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11/17/11 - STEELSERIES AND IGNITE GAME TECHNOLOGIES INTRODUCE THE SIMRACEWAY® SRW-SI STEERING WHEEL
CHICAGO and SAN FRANCISCO – Nov. 17, 2011 –
SteelSeries, the leading manufacturer of premium-quality, competitive gaming peripherals and Ignite Game Technologies, creators of groundbreaking auto racing platform Simraceway®, today introduced the Simraceway® SRW-S1 Steering Wheel, an affordable, high-performance PC controller that aims to open up a whole new racing world to players frustrated by the limitations of joypads.
A handheld hybrid racing controller that combines the features and functions of a high-end wheel with the portability and convenience of a joypad, the SRW-S1 includes a motion-sensor for steering and a patent-pending throttle and brake paddle system for a fully simulated driving experience without the need for floor pedals.
Designed, tested and approved by a team of champion drivers, including four-time IndyCar Series winner Dario Franchitti, double Indy 500 Champion, the late, great and much missed, Dan Wheldon, and SimRacing stars David Greco and Bruno Marques, the new wheel brings racing game players complete customizability and original features that will enhance their PC racing experience.
“When we set out in 2008 to create a new kind of racing game, one of the first issues we had to confront was the age-old ‘interface problem’,” said Ignite CEO Jonathan Haswell. “For decades now, racing game players have been faced with the unenviable choice of spending a huge amount of money on a wheel-and-pedal set that is tricky to set up, store and transport or settling for a binary joypad that simply isn’t fit-for-purpose.
“It soon became clear that the only solution was to produce something completely new and unique. A controller that would be affordable enough for those who can’t justify spending fortunes on top-end racing wheels but authentic enough to convey the full exhilaration of the virtual racing experience. We were honored that a company with the reputation of SteelSeries understood the direction we wanted to head in and we’re overjoyed with what they’ve managed to produce for us.”
“We’ve been working with the Ignite team and their professional drivers for the past year to really perfect the wheel’s design and functionality,” added SteelSeries CEO, Bruce Hawver. “We’re confident in the success of this peripheral; we’ve combined feedback about its design from its rubberized grips to shift lighting along with the features that are found in true racing wheels, that Indy 500, F1 and simulated racing drivers need and use. The wheel’s original functionalities, price and its compatibility with virtually every PC racing game on the market, makes it a truly unparalleled product.”
The SRW-S1 Steering Wheel features include:
· Portability and Authenticity
Unique hybrid design brings a true-to-life racing experience to your laptop or desktop computer without the set-up, storage or transportation hassles of a wheel-and-pedal set.
· Full Range Acceleration and Braking
A patent-pending, hand-controlled paddle system on the rear of the wheel produces full-range acceleration and braking, providing drivers with the same subtlety of control as high-end wheel sets and real-world cars.
· Optimized Design
Over 20 on-wheel buttons and dials, each one optimized for easy access, and two ergonomically-designed rubberized grips ensure drivers stay in complete control.
· Plug-and-Play with Simraceway
No complicated configuration required when used with Simraceway. No device drivers to load, no bamboozling set-up process to follow—simply plug-and-race.
· Compatible with PC Racing Games
Can be used with most PC racing games although some features, including the Assists dials and the shift indicator LEDs, may not be compatible with certain titles.
· Complete Customizability
Many of the SRW-S1 Steering Wheel’s controls can be customized to suit the driving and gaming preferences of individual players.
Find out more about the simulated racing experience at http://simraceway.com
The Simraceway SRW-S1 Steering Wheel is available now online in the SteelSeries Web Shop for $119.99 / €119.99 MSRP. For more information about the Simraceway® SRW-S1 Steering Wheel please visit http://steelseries.com/srws1. Be sure to follow SteelSeries and Simraceway on Facebook at http://facebook.com/steelseries and http://facebook.com/simraceway.
About Ignite Technologies
Ignite Game Technologies is a Silicon Valley-based online gaming company founded in 2008 by skill-quantification experts Jonathan Haswell and James Synge to produce a new kind of racing game. The title, called Simraceway, launched in the fall of 2011. The company counts four-time IndyCar Series winner Dario Franchitti among its physics development team and benefited greatly from the expertise of double Indy 500 winner, the late, great and much missed Dan Wheldon. It also has the distinction of being able to leverage a permanent real-world racing facility—the Simraceway Performance Driving Center, based at Infineon Raceway—for R&D. To date Ignite has raised $12.2 million.
About Simraceway
Simraceway is an online racing world that offers live, person-to-person racing, utilizing highly-accurate, simulation-grade driving physics and proprietary middleware for player skill quantification in order to match racers by skill level. It leverages a client-server model similar to those on popular online games such as World of Warcraft™ and features current and historic licensed content from a variety of auto and racing brands including Bentley™, Bugatti™, Mitsubishi™ and Saleen™. Its continually-evolving racing environment will be constantly supplemented with new features and content to fully reflect the fast-moving, real-world motor racing scene.
About SteelSeries
SteelSeries is a leading manufacturer of gaming peripherals, including headsets, keyboards, mice, software and gaming surfaces. For the past decade, SteelSeries has been on the forefront of competitive gaming gear thanks to continued innovation and product development in cooperation with leading professional gaming teams. SteelSeries also helps to support the growth of competitive gaming tournaments and electronic sports leagues through professional team sponsorships, partnerships, and community support all over the world. For more information, please visit http://steelseries.com.
