Inagural IZOD IndyCar Baltimore Grand Prix - Tweet-By-Tweet

Picturesque Baltimore with a race track laid out around Camden Yard Ballpark. Andretti Autosport driver, Ryan Hunter-Reay as hr takes warm-up laps at the Baltimore Grand Prix. Image Credit: indycar.com


Inagural IZOD IndyCar Baltimore Grand Prix - Tweet-By-Tweet

A first-time new event on the IndyCar schedule deserves a report that, in itself, is a New Media approach to describe the Inagural IZOD IndyCar Baltimore Grand Prix - Race 15 of 18 for the 2011 season.

Welcome to an internet based exercise that this author/editor calls Tweet-By-Tweet. It is a form of New Media reporting on an event from the perspective of mostly well informed and rabid followers of a particular discipline that happen to be communicating LIVE at the same time, sharing their reactions to the happenings of an important event.

The following "Tweets" (entries from Twitter social media portal) come from those who have an account on Twitter and become followed by people of similar interests plus specific #hashtag searches. Contributors who "Tweet" (create an entry made on Twitter) come from many backgrounds such as racing team communications personnel, writers, drivers from other series, bloggers, and just plain fans.

This excerpted and edited from Twitter with entries added from IndyCar Race Control and the author -

pressdog Bill Zahren - Let's light this candle ... and all tighten our helmet chin straps ...

curtcavin Curt Cavin - I don't think #indycar could have asked for any more from this inaugural event. Unbelievable crowds, community support.

jameypricephoto Jamey Price - Here's where I am for race start [photo above]. 5 mins to go!! #bgp2011 #IndyCar yfrog.com/h3outxqj

IndyCarInsider IndyCar Insider - How many laps r they gonna run before they start the race?

indy44 Matt Archuleta - If you have armrests on your chair they might be missing when this race is over. #IndyCar

Race Start:

Dawn388 Dawn - Green green green [above] ... twitvid.com/YXJZY

99forever Steph@MoreFrontWing - Only lined up the first three rows. Get used to seeing that today. #indycar

Commentary: Lap 1: #28 - Ryan Hunter-Reay improved to 5th from 6th.

Safety Crew almost caught in the race start.

SBPopOffValve Mr. Pop Off Valve - TWO PASSES IN TWO CORNERS. That's more than Sonoma had ALL RACE.

toomuchracing Pat W - Power takes it back

Commentary: Lap 2: #82 - Tony Kanaan improved to 26th from 27th.

AllenWedge Allen Wedge - Using the chicane looked stupid, but they likely did that on purpose to avoid turn 1 carnage

SBPopOffValve Mr. Pop Off Valve - Anyone else notice the traffic light blowing in the draft from the race cars? #awesome

pressdog Bill Zahren - Iron savored ... Conway getting MASSIVE air in the B Dub's car that I am watching in B Dubs because I asked them to show it.

FollowAndretti Andretti Autosport - If you're watching on @VERSUSIndyCar, let us know what you think of the No. 27 Team @BWWings in-car shots! [Car photo above - Image Credit: indycar.com] #Bdubs

pressdog Bill Zahren - Might take a while before drivers are confident enough to drive like idiots.

RacingNation RacingNation Crew - That's the best we could've asked for regarding the start and lap one considering the track, nice job #BGP2011 #IndyCar @BaltimoreGP

99forever Steph@MoreFrontWing - Graham is legit keeping pace with Power. We just flat don't see anyone do that very often. #indycar

toomuchracing Pat W - Errr... RT - Top @Mattzel89 (twitpic.com/6g3oah) & Bottom @GrahamRahal (http://t.co/OIByylQ): what the hell was the safety truck still doing on the track at the start?! #IndyCar

shagers Shane Rogers - You won't want to go smacking that kerb at T13 hard all day. These cars won't love that. #indycar

LAP 8 of 75 – top 10 settle in as Power, Rahal, Franchitti, Briscoe, Bourdais, RHR, Conway, Viso, Dixon, and de Silvestro

pressdog Bill Zahren - Graham did not DEFEND when Power tried to retake the lead. Are we angry about that? No we (I) am not.

indy44 Matt Archuleta - Will Power leads by over a second. #IndyCar

kvracing KV Racing Technology - After 10 laps, @EJVISO is P8, Sato P24 and @TonyKanaan @GEICORacing is P26

AllenWedge Allen Wedge - Drivers starting to find rhythm, T&S says half the field keep putting up their fastest lap of the race almost every lap

Sebastian Bourdais has a problem and comes into the pits

toomuchracing Pat W - Bourdais in the pits with a problem, he's stuck in 3rd gear

FollowAndretti Andretti Autosport - Kyle to RHR: "That's 10 laps complete. Just take your time and work you way up to Briscoe." #IndyCar #BGP2011

supermotoD50 Dennis Anderson - Watchin' Indy Car...... One question ....... WHY does Open Wheel ANYTHING insist on running on street circuits??

Zach_Alt Zach Ingalsbe - by SBPopOffValve - @SBPopOffValve OH MY GOD! PASSES! WHAT IS THIS? SORCERY?!

First round of pit stops for tire changes – back markers looking to change things up by going out of fuel window sequence. Sheckter, Andretti, Patrick, Servia, & Castroneves pit to name a few.

