March 7, 2012
(Brian Czobat, Autostock USA, 2012)
Denny Hamlin (No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing FedEx Office Toyota) won the Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway Sunday, his 18th Sprint Cup victory, and also took over the Sprint Cup point lead after two races. Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Richard Childress Racing Rheem Chevrolet finished second almost out of fuel, and Greg Biffle (No. 16 Roush Fenway Racing 3M Ford, above) started 7th and finished 3rd.
The DeltaWing. Editor-in-Chief's Note: The radical racing machine designed by Ben Bowlby underwent its first official test last week at Buttonwillow Raceway in California. The car performed as advertised by all accounts, and yes, it turned. Next up for the machine is additional testing and then a formal unveiling with its yet-to-be-announced technical partner at Sebring before the 12-Hour race. Some demonstration laps on the central Florida circuit will be on the agenda as well. The DeltaWing machine will make its debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June, entered by Highcroft Racing. - PMD
(Photo courtesy of DeltaWing Racing)
Jaguar. The automaker has finally - finally - pulled the plug on its American Le Mans Series GT program, one of the most embarrassing factory-supported racing efforts in recent memory. Out of touch from the start, the program not only never got off of the ground it got worse as it went along. Whoever was responsible for green-lighting Paul Gentilozzi's Lansing, Michigan-based Rocketsports Racing outfit to handle the XKR GT program should be relieved of his or her duties immediately.
(Michael Levitt - LAT)
Ryan Hunter-Reay (No. 28 Andretti Autosport DHL/Sun Drop Citrus Soda Chevrolet) led the opening day of the IZOD IndyCar Series' Open Test at Sebring International Racing on Monday. Hunter-Reay turned a lap of 52.5826 seconds over the seven hours of open track testing.
(Michael Levitt - LAT)
Helio Castroneves (No. 3 Team Penske Shell V-Power/Pennzoil Ultra Chevrolet) was second-quick with a lap of 52.7092 in the first day of the IndyCar Open Test at Sebring.
(Michael Levitt - LAT)
And Simon Pagenaud was third in the No. 77 Schmidt/Hamilton Motorsports Honda with a 52.7311. Pagenaud will be a man to watch in this year's IndyCar Series.
Editor-in-Chief's Note: Team Penske boys Helio Castroneves, Will Power and Ryan Briscoe topped the timesheets as 10 IZOD IndyCar Series drivers and teams concluded a two-day Open Test at Sebring International Raceway. Castroneves (No. 3 Shell V-Power/Pennzoil Ultra Chevrolet) set a lap of 52.1413 seconds, just barely quicker than Power in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet. Ryan Briscoe was third quick (52.2072), 0.0659 of a second behind Castroneves. Andretti Autosport's Ryan Hunter-Reay, who topped the time chart on the first day, was fourth quick (52.3466) and Simon Pagenaud of Schmidt/Hamilton Motorsports was fifth, but first among Honda teams with a 52.4698. A second group of drivers - including the Ganassi boys - will test at Sebring on March 8-9. The Open Test is open to the public each day (9 a.m.-5 p.m.). There is a $10 admission charge. Firestone Indy Lights will conduct an Open Test at the facility Feb. 7. - PMD
(Michael Levitt - LAT)
Will Power at speed in his No. 12 Team Penske Verizon Chevrolet at the Sebring IndyCar Open Test.
Editor-in-Chief's Note: Check out Michelin's racing website - "Michelin Alley" - and get in on all of the behind-the-scenes buzz. Go here. - PMD
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