Gridsport News

Gridsport has GoPro!

2011-10-11T15:13:00.000-04:00

We are excited to announce that we are now offering the complete line of GoPro cameras and accessories. This month we are running an introductory special offering 10% off on all GoPro products. Just use coupon code "GoPro10" at checkout.

Check it out here: GoPro Cameras & Accessories

Check out the new Bell GP2-CMR helmet for all of the youth karters out there.

2011-08-25T15:06:00.002-04:00

GP.2 CMR is a fantastic choice for youger karters who demand superior features, light weight and excellent fit. The GP.2 CMR features a front aero chin bar, an ultra-lightweight carbon composite shell, pro-style interior with synthetic neck collar for outstanding comfort, and a front air intake that forces air into the helmet's forehead vents for maximum ventilation. The .200mm GP.2 CMR air intake is replaceable and the helmet can be used without the air intake. The direct flow upper and lower chin bar vents on the front of the helmet help to increase airflow and prevent shield fogging.

Get More Info Here: Bell GP2-CMR

Gymkhana4. Don't be a dummy. WATCH IT!

2011-08-16T15:03:00.002-04:00

Speedy Dan Clarke will make is Nationwide debut at Watkins Glen this weekend

2011-08-10T15:01:00.001-04:00

Dan Clarke will pilot the Means Racing #52 Chevrolet at this weekend Watkins Glen Nascar Nationwide race on Saturday 13th August.

The 27year old brit, now a 5year resident of Indianapolis, Indiana, will finally mark his foray into the Nascar stock car world after a sponsor setback earlier in the year cut short his NASCAR Canadian Tire Series campaign.

"This is a great moment for me. I've enjoyed a lot of success in Open-wheel formula racing but I've wanted to try the NASCAR route for a while now. I thought I would be racing full-time this year in Canadian Stock cars but that didn't work out and I had to move on. Now I have a shot at the NASCAR Nationwide series which is an even bigger opportunity and I have butterflies in my stomach thinking about the weekend."

The race will be aired live throughout the US and Canada on ESPN and TSN2 at 2pm EST.

Speedy Dan hops in a Touring Car at Mid Ohio

2011-08-02T14:57:00.005-04:00

GRID-1 Motorsports of Englewood Colorado has announced today that former open wheel star Dan Clarke and Mazda veteran driver Jason Saini will team up in the GRID-1 Motorsports Mazda RX-8 Touring Cars for rounds 7 an 8 of the SCCA Pro Racing Pirelli World Challenge at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

Dan Clarke will make his debut in professional Sports Car racing in the Pirelli World Challenge event in the #07 GRID-1 Motorsports RX-8 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Dan is originally from the UK and currently based in Indianapolis with a background that includes a Formula Ford World Championship, wins in International Formula 3, as well as competing in Champ Car World Series, Indy Lights, and A1GP. Nicknamed “Speedy Dan” he brings a wealth of experience and talent to the team. “When I spoke to Dan the first time I was really struck by his determination and for lack of a better description- hunger- to get into a car and make a strong showing” remarks team principle Don Walker. “We really are excited to see what this fellow can do in a sports car.”

Of the announcement, Dan had this to say "When Don called with the offer to do Mid Ohio I couldn't refuse. I've been an open wheel driver throughout my whole career but this year I was ready to race Canadian Nascar and when that fell through I've been picking up rides in sportscars here and there. This is just the opportunity I'm looking for and I'm focused on doing a top job for myself and the team."

TV

Speedy Dan fans around the world can tune in to see the double header round streamed live online at www.World-ChallengeTV.com

Both races as part of the Pirelli World Challenge Mid-Ohio Grand Prix presented by StopTech will be easily accessible to viewers around the world and will feature audio play-by-play and color commentary from the voice of the series, Greg Creamer. The races will also be available live to Droid phone users. The online feed for Round 7 of the Pirelli World Challenge Sports Car Wars season is scheduled to start at 10:40 a.m. Eastern/ 7:40 a.m. Pacific on Saturday, August 6, while Round 8 will start at 11:25 a.m. Eastern/ 8:25 a.m. Pacific on Sunday, August 7. US racefans can catch the races on VERSUS Saturday, August 20 5pm Eastern (re-air Sept. 1 at 3:30pm EST)

The Pirelli World Challenge Series

Now in its 22nd consecutive season, the Pirelli World Challenge is North America's top production car-based racing championship. Divided into three separate categories (World Challenge GT, World Challenge GTS, and World Challenge Touring Car), each race features a thrilling standing start, adrenaline filled door-to-door action and world-class drivers. The Pirelli World Challenge features cars from the world's most popular manufacturers – race-prepped versions of the cars driven on the streets. Sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing, the series races at North America's premier road and temporary street courses.

