The stylized American Racing apparel combines a speed and motor culture aesthetic with a vintage look. Designers at Wicked Quick have sifted through archive images, old artwork and vintage logos to find the perfect assets for the collection. The worn and weathered feel of a favorite tee is reproduced in the American Racing products using unique dye treatments and original prints.

“The vintage-inspired tees and caps produced by Wicked Quick speak to the heritage of the American Racing brand,” said American Racing Marketing Director Rhett Sander. “You don’t even have to be a car enthusiast to wear these clothes – the designs and quality are great for anyone who wants the look and feel of authentic, vintage apparel.”

Founded in 1956, American Racing is one of the largest and most historic aftermarket wheel manufacturers in the world, setting industry standards in craftsmanship, innovation and performance. The brand traces its roots back to the golden age of hot rodding, with its signature product — the original five-spoke Torq Thrust wheel — the most recognized wheel in automotive history and an icon of vintage and muscle cars. Now owned by Wheel Pros, the American Racing brand continues to live up to its iconic legacy as a producer and distributor of aftermarket wheels.

The American Racing collection is produced under official license by Wicked Quick and distributed through its network of taste-leading outlets. The licensing partnership was negotiated by JRL Group.

“We are thrilled to be working with American Racing. They have a rich history in the world of speed, pioneers in performance and design and have a great name, said Tarran Pitschka CEO/ Founder, Wicked Quick Industries. “These qualities bring out the best of what Wicked Quick does, celebrating authentic icons of speed.”

Portland, Oregon, clothier Wicked Quick prides itself on its distinctive apparel that merges the best, classic elements with modern techniques, washes, fits and designs. The company’s graphically distinct, premium washed tees are worn by musicians, artists and actors on the big screen — as well as by professional racers — and are available in top accounts including Nordstrom, Kitson’s, Sundance Catalog, Dillards and over 140 specialty accounts across the U.S.

The Hot Rod Power Tour, presented by GM Performance Division, is considered among the finest automotive tours in the world and is said to embody everything that Hot Rod Magazine has represented throughout its 64 year history.

American Racing is part of that history. The American Racing brand traces its roots back to a 1956 Hot Rod magazine cover story that featured its first custom-made drag race wheels.

This year’s tour offers dedicated Hot Rod enthusiasts the chance to show off their vehicles as they travel together from Detroit, Michigan, to Arlington, Texas, on seven-day, seven-city journey.

Each overnight stop will celebrate hot rod culture in a new city with an official Cruise Night. American Racing will be on hand at all seven stops to show off a 600-plus horsepower, rat-rod themed modern Camaro and give away discount coupons, posters and more. Plus, select participants whose hot rods ride on American Racing wheels will get special-edition American Racing owner edition hats.

Participants in this year’s Hot Rod Power Tour will sightsee, explore and show off their custom car creations in car crazy towns in each participating city and points along the way. Any car or truck owner who wants to register for Power Tour is welcomed, and 2012 promises another incredible rolling exhibition of Hot Rod culture.

2012 Hot Rod Power Tour schedule:

> June 2: Detroit, MI – GM Proving Grounds, Milford
> June 3: Muskegon, MI – Downtown Muskegon
> June 4: Champaign, IL – Assembly Hall, University of Illinois
> June 5: Madison, IL – Gateway Motorsports Park
> June 6: Miami, OK – Buffalo Run Casino
> June 7: Stillwater, OK – Kicker Corporate Complex
> June 8: Arlington, TX – Quicktrip Park

About American Racing

Founded in 1956 as a manufacturer of magnesium and aluminum racing wheels, American Racing has grown to become one of the world’s largest aftermarket wheel manufacturers and distributors. Owned today by Wheel Pros, American Racing products are sold worldwide in more than 20 countries on four countries and through a U.S. network of more than 25,000 authorized dealers. American Racing is an iconic brand and a wheel industry leader in craftsmanship, engineering, innovation and performance.

SOURCE: Hot Rod Power Tour 

American Racing is an associate sponsor to the KV Racing team.