For SteelSeries media inquiries:
Tori Pugliese
PR for SteelSeries
203-605-4028
tori@steelseries.com
For Ignite media inquiries:
Sean Stevens
Atomic PR
415-593-1400
sean@atomicpr.com
06/23/11 - Nascar is in town!!
Wishing the best to all of our instructrors driving this weekend!
04/28/11 - Congratulations to our instructor Jeff Westphal
Westphal takes first place in the MFEST Tuner Challenge time attack! He won by over 6 seconds using the Gintani-supercharged M3.
04/09/11 - Continental Challenge - Barber 200
Congratulations to our instructors on their positive race results!
First goes to our very own Matt Bell who finished in 5th place in the GS Class. Next goes to dual team of Nico Rondet and Jeff Westphal for their top ten finish in the ST Class.
03/19/11 - ALMS - 12 hrs of Sebring
Good luck to Jim Russell Racing Instructors Ken Dobson and Dane Cameron , in the American LeMans Series - 12 Hours of Sebring race this Saturday. Ken will be driving the #052, Dane the #036, both in the LMPC class.
03/04/11 - General Tire -- G-MAX AS-03
General Tire introduced the G-MAX AS-03, Ultra-High Performance, All-Season tire for drivers of sport performance vehicles at Infineon Raceway March 1-3, 2011. The target driver for this tire is one that prefers responsive handling, excellent wet grip and snow traction in addition to long wear and a smooth ride. Drivers tested the G-MAX against its competitors in the areas of dry & wet handling autocross, while behind the wheel of an Audi TTS, Chevy Camaro, Mitsubishi Evo X, Ford Mustang and more!
08/16/10 - SAM SCHMIDT MOTORSPORTS TEAMS WITH JIM RUSSELL RACING DRIVERS SCHOOL TO GIVE A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY
INDIANAPOLIS -- Sam Schmidt Motorsports, in conjunction with the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School, have awarded up-and-coming driver Alex Ellis a one-race deal to run the Carneros 100 at the Infineon Raceway during the Firestone Indy Lights weekend of August 22nd.
To provide Ellis the opportunity to run a Firestone Indy Lights car gives team owner, Sam Schmidt, great satisfaction.
He said, "Sam Schmidt Motorsports is honored to work with Chip Pankow and the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School to provide this series champion with a Firestone Indy Lights test and seat for the upcoming Carneros 100 event at Infineon Raceway."
Ellis was awarded a test day and the race weekend as his prize for winning the "Race of Champions" title, a run-off consisting of six races among six invited participants on different variations of the Infineon Raceway. Ellis earned the prize in a close battle by winning the final two events in the championship.
"Chip has a fantastic west coast series utilizing advanced Lola F3 cars providing an intense, economic, and valuable experience for up-and-coming drivers," Schmidt said.
The test for Ellis took place on August 11th at Putnam Park. He completed 200 miles flawlessly, and he was given the green light by the Firestone Indy Lights officials to receive a competition license and race during the August 22nd weekend.
"At Putnam Park, Alex proved the Jim Russell series and school was a great learning tool as he adapted quickly to the Firestone Indy Lights chassis and turned really impressive times," Schmidt said. "I'm quite positive that,
combined with a full day test and his knowledge already of Infineon Raceway, he will have a very good run during the upcoming race."
Schmidt hopes to see more programs like this to give potential up-and-coming talent a shot in the higher ranks of the American formula car ladder.
"As a series, Firestone Indy Lights needs to foster more relationships such as the Jim Russell scholarship program as this is a system for our future stars," Schmidt said.
For the 18-year old from St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, the whole experience has been a dream come true for Ellis. Having to win one run-off just to earn his spot in the Race of Champions run-off, he has shown that he's a fast learner, quick to adapt, and not afraid of the pressure. He's had fun every step of the way, and the taste he's had during his initial test is fueling his excitement to get behind the wheel for race weekend.
"It's all happened so fast, but just the way I'd like it to," Ellis said. "I'm really pleased with the professionalism of Sam Schmidt Motorsports, and I'm really enjoying the support from Jim Russell. The last few days have been a blur, but I have loved every second of it. I just can't wait to get on track again at Infineon."
The young driver's initial taste of the car was a joy for Ellis, who was surprised at how quickly he was able to adapt to the vehicle.
He said, "The test at Putnam Park went amazingly well. I was so pleased with how quickly I was able to get up to speed in the car. As odd as it sounds, I feel that the faster a car gets, the more power and grip that I have, I feel more at home and comfortable. I love the Firestone Indy Lights car as it is a truly fast vehicle. The transition wasn't that hard to make. Jim Russell's FJR-50 is a great car to prepare a driver for a high level of racing due to its high horsepower and relative lack of overall grip. This made the Indy Lights car feel more solid and a pleasure to drive."
Ellis has raced since the age of 14. He began by racing an F1-K arrive-and-drive style go-kart in 2006 and proved to be a quick learner. From then until the end of 2007, he raced in various karting divisions, including the SKUSA Florida Winter Tour and SRFKC Rotax Series where he had
five top-five finishes in six starts. In 2008, he competed in Formula 1200 and won five races along with 11 podiums in 15 races. He transitioned to the Formula BMW USA Americas Championship in 2009 where, despite not having any pre-season testing, earned three podiums, two fastest laps, and a pole position en route to third in the rookie standings and sixth in the overall standings. Later that year, he won one of two scholarships in the Jim
Russell Future Driver Search, allowing him to compete and eventually win the Jim Russell "Race of Champions" series. For more information on Ellis, visit www.alexellis.ca.