Dawn388 Dawn - @DanicaPatrick #baltimoregrandprix ... twitpic.com/6g3t84

toomuchracing Pat W - Kanaan passes Patrick, right in the place his brakes failed this morning, brave

shagers Shane Rogers - It will be a two-stop race. These guys pitting now need to get to about Lap 40. #indycar #bgp2011

kvracing KV Racing Technology - After 20 laps, Viso is running P6, Sato P14 and Kanaan P24

AllenWedge Allen Wedge - Sato has already close 2 seconds of gap off of Hildebrand, telling you, Sato is moving big time (hopefully he can control it)

indy44 Matt Archuleta - Leaders getting caught up with lap cars. #IndyCar

LAP 21 Will Power and Graham Rahal come in to the pits leaving Dario in the lead.

Power out in P3 behind Briscoe and RHR.

HVMracing HVM Racing - This butterfly [photo above] just landed on crew guy Miguel's shoulder! Is that good luck?! ow.ly/i/gMcq

shagers Shane Rogers - Briscoe is going to stay out an extra few laps here and try and mug Dario for 3rd. #indycar #bgp2011

curtcavin Curt Cavin - Hats off to drivers. We all thought there'd be contact by now. 22 laps in. #indycar

curtcavin Curt Cavin - Hats off to the crowd, too. Not only is it SRO, it's STILL SRO despite sweltering heat. #indycar

penskeracing Penske Racing - Fastest service in pit lane [Will Power] takes care of business, taken by the crew of @RyanBriscoe6 . twitpic.com/6g41bj

LAP 25 of 75 Top 10 – Power, Rahal, Franchitti, RHR, Briscoe, Viso, de Silvestro, Dixon, Meira, and Pantano.

BeccyGordon Beccy Gordon - @FollowAndretti boys just ROCKED that stop!!! He got the 6 Yeah Buddy! P4!

99forever Steph@MoreFrontWing - Well, it's no Toronto so far, but I don't see a lot of complaints of boredom, either. Good sign? #indycar

FollowAndretti Andretti Autosport - Ziggy to Mike: "Try to keep the tires pressures up, go another lap and see what we can do." #IndyCar #BGP2011

LAP 30 - Penalty charged to Power for skipping Chicane – 3 seconds

curtcavin Curt Cavin - @12WillPower charged 3 seconds for running the chicane. Gave 2 seconds back on last lap. Still owes 1 second. #indycar

shagers Shane Rogers - Common Sense from Race Control there on Chicane skip by Will Power. #indycar #bgp2011

BeccyGordon Beccy Gordon - Power ran the chicane & his penalty was to slow 1 lap time by 3 seconds.

Marco Andretti in 24^th place is holding up the leaders in turn #9

SBPopOffValve Mr. Pop Off Valve - Man, what is up with Marco Andretti lately on roadies? Dude needs a Herta spin just to stay on the lead lap.

YELLOW Flag – Full Course Caution at LAP 32.

danicaracing Danica Racing Online - Full course caution, pits closed.

kvracing KV Racing Technology - Full course yellow for Scheckter in turn 8

IndyCar IZOD IndyCar Series - Current Top 10 (30/75): Power, Rahal, Franchitti, Hunter-Reay, Briscoe, Viso, de Silvestro, Dixon, Meira, Pantano. bit.ly/o1tqIr

SBPopOffValve Mr. Pop Off Valve - Holmatro Safety Team gets to Scheckter belatedly. Probably tooling around somewhere on the track.

indy44 Matt Archuleta - This restart should be a hoot. #IndyCar

FTHurley Fred Hurley - I'm sure the drivers will use the same circumspect caution and care on this restart that they displayed at Toronto. #indycar #BGP2011

FollowAndretti Andretti Autosport - Problem for No. 27 may be shocks. @BWWings team working hard to get Mike back out. #IndyCar #BGP2011

racingAsh Ash (アシュー) - Starting to see passing in turn one. #bgp2011 #indycar

shagers Shane Rogers - Let me assure you, they won't be as conservative on this restart now they now how hard it is to pass. #indycar #bgp2011

mfriedman_63 Michael Friedman - Coming up on halfway in this race, already. #Indycar #BGP2011

Next generation of IZOD IndyCar fan ... this one knows who is going to win this drive! Image Credit: indycar.com

chrisd1974 Chris D - #bgp2011 will be remembered by many as the moment AOWR came back :) #indycar

FollowAndretti Andretti Autosport - Still yellow. Team #DHL #CircleK @SunDrop up to 4th. #IndyCar #BGP2011

IndyCar IZOD IndyCar Series - Back to Green @BaltimoreGP! Top 10: Power, Rahal, Franchitti, Hunter-Reay, Briscoe, Viso, de Silvestro, Dixon, Meira, Pantano

GREEN, GREEN, GREEN

Commentary: Yellow Flag at: 15:54:26.530 Contact

Viso and RHR spinning, gets through and Dixon has flat tires … bunches up the field with 7 cars needing assistance in Turn 3.

