"From now on, fans will be able to better identify the drivers and will have vital information- the same information that the drivers and their crews have." The technology, called the RACEf/x system, has revolutionized motorsports broadcasting by providing viewers with graphic effects and relevant data, enabling them to better follow the action. The patented techology and global positioning system (GPS) will track every car while delivering a broad array of visual effects, thereby making it a lot easier for viewers to easily identify each driver. The most prominent graphic of the system is the "pointer," which will identify the cars and track them as they race at speeds up to 220 mph. The on-board GPS system also captures all telemetry and positioning including speed, acceleration/deceleration, time behind the leader, exact car position and RPMs. The system will incorporate several data elements that will be unique to IRL coverage, including "G-force" which will indicate the force exerted on the driver. Viewers can also customize their experience by tracking real-time data of any car competing in the race when following the race live on ESPN.com beginning with the Indianapolis 500.

Vasser, 40, completed his 14th Champ Car season and second with PKV Racing in 2005. He has made 231 starts including an on-going record 210 consecutive starts. The 1996 Series Champion and 1998 runner-up is a perennial championship contender having finished in the top-10 nine times including nine of the last 11 years. Vasser, who placed sixth in the championship last year, his highest showing since 2000, has been the subject of retirement rumors since early last season. However, the highly respected native of California made it clear from the beginning that his decision to “step aside or not” would be made in “consultation with PKV Racing co-owners Kevin Kalkhoven and Dan Pettit and that it would be what is in the best interest of the team.”

Commenting on the decision to campaign the #12 Gulfstream/Bell Micro PKV Racing machine at this year’s Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach and possibly other races, Vasser said, “With an all-new driver lineup at PKV Racing for 2006, and the fact that Oriol does not have enough time to fully acclimate himself to the team, we felt it necessary for me to run this event and maybe some selected races in the future. This way I will be able to help Oriol with his transition to PKV Racing and help with the development of Katherine especially during the early stages of the season. Besides, after all, it is the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Grand.”

Kalkhoven said, “We gave Jimmy the option of driving not only to help mentor our two new drivers, but because of his wonderful history in racing and the fact that we believe he remains very competitive. The fans in California should be able to cheer again for their native son and they will be able to do that when he races in Long Beach this April.” Kalkhoven went on to say, only half in jest, “I still contend that it is likely that Jimmy could make more comebacks than the Rolling Stones.”

Bernoldi, who also spent last season as a Formula One test driver with BAR-Honda, admits it took him the better part of a day to become comfortable behind the wheel of the Rocketsports car. Rocketsports Racing boss Paul Gentilozzi, who has yet to finalize his lineup for 2006, was suitably impressed with the times posted by Pizzonia and Bernoldi.

"The times run were on the level with former series championship drivers, that tells us that they can run up front when it counts," he said. "I sincerely hope that we get that chance." Gentilozzi has been linked to a group of Brazilian businessmen who are reportedly interested in bringing a "Team Brazil" concept to the series, much like what Craig Gore and John Fish did by re-branding Walker Racing Team Australia last season. While he didn't tip his hand one way or the other, Gentilozzi indicated both Pizzonia and Bernoldi have the skills to be competitive in the series. (tsn.ca)