Viso, No. 5 CITGO | PDVSA – KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone, qualified 14th, but started 13th after Justin Wilson failed technical inspection late yesterday.  The 27-year-old Venezuelan began to patiently work his way through the field from the start of the race and spent much of it in the top-10.  The strategy the team employed actually had him in the top-five for almost the entire second stint however a series of yellow flags, due to accidents, early in the second stint and again late in the race nullified the team’s strategy.  Never-the-less, it was Viso’s disciplined and error free driving, plus a well prepared and fast car that allowed Viso to come away with valuable championship points.

“Another top-10 finish is always a good thing especially when I am looking for championship points,” Viso said.  “ It was a bit of a sweet and sour weekend.  We were not as fast as we expected in qualifying, however, we had a strong race.  Unfortunately, there were several strategies used today and ours didn’t pay off the way we hoped.  We all acknowledge that it was a difficult situation with the weather constantly changing and the number of yellow flags due to accidents.  I think we had a car that was good enough to finish in the top-five and want to thank the crew and my engineer for doing a great job.

Viso made his third start in São Paulo today and earned his best finish (previous high was 12th in 2010).  . He also had his second top-10 performance of the young 2012 season.  In the season opener at St. Petersburg he placed eighth (also finished 12th in Long Beach).  Viso earned 22 points today and is now 13th in the championship race with 76 points.

Barrichello. No. 8 BMC | EMBRASE – KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone, qualified 13th, but started 12th following the realignment.  Immensely popular in his native Brazil, “Rubito”, 39, had the crowed on its feet for much of the race as he, like his teammate Viso, showed skill and determination while settling into a top-10 slot while making a run at a podium or at least a top-five finish.  Unfortunately, he also feel victim to the yellow flags which allowed several competitors that were in the back of the field to pit out of sequence for fuel and thus make up valuable track position.

Commenting on his race, Brrichello said. “When you are in 16th place and at the end of the race you gain six positions you have to feel better.  However, I have to say I did not understand the race.  I was running third or fourth and all of a sudden I was 17th.  We did have a few problems with the pit stops, but strategy was such a big factor this afternoon.  In fact, when I saw Dario (Franchitti) after the race I stop to talk to him and asked him when you should spin so you can come in a take fuel.  I just want to thank all the Brazilian fans for coming out to the race.  I gave my very best today.  Unfortunately, because of all the cautions flags our strategy didn’t work out today but it will out some other day.

Barrichello, who is in his first IndyCar season after spending the last 19-years in Formula One, has now put together back-to-back-to-back top-10 finishes (eighth at Barber, ninth at Long Beach to go with today’s 10th place finish) following a 17th place showing in his IndyCar debut at St. Petersburg.  His results are even more impressive when you take into account that he is competing on IndyCar circuits for the first time and has been getting limited track time due to inclement weather and scheduling.   Barrichello, who made 19 Formula One starts in Brazil with a best finish of third, picked up 20 points today and is now 11th  in the championship standings with 79 points.

Kanaan, who drove the No. 11 ITAIPAVA | GEICO | MOUSER ELECTRONICS – KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone today, qualified 12th, but started 11th.  The 37-year-old Brazilian, who pitted a couple of laps earlier than his teammates during the first stint was essentially on the same strategy and in line for a top-10 finish, however a late race incident dropped him to 13th.

“Unfortunately, our strategy didn’t work out the way we wanted because of the number of yellow flags,” Kanaan said.  “That is racing.  If everything had played out the way we envisioned and we had not got caught up in that pile-up we would have been in the top-five.  It’s a shame, but it is always fun to race in front of the Brazilian fans.  I want to thank them and my sponsors for supporting me.  From here we go to Indy, which is the most important race of the season and we looking for a good result in a race I have been close to winning, but never have.”