EJVISO E.J. Viso - P4 en el reinicio. ...... Vamossssssss (via bix)

ebreakdown Leif Fescenmeyer - UH Oh! @orangemen_nl: Orangemen carpark [above] @ T3 #BGP2011 #Indycar: pic.twitter.com/xCgjFyx

99forever Steph@MoreFrontWing - I think Hinch gained a few positions in that nonsense! LOL #indycar

Briscoe and Ryan Hunter-Reay started the collection – RHR out, Hinchcliffe out, Janes Jakes out, Vitor Meira nose damage repaired and back out in P18.

Tony Kanaan started dead last and is now up to P8.

LAP 40 of 75 – Top 10 are Power, Rahal, Dario, Viso, de Silvestro, Servia, Briscoe, Kanaan, Kimball, and Hildebrand.

shagers Shane Rogers - I tell you, that's the long yellow that Kanaan needed to make it to the end. #indycar #bgp2011

shagers Shane Rogers - Briscoe will get a penality, but race control need to figure out the order first. #indycar #bgp2011

SteveMarengo Steve Marengo - More krap from race control #BGP2011 #IndyCar

estradawriting Christopher Estrada - And Kanaan's move has been nullified?!? #IndyCar #BGP2011

FollowAndretti Andretti Autosport - Marco out of the No. 26 car; for now, it sounds like gearbox problems. #IndyCar #BGP2011

kvracing KV Racing Technology - Kanaan and Sato pit under yellow. Viso is P5, Kanaan P11, Sato P19. Lap 43 of 75

99forever Steph@MoreFrontWing - @TonyKanaan So sorry that your skill in picking a line to get through that mess means nothing in INDYCAR.

shagers Shane Rogers - I'll tell you the smart thing though. Race Control set the order *before* they opened the pits. That was a heads up move by race control.

99forever Steph@MoreFrontWing - RT @Crushr99: @99forever TK can't pass 'disabled' cars under yellow, That's why Hildebrand won the 2011 Indy 500. #IndyCar #Not

Top 10 in reset running order - Power, Rahal, Dario, Briscoe, Viso, de Silvestro, Kimball, Hildebrand, Beatriz, And Servia. Additional delay to clean up gearbox oil laid down by Marco Andretti as he ended his race coming into the pits.

toomuchracing Pat W - A whole lot of cement dust down to cover that oil

AllenWedge Allen Wedge - People, calm downb, TK gained half the positions back when everyone pitted and will get the rest when those other pit too

FollowAndretti Andretti Autosport - Still under yellow. Patrick 12, Hunter-Reay 18, Andretti 23 (out), Conway 25. #IndyCar #BGP2011

andyjm1989 Andy Manes ✔ by BeccyGordon - @BeccyGordon he better! and how can they put all those stopped cars back into their positions before turn 3?! wtf so does RHR get 4th back?

LAP 49 - GREEN, GREEN, GREEN

indy44 Matt Archuleta - Briscoe will get a penalty sent to back. #IndyCar

AllenWedge Allen Wedge - Servia and Kanaan racing for the win it sounds like

kvracing KV Racing Technology - After 20mins of yellow we r back to Green. Lap 49 of 75

99forever Steph@MoreFrontWing - Briscoe gets a penalty. That part is right, at least. #indycar

PippaMann Pippa Mann - Interesting double race going on now! Oriol is the 1st car to have stopped... Power trying to build enough gap..... nov.us/=NDE3Ng==

HVMracing HVM Racing - Simona has passed Viso on the restart to advance to P4! #BGP2011

NewmanHaas Newman Haas Racing - O is now P6. SERVIA! SERVIA! SERVIA!

IndyCar IZOD IndyCar Series - Current Top 10 with 23 laps to go [52 of 75]: Power, Rahal, Franchitti, de Silvestro, Viso, Hildebrand, Servia, Kanaan, Dixon, Beatriz

TonyKanaan Tony Kanaan - Lap 52, P8 (by Benito)

99forever Steph@MoreFrontWing - I can't believe no one has smacked the wall in turn 9 yet. #indycar

P6 through P10 sees a real dogfight breaking out between Servia, Hildebrand, Kanaan, and Dixon.

toomuchracing Pat W - Rahal pits from 2^nd [Lap 56]

NewmanHaas Newman Haas Racing - Ok. One bullet dodged. O got by on track before GR exited the pits

Will Power pits on Lap 58 – Lead goes to Franchitti – Viso pits

indy44 Matt Archuleta - Simona running a great race today. P2 #IndyCar

Franchitti pits and Simona de Silvestra takes the lead followed by Power, Servia, Kanaan, Franchitti, Dixon, Tagliani, Patrick, Sato, and Meira

Simona Pits - Power, Servia, Kanaan, Franchitti, Dixon, Tagliani, Patrick, Sato, Meira, and … RHR!

BeccyGordon Beccy Gordon - I'm so confused on strategy, but RHR is ahead of Graham. Go Ry go!!'

Dale_Nixon Dale Nixon - Terrible pit stop by @HVMracing #justsayin'

NewmanHaas Newman Haas Racing - O has P2P for almost every remaining lap. We are P2 now and all have stopped.

IndyCar IZOD IndyCar Series - Current Top 10 (lap 62/75): Power, Servia, Kanaan, Franchitti, Dixon, Tagliani, Patrick, Sato, Meira, Hunter-Reay bit.ly/o1tqIr

One-Half a second separates P6 – P8 – Sato, Tagliani, and Patrick.

