Pit Notes       
Issue No. 1 // February 7, 2007 
Media Contact:  Tip Nunn  // Tipnunn@comcast.net  // 303.526.0994
  Al Larsen // Alan.Larsen@andrettigreenracing.com // 317.872.2700

IndyCar Series Gets First Full Test with 100% Fuel Grade Ethanol
 Over the past few seasons the IndyCar Series has gradually been making the move to a 100 percent fuel grade ethanol fuel mixture and the drivers got their first chance to test the renewable fuel at Daytona earlier this month.  The big difference is that the drivers tell us there is no difference with the new fuel.  The IndyCar Series is the first motorsports series to run on a renewable fuel.
 “The car runs the same and you can't tell the difference,” said Target Chip Ganassi Racing driver Scott Dixon.  “The only difference is that it smells better.” 
      The fumes - or lack of fumes - were also noted by Andretti Green Racing driver Dario Franchitti who noted that in the past drivers had to adjust to fumes that bothered their eyes and the new ethanol fuel seems to have eliminated that problem.
      “The new fuel is better for the environment, fuel efficient and hasn't affected engine performance,” said St. Petersburg resident and 2005 Honda Grand Prix champion Dan Wheldon.
      The drivers will get their next test with the new fuel later this month when the Series has an open test scheduled for Feb. 21 and 22 at Homestead Miami Speedway.

American LeMans Series Looking Ahead to Renewable Fuels
 The American LeMans Series, which will make its St. Petersburg debut on Saturday, March 30, announced today that it will use ethanol-enriched fuel for the 2007 racing season.  The organization has partnered with the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC) to make E10, “the official ethanol-enriched fuel” of the series.  All cars in each class will be using gasoline enriched with 10% ethanol for the entire season.

2006 Honda Grand Prix Champ Helio Castroneves Gives Pep Talk to Indianapolis Colts
 The Friday before Super Bowl XLI, reigning Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg champion Helio Castroneves gave a pep talk to the Indianapolis Colts at their practice facility in Miami.  Castroneves was invited to address the team by Colts head coach Tony Dungy and the Team Penske driver shared his thoughts on how to prepare for the biggest game in your sport.  Dungy and Castroneves have been friends for some time and Dungy visited the Penske pits during preparations at last year's Indianapolis 500.  There was no official word on what motivational insight Castroneves provided to the Colts, but it appeared to have worked, as the Colts defeated the Chicago Bears last Sunday.

Hospitality Suites and Rooftop Hospitality Chalets Popular at Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
      Tim Ramsberger, Vice President and General Manager of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg tells us there are very few Pit Lane VIP Hospitality Suites left for this year's event and that there is a waiting list for Rooftop Hospitality Village Chalet packages.  This year, the Honda Grand Prix will have 45 VIP Pit Lane Hospitality Suites, an increase of nine additional suites from 2006 and 18 additional suites from 2005.  All of the suites are expected to be sold before race week.  Those interested in purchasing Hospitality or Sponsorship Packages should contact Tim Ramsberger at the Honda Grand Prix at 727.898.INDY ext. 228.