“I was set for a fifth-place finish until (Oriol) Servia took me out…” said Kanaan. “I was the leading Chevy car out there and it was looking like a good points race for us. I’m really disappointed on how it turned out.”

There were only two laps to go when Servia and Kanaan made contact. It would have been his second top-five finish of the season. Kanaan finished in fourth place in St. Petersburg earlier this year.

While Kanaan didn’t have the result he was looking for, Simona De Silvestro, driver of the No. 78 Nuclear Clean Air Energy car, had a great result moving up ten positions from her starting spot of 19th on the grid to finish in ninth place.

KV Racing Technology finished the third round of the 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series with De Silvestro ninth in points and Kanaan in 12th. The next stop is the Itaipava Sao Paulo Indy 300, airing on NBC Sports Network at 11:00 a.m. ET on May 5th.

American Racing is a supporter of both KV Racing cars in the 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series.

About KV Racing Technology

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 CART IndyCar World Series Champion Jimmy Vasser and Indian industrialist Imran Safiulla. 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

About American Racing

American Racing is an iconic brand and a wheel industry leader in craftsmanship, engineering, innovation and performance. Founded in 1956 as a manufacturer of bespoke magnesium and aluminum racing wheels, its roots date back to the golden era of hot rodding. American Racing is a Wheel Pros brand. Wheel Pros products are sold worldwide in more than 20 countries on four continents and through a U.S. network of more than 25,000 authorized dealers. It is one of the world’s largest suppliers of branded custom wheels, performance tires and related accessories for cars, SUVs and light trucks.

After combing the show for the best rides on American Racing wheels, Philecia and her photographer staged a series of impromptu photo shoots and encouraged owners to download the shots from the American Racing Facebook page.

The campaign was a hit, and American Racing owners said they enjoyed having the opportunity to have a professional model pose with their car.

The event included vendor exhibits, a swap meet and cars for sale corral, Goodguys AutoCross, and live music, in addition to indoor and outdoor cars shows featuring over 2,000 ’72 and earlier rods, customs, classics, muscle cars and trucks.

American Racing is a supporter of the Goodguys organization, and awards the “Best Ride on American Racing Wheels” prize at each of their major shows.

The 13th annual Goodguys Del Mar show took place on the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, CA, April 5-7. The next stop for the Good Guys is May 17-19 at Nashville Tennessee for the eighth-annual Nashville Nationals.

Video:  http://youtu.be/wHPpLZMLU6Q

“Our customers are passionate about their vehicles and passionate about racing,” said Dan Ricehouse, spokesman for American Racing. “We share that excitement and support activities that are important to our customers and we’re excited to join the World of Outlaws.”

The multi-year agreement between American Racing and the World of Outlaws will showcase the wheel maker’s iconic heritage and authentic style to the more than one-million fans that attend World of Outlaws events, and the millions more who watch from home.

“American Racing is an iconic brand and we’re excited to have them involved with the World of Outlaws,” said Ben Geisler, chief marketing officer of the World Racing Group. “If you walk the parking lots at any of our events you will find everything from hot rods to 4×4 trucks to classic cars, making this partnership a great fit for World of Outlaws.”

This new partnership marks a return to dirt track racing for the American Racing brand. The 57-year-old aftermarket wheel brand has been involved in many different motorsports throughout its history. The company’s first products were bespoke magnesium wheels created for mid-1950s drag racing. In addition to World of Outlaws, American Racing currently supports top teams and drivers in the NHRA and IndyCar.

About American Racing

American Racing is an iconic brand and a wheel industry leader in craftsmanship, engineering, innovation and performance. Founded in 1956, the company’s roots date back to the golden era of hot rodding and it continues to produce top-selling wheel styles for the automotive aftermarket. American Racing is a Wheel Pros brand. Wheel Pros is one of the world’s largest suppliers of aftermarket custom wheels, performance tires and related accessories for cars, SUVs and light trucks. Products are sold worldwide in more than 20 countries on four continents, and through a U.S. network of more than 25,000 authorized dealers.