Kanaan made his sixth U. S. based series start in Brazil.  In two previous races in São Paulo, Kanaan has a best finish of 10th in 2010 (raced three times on the oval in Rio in CART with a best finish of fifth in 1999).  After opening the season with a run of bad luck in the first two events, Kanaan broke out with a spectacular fourth place finish two weeks ago in Long Beach.  A perennial championship contender (has finished in the top-six in the final standings in all nine of his full IndyCar seasons), Kanaan earned 13 points today and currently sits 14th in the standings with 71 points.

Next up for KVRT is the Indianapolis 500, May 27, at the fabled Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana.  The race will be broadcast live on ABC beginning at 12:00 p.m. (ET).

KV Racing Technology was founded in January 2003 and joined the IndyCar Series in 2008.  The Indianapolis based team is owned by successful venture capitalist Kevin Kalkhoven and 1996 IndyCar Champion Jimmy Vasser.  Veteran Motorsports manager, Mark Johnson is the team’s General Manager.  Johnson is assisted by Team Manager Tom Wurtz, Technical Director Eric Cowdin and Operations Manager Steve Moore.

For more information about KV Racing Technology visit: www.kvracingtechnology.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/kvracing and Facebook: www.facebook.com/kvracingtechnology

SOURCE: KV Racing

Viso, in the No. 5 CITGO | PDVSA – KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone, qualified fifth, but started 15^th after being moved back on the grid as a result of the penalty.

The 27-year-old Venezuelan was on the move from the drop of the green flag picking up two spots.  Unfortunately, a series of incidents including getting blocked from entering his pit for his first stop, having contact with another competitor, having to pit for a new wing and receiving a questionable penalty for avoidable contact, all conspired to cause him to lose track position and ruin his race.

“I am really disappointed with how the race went,” Viso said.  “I think we had a good opportunity this weekend because of the strong pace we showed in every session including qualifying, where we were actually fifth before the penalty moved several cars back on the grid… I want to thank my crew for their hard work.  They gave me a fast car this weekend and hopefully we have an even better one for Brazil.”

Viso made his fifth start in Long Beach. His best finish is ninth in the Champ Car World Series finale in 2008.  Viso opened the season with the best start in his five-year IndyCar career (third with KVRT) placing a team-high eighth at St. Petersburg then struggled with a car that simply did not have the pace and finished 21^st at Barber.  He earned 18 points today and is now 12^th (actually tied with Kanaan for 11^th) in the championship standings with 54 points.

Kanaan, No. 11 MOUSER ELECTRONICS | GEICO – KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone, qualified 10^th, but started 19^th after a penalty was levied against all the Chevrolet and some of the Lotus powered teams for changing-out an engine that had not reached its minimum mileage threshold prior to the Long Beach race.  The 37-year-old Brazilian was on the move from the drop of the green flag and benefitted from a solid strategy, faultless pit stops and a car that allowed him to record the fastest lap of the race.  As the team’s strategy played out, Kanaan used his tremendous talent to pick up track position at every opportunity.  However, in the end it came down to his race craft as he passed car after car to finish his first race of the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series season and in the process score his first top-five showing of the year.

“It was a great day for the MOUSER ELECTRONICS | GEICO Team,” Kanaan said.  “After two very bad races, it’s great to have momentum going into Brazil.  We have moved up in the points quite a lot, which is very important. It was a fun race.  I got to drive fast and it was a fantastic result for us.”

Kanaan who made his ninth start in Long Beach has finished in the top-10 six times with a best showing of third in 2009 (fifths in 1998, 2010 and 2012).  In the first two races of the season he had qualified well (in the top-10 in all three races this year) and drove skillfully, however bad luck ended both the first two events early.  Kanaan, inhis 15^th U. S. based open-wheel season 11^th in the IZOD IndyCar Series and second with KVRT,  is a perennial championship contender having placed in the top-six in the championship every year he has run the full IndyCar season, a total of nine consecutive seasons.  He earned 32 points today giving him 54 on the season placing him in a tie with his teammate Viso.  However, today’s fourth place finish gives him the tiebreaker putting him 11^th in the championship race.

