Yet another devastating blow to the world of motorsports. Read all about it here.
Posted by Shelly Paul, Servia Squad Feature Writer
Friday, December 02, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Controversy Continues
Just when we thought the battles were over amongst the drivers at this past weekend’s Edmonton Indy, our own Oriol Servia decides he’s sick of sitting on the sidelines being the agreeable guy who’s not getting noticed and goes for his slice of the pie.
Starting in Saturday’s qualifying session, Servia had a great run, just squeaking by into the second round for the Firestone Fast 6, but the Telemundo entry soon received monster air at the end of his second qualifying session when the #2 was approached and then brake checked by the #28 entry of Ryan Hunter-Reay who feels that Servia was holding him up on a quick qualifying run. Hunter-Reay was not happy with the Spaniard, visiting the Newman/Haas Racing pit immediately as the flag dropped on qualifying and sharing his dissatisfaction with the veteran racer. Ryan felt as though Oriol had already thrown away his last lap and should have moved over to allow room as he was still putting in a hot lap. However, Servia argued that given the short time left in qualifying, he had to do everything possible to try to make a good lap too. He noted that he did try to move over for Hunter-Reay, but could only give so much. Neither pilot made the final cut for the Fast 6, and Servia qualified eighth, alongside Hunter-Reay.
Cut to the race and the drama continues just after Oriol’s first pit stop. Servia was experiencing severe understeer and pitted before anyone else on Lap 24. However, just one lap later he found, much to Dixon and Franchitti’s consternation, that his car was the one with a huge target on it as the #27 Andretti Autosport entry of Mike Conway punted him into the tire barriers when Oriol tried to overtake the #27 in an area not typically known for passing. There just wasn’t room enough for both of them and Conway came up into the #2 Telemundo machine. Servia was able to get underway again following the incident, but soon after lost his rear wing and found himself unable to recover from such a loss. Conway, on the other hand, bounced back from the incident leading the field, and though he was still forced by Race Control to serve a penalty, he was able to rebound to a decent finish. Oriol hung on for the remainder of the race, finishing four laps down in 22nd position, for his worst finish so far this season.
If any positives came out of the incident, it’s that Servia was once again recognized for his driving skills, as Graham Rahal (taken out of the race early and commenting from the announcers’ booth) remarked immediately following the incident that “Servia doesn’t make mistakes.” This speaks quite a bit of the respect Oriol has earned amongst his peers and around the paddock.
On a bit of a side note, Oriol was just featured on Racer.com reviewing the features and handling of the Porsche Carrera GTS. Given his astute observations, when Servia eventually decides to hang up his racing shoes, perhaps there will be another gig waiting.
Starting in Saturday’s qualifying session, Servia had a great run, just squeaking by into the second round for the Firestone Fast 6, but the Telemundo entry soon received monster air at the end of his second qualifying session when the #2 was approached and then brake checked by the #28 entry of Ryan Hunter-Reay who feels that Servia was holding him up on a quick qualifying run. Hunter-Reay was not happy with the Spaniard, visiting the Newman/Haas Racing pit immediately as the flag dropped on qualifying and sharing his dissatisfaction with the veteran racer. Ryan felt as though Oriol had already thrown away his last lap and should have moved over to allow room as he was still putting in a hot lap. However, Servia argued that given the short time left in qualifying, he had to do everything possible to try to make a good lap too. He noted that he did try to move over for Hunter-Reay, but could only give so much. Neither pilot made the final cut for the Fast 6, and Servia qualified eighth, alongside Hunter-Reay.
Cut to the race and the drama continues just after Oriol’s first pit stop. Servia was experiencing severe understeer and pitted before anyone else on Lap 24. However, just one lap later he found, much to Dixon and Franchitti’s consternation, that his car was the one with a huge target on it as the #27 Andretti Autosport entry of Mike Conway punted him into the tire barriers when Oriol tried to overtake the #27 in an area not typically known for passing. There just wasn’t room enough for both of them and Conway came up into the #2 Telemundo machine. Servia was able to get underway again following the incident, but soon after lost his rear wing and found himself unable to recover from such a loss. Conway, on the other hand, bounced back from the incident leading the field, and though he was still forced by Race Control to serve a penalty, he was able to rebound to a decent finish. Oriol hung on for the remainder of the race, finishing four laps down in 22nd position, for his worst finish so far this season.
If any positives came out of the incident, it’s that Servia was once again recognized for his driving skills, as Graham Rahal (taken out of the race early and commenting from the announcers’ booth) remarked immediately following the incident that “Servia doesn’t make mistakes.” This speaks quite a bit of the respect Oriol has earned amongst his peers and around the paddock.
On a bit of a side note, Oriol was just featured on Racer.com reviewing the features and handling of the Porsche Carrera GTS. Given his astute observations, when Servia eventually decides to hang up his racing shoes, perhaps there will be another gig waiting.
I hear Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond may need some top-notch auto handling skills of another variety.
Posted by Shelly Paul, Servia Squad Feature Writer
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
NHR Taken For a Spin in Toronto
As IndyCar passes the halfway point in the season, Newman/Haas Racing has earned impressive marks from analyst Robin Miller in his mid-season report card, scoring a solid “B” for performance thus far this year. And it’s not hard to see why when examining the pairing of Spaniard Oriol Servia and Canadian James Hinchcliffe, a duo which not only has breathed new life into the team, but brings home results as well.
However, this past weekend’s Honda Indy Toronto left little breathing room as fans were treated to another festival of carbon fiber. While the weekend started out on a high note with Servia and the crew of the #2 Telemundo car once again landing their entry in the Firestone Fast Six, their good fortune could last only so long.
