Credit where credit is due Part 2 original was approaching 8,000 views
 

You are looking at part 2

https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/g...ml#post9389593

Here is the originalpart 1 thread:
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/g...dit-due-3.html

Tampa Racing sincerely thanks Marshall Pruett & J.J. O'Malley
for their efforts with this project.

Press releases for the ENTIRE Daytona Rolex 24 are here:
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/au...ml#post9386906

Most recent releases (end of race) are first at the top, and the ones at the bottom begin with the race start.

The day by day coverage of Daytona Rolex 24 is here:
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/au...tt-others.html

Thanks to NISMO TV Bathurst 12 hour highlights, interviews, plus other classes leading to

A Thank you to Biff Burger of St Pete for their efforts with "Biff's Kids".
During December 2016, over $87,000 was collected from various fundraisers and 15,000
toys were distributed. Many volunteers worked for Biff's Kids and Injury Attorney Fran Haasch
donated a motorcycle for a fundraising raffle.

Drifters Car Club donated $1,800
Tri City Cruisers Car Club held a car show at the St Pete Veterans Hospital and donated $4,000
Lealman Fire Department collected $500 on December 4th at a car show.
The total that day was $45,328

and by the end of all the car shows, motorcycle shows, auctions and raffles, the total raised was $87,000.

Biff Burger and Buffy's BBQ are located on 49th Street in St Pete Florida
where a weekly Friday night car show/cruise in is held. Motorcycles meet on
Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Congratulations to Bob Patrick for the published article on his 1954 Corvette

Bob Patrick's 1954 Corvette

Congratulations to Amy Clark for getting A HALF MILLION VIEWS on her pictures
which have sometimes appeared on Tampa Racing.

Some of Amy's car pictures have appeared on Tampa Racing under event coverage:
Event Coverage

http://www.racer.com/components/com_...AJ_an_Dan.jpeg

[h=2]Foyt, Gurney, Fittipaldi honored by RRDC[/h] Friday, 07 April 2017


By RACER Staff / Images by Marshall Pruett, Paul Pfanner

A.J. Foyt has been honored with numerous awards for the accomplishments from his legendary racing career. He received another Thursday night. The four-time Indianapolis 500 winner and current Verizon IndyCar Series team owner was presented with the Spirit of Ford Award in a ceremony at the Road Racing Drivers Club dinner held in conjunction with the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

The Spirit of Ford Award is Ford Motor Company's highest honor in auto racing, recognizing lifetime achievement and contribution to the industry both on and off the racetrack. Foyt becomes the 26th recipient, joining an international list of honorees from all forms of racing and racing media.
"It's a great honor and Ford has always been good to me," said Foyt, who was on hand for the dinner along with Dan Gurney as part of an event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the duo's victory at the 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans, the first and only Le Mans victory by an all-American team featuring all-American drivers.
"After 50 years, who would have thought that Gurney and I would be around to be honored?" said Foyt, 82. "It means an awful lot. It's a big honor for Ford to do this for us."
Foyt, the only driver in history to win the Indianapolis 500, Daytona 500, 24 Hours of Le Mans and 24 Hours of Daytona, was presented the award during the RRDC dinner by Edsel B. Ford II, great-grandson of company founder Henry Ford and a member of the company's board of directors. He and Gurney were also given a lifetime membership into The ACO's Club de Pilotes for legends of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
"A.J. was one of my heroes in racing when I first followed the sport," said Ford. "When looking back at his magnificent career, the question isn't what did A.J. drive, but more what didn't he drive and win in? His passion for driving and his commitment to the sport since his retirement have made him more than worthy for all the halls of fames he is part of."
Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Emerson Fittipaldi was the featured honoree at the RRDC event that drew luminaries from around the racing world. As Gurney said, all the notables "were here to see Emmo." The Brazilian legend told stories about how his love of racing was evident throughout his career. He included stories of his 1989 Indy 500 win, his Indy car debut in a pink car and racing suit and stories from his championship-winning career as a Formula 1 driver.
Earlier Thursday, Fittipaldi was inducted into the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame. The Brazilian raced at Long Beach 13 times from 1984-96 with a best of finish of second twice (1985, 1990). He also raced on the streets of Long Beach five times in F1 from 1976-80. He and Mario Andretti are the only Indy car and F1 season champions to race at Long Beach in both series.
Fittipaldi won the 1972 F1 and 1989 Indy car season championships. His 22 career Indy car wins include the two at the Indianapolis 500 (1989, '93) and tie him for 20th on the all-time list with Tony Bettenhausen.

http://www.racer.com/images/2017/Apr...Car/Emmo1.jpegFittipaldi was honored for career that took him from being the youngest F1 World Champion at age 25 to the third-oldest Indy 500 winner 21 years later.


Ford commemorated its historic 1967 victory at the 24 Horus of Le Mans by reuniting AJ Foyt and Dan Gurney with their winning Ford Mark IV, 50 years after their record win.
Previous honorees include Dan Gurney, Parnelli Jones, Roger Penske, Jim Hall, Brian Redman, Mario Andretti, Bobby Unser and George Follmer.
The event marked RRDC's ninth annual banquet, which honors auto racing's most influential leaders and champions.
Proceeds benefit RRDC's young driver initiatives, including its SAFEisFAST program and the Team USA Scholarship.