Barrichello. No. 8 BMC | EMBRASE – KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone, qualified 19^th, but started 22^ndfollowing the penalty realignment. The 39-year-old Brazilian steadily moved through the field, but also benefitted from strong pit work from his crew and an extremely creative and effective race strategy that saw Barrichello make six pit stops, mostly for fuel only, which allowed him to extend his fuel mileage without sacrificing track position.  A final stop for a quick splash of fuel late in the race dropped Barrichello out of the top-five, but it also allowed him to attack and pass several cars ahead of him that were conserving fuel.  Unfortunately, while charging through the field during the closing laps of the race, Barrichello was hit from behind by another competitor in turn 11 of the final lap dashing any hopes of a top-six finish.

“Honestly I had a good race today,” Barrichello said.  “There were so many yellows today we tried at one point to conserve fuel but quickly realized it was not correct so we pushed hard the remainder of the event. I would just like people to have more respect for each other on the track.   I was hit on every side of my car.  Apart from that, I enjoyed myself today.   To start so far back and finish in the top-10 again shows I am getting better and better, so hopefully I will have my best result two weeks from now in Brazil.”

Barrichello, who spent the last 19-years in Formula One, was coming off an eighth place showing in just his second IndyCar start.  He has now put back-to-back top-10 finishes together despite racing on circuits he has never competed on before and also getting limited track time mainly due to inclement weather conditions.  He earned 22 points today and now sits ninth in the championship race with 59 points.

Next up for KVRT is the São Paulo Indy 300, April 28-29, on the streets of São Paulo, Brazil.  The race will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network beginning at 12:00 p.m. (ET).

KV Racing Technology was founded in January 2003 and joined the IndyCar Series in 2008.  The Indianapolis based team is owned by successful venture capitalist Kevin Kalkhoven and 1996 IndyCar Champion Jimmy Vasser.  Veteran Motorsports manager, Mark Johnson is the team’s General Manager.  Johnson is assisted by Team Manager Tom Wurtz, Technical Director Eric Cowdin and Operations Manager Steve Moore.

SOURCE: KV Racing Technology

However, final starting positions will not be determined until tomorrow following the morning warm-up when a penalty will be assessed to all the Chevrolet powered cars as well as some of the cars with Lotus engines.  Per the provisions set forth by the IndyCar rule book a penalty of 10 gird positions will be levied against all cars that changed-out an engine that had not reached its minimum mileage threshold prior to the Long Beach race.  Once all penalties and factors are taken into account, and subject to tomorrow morning’s warm-up being incident free, it is estimated that Viso will start 12^th, Kanaan 16^th and Barrichello, 22^nd

Viso, No. 5 CITGO | PDVSA – KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone recorded a qualifying time of 69.0634 seconds (102.584 mph).  Kanaan, No. 11 MOUSER ELECTRONICS | GEICO – KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone, qualified with a lap of 69.1987 seconds (102.383 mph).  Barrichello, No. 8 BMC | EMBRASE – KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone, had a qualifying time of 70.0651 seconds (101.117 mph). 

 Viso made the Firestone Fast Six, the final round of qualifying for the first time in three attempts this year and advanced out of the first round for the second time (qualified seventh two weeks ago at Barber Motorsports Park).   The 27-year-old Venezuelan earned his second top-10 qualifying spot in three tries this season and had his second best qualifying effort in five attempts here at Long Beach (qualified fourth in 2009).  In four previous races his best finish is ninth in the Champ Car World Series finale in 2008.

Viso ran in group one in round one and posted the second fastest lap of the 13 drivers in the group thus advancing to the second round.  In round two, he recorded the fifth fastest lap of the 12 drivers and advanced to the final round where he was again fifth (out of six drivers).  Viso opened the season with the best start in his five-year IndyCar career (third with KVRT) placing a team-high eighth at St. Petersburg then struggled with a car that simply did not have the pace and finished 21^st at Barber.  He is 12^th in the championship standings with 36 points.

“Qualifying went great,” Viso said.  “We had a beautiful and balanced car.  We had the potential to put it on the pole.    However, we would not have gotten the pole because of the penalty that is going to put us back ten positions.  Still, I am looking forward to the race and having a good result because we have a lot of trust and belief in ourselves.”

