IndyCar Series picks up title sponsorship with Izod

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IRL names Bernard as new CEO

Randy Bernard, a longtime top executive at Professional Bull Riders, Inc., has been named as the new chief executive officer of the Indy Racing League, which is the sanctioning body of the Izod IndyCar Series.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway President and CEO Jeffrey Belskus formally introduced Bernard on Thursday.

"Randy is the right person at the right time to head the Indy Racing League," Belskus said. "He brings a superb sports marketing and promotion background, proven CEO skills, energy and enthusiasm at a time when the Izod IndyCar Series is positioned for growth."

Patrick reveals partial Nationwide schedule for 2010

JR Motorsports announced during a press conference held on Thursday that IndyCar racing star Danica Patrick will attempt to qualify for the February 20 Nationwide Series race at Auto Club Speedway in California and then the February 27 event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Patrick said she expects to compete in 13 Nationwide races for JRM in 2010. She will run a full-time schedule in the Izod IndyCar Series next season.

"It's such a great opportunity for me, especially coming into this NASCAR arena," Patrick said.

Patrick is NASCAR bound with JR Motorsports

IndyCar Racing's most popular star Danica Patrick confirmed on Tuesday that she will run a partial schedule in the NASCAR Nationwide Series for JR Motorsports -- a team co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Rick Hendrick -- in 2010.

Patrick made the announcement in a press conference in Phoenix, where she currently resides. She was joined by Kelley Earnhardt, who is the vice president and general manager of JRM, as well as the Dale Jr.'s sister. Patrick will drive the No.7 Chevrolet in an unspecified Nationwide schedule, beginning with the February 13 season-opener at Daytona International Speedway. Tony Eury Jr. will serve as her crew chief, and GoDaddy.com will sponsor the team's efforts.

"It's definitely going to be a challenge," Patrick said. "We're not one hundred percent sure of all the details at this points, but the primary focus will be before and after the IndyCar season."

Patrick signs multi-year deal with Andretti Autosport

Danica Patrick will remain with the IndyCar Series, signing a multi-year contract to stay at Andretti Autosport.

Patrick appeared on ABC's "Good Morning America" Monday, and unveiled the car she will race for the team in the 2010 IndyCar campaign.

"I'm happy to be able to announce that I'm returning to Andretti Autosport," Patrick said in a statement. "My life long goal is to win the Indy 500, and I'd love to do that in the GoDaddy.com car."

Former IRL, Indy chief Tony George leaves Hulman board

Tony George has resigned from the board that oversees operation of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, according to news release issued by the historic speedway on behalf of Chairman Mari Hulman George.

The resignation leaves George with no remaining role in Hulman & Co., the speedway, the Indy Racing League, IMS Productions and other affiliated companies. His term as CEO of the family companies ended June 30, 2009.

He still owns Vision Racing, a competitor in the IZOD IndyCar Series of the Indy Racing League.