Tampa Racing sets another record: number of readers on Tampa Racing
at the same time: 3,302!
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/i...ers_online.pngCurrently Active Users

There are currently 309 users online. 1 members and 308 guests
Most users ever online was 3,302, May 5 at 02:11 PM.

https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/i...misc/event.pngUpcoming Events for the Next 14 Day(s)

-------------------------------------------------------
So Tampa Racing reset the counter and mercy sakes! June 22 2016, Another record set for
number of readers on Tampa Racing at the same time: 2,041
-------------------------------------------------------

https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/i...ers_online.pngCurrently Active Users

There are currently 222 users online. 2 members and 220 guests
Most users ever online was 2,041, 06-22-2016 at 06:36 PM.

https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/i...misc/event.pngUpcoming Events for the Next 14 Day(s)

----------------------------------------------------
The previous record was 2,668 set on August 29 2015
far exceeding the 1,900+ from the "old days".....
and yes folks, as the primary poster accused of "ruining the site"
I accept full responsibility..... :smile:

IMSA Earns “Newman’s Circle Of Friends Award” From Camp Boggy Creek

Thursday, May 11, 2017

http://www.imsa.com/sites/default/fi...?itok=8zYTib41


http://www.imsa.com/sites/default/fi...?itok=0Cwh_RbQ







Camp Boggy Creek, a camp for seriously ill children based in Eustis, Florida, holds the distinction of being a “Proud Charity” of the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA).
And IMSA couldn’t be more proud of its association with Camp Boggy Creek. The partnership dates to the GRAND-AM Road Racing era prior to the 2013 merger of GRAND-AM and the American Le Mans Series to form the new IMSA. Throughout the life of the partnership, more than $3 million has been raised in support of Camp Boggy Creek.
“Our partnership with IMSA has been longstanding for 17 years,” said Camp Boggy Creek President/CEO June Clark. “We greatly appreciate all the awareness and promotion that IMSA does for the Camp throughout the year through the races, teams, drivers, owners and everyone connected with IMSA.”
Camp Boggy Creek recently established the “Newman’s Circle of Friends Award,” named after the late actor, racer and philanthropist, Paul Newman, who co-founded Camp Boggy Creek alongside General H. Norman Schwarzkopf in 1996.
The “Newman’s Circle of Friends Award” recognizes entities responsible for raising more than $1 million on behalf of the Camp. IMSA was presented with the award during a recent “work party” at Camp Boggy Creek where several IMSA staffers assisted with preparations for the upcoming camp season, which begins in June.
“We couldn’t be prouder to be associated with Camp Boggy Creek and to earn our place in the ‘Newman’s Circle of Friends,’” said IMSA President Scott Atherton. “Our ‘IMSA Work Party’ at the Camp was an opportunity for many of our team members to get a close look at the great work Camp Boggy Creek is doing to help these children and their families. We took great pride in the work we did getting the Camp ready for the new season, and look forward to making it an annual tradition.”
Each year, drivers, teams and partners participate in “IMSA Day” at Camp Boggy Creek, traditionally held early in the week leading up to the Rolex 24 At Daytona in January. The day includes tours of the facility, as well as competitive activities, such as miniature golf tournaments, archery competitions and paddleboat racing.
Additionally, numerous IMSA competitors have generously donated much-needed funds and time volunteering at the Camp. Monies raised through fines during the season also are contributed to the Camp.

Happy Birthday AJ Foyt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z23Y02fFvlM

http://www.racer.com/components/com_...dyCar/gala.jpg

[h=2]Schmidt’s Conquer Paralysis Now Gala raises $501,500[/h] Tuesday, 20 June 2017


By Marshall Pruett / Image courtesy of ConquerParalysisNow.org

The totals are in from Sam Schmidt's Conquer Paralysis Now Gala held in the days prior to the 101st Indianapolis 500, and $501,500 was raised during the "Dancing to Recover" benefit.
"Having the event attached to the 101st running of the Indy 500, and in close proximity to the racing community, was a huge success," the IndyCar team owner said of the 18th annual fundraiser. "I personally want to thank everyone for their generosity and belief in our ambitious goals. We are more determined than ever to find a cure for paralysis thanks to your support."
Formed in 2000, the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation (which changed its title to Conquer Paralysis Now in 2014) has raised millions of dollars to facilitate medical research to overcome paralysis, and to aid those in need of support.
"Each year in May, the Indianapolis community and IndyCar drivers join together to support this important fundraiser with a goal to cure paralysis," said CPN executive director Craig Williams. "We are very grateful to all of our supporters, including our primary Gala sponsors, Arrow Electronics and American Honda Motor Company. With their continued support, we are able to fund the efforts of researchers and scientists who are moving ever closer to significant breakthroughs in spinal cord injuries."
According to CPN, which serves as one of the most active IndyCar-related charities, the distribution of Gala donation funds continues within the research community.
"Stage 1, Rounds 1 and 2 CPN Challenge prizes of $1.2 million have already been awarded to 14 researchers for their unconventional, disruptive approaches," it wrote. "One of the research grants awarded by CPN this past year was to one of the gala guests, Dr. Samy Meroueh, of the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute at the Indiana University School of Medicine. CPN also awarded grants to Dr. Ann Parr and Dr. Michael McAlpine at the University of Minnesota collaborating with Dr. Susan Cerqueira, University of Miami. The $100,000 research grant was awarded as part of the CPN Challenge's Lone Star Foundation Collaboration Award."

