A few news items relevant to this weekends race:
racer.com wrote:
Ethanol USA backing for Hunter-Reay at Iowa
15th June 2010
ICM, Inc. and Green Plains Renewable Energy, both industry leaders in the development and production of biofuels in the U.S., are teaming up to sponsor the No. 37 Ethanol USA-Team IZOD car from Andretti Autosport driven by Ryan Hunter-Reay for this weekend's Iowa Corn Indy 250 at Iowa Speedway, extending the Andretti Autosport driver's deal with the team. Hunter-Reay's original deal with the Andretti squad expired with the most recent IZOD IndyCar Series race at Texas. The deal is a reunion of sorts for Hunter-Reay, who was sponsored by the U.S. ethanol industry in the 2007 and 2008 seasons.
"I couldn't be more thrilled to be representing Ethanol USA in the IZOD IndyCar Series again for a race that's fueled by ethanol made in the United States," Hunter-Reay said. "Everyone talks about cleaner, greener energy, but this is one industry that has been consistently delivering on its promises."
Hunter-Reay and his Team IZOD began the season with a runner-up finish in the Sao Paulo Indy 300. Three races later, he picked up his first victory of the year at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. He has collected three top-5s and currently sits sixth in IZOD IndyCar Series point standings.
"We're excited to be back in the IZOD IndyCar Series, and thrilled to renew our relationship with Ryan Hunter-Reay. Ryan has demonstrated his tremendous skill on the racetrack, and is a passionate supporter of the U.S. ethanol industry," said Dave Vander Griend, president and CEO of ICM.
Andretti Autosport has yet to confirm any additional races for Hunter-Reay beyond Iowa, however. Irishman Adam Carroll is set to join the team for a limited number of IndyCar races, beginning at Watkins Glen.
motorsport.com wrote:
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Signs Graham Rahal for Iowa
10th June 2010
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing announced today that American driver, Graham Rahal, will replace the injured Mike Conway next weekend. He will drive the team's No. 24 Dad's Root Beer custom designed Hot Wheels entry for the Iowa Corn 250 at Iowa Speedway.
During the 94th running of the Indianapolis 500, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing pilot, Mike Conway, was involved in a horrific crash. With one lap to go, the Brit collided with Ryan Hunter-Reay, who had slowed to conserve fuel in order to finish the race.
While Conway is out of the seat, Rahal will step in to replace him next weekend. The American was the sensible choice for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing as he had a great showing at this year's Indianapolis 500 and has experience at Iowa Speedway. Also, he was the perfect fit to drive the team's Dad's Root Beer custom designed Hot Wheels car, which will be driven during the Iowa Corn 250 on Father's Day.
This will mark Rahal's first time to drive for the team and Dreyer & Reinbold Racing couldn't be more excited to have him on board. "We are thrilled to have Graham drive for us this weekend. We obviously wish that Mike could be with us, but we just want him to have a quick recovery. Iowa will be big weekend for DRR as we unveil the Dad's Root Beer one-off paint scheme designed by Hot Wheels on Father's Day. Graham was a perfect fit and we couldn't be happier to have him behind the wheel," commented Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Co-Owner, Robbie Buhl.
"Dreyer & Reinbold Racing has clearly done an impressive job this season and I really have to thank Robbie, Dennis, the team, and Dad's Root Beer for this opportunity to compete in Iowa. I also want to wish Mike Conway a quick recovery and hopefully we can bring home a good result for him. I can't wait to get behind the wheel of the Dad's Root Beer custom designed Hot Wheels No. 24 car and hopefully contribute more success to Dreyer & Reinbold Racing," said Rahal.
indycar.com wrote:
Mutoh uninjured in test crash at Iowa
9th June 2010
Newman/Haas Racing driver Hideki Mutoh was uninjured during a testing crash at the 0.875-mile Iowa Speedway oval. Mutoh was testing in preparation for the Iowa Corn Indy 250 presented by Pioneer that will take place June 20.
“The test was going quite good; we had good speed and we weren’t in qualifying trim yet,” said Mutoh, 27, whose best lap time was 17.94 seconds (179.39 mph) and had completed 78 laps. “We were running in race trim and the speed was pretty good. I just lost the back end of the car between Turns 1 and 2.
"There are a couple of bumps there and I hit the big one and just spun. I was a little dizzy afterward but I feel fine now. My legs were banged up a little but physically I am fine.”
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