Servia started 6th on the grid, alongside Graham Rahal and wasted no time in taking Rahal’s position on the opening lap. And though Oriol lost position during the double-file restart following the first caution, his team brought him in on an early pit strategy (Lap 15) which allowed him to cycle all the way up to second following a full-course yellow under which all the leaders were forced to pit.
News flash of the day…apparently the track is quite bumpy as the television announcers have just brought it to our attention for the umpteenth time this broadcast. Thanks. We get it already! Though I can’t imagine the uneven terrain, paired with a heavy buildup of marbles, makes it much fun for any of the drivers.
Lap 44 we see the #22 of Justin Wilson and #2 Telemundo entry make slight contact, which allows both Wilson and Ryan Hunter-Reay to pass Servia. And by the second pit stop, Servia exits down another two positions. What is going on lately with these pit stops NHR? It’s time to work out the ghosts!
And speaking of ghosts, former Newman/Haas driver Sebastien Bourdais appears to be a bit of an apparition as we haven’t heard anything about him all race. We are told he’s competing in Toronto. His name appears in the hat (the ticker that runs across the top of the screen). But can they prove he’s actually on track?
Lap 57 Servia again plays the dark shadow, slipping between the chaos caused by the Will Power/Ryan Briscoe incident. Who’s got the tally? What is that, like three times so far this season that Servia has switched on stealth mode to avoid nearly impossible (or should we say “impassible”) situations?
But even shadows disappear when adverse weather approaches, and with only seven laps remaining, Oriol is punted from behind by the #26 car of Marco Andretti and sent into a spin which sends him into the #22 entry of Justin Wilson. Five cars in all are collected in the accident, including Servia’s NHR teammate Hinch. While both team cars are able to get restarted and underway, the results are costly, dropping Servia back to 13th position and Hinchcliffe back to 14th.
After all the dust of the bumping and grinding settles, Servia finishes the race in 12th, and while he retains his fourth-place standing in the championship, he drops even farther from the lead. Yet considering that today was Servia’s first on-track contact with another racer so far season, and one which was not his fault, that “B” average might just get “bumped” up to a “B+” yet.
Posted by Shelly Paul, Servia Squad Feature Writer
However, this past weekend’s Honda Indy Toronto left little breathing room as fans were treated to another festival of carbon fiber. While the weekend started out on a high note with Servia and the crew of the #2 Telemundo car once again landing their entry in the Firestone Fast Six, their good fortune could last only so long.
Servia started 6th on the grid, alongside Graham Rahal and wasted no time in taking Rahal’s position on the opening lap. And though Oriol lost position during the double-file restart following the first caution, his team brought him in on an early pit strategy (Lap 15) which allowed him to cycle all the way up to second following a full-course yellow under which all the leaders were forced to pit.
News flash of the day…apparently the track is quite bumpy as the television announcers have just brought it to our attention for the umpteenth time this broadcast. Thanks. We get it already! Though I can’t imagine the uneven terrain, paired with a heavy buildup of marbles, makes it much fun for any of the drivers.
Lap 44 we see the #22 of Justin Wilson and #2 Telemundo entry make slight contact, which allows both Wilson and Ryan Hunter-Reay to pass Servia. And by the second pit stop, Servia exits down another two positions. What is going on lately with these pit stops NHR? It’s time to work out the ghosts!
And speaking of ghosts, former Newman/Haas driver Sebastien Bourdais appears to be a bit of an apparition as we haven’t heard anything about him all race. We are told he’s competing in Toronto. His name appears in the hat (the ticker that runs across the top of the screen). But can they prove he’s actually on track?
Lap 57 Servia again plays the dark shadow, slipping between the chaos caused by the Will Power/Ryan Briscoe incident. Who’s got the tally? What is that, like three times so far this season that Servia has switched on stealth mode to avoid nearly impossible (or should we say “impassible”) situations?
But even shadows disappear when adverse weather approaches, and with only seven laps remaining, Oriol is punted from behind by the #26 car of Marco Andretti and sent into a spin which sends him into the #22 entry of Justin Wilson. Five cars in all are collected in the accident, including Servia’s NHR teammate Hinch. While both team cars are able to get restarted and underway, the results are costly, dropping Servia back to 13th position and Hinchcliffe back to 14th.
After all the dust of the bumping and grinding settles, Servia finishes the race in 12th, and while he retains his fourth-place standing in the championship, he drops even farther from the lead. Yet considering that today was Servia’s first on-track contact with another racer so far season, and one which was not his fault, that “B” average might just get “bumped” up to a “B+” yet.
Posted by Shelly Paul, Servia Squad Feature Writer
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Plagued in the Pits
We’ve heard countless times how a race can be won or lost in the pits. For Oriol Servia and his Newman/Haas Racing Team, it seems to be more the rule than the exception lately, as pit stop problems have plagued the team for the second straight week at the Iowa Corn Indy 250.
Just a week prior at the Milwaukee Mile, we saw Servia fight his way back through the field after the failure of a pneumatic impact gun led to a devastating pit stop that quite possibly cost the team of the #2 Telemundo car the race win, instead delegating them to the third podium spot.
Now, while these things happen from time to time, they’re not supposed to happen ALL of the time. But in Iowa, Servia saw a second straight race foiled due to poor pit performance. While the team had excellent pit strategy the first half of the race, risking an early stop that may have boomeranged them back to the front of the field had the yellows fallen in their favor, the second half of the race wasn’t so pretty.
