GIL de FERRAN retired from active racing, but is returning to the Indy Racing League this weekend as part of the
ESPN broadcast crew. He joins PAUL PAGE and SCOTT GOODYEAR as IRL race commentators. The pit reporters will be JACK ARUTE, GARY GEROULD, and JAMIE LITTLE. The IRL Menards Infiniti Pro Series California 100 race will be handled by ROBBIE BUHL and CAMERON STEELE in the booth.
Long-time motorsports ministry Catholic chaplain, FATHER PHIL DE REA is leaving the motorsports ministry for a new assignment in Rome. MICHAEL ANDRETTI donated $5000 in honour of Father Phil to the Missionary Vehicle Association on behalf of the Andretti Foundation. The organisation was one near and dear to Father Phil. The donation will go to FATHER ANGELO D'AGOSTINO and the Nyumbani organisation to be used for purchasing a vehicle to keep his mission on the move in Africa.
NHRA team owner DON SCHUMACHER admits he could own up to seven or eight different teams next season, if things work out. That could mean seven to nine shirt changes at the end of the day for Victory Circle. He believes that's the right thing to do - dress appropriately for each team and sponsor.
It would appear that RALF SCHUMACHER of Germany will finish out the season with
Williams, if team owner FRANK WILLIAMS is to be believed.
"Let there be no misunderstanding about the team's commitment to Ralf," Williams said, "He will be racing for the team in Japan and Brazil. Since his recuperation, his work in the car - both testing and racing - has been characteristically quick and consistent, and his contribution to the team championship will be vital."
Formula One teams are running a three-day test in Jerez, but Schumacher wasn't one of them. There were some new names on the time sheets, including OLIVIER BERETTA, who filled in at Williams for ANTONIO PIZZONIA, who hurt his ankle in China. No, it wasn't a racing accident. Reportedly, Pizzonia slipped on his hotel stairs.
Ralf Schumacher will test Wednesday in
Jerez.
LUCA BADOER was the only driver who didn't have a full day, after he went off course after brake failure, but he was okay after being checked in the medical Centre. The car was towed in, under a tarpaulin. The team said it was a mechanical problem with the car's rear end which caused his off. ANDREA BERTOLINI tested for
Ferrari at the factory test track in Fiorano.