Viso went on to say, “I am definitely excited about how things are going this year.  There is no magic in this sport.  It is just hard work on the part of the crew, the team and me.  I am very grateful for the support of everyone associated with the CITGO | PDVSA car.  Knowing that I can count on everyone both on and off the track, my sponsors, crew, everyone is to me the biggest difference this year.  It has also been great to have the support of my long time friend Giorgio Pantano on my standing putting an extra set of eyes on my car.”

Kanaan advanced to the second round of qualifying for the third time in three tries this year (made it to the final round once, at Barber). The 37-year old Brazilian has now qualified in the top-10 at all three races to start the 2012 season (qualifying ninth and starting eighth at St. Petersburg, sixth at Barber and 10^th today).  In nine attempts here in Long Beach, Kanaan has now qualified in the top-10 six times including one pole, the first of his career in 1999.  In eight previous races he has finished in the top-10 five times with a best showing of third in 2009 (fifths in 1998 and 2010).

Kanaan also ran in the first group in round one of today’s qualifying and was sixth out of the 13 drivers in his group thus advancing to round two.  In round two he ended up 10^th falling four spots short of making the final round.  Kanaan, in his 15^th U. S. based open-wheel season 11^th in the IZOD IndyCar Series and second with KVRT, has qualified well and driven skillfully in the first two races of the season, however bad luck has plagued him in both events.  A perennial championship contender, he currently sits 26^th in the standings with 22 points.

Commenting on his qualifying session, Kanaan said, “The crash this morning didn’t help with trying to get track time.  It was a very competitive qualifying session and we were just a little bit behind.  I missed making the Firestone Fast Six by a tenth of a second and when you think of it like that, it could have gone my way just like it had done at Barber a few weeks ago or not.  We just need to work on car tonight so we are ready for the race tomorrow.”

Barrichello was also in group one in round one of qualifying.  He placed 10^th in the group and therefore did not advance to the second round.  The 39-year-old Brazilian, who spent the last 19-years in Formula One, is coming off his first IndyCar top-10 finish, an eighth place showing at Barber, in just his second IndyCar event.. He will be contesting just his second IndyCar street race after maing his debut on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida (finished 17^th) in the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series season opener.  Barrichello is 10^th in the championship race with 37 points.

Regarding today’s qualifying session, Barrichello said, “I have only managed to run around 41 laps this weekend and then trying to qualify on a different tire, I ended up just a little bit off the advancing group in the first round.  I really need more track time and as the race progresses I will start to get a better feel. We can’t be happy with where I am starting, but I think if I had known the track a little more, I would have done better, so hopefully tomorrow will be a good race.”

The 2012 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network beginning at 3:30 p.m. (ET).

In today’s morning practice, Viso took team honors with a lap of 71.0087 seconds (99.774 mph) good for fourth on the speed charts.  Kanaan was eighth with a time of 71.1162 seconds (99.623 mph) while Barrichello was 13^th at 71.6598 seconds (98.867 mph).

KV Racing Technology was founded in January 2003 and joined the IndyCar Series in 2008.  The Indianapolis based team is owned by successful venture capitalist Kevin Kalkhoven and 1996 IndyCar Champion Jimmy Vasser.  Veteran Motorsports manager, Mark Johnson is the team’s General Manager.  Johnson is assisted by Team Manager Tom Wurtz, Technical Director Eric Cowdin and Operations Manager Steve Moore.

SOURCE: KV Racing Technology

They were the first winners of the new prize, which will be awarded at every Goodguys car show in 2012.

The Goodguys 12th Meguiar’s Del Mar Nationals brought a weekend full of good times to the scenic Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, CA, March 30-April 1st.

In addition to indoor & outdoor cars shows featuring over 2,000 ’72 and earlier rods, customs, classics, muscle cars and trucks, the event included vendor exhibits, a swap meet and cars for sale corral, Goodguys AutoCross (all 3 days!), Woodie display, Nitro Thunderfest (featuring cackling vintage top fuel dragsters), live music with ‘Soul Diego” and the “Blue Groove”, model car show and the all new Goodguys Super Sunday Get-Together welcoming all years, makes and models of American powered cars and trucks.

