Beaux Barfield ready to rewrite IndyCar rules (PA SportsTicker)

By MICHAEL MAROT AP Sports Writer

AP source: Barfield new IndyCar race director (AP)

The IndyCar Series has selected Beaux Barfield as its new director for racing, according to a person familiar with the hiring.

AP source: Barfield new IndyCar race director (PA SportsTicker)

By JENNA FRYER AP Auto Racing Writer

IndyCar announces 15-race schedule, may add 2 more (AP)

The IndyCar schedule will have a different look in 2012.

2012 IndyCar Schedule (AP)

The 2012 IndyCar schedule, released Thursday. Races are listed by date and location with distance and type of course listed in parenthesis. Series officials say a 16th race will be added soon and they are considering adding a 17th race, too.

Franchitti says IndyCar is refocused on safety (AP)

Dario Franchitti hasn't had any time to celebrate his fourth IndyCar title.

Mike Conway to drive for A.J. Foyt’s team in 2012 (AP)

A.J. Foyt has hired IndyCar veteran Mike Conway to drive the No. 14 car in 2012. He will replace Brazil's Vitor Meira.

IndyCar Series won’t return to Las Vegas in 2012 (AP)

The IndyCar Series will not return to Las Vegas Motor Speedway next season, and its future at the track depends in part on what it learns from the investigation into Dan Wheldon's fatal accident.

IndyCar Series won’t return to Las Vegas in 2012 (PA SportsTicker)

INDIANAPOLIS - MAY 22:  Alex Tagliani driver of the #77 Bowers & Wilkens/Sam Schmidt Motorsports Dallara Honda kisses his car after winning the pole position during qualifying for the the 95th Indianapolis 500 Mile Race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 22, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

By JENNA FRYER AP Auto Racing Writer


IndyCar Series won’t return to Las Vegas in 2012 (PA SportsTicker)

INDIANAPOLIS - MAY 22:  Alex Tagliani driver of the #77 Bowers & Wilkens/Sam Schmidt Motorsports Dallara Honda kisses his car after winning the pole position during qualifying for the the 95th Indianapolis 500 Mile Race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 22, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

By JENNA FRYER AP Auto Racing Writer


France’s Pagenaud to drive for Schmidt in IndyCar (AP)

Sam Schmidt Motorsports has hired Simon Pagenaud to drive in the 2012 IndyCar season.

Sarah Fisher signs Indy Lights champion for 2012 (AP)

Sarah Fisher signed rising star Josef Newgarden to drive for her in 2012, as well as a business partner she hopes will strengthen her Izod IndyCar Series team.

Newman-Haas race team leaving IndyCar in 2012 (AP)

One of the biggest names in IndyCar racing is leaving the series next season.

Newman Haas race team leaving IndyCar in 2012 (AP)

The IndyCar Series is losing one of its biggest team names.

Smith expects IndyCar back at Las Vegas in 2012 (AP)

Track owner Bruton Smith said Wednesday he expects the IndyCar Series to honor its contract with Las Vegas Motor Speedway and return to the track in 2012.

IndyCar removes Barnhart from race control (AP)

The IndyCar Series officially removed Brian Barnhart as head of race control Wednesday after a controversial season in which drivers publicly questioned his decisions.

IndyCar removes Barnhart from race control (PA SportsTicker)

By JENNA FRYER AP Auto Racing Writer

1960 Indy 500 winner Jim Rathmann dies (AP)

Jim Rathmann won seven times on auto racing's biggest stages. An elusive win at Indianapolis in the historic 1960 race finally turned him into a star. Son Jimmy Rathmann said in an e-mail message to Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials that his father died Wednesday at a hospice facility in Melbourne, nine days after having a seizure at his home.

1960 Indy 500 winner Jim Rathmann dies (PA SportsTicker)

Jim Rathmann won seven times on auto racing's biggest stages.

Lotus picks up 3 IndyCar teams for 2012 season (AP)

The defending Indianapolis 500 winning team is one of three IndyCar shops that will use Lotus engines in 2012.

Sarah Fisher named team principal of year (AP)

An international racing organization has picked Sarah Fisher its team principal of the year.

Panther Racing keeping Hildebrand for 2 more years (AP)

Indianapolis 500 runner-up JR Hildebrand will be driving for Panther Racing the next two seasons.

Ganassi signs IndyCar sponsor for Charlie Kimball (AP)

Chip Ganassi Racing announced a multiyear sponsorship deal Tuesday with Novo Nordisk for IndyCar driver Charlie Kimball.

Power back in car for first time since crash (AP)

Will Power was back in a race car Monday for the first time since breaking his back in the 15-car accident that killed two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon in the IndyCar season finale.

Will Power back in car for 1st time since crash (AP)

Will Power was back in a race car Monday for the first time since breaking his back in the IndyCar Series finale last month at Las Vegas.