Upon his third stop of the race following a hard crash by Will Power, Servia was already running a heavier fuel load due to his prior stop. So naturally he should have easily beaten everyone else out of the pits, needing much less time to refuel. However, what conspired was quite different as Oriol found himself held behind longer than the rest of the field after a miscommunication amongst the crew. Servia found himself in a Groundhog Day situation, again fighting his way through the field from the very same position in which he started (just like a week prior). And if that weren’t enough, on the following stop after fighting his way up to sixth position, Servia and his crew suffered another equipment failure as the fuel probe malfunctioned, relegating the Spaniard to a 14th place finish and dropping him one position in the championship standings.
Posted by Shelly Paul, Servia Squad Feature Writer
Just a week prior at the Milwaukee Mile, we saw Servia fight his way back through the field after the failure of a pneumatic impact gun led to a devastating pit stop that quite possibly cost the team of the #2 Telemundo car the race win, instead delegating them to the third podium spot.
Now, while these things happen from time to time, they’re not supposed to happen ALL of the time. But in Iowa, Servia saw a second straight race foiled due to poor pit performance. While the team had excellent pit strategy the first half of the race, risking an early stop that may have boomeranged them back to the front of the field had the yellows fallen in their favor, the second half of the race wasn’t so pretty.
Upon his third stop of the race following a hard crash by Will Power, Servia was already running a heavier fuel load due to his prior stop. So naturally he should have easily beaten everyone else out of the pits, needing much less time to refuel. However, what conspired was quite different as Oriol found himself held behind longer than the rest of the field after a miscommunication amongst the crew. Servia found himself in a Groundhog Day situation, again fighting his way through the field from the very same position in which he started (just like a week prior). And if that weren’t enough, on the following stop after fighting his way up to sixth position, Servia and his crew suffered another equipment failure as the fuel probe malfunctioned, relegating the Spaniard to a 14th place finish and dropping him one position in the championship standings.
Posted by Shelly Paul, Servia Squad Feature Writer
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Mr. Popular, Mr. Milwaukee Mile
OK, so I realize this title has already been used for a blog, but after seeing Spaniard Oriol Servia’s boost in notoriety again over the weekend at The Milwaukee Mile, I promised the Servia Squad that that’s how it would stand.
I vaguely recall the days (back in 2000) when Oriol would wander the paddock as a rookie, virtually unknown (especially without his race suit), yet that’s the year I decided that this amiable racer would be my pick to follow. Who would have thought 11 years later that same unpracticed rookie would be a top contender in the series championship with crowds of fans vying for his attention every time he steps out of the cockpit?
While the overall weekend attendance was very scarce this year at The Mile, Oriol had no shortage of supporters himself. Those who were lucky even caught a candid Q&A Saturday afternoon with both Servia and his Newman/Haas Racing teammate James Hinchcliffe (Hinch), in which the two joked about their relationship as teammates (they claim to be undergoing couples’ counseling) and spoke about some of the antics that ensued this year at Indy including planking (Hinch still insists the injury he sustained was from rescuing a kitten from a tree). When Servia was asked if he’s been helping his young counterpart win the ladies by teaching Hinch the sexy foreign accent, Hinch simply replied, “Si!”
Saturday’s qualifying session saw Servia land a 10th place starting position for the race alongside Marco Andretti, though I don’t think any of us were too concerned, given the Spaniard’s reputation for being able to work his way through the field at this particular venue. In fact, that’s exactly what he did come race day -- twice!
At a track where the team has 26 starts (this is the 27th) and seven wins, NHR has proven that they know a thing or two about setup on this short, flat oval. And Oriol didn’t hesitate to impress as he so often does at The Mile, quickly working his way from a 10th place start up to running amongst the top three.
However, the race was not without its downfalls as Servia came over the radio at every opportunity to get the word through to race control that if they wanted to give the fans any passing on the track, they’d have to sweep the buildup of marbles on the high line. The team also had troubles of their own on the second pit stop as the left front air gun misfired, costing the #2 Honda valuable time in the pits and dropping Servia back to 12th position.
Still, Servia didn’t pause for a second as he began to climb his way through the field for the second time this race, at one point inhaling Dania and Hinch in one breath. After a late-race crash by Tony Kanaan and a well-timed pass of points leader Will Power, Servia again found himself running in third which is where he remained until the checkers dropped.
I’m beginning to think that it wouldn’t be a bad idea for The Mile to keep a “Reserved for Oriol Servia” sign in winner’s circle at all times, given his history there, and I have to say that there’s nothing like being there in person, getting showered in a concoction of confetti and champagne right along with the podium winners! At one point Servia had so many of us boisterous fans shouting for him that he had to tell us (tongue in cheek) to quiet down so the broadcast crew could get an interview with race winner Dario Franchitti.
Servia was awarded 35 points for his finish at the Milwaukee Mile and the team’s latest march to victory lane sees them again holding third place in the championship standings -- not a bad place to be!
Posted by Shelly Paul, Servia Squad Feature Writer
I vaguely recall the days (back in 2000) when Oriol would wander the paddock as a rookie, virtually unknown (especially without his race suit), yet that’s the year I decided that this amiable racer would be my pick to follow. Who would have thought 11 years later that same unpracticed rookie would be a top contender in the series championship with crowds of fans vying for his attention every time he steps out of the cockpit?
While the overall weekend attendance was very scarce this year at The Mile, Oriol had no shortage of supporters himself. Those who were lucky even caught a candid Q&A Saturday afternoon with both Servia and his Newman/Haas Racing teammate James Hinchcliffe (Hinch), in which the two joked about their relationship as teammates (they claim to be undergoing couples’ counseling) and spoke about some of the antics that ensued this year at Indy including planking (Hinch still insists the injury he sustained was from rescuing a kitten from a tree). When Servia was asked if he’s been helping his young counterpart win the ladies by teaching Hinch the sexy foreign accent, Hinch simply replied, “Si!” Saturday’s qualifying session saw Servia land a 10th place starting position for the race alongside Marco Andretti, though I don’t think any of us were too concerned, given the Spaniard’s reputation for being able to work his way through the field at this particular venue. In fact, that’s exactly what he did come race day -- twice!At a track where the team has 26 starts (this is the 27th) and seven wins, NHR has proven that they know a thing or two about setup on this short, flat oval. And Oriol didn’t hesitate to impress as he so often does at The Mile, quickly working his way from a 10th place start up to running amongst the top three.
