Viso, Doornbos With Rides In 09′

According to Curt Cavin, He recieved an E-mail from E.J. Viso confirming that he will stay with HVM in 2009.  He also wrote that he is expecting to have a teamate next season, and the teamate will be Robert Doornbos.  But the team has not confirmed either for rides for 09′.

Bob Jenkins To Lead Versus Broadcast

Word has it that Bob Jenkins will anchor the 13 race Versus deal for the 09′ IRL season.  More info to come…

Sam Schmidt Foundation Indycar Wall Calendar

With only 29 shopping days until Christmas, who isn’t looking for a gift for that huge Indycar fan in your family?  Sam Schmidt is selling 2009 Wall Calendars, with proceeds benefiting the Sam Schmidt Paralysis foundation.  They sell for just $12.99 + 3.00 S&H up until November 30th, and for just $13.99 + 3.00 S&H from December on.  They are scheduled to ship mid December, in time for the Holiday season.

Who Says The Ladies Of Indycar Don’t Get Along?

Check out the Video

Trackside Season Finale

The season finale of Trackside with Cavin & Kevin can be heard Thursday night from 8-10pm in Central Indiana on 1070 AM or through out the world on 1070thefan.com.  Brian Barnhart, President of competiton for the IRL is scheduled to be on, along with anybody else that wants to call in or e-mail.  You can e-mail Kevin at kevin@1070thefan.com or call in live (317-239-1070)  Questions for Brian need to be e-mailed by 1pm Thursday afternoon since his interview will not be live.

Your 09′ Projections

Luyendyk To Visit Troops

I posted a week ago when Arie Jr. got into trouble, so it’s only fair that I post again when he’s doing something good.  Arie Luyendk Jr., son of 2 time 500 champ Arie Luyendyk Sr., is set to visit U.S. troops across the pond.

• Firestone Indy Lights driver Arie Luyendyk Jr. will join NASCAR drivers Geoffrey Bodine and Scott Wimmer and NHRA drag racer Hillary Will on a tour of United States military bases as part of the Racing Heroes 2008 Goodwill Tour.

  The tour, which begins on Dec. 9 and concludes on Dec. 20, will include visits to U.S. military bases in Iraq and Kuwait. The program focuses on raising spirits and providing inspiration to servicemen and women serving abroad. 

  “The drivers visit will have a tremendous impact on the troops,” said David Chavez, president of Pro Sports MVP, which organized the tour. “We are certain that the tour will be very entertaining and a welcome and needed break from the routine.”

  The participants will attend autograph/photograph sessions, lead clinics and demonstrations, hold meet and greets, and visit hospital patients and staff.

  “I’m looking forward to going over there and meeting the troops,” said Luyendyk, who finished fourth in Firestone Indy Lights points in 2008 with a win at Chicagoland Speedway.                   –Indycar.com

Helio Update

1. Helio Castroneves’s trial is to begin On March 2nd
2. The first race of the IRL season is on April 5th in St. Pete.

Gore Denies Retirement, For Now

Straight from Team Australia and Craig Gore

• “I have not made any announcement regarding my retirement from motorsport,” said Gore.

  “I did state that I was taking time this week in Byron Bay to reflect upon things and my future after a life threatening illness and that if it came down to having to make a choice, I would prefer to spend time with my kids rather than go racing. I made no comment of whether I discussed this with my family or close friends. I considered this conversation to be in confidence.

  “I also stated that I had discussed my position with my partners, Kevin Kalkhoven and Jimmy Vasser.

  “If there is a Surfers Paradise IndyCar Series event I will work with my current partners to bring Team Australia to the event with Will Power as our driver.

  “I have no control and no influence over the event, the possibility of the IndyCar Series competing at Surfers Paradise or the continuing negotiations.

  “I have and will continue to support the event and the team in any way I can until the outcome of these negotiations is clear.

  “I did state that I had considered this event to be my last if there was not an outcome that would see the IndyCar Series return to Surfers Paradise.

  “I also stated that I was not using this to bluff either the State Government or the Indy Racing League into reaching an outcome.

  “I deeply regret this attention, which may have had a negative impact on the IndyCar Series, the event and the many great sponsors of our team. Most importantly I deeply regret any impact this may have had on the team and its partners.

  “I am disappointed by the reports in the media today but it would not be the first time I have been disappointed by the way media has dealt with my answers. For the record, I was answering questions asked and there was no announcement being made by me.

  “Giving up is not my style and I intend to fight and offer any and all resources to help keep this event on the Gold Coast and to develop Team Australia into a championship-winning operation.”

Thanks Trackside

I would just like to thank Kevin, Curt and 1070 AM The Fan, for allowing us bloggers a little diffrent medium to convey our thoughts, rather than just typing. The show can be heard online (allow a little time to load) or available for free download on Itunes.  Pressdog, My Name Is IRL, Motor Racing Online, Speed Geek, and myself can all be heard in about 5 minute segments, seperated by an interview with Sarah Fisher, and more commentary by Curt & Kevin