The Jim Russell Racing Drivers School offers a complete driver training program that includes instruction from some of the finest coaches in the world, technical instruction from industry leaders, and educational seminars on being a complete racing driver. The school is the only racing school in the world to offer modern F3 racecars as their learning platform. With the addition of Mitsubishi Motors, Jim Russell has increased its breadth and depth of programs available to consumers to experience an automobile for themselves, experience the product differentiation for themselves and help
build brand loyalty. Jim Russell Racing Drivers School is located in Turn 1 of Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California. For more information, visit www.jimrussellusa.com.
Sam Schmidt Motorsports has been the dominating force and all-time win leader of Firestone Indy Lights having won 36 races to date (including four Freedom 100 victories) and three driver championships. The 2010 Firestone Indy Lights season continues on August 21st when practice begins at the Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California. Coverage of the event will be available on indycar.com and firestoneindylights.com. For more information on the team, visit www.samschmidtmotorsports.com.
For more information on Firestone Indy Lights, visit
www.firestoneindylights.com.
06/15/10 - ELLIS SNATCHES EARLY ADVANTAGE IN JIM RUSSELL “RACE OF CHAMPIONS”
Left to right: Gary Carlton, Greg Liefooghe, Alex Ellis, Brett Smrz, Nick Galante and Aleks Altberg (photo courtesy of Pat Barrett)
Alex Ellis (St Catharines, Ontario, Canada) has snatched an early points lead in the Jim Russell “Race of Champions” shoot-out after placing first & second in the opening races at the Infineon Raceway in Sonoma yesterday (June 12).
Ellis leads from fellow 2010 Future Driver Gary Carlton by two points after two of the scheduled six race invitational competition which runs June-August which sees the outright points winner claiming a seat in Round 9 of the Firestone Indy Lights at the Infineon Raceway.
Qualifying had been tight with the two Future Drivers filling the front row after 2008 & ’09 JRCS champion Brett Smrz made a slight mistake on his best lap and would occupy the inside of row two aiming to put his JRCS experience to good effect in the two twenty-five minute races.
Pole-setter Carlton led away Ellis at the green light of Race One with Smrz pressing the two “rookies” but the Canadian dived into the lead at Turn 2 with Carlton spinning down the field on the next lap allowing Smrz to close in Ellis.
Ellis maintained a 1.2secs advantage on Lap 10 while Carlton reduced a 18secs deficit and overtook Galante in Turn Seven on lap 11 before applying intense pressure to Altberg for third place.
In Race Two, pole-sitter Carlton and Ellis exchanged the lead on the opening lap, Gary taking the advantage when Alex lost time in Turn 9 while Liefooghe overtook Altberg for fifth position on lap four. Carlton extended his lead to 3.6secs by mid-distance before backing off while Smrz chased Ellis for second. Carlton took the checker 2.5secs ahead of Ellis who finished 1.4secs ahead of Smrz.
Brett Smrz (Coeur d' Alene, ID) - 2009 JRCS Outright Champion:
Race 1 Result: 2nd. Race 2 Result: 3rd. Championship position: 3rd, 15-points.
“I put the pressure on today but couldn't quite pull it out. I've knocked the rust off and Gary Carlton and Alex Ellis had better be looking out for me next month!"
Nick Galante (Novato, CA) - 2009 JRCS Masters Champion:
Race 1 Result: 5th. Race 2 Result: 4th. Championship position: 4th, 11-points.
"It's great to finally get in the car this season. The level of competition and the car are bar none and I am definitely planning on giving those guys a run in the next couple of races."
Greg Liefooghe (San Francisco, CA) - 2009 JRCS Runner Up:
Race 1 Result: 6th. Race 2 Result: 5th. Championship position: 6th, 9-points.
Aleksander Altberg (San Francisco, CA) - 2009 JRCS “Rookie of the Year”:
Race 1 Result: 3rd. Race 2 Result: 6th. Championship position: 5th, 11-points.
Gary Carlton (Marysville, CA) - Jim Russell 2010 Future Driver:
Race 1 Result: 4th. Race 2 Result: 1st. Championship position: 2nd, 16-points.
"These were my first ever proper races in single-seaters. I've never been behind someone or had real pressure before so I learned a lot from the first race. I took what I learned and applied it to the second race, it was a steep learning curve but I pulled out the win so I am happy about that. I am definitely looking forward to the next races in July."
Alex Ellis (St Catharines, Ontario, Canada) – Jim Russell 2010 Future Driver:
Race 1 Result: 1st. Race 2 Result: 2nd. Championship position: 1st, 18-points.
“It would have been nice to take both the wins today but I was really hot on my tires the entire first race. It left myself with not much for the second race, the front tires were just about done, and I had to be really aware of that. That made it a battle to keep Smrz behind me the whole race and that became my focus. I can now look forward to next month and hope to maintain my championship lead."
All drove identical FJR-50 single-seaters owned and prepared in house by the Jim Russell Championship Series ensuring equality and placing the emphasis of success on driver talent. The Lola-built Formula Three machines feature a carbon/kevlar fiber composite monocoque, a sequential five-speed gearbox and a two-liter, turbocharged Mitsubishi engine producing 300bhp.
The next two rounds are staged on July 9 with the concluding races on August 6 with the champion going forward to the Indy Lights Carneros 100 race at Sonoma on August 22.
Visit www.jimrussellusa.com for more information.