10 laps to go and Will Power is in another world flying by at over 9 seconds ahead of P2 Oriol Servia.

kvracing KV Racing Technology - 10 laps to go, Kanaan is P3, Sato P6 and Viso P15

SPEED SPEED Channel, Inc. - Check out the latest #indycar Series photos from #Baltimore courtesy of SPEED. See the photos at bit.ly/nkovmX

indy44 Matt Archuleta - Top 10 Power Servia TK Dario Dixon Sato Tagliani Danica Vitor RHR #IndyCar

If Dario Franchitti looses another position, Will Power will come aeway from the BGP tied for the season championship! This may not happen because he is being followed by his team-mate Scott Dixon.

indy44 Matt Archuleta - Will Power is in another time zone. #IndyCar [up by nearly 12 seconds on Lap 71]

BeccyGordon Beccy Gordon [RHR's lady takes photo, above] - Our pit lockerz.com/s/135871147

99forever Steph@MoreFrontWing - Nice! Kevin Lee says on-air that @Hinchtown and @NewmanHaas are going to Motegi to run for ROTY!

Patrick passes RHR to take over P7 on Lap 73.

indy44 Matt Archuleta - @plowey with an impressive run today P12 #IndyCar

danicaracing Danica Racing Online - 3 laps to go, the @godaddy car is P8

kvracing KV Racing Technology - 3 laps remain, TK is still P3, Sato P6 and Viso P15

NewmanHaas Newman Haas Racing - To O: Use your overtake

danicaracing Danica Racing Online - White flag! One more to go!!

IndyCar IZOD IndyCar Series - Will Power wins the Inaugural @BaltimoreGP! P2-P10: Servia, Kanaan, Franchitti, Dixon, Tagliani, Patrick, Hunter-Reay, Meira, Rahal

toomuchracing Pat W - Chequered flag - Power wins! Servia 2nd, Kanaan an amazing 3rd, Dario 4th

99forever Steph@MoreFrontWing - And we've got a championship battle on our hands, folks! #indycar

KVRT-Lotus disaster in the hairpin when Viso takes out Sato – WHEN is this guy going to lose his ride!

shagers Shane Rogers - Will Power wins, but Baltimore, you are the champions. #bgp2011 #indycar

Will Power started from the pole, led the most laps and rolled on to win Sunday's inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix IZOD IndyCar Series race. Power, who has dominated qualifying in the series this season, tallied his record-tying sixth victory of the year. The IndyCar Series championship points race tightens to only 5 points separating points leader Dario Franchitti and Will Power with three races to go - one street/road course and two oval courses!

indy44 Matt Archuleta - We all know how good Will Power is on the road and street courses, the big question is if he can run with Dario on the ovals. #IndyCar

MarcusWiley22 Marcus Wiley - @12WillPower congrats on another victory [#6 on the season]

RacingNation RacingNation Crew - Another nice run for Oriol Servia & @NewmanHaas one of these days they'll be back in victory lane...sooner than later #BGP2011 #IndyCar

toomuchracing Pat W - Rahal very unhappy with the 10 lap yellow

indy44 Matt Archuleta - Rahal post race interview calls the officiating terrible. #IndyCar

pressdog Bill Zahren - Sounds like they herded the goats off the track and finished strong(er). Festival of Outrage at the IHJ tho.

SBPopOffValve Mr. Pop Off Valve - So does Danica get penalized for passing under a yellow condition? You know what, never mind.

BaltimoreMD Visit Baltimore - Will Power wins the inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix. #bgp2011 #indycar

indy44 Matt Archuleta - Describing the traffic jam "It was just confusion, we looked like a bunch of idiots out there." -Scott Dixon

estradawriting Christopher Estrada - Servia: "The car was great, the strategy worked even better...I knew w/o any mistakes, the podium was ours." #IndyCar #BGP2011

racingAsh Ash (アシュー) - For this long time #IndyCar fan , it feels good to hear, a lot of fans saying they can't wait for next year! Outstanding event by #bgp2011.

TerryBlountESPN Terry Blount - by IndyCarGarage - I'm not a big fan of most street races, but a great crowd today in Baltimore and a thumbs up for the inaugural event.

toomuchracing Pat W - Eh?? RT @Dale_Nixon: Looks like @DanicaPatrick got a Pantano-esque penalty from 7th to out of the Top-10. She is NOT going to be happy.

pressdog Bill Zahren - @SBPopOffValve comingsoon Brian France statement on Danica run.

IndyCar to Danica as it relates to moving on to NASCAR next year … don’t let the door hit you on the way out!

SBPopOffValve Mr. Pop Off Valve - The biggest winner is Baltimore. My goodness, did they ever put on a great event. Well done.

TonyKanaan Tony Kanaan - TK, P3! [on podium, right] (by Benito) yfrog.com/mm74ngj

99forever Steph@MoreFrontWing - Hahaha! Awesome! RT @im4irl: At Indy, met @Fieldof33, I actually said "nice to meet you, but I agree with Steph most of the time".

shagers Shane Rogers - That needs to be on a t-shirt RT @im4irl: @99forever @shagers @fieldof33 "nice to meet you, but I agree with Steph most of the time".