However, the race was not without its downfalls as Servia came over the radio at every opportunity to get the word through to race control that if they wanted to give the fans any passing on the track, they’d have to sweep the buildup of marbles on the high line. The team also had troubles of their own on the second pit stop as the left front air gun misfired, costing the #2 Honda valuable time in the pits and dropping Servia back to 12th position.
Still, Servia didn’t pause for a second as he began to climb his way through the field for the second time this race, at one point inhaling Dania and Hinch in one breath. After a late-race crash by Tony Kanaan and a well-timed pass of points leader Will Power, Servia again found himself running in third which is where he remained until the checkers dropped.I’m beginning to think that it wouldn’t be a bad idea for The Mile to keep a “Reserved for Oriol Servia” sign in winner’s circle at all times, given his history there, and I have to say that there’s nothing like being there in person, getting showered in a concoction of confetti and champagne right along with the podium winners! At one point Servia had so many of us boisterous fans shouting for him that he had to tell us (tongue in cheek) to quiet down so the broadcast crew could get an interview with race winner Dario Franchitti.
Servia was awarded 35 points for his finish at the Milwaukee Mile and the team’s latest march to victory lane sees them again holding third place in the championship standings -- not a bad place to be!Posted by Shelly Paul, Servia Squad Feature Writer
Monday, June 13, 2011
Double-Header Nothing to Write Home About
Saturday’s running of the Firestone Twin 275s at Texas Motor Speedway was not the smartest move of the year for IndyCar, in my opinion…not even close! While it was widely publicized as a high-octane event which the fans were supposedly thrilled to see return to the series, public opinion seems to be the exact opposite.
Though Eddie Gossage’s track has always been known for edge-of-your-seat, side-by-side racing and even closer finishes, this weekend’s pairing of races (worth only half points each) was the worst stunt of the season. What’s the point, IndyCar? Why not just run one full-fledged race rather than putz around with two half-arsed events?
Consisting of 114 laps or 171 miles each, the races were much shorter than fans were accustomed to. While Oriol Servia qualified on the outside of Row 7 for the first race of the evening, his random draw of 17th for race number two proved even more challenging for the Spaniard and the #2 Newman/Haas Racing Team.
While nothing spectacular happened during the first race (other than pulling off the entire 114 laps with only one yellow!), Servia worked hard to finish the race in 21st position, two laps down. Following the event, Oriol remarked that it actually felt like the longest race of his life, stating that the team would definitely be making some changes before the second event of the evening.
Cue the Vanna White wannabes at each end of the stage as the drivers came up, one by one, in reverse finishing order to randomly select their starting position for Race 2 by turning a tire and learning their fate. While I think the concept is completely fruitless while in the midst of a championship chase, unfortunately I believe it may have actually been more exciting than the first race we just saw. The most amusing feat of the evening was watching the bout of “musical cars” as race teams scrambled to rearrange the starting lineup before the beginning of the second race.
An hour after the completion of Race 1, the second event got underway. While 10 pm central time is not exactly late for me, I didn’t bother to fight it when sleep settled in. And I’m pretty sure I didn’t miss a thing. While it was a snoozefest on television, I heard it was even worse at the track! And there wasn’t a single yellow. How did they accomplish that?
Following the second event, viewers were forced to wait a full 25 minutes before learning the unofficial race results. So much for technology. They didn’t show them on air and they weren’t yet posted online. About a year later we learned that Servia finished the second race in 15th position, down one lap. He also slipped one position in the championship standings and currently sits six points behind third-place Scott Dixon and 76 points behind leader Will Power.
The best part of all this is that it’s over, and now we can concentrate on moving forward as the series heads to the Milwaukee Mile, Servia Squad’s home race, and a venue where Oriol has always posted impressive results in the past. Here’s hoping for his first podium finish of the season!
Posted by Shelly Paul, Servia Squad Feature Writer
Though Eddie Gossage’s track has always been known for edge-of-your-seat, side-by-side racing and even closer finishes, this weekend’s pairing of races (worth only half points each) was the worst stunt of the season. What’s the point, IndyCar? Why not just run one full-fledged race rather than putz around with two half-arsed events?
Consisting of 114 laps or 171 miles each, the races were much shorter than fans were accustomed to. While Oriol Servia qualified on the outside of Row 7 for the first race of the evening, his random draw of 17th for race number two proved even more challenging for the Spaniard and the #2 Newman/Haas Racing Team.
While nothing spectacular happened during the first race (other than pulling off the entire 114 laps with only one yellow!), Servia worked hard to finish the race in 21st position, two laps down. Following the event, Oriol remarked that it actually felt like the longest race of his life, stating that the team would definitely be making some changes before the second event of the evening.
Cue the Vanna White wannabes at each end of the stage as the drivers came up, one by one, in reverse finishing order to randomly select their starting position for Race 2 by turning a tire and learning their fate. While I think the concept is completely fruitless while in the midst of a championship chase, unfortunately I believe it may have actually been more exciting than the first race we just saw. The most amusing feat of the evening was watching the bout of “musical cars” as race teams scrambled to rearrange the starting lineup before the beginning of the second race.