Welcome back

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp0LYc4IHnY

Vietnam veterans were stereotyped and demonized to such a great extent that even the widows of deceased servicemen received late-night harassing phone calls. It has been said by some that at no point in our country's history have our veterans been hurt more by our own countrymen than by the enemy. For many vets, the homecoming was often a powerful first encounter that made their adjustment to civilian society more difficult. This is the story of a Kentucky base that felt it was time to give these veterans the welcome home they never received. Produced, shot and edited by Dave Annarino.

Soldier adopts dog that saved his life

While serving in Afghanistan, U.S. military combat dog Layka was shot four times by the enemy at point-blank range. Despite her injuries, she still attacked and subdued the shooter, saving her handler and the other members of the team. Seven hours of surgery and the amputation of one leg saved her life. Her handler, Staff Sgt. Julian McDonald, fought hard to adopt her and she's now become a part of his family.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1NkQhzZXDE
**********************************

K9 soldiers need homes.
Adopt a retired military working dog
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qncecj6ciQ8

Myriam Nicole

On a track that seemed to have the thumbs up from every pro racing here this weekend, the DH World Cup finals in Vallnord, Andorra delivered up a modern classic. A slight rain drizzle punctuated the afternoon's racing, but the course rode perfectly and didn't dampen the spirits of the watching crowd or the riders.

Myriam Nicole had more than just the pressure of the race on her shoulders when she left the start hut. With the global headquarters of her bike sponsor, Commencal, just yards from the finish line and with family and friends in the crowd, this was an important race for the French rider and she delivered with the best time of the day.
_

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bm3E23tlBGE


Watch the full UCI Vallnord Replay right here: http://win.gs/2tHRY6p

[h=1]Myriam Nicole does it again: 2nd win in a row at UCI MTB World Cup 2017 | Lenzerheide, Switzerland[/h]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TE8CBwrPz8

AAron Wheelz Fotheringham Wheelchair freestyle

AAron Wheelz Fotheringham
Double Backflip in a wheelchair
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O01hBD9fexY

Aaron "Wheelz" Fotheringham is 22 and from Las Vegas, Nevada. Aaron, who was born with spina bifida, was adopted into a family of six children and used a wheelchair from an early age.

Wheelz is the only person to land a double back flip in a wheelchair and is continually pushing himself to see what tricks he can do next.

We will miss you Dave Mirra.
"Remembering Mirra" documents the life, legacy and influence of BMX legend Dave Mirra.

April 4, 1974 - February 4, 2016

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNcV_-CjcSI

Congratulations to Amy Clark for getting ONE MILLION VIEWS on her pictures
which have sometimes appeared on Tampa Racing.

Some of Amy's car pictures have appeared on Tampa Racing under event coverage:
Event Coverage

Guy martin sets a new speed record in a gravity Racer.
He looks like "Wolverine" from x-men, but congratulations on getting the record.
Gotta see the last few minutes.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhj58mGyGQ0

At 3:40 is the previous record holder Doug Anderson 84.4 MPH.

[h=2]271 MPH on a motorcycle Guy Martin sets a record[/h]

World's Fastest female motorcycle racer Valerie Thompson

Valerie Thompson becomes the world’s fastest female motorcycle racer at the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials with a 300.263 MPH average in the timed mile and a top speed of 304 MPH.

This is one of many cracks Valerie has made in the glass ceiling and she has only just begun. Thrilling to see her perspective from the cockpit of the “7” Motorcycle Streamliner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMrECzNR2BU

Blind speed record holder: Dan Parker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDwtYhvXlIE

"I'm not a blind man trying to race. I'm a racer who went blind." ~Dan Parker

As many of you know, March 31, 2012 I was in an accident that forever changed my life. So much has happened since then and I've exceeded specialists expectations in my recovery. I want to start by thanking everyone that have helped me through my healing, and to all who have contributed to my dream of being the first blind man to race the Bonneville Salt Flats……It’s always been a dream of mine to race on the Salt. After the accident, I thought that dream was over. Then it came to me one night in bed that I could do this. Losing my eyesight did not have to stop my goals and dreams.
My land-speed trike is a specially constructed configuration using an Aprilia 50cc motor and a 20mm Lectron carburetor. I've designed the frame and bent the tubes myself using bump dots on my tubing bender and friends have helped with the welding.

My journey is not over. I plan to return to the Salt and have many plans in the works. All of you know someone who is disabled whether it be a disability from birth, progressing through the years, or a tragic accident. We don't want to be seen as disabled but an individual who has talents and has to use a little ingenuity.

