ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – A young Salvador Dali can be seen in his large-sized painting, The Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus – depicted as a friar kneeling in prayer holding a crucifix – at the Dali Museum inside the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg circuit.

Oriol Servia“Like many of Dali’s paintings, there’s always something to discover,” says Dr. Hank Hine, Dali Museum director who hosted a private tour for Lotus Dreyer & Reinbold Racing driver Oriol Servia.

Servia, 37, from the Catalonia region of Spain – the same as Dali – has the evocative Dali self-portrait prominently displayed on his helmet. Of course, he’s studied the master, who worked in most mediums in addition to writing screenplays and designing women’s hats.

“I used to have one of his works – stop watches – on my helmet because race car drivers are always trying to beat time,” says Servia, who will kick off his first season with the Indianapolis-based team in the No. 22 car this weekend. “The irreverence of Dali inspires many people today. I’m happy that they built a race course around the Dali Museum.”

KV Racing Technology adds full-season sponsor: KV Racing Technology w/ SH announced that Bio-Engineered Supplements and Nutrition, Inc. will join the team for the entire season as a sponsor on the Chevrolet-powered No. 11 car driven by Tony Kanaan.

“I have used BSN products for a long time to help out with my workouts long before they were associated with KV Racing, so I'm more than glad to welcome them to the team,” Kanaan said.  ”Winning involves preparation and BSN has what it takes to get you the next level.”

BSN president Charles Hemmingway said the partnership is a natural.

“It’s no secret to us at BSN that hardcore IndyCar fans embrace cutting-edge products that produce results, and that’s why we made the decision to jump into the sport,” he said.

He said it: Josef Newgarden, you always have a smile.

“How can I not have a smile? I’m an IndyCar driver, which is an unbelievable statement to be able to make. Even before this opportunity with Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing I was driving race cars for my job and not many people get to do that. I try to cherish every moment and certainly this opportunity is a very big deal for me. I’m trying to take advantage and make the most of it.”

Honda by the numbers: From 2006-2011, Honda supplied engines to every IZOD IndyCar Series competitor. A total of 98 drivers raced with the Honda Indy V-8 during that period, with 15 drivers recording race victories. Honda engines logged about 1.2 million miles of practice, qualifying and racing in the series; and almost 500,000 race miles.

Honda is joined on the grid this season by Chevrolet and Lotus – all three are supplying 2.2-liter, turbocharged V-6 engines fueled by E85.

Of note: Bryan Herta Autosport announced a multi-race sponsorship with Motegi Racing, beginning with this weekend's event, for the No. 98 Team Barracuda – BHA car driven by Alex Tagliani. … Panther Racing has promoted Chris Mower to general manager. Mower formerly was team manager since joining the team in 2008. Panther Racing managing partner John Barnes worked with Mower’s father Derek at Vel’s Parnelli Jones Racing and again at Bob Fletcher Racing more than 30 years ago. … Helio Castroneves will accept the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series Favorite Driver award on behalf of the late Dan Wheldon at the INDYCAR Fan Village at 1:45 p.m. March 23. Castroneves was second in the voting.