The next stop for the Good Guys is May 18, 19, 20 at Nashville Tennissee for the 7th annual Nashville Nationals.

The Best Ride on American Racing Wheels will again be awarded at the show.

SOURCE: Good Guys

Teammate E. J. Viso had a problem with the pace of his car and placed 18th while Tony Kanaan the third of the KVRT trio, was the victim of bad luck for the second race in a row and placed 21st.

Viso ran in the top-10 in the No. 5 CITGO | PDVSA – KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone, with reasonable pace through the first stint, however from that point on he slowly drifted back through the field.

The 27-year-old Venezuelan was engaged in several spirited wheel-to-wheel battles in an attempt to defend his position or move forward, but simply didn’t have the car to make his efforts stick.

“Coming into the race I believed we would keep up with the pace that we showed in qualifying and in St. Petersburg,” Viso said. “Unfortunately, the general pace of my car today was slower than the rest of the field. The team is going to sit down and review the data and I am confident we will get everything resolved for Long Beach.

Viso, who made his third start at Barber today, earned 12 points and combined with his team-high eighth place finish in the season opener at St. Petersburg is now 12th in the championship standings with 36 points.

Kanaan started a team-high sixth in the No. 11 GEICO | MOUSER ELECTRONICS – KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone, and was solidly in the top-10 until lap 57 of the 90 lap contest when a problem developed with the rear of the car. He rejoined the contest one lap down and soldiered on picking up valuable championship points.

Kanaan has driven strong races in the first two rounds of the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series season only to victimized by bad luck. The perennial championship contender, who finished fifth in the standings last year, his first with KVRT, has placed in the top-six in the championship every year he has run the full IndyCar season, a total of nine consecutive seasons. Kanaan earned 12 points today and is 26th in the championship race with 22 points. In three races at Barber he has finished in the top-10 twice including an eighth place showing in 2010 and a spectacular run last year when he started 24th and finished sixth.

Barrichello started 14th in the No. 8 BMC | EMBRASE – KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone. The 39-year-old Brazilian drove both a smart and strong race. He saved fuel when he needed to, but turned up the wick particularly during the final 30 laps when he charged from 18th place to eighth. Barrichello, who thanked his race strategist, KVRT General Manager Mark Johnson, his engineer Garrett Mothersead and his crew over the radio during the cool off lap following the checkered flag, benefitted from a solid pit strategy and outstanding pit work from his KVRT crew.

SOURCE: KV Racing Technology

Founded in 1956, American Racing is one of the world’s largest and most historic aftermarket wheel manufacturers, setting industry standards in craftsmanship, innovation and performance.

American Racing established itself at the forefront of the golden age of Hot Rod racing with their signature product, the original straight-spoke version of the Torq Thrust  – the most recognized wheel in automotive history and an icon of vintage and muscle cars.

Get your American Racing merch here.

American Racing has a long and respected history. With roots in aftermarket performance wheels dating back to the golden era of hot rodding in the mid-1950s, the American Racing brand is an essential part of American automotive culture.

“We’re excited to bring American Racing back to the Long Beach Grand Prix,” said Jody Groce, president of Wheel Pros, the company that owns the American Racing brand. “It’s an historic relationship that we’re proud to bring back for 2012.”

In addition to partnering with the Long Beach Grand Prix, American Racing also returns to IndyCar in 2012 as a partner to the KV Racing Technology team, bringing together a legendary team and the storied brand.

From American Racing’s founding days in a California drag-racing shop, to its modern-day partnership with NHRA funny car racer Tony Pedregon and the KV Racing Technology team, the wheel company has always supported motorsport.

“American Racing has a foundation in muscle cars,” said Groce. “The Chevrolet engines that drive KV Racing Technology’s vehicles represent some serious modern performance.”