Results:
Qualifying (for Races 1 & 2);
1. Gary Carlton, 1.37.61
2. Alex Ellis, 1.37.98
3. Brett Smrz, 1.38.36
4. Nick Galante, 1.39.95
5. Gregory Liefooghe, 1.40.77
6. Aleksander Altberg, 1.41.07
Race 1:
1. Alex Ellis
2. Brett Smrz
3. Aleksander Altberg
4. Gary Carlton
5. Nick Galante
6. Gregory Liefooghe
Fastest Lap: Gary Carlton, 1:38.991
Race 2:
1. Gary Carlton
2. Alex Ellis
3. Brett Smrz
4. Nick Galante
5. Gregory Liefooghe
6. Aleksander Altberg
Fastest Lap: Gary Carlton, 1:39.638
Jim Russell “Race of Champions” (current standings):
1. Alex Ellis, 18-points
2. Gary Carlton, 16pts
3. Brett Smrz, 15pts
4. Nick Galante, 11pts
5. Aleksander Altberg, 11pts
6. Gregory Liefooghe, 9pts
05/22/10 - JIM RUSSELL “RACE OF CHAMPIONS” OFFERS INDY LIGHTS RACE PRIZE
- Six-race, six driver “shoot-out” at Infineon Raceway
The organizers of the Jim Russell Championship Series are revising the format of this year?s competition. The Jim Russell “Race of Champions” replaces the proposed 2010 Jim Russell Championship Series.
A six-race invitational competition during June-August will now run with the outright points winner claiming a seat in Round 9 of the Firestone Indy Lights at the Infineon Raceway.
“The Jim Russell organization was adamant that we would continue with a meaningful program and one that followed our original goals albeit in a different guise,” commented Chip Pankow, President of the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School.
The Jim Russell “Race of Champions” is certain to feature fierce racing amongst six of the most talented young single-seater drivers in North America. The outright champion, Masters champion, Rookie of the Year and overall runner-up from the 2009 Jim Russell Championship Series along with the 2010 Future Driver winners:
Brett Smrz (Coeur d' Alene, ID) 2009 Outright Champion
Nick Galante (Novato, CA) 2009 Masters Champion
Greg Liefooghe (San Francisco, CA) 2009 Runner Up
Aleksander Altberg (San Francisco, CA) 2009 Rookie of the Year
Gary Carlton (Marysville, CA) 2010 Future Driver
Alex Ellis (St Catharines, Ontario, Canada) 2010 Future Driver
The sextet will drive identical FJR-50 single-seaters owned and prepared in house by the Jim Russell Championship Series ensuring equality and placing the emphasis of success on driver talent. The Lola-built Formula Three machines feature a carbon/kevlar fiber composite monocoque, a sequential five-speed gearbox and a two-liter, turbocharged Mitsubishi engine producing 300bhp.
Two 25-minute races will be staged on June 11, July 9 and August 6 with the outright points scorer winning himself an Indy Lights test day and entry in the Carneros 100 at Sonoma on August 22.
Pankow added: “The Race of Champions winner will benefit from making the step up from a Formula Three car to the bigger, more powerful Indy Lights machine and will have the bonus of knowing the Infineon Raceway very well. Meanwhile the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School remains committed to the development of driving talent with an expanded 2010 tuition schedule.”
04/20/10 - Lancer Evolution Challenge
Mitsubishi Motors North America and the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School will be collaborating on an exciting new contest, Lancer Evolution Challenge that aims to put its winner behind the wheel of a Lancer Evolution sedan.
Beginning now and running through November, the top performer from each session of the Jim Russell Lancer Evolution Experience program will be invited back in December for a final competition. In December, this Lancer Evolution Challenge will allow these top performers to practice their driving, advance their lessons, and test their skills to see how they measure up. The Lancer Evolution Challenge will crown a champion with the grand prize being a fully-paid, year-long loan of a Lancer Evolution MR or other Mitsubishi Motors North America vehicle of choice. The second place Challenge contestant will be awarded a Jim Russell Three Day School of Racing in which they will learn the fundamentals of racing an open wheel racecar in the awesome Formula Three based FJR-50. The third place winner will receive a Jim Russell Karting package to include a Techniques of Karting and an Advanced Karting program.
About Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles, and light trucks through a network of approximately 400 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.
About Jim Russell Racing Drivers School:
The Jim Russell Racing Drivers School offers a complete driver training program that includes instruction from some of the finest coaches in the world, technical instruction from industry leaders, and educational seminars on being a complete racing driver. With the addition of Mitsubishi Motors, Jim Russell has increased its breadth and depth of programs available to consumers to experience an automobile for themselves, experience the product differentiation for themselves and help build brand loyalty. Jim Russell Racing Drivers School is located Turn 1 of Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA. For more information visit www.jimrussellusa.com
07/06/11 - North Nevada Rally Race
Our very own Tim Moser is making us proud this weekend by competing in the North Nevada Rally Race.
Best Wishes Tim!!
05/18/11 - FJR-50 Test Days: Available Now
Now that the rain has subsided, Simraceway Racing School is happy to announce the availability of test days in our FJR-50 open-wheel racecar based on the Lola B06/30 Formula 3 chassis. Cars will be set at full race trim - 300 horsepower. This program is open to semi-pro and professional racers with current racing credentials. Call us today to book your session: 1.800.733.0345 or info@simraceway.com.
04/15/11 - Available Karting Courses
Beginning this month, we have new dates available for our sprint karting courses at the Jim Russell International Karting Center. Open course dates are listed online under Karting Calendar.
