Castroneves is out for revenge
Associated Press
EDMONTON, Alberta
Helio Castroneves is returning to Edmonton to defend a win he says was stolen from him.
“I can’t wait to be there to turn my season around and get my second victory in a row for Edmonton,” he said. “Unfortunately the series didn’t agree with me.”
Castroneves finished first at Edmonton’s City Centre Airport last year, but was cited for blocking Team Penske teammate Will Power three laps from the finish. The drive-through penalty dropped Castroneves to 10th and Scott Dixon was declared the winner even though he didn’t run one lap in front.
The ruling sent Castroneves into a rage, and he had to be restrained after he stormed the race officials’ tower.
“I don’t agree with what they did, but you have to move on,” the 36-year-old Brazilian said.
A.J. Foyt stays with Honda
INDIANAPOLIS
A.J. Foyt will do anything to win next season — even if it takes a Japanese engine manufacturer to put him in Victory Lane.
Yes, IndyCar’s career leader in victories and a major proponent of American racers said Tuesday his team will go with the Honda engine in 2012.
It’s the first time since 2005 that IndyCar owners have had a choice of engines, and Foyt is the third prominent team owner to announce his choice. He joins Chip Ganassi as the second to go with Honda, the sole engine supplier for the IndyCar Series since 2006. To the Houston native, the reasoning was simple.
“The people at Honda have been very good to us through the years and when I asked them a question, they always answered honestly,” Foyt said. “So you want to stay with people who are truthful with you. I did talk to Chevy and they have been very good to us through the years, too, but we have to find a way to get back to Victory Circle.”
New crew chief
CONCORD, N.C.
Juan Pablo Montoya will have a new crew chief when he returns next week to Indianapolis Motor Speedway because his team replaced Brian Pattie.
Jim Pohlman will immediately take over as crew chief on an interim basis, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing announced. Pohlman has been with the organization since 2006 in various jobs.
“We are pleased to be able to have someone of Jim’s caliber to be able to place into this role,” team owner Chip Ganassi said in a statement. “Jim has been with us a number of years and I have confidence in his abilities to move the team forward.”