About World of Outlaws

World Racing Group, Inc., a sports entertainment company, is a world leader in the sanctioning and promotion of dirt track auto racing. WRG, based in Concord, N.C., owns and operates the three highest profile national touring series for dirt track racing in the United States: The World of Outlaws® STP Sprint Car Series; The World of Outlaws Late Model Series(SM); The Super DIRTcar Series™ Big-Block Modified Series. World Racing Group sanctions more than 4,900 local and regional dirt track racing events in the United States and Canada at 126 tracks each year under the DIRTcar™ Racing brand. In addition, World Racing Group owns and/or operates four premier dirt track speedways. WRG races can be heard online at DIRTVision.com ®. To learn more about World Racing Group, visit WorldRacingGroup.com .

The first pair out, the American Racing Wheels and DSR team drivers made solid runs for the fans at Firebird International Raceway. Pedregon was ahead until the eighth of a mile where Capps was just able to pass the hard charge of the American Racing funny car, clocking a 4.06 to Pedregon’s 4.09.

Pedregon posted his fastest run this season with a 4.09 at 299 mph, as well as the fastest reaction time of round one in funny car. Proving a tough opponent, Capps went on to win the race.

Despite the early loss, Pedregon was pleased with the progress of his American Racing car.

“I have to look at this race as progress,” Pedregon said. “In two races we have solved two major mechanical problems. Now we can go to the next event and focus on qualifying better on for Sunday.”

The two-time champ and his American Racing team have a few weeks to regroup before the 44th annual Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Auto-Plus Raceway in Gainesville, Fla., on March 14-17.

The driver was not injured, while the unbelievable force of the blast was captured by many trackside photographers and the image of the engulfed Funny Car quickly spread via social media.

“It was an unpleasant surprise when the body launched off of the car,” said Pedregon.  “A challenging weekend, however we had another Toyota body that will start off Phoenix this weekend. We have gone through the car front to back and believe we know what the cause was.”

Pedregon’s expertise behind the wheel was evident as he calmly piloted the flaming car to a stop before emerging unhurt from the cockpit. This year Pedregon enters a milestone 20th year of pro competition. Pedregon, who won the NHRA World Championship in 2003 and 2007, remains second on the list of all-time Funny Car winners.

Despite the massive explosion, Pedregon went on to qualify 14th with the 4.22 earned from the mishap during round two. The team identified a fuel leak as a contributing factor in the blast and were able to repair the vehicle and continue in the competition.

On Sunday Pedregon faced Gary Densham during round one. Pedregon was 25-8 against Densham in prior events but at the finish, he trailed by five hundredths of a second.

It was the first of four races this season where Pedregon’s funny car will sport the American Racing Custom Wheels paint scheme in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series.

Pedregon and the American Racing team will have a chance to turn things around this weekend at the 29th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals in Phoenix. Pedregon won this event back in 2007, where he set the standing national quarter mile record at 4.659.

American Racing will also serve as the primary sponsor for Pedregon during the  Gainesville and Denver events.

About American Racing

American Racing is an iconic brand and a wheel industry leader in craftsmanship, engineering, innovation and performance. Founded in 1956 as a manufacturer of bespoke magnesium and aluminum racing wheels, its roots date back to the golden era of hot rodding. American Racing is a Wheel Pros brand. Wheel Pros products are sold worldwide in more than 20 countries on four continents and through a U.S. network of more than 25,000 authorized dealers. It is one of the world’s largest suppliers of branded custom wheels, performance tires and related accessories for cars, SUVs and light trucks

Image Source: Daily Bulletin (Will Lester/Staff Photographer) Winternationals in Pomona.

The car, designed by Pedregon and designer Doug Sholty, features a gloss and flat black finish with gold leaf accents and bright red trim.

“We have received a great response from fans who appreciate the inspiration and time that goes into the appearance the American Racing cars,” Pedregon said. “This design is driven by the passion and heritage of American Racing Wheels and the hot rodder mentality that fuels the car.”

American Racing will serve as the primary sponsor for Pedregon during the Pomona, Phoenix, Gainesville and Denver events.

“Our company’s very first wheels were built for drag racing back in the 1950s,” said American Racing Marketing Director Rhett Sander. “Our heritage and history are closely tied to drag racing and we’re pleased to continue this partnership in 2013.”

This year Tony Pedregon will enter a milestone 20^th year of pro competition. Pedregon, who won the NHRA World Championship in 2003 and 2007, remains second on the list of all-time Funny Car winners.

About American Racing

American Racing is an iconic brand and a wheel industry leader in craftsmanship, engineering, innovation and performance. Founded in 1956 as a manufacturer of bespoke magnesium and aluminum racing wheels, its roots date back to the golden era of hot rodding. American Racing is a Wheel Pros brand. Wheel Pros products are sold worldwide in more than 20 countries on four continents and through a U.S. network of more than 25,000 authorized dealers. It is one of the world’s largest suppliers of branded custom wheels, performance tires and related accessories for cars, SUVs and light trucks

SOURCE: Tony Pedregon Racing

The driver will carry American Racing title livery for four races this season, with the first competition set to take place February 14–17 at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, Calif.

“Drag racing is where American Racing comes from,” said Jen Horsey, American Racing Custom Wheels spokesperson. “It’s important to continue that heritage and history with Tony Pedregon in the NHRA.”

Pedregon won the NHRA World Championship in 2003 and 2007 and will be entering the 20th year of his pro career in 2013.

This is American Racing’s third year with the driver. In 2011, he ran an old-school “woodie” themed look. Last year, his rat-rod themed paint scheme was among the most popular on the track. His all-new American Racing livery, which continues the retro theme, is set to debut next week.

About American Racing
American Racing is an iconic brand and a wheel industry leader in craftsmanship, engineering, innovation and performance. Founded in 1956 as a manufacturer of bespoke magnesium and aluminum racing wheels, its roots date back to the golden era of hot rodding. American Racing is a Wheel Pros brand. Wheel Pros products are sold worldwide in more than 20 countries on four continents and through a U.S. network of more than 25,000 authorized dealers. It is one of the world’s largest suppliers of branded custom wheels, performance tires and related accessories for cars, SUVs and light trucks

KV Racing Technology’s partner, Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore, plays host for the announcement and unveiling of the team’s newly designed livery. KV Racing Technology pilot Simona De Silvestro and her crew will light up Light Street directly in front of the hotel with a pit stop demonstration. De Silvestro and teammate Tony Kanaan will be on hand after the demonstration to meet fans and sign autographs.

The KV Racing squad is supported by American Racing, an iconic aftermarket wheel brand with racing roots tracing back to the mid-1950s.

In addition to its fantastic views of the harbor, Light Street is part of the actual race circuit for the Grand Prix of Baltimore presented by SRT street race in September. “We’re pleased to have Simona and Tony here to ring in another year of great street racing in Charm City,” said Greg O’Neill, manager of Race On, the promoter of the Grand Prix of Baltimore presented by SRT. “Labor Day weekend will be here before we know it, and we’re looking forward to seeing Simona, Tony and other world-class drivers compete in one of the summer’s most exciting sporting events.”

Chevy Racing, reigning IndyCar manufacturer champion, returns to the site of one of their many 2012 victories to show their continued support of the Grand Prix of Baltimore presented by SRT, KV Racing Technology, and the IZOD IndyCar Series. “The Grand Prix of Baltimore showcases great racing on a technical street circuit along the beautiful Inner Harbor of the city that attracts race fans from Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York and beyond. Last year, in an exciting battle to the finish, we were proud that seven Chevrolet drivers finished the IZOD IndyCar Series race in the top 10, including the win,” said Chris Berube, Chevrolet IndyCar Program Manager. “Today we are pleased to be in Baltimore with our team partner KV Racing Technology, its sponsors and drivers Tony Kanaan and Simona de Silvestro as they reveal their 2013 Chevrolet Indy V6 race cars for the IZOD IndyCar Series.”

