IndyCar's Only Team Owner/Driver, Ed Carpenter, Talks MAVTv 500 Challenge

CFH Racing owner/driver Ed Carpenter leads breakout team-mate and employee, Josef Newgarden through the banked curves of Texas Motor Speedway. Both drivers have statements to make at the afternoon Race 11 of 16 #MAVTv500 at the 2 1/2 mile Auto Club Speedway superspeedway oval. Image Credit: Chris Owens (VICS)

IndyCar's Only Team Owner/Driver, Ed Carpenter, Talks MAVTv 500 Challenge

After enjoying their first weekend off since early April, CFH Racing drivers Josef Newgarden and Ed Carpenter, along with their mechanics and engineers, are rested and ready for Saturday's 500-mile race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif.

CFH Racing is coming off the highest of highs after a spectacular 1-2 finish at the last race in the streets of Toronto. Newgarden, driver of the No. 67 Hartman Oil Chevrolet, claimed the victory 1.4 seconds ahead of teammate Luca Filippi in the No. 20 Fuzzy's Vodka Car. A strategy call to pit early to switch from rain tires to slicks vaulted Newgarden to the front of the field, where he battled the rest of the race. Meanwhile, Filippi raced forward from his career-best starting position of 6th and was Newgarden's biggest challenger at the end of the event.

Auto Club Speedway has been the backdrop of much success for CFH Racing, with team co-owner Carpenter finishing on the podium each of the last three years. Newgarden earned one of his best starting positions last year at the 2-mile oval, starting on the front row after qualifying third.

In the previous three events at Auto Club Speedway, Carpenter has led 65 laps. Newgarden led his first career Verizon IndyCar Series lap at the track during his rookie year in 2012. Carpenter has six previous starts on the oval track located outside of Los Angeles; Newgarden has three.

CFH Racing's Josef Newgarden currently sits at P8 in the 2015 Verizon IndyCar Series championship points race after winning his first two VICS races this year at Barber Motorsports Park and Honda Indy Toronto. Can Josef do well in a hot 90+ degree afternoon 500 mile oval challenge? Image Credit: Shawn Gritzmacher (VICS)

The 24-year-old Newgarden is having a career-best season since joining the Verizon IndyCar Series four years ago, capturing two wins in the past seven races. His victory at Barber Motorsports Park in late April was the first of his IndyCar career. The Hendersonville, Tenn.-native has finished in the Top 10 of half of the events this year.

With his win two weeks ago in Toronto, Newgarden joined Juan Pablo Montoya and Scott Dixon as two-time winners through 10 races this season. CFH Racing is now ranked with Team Penske and Chip Ganassi Racing as the only teams with multiple victories in so far in 2015.

The 2015 MAVTV 500 will feature 250 laps and is one of three 500-mile events on this year's schedule. The race be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 27.

ED CARPENTER, NO. 20 FUZZY'S VODKA CHEVROLET: "It is always exciting to go back to Auto Club Speedway in Fontana.  It has been a track that we have had a great history at the past three years with a podium each year.  We have really been struggling on the ovals so far this year, but I feel like Fontana is a great track to get things turned around.  We have been working very hard to make sure we go there with a good plan to address some of the struggles that we have had.  I can't wait to get on track and get back up to speed."

JOSEF NEWGARDEN, NO. 67 HARTMAN OIL CHEVROLET: "I am really excited to get to Auto Club Speedway. We've had a lot of work to do since Texas and have put a lot of effort in at the shop to be as prepared as we can going into Fontana. Hopefully we can keep the good results rolling after Toronto! I have a lot of faith in all of our guys. We have a lot of good, smart people on the team and I am looking forward to a solid weekend in California."
(ht: CFH Racing) 

A no-bones American oval track driving specialist, Ed Carpenter has never missed a podium at the 2 1/2 mile superspeedway at Auto Club Speedway located in Fontana, California. Image Credit: CFH Racing

<<<  IndyCar's Only Team Owner/Driver, Ed Carpenter, Talks MAVTv 500 Challenge  >>>

--  I N T E R V I E W  --

BEGIN SCRIPT
Ed Carpenter is a two-time Indianapolis 500 pole position holder, this earned, on his home track.

Known to be an oval-track driving specialist, who has three IndyCar career wins, all on ovals, he won his second race at the inaugural MAVTv500 at Auto Club Speedway in 2012. He accomplished this win as a first-time team owner, and driver, of Ed Carpenter Racing.

In 2014, as team owner, Ed hired Mike Conway to drive the #20 Fuzzy's Vodka Dallara DW12 in all street/road course races. This bold move allowed the team to garner three wins for the season and gather enough single car combined points, if allowed to be shown against single driver/single car standings, to break into the top 10 at P8 – good for sponsorships.

This season, Ed Carpenter is co-owner of CFH Racing team that combined efforts of Ed Carpenter Racing and Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing in the off-season.