An hour after the completion of Race 1, the second event got underway. While 10 pm central time is not exactly late for me, I didn’t bother to fight it when sleep settled in. And I’m pretty sure I didn’t miss a thing. While it was a snoozefest on television, I heard it was even worse at the track! And there wasn’t a single yellow. How did they accomplish that?
Following the second event, viewers were forced to wait a full 25 minutes before learning the unofficial race results. So much for technology. They didn’t show them on air and they weren’t yet posted online. About a year later we learned that Servia finished the second race in 15th position, down one lap. He also slipped one position in the championship standings and currently sits six points behind third-place Scott Dixon and 76 points behind leader Will Power.
The best part of all this is that it’s over, and now we can concentrate on moving forward as the series heads to the Milwaukee Mile, Servia Squad’s home race, and a venue where Oriol has always posted impressive results in the past. Here’s hoping for his first podium finish of the season!
Posted by Shelly Paul, Servia Squad Feature Writer
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Servia Leads, Takes Top-10 at Indy 500
A near rookie win. A crash by the race leader on the final turn of the final lap. I couldn’t have written it better myself. Now this is what makes for exciting racing!
All that aside, Spaniard Oriol Servia had quite the eventful Indy 500 himself. After starting on the front row, the Newman/Haas Racing driver never fell further than halfway through the field, and even then, only on pit stop rotations. Servia instead spent the majority of the 500-mile race within the first five cars on track (lapped traffic aside).
Oriol’s Dallara Honda carried the sponsorship logos of CDW on its sidepods for this historic event, and they certainly got their money’s worth as this was the team’s best Indy 500 starting position since 1993.
Though the officials would have waved off the fugly start were it any other race -- Dixon was half a lap ahead before Row 1 even passed the start/finish line -- being that it was the Indy 500, they let it go lest they risk embarrassment. So Servia quickly and smoothly slotted into second position, just ahead of polesitter Alex Tagiliani. The next few handfuls of laps, Servia jostled positions with the likes of Tagliani, Dan Wheldon, and Dario Franchitti.
By the time the first round of pit stops rolled around, the NHR crew got the #2 off pit row in fourth position. All was going smoothly until the following round of stops. Servia was able to push his fuel numbers further than most and he stayed out longer, but an unfortunately placed yellow forced Oriol and several others to stop illegally while the pits were closed, therefore causing him to come back in again to serve a penalty. (At least, I think that’s what happened. The only thing ABC’s broadcast crew was actually concerned about was the whereabouts of Team Target and Penske, in addition to what Danica ate for lunch. So everything else race-related was apparently not worth the mention.)
The schadenfreude soon reversed itself though, and by the fourth stop, Servia’s crew timed it right and got him in just before a yellow hit (unfortunately it was caused by Oriol’s Newman/Haas teammate James Hinchcliffe), cycling him up to second just behind Dario Franchitti. It was this key move that put Servia in the catbird seat, and by Lap 113 the 36-year-old Catalan became the first Spaniard to lead laps at the Indianapolis 500! After passing lapped traffic of Helio Castroneves (that’s right, a Penske car), Servia finally got a taste of clean air and ran with it.
On Lap 130, Franchitti pulled out and passed the #2 car, and Servia found himself caught in a Target Chip Ganassi sandwich. He jostled for track position again with Scott Dixon and Dario Franchitti, and as Franchitti pitted on Lap 165, Servia again took the race lead, for a total of 18 laps led.
While the #2 Newman/Haas entry may not have had the speed of some of the other cars on track, Servia held his own to bring the CDW entry home in sixth place.
(Side note: Can someone please explain to me how this happened? As the final hat displayed across the screen, Servia was showing “unofficially” in fifth place, and then when I went online later I found that he has actually taken sixth place. Again, we are left asking what the…)
Servia picked up 40 points for his best-ever finish at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and remains in third position in the IndyCar Championship standings, just 28 points behind Dario Franchitti and 44 points behind leader Will Power.
There’s no rest for the weary, though, as the next stop for Newman/Haas Racing is their home track at the historic Milwaukee Mile where Servia will be practicing this Friday, June 3rd. The session is open for public viewing from 9-5 so come on out and cheer on your favorite matador as he charges ahead in the championship. Additional Information
Posted by Shelly Paul, Servia Squad Feature Writer
All that aside, Spaniard Oriol Servia had quite the eventful Indy 500 himself. After starting on the front row, the Newman/Haas Racing driver never fell further than halfway through the field, and even then, only on pit stop rotations. Servia instead spent the majority of the 500-mile race within the first five cars on track (lapped traffic aside).
Oriol’s Dallara Honda carried the sponsorship logos of CDW on its sidepods for this historic event, and they certainly got their money’s worth as this was the team’s best Indy 500 starting position since 1993.
Though the officials would have waved off the fugly start were it any other race -- Dixon was half a lap ahead before Row 1 even passed the start/finish line -- being that it was the Indy 500, they let it go lest they risk embarrassment. So Servia quickly and smoothly slotted into second position, just ahead of polesitter Alex Tagiliani. The next few handfuls of laps, Servia jostled positions with the likes of Tagliani, Dan Wheldon, and Dario Franchitti.
By the time the first round of pit stops rolled around, the NHR crew got the #2 off pit row in fourth position. All was going smoothly until the following round of stops. Servia was able to push his fuel numbers further than most and he stayed out longer, but an unfortunately placed yellow forced Oriol and several others to stop illegally while the pits were closed, therefore causing him to come back in again to serve a penalty. (At least, I think that’s what happened. The only thing ABC’s broadcast crew was actually concerned about was the whereabouts of Team Target and Penske, in addition to what Danica ate for lunch. So everything else race-related was apparently not worth the mention.)