Acknowledging the contributions of Robin Miller to Tampa Racing and to
the Indianapolis Racing History.

One day you will not be with us, but your words will live forever.
https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/g...s-history.html

Robin Miller paid surprise tribute by colleagues

Monday, 31 July 2017


RACER Staff
http://www.racer.com/components/com_..._7160.JPG.jpeg

Robin Miller's 'Legend Series' T-shirts have gained iconic status among those who are lucky enough to receive one at the Indy 500 every year, and also among fans who frequently spot him wearing them in RACER.com videos.
But at Mid-Ohio last weekend, the tables were turned when Miller arrived for an NBCSN production meeting to find all of his colleagues wearing a specially-commissioned shirt paying tribute to Miller himself.
"For the past few years, Steve Shunck and I have commissioned artist Roger Warrick to draw a caricature of various Indy legends – AJ, Mario, Parnelli, Gurney, Bobby Unser, Johnny Rutherford and the three four-time winners," Miller said.
"We make a couple hundred t-shirts and sweatshirts and give them to our friends – we're not real smart, because we could sell them for good money. The person who coordinates everything for us is Linda Rosenberg, who has been involved in IndyCar merchandising since the early 90s and also serves as a pit spotter for NBCSN at IndyCar races.
"Linda had Roger draw up a T-shirt of me and ambushed me at Mid-Ohio, which is obviously flattering and funny because I'm anything but a legend. She had the entire NBC crew wearing one for our production meeting (ABOVE). Pretty damn cool.
"Anyway, the trick now is to get AJ to wear his and pose for a photo that I can make a Xmas card out of for 2017."
Although not usually available to the public, RACER.com readers will have a chance to score one of a very limited number of the Parnelli Jones 'Legend Series' T-shirts that Miller and Shunck produced for this year's Indy 500.
http://www.racer.com/images/2017/Jul..._7177.JPG.jpeg

Mario Andretti receives IMRRC's Argetsinger Award Friday, 01 September 2017


By RACER Staff / Image by Angelo Lisuzzo
http://www.racer.com/components/com_...Car/mario.jpeg


















Mario Andretti receives the International Motor Racing Research Center's Cameron R. Argetsinger Award on Aug. 31, 2017, from Peter Argetsinger and Bobby Rahal, chairman of the IMRRC Governing Council.
A star-studded group of giants in the motorsports industry gathered on Thursday as Mario Andretti was presented with the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports by the International Motor Racing Research Center at the Corning Museum of Glass.
This was the fourth year the glass trophy has been presented; previous honorees were Chip Ganassi, Richard Petty and Roger Penske.
"This is the most amazing evening that I've ever spent. I've never ever experienced anything like this, ever," Andretti said after being presented the Argetsinger Award by IMRRC Governing Council chairman Bobby Rahal and Peter Argetsinger, one of nine children of the late Cameron and Jean Argetsinger.
Ganassi recalled being an 11-year-old asking Andretti for his autograph when he saw him having lunch at the Glen Motor Inn in Watkins Glen.
"Any success I've ever attained in the sport, you can draw a direct line back to your mentorship," Ganassi said.
"Mario was the man," Bobby Rahal said. "He's not just a great driver. He's a great gentleman. He's the greatest ambassador for the sport we love."
In a question and answer session, Andretti told the crowd about his childhood plan to race motorcycles – a plan he thought was dashed when his family moved to Nazareth, Pennsylvania as refugees from Italy. But one week after moving to the States in 1959, he and his brother, Aldo, discovered a racetrack nearby. His competition career began four years later, racing underage at 19.
"I just wanted to drive and drive and drive," he told the audience.
Andretti's Formula 1 debut happened at Watkins Glen, when he claimed the pole in the 1968 United States Grand Prix. Ten years later he was on the pole again and World Champion.
"I felt so good in the car," Andretti said about that 1968 start. "It was an amazing day for me."
Since then, he said, he has raced in four different series at The Glen.
"There is no other track like it," said Andretti, 77, who's back at The Glen Sunday to drive the Honda two-seater.
When asked how he wants to be remembered, Andretti answered simply: "I'm just a racer."
"I feel so blessed. I've gotten so much out of the sport. You're living the dream, and I'm still living it," Andretti said.
Andretti has supported the work of the Racing Research Center since its opening in 1999. He serves on the Center's Drivers Council and twice has been chairman of the annual membership campaign.
The Racing Research Center, located in Watkins Glen, is an archival library dedicated to the preservation and sharing of the history of motorsports, all series and all venues, through its collections of books, periodicals, films, photographs, fine art and other materials. The IMRRC is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization.