KV Racing Technology fields competition vehicles piloted by E.J. Viso, Tony Kanaan and Rubens Barrichello in the 2012 IndyCar series. The Indianapolis-based team was founded in January 2003 and joined the IndyCar Series in 2008. It is owned by successful venture capitalist Kevin Kalkhoven and 1996 IndyCar Champion Jimmy Vasser.

The 38th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach features wheel-to-wheel racing on an historic 1.97-mile, 11-turn seaside street circuit in Long Beach, CA, April 13-15, 2012.

ABOUT AMERICAN RACING

Founded in 1956 manufacturing magnesium and aluminum racing wheels, American Racing is one of the world’s largest aftermarket wheel manufacturers and distributors. Owned today by Wheel Pros, American Racing products are sold worldwide and through a U.S. network of more than 25,000 authorized dealers. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, American Racing is a wheel industry leader in craftsmanship, engineering, innovation and performance.

Viso, No. 5 CITGO | PDVSA – KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone, started 15th. The 27-year-old Venezuelan, who was sufferingfrom an illness that took hold last night and drained much of his energy, still managed to drive a very smart, patient race. Working a traditional three-stop fuel strategy orchestrated by KVRT co-owner Jimmy Vasser and getting strong work from his crew, Viso saved fuel when he needed to, but still managed to run competitive and consistent lap times. Viso got as high as fifth and with any luck from caution flags could easily have place in the top-five.

“I was very sick last night, so I had very little energy during the race,” Viso said. “Despite that we had a pretty good event. The team gave me a good and consistent car and I was able to keep a good pace all through the race. This was the first time Jimmy (KV Racing Technology co-owner Jimmy Vasser) called one of my races and he was a big help. I really liked what he did. He was a key person today. I am excited how we started the season and am looking forward to next weekend at Barber.”

Viso, now in hisfifth IZOD IndyCar Series season and third with KV Racing Technology, made his fifth appearance at St. Petersburg. This was his second top-10 finish and second best showing behind a fourth place performance in 2008 in just his second IndyCar event.

Barrichello. No. 8 BMC | EMBRASE – KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone, who made his IndyCar debut today started 13th. The 39-year-old Brazilian drove a solid race getting as high as eighth when several cars pitted during an early yellow. He dropped into the mid teens after his first pit stop, but was running a strategy that projected to have him back in thetop-10 by the end of the race. Unfortunately, due to a fuel miscalculation he ended up running out of fuel just short of the end of the race.

Commenting on his first IndyCar race, Barrichello said, “I had fun out there. Unfortunately we had a meter reading problem so I ran out of fuel at the end. However, I enjoyed the race and dicing with other cars, but would have liked to have been able to push more. It has been a good learning curve this weekend and I look forward to being back in the car in a few days for the next race.”

Barrichello, who spent the last 19 years crafting a remarkable record in Formula One, made his first IndyCar start 24 days after announcing he would join the IZOD IndyCar Series and 55 days after stepping into the cockpit of an Indy car for the first time.

Kanaan, No. 11 GEICO | MOUSER ELECTRONICS – KV Racing Technology w/ SH Chevrolet/Firestone, started eighth and was having a strong race when on lap 21 of the 100 lap event he suddenly lost power due to an electrical problem.

“It was a shame today because I think we could have had a good result. We had an electrical problem. We are not really sure right now what it was or what caused it, but my dashboard just went blank and the car shut down. Looking around, it is a beautiful day with everyone remembering Dan (Wheldon). It reminds you that there are a lot more important things in life than dropping out of a race.”

Kanaan, who is contesting his 15th U. S. based open-wheel season, 11th in the IZOD IndyCar Series and second with KVRT, made his eighth appearance on the streets of St. Petersburg today. This is the first time the 37-year-old Brazilian has not finished in the top-10 at this event. His best showing is second in 2005. He placed third last year in his debut with KVRT.

Next up for KVRT is the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama, March 30 – April 1, at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama. The race will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network beginning at 2:00 p.m. (ET).

Source: