Wednesday, February 27, 2013

PT on TV, Pro Mazda and Testing in Sonoma

We are heading into March and the Izod IndyCar Series is knocking on the door.

PT on TV
Paul Tracy has an IndyCar gig for 2013 but he will not be stepping behind the wheel of a DW12 chassis. Tracy will join the Rogers Sportsnet IndyCar broadcast team of Bill Adam, Todd Lewis and Rob Faulds for the Indianapolis 500, Toronto and a race to be determined. Rogers Sportsnet announced a five-year deal for the exclusive rights to the Izod IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights which will included online and mobile coverage. TVA Sports will also provide French-language race coverage in Canada.

Pro Mazda at Austin
The first Road to Indy series season kicks off this weekend at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Pro Mazda, formerly Star Mazda, will have two races during the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series weekend at the premier road racing venue in the United States. Matthew Brabham and Spencer Pigot both are expected to make their Pro Mazda debut after having a heated battle for the U.S. F2000 championship last season. Scott Anderson, who finished third in the 2012 U.S. F2000 standings will also schedule to be at Austin. Notable drivers returning to Pro Mazda for 2013 are Petri Suvanto, Diego Ferreira and Juan Piedrahita.

Testing in Sonoma
Five teams and ten drivers took to the track today for a test at Sonoma Raceway. The Chevrolet teams of Dragon Racing, Panther/DRR, KV Racing and Ed Carpenter Racing were joined by the Hondas of Schmidt-Hamilton/Schmidt-Peterson Racing at the test. The biggest surprise was the presences of defending Izod IndyCar champion Ryan Hunter-Reay at the test, who was helping Ed Carpenter Racing at the test.

Field Fillers
AJ Foyt Racing and ABC Supply have agreed to an extension through 2015.

Graham Rahal competed in the Kenny G Gold Pro-Am at the Honda Classic today with PGA golfer Rickie Fowler.

Ryan Hunter-Reay, Simon Pagenaud and Ryan Briscoe will join Marino Franchitti and Scott Tucker and Level5 Motorsports for the 12 Hours of Sebring on March 16.