Passing of the torch

Tuesday, 19 September 2017


By Robin Miller / Images by IMS Photo & LAT archive
http://www.racer.com/components/com_...Car/torch2.jpg

2.4k Shares
Late Sunday afternoon they were separated by about 50 yards in the pits at Sonoma Raceway as one was celebrating a championship and the other seemed to be reflecting on the reality that his amazing career as a full-time IndyCar driver for Roger Penske was over after 18 years.
Josef Newgarden, the new face of IndyCar racing, alternated between the euphoria of the moment and emotional recounting of the people who helped him reach the top step of his profession in only 26 years.
Helio Castroneves, the most recognizable face of IndyCar for the past two decades, sat on the pit wall and looked back on all of his good fortune and accomplishments, while more or less looking forward to a new chapter in his remarkable story.
It was the passing of the IndyCar torch inside the most successful team in American open-wheel history.
"I can't compare Newgarden to anyone else really, but he's an American, which is special in this sport because many of the other drivers have come from all over the world," said Roger Penske, who now owns 15 IndyCar titles to go with his 16 Indy 500 triumphs and 197 victories since 1969. "I've had so many great drivers and you know I don't have a favorite. But to see Josef get to the top this fast is pretty exciting. He's quite a talent."
Castroneves was walking to meet Morris Nunn in the early evening of Oct. 31, 1999 to sign with Nunn's team when his life changed. Greg Moore, already set to join Team Penske in 2000, had lost his life earlier that day at Fontana and The Captain beckoned the 24-year-old Brazilian to his motor coach.
http://www.racer.com/images/2017/Sep...eves-fence.jpg"I don't want to sound cocky but I had always dreamed of driving the Marlboro car, which of course was Roger's, and when I got the opportunity it obviously changed my life," he reflected after finishing fifth at Sonoma and fourth in the Verizon point standings. "I was so excited and humbled and thankful all at the same time and it took me about 10 seconds to say yes. Obviously, I worked hard to try and get to that point but it's hard to describe how fortunate I felt."
Had it not been for Sarah Fisher, Wink Hartman and Ed Carpenter, there's a damn good chance Newgarden would have been one of the many talented Mazda ladder kids to get one test or one year in an IndyCar before being banished to sports cars.
Those three gave Josef a chance to drive through his mistakes and grow up – something kids seldom get the chance to do anymore – and show the paddock he possessed all the right stuff. Along with engineer Jeremy Milles, he went from potential to the real deal. And Tim Cindric, who hadn't been a big fan a couple years earlier, saw the progress along with R.P.
"After he broke his hand last year [at Texas] and then didn't miss a race and dominated at Iowa, I was really impressed," said the 80-year-old dynamo, who still seldom takes a day off. "You could see he was talented, but that kind of grit and determination is what told me we had to have this kid."
The fact Castroneves never won a championship is hard to believe when you look at his body of work, but he's always been adamant he'd never trade one of his Borg-Warner Trophies for No. 1. Maybe the most amazing thing is that as good as he's always been at Indianapolis, he's never driven better or smarter everywhere than the past two seasons as he passed into his 42nd year last May.
"I can't drive any harder or any better than I did this year and I finished fourth in the championship, which just tells me how tough the competition has become in this series during the past few years," said the veteran who captured three poles, the Iowa race, and only missed one Fast Six all season.
Newgarden, the first American champ since Ryan-Hunter Reay in 2012, was overwhelmed at the team in Team Penske.
"They all made me feel welcome, immediately, and it makes you want to work even harder when you see Helio still so competitive and in such great shape. He's an inspiration."
Following his 2015 Indy win for R.P., Juan Pablo Montoya certainly didn't want to become a full-time sports car driver and Indy 500 only participant in 2017 but understood the timing was perfect for R.P. to snatch Newgarden. So now he'll have a teammate in the Acura program who also has zero desire to leave IndyCar but understands his loyalty to Penske is foremost.
"I love everything about IndyCar," said Castroneves, who was scheduled to test the Acura on Monday at Sebring. "I love the speed, the competition, my team and this has been my life and my family.
"Like I've been telling you for several months, I know I have a job with Roger next year and I'll do whatever is best for him and this team. But I can still win the Indy 500 one or two more times."
http://www.racer.com/images/2017/Sep...r/04CJ8429.jpgTony Kanaan (pictured above with Castroneves at driver introductions before the Sonoma race) said it was a shame there was no going-away tour for his longtime pal and rival and there was an atmosphere of hoping he could go out with the championship last weekend. Fans and even other drivers seemed somewhat nostalgic when his name was mentioned.
"Behind all the sparkly teeth and hair gel is a hell of a competitor and hell of a driver and he's still up front all the time," said Dario Franchitti, another three-time Indy king.
"Helio is an inspiration and it's been an honor racing with him," said Hunter-Reay, the 2014 Indy winner whose duel for the win with Castroneves was one of the best ever. "His hunger has always stayed there."
After Sunday's finale, teammate Will Power got out of his car and gave Castroneves a hug, as if to say, 'Helluva run mate,' and that pretty much sums it up. He's been a great ambassador for IndyCar and one of its most popular and successful drivers.
Newgarden is the future of IndyCar and Castroneves is slowly being phased out. But we'll still see a lot of him in May and that just seems kind of fitting.

Team USA Scholarship
Dakota Dickerson: Sports Cars and F4

Thursday, 21 September 2017
http://www.racer.com/components/com_...c/Dakota1.jpeg
Hello all! After our most recent visits to Circuit of The Americas in the GTS class in Pirelli World Challenge and rounds 15, 16, and 17 of the F4 United States Championship powered by Honda, I thought it would be appropriate to write a blog about everything I experienced. Firstly, I want to thank Jonatan Jorge of JJRD, Jeremy Shaw from the Team USA Scholarship and ANSA Motorsports for giving me the opportunity to race in the Pirelli World Challenge.
Now, getting to the racing, the PWC weekend started for us with two practice sessions. I spent the first session getting acclimated to the car and track, both of which I had yet to experience. There were a lot of new driving techniques that I needed to get accustomed to. To give you an idea, the Audi-powered KTM XBOW GT4 car that I was driving for the weekend had nearly twice as much power (330hp) than anything I had yet driven – the next closest car was the Mazda MZR powered Tatuus USF-17 car which puts out 170 hp. With my background mainly in formula cars, this was also my first experience with ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) and TC (Traction Control). It was a weird feeling being able to push the brakes as hard as you can and not see a hint of tire smoke.
Nevertheless, it was fun to experiment with and test the brake zones. It was also a bit of a weird feeling to be wheeling a car around that almost weighs almost 3,000 lbs compared to our nimble formula cars that weigh 1,300 lbs. Lastly, the other main function of this car that I needed to get used to was the fact that it uses an "Auto Shift" system for the upshifts, meaning the car will upshift for you, without any input from the driver. That has its positives and negatives but, again, another great learning experience.
After the practice sessions on Friday I felt very acclimated to the main functions of the car and had some very good pace. I also noticed a big difference in the mentality and goals in comparison to my formula car experience thus far. Although we, of course, wanted to show strong in every session, it was not important to put down quick laps, but rather conserve the car for the race and work on a sector by sector format instead of a full lap-based format. We finished off both days within the top 10 and felt confident for the following day's qualifying and race.
http://www.racer.com/images/2017/Sep...c/Dakota3.jpeg
We went out for qualifying ready to push and put in a good lap time to get us near the front of the 23-car field. Up until this point, the nerves and butterflies hadn't really set in yet, but lining up next to so many drivers that I have watched over the years was very exciting. We ended up qualifying fourth for Race 1, and only a tenth away from the second-place car. All of us at ANSA Motorsports were very happy because we were within striking distance for the opening race, which began with a rolling start. We lined up on the outside of row two but didn't have a car in front of us because the second-fastest car had been disqualified for a technical infraction.
I pushed hard on the first lap and made a move for second around the outside of Turn 6 and then a move for first on the inside of Turn 10 before we went down the back straight. I even surprised myself; I was not expecting to move up to the lead that quickly but I knew the job was far from over. We maintained a solid three-to-four second lead for the first 30 minutes of the 50-minute race until we had some major tire degradation. I slipped back into third position with about five minutes to go, but my engineer for the weekend, Tom Brown, was still giving me words of encouragement and I was pushing as hard as I could.
With two laps remaining, I entered the back straight and launched off a large curb on the exit of the hairpin and felt like I had an issue with the engine. The car wouldn't pull over 4,000 rpms so I pulled over and ended our race in hopes of saving the car. After further data review I discovered that when I went over the curbing, I had unwittingly activated the pit lane speed limiter button which is why the car would not go any faster than what was essentially pit speed! It was disappointing but we got some great data for the car and I gained some very valuable experience.
I really wish there was a lot for me to write about for Race 2 but unfortunately our race was quite short. Just 16 turns to be exact. We lined up eighth for what this time would be a standing start and then, after losing a few positions, I was fighting hard to regain the lost ground. Going into Turn 16, which is a long sweeping right-hand corner, I was on the outside of two cars. Unfortunately, they made contact with each other and then caromed into our right side, ending our race due to major damage to our right front corner and deranged right rear suspension. It was really just one of those "racing incidents" where not much could have been done by any party involved. Nevertheless, I felt gutted for all of the ANSA Motorsports guys who had worked so hard to get us to the front.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity and can't thank everyone who was involved enough. I learned a tremendous amount about the sport that I was not aware of, both on and off the track. If an opportunity comes up again, I will certainly be back in the seat. A review of the action is here.
Two weeks later I was back at COTA for the F4 championship races with Kiwi Motorsport, so I felt very comfortable and confident with some valuable knowledge of the track. We had good pace for the first two practice sessions and then gained a very good draft in qualifying to post the second fastest lap, which put us on the front row for Race 1.
http://www.racer.com/images/2017/Sep...c/Dakota2.jpeg
I again used the draft to my advantage in the first race to overtake the leader on the back straight. This turned out to be a very valuable move as we had two full-course caution periods that would bring us to last eight minutes of our 30-minute race. We had a good, hard battle at the restart but I had to make do with fourth at the finish. Because of that, I never put a good lap together which meant we had to line up 10th for Race 2. This would be our worst starting position this year but I was confident we could make our way back up through the field. We were doing just that, making a few good passes to get us up to seventh when a school bus drove onto the track – during the race! The officials immediately red-flagged the race and brought us back the pits, leaving enough time for a restart with about 10 minutes remaining.
I was able to make up one more position before the checkered flag to finish sixth. More importantly, my best lap ensured a starting position on the front row for the final race and led to a great battle among the top four drivers. Fellow Team USA Scholarship driver Kyle Kirkwood also was among the mix. We would again finish fourth, just outside the podium, so it wasn't the weekend we had hoped for but we are still sixth in the points table – despite contesting only nine of the 18 races held so far – and less than 10 points away from third, so the team and I are working hard to have a great showing at the final rounds of the F4 Championship next month.
If you want to see how the F4 United States Championship is helping young drivers transition to cars, SAFEisFAST.com recently published an excellent short video that features me, Kyle and some other F4 drivers and personnel.
Again, I can't thank the Team USA Scholarship and all those involved for continuing to play a tremendous role in my career.
All the best,
Dakota

MX5 racer wins it
Congratulations!
http://www.racer.com/components/com_...a/dc0u7553.jpg

Already having collected a $200,000 scholarship from Mazda for his 2017 Battery Tender Mazda Global MX-5 Cup Championship, Patrick Gallagher (No. 29 McCumbee McAleer Racing) added a cool $75,000 bonus to his year by winning the Mazda Global MX-5 Cup Challenge at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on Saturday 14 2017.

[h=2]Floridian Paul Holton wins Touring Car Championship[/h]

Brakke helps build the racing community 16 years

Tuesday, 24 October 2017


http://www.racer.com/components/com_...zda/brakke.jpg

Few drivers are as deeply committed to SCCA racing as Jon Brakke of Fargo, N.D. Brakke has collected three SCCA national championships driving a Miata in the E Production class, winning in 2003, 2010 and 2012. But he gives as much back to the sport as he claims on the podium. For the past 16 years, Brakke has served as the chair of SCCA's Production category ad-hoc committee.

In SCCA's rule-making hierarchy, the ad-hoc committee is tasked with evaluating competitor requests and suggesting specification changes to equalize the competitive potential of each car. The ad-hoc committee makes recommendations to SCCA's Club Racing Board, but the real goal of each committee is to keep their classes healthy and competitive.
“I think production has shown very well over the last few years,” Brakke says. “G Production was a real challenge when the numbers dropped low and we had to consolidate it with H and F Production. That was tough for everybody, particularly the competitors. But I think over the last several years the Production numbers have stayed stable, and they’ve actually grown. We’re seeing a real resurgence in H Production, so I’m very pleased. We’ve tried to take an approach of limiting the number of changes in the off-season. I think competitors like that.”

VEGAS STRONG CHARITY CAR SHOW MEET RAISES MORE THAN $50,000 FOR LAS VEGAS VICTIMS’ FUNDS LAS VEGAS – On Saturday, Oct. 7, more than 700 cars and bikes took over the west parking lot at M Resort Spa Casino for the #VegasStrong Charity Car Meet.

https://www.tamparacing.com/forums/p...ml#post9397478

Organized by Celebrity Cars Las Vegas, Hellkat Racers and 360 CarShow, the event raised more than $22,000 for the Las Vegas Victims’ Fund. A proud sponsor of the car and bike show, M Resort and its parent company, Penn National Gaming, are donating the car meet beverage sales and matching the total proceeds, giving an additional $28,000 to the National Compassion Fund Las Vegas, established by the National Center for Victims of Crime. Both the Las Vegas Victims’ Fund and National Compassion Fund Las Vegas are working in tandem to distribute 100 percent of proceeds to the victims of the tragic Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting #rodderfiles 2017 StrtRodder100Tv.

From our Host: Last Monday night after Evil struck Las Vegas, I read a post on Facebook from Gary Schumacher of the Hellkat Racers Car club that he wanted to help by having a Charity Car Show for the victims. After some collaboration with Jesse Coronado of Cars and TACOS (Taking Action, Caring for Others), CelebrityCars and The Hellkats, we found a very generous Hussain Mahrous, the GM of M Hotel and Casino. Hussain and co. dropped what they were doing and provided us with their property to have the show this past Saturday.

The Las Vegas automobile community came together in overwhelming (last minute) support to raise A LOT of money for the victims. MANY MANY thanks to all Car club members who helped as well as all of our families and friends who volunteered to help make such a large, last minute show, go so smoothly. Please read the following. We all still can’t believe this tragedy happened. But just look at all we were able to do to help!!! Thank you Las Vegas Community!!

Congratulations to Martin Truex Jr, 2017 NASCAR Championship

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qG6qNrK9msE

A good man gives credit to a good woman.


Introduction by Dale Earnhardt Jr
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h217StSKVvM

Congratulations to Dale Earnhardt Jr 15 TIME MOST POPULAR DRIVER

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnC9ygSH55E

[h=2]World Champion Alex Zanardi wins another one[/h]

Congratulations to Jeanine Gill, Shooting Range Owner and Woman Pioneer of the Year

By Beth Alcazar // 01/02/2018


https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/wp-...red_1-2-17.jpg It’s always exciting for me to hear about the successes of other women in the firearms industry, and one of those victories that came to my attention recently was about Minnesota’s Jeanine Gill, President & Owner of Osseo Gun Club & Pro Shop, who was awarded

“Woman Pioneer of the Year” from the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO-MN) for extraordinary success and achievement in a predominately male-dominated industry.