99forever Steph@MoreFrontWing - Ooh, you're giving me all kinds of ideas for our next t-shirt sale! LOL RT @shagers: That needs to be on a t-shirt

99forever Steph@MoreFrontWing - And with no contrived playoff format! RT @WhateverJoel: "How can a title battle be within 5 points with 3 races to go?" -Brian France

PippaMann Pippa Mann - Also add me to the million people who have said what a great event Baltimore put on for #Indycar!!! ... nov.us/=NDE3OA==

AllenWedge Allen Wedge - RHR no mention of Danica pass in post race interview, clearly this one is a non-isse. time for fans to drop it #IndyCar

In the end, at the winner’s podium, the crowd at Baltimore gathered around as if it was at a stage door waiting for a rock star to show up … Will Power gains 57 points in three races which eclipses Darion Franchitti’s 55 points over four races gain on Power last year to win the championship.

indy44 Matt Archuleta - @BaltimoreGP: Victory Lane [photo above] #bgp2011 yfrog.com/h2mgwccj #IndyCar

People estimate the crowd to be larger than Long Beach over the last three days … wake up Long Beach!

shagers Shane Rogers - For #bgp2011 #indycar First timers: Next Races on TV: Japan Sep 17 11:30pm ET Versus; Kentucky Oct 2 2pm Versus; Vegas Oct 16 3pm ABC.

In the Podium post race interview, a deeply superstitious P3 Tony Kanaan reflected that after the warm-up crash where his car lost its brakes while traveling approximately 170mph (no injuries, on-board video here), he noticed every engine has a number assigned to it by Honda and that since the team planned to use the engine and transmission in the back-up car, he looked at the number … it was #99. It turns out the car number that Greg Moore drove was #99 … Tony stated he took this as a sign that Greg Moore was not ready to have him be side-by-side with Greg in heaven.

… notes from The EDJE

Bumpy Baltimore Gets A Rubbing In With IndyCar & ALMS

Conquest Racing's Sebastian Saavedra occupied his time [during the initial event delay] with engineering and drivers meetings, tweeting, checking email and even working in a brief nap before being jostled by the bumps of the Pratt Street frontstretch in the No. 34 Bogota Es Mundial entry in front of tens of thousands of enthusiastic spectators. Caption & Image Credit: Chris Jones via IZOD IndyCar Series


Bumpy Baltimore Gets A Rubbing In With IndyCar & ALMS

A group of downtown streets converted into a shiny new racing circuit will always have its start up problems. The first day warm-ups (as well as qualifying for the American Le Mans Series) with the two racing series competing in the inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix were no different.

First off, the beginning to the schedule was moved off for about four hours due to last minute safety improvements to the fencing that defined the 2-mile, 12-turn track.

The reaction of many of the drivers overall, was quite positive ... for example, Will Power after posting the fastest time in Baltimore with a best lap time of 1 minute, 22.1739 seconds which translates to 89.411 mph, had a good time learning the course with a couple of non-damaging "offs".

Penske Racing's Will Power, needing to make up 26 points, sets fast lap during the first practice period at the inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix. Image Credit: Chris Jones via IZOD IndyCar Series

"You are working the entire time and it is a pretty cool track," said Power, who won the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma five days earlier to tighten the championship points duel with front-runner Dario Franchitti to 26 behind. "They did a really good job creating the circuit. It takes a lot of commitment and there are several technical bits. It's bumpy and I think it will be a great race."

After a 75 minute warm-up and about a 90 minute break, the ALMS went out to set their positions for the start of their race on Saturday. The fastest qualifier overall was the Dyson Racing LMP1 Lola B09 86/Mazda shared by Guy Smith and Chris Dyson where Brit Guy Smith set his fourth class pole with a fast pace of 1 minute, 27.750 seconds (83.692 mph).

Guy Smith takes his Mazda LMP1 to the streets of Baltimore. Image Credit: ALMS

“I think the people of Baltimore have done a great job with the circuit and gave us as much track time as they could,” said Smith, who will drive with Chris Dyson. “With a new circuit, there are always teething problems. But they gave us a great track. It's bumpy and it’s demanding, but that’s what street courses are all about.”

In the GT Class, BMW Team RLL was once again at the top of the charts with the #55 BMW M3 GT of Bill Auberlin and Dirk Werner with Werner posting a fast lap of 1 minute 31.362 seconds (80.834 mph) ... the team car to the season points leading #56 BMW M3 GT of Joey Hand and Dirk Muller.

Dirk Werner gets his wheels to bounce over the temporary curbing that defines the track on the streets of Baltimore. Image Credit: ALMS

“It's amazing to have a pole this year,” said Werner. “The car is really fantastic; it has been this whole season - especially our car. We have had a lot of close calls this year [in qualifying] but we never got that pole. The team is very competitive with drivers who can be quick. So to be here at the new track, is really great.

“After free practice going into qualifying we looked at the data from the sessions and looked who had the best turns and speeds so we could learn a lot in a few short minutes,” Werner continued. “You could see how from the short time we've been on track we keep getting faster. We could actually be going faster at the end of the race than we are right now. It shows how great our team is and finding the settings for the street circuit. (The tires) are really holding up over the long drives.”