After 10 races, CFH Racing driver, Josef Newgarden, has two wins, and holds down 8th in the current season’s championship points standings, ahead of recognizable drivers as Tony Kanaan, Simon Pagenaud, and Charlie Kimball.

As the only owner/driver in the series, Ed has placed himself to drive all six ovals on the 2015 Verizon IndyCar Series schedule.

A huge basketball fan of his alma mater, Butler University, Ed also follows the NBA’s Indiana Pacers and NFL’s Indianapolis Colts.

Ed Carpenter accepts the first MAVTv500 trophy as IndyCar returns in 2012 to race at Auto Club Speedway after a 6-year hiatus. Image Credit: CFH Racing

Welcome team owner and IndyCar driver, Ed Carpenter ...

====

2015 has been a crazy year, with the cancellation of the first race of the season, the introduction aerodynamic body work to the seasons tested DW12 chassis, then the merger of two teams. What has it meant to you as a owner/driver to share ownership responsibilities with someone who is as big an independent supporter of American Open-Wheel racing as yourself, Sarah Fisher?

====

As a driver, how does it feel to be a part of a team owned, by an owner, that you had driven for in the past, before becoming an owner/driver, and what lessons has this imparted to you along the way?

====

Josef Newgarden, after winning his second race sits at P8 in the driver's championship points race, Josef has done well here in qualifications - in 2014 qualified P3 and finished P10, even though he is a team-mate, what counsel will you be giving him as team owner on how to survive the race and achieve maximum points?

====

The Auto Club Speedway has been an excellent venue to showcase your driving skills - As mentioned, you won the first MAVTv500 in 2012, started 7th and finished 2nd in 2013, and last year, you started in 14th and finished in 3rd ... All of the previous races started in the sunlight of early evening and finished well after sundown and were the season finale.

What will change, with a track that will be run, for the first time, in this Verizon IndyCar Series modern era, in the afternoon 90 degree plus sun, 500 miles, 200 laps, and comes with another 5 races to be tackled before seasons end?

====

Further, all of the previous at Auto Club Speedway races were run without the new aerodynamics body work, that has some concerned about the increased levels in trailing turbulence, keeping drivers from being able to charge toward the front - I think this view was shared by Scott Dixon post INDY500 with other drivers chiming in after Texas.

Have you experienced this and will you have to change or adjust your driving style at all?

====

As an owner, or a driver, what else do you anticipate for this next Verizon IndyCar Series Saturday afternoon race?

====

Thank you, Ed Carpenter ... good luck to you, Josef Newgarden, and the rest of the crew at CFH Racing to maintaining the good results at Auto Club Speedway's MAVTv500.
ENDS

MAVTV 500 Returns to Auto Club Speedway - Sat. June 27.

Now into its fourth year commitment, MAVTV Motorsports Network will sponsor the MAVTV 500 Verizon IndyCar Series race at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana Ca., on Saturday, June 27. The MAVTV 500 is round 11 of the IndyCar Series championship and the points' battle is heating up with some of the world's fastest drivers in the field including 2015 Indy 500 champion Juan Pablo Montoya and reigning IndyCar series champion Will Power.

Grand Marshal for the 2015 MAVTV 500 will be motorsports broadcast legend Dave Despain.

Programming Note: The Dave Despain Show returns to the MAVTV Network on Sunday, July 12 at 8pm ET. Following the premier, each weekly episode will air 30 minutes later on Sundays at 8:30pm ET.

Monster Jam Truck World Champion and off road racing star, Todd LeDuc is Honorary Starter and will drop the MAVTV 500 Green Flag at 1:30pm PT.
(ht: MAVTv)

... notes from The EDJE


TAGS: Auto Club Speedway, MAVTv500, #MAVTv500, MAVTv 500, ACS 2015, Verizon IndyCar Series, IndyCar, Ed Carpenter, Owner/Driver, CFH Racing, INDY 500, Sarah Fisher, Race 11, The EDJE

Post MAVTv 500 IndyCar winning statements, miscues, and movements

IndyCar Series Race Director, Beaux Barfield waves to Scott Dixon to begin his qualification run which had his car be placed in P7, first car in Row 3 in a 3-wide rolling start. Target Chip Ganassi Racing decided to change the engine to give Scott's car a fresh machine for the 500 mile race which carries a 10 spot penalty. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2013)

Post MAVTv 500 IndyCar winning statements, miscues, and movements

You know, in this life, it is easy to be critical after the fact. The MAVTv 500 IZOD IndyCar Series season finale held at Auto Club Speedway, upon review, had its share of miscues and confusing statements ... probably way too many to mention in one posting but here are a couple of highlights.