03/22/11 - Congratulations on Win! - 12 Hours of Sebring
Congratulations to our instructor, Dane Cameron, and to his team, on their win of the ALMS - 12 Hours of Sebring. They not only won, but qualified on pole, set the fastest lap, and had the most laps led.
03/17/11 - St. Patrick's Day Sobriety Challenge
Infineon Raceway will host the 2nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Sobriety Challenge. The raceway is teaming with the CHP and the Simraceway Racing Drivers School's Highway Survival Program on the event, which is being held purposely on St. Patrick’s Day to bring awareness to the dangers of drinking and driving.
http://www.whowon.com/Results.asp?TrackID=394&StoryID=304452
08/23/10 - 2010 Infineon: Sam Schmidt Motorsports Indy Lights Race Recap
SONOMA, Calif. - J.K. Vernay won the Carneros 100 at the Infineon Raceway on Sunday afternoon, giving him his fifth race victory of the 2010 Firestone Indy Lights season and a 71 point cushion in the season standings over second-place James Hinchcliffe with three races remaining.
Following Vernay home was Pippa Mann who finished in fifth, her career-best finish in Firestone Indy Lights. Starting from seventh, she slotted into eighth on the opening lap. She drove a consistent, mistake-free race, and took advantage of the mistakes of others to move forward through the field. Her left hand was proving to make things difficult for her, but she managed to grit through the pain and endure through the day to bring home a very satisfying result for her and the team.
It was a tough day for the young guns of Sam Schmidt Motorsports. Philip Major finished in 11th and newcomer Alex Ellis finished in 14th. Major had a spin about halfway through the race, and as he was trying to correct it, he collected Martin Plowman. Though Major was able to go on to finish the race, the track position he lost was too much to overcome and regain. It wasn't the finish he wanted, but it was still a finish. He's looking forward to getting back onto the ovals and finishing the season strong in the final three events.
Simraceway's Future Driver Ellis ran impressively in his Firestone Indy Lights debut. Starting from ninth, he moved his way to seventh by Lap 11 of the 40 lap race and stayed there for the next 10 laps. He looked to be on pace to finish where he was running. However, unexpectedly, his car stopped running, and though he was able to get going again for a few laps, his car would eventually die for good. It was a disappointing end to a very strong debut for the 18-year old Canadian who hopes to get more opportunities provided to him such as this one courtesy of the Jim Russell Racing School and Sam Schmidt Motorsports.
The star of the show, however, was Vernay with his win. Starting from pole, he and the top-three took off from the rest of the field. He had Charlie Kimball and James Hinchcliffe chasing him throughout the race, but in the end, Vernay dominated by leading flag-to-flag. It was a welcome result for the Frenchman who had to agonize for the past couple of weeks over the performance he and the team had in Mid-Ohio. The victory gives Vernay a bit of vindication and a lot of confidence heading into the last three events of the 2010 calendar.
From here, it's a very quick turn around for the next event on the Firestone Indy Lights schedule. Sam Schmidt Motorsports will head straight to Illinois for the Chicagoland 100 at the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois. Practice begins on Friday with the race taking place on Saturday at noon ET. Coverage will be available on indycar.com and firestoneindylights.com.
DRIVER NOTES & QUOTES
#7 LUCAS OIL/CJ Motorsport/Sam Schmidt Motorsports Driver J.K. Vernay
- Started first; finished first.
- Leaves Infineon Raceway in points lead with a 71 point lead over second-place.
- Won five races in rookie campaign (St. Pete, Barber Park, The Glen, Toronto, Infineon Raceway).
- Made 10th Firestone Indy Lights start.
- In 2009, competed in Formula 3, highlighted by two wins, and a track record at the Macau street circuit.
"Just a great weekend. After such a disappointing weekend at Mid-Ohio, I really wanted to win here. My family came for this race so it's beautiful for everybody. I'm really happy. We had a good car. I wanted to take care of my tires and wasn't really pushing. We did the fastest lap of the race at the end. You always worry when you have a Safety Car because you never know what will happen, but we won, and it's fantastic for the team."
#11 Sam Schmidt Motorsports Driver Pippa Mann
- Started seventh; finished fifth.
- Fifth-place result is her Firestone Indy Lights career best.
- Leaves Infineon 11th in points.
- In sophomore season of Firestone Indy Lights competition.
- Her first career pole this year was the first for any woman in any event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
- In 2009, had three top-10s with best finish of eighth (Homestead).
"I've had a lot of bad luck with Indy and then the broken hand. This is the potential we thought we had with our best finish so far. I flat-spotted the tires early on, but the Firestone Firehawks hung on. My hand was beaten up, so we sat out most of the morning's practice. The crew has been working really hard, so it was good to be able to give them a good finish. I'm really looking forward to build on this finish and carry on the momentum to the last three oval events of the season."
#49 Sam Schmidt Motorsports Driver Philip Major
- Started 10th; finished 11th.
- Leaves Infineon ninth in points.
- Career best of sixth was accomplished at three consecutive races (Indianapolis, Iowa, and Watkins Glen).
- Made 10th Firestone Indy Lights start.
- In 2009, made 12 starts in British Formula 3 with Carlin Motorsport with best finish of sixth at Spa.
"It's been a tough weekend. We had some small problems with the car, and we got bumped back because of the penalty in qualifying. I had a bit of a moment in the race that sent us to the back. We managed to salvage the race and get back to 11th. It's not bad, but it's not where we wanted to end up. We just need to regroup and look forward to the ovals we have coming up. We're going to focus on Chicago and get in a good mindset for these last few races."