Top shot of the Dyson Racing #16-LMP1 Lola B09 86/Mazda. Image Credit: ALMS

Based on comments made by many of the drivers of both series, this Baltimore street venue drives like St. Pete with a crowd more like the festival atmosphere imparted by the grand-daddy of all American street races at Long Beach. Not a bad review for a near Washington D.C. venue.

The American Le Mans Series Baltimore Grand Prix is set for 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 3. The race will air on ABC, Sunday, Sept. 4 at 4 p.m. ET (1 p.m. PT) and be shown live in the U.S. on ESPN3 or americanlemans.com outside the U.S. Live coverage also will be available on Rogers Sportsnet One in Canada and MotorsTV in Europe.

The IZOD IndyCar Series Baltimore Grand Prix - Baltimore, MD Streets of Baltimore - Qualifications, 6:00 p.m. ET (3 p.m. PT) Saturday, Sept. 3 on Versus / Race, 2:00 (11 a.m. PT) p.m. ET Sunday, Sept 4 on Versus with both broadcast on www.indycar.com - multimedia timing & scoring with concurrent radio broadcast.

... notes from The EDJE

MAZDASPEED Motorsports Starts To Crown 2011 Supported Series Season Champions

Driving the Juncos Racing TrueCar sponsored Star Mazda, the Californian rookie, 16-year-old Gustavo Menezes participated in what was probably the best on-track battle of the day at the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear race during the recently held Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma (more). Image Credit: juncosracing.com/MAZDASPEED Motorsports


MAZDASPEED Motorsports Starts To Crown 2011 Supported Series Season Champions

The inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix kicks off six straight weeks of season finales for over 200 Mazda racers ranging from SCCA and NASA club racers to professional teams in Grand-Am and ALMS. There will be over 50 individual races at nine different tracks at ten different events.

As the seasons conclude, Mazda is leading the manufacturers’ points championships in ALMS LMP1, Grand-Am GT, and Continental Tire ST. Mazda racers are leading the ALMS drivers championship, and within reach of the Grand-Am GT drivers championship.

As a part of the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Ladder and the Mazda Road to Indy, Mazda will be crowning champions in the Star Mazda Championship, USF2000 Championship, Skip Barber Nationals, and Playboy MX-5 Cup. These drivers will be promoted to the next level in 2012 with Mazda support.

Club racing is the heart and soul of Mazda, and the two biggest annual events for club racers takes place at two of the classic tracks – The NASA Championship at Mid-Ohio and the SCCA Runoffs at Road America.

John Doonan, Motorsports Director, Mazda North American Operations, noted that “The 2011 season has been non-stop since January with the Rolex 24 at Daytona, but September will bring out the best in our racers as they aim to finish on a high note. The fact that we have the potential to score three manufacturers championships is a testament to the amazing teamwork and dedication of all of our teams, drivers, and partners. Going head-to-head with some of the top brands in the world shows that Mazda can produce world class cars for both the racetrack and the street.”

September 2-4 Baltimore Grand Prix

American Le Mans Series Presented by Patron

Star Mazda Championship Presented by Goodyear

Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda – FINALE

Also:

SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup @ Brainerd International Raceway

September 10-11 NASA National Championships @ Mid-Ohio

400+ club racers in over two dozen classes

Also:

BFGoodrich/Skip Barber National Presented by Mazda @ Autobahn Country Club

September 16-18 ModSpace American Le Mans Monterey @ Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

American Le Mans Series Presented by Patron

Star Mazda Championship Presented by Goodyear – FINALE

September 16-17 Grand-Am & Continental Tire FINALES @ Mid-Ohio

September 23-25 48th Annual SCCA Runoffs @ Road America

600+ club racers in over two dozen classes

Sept 28 – Oct 1 Petit Le Mans @ Road Atlanta

American Le Mans Series Presented by Patron – FINALE

SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup – FINALE

Pirelli World Challenge - FINALE

October 6-8 BFGoodrich/Skip Barber National Presented by Mazda FINALE @ Lime Rock

October 7-8 Formula D – FINALE @ Toyota Speedway

... notes from The EDJE

[Article first published as MAZDASPEED Motorsports Starts to Crown 2011 Supported Series Season Champions on Technorati]

Toyota Motorsport GmbH Successful At Electric Vehicle Timed Speed Record

The TMG EV P001 electric vehicle next to its new electric lap record time at the Nürburgring Nordschleife [ctrl-click image to launch video of speed record run]. Image Credit: Toyota Motorsport GmbH

Toyota Motorsport GmbH Successful At Electric Vehicle Timed Speed Record

Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) has set a new lap record for an electric vehicle (EV) at the legendary 20.8km Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany.

The TMG EV P001, with 100% electric powertrain and Jochen Krumbach at the wheel, set a new lap record of 7mins 47.794secs to beat the previous lap record, which stood at 9mins 1.338secs, by a very substantial margin.

The TMG EV P001 electric vehicle on its way to setting a new lap record for electric vehicles at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Image Credit: Toyota Motorsport GmbH

Using two electric motors, the TMG electric powertrain has a top speed of 260km/h (161.556509981707 miles per hour) which combined with 800Nm of torque to achieve impressive speeds on the extremely challenging Nordschleife track, which includes significant elevation changes and lengthy flat-out sections.