The schadenfreude soon reversed itself though, and by the fourth stop, Servia’s crew timed it right and got him in just before a yellow hit (unfortunately it was caused by Oriol’s Newman/Haas teammate James Hinchcliffe), cycling him up to second just behind Dario Franchitti. It was this key move that put Servia in the catbird seat, and by Lap 113 the 36-year-old Catalan became the first Spaniard to lead laps at the Indianapolis 500! After passing lapped traffic of Helio Castroneves (that’s right, a Penske car), Servia finally got a taste of clean air and ran with it.
On Lap 130, Franchitti pulled out and passed the #2 car, and Servia found himself caught in a Target Chip Ganassi sandwich. He jostled for track position again with Scott Dixon and Dario Franchitti, and as Franchitti pitted on Lap 165, Servia again took the race lead, for a total of 18 laps led.
While the #2 Newman/Haas entry may not have had the speed of some of the other cars on track, Servia held his own to bring the CDW entry home in sixth place.
(Side note: Can someone please explain to me how this happened? As the final hat displayed across the screen, Servia was showing “unofficially” in fifth place, and then when I went online later I found that he has actually taken sixth place. Again, we are left asking what the…)
Servia picked up 40 points for his best-ever finish at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and remains in third position in the IndyCar Championship standings, just 28 points behind Dario Franchitti and 44 points behind leader Will Power.
There’s no rest for the weary, though, as the next stop for Newman/Haas Racing is their home track at the historic Milwaukee Mile where Servia will be practicing this Friday, June 3rd. The session is open for public viewing from 9-5 so come on out and cheer on your favorite matador as he charges ahead in the championship. Additional Information
Posted by Shelly Paul, Servia Squad Feature Writer
Friday, May 27, 2011
The Greatest Spectacle in Racing
By now you already know you need not go further than fixing your gaze on Row 1 during this Sunday’s 100th anniversary running of the Indianapolis 500. A team such as Newman/Haas Racing landing a spot not only in the Top 9 pole shootout but then qualifying third for the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” speaks volumes not only for their dedication but also for the tremendous teamwork between the crew, driver, and everyone involved who keeps the wheels turning at NHR.
Oriol Servia once again emerges as the dark horse, of sorts, beating out both Team Penske drivers and the entire Andretti camp, as well as Target Chip Ganassi’s golden boy and 2010 defending Indy 500 champion Dario Franchitti.
Servia has demonstrated all season that he and Newman/Haas Racing are a force to be reckoned with, climbing to third overall in the championship standings and leaving us all with nothing but raised eyebrows the entire month of May in anticipation for what this highly underrated Spaniard can do on the IndyCar Series’ most challenging circuit.
Las Vegas odds place a Servia and Newman/Hass win as high as 16/1, though I’d be willing to bet good money that their chances are even greater. It’s time for an unexpected finish at the Indy 500 -- what year better than this, on the anniversary celebration -- what better combination than that of Newman/Haas Racing and Oriol Servia.
Posted by Shelly Paul, Servia Squad Feature Writer
Oriol Servia once again emerges as the dark horse, of sorts, beating out both Team Penske drivers and the entire Andretti camp, as well as Target Chip Ganassi’s golden boy and 2010 defending Indy 500 champion Dario Franchitti.
Servia has demonstrated all season that he and Newman/Haas Racing are a force to be reckoned with, climbing to third overall in the championship standings and leaving us all with nothing but raised eyebrows the entire month of May in anticipation for what this highly underrated Spaniard can do on the IndyCar Series’ most challenging circuit.
Las Vegas odds place a Servia and Newman/Hass win as high as 16/1, though I’d be willing to bet good money that their chances are even greater. It’s time for an unexpected finish at the Indy 500 -- what year better than this, on the anniversary celebration -- what better combination than that of Newman/Haas Racing and Oriol Servia.
Posted by Shelly Paul, Servia Squad Feature Writer
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Sao Paulo
Sorry peeps, but I'm afraid I have no post-race commentary for you this week on the IndyCar Itaipava Sao Paulo Indy 300 as I've been busy writing a strongly worded letter to Versus. See, despite the four-hour-long, rain-delayed coverage I sat through on Sunday, and then the announcers telling us no fewer than three times what time the race would be airing on Versus the following day, my market decided to instead air four hours worth of fishing shows and I missed the (dry) race entirely.
However, just to catch you up, our favorite Spaniard finished the race in fifth, and Oriol now sits THIRD! in the championship just behind Will Power and Dario Franchitti.
If you haven't already, check out the headline article on Servia over at IndyCar.com!
Posted by Shelly Paul, Servia Squad Feature Writer
However, just to catch you up, our favorite Spaniard finished the race in fifth, and Oriol now sits THIRD! in the championship just behind Will Power and Dario Franchitti.
If you haven't already, check out the headline article on Servia over at IndyCar.com!
Posted by Shelly Paul, Servia Squad Feature Writer
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Sunshine, Shorline and Servia
So, I have to begin this week by asking, was I the only one confused following qualifying?
While the Versus announcers spent the entire final round of qualifying concerned only whether Power or Hunter-Reay would take pole, they also led us to believe that once Power entered the pits, the session was over. And even the hat (the position ticker that runs across the top of the television screen) disappeared which would leave us all to believe that none of the final six changed position. So naturally I assumed Servia qualified sixth since that was the last report viewers received. Imagine my surprise in the very last minute of televised qualifying coverage when the starting lineup announced Servia in fourth position!
Thanks Versus, for playing favorites again, rather than reporting the actual results as they’re happening…but as fellow blogger Pressdog would say, that’s none of our business anyway, right?
