Ground broken on IndyCar chassis maker’s future home
The town of Speedway, Indiana took another step forward yesterday in its current redevelopment as it helped break ground on the new IndyCar manufacturing facility for chassis maker Dallara.
In addition to being the home of the next generation of open-wheel machines, the center will also house the Indy Racing Experience and its exciting IndyCar two-seater program. A restaurant, driving simulator and interactive area for fans are also planned.
The Speedway Redevelopment Commission said in a release that Dallara is expected to move into the center on Speedway’s Main Street this coming winter. Dallara’s first facility outside of its Parma, Italy headquarters will produce more than 80 jobs and provide investment in the local economy.
“Today’s celebration truly embodies the spirit of Speedway and marks a major milestone in our town’s redevelopment vision,” said SRC president Vince Noblet in the release. “As the home to the greatest spectacle in racing, the Indianapolis 500, we are proud to be a part of the continued success of the motorsports industry in Indiana and the world.”
Dallara will design the Safety Cell foundation for the new IndyCars in Italy, but will have development, production and testing in the new Speedway plant.
But if you think the plant will just be IndyCar-related, think again. Curt Cavin’s piece on the subject features comments from Dallara founder Gian Paolo Dallara that may give an idea of what his company will be up to in Speedway outside of creating IndyCars…
Time’s up: Deadline passes on 2012 engine programs
It appears that it’ll be a two-horse race in 2012 as far as IndyCar engine manufacturers are concerned. Despiterumblings aboutFiat being interested in becoming the third engine brand for 2012, only Chevrolet and Honda look set after the deadline for declaring intention passed last night.
Rumors about Fiat’s potential involvement intensified last week as Chevrolet and GM announced that they’d return to IndyCar after leaving the sport following the 2005 season. One of them had Alfa Romeo, a Fiat brand, teaming up with engine maker Cosworth for a 2012 program.
Karam, Andretti Autosport move to Star Mazda
U.S. Formula 2000 champ Sage Karam, 15, will move up the ‘Road to Indy’ ladder to the Star Mazda series with Andretti Autosport next season. With this move, the team now has programs in all four ‘Road to Indy’ series (USF2000, Star Mazda, Firestone Indy Lights, IZOD IndyCar Series).
Karam won nine races last season en route to winning the USF2000 crown. His reward: A $350,000 sponsorship package from Mazda to help him move up to Star Mazda. Mattress manufacturer Comfort Revolution will be his primary backer in 2011.
Infineon, Iowa tix on sale now
Infineon Raceway is now selling tickets for next year’s Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma (Aug. 26-28). To purchase ducats, call 800-870-RACE, go online to infineonraceway.com or ticketmaster.com, or stop by the track and talk with an account representative.
Meanwhile, 2011 season tickets are now for sale at Iowa Speedway starting at $129. The IndyCars are scheduled to make their nighttime debut at the 7/8-mile oval on June 25. Go to iowaspeedway.com for more details.
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Some materials used in this article were taken from league press releases.