“As an IZOD IndyCar Series champion, a leader in the race paddock and a fan favorite, Tony Kanaan brings a wealth of experience and talent to the Chevrolet V6 IndyCar program and is a true ambassador for the Chevrolet. And this year we welcome Simona de Silvestro with her competitive spirit and “never give up” determination she has demonstrated since arriving on the scene in the IZOD IndyCar Series. We are looking forward to providing her with great power and dependability with the Chevrolet V6 IndyCar engine, and giving her the opportunity to demonstrate her true driving talent as a contender in the series. We are looking forward to the 2013 season and returning to Baltimore.”

Jimmy Vasser, KV Racing Technology owner is looking forward to the 2013 IndyCar season. “We had a good season last year, but I think 2013 is going to be much better. Tony and Simona are both great drivers and Chevy is a fantastic partner. We look forward to putting on a great show for all our sponsors this season,” he said.

The Nuclear Clean Air Energy sponsorship begins their third season backing Simona De Silvestro and their first with KV Racing Technology. Sponsorship members, Entergy Nuclear and AREVA, Inc. are on hand to promote their involvement in the Nuclear Clean Air Energy national education initiative. The #78 Nuclear Clean Air Energy IndyCar brings national and global visibility to the initiative. Other elements ofthe educational effort include Power Path, a curriculum for middle and high schools; promotion of educational events; and relationships with national organizations that promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics to students with a focus on careers in the sciences.

Entergy Vice President of Nuclear Communication Terry Young expressed the company’s continued support for the initiative. “Entergy Corporation is proud to be supporting Simona with her new team, KV Racing Technology, in the upcoming season. We have great faith in Simona as a driver and great admiration for her as an individual. As one of the largest nuclear generators of electricity in the nation, we’re looking forward to getting out the message about the importance of nuclear energy — which cleanly generates 20 percent of the electricity we use here in the U.S. Entergy Corporation celebrates its 100th anniversary this year as a New Orleans based company – which is the imminent destination for many here in Baltimore. As part of our continuing commitment to clean air, we have joined with the Super Bowl Host Committee and the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions to limit the environmental impact of the Super Bowl by purchasing carbon credits to offset the greenhouse gas emissions from Super Bowl-related activities.”

“AREVA, a global leader in clean energy production, and the #1 supplier of nuclear energy products and services in the U.S. is once again pleased to partner with the Nuclear Clean Air Energy team. We join Simona and the team to promote the message of safe, clean, affordable and reliable nuclear energy. In addition, we look forward to raising visibility for STEM education “science, technology, engineering and math,”a much needed skill set that will better equip our children and country for the future. AREVA and the race team have also joined to promote the Hiring our Hero’s campaign, an employment initiative designed to match the skillsand teamwork our military veteransbring,which are needed in our industry as well,” stated Mike Rencheck, President and CEO, AREVA, Inc.

The team is proud to welcome back partners Plantronics, Bryant Heating and Cooling, American Racing Wheels, WTS, Rev 1, NEI, Itaipava, Lista Office and Braskem.

About KV Racing Technology
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 CART IndyCar World Series Champion Jimmy Vasser and international industrialist Imran Safiulla.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

About Entergy
Entergy Corporation is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, including more than 10,000 megawatts of nuclear power, making it one of the nation’s leading nuclear generators. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.8 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy has annual revenues of more than $11 billion and approximately 15,000 employees. For more information visit: www.entergynuclear.com and www.NuclearClearAirEnergy.com; on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NuclearCleanAirEnergy and on Twitter at @NuclearCleanAir.

About AREVA
AREVA provides its customers with solutions for low-carbon power generation in North America and all over the world. As the leader in nuclear energy and a significant, growing player in the renewable energies sector, AREVA combines U.S. and Canadian leadership, access to worldwide expertise and a proven track record of performance. Sustainable development is a core component of AREVA’s strategy. Its nearly 5,000 U.S. and Canadian employees work every day to make AREVA a responsible industrial player helping to supply ever cleaner, safer and more economical energy to the greatest number of people. AREVA Inc. is headquartered in Bethesda, Md. For more information visit: www.us.areva.com

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

About the Grand Prix of Baltimore presented by SRT
The third annual Grand Prix of Baltimore presented by SRT will feature the IZOD IndyCar series and the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patron. The Grand Prix’s races are held on a 12-turn, two-mile course through downtown Baltimore, adjacent to the famed Inner Harbor. The 2013 Grand Prix of Baltimore presented by SRT will take place Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, 2013.