The first one was a statement made by IndyCar's only team owner, driver, and first champion of the MAVTv 500 (2012) Ed Carpenter - No. 20 Fuzzy’s Vodka/Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet, after the MAVTv 500 race last year which provided a key motivation to this year's MAVTv 500 champion, Will Power - No. 12 Verizon/Penske Racing Chevrolet.

Here, Will Power informs owner/driver Ed Carpenter of the level of motivation he provided with his ill thought out assertion. It was the kind of assertion that Dixon and his team were making against Team Penske at Sonoma when the right-rear pitman was accused of unprofessional tactics. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2013)

Will Power pumps his fist with excitement as Ed Carpenter begins to understand the positive nature of the motivation he was able to create with his off-the-cuff-comment about Power crashing out after only a little over 50 laps of the 2012 MAVTv 500. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2013)

This excerpted and edited from Auto Racing Daily -

Q - I heard you mention on television that you had a little extra incentive today to want to win this, make a point of some sort.

WILL POWER:  The incentive?  The incentive was, Ed Carpenter said that Will Power did exactly what everyone expected him to do at the last race last year. I thought that was just such motivation for me to beat him and win at this track and just be good at ovals. I went about it. I thought I’m going to beat Ed. Ed, I really respect him. A very good, fast, clean oval racer. Always good to race. I don’t dislike him, but I told him, I said, Man, your comment last year gave me a lot of motivation. It’s true.

So, yes, that’s right. I like Ed. He’s very good. He’s quick. But that comment definitely got to me in a good way.
[Reference Here]

Second, can we say that 'The Captain' has called better races for Helio Castroneves? Helio Castroneves - No. 3 Auto Club of America/Penske Racing Chevrolet, had set himself up to win. He was mentally prepared, in qualifications he secured the P2 position between Pole winner Will Power and single race team-mate P3 A.J. Allmendinger leaving Scott Dixon further down in the field at P7 with an engine change for both Scott and Helio, a 10 spot penalty was assessed. (Castroneves P12 / Dixon P17).

Three-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves leads four-time ChampCar series season champion Sebastien Bourdais into Turn 2 during the MAVTv 500 IndyCar season finale at Auto Club Speedway. Image Credit: Ken Manfred (2013)

By Lap 5 Helio was running in the top five where he remained for the  most of the race - even leading several times. Then on Lap 210 a YELLOW Flag flew due to Alex Tagliani - No. 10 Target/Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, spinning off of Turn 2 which brought a call over the radio to Helio from Roger Penske to PIT. On Lap 212, Helio Castroneves gives up his position in the field as he enters the pits when they were still classified as closed.

Helio found himself battling for the lead again with Charlie Kimball - No. 83 NovoLog FlexPen/Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, where Helio crowded Charlie running for the lead and damaged the front wing on his No. 3 DW12. On Lap 226 Helio Castroneves replaced his nosecone and was never able to recapture his position in the field finishing one position behind P5 Scott Dixon - No. 9 Target/Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.

In a post MAVTv 500 season championship press conference, Scott Dixon stated that his car was a 7th or 8th fastest car in the field at best. Castroneves is left as Power was left the previous three years with a 'should'a, could'a, would'a ending to a strong season.

This infographic found in the Media Room, where all of the post event press conferences take place, pretty much highlights the obvious ... made even more obvious by the win in the 2013 MAVTv 500 ... Target Chip Ganassi Racing is the team to beat in IndyCar. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2013)

Judging by the achievement of season championships - Scott Dixon's being the 10th since 1996, we need to be giving a higher military title to Chip Ganassi ... like 'The Colonel, Chip' or 'The General, Ganassi' because Penske Racing's 5 season championships has to take a back seat to this level of success. It is pretty funny to listen to Target Chip Ganassi's brain trust of Mike Hull and Chip Ganassi talk during the post MAVTv 500 season championship press conference and pay homage to Penske Racing as the best team in present day IndyCar. Let's be clear ... Target Chip Ganassi Racing is the best team in present day IndyCar based solely on performance.

Team Owner and Managing Director Chip Ganassi and Mike Hull revel in the 'hat danc' during victory lane celebrations at Auto Club Speedway. 'Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2013)

Lastly, one has to take issue with a statement made by Target Chip Ganassi Racing's Managing Director, Mike Hull about choosing the Honda engine for their DW12 package and the fact that for 2014, the team has chosen to take a different direction.

Scott Dixon's car was developing heat and was having trouble getting rid of this problem which thretened to end Scott's run to capture his third championship in ten years (2003, 2008, and 2013). On Lap 299 Dixon came into the pits and stayed a little extra time to clear the radiators of debris. The engine ran hot the balance of the race.