#77 SIMRACEWAY FUTURE DRIVER/Sam Schmidt Motorsports Driver Alex Ellis
- Started ninth; finished 14th.
- Debut Firestone Indy Lights race.
- Earned his seat after winning "Jim Russell Future Driver Award" along with "Race of Champions" crown.
- Since 2006, has raced in karts, Formula 1200, and Formula BMW.
"It was a good race for us. We ran in seventh for most of it. We ran into some mechanical problems. Exiting Turn 2, I shifted up to fourth gear, and the engine just kind of shut off. I think it was some sort of electrical problem. I'm not too sure what it was, but it was a mechanical issue that took us out. I was able to get going again, but eventually, it just died again. It's unfortunate because two of the drivers ahead of me crashed out, and I'm sure I would have had a top-five finish. It would have been nice to have. With only three days in the car, and really, just one day in it coming into this event, not being in the back and being able to challenge for a top-five makes me very happy. It's too bad I couldn't get that result. It would have looked nice, felt really good, and been a great way to cap off my debut. Things happen. I just have to hope that I get another opportunity with Sam Schmidt Motorsports and keep my partnership with the Simraceway Racing Drivers School again. I really feel that with a little bit more time in the car, I can be a front-runner and contender for race wins. I felt awesome in the car. I love it. I'm just looking forward and hoping to get another opportunity. I'm just itching to get back out there."
Team Owner, Sam Schmidt
"A great weekend. As a team, we love coming out to Infineon Raceway as we always seem to do well here, and personally, it's one of the closer races for me. I'm thrilled with the way J.K. and Pippa performed today, and I just wish that Alex would have been able to finish that race. He was impressive the entire weekend, and we couldn't ask for anything more out of him. Philip had a bit of trouble there, but he was able to rebound and cross the checkered-flag. With just three events to go, we're heading to three tracks that we've historically been very competitive on, so I couldn't be more excited to get going and continue pursuing that championship and a few more race wins."
Sam Schmidt Motorsports on the Web
Follow Sam Schmidt Motorsports and its drivers on the web: www.samschmidtmotorsports.com - Sam Schmidt Motorsports Official Site
08/06/10 - CANADA'S ELLIS CLAIMS JIM RUSSELL RACE OF CHAMPIONS TITLE
- Simraceway Future Driver Search winner claims magnificent one-off Firestone Indy Lights race prize
- Two victories in final races earns the young Canadian driver title by seven-points
Alex Ellis (St Catharines, Ontario, Canada) has won the Simraceway “Race of Champions” title after winning the fifth and sixth rounds respectively at the Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA yesterday (August 6).
2010 Simraceway Future Driver Ellis now looks ahead to making his Firestone Indy Lights début at the Infineon Raceway when he contests the Carneros 100 at Sonoma on August 22 – his spectacular prize for triumphing in the Simraceway “shoot-out” races.
Ellis, who celebrates only his 19th birthday next month (September 25), claimed the Simraceway “Race of Champions” title after recording four wins and two seconds in the six-race series which began in June.
"It was a perfect day,” reflected an elated Ellis. “I pulled out the perfect sweep taking pole and then winning both races.
"I am really excited about the prospect of the Indy Lights race. The series is huge and to be able to compete at that level so early in my career is amazing. I want to thank Simraceway for providing this opportunity as without the Future Driver Search path I would not have been able to achieve this so soon.”
Ellis led the six-race competition from the first race in June and ultimately triumphed over fellow Future Driver Search winner Gary Carlton (Marysville, CA) by seven-points. Carlton, a two-time race winner and the only other driver to have won a race, had begun the final two races just two points behind Ellis.
A clean start in Race One saw Ellis take an early lead from pole-position closely pursued by fellow front row starter Nick Galante. By lap three Ellis had extended his lead setting fastest lap of the race with Galante still in his mirrors. On lap 10, Galante dropped a wheel off at the exit of Turn Six allowing Carlton to close the gap but Nick fended off his advances to the checker.
A very close start in Race Two saw Ellis, Galante and Carlton head into Turn 1 as one with Carlton snatching second from Galante around the outside of Turn Two which allowed Ellis to break away, the Canadian extending his lead to over three seconds by lap seven.
“At the Future Driver Search event last December, we saw that Alex had a speed, maturity and great adaptability to changing circumstances and he has gone on to develop these qualities over the season and his poles and wins have been confirmation of what we believed when we chose him,” said double 24 Hours of Le Mans race winner and three-time American Le Mans Series champion Allan McNish, of Scotland.
“In motorsport, results are everything and producing top results under pressure is what makes a champion. Both Alex and Gary Carlton, the other Future Driver we selected and who pushed Alex hard for this fabulous prize, have proven both on and off track that we made the right decisions against very tough opposition. I am proud that we at Jim Russell are a key part in their careers.”
“We knew that Alex [Ellis] was fast and had excellent fundamental abilities when we chose him as our 2010 Future Driver winner and he has further impressed us this season with his maturity, consistency and racecraft,” commented Chip Pankow, President of the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School.
“We have been very pleased with our two Future Driver winners, both have shown the speed, consistency and intelligence necessary of a champion during our ROC events. They have battled against some of the best open wheel drivers with significant experience in the FJR-50 and have come out on top. I am confident that in both cases we made the right decision on our 2010 Future Drivers, the results have proven it.”
