“It was long ago now,” Francesco Dracone says of his two-race foray in the IZOD IndyCar Series with Conquest Racing in 2010.
The Italian driver was in a Dale Coyne Racing-prepared car Dec. 3-4 at Sebring International Raceway with the aim of competing full time in the series in 2014. His interest was piqued from conversations with compatriot Luca Filippi, who competed in four races this past season in the No. 98 Barracuda Racing car.
“IndyCar is a good combination of single-seater competition, performance and show (diversity of the schedule),” said Dracone, 30, who most recently competed in the Auto GP World Series. “It’s good to be back and have the opportunity to drive the new car and gain experience. I look forward to the 2014 season and see if we can line up a deal.”
Arie Luyendyk Jr. had driven the car at Sebring in mid-November, while 2012 Pro Mazda champion and 2013 Firestone Indy Lights multiple race winner Jack Hawksworth is scheduled to test for Dale Coyne Racing in two weeks. Hawksworth previously tested with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
Team USA Scholarship winner Eidson to compete in USF2000
Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing will field 2013 Team USA Scholarship winner Jake Eidson in the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda.
The Colorado native, who competed in selected USF2000 races in 2013, claimed the 2013 F1600 Formula F Championship with seven wins, the most in series history. Eidson had five poles and won the championship by 49 points. Following his championship run, he was selected as one of two Team USA Scholarship drivers.
"My goals for the USF2000 Series are to use all the tools and knowledge I've gained last season from the Cape Motorsports with Wayne Taylor Racing team to be a top contender," Eidson said. "I know the team is devoted to win, and I'm very excited to have the opportunity to work with Dominic and Nicholas again after already having a very successful year of racing that I hope to repeat next season."
Briscoes welcome first child
IndyCar Series driver Ryan Briscoe and his wife, Nicole, welcomed their first child, Finley Evers, on Dec. 5.
She checked in at 8.5 pounds. Mom and daughter are doing well, the father reports.
Stars of 'Turbo' coming to Netflix this month
Netflix will premiere “TURBO F.A.S.T.,” a racing-themed animated comedy from DreamWorks Animation, streamed to customers Dec. 24. Five episodes from this summer’s animated film that featured the IZOD IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis 500 will be available, with additional episodes available in 2014.
The series will follow the stunt team of Turbo, Whiplash, Burn, Smooth Move, White Shadow, Skidmark and Chet as they race on "the coolest tracks and take on the craziest challengers.” Check out a preview HERE.
“Turbo” is available on DVD.
Of note
Juan Pablo Montoya continues with the Team Penske test plan as he’ll be at Auto Club Speedway and Phoenix International Raceway next week. He'll also test Dec. 16 at Sonoma Raceway. … Team owner/driver Ed Carpenter will be the recipient of the Pat O’Connor award, which is presented to an individual who exemplifies the good nature and sportsmanship of an ideal driver, during the Hoosier Auto Racing Fans banquet in January. ... Andretti Autosport driver Carlos Munoz is competing in the 6 Hours of Bogota (Colombia) this weekend.