking to take this momentum forward and finish in the top 3 at the coming events’
"James had an awesome race," team owner Sam Schmidt added, "He's shown over and over again that he can make passes happen where others can't. To start from last and come away with a top five is very satisfying for him and that whole crew."
The Firestone Indy Lights series now heads across the US-Canada border, to the streets of Toronto, for round seven of the season on the weekend of 18 July.
Ends.
About James Winslow
James Winslow is one of Britain’s best motor racing talents, having won three international titles in as many years, four in all, and won races in every category he has contested – from karting to Renault V6. A full member of the British Racing Drivers’ Club [BRDC], he followed up the 2006 Asian F3 crown with similar success in Renault V6 in 2007 before adding another title in the close-fought Australian F3 series. He became a vital member of Team Great Britain in the A1 Grand Prix series and raced impressively on his debut in Australia’s V8 Supercar category, but came to wider prominence when he was awarded the Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal, and other accolades, for bravery shown in rescuing a fellow driver from a burning car in 2006. For more, visit www.jameswinslow.com
About Sam Schmidt Motorsport
Sam Schmidt Motorsports is one of the biggest names in US open-wheel motorsport, having dominated the Indy Pro and Firestone Indy Lights series. The team, founded by former IRL driver Sam Schmidt, has won three drivers’ titles and 30 races to date, including four Freedom 100s at Indianapolis. For more, visit www.samschmidtmotorsport.com and, for more on the Bright Side of the Road Foundation, visit www.brightsideoftheroad.org
About Firestone Indy Lights
The Firestone Indy Lights Series (nee Infiniti Pro Series) is the final staging post for drivers on their way to the IZOD IndyCar Series. Using identical Dallara chassis, powered by 3.5-litre V8 engines and featuring sequential six-speed gearboxes, the category provides a level playing field, and takes in some of the most iconic US venues, including Indianapolis, Watkins Glen and Long Beach. For more, visit www.firestoneindylights.com.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Wade Cunningham #77 Lucas Oil /Bald Spot Sports / Sam Schmidt Motorsports wins Freedom 100 at Indy - Racer.com
Wade Cunningham wins Freedom 100 at Indy - Racer.com: "Wade Cunningham held off Charlie Kimball by 0.4368sec to become the first three-time winner of the Firestone Freedom 100 on Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“The car was great in the draft and it was pretty easy for me to pass Charlie, and both times he got in front I didn't panic because I knew in a couple of laps I'd be back in front,” said Cunningham, the 2005 series champion, who started second in the No. 77 Lucas Oil/BSS/Sam Schmidt Motorsports entry. “I never gave him the chance to get by.”"
“The car was great in the draft and it was pretty easy for me to pass Charlie, and both times he got in front I didn't panic because I knew in a couple of laps I'd be back in front,” said Cunningham, the 2005 series champion, who started second in the No. 77 Lucas Oil/BSS/Sam Schmidt Motorsports entry. “I never gave him the chance to get by.”"
Monday, April 05, 2010
Bald Spot Sports and Circuit Motorsports 25th Anniversary Event Contingency Program
Bald Spot Sports and Circuit Motorsports have partnered to provide a contingency award program for the 25th Anniversary Spec Racer Ford Celebration Event being held at Road Atlanta April 10-11, 2010.
Further details on the 25th Anniversary Event are available throught the offical event web site at www.srf25.com
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Catch Bald Spot Sports on Factory Made
The Factory Made episode featuring Bald Spot Sports is scheduled to air on The Science Channel, Thurday, April 22, 2010 at 8:00 PM Eastern and Pacific Times / 7:00 PM CST and 6:00 PM MST. Please check out the tv listings section of www.sciencechannel.com
Discovery Channel aired the episode on April 1 @ 10:00 AM Eastern. Check out Dicovery's website for additional airdates. http://disc-discovery.com/tv-schedules/weekly.html.
Thanks again to JR Hildebrand (www.jrhildebrandracing.com) and Andretti Autosport (www.andrettiautosport.com) for all their help.
The segment looked great and we will make sure to post any links and or clips that we can.
Discovery Channel aired the episode on April 1 @ 10:00 AM Eastern. Check out Dicovery's website for additional airdates. http://disc-discovery.com/tv-schedules/weekly.html.
Thanks again to JR Hildebrand (www.jrhildebrandracing.com) and Andretti Autosport (www.andrettiautosport.com) for all their help.
The segment looked great and we will make sure to post any links and or clips that we can.
Monday, January 04, 2010
Testing shows that the Bald Spot Sports Arpro headrest drops G forces
Rearward thinking
By Dave Lewandowski - Indycar.comSunday, January 3, 2010
Air bags in the cockpit?
The Indy Racing League isn't quite there, but the sanctioning body of the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights continues to research, test and develop innovative hardware and materials to better protect drivers in the current Dallara chassis while projecting applications for the new generation of race car due in 2012.
Indy Racing League director of engineering Jeff Horton recently tested a variety of headrest configurations at the Center for Advanced Product Evaluation in Westfield, Ind. Results will be presented at the annual Indy Racing League season preview meeting Jan. 12 and recommended for implementation by teams for the season that begins March 14 in São Paulo, Brazil.