Each drove identical FJR-50 single-seaters owned and prepared in house by the Simraceway Championship Series ensuring equality and placing the emphasis of success on driver talent. The Lola-built Formula Three machines feature a carbon/kevlar fiber composite monocoque, a sequential five-speed gearbox and a two-liter, turbocharged Mitsubishi engine producing 300bhp.
Ellis will contest the Firestone Indy Lights race with Sam Schmidt Motorsports, the all-time dominating team in the series which placed three drivers in the top-ten of last year’s championship. The team has scored 34 pole-positions and won 31 Indy Light races.
Jean Karl (J K) Vernay will be out next week to test with the Simraceway Racing Drivers School in an FJR-50 at the Infineon Raceway. Vernay and Ellis will team-up and have full data sharing privileges at the test and during the race at Infineon on Sunday, August 22nd, 2010.
Ellis concluded: “I am eagerly looking forward to the test and then of course the race. I am ecstatic to be representing myself and the Simraceway Racing Drivers School and I plan to do us both proud. My goal is to place in the top-10 but the top-5 would be even better."
Alex Ellis (St Catharines, Ontario, Canada) – Jim Russell 2010 Future Driver:
Race 5 Result: 1st. Race 6 Result: 1st. Championship position: 1st, 56-points.
(Race 1 Result: 1st. Race 2 Result: 2nd. Championship position (after 2 races): 1st, 18-points).
(Race 3 Result: 1st. Race 4 Result: 2nd. Championship position (after 4 races): 1st, 36-points).
Gary Carlton (Marysville, CA) - Jim Russell 2010 Future Driver:
Race 5 Result: 3rd. Race 6 Result: 2nd. Final Championship position: 2nd, 49-points.
(Race 1 Result: 4th. Race 2 Result: 1st. Championship position (after 2 races: 2nd, 16-points).
(Race 3 Result: 2nd. Race 4 Result: 1st. Championship position (after 4 races): 2nd, 34-points).
Nick Galante (Novato, CA) - 2009 JRCS Masters Champion:
Race 5 Result: 2nd. Race 6 Result: 3rd. Final Championship position: 3rd, 40-points.
(Race 1 Result: 5th. Race 2 Result: 4th. Championship position (after 2 races): 4th, 11-points).
(Race 3 Result: 3rd. Race 4 Result: 3rd. Championship position (after 4 races): 3rd, 25-points).
Greg Liefooghe (San Francisco, CA) - 2009 JRCS Runner Up:
Race 5 Result: 4th. Race 6 Result: 4th. Final Championship position: 4th, 33-points.
(Race 1 Result: 6th. Race 2 Result: 5th. Championship position (after 2 races): 6th, 9-points).
(Race 3 Result: 4th. Race 4 Result: 4th. Championship position (after 4 races): 4th, 21-points).
Brett Smrz (Coeur d' Alene, ID) - 2009 JRCS Outright Champion:
Race 5 Result: DNS. Race 6 Result: DNS. Final Championship position: 5th, 15-points).
(Race 1 Result: 2nd. Race 2 Result: 3rd. Championship position (after 2 races): (3rd, 15-points).
(Race 3 Result: Retired. Race 4 Result: DNS. Championship position (after 4 races): 5th, 15-points).
Aleksander Altberg (San Francisco, CA) - 2009 JRCS “Rookie of the Year”:
Race 5 Result: DNS. Race 6 Result: DNS. Final Championship position: 6th, 11-points.
(Race 1 Result: 3rd. Race 2 Result: 6th. Championship position (after 2 races): 5th, 11-points.
(Race 3 Result: DNS. Race 4 Result: DNS. Championship position (after 4 races): 6th, 11-points.
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Results:
Qualifying (for Races 5 & 6):
1. Alex Ellis 1:30.401
2. Nick Galante 1:30.682
3. Gary Carlton 1:30.714
4. Gregory Liefooghe 1:32.521
Race 5:
1. Alex Ellis
2. Nick Galante
3. Gary Carlton
4. Gregory Liefooghe
Fastest Lap: Alex Ellis, 1:30.922
Race 6:
1. Alex Ellis
2. Gary Carlton
3. Nick Galante
4. Gregory Liefooghe
Fastest Lap: Alex Ellis, 1:32.502
Simraceway “Race of Champions” (final standings after 6 races):
1. Alex Ellis, 56-points
2. Gary Carlton, 49-points
3. Nick Galante, 40-points
4. Greg Liefhooge, 33-points
5. Brett Smrz, 15-points
6. Aleksander Altberg, 11-points
06/12/10 - Sprint Karting Cup, June Race Report
Saturday the 12th of June marked the mid-point of the season of the Sprint Karting Cup.
Practice began for the A group with all drivers up to speed on the National Track in the reverse direction. Top of the leader board for the first practice was Leighton Ridgard with a time of 55.48, followed by Greg Evans with a 55.95, and last month’s race winner Ryan Child rounded out the top three with a time of 56.07. In session 2 it was Last month’s pole sitter Kent Lin making his way to the top of the time sheets. Child moved up to P2, as Leighton fell to third quick.
Qualifying saw Kent Lin take his second pole position in as many races with Leighton Ridgard in P2 only .012 of a second behind. P3 was Greg Evans just a tick off the leaders pace while Jeffrey Peterson placed his kart P4. Ryan Child rounded out the top 5 with Matt Greeney and John Palmer filling out the field.
