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Indy-related News Odd's 'n Ends
By Andrew Cutler April 11 2008
Yes, there is a reason why it's called the IndyCar Series. Even though there are two more races between now & then (I am counting the Motegi/Long Beach weekend as ONE event), the media build-up to the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500 has already begun.

It started on Tuesday when it was announced that aspiring country music singer - and driver Helio Castroneves' trainer/partner during his "Dancing with the Stars" TV stint - Julianne Hough will be performing the US national anthem during the pre-race cerimonies. Furthermore, long-time crowd favorite Jim Nabors will once again be on hand to sing "Back Home Again in Indiana". An illness forced Nabors to miss last year's race.

Tuesday also saw a press conference with IndyCar Series veteran Sarah Fisher, who will run a limited schedule this year, starting at Indy. Fisher announced an new major sponsor for her team, ResQ Pure Power Energy Drink, and talked about her plans for the rest of 2008 & 2009. She will drive at Kentucky and Chicago this year, and plans to attend all of the oval races on the 2009 schedule.   

Then, on Wednesday, two time Indy 500 champion - and two time F1 world champion - Emmerson Fittipaldi was at IMS to take a "shake-down" run the the Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car, which he will pilot during the race. Afterwards, he took part in a press conference to discuss his views of the car, the recent events in the IndyCar Series and just to let the media know what he has been up to in recent years.

It was also announced that day that former Indy 500 winner - and F1 driver - Eddie Cheever will be joining the ABC/ESPN network's regular IndyCar duo of Marty Reid & Scott Goodyear in the broadcast booth during qualifications and on race day. "I look forward to bringing the fans the sights and sounds of all the great events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this month of May. Although I will miss sitting on the grid, I hear the view from the announcer's booth is pretty good." 

One further piece of news from Wednesday: Ganassi Racing has struck a deal with Rahal-Letterman Racing whereby 2007 Indy Pro (as it was called until recently) champion Alex Lloyd will attempt to make the Indy 500 field, car & crew provided by RLR. This will mark the IndyCar Series debut for the young Englishman, who had signed a "developmental" deal with Ganassi late last year, in which he was promised the opportunity to run a limited schedule in 2008.  

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