TMG’s target, prior to the 29 August record run, was to become the first electric vehicle break the eight-minute barrier and this was achieved comfortably on a day when the notoriously changeable Nürburgring weather stayed fine, although track temperatures were relatively low.

The TMG EV P001 electric vehicle photo shot before its lap record attempt at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Image Credit: Toyota Motorsport GmbH

Such performance shows TMG’s electric powertrain is ideal to power any future single-make electric motorsport series and TMG will begin commercial sales of this technology in 2012. TMG continues to advance its electric vehicle capability for motorsport applications with in-house development of the electric powertrain and ongoing investigations into alternative chassis solutions.

The future of alternative powertrain racing (non-petro/non-liquid fuel) is at hand ... but, to what end?

... notes from The EDJE

Will Power's Rally In The Valley - IZOD IndyCar Series Race 14 of 18

Penske Racing teammates (Power, Castroneves, and Briscoe) hold the line against the rest of the field during the double-file start of the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma. Image Credit: Richard Dowdy via IZOD IndyCar Series


Will Power's Rally In The Valley - IZOD IndyCar Series Race 14 of 18

From the command of "Drivers, start your engines" and the audio of "Row 1, Hot" - "Row 2, Hot" - "Row 3, Hot" - and etc. one felt that this was the race that would keep the 2011 points race alive as the sound of the Honda engines echoed throughout the Sonoma valley. Power, at 46 points down to Dario Franchitti, had to win and keep the Target Chip Ganassi drivers (Franchitti and Dixon) as far down in the order that was legally possible. Qualifications gave a blessing to Will and the rest of the Penske Racing team with a 1-2-3 starting position with Helio Castroneves, and Ryan Briscoe acting as protection to any erosion to the running order from the starting grid of the race.

From the very drop of the Green Flag starting the race, Ryan Briscoe kept the Red Target team cars behind both Will Power and Helio Castroneves which allowed Power to pull comfortably away.

All went smoothly through to the first round of pitstops by the leaders with eight cars opting to come in earlier for a change of sequence. On lap 5 of 75, Tony Kanaan running back at P25, was the first to opt for a change to Red tires and a change in pit sequence followed by Takuma Sato, JR Hildebrand, Simon Pagenaud, Charlie Kimball Danica Patrick, and Vitor Meira.

First, Mike Conway from P7 on Lap 22 of 75 began the process with Tagliani, who had just been passed by Graham Rahal due to poor handling in on Lap 23. Hinchcliff, Ryan Hunter-Raey, Helio Castroneves on LAP 25.

Lap 26 has Dixon taking on primary Black tires. Next on Lap 26 Power comes into the pits, leaving Briscoe leading until Lap 28.

Briscoe comes out in sequence with all three Penske Racing cars holding station at 1-2-3 keeping Dario Franchitti and Scott Dixon behind. This may seem boreing to some, but clean and precise racing to a strategy toward a championship is just that ... predictable and boreing. Gotta' love it if ya' like a tight season points race.

Top 10 after 32 laps of 75 sees Power, Castroneves, Briscoe, Franchitti, Dixon, Pantano, Hinchcliffe, Viso, Bourdais, and Rahal.

On TV, Robin Miller reports that there are about 130,000 people in attendance as opposed to about 30,000 sitting in the stands at the last race (oval) in Loudon, New Hampshire.

Fan stands are full of people who traveled to the middle of nowhere to see a premiere open-wheel race for season championship points. Image Credit: Shawn Gritzmacher via IZOD IndyCar Series

Robin asked Randy Bernard, CEO of IZOD IndyCar Series, if Sonoma was on the schedule for next year and Randy reported that the schedule has not been finalized and that the people who run Infineon Raceway have not committed to the race fee as yet.

Lap 39, Tony Kanaan stalls out on pit lane and appears to have an engine stuck at full throttle. KV Racing Technology's Kanaan retires from the race.

TWEET - Fieldof33 Paul Dalbey
Thank God for side-by-side. If hate to miss watching the sand grow.

TWEET - pressdog Bill Zahren
Nailed it. "@spikerogan: @99forever You could make nachos from scratch and not miss a thing. By scratch I mean from growing the corn. lol"

Lap 45 of 75 has Will Power on the radio complaining about lapped traffic not clearing out of the way. It has him braking at odd times and kicking up some blue tire smoke.

All of the drivers are looking to get back on REDS again on the next pit sequence. Oriol Servia takes on a set and fuel on lap 47 - good to go all the way to the end.

Before this next round of stops, P1 Power leads P4 Franchitti by about 32 seconds. Castroneves pits on Lap 49 ... Dixon in for REDS ... 25 laps to go and more stops with side-by-side passing in the pits.

Lap 50 Will Power comes in with little traffic to contend with ... comes out ahead of Castroneves and all is right in the Penske world with Briscoe leading.

All top 10 drivers complete pit stops and are good to the end - Lap 53 P1 to P10 are Power, Castroneves, Briscoe, Franchitti, Dixon, Pantano, Hinchcliffe, Bourdais, Viso and Rahal.