About The Royal Sonesta Harbor Court
Located on the Inner Harbor, overlooking the picturesque Baltimore waterfront, the 195 room Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore offers a AAA approved Four-Diamond experience. Guest amenities include 24-hour rooftop fitness center, swimming pool with panoramic views, racquetball and tennis courts, in-room movies, wireless high-speed internet access, and complimentary daily shoe shine. The hotel is home to Brightons restaurant, featuring an old world charm and contemporary American cuisine; and Explorers which offers creative and classic cocktails and a casual option for lunch, dinner and late night dining. With 10,000 square feet of meeting space, Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore also accommodates meetings and events. Offering a sweeping grand staircase and an Inner Harbor view ballroom, the hotel is ideal for weddings and other glamorous social occasions. The hotel is conveniently located on the Inner Harbor, walking distance to many of Baltimore’s most well-known attractions including Oriole Park at Camden Yards, American Visionary Art Museum, and the National Aquarium.

About American Racing
American Racing is an iconic brand and a wheel industry leader in craftsmanship, engineering, innovation and performance. Founded in 1956 as a manufacturer of bespoke magnesium and aluminum racing wheels, its roots date back to the golden era of hot rodding. American Racing is a Wheel Pros brand. Wheel Pros products are sold worldwide in more than 20 countries on four continents and through a U.S. network of more than 25,000 authorized dealers. It is one of the world’s largest suppliers of branded custom wheels, performance tires and related accessories for cars, SUVs and light trucks

SOURCE: KV Racing

“On the show floor, you’re seeing the top of the top of the line, with the largest wheel and tire package possible,” said Keith Alinder, Technical Director for Wheel Pros, one of the world’s largest manufacturers and distributors of aftermarket wheels.

These wheel and tire packages fill out the wheel wells and can make the show vehicles look more aggressive and more balanced than their production counterparts. The base model available for purchase at a dealership can sometimes seem a little anemic by comparison.

“You’re going to see a lot of optional equipment at the show: the sport package, the upgraded brakes, the wider wheels for the back of the car,” said Alinder. “Sometimes you’ll see wheel and tire sizes that were never even made to sell.”

From the paper sketch stage, designers creating the next model destined for the showroom floor typically equip their creative concepts with large wheels to give the vehicle design a “wow factor” on paper, said Emile Bouret, a vehicle designer, racing driver and host of The Motorazzi and OnCars (oncars.com).

But by the time that vehicle has progressed from a creative sketch to clay model, through countless rounds of revision, and finally put into production, design compromises have been made.

“One of the first things to be sacrificed at the altar of practicality in production cars are wheels,” said Bouret. “It’s a simple change that can make a huge impact on a car’s visual impact.”

And one of the easiest ways to put the wow factor back into a production car is to order up a new set of rims, said Alinder. While there is a limited selection of dealer upgrades available, aftermarket brands like KMC Wheels, American Racing, Lorenzo and Motegi Racing offer a broad range of styles to suit any vehicle.

Alinder and his colleagues from Wheel Pros are scouting the showroom floor this week to ensure they have wheels in a variety of sizes and finishes to suit the 50-plus new vehicle launches being made at this year’s show.

“We send people from our company to Detroit to get a feel for what’s coming out in 2014 and 2015 so we can make sure we have product available the day a customer drives off the lot with their new car,” said Alinder.

Wheel Pros is one of the world’s largest suppliers of aftermarket custom wheels, performance tires and related accessories for cars, SUVs and light trucks. Products are sold worldwide in more than 20 countries on four continents, and through a U.S. network of more than 25,000 authorized dealers. The Wheel Pros portfolio of popular brands includes American Racing, KMC, XD Series, Moto Metal, ATX, Lorenzo and Motegi Racing.

PHOTO: American Racing wheels are an attractive alternative to original equipment.