MAVTv 500 Post Race Press Conference - Target Chip Ganassi Racing's Managing Director, Mike Hull | Owner Chip Ganassi Audio File HERE >>>

Mike Hull was asked about how this effected their race, Hull stated (starting at 1:14 of the above linked audio file), "I have to say, as hot as the engine got, Honda did what we wanted them to do what they wanted to do ... and that was to build an engine that didn't break under severe conditions" ... which all begs the question asked later to Chip Ganassi by Motor Press Guild and LMR Marketing Communications' Larry Mason on why the jump to Chevrolet next year? Chip's answer leaves one to wonder if there is something more than, "It was a business decision ...", due to the number of season championships (since 1996 - 9 Honda-powered/1 Toyota-powered) the team was able to earn with the Honda engine partnership.

Hat's off to New Zealander Scott Dixon on his third, very well earned, IndyCar Series season championship and the fact this earned honor now sits with the winningest-active driver in the series with 33 wins, and that he remains the longest tenured driver in the Target Chip Ganassi stable since joining the team mid-way through the 2002 CART season.

One additionally wonders if the Chevrolet way (as opposed to the Japanese way) will be compatible with both TCGR and Scott Dixon ... or if the door is now open for Andretti Autosport to outlast and out race the rest of the field with their new Honda-powered - build an engine that didn't break under severe conditions - Dallara DW12s.

... notes from The EDJE

Mazda Road to Indy Holds Second Annual Oval Clinic

Bobby Rahal is currently talking to @Shelbilly @ZachVeach @SageKaram88 & @TMacRacing at #MazdaRoadtoIndy clinic! Image Credit: Andretti Autosport @FollowAndretti


Mazda Road to Indy Holds Second Annual Oval Clinic

This first Friday in the month of May events around the Indianapolis 500, the drivers involved in the MAZDA Road To Indy traveled to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) for the second annual MAZDA Road to Indy Oval Clinic, joining their fellow competitors in all three MAZDA ladder system series - the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda, Star Mazda Championship Presented by Goodyear and Firestone Indy Lights.

Hosted by INDYCAR’s Director of Grassroots Initiatives Jason Penix and led by multiple driving champion and USF2000 driving coach Gerardo Bonilla, the clinic covers all aspects of oval racing with the intricacies supported by video footage exhibits.

Oval veterans participating in this year's panel of experts included Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team owner / former Indy 500 winner Bobby Rahal, INDYCAR President of Competition Beaux Barfield, Performance Advisor / spokesman Johnny Unser, IZOD IndyCar Series driver / team owner Ed Carpenter, and former Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year / Elite Engines owner Steve Knapp. The participants receive training on the basics of oval racing, best practices of oval testing, working with spotters, how to prepare themselves physically for an oval race, safety, and how to approach oval event practice, qualifying and race day.

The drivers from all three open-wheel disciplines will have the opportunity to put these lessons to practice the very next day during a test at nearby Lucas Oil Raceway on Saturday, May 5. These young competitors, many of whom will be turning their first laps on an oval course, will have a combined five hours of testing on the short 0.686-mile track.

The Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda and Star Mazda Championship Presented by Goodyear drivers will be in serious preparation for the popular “Night Before the 500 races″ to be held on May 26 – 2012 Round 5 for both USF2000 competition (the only oval event on the series calendar) and Star Mazda Championship.

At the end of the month of May, all of these future Indianapolis 500 competitors will be honored at the inaugural Mazda Road to Indy Victory Celebration on May 27 at Sensu Restaurant and Nightclub in downtown Indianapolis.

Podium finishers of the Firestone Freedom 100 (Firestone Indy Lights race run at IMS) and "Night Before the 500 races" at Lucas Oil Raceway (USF2000/Star Mazda) will be recognized for their accomplishments at the event that follows the 96th Indianapolis 500. Roger Bailey, former executive director of Firestone Indy Lights, will be the guest of honor.

“The Victory Celebration will cap the exciting Month of May for the Mazda Road to Indy program, which includes the races and events surrounding the Indianapolis 500,” said Tony George Jr., director of Firestone Indy Lights. “It also allows everyone to congratulate Roger and reflect on his 50-plus-year career in motorsports.”

A painting of 2011 Indianapolis 500 champion Dan Wheldon, which motorsports artist Bill Patterson will produce during the event, will be auctioned – along with several prints - at the conclusion of the event.

... notes from The EDJE


** Article first published as Mazda Road to Indy Holds Second Annual Oval Clinic on Technorati **

Kentucky 300 - Carpenter Inches Out Franchitti Tweet-By-Tweet

It's Ed Carpenter in the Dollar General Sarah Fisher Racing Dallara by a nose and a Push-To-Pass on the Downy soap sponsored Target Chip Ganassi Racing's Dario Franchitti (just 0.0098sec at the line, the closest finish at Kentucky and sixth closest in series history) who get extra points for leading the most laps. Image Credit: Paul Dalbey

Kentucky 300 - Carpenter Inches Out Franchitti Tweet-By-Tweet

Will Power took the championship lead over Dario Franchitti by 11 points ... now 12 with the Peak Pole award during qualifications ... after his runner-up finish two weeks ago in Motegi, Japan.