The race got underway with a great start. Kent Lin took the lead from the first turn with Evans sneaking by Ridgard to move into second. It only took Ridgard until the following corner to retake the second spot, and begin the charge back to the rear bumper of Lin. Matt Greeney put a beautiful first lap together moving into the fifth position behind Peterson before getting caught out in the braking zone, and sliding into the tire wall, ending his chances for a podium. Peterson lost touch with the lead three at that point leaving himself a distant P4. Ryan Child, who didn’t make the best of his opening lap tried a pass into the first turn and was not able to pull it off. While all of this action is happening deep in the field, the battle on the racetrack was up front. After the first five laps the running order still showed Lin leading over Ridgard and Evans. As the leaders brought their karts through onto the front straight Ridgard made a bit of a bobble, allowing Evans a look to the inside. Evans took the position into the first turn with a textbook pass. The running order was maintained as the laps began to wind down. Riggard had one last go at Evans into the last turn of the last lap; however, he was not able to make it stick. This unsuccessful pass attempt caused a big loss of momentum allowing Peterson to sneak by claiming the third spot. The finishing order ended up with Kent Lin taking his maiden win of the series with Evans in second, Peterson in third Ridgard fourth followed by Child, Palmer, and Greeney.
B Group began their practice with no clear-cut favorite. The Season started out with George Hoxey taking the first three race wins, but it was Mike Forner who put an end to that streak last month. The First of two sessions ended with Mike Forner atop the board followed by Hoxey, Barry Templin, Scott Davidson, and Michael Schnabel rounded out the top five. Practice two was still Forner up front and the same cast of characters making up the top five with the exception of Schnabel. Michael fell out of the top five leaving a spot open for his good buddy David Walsh. . After practice session two, it was Forner with a time of 56.034 followed by Hoxey at 56.050, and Templin with a 56.183. The pole position was anyone’s for the taking in the upcoming qualifying session.
The Five-lap qualifying session got going with all drivers pushing hard out the gate. When it was all said and done the pole position went to George Hoxey with a time of 56.395 followed by Templin at a 56.425 while Forner fell to third with a time of 56.432. Scott Davidson qualified fourth with Walsh rounding out the top five. Manuel Dacaron found himself in P6, followed by Schnabel P7, Allan Davidson P8 and Robert Polhemus in P9.
Hoxey led at the green flag but by turn three it was Templin who took top spot. Scott Davidson also made a pass in turn three for third over Forner, and the four of these drivers pulled away from the rest of the field. A bit farther back, Schnabel and Walsh had a heated battle for sixth spot. Schnabel was able to maintain the upper hand until he dropped the right side tires entering the front straight, opening the door for Walsh to get by. In the meantime, it was Hoxey, Forner and Davidson putting on a show as they battled hard for the second spot. The three of them battled the entire race leaving Barry Templin out front to claim his first race of the year. Davidson was able to hold off the charge of Hoxey to finish second, Forner ended up fourth, and Dacaron filled out the top five. Walsh held off Schnabel to claim sixth while Allan Davidson brought it home eighth followed by Robert Polhemus.
04/21/10 - Announcing a new half day format for the Jim Russell Grand Prix Masters program
Experience the F3 based FJR-50 for under $1000
For those who simply want the thrill of driving a race car, the Jim Russell Grand Prix Masters program is it. Start with a driver’s meeting, then get fitted for your race car: driver safety gear, seat, belts and pedals. Next, it’s a cockpit procedures debrief before ignition on and out to the track. A professional driver will show you the racing line and reference points before beginning with a sequential gearbox shifting and braking exercise. Your day culminates in two lapping sessions around the 2.52-mile Infineon Raceway at progressively higher speeds.
Sign up today for only $995. Click Register above or call 800.733.0345 to register today.
04/08/10 - F1 Veteran Takes the Reins in the Jim Russell Technical Center
The Jim Russell Racing Drivers School lays claim to the most advanced school and developmental championship racecar in the world; the FJR-50. The state-of-the-art car is current in every area of racing. The FJR-50 is capable of cornering at over 3g of force and accelerating to 60mph in an impressive 2.5 seconds. A vehicle with this type of potential typically is a rather intimidating proposition, but the FJR-50 has been carefully engineered to offer performance along with forgiving handling characteristics.
To assure that the school is managed to the highest standards of motorsports our Technical Center is overseen by Peter Wiedekehr, a veteran of Formula 1. Peter spent 15 years at Sauber F1 where his responsibilities ranged from car builds and preparations to coordinating the various engineering teams. The level of professionalism that Peter brings to Jim Russell ensures that our commitment to excellence is always kept top of mind.
Evidence of the Formula 1 influence can be seen throughout the FJR-50. Every system within the car has been scrutinized and optimized with efficiencies continually being discovered and implemented. This gives the school an amazingly refined platform to teach from and the level of preparation and performance leave it without a peer. The FJR-50 is the cornerstone of the curriculum that Jim Russell Racing Drivers School teaches. It is also what defines Jim Russell as the most modern and relevant racing school available.
“It has been quite a fantastic opportunity to work so closely with someone as experienced and knowledgeable as Peter. From a driver's point of view, you normally have just a few days to try to adapt your car to any given race track. Here we have had the opportunity to refine our car for the track for almost a year. This has allowed us to build just about the best car I have ever had the opportunity to drive and is what makes the FJR-50 such a great tool to teach racing drivers.” – Nico Rondet, Chief Instructor, Jim Russell Racing Drivers School.
The school’s defining purpose is to create world class drivers. To that end providing drivers entry level, advanced schools and one on one data training to secure their best chance of success in the future. Whether an enthusiast wanting to drive the very best available or the next potential Formula 1 superstar, all can benefit from an environment that aims for nothing less than excellence.