Onto the race, Oriol Servia in the #2 Telemundo Newman/Haas entry did a stellar job as usual keeping his nose clean and staying out of trouble. Newman/Haas was the winningest team from former visits to this legendary circuit, and Servia himself has extensive experience at this track. Prior to the race, Oriol remarked that it was about time to stir things up and add some Telemundo blue to the front of the field where IndyCar fans have become accustomed to seeing red (literally).
Servia's shining moment of the race and one which will undoubtedly receive endless television coverage for the remainder of the season has to be the double-wide restart with 19 laps to go. If you remember the season start at St. Petersburg, you might think you were watching a replay, as Servia was once again caught up in a multi-car incident, but cunningly avoids all contact, whips a 360 and effortlessly slots right back into the action, losing only three positions in the process! The Spaniard left no one doubting his extensive racing skills (and lightening quick reflexes) which allowed him to again bring home the #2 Telmundo Honda in one piece.
Not only did the team finish in sixth position, its third straight Top-10 of the season, but Newman/Haas teammate and rookie James "Hinch" Hinchcliffe finished in an impressive fourth place. With another consistent finish, Servia moved up in the championship standings another two slots and currently sits fourth in overall points, demonstrating that sometimes slow and steady really does win the race.
Posted by Shelly Paul, Servia Squad Feature Writer
While the Versus announcers spent the entire final round of qualifying concerned only whether Power or Hunter-Reay would take pole, they also led us to believe that once Power entered the pits, the session was over. And even the hat (the position ticker that runs across the top of the television screen) disappeared which would leave us all to believe that none of the final six changed position. So naturally I assumed Servia qualified sixth since that was the last report viewers received. Imagine my surprise in the very last minute of televised qualifying coverage when the starting lineup announced Servia in fourth position!
Thanks Versus, for playing favorites again, rather than reporting the actual results as they’re happening…but as fellow blogger Pressdog would say, that’s none of our business anyway, right?
Onto the race, Oriol Servia in the #2 Telemundo Newman/Haas entry did a stellar job as usual keeping his nose clean and staying out of trouble. Newman/Haas was the winningest team from former visits to this legendary circuit, and Servia himself has extensive experience at this track. Prior to the race, Oriol remarked that it was about time to stir things up and add some Telemundo blue to the front of the field where IndyCar fans have become accustomed to seeing red (literally).
Servia's shining moment of the race and one which will undoubtedly receive endless television coverage for the remainder of the season has to be the double-wide restart with 19 laps to go. If you remember the season start at St. Petersburg, you might think you were watching a replay, as Servia was once again caught up in a multi-car incident, but cunningly avoids all contact, whips a 360 and effortlessly slots right back into the action, losing only three positions in the process! The Spaniard left no one doubting his extensive racing skills (and lightening quick reflexes) which allowed him to again bring home the #2 Telmundo Honda in one piece.
Not only did the team finish in sixth position, its third straight Top-10 of the season, but Newman/Haas teammate and rookie James "Hinch" Hinchcliffe finished in an impressive fourth place. With another consistent finish, Servia moved up in the championship standings another two slots and currently sits fourth in overall points, demonstrating that sometimes slow and steady really does win the race.
Posted by Shelly Paul, Servia Squad Feature Writer
Sunday, April 10, 2011
See No, Hear No, Speak No
Round two of the IndyCar World Series just wrapped up at Barber Motorsports Park just outside Birmingham, Alabama and the theme for this weekend seems to be one of Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil for Oriol Servia and the Newman/Haas Racing crew.
See No Evil
When questioned in the Versus pre-race show about his pit stop error at St. Petersburg, Servia good-humoredly responded that if nobody saw it, then it didn't really happen. Oriol was referring to his mistake mid-race when he pulled into the wrong pit which cost him quite a bit of time. Though he took full ownership, Servia remarked that his crew had not been in full uniform up until the race and that they were not the only crew in white firesuits. This weekend the team was clearly decked out in blue firesuits, matching the #2 Telemundo entry.
Hear No Evil
Oriol and the Newman/Haas team received significant televised coverage throughout the race as Servia found himself the subject of many intense on-track battles. However, despite pressure from both Danica Patrick and Tony Kanaan late in the race, Servia seemed to pay no attention and held his line all the way through to the checkered flag.
Speak No Evil
Demonstrating their strength early in the weekend, both driver and crew of the #2 Telemundo Honda left critics with nothing but the highest praise for this pairing. The team fought hard and it showed as they earned a spot in the Firestone Fast 6 during Saturday's qualifying. Then Servia charged hard throughout the entire race, running as high as third and eventually bringing the car home in 5th place for the team's second consecutive Top-10 finish.
Following this round, Servia moved up three positions in the IndyCar Championship standings and finds himself solidly in 6th place.
Be sure to tune in next weekend as the series makes its way to Long Beach, California for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.
Posted by Shelly Paul, Servia Squad Feature Writer
See No Evil
When questioned in the Versus pre-race show about his pit stop error at St. Petersburg, Servia good-humoredly responded that if nobody saw it, then it didn't really happen. Oriol was referring to his mistake mid-race when he pulled into the wrong pit which cost him quite a bit of time. Though he took full ownership, Servia remarked that his crew had not been in full uniform up until the race and that they were not the only crew in white firesuits. This weekend the team was clearly decked out in blue firesuits, matching the #2 Telemundo entry.
Hear No Evil
Oriol and the Newman/Haas team received significant televised coverage throughout the race as Servia found himself the subject of many intense on-track battles. However, despite pressure from both Danica Patrick and Tony Kanaan late in the race, Servia seemed to pay no attention and held his line all the way through to the checkered flag.
Speak No Evil
Demonstrating their strength early in the weekend, both driver and crew of the #2 Telemundo Honda left critics with nothing but the highest praise for this pairing. The team fought hard and it showed as they earned a spot in the Firestone Fast 6 during Saturday's qualifying. Then Servia charged hard throughout the entire race, running as high as third and eventually bringing the car home in 5th place for the team's second consecutive Top-10 finish.