On ovals, Power and Franchitti trail Scott Dixon for the A.J. Foyt Trophy honoring the best driver on oval tracks for the ICS season. Motegi winner Dixon leads Franchitti 181-164 with Power an additional 19 points behind.

Dixon faces elimination from the overall championship this weekend, at 59 points behind Power. If he can't close to within 53, his title chances are officially over.

Power and Franchitti have been closer on ovals than it might appear on the surface, as Power looks to secure his first title. The Australian actually holds a qualifying edge, 7.67 to 7.83, from the six oval races this season.

Hoping for a good result this weekend are Helio Castroneves, the 2010 Kentucky winner, and Ed Carpenter, the 2010 Kentucky polesitter and twice defending runner-up finisher. While Carpenter's Sarah Fisher effort showed impressive pace in qualifying at both Indianapolis and Texas, it's been largely a struggle from there this season.
(ht: racer.com)

The following is a feel for the Kentucky 300 as it happened via entries limited to 140 characters as seen on the social communications web portal, Twitter (with a few added live blogging entries from The EDJE). Welcome to the Kentucky 300, Tweet-By-Tweet!

kvracingKV Racing Technology

Driver Introductions are underway, hope u have tuned into @versusindycar

tial99 Tia by indy44

They are really workin driver introductions @KySpeedway! We've got flames of fire, sparklers of fireworks & Van Halen "Right Now". #indycar

its_meatballCorey Ashenfelter

Anyone have the radio broadcast, safety team & race control scanner frequencies for todays race? #indycar#kyspeedway

seeuatthefrontKatie

Having fun introducing mom to the current #IndyCarfield a bit at a time. She likes the 2012 car, too :-D

NewmanHaasNewman Haas Racing

Being told we are being recognized on the @VersusIndyCar broadcast. Let us know if you hear it!

MoreFrontWingMore Front Wing

Not a particularly warm welcome for Danica. She'll get better next year.

tracksideonline TrackSide Online

Crowd abysmal. Nothing else to say, really.

Oriol Servia as he sit in his Telemundo Newman Haas Honda Dallara office getting ready to race. Image Credit: Newman Haas

NewmanHaasNewman Haas Racing

AWESOME! "@LewisFranck:@NewmanHaas right after Chickenfoot! Polaris Hardest Working Team award clip. Then showed Oriol."

asapsportsASAP Sports

KENTUCKY INDY 300 interviews bit.ly/oFK4I2w/ Scott Dixon Dario Franchitti Will Power Graham Rahal IZOD #INDYCAR

eddstrawF1Edd Straw

Good to see @DBattistinimaking his IndyCar debut. Covered some of his races when he won the UK Caterham Superlight Championship in 2003!

TheEDJEEdmund Jenks

An all CCWS alumni front row to start this OVAL race with Power and Rahal - The evolution of IRL to IndyCar - #indycar

Drivers, Start Your Engines!

shagersShane Rogers

Need to train the pit techs when 1 is not hot to say "1 cold", not "1 not". Not sounds a lot like hot. #indycar

IndyCarPRINDYCAR PR

Field is rolling for the first pace laps.

Formula1Paddock Formula 1 Paddock

IndyCar time!! quite a few brits in tonights race!

GREEN GREEN GREEN! – Lap 1 of 200

The field takes the Green Flag to start the Kentucky 300, the next to last race in the IZOD IndyCar Season. Image Credit: IndyCar_Aldia

NegativeVORPEric Hamme

Clean start. Surprised. Good job everybody. #indycar

estradawriting Christopher Estrada

Will Power leads the first lap. #IndyCar

Dan_BrunellDan Brunell

I interested in seeing how Race Control screws the #Indycarrace up today. They have to be running out of ideas by now.

Lap 10 of 200

f1fanaticliveF1 Fanatic Live

Power has a slight margin over Rahal, who has Hinchcliffe right behind him. Franchitti up two places to ninth. #indycar

tial99 Tia

Sheriff Deputy in stands. Guess they're serious about the rules! I'm not standing but my feet can't stop bouncing! Shaking Stands. #indycar

BrunoTarulli34Bruno Tarulli

#IndyCarOtro link: bit.ly/mZo43t

Lap 20 of 200

Dario passes Dixon to take over P8 … up from P11

IndyCarIZOD IndyCar Series

Graham Rahal and James Hinchcliffe are battling for second! Power up by 0.6983 seconds.

indy44Matt Archuleta

Bell +12 Briscoe +8 Wheldon +7 #IndyCar

seeuatthefrontKatie

Love watching @Hinchtownmaking @GrahamRahal's life difficult. Can tell Hinch has him rattled. #IndyCar

f1fanaticliveF1 Fanatic Live

Hinchcliffe still very close to Rahal but can't find a way past, Power one second ahead. #indycar

Lap 30 of 200

99foreverSteph@MoreFrontWing

Suspect the changed aero rules are the reason. RT @gochrisuniverse No pack racing. Why would Firestone alter their tire compound? #INDYCAR

Dario passes Carpenter and RHR on Lap 34 for P6

amberclevelandAmber Cleveland

Helio has a water leak in the car...due to engine change just before start. Helio pitting now #IndyCar

tial99 Tia

Castroneves concerns with car. Coming in. #indycar

Lap 40 of 200 – Clean & Green from the “Drop”!