"For the past several years we've seen higher head G forces in rearward accidents than we think we should," Horton says. "The car will hit at 50-70 Gs against the SAFER Barrier and with the centrifugal force pulling the driver's head forward they get a little bit of a run at the headrest. So it's not uncommon to see near 100 Gs or higher on the head when the Gs of the car are much lower. The goal was to tune the headrest system to allow the head Gs to be reduced in a rearward accident."
Horton developed a "floating back" to curb the disparity in G forces. The Kevlar skin of the headrest is attached to the front of the foam and the sides are allowed to float, "so the driver only feels the effect of the foam during impact," according to Horton.
"The skin is necessary to keep the helmet and HANS device from digging into the raw foam, which allows the driver to ramps because of the stretch of the seat belts in a rearward accident," Horton says.
They also have experimented with different foams that provide increased energy absorption. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) - beads mixed with a two-part resin and harden - has been the standard.
"Through our own testing, we know the inconsistencies of the how glue affects the hardness of the foam," Horton says. "The material of the future is Expanded Polypropylene (EPP, engineered plastic foam). Its beads are steamed together, and all the material is made in blocks and then machined into the shape you want and it's 100 percent consistent.
"It's lighter (1.5 pound per cubic foot), which is the same technology as some of our seats. Teams are switching because of the weight difference. This should be less expensive because a team should be able to handle repairs in-house -- it's a simple machined piece of foam with a Kevlar skin that's been molded and all they have to do is glue it together. Before, it required body work so you needed a carbon shop to do the repairs and there was a specific process needed to pour the EPS foam."
Impact testing at CAPE consistently showed a drop in head G forces from 148 for the current headrest to 104 using the floating system and EPP foam.
"As better materials come along, it's easier to put them in," Horton says. "It gives you the flexibility to change materials; if something better comes along that attenuates the energy then it's no problem. Everything Dr. Trammel and I have done research-wise we're trying to make the current cars safer and collect data on everything that will help us make things safer and less expensive on the new car."
So air bags in the cars next? Horton and Trammel have looked into at least mini-air bags on the six-point driver harness. They'll do more research.
By Dave Lewandowski - Indycar.comSunday, January 3, 2010
Air bags in the cockpit?
The Indy Racing League isn't quite there, but the sanctioning body of the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights continues to research, test and develop innovative hardware and materials to better protect drivers in the current Dallara chassis while projecting applications for the new generation of race car due in 2012.
Indy Racing League director of engineering Jeff Horton recently tested a variety of headrest configurations at the Center for Advanced Product Evaluation in Westfield, Ind. Results will be presented at the annual Indy Racing League season preview meeting Jan. 12 and recommended for implementation by teams for the season that begins March 14 in São Paulo, Brazil.
"For the past several years we've seen higher head G forces in rearward accidents than we think we should," Horton says. "The car will hit at 50-70 Gs against the SAFER Barrier and with the centrifugal force pulling the driver's head forward they get a little bit of a run at the headrest. So it's not uncommon to see near 100 Gs or higher on the head when the Gs of the car are much lower. The goal was to tune the headrest system to allow the head Gs to be reduced in a rearward accident."
Horton developed a "floating back" to curb the disparity in G forces. The Kevlar skin of the headrest is attached to the front of the foam and the sides are allowed to float, "so the driver only feels the effect of the foam during impact," according to Horton.
"The skin is necessary to keep the helmet and HANS device from digging into the raw foam, which allows the driver to ramps because of the stretch of the seat belts in a rearward accident," Horton says.
They also have experimented with different foams that provide increased energy absorption. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) - beads mixed with a two-part resin and harden - has been the standard.
"Through our own testing, we know the inconsistencies of the how glue affects the hardness of the foam," Horton says. "The material of the future is Expanded Polypropylene (EPP, engineered plastic foam). Its beads are steamed together, and all the material is made in blocks and then machined into the shape you want and it's 100 percent consistent.
"It's lighter (1.5 pound per cubic foot), which is the same technology as some of our seats. Teams are switching because of the weight difference. This should be less expensive because a team should be able to handle repairs in-house -- it's a simple machined piece of foam with a Kevlar skin that's been molded and all they have to do is glue it together. Before, it required body work so you needed a carbon shop to do the repairs and there was a specific process needed to pour the EPS foam."
Impact testing at CAPE consistently showed a drop in head G forces from 148 for the current headrest to 104 using the floating system and EPP foam.
"As better materials come along, it's easier to put them in," Horton says. "It gives you the flexibility to change materials; if something better comes along that attenuates the energy then it's no problem. Everything Dr. Trammel and I have done research-wise we're trying to make the current cars safer and collect data on everything that will help us make things safer and less expensive on the new car."
So air bags in the cars next? Horton and Trammel have looked into at least mini-air bags on the six-point driver harness. They'll do more research.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Sam Schmidt Motorsports signs Pippa Mann
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
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
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!
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