TWEET - SBPopOffValve Mr. Pop Off Valve
Wally Dallenbach says (correctly) that Sonoma is a blast to drive. Doesn't make it any easier on the spectators.

TWEET - Fieldof33 Paul Dalbey
@SBPopOffValve I believe the Sr Official has discretion to mandate Power pull over, let Castroneves by, and drive rest of race 1 handed.

Lap 56 Marco Andretti brushes JR Hildebrand's rear tire causing a rear flat for the driver from the Sonoma area.

TWEET - AllenWedge Allen Wedge
Can't wait for the eventual Panther Racing press release saying JR got Marco'd

TWEET - PantherRacing Panther Racing
Marco & Hildebrand make contact for the second consecutive year @InfineonRaceway .... looked like that was on Marco to me. But I'm biased.

TWEET - toomuchracing Pat W
They want to bring Belle Isle back... that's even worse for IndyCar. I liked the ALMS there though

TWEET - 99forever Steph@MoreFrontWing
Interesting. TK refutes Cavin's story and says he's not signed at KV. #indycar

Ten laps remain and it is still Power, Castroneves, Briscoe, Franchitti, Dixon, Pantano, Hinchcliffe, Bourdais, Rahal, and Viso.

YELLOW Flag - Ho-Pin Tung slides out of control and into a tire wall - look out for a crazy restart as the cars get bunched up. Power looses about a 20 second cushion to the YELLOW Flag full course caution.

TWEET - IndyCar IZOD IndyCar Series
Full course Yellow for incident in Turn 9 involving #88 Ho-Pin Tung cot.ag/d3QLxP

Restart cones are clearly defined and Power looses an advantage as to surprising the rest of the drivers as to when he will apply the fuel peddle to take off on the GREEN Flag.

Penske is sitting at 1-2-3 so, to be frank, who knows what Will Power is talking about.

TWEET - IndyCar IZOD IndyCar Series
Back to Green @InfineonRaceway. cot.ag/d3QLxP

GREEN, GREEN, GREEN LAP 70 - Will Power gets the advantage and everyone comes back into station. Franchitti baubles and Dixon holds everyone else off.

TWEET - shagers Shane Rogers
Double file restarts are the best thing for these mickey mouse road courses. Drivers hate them, but they are awesome.

TWEET - SBPopOffValve Mr. Pop Off Valve
SATO DOES NOT RESPECT HIS BRAKES.

Saavedra and Conway get together and up the dirt bank on the last lap pushing hard for position.

Top 10 with four laps to go - Power, Castroneves, Briscoe, Franchitti, Dixon, Pantano, Bourdais, Hinchcliffe, Rahal, and Viso.

Verizon Penske Racing's Will Power takes the Checkered Flag at Infineon Raceway, Sears Point, in the Sonoma Valley. Image Credit: Chris Jones via IZOD IndyCar Series

Will Power gets maximum points and wins the race. This will be his 5th win of the season and the most by any driver this season. Gains 20 points on the event and moves from being 46 points to 26 points down with only four races to go in the season.

TWEET - toomuchracing Pat W
Chequered. Snoozefest. Power and his teammates held station for the duration, followed by Dario and Dixon.

TWEET - racintoday Jim Pedley
Power Cruises At Infineon bit.ly/rhPlBs #indycar

TWEET - toomuchracing Pat W
Great drive by Pantano to take 6th in Wilson's car after not racing these cars for 6 years (and only then he did two starts).

TWEET - FollowAndretti Andretti Autosport
Checkered flag at @InfineonRaceway. Ryan 11, Mike 17, Danica 21, Marco 24.

TWEET -in dy44 Matt Archuleta
Ckrd Power Helio Briscoe Dario Dixon Pantano Bourdais Hinch Rahal Viso RHR Servia Plowman Ana Saavedra Pagenaud Conway Sato Jakes Tagliani

Will Power jumps once again into the wall of confetti at the winner's podium. Image Credit: Chris Jones via IZOD IndyCar Series

TWEET - JamieLittleESPN Jamie Little
Penske sweeps the podium at Sonoma and Sweeps the @NASCAR and @IndyCar this weekend!

Post race interview has Power saying, "It was just a perfect race. This one is pretty important. I have been unbelievably motivated after a few bad races this season. I knew that Verizon Team Penske was better than this as a team and we came here with a good set-up, finished strong and we are on the right track now ... Verizon baby, we are back on top now!"

Fingers Up - Will Power was fined $30,000 for a gesture not too dis-similar to this gesture. That's right, Will was fined about $15,000 a finger when he showed his initial displeasure toward Brian Barnhart and the folks at Race Control at the decision to restart the race at Loudon, New Hampshire. At least Power has the sense of humor to mimic his fine-able action of a couple of weeks ago. Image Credit: Chris Jones via IZOD IndyCar Series

Next up, a shiny, brand new temporary street course in Baltimore will have all teams searching for what will work. Penske had the "special sauce" here at Infineon Raceway but will they be able to maintain the edge and keep Dario and the Target Chip Ganassi racing team at bay. Thank God that hurricane Irene decided to show up on the East coast this week so everything remains on track for the season.

... notes from The EDJE


[Article first published as Will Power's Rally In The Valley - IZOD IndyCar Series Race 14 of 18 on Technorati]