Dario slips back to P9, Dixon moves up to P7 followed by Carpenter at P8

AirNickVNick Van De Sompele

love to see all of the 15 people that still care about indycar are at the race today!

cristina_CHCHTV Cristina Tenaglia

"@IndyCar: Graham Rahal and James Hinchcliffe are battling for second! Power up by 0.6983 seconds."#kentuckyindy300

Lap 50 of 200 Pit Stops begin

Will Power and Ana Beatriz get together – Beartiz is sent out in front of Power

Lap 56 of 200 – Dario Franchitti leads with the top 10 being Hildebrand, Andretti, Dixon, Rahal, RHR, Carpenter, Hinchtown, POWER, and then Briscoe … Castroneves’ day is done

ingridmaeIngrid S

Tough break for Helio. #IndyCar@KySpeedway

Lap 60 of 200

amberclevelandAmber Cleveland

RT @spunk72: Anybody but Dario. Seriously. #IndyCar

A full field races hard behind the leaders at Kentucky Speedway. Image Credit: IndyCar_Aldia

msarmbrester Michael Armbrester

Incredible pit shuffle there! Dario 8th to 1st, Will Power 1st to 8th. Bonkers! #IndyCar

Rachaelwith2AsRachael

I don't quite understand how Dario has put himself in front but I'm loving it!! #indycar

GL2488Glenn Locke

Uh oh, in #indycar it could become a Ganassi 1 2

KySpeedwayKentucky Speedway

.@IndyCar Ky Indy 300 Lap 65: @dariofranchittileads @JRHildebrand by .1030: 3-5: @scottdixon9 @MarcoAndretti @GrahamRahal @RyanHunterReay

Lap 70 of 200

Power drops to P9 – Franchitti, Hildebrand, and Dixon are 1-2-3!

Beard77Wronkle

Watching the IndyCar Kentucky 300. Good race very fast lots of action so far. #IndyCarDominates

Indy_ModeMandy Valentine

I hate Robin Miller. Just FYI. One thing i don't miss about living in Indy is him. #indycar

Lap 79 – YELLOW Flag for debris

Lap 80 of 200

estradawriting Christopher Estrada

Debris in the backstretch, CAUTION Lap 80. #IndyCar

Anthony_StuartAnthony Stuart

Phantom debris cautions, coming soon to an INDYCAR race near you

shagersShane Rogers

Yellow for Will Power's toys which have been thrown out of the pram in turn 2. #indycar

Will Power comes in for adjustments and repairs from the bump given him by Ana Betriz – Down to P18 down by 24 points if race were to end this minute.

StwrdDiscretion Steward's Discretion

Strictly speaking, duct tape isn't approved equipment. But I'll let it go, @12WillPower . THIS time.#indycar#fastesttapeintheworld

FollowAndretti Andretti Autosport

Nice job Team @GoDaddy! RT @IndyCar Danica Patrick gains the most spots coming out of the pits, moving up four spots to ninth.

shagersShane Rogers

Might be two years in a row Will Power's lost the championship due to a hole in his car on a 1.5. Remember Texas 2010? #indycar

Lap 90 of 200

More sidepod repairs to Powers car – sad really.

Verizon Penske Racing's Will Power in for a splash of ethanol and tires late in the race to maintain position of not losing more points to rival and three-time IZOD ICS champion, Dario Franchitti. Image Credit: Paul Dalbey

Lap 91 of 200 RESTART

IndyCarIZOD IndyCar Series

Green flag on Lap 91. Franchitti, Dixon, Andretti, Hildebrand and Rahal lead.

driverswanted07Ross Bynum

Can I start the "Anybody but Franchitti" chant? #Indycar

LewisFranckLewis Franck

Curious. IndyCar teams have spare noses. No spare sidepods available?

KF4LMTMac McCormick III

@CathyCardinalNothing IndyCar Race Control does anything surprises me.

Report from IMS Radio – Castroneves sidepod will not fit as per team leader Cendric.

