ENGINE MEETING: Representatives from multiple car manufacturers met at Indianapolis Motor Speedway last week to discuss possible engine specifications for the IndyCar Series beginning in 2011 and beyond. The roundtable discussion was hosted by Honda and the IRL and drew reps from Audi, BMW, Chevrolet and Mazda, among others.
CONCERNS: In the wake of the accident that killed Funny Car racer Scott Kalitta, the NHRA announced an initiative to address several issues, including speed, engine explosions, run-off areas and parachutes in hopes of improving safety within drag racing.
NO TO INDY: The tentative 2009 Formula One schedule has been released, and there is no date at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Still, speedway officials hope to bring back the world’s most popular racing series before the track’s centennial celebration in 2011.
RETIRING: Longtime Ford Racing Technology Director Dan Davis will retire August 1.
PROMOTED: Toyota promoted Lee White as president and general manager of Toyota Racing Development.
EXTENDED: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Greg Biffle has reached a three-year extension with Roush Fenway Racing to continue driving the No. 16 Ford.
OUSTED: Casey Mears will not return to Hendrick Motorsports next season. The second-generation driver is expected to be replaced in the No. 25 Chevy by veteran racer Mark Martin.
POWER RANKINGS: With a weekend sweep of World of Outlaws (WoO) sprint-car competition, Donny Schatz returned to the top of the National Speed Sport News Power Rankings. Schatz won seven races (six WoO) during the month of June. The National Speed Sport News Power Rankings are published weekly in the 74-year-old motorsports publication
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