IPS: IRL: Indy Racing League News and Notes 2006-06-15

INDY RACING LEAGUE NEWS AND NOTES -- June 15, 2006

Today's IRL headlines
1. Camara gets taste of IndyCar Series machine
2. Herta visits XM Satellite Radio
3. Ganassi's success pays off track, too
4. Of note

1. Camara gets taste of IndyCar Series machine: Jaime Camara learned a few things during a testing session at the 1.33-mile Nashville Superspeedway on June 16. So did Andretti Green Racing principals.

Camara completed 90 laps in the No. 11 Team 7-Eleven Dallara/Honda/Firestone -- his first testing in an IndyCar Series car. The session was a result of the Indy Racing League's new testing program that allows IndyCar Series teams that field full-time entries in the Indy Pro Series to earn a bonus test for their IndyCar Series program after every four races (up to six extra test days for a two-car effort).

"The test went really well," said Camara, driver of the No. 11 CELG car in the Indy Pro Series. "I didn't know exactly what to expect when I got in the car because an IndyCar has a lot more downforce, grip and power than I'm used to. You feel a lot more G forces in the car at a place like Nashville because I have to lift in my (Pro Series) car, but there was no lifting in the IndyCar."

Andretti Green Racing president Kim Green believes that the Indy Racing League's new testing policy is beneficial to the development of Indy Pro Series drivers.

"This is a great opportunity for a young driver like Jaime, who has shown a lot of potential in the Indy Pro Series," Green said. "It's also important for AGR to help develop young drivers, which is something we always have an interest in."

Camara shared seat time with 2004 IndyCar Series champion Tony Kanaan, who set up the car for a smooth transition.

"I was able to tell Tony what I was feeling in the car and then he would tell the engineers what he thought we should do to the car to make it better for me," Camara said. "It was great to have him there to help me."

From the first lap, it was evident that Camara was comfortable in the car. The Brazilian turned laps within two-tenths of a second of Kanaan's quickest time in the test. Camara hopes the test will lead to a full-time ride in the IndyCar Series in the near future.

"An IndyCar ride is not easy to find, but I'm going to try to find one for 2007," Camara said. "This test was a big step in my career and I think I showed the team that I can do a good job in an IndyCar."

2. Herta visits XM Satellite Radio: Andretti Green Racing driver Bryan Herta will appear at the headquarters of his car's primary sponsor XM Satellite Radio on June 20.

Herta will be joined by members of his crew and the XM Satellite Radio transporter for XM's "Partner Day." An IRL street-worthy 2-seater also will be available.

Herta will also be featured on a pair of XM programs throughout the day. He will appear on the "Ron & Fez Show" (XM202, High Voltage) and on "Broadminded" (XM 155, Take 5).

3. Ganassi's success pays off track, too: Target Chip Ganassi Racing's resurgence in the IndyCar Series also has paid dividends for St. Jude Research Hospital and Target House.

Since 1997, Target Chip Ganassi Racing has raised more than $380,000 for St. Jude and Target House by donating $5,000 for each victory, $1,000 for each pole position and $25 for each lap led.

Heading into this weekend's SunTrust Indy Challenge presented by XM Satellite Radio, Scott Dixon and Dan Wheldon have combined to lead 401 laps ($10,025) and win two races ($10,000), raising more than $20,000 for the Memphis, Tenn-based children's hospital this season.

4. Of note: For the second consecutive year, Scott Dixon donated the laurel wreath he received for winning the Watkins Glen Indy Grand Prix to the Seneca Lodge where it hangs on the hotel's Wall of Fame. -- Dixon has started fourth or better in each IndyCar Series event this season, while Helio Castroneves has started in the top five in each event. -- Rahal Letterman Racing announced that Brian Roemer has joined the team as vice president of sales and marketing. Roemer spent the last six years as the Director of Marketing for Michigan-based Sports Management Network, Inc, where he worked with a wide array of sponsors, teams and drivers including 2006 Indianapolis 500 winner Sam Hornish Jr. and Mario, Michael and Marco Andretti. -- 1996 Indianapolis 500 winner Buddy Lazier and Dreyer & Reinbold Racing co-owner Robbie Buhl will visit Virginia Commonwealth Hospital on June 22 on behalf of Racing for Kids.

***

The 2006 IRL IndyCar Series continues with the SunTrust Indy Challenge presented by XM Satellite Radio at 8 p.m. (EDT) on June 24 at Richmond International Raceway. The race will be televised live by ESPN2 and the IMS Radio Network. A Spanish-language telecast of the race will be carried by ESPN Deportes. The IMS Radio Network broadcast also is carried on XM Satellite Radio channel 145 "IndyCar Racing" and www.indycar.com. The fifth season of Indy Pro Series competition continues with the Liberty Challenge on July 1 on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. The race will be telecast by ESPN2 at 2 p.m. on July 6.

-irl