Lap 100 of 200

JaysKeysJay's Keys

@IndyCar We're halfway through Kentucky Indy 300. Franchitti leads Andretti by .0626 secs

indy44Matt Archuleta

Will and Liz's dinner table might be pretty quiet tonight. #IndyCar

Lap 110 of 200

motorsport_feed Motor Sport News

#INDYCAR: Conquest Racing Kentucky qualifying report dlvr.it/p1hVk #motorsport

jmcc09 Jenna

Briscoe is tumbling down. Now P15. Anyone at the track listening to his radio? #indycar

GL2488Glenn Locke

Andretti has been trying to pass Franchitti for the last 32 laps. #indycar

Lap 120 of 200

Top 10 are Franchitti, Andretti, Dixon, Carpenter, Hildebrand, Rahal, Hinchcliff, Servia, RHR, and Kimball.

99foreverSteph@MoreFrontWing - Wheldon was up to 12th and is now back in 15th. Seems to be slowing a touch. #IndyCar

3Paige14Paige

Will wouldn't have been where he was in the pits if it weren't for his bad qualy run in New Hampshire. #indycar

IndyCarIZOD IndyCar Series

Carpenter has made his way back into the top 5, currently in 4th between Dixon and Hildebrand. Power still holding in 23rd, Patrick in 12th.

Lap 130 of 200

tial99 Tia

Heard over radio "Dont get stupid up there." #indycar

Power within a few laps of going 1 Lap down.

amarquis32Andy Marquis

Franchitti is the luckiest person in motorsports. #IndyCar

Lap 140 of 200

estradawriting Christopher Estrada

Pit stops beginning once more. #IndyCar

Service Central/Ganassi Racing's Graham Rahal in tow behind Target Chip Ganassi Racing's Dario Franchitti ... and ahead of Franchitti team-mate Scott Dixon, Telemundo Newman Haas' Oriol Servia, and eventual race winner, Dollar General Sarah Fisher Racing's Ed Carpenter. Image Credit: Indy Social Grid

toomuchracingPat W

yikes RT @estradawriting: WHAT. Carpenter's helmet coming apart and he's holding left side bolts together with his hand. #IndyCar

YELLOW Flag –

KF4LMTMac McCormick III

That was scary. Simona got sideways on pit lane and hit a KV crewman waiting to do pit stop. #IndyCar

WxTurtleColin Z.

Simona was behind Wheldon in pits, was leaving- cold tires, you figure.#indycar

99foreverSteph@MoreFrontWing

Pit stops under yellow. Hold your breath. #IndyCar

f1fanaticliveF1 Fanatic Live

Now Andretti in a pit lane collision with Lloyd and Viso. #indycar

Venom Energy Andretti Autosport team as it tends after Marco Andretti's Honda Dallara. Image Credit: Bret Kelley

theamyedixonAmy E. Dixon

What is going on at this #IndyCarrace!?

dbsdadTim Blum

Did everyone just forget how to drive?

The Venom Energy car of Marco Andretti unable to continue in the race.

Lap 147 RESTART

SnoopDarrJames Darr

Talking racing, or Ashley Judd? #indycarRT @paultracy3: Dario could have more luck than Jimmy Johnson

Lap 150 of 200

Top 10 being Dario, Rahal, Dixon, Carpenter, RHR, Servia, Hinchcliff, Cunningham, Patrick, & Briscoe.

allancaleyLincsWhite

@IndyCar "Oh Dear! Is that Will Power about to go a lap down, let's throw a yellow and say there was debris on the track!!!"

indy44Matt Archuleta

Correction-> Marco said his Dad was right, it was his fault in the pits. #IndyCar

BJUNQUEIRABRUNO JUNQUEIRA

Too many drivers mistakes in the pits, the mechanics are paying the price @IndyCar what do you think @paultracy3 ?

Lap 160 of 200

tial99 Tia

Race to finish is gonna be about fuel. Graham doesn't have enough to make it to the end. Plan is to draft off Dario. #indycar

CharlesRBlackCharles Black

@67edcarpenter to P3!! He's flying! Clearly not worried about saving fuel. #IndyCar

Lap 167 – YELLOW Flag

GL2488Glenn Locke

Ana BEATRIZ HAS CRASHED HARD, yikes #indycar

NegativeVORPEric Hamme

Ouch, that looks like a big whack for Bia. #indycar

stevie_mariee StevieMarie Nicole

Rough day in @IndyCarracing. First Simona then Andretti now Beatrice....

_michaelcurry_Michael J Curry

So look out RT @IndyCar: Pits are open.

davedusickDave Dusick

“@IndyCar: Yellow flag, Ana Beatriz hits the wall.” <-- Franchitti, Rahal & Carpenter lead them into pits... Should be final stop. Lap 169.

Lap 170 of 200

burk992Chris Burk

Most are staying out. This is gonna get stupid. #indycar

hotrod_dqDale Quinn

If you think the stands at Dover are empty, check the Indycar race from Kentucky on Versus. You see more people at a bus stop!!!