Following this round, Servia moved up three positions in the IndyCar Championship standings and finds himself solidly in 6th place.
Be sure to tune in next weekend as the series makes its way to Long Beach, California for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.
Posted by Shelly Paul, Servia Squad Feature Writer
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Servia Takes NHR to Top-10 Despite Unforeseen Circumstances
The pairing of Newman/Haas Racing and Oriol Servia saw the 2011 IndyCar Series season off to a great start with round one at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg over the weekend. Despite beautiful weather and nearly ideal track conditions, both team and driver had to stay on their toes to remain competitive, due in part to disapointing qualifying results earlier in the weekend.
However, the event did get off to a promising start as the team unveiled new sponsorship for the #02 entry with Telemundo Communications Group, a perfect pairing as the series' sole Spanish driver works to bring the exciting sport of IndyCar racing to Spanish viewers through this exciting partnership.
Onto the race, Servia and the N/H Racing crew qualified the #02 Telemundo entry in 15th position which landed them on the inside of Row 8, alonside Raphael Matos. From the get-go, the team worked through their share of unfortunate circumstances from getting caught up in the first-lap incident, to having a left rear tire go down, to various pit issues. Yet all involved soldiered on and Oriol held his own on the racetrack, bringing the #02 Dallara home in ninth place.
Overall, the results spoke a lot for a driver who has not competed in the series since 2009. Oriol has definitely proven once again that he can not only "bring it home in one piece" but can also produce consistent results.
Tune in to round two on April 10th from Birmingham, Alabama as the stars of the IndyCar Series battle it out at Baber Motorsports Park in the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama!
Posted by Shelly Paul, Servia Squad Feature Writer
However, the event did get off to a promising start as the team unveiled new sponsorship for the #02 entry with Telemundo Communications Group, a perfect pairing as the series' sole Spanish driver works to bring the exciting sport of IndyCar racing to Spanish viewers through this exciting partnership.
Onto the race, Servia and the N/H Racing crew qualified the #02 Telemundo entry in 15th position which landed them on the inside of Row 8, alonside Raphael Matos. From the get-go, the team worked through their share of unfortunate circumstances from getting caught up in the first-lap incident, to having a left rear tire go down, to various pit issues. Yet all involved soldiered on and Oriol held his own on the racetrack, bringing the #02 Dallara home in ninth place.
Overall, the results spoke a lot for a driver who has not competed in the series since 2009. Oriol has definitely proven once again that he can not only "bring it home in one piece" but can also produce consistent results.
Tune in to round two on April 10th from Birmingham, Alabama as the stars of the IndyCar Series battle it out at Baber Motorsports Park in the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama!
Posted by Shelly Paul, Servia Squad Feature Writer
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Servia Confirmed for St. Pete's; Hinch to Remain Sidelined
Just days before the first race of the season, our amiable Spaniard Oriol Servia has been officially confirmed in a one-car entry for Newman/Haas Racing for this weekend's opener at St. Petersburg. Having posted good test times during day two at Barber Motorsports Park just last week, it was expected that Servia would find a home at NHR, even if just for the time being.
Itwas also expected that rookie and Indy Lights standout James Hinchcliffe would join him as a teammate; however, it appears as though Servia will be flying solo...for now. Hinch will join the team on the sidelines during this weekend's activities with hopes of joining the field at a later point in the season. Could he step in as soon as the next round at the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama? No one is quite sure yet.
For now tune in to the weekend's festivities from St. Petersburg, check out Servia's newest (gold) helmet design, and cheer on Uri to a great start to the IndyCar season!
Posted by Shelly Paul, Servia Squad Feature Writer
Itwas also expected that rookie and Indy Lights standout James Hinchcliffe would join him as a teammate; however, it appears as though Servia will be flying solo...for now. Hinch will join the team on the sidelines during this weekend's activities with hopes of joining the field at a later point in the season. Could he step in as soon as the next round at the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama? No one is quite sure yet.
For now tune in to the weekend's festivities from St. Petersburg, check out Servia's newest (gold) helmet design, and cheer on Uri to a great start to the IndyCar season!
Posted by Shelly Paul, Servia Squad Feature Writer
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Servia Posts Impressive Test at Barber
While not officially signed yet for a ride, Oriol Servia and rookie "teammate" James Hinchcliffe quickly got up to speed in the two-day test at Barber Motorsports Park this week.
"Hinch" was the first to show what he's got, posting a fast time of 1m 12.8729, landing him fifth on the board for the first day of testing. Oriol likewise landed 14th quickest with a time of 1m 13.2537, while still shaking some off-season rust.
In the second day of testing, it was Servia who took the lead, landing 5th overall with a time of 1m 12.3594, while his teammate was just two positions behind in 7th place overall. For a short period, the two even led the board in true Newman/Haas style.
Though no contracts have been finalized, expect to see these two making waves at next week's IndyCar season opener at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg March 27th.
Posted by Shelly Paul, Servia Squad Feature Writer
"Hinch" was the first to show what he's got, posting a fast time of 1m 12.8729, landing him fifth on the board for the first day of testing. Oriol likewise landed 14th quickest with a time of 1m 13.2537, while still shaking some off-season rust.
In the second day of testing, it was Servia who took the lead, landing 5th overall with a time of 1m 12.3594, while his teammate was just two positions behind in 7th place overall. For a short period, the two even led the board in true Newman/Haas style.
Though no contracts have been finalized, expect to see these two making waves at next week's IndyCar season opener at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg March 27th.
Posted by Shelly Paul, Servia Squad Feature Writer
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