The NAWBO awards focus on the many accomplishments and contributions of exemplary women who have contributed to the women’s business community and who continue to build a legacy for future generations of entrepreneurs. But Woman Pioneer of the Year is particularly noteworthy, since it signifies that Jeanine has achieved success as a female business owner in our oftentimes male-oriented world of firearms.

It’s also refreshing to see that a national entity like NAWBO (headquartered in Washington, D.C.) desires to “effectively represent the full diversity of the women business owner community,” and they gave this much-deserved recognition to a woman who clearly supports the 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] Amendment and even owns and operates a shooting range … of all things!


Jeanine is certainly a unique and exemplary woman who had a passion and a goal … and followed it through to fruition. At age 50, Jeanine left her career job of 20-plus years to construct and open a family-friendly public gun range located in downtown Osseo, Minnesota. The indoor, 20-lane facility features three separate indoor ranges for rifle and pistol, a 7,000-square-foot retail area, two classrooms with a variety of training opportunities, a firearms simulator room for virtual training and on-site gunsmith services.

Congratulations to Brittany Force, AARWBA Jerry Titus Award


http://www.racer.com/components/com_...ce_4-25-17.jpg


880 Shares
Brittany Force, the first female NHRA Top Fuel world champion in 35 years, has been elected to the American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association (AARWBA) All-America Team and earned the Jerry Titus Memorial Award.


Force, who took four race wins in six final round appearances and two No. 1 qualifying positions on the way to her first world championship, is joined on the All-America Team by Josef Newgarden (IndyCar), Ricky and Jordan Taylor (IMSA), Donny Schatz (Sprint Car), Martin Truex Jr. (NASCAR), Kyle Kaiser (Indy Lights) and Christopher Bell (NASCAR Truck Series).
Force and Truex tied for the most votes to earn them both the Jerry Titus Memorial Award, the AARWBA's "Driver of the Year" award that remembers the auto racer and journalist.


"It's such an honor to be included on the All-America Team by the American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association," Force said. "This season has been incredible, taking home the 2017 championship title for our Monster Energy Team and then to finish off our year by earning the Titus Award is truly unbelievable. To be mentioned alongside so many influential names in the motorsports world is an accomplishment in itself and that is something I am very proud of. I have so much support around me and it's because of my fans, my family and my team that the 2017 season was such a huge success. I am so appreciative of this huge recognition."


Founded in 1955, AARWBA is a motorsports organization comprised of writers, broadcasters, photographers, and other media-related professionals. The organization's charter is aimed at providing not only proper recognition for members of the motorsports media, but to recognize their work as well as the work of the competitors that they follow in print, on the air, and on film.

Congratulations!
IMSA honored by Austin Hatcher Foundation Saturday, 06 January 2018
http://www.racer.com/components/com_...MSA_Award.jpeg
The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer recognized one its most important longtime partners today, presenting the Founder Club Member Award to the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). The presentation was made at iconic Daytona International Speedway during the "Roar Before the Rolex 24" test sessions held prior to IMSA's season-opening sports car event, the Jan. 27-28 Rolex 24 At Daytona.


Amy Jo Osborn, co-founder of the Austin Hatcher Foundation, presented the award to IMSA President Scott Atherton in recognition of the sanctioning body's assistance in generating nearly $2.5 million in contributions to the foundation from 2009-2017. That span started during the era of the American Le Mans Series which was sanctioned by IMSA; the Austin Hatcher Foundation was the longtime official charity of the ALMS. The relationship continued in 2014 when ALMS merged with the GRAND-AM Rolex Series under a revamped IMSA organization. Since then, the foundation has been a "Proud Charity" of IMSA.
The IMSA link was a harbinger of things to come for the foundation. In recent years it has expanded its presence in both the motorsports and automotive industries via a partnership with Goodguys Rod & Custom Association and in becoming a member of the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Marketing Association) Cares family of charities. In addition, the foundation conducts visits to children's hospitals across the United States in IMSA race markets, bringing its signature Diversionary Therapy program to assist young cancer patients and their families.
"IMSA has been one of our pillars from the outset of our organization," said Austin Hatcher Foundation Amy Jo Osborn. "IMSA was absolutely integral to the efforts in getting the foundation established and helping to open other doors for us in motorsports and automotive circles, either directly or indirectly. And it was especially gratifying when we were accepted by the people who worked for GRAND-AM when the merger occurred. IMSA endured and so did our relationship.
"Now, all these years later the numbers speak for themselves. IMSA has clearly been vital to our mission of erasing the effects of pediatric cancer. We are proud to honor them with the Founder Club Member Award."
The mission of the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer is to erase the effects of pediatric cancer and optimize each child’s quality of life through essential specialized intervention beginning at the time of diagnosis and continuing throughout survivorship. The Foundation, founded in 2006 by Osborn and her husband, Dr. James Osborn, is a non-profit organization. Services are provided to children with cancer, and their families, via the Foundation’s acclaimed Psycho-Oncology Division at the Educational Advancement Center (EAC) in Chattanooga, Tennessee.