NegativeVORPEric Hamme

Unfortunately, I think this race can be called. Dario's going to win unless Ed pulls off a miracle. #indycar

msarmbrester Michael Armbrester

First half of race: pretty clean. Second half of race: giant hot mess. #IndyCar

Dan_BrunellDan Brunell

Everything has fell into Dario's lap today. #indycar

tommifinntommifinn

#IndyCar#Beatriz: at least some justice, happy to see you on the wall. you deserved it!!!

Lap 178 of 200 – RESTART

Top 5 are Franchitti, Dixon, Carpenter, Ryan Hunter-Reay, & Oriol Servia … Rahal at P16 … Power last on lead lap at P19.

Close, high-speed action at the line during the Kentucky 300. Image Credit: Brett Kelley

Carpenter passes Dixon for P2 and plants himself on Franchitti’s tail.

ThrashdannyDaniel Mayhew

an amazing indycar race action all over the place and incidents in the pits

Lap 180 of 200

besweeetBrian Sweet

Really want Carpenter to win this IndyCar race. 10 laps to go! Finish is going to be super close...

mveilensteinMarcal

9 laps left at Kentucky. Top 10 within 1.5s. #indycar

99foreverSteph@MoreFrontWing

When you don't see them for a while, you forget how nutty these restarts are on ovals! Breathe... breathe... #indycar

f1fanaticliveF1 Fanatic Live

Carpenter side-by-side with Franchitti for the lead. #indycar

KySpeedwayKentucky Speedway

.@IndyCar Ky Indy 300: @67edcarpenter led lap 185, still tight with @dariofranchitti

CharlesRBlackCharles Black

Dollar General is really getting it's money worth from @67edcarpenter and @sfracing #IndyCar

amberclevelandAmber Cleveland

Ed is giving Dario a run for his money. 17 laps left - Dario, Carpenter, Dixon, Cunningham, RHR, Hinch, Briscoe #IndyCar

99foreverSteph@MoreFrontWing

I'm yelling at the TV. I never do that! COME ON, ED! #IndyCar

Lap 190 of 200 – Carpenter is counted as the leader of the lap by a fraction of an inch.

SpeedFreakBashBash Beard

Man I love this dogfight between Ed and Dario! #INDYCAR

thehestercutionBrinton Hester

It looks like Carpenter isn't using his overtakes #indycar

EOlmosEduardo Olmos Ayala

Ed. Ed. Ed. Ed. Ed. Ed. Ed. Ed. Ed. Ed. Ed. Ed. Ed. #IndyCar

ingridmaeIngrid S

Now this is the kind of finish we live through the yellow finishes for!#IndyCar

Ed Carpenter uses final Push To Pass to catch Franchitti to the line with about an eight inch margin.

WGRFastTrackDave Buchanan

Woooo Ed Carpenter narrowly beats Franchitti for #IndyCarwin at Kentucky

MVBN15 MVBN15

That was a fantastic @IndyCarrace! Congrats to @67edcarpenter@SarahFisher67 and everyone else! #indycar

Team owner Sarah Fisher answers questions about the decision by Dollar General to not renew sponsorship of Ed Carpenter (seated next to Sarah) and Sarah Fisher Racing next year in the post race press conference. Image Credit: Indy Social Grid

indyram500Mark Thompson

@DollarGeneral PLEASE don't pull the plug on SFR and Indycar.....patience pays off....what a race!!!

Beard77 Wronkle

Great to see a small team like SFR pick up a huge win on an oval. Hope we see multiple teams winning next season as well. #IndyCar

BUbacktobackChris Love

@67edcarpenter @sarahfisher67 @tomasscheckter Can't wait till Vegas!! This will be lights out!! Way to go Ed. Nice work today!!

chrischiltChris Chilton

What a race that was, pit-lane mayhem, controversy, brilliant wheel to wheel racing. And a winning margin of 1/1000th of a second! #indycar

END - Results and background story here>>

In a post race interview, Penske Racing’s Tim Cendric gave this response when asked how this result effects Will Power’s chances at closing out the season as a winner at the last race in Las Vegas October 16th, 2011 – “Well, you know with a 1-2-3 finish [by Penske Racing ... as we did at Infineon Raceway], Will Power will become champion at the end of the race.”

A tall order since the 18th and final race of the season will feature a 34-car field for the IZOD IndyCar World Championships presented by Honda, which represents the largest field in series history and largest outside Indianapolis since 1997 at Las Vegas.

Going into the last race on October 16, 2011 in Las Vegas we will see Dario Franchitti lead Will Power by 18 points with Scott Dixon bringing up the rear with his A.J. Foyt Trophy in hand at 55 points with no chance for the championship ... but all team-mates (3 for Ganassi and 2 for Penske) may have an affect on just who ends up with the IZOD IndyCar Series championship.

… notes from The EDJE