END

Check out this video of our boys at Riley Racing qualifying for the Grand-Am round at Watkins Glen

2011-07-26T14:55:00.001-04:00

Riley Racing: Watkins Glen Qualifying Onboard from AJ Riley on Vimeo.

Congrats to our boy Plowey!

2011-07-08T14:52:00.005-04:00

Martin Plowman has kept his eye on the prize – a chance to show his skills in the IZOD IndyCar Series. His dedication paid off this week as Sam Schmidt Motorsports signed him to a three-race deal. Kingdom Racing has partnered with Plowman, who will compete at races in Mid-Ohio, Sonoma, and Baltimore.

“I'm thrilled to finally complete one of my goals, driving in the IZOD IndyCar Series,” said Plowman. “This day is the one I have been looking forward to for the last 15 years. Team Plowey and I have worked tirelessly, and we're thankful for the opportunity Sam [Schmidt] has given me. Sam Schmidt Motorsports has proven themselves for years in Indy Lights and now this season in IndyCar, having won the pole position at both Indy and Texas. It will be a great partnership.”

Plowman has a track record of success since he first started racing at age 8. Most recently, he finished third in championship points in the 2010 Firestone Indy Lights Series, where he won at Mid-Ohio and had podium finishes at both Iowa and Edmonton.

“Mid-Ohio is without a doubt one of my favorite circuits. Making my debut there, especially in a red and yellow car, makes it even more sentimental. Special thanks must go to Gary Peterson of AFS for helping make this deal happen. I have a great feeling about my IndyCar debut,” Plowman added.

Rob Edwards, SSM team manager commented, "I have been following Martin since last year and am delighted that he finally has the opportunity to show his talents in an IndyCar. He has worked incredibly hard outside of the car to make this happen and I know that same work ethic will bring results on track. We have wanted to grow our team to two cars since the end of last season and I am excited that we are going to achieve that goal together."

Plowman's success isn't limited to the track. He's garnered hundreds of fans with his family-first attitude and volunteer-oriented focus. Always the first to participate in charity events surrounding racing, he is active in IndyCar Ministry, has participated in several Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation events, and participated in the Indy 500 Centennial Tour to thank our troops.

Kingdom Racing took notice and will be featured on his racecar and suit this season. The organization started in May 2008 with the unique mission of delivering God's word through motorsport. While Kingdom Racing is not a race team in the traditional definition, it supports drivers who are interested in helping further the organization's outreach.

“We couldn't be more pleased to be able to support Martin Plowman,” commented Kingdom Racing owner, George Del Canto. “Martin will represent our mission field in IndyCar very well.”

JH is back for Texas!

2011-06-03T12:49:00.003-04:00

Jay Howard will reprise his Indianapolis 500 role as the driver of the No. 88 Service Central Sam Schmidt Motorsport/Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing car in the Firestone Twin 275s on June 11 at Texas Motor Speedway.

The 1.5-mile oval will play host to two 114-lap races (with a one-hour intermission) on the same evening. The grid for the first race will be set by traditional qualifying on June 10, and the starting lineup for the second race will be determined by a blind draw following the first race.

"Service Central has believed in me from the start and it's very exciting to return with them to the Texas Motor Speedway," Howard said. "Our Indy 500 effort was strong all month long and to have it end the way it did was unfortunate. We are looking ahead to Texas and plan another hard-fought effort with Rahal Letterman Lanigan. I must thank the entire group at TBC Retail Group and their four retail brands - NTB, Big O Tires, Tire Kingdom and Merchant Tires for the opportunity."

Howard was running in the top half of the field early in the 100th anniversary Indy 500 on May 29 when his outing was cut short by a Lap 62 crash triggered by a loose wheel as he came off of pit lane. He finished 30th in his first 500 Mile Race.

"Jay had a fantastic run going at the Indy 500, but it just wasn't meant to be," Schmidt said. "We really appreciate the support of Service Central and their brands that are making it possible for Jay to have another shot at Texas."

Howard, the 2006 Firestone Indy Lights champion, has made 10 IZOD IndyCar Series starts, including Texas Motor Speedway in 2010 with Sarah Fisher Racing.

"We are entering into an event where anything can happen, but as we showed in Indianapolis, our team is ready for anything that does happen," said RLL co-owner Bobby Rahal. "Jay impressed us on race day and we are very optimistic that he can have another good weekend for us in Texas."

Check out some of the latest projects from the Gridsport Apparel division

2011-04-28T19:45:00.002-04:00

Would you like to see what new team apparel projects we have been working on?

Check out some of the samples here: Gridsport Apparel

The new Alpinestars SP Shoes are now available for immediate shipping!

2011-04-19T16:39:00.015-04:00

Alpinestars SP Shoe is designed to deliver the best combination of fit, feel and comfort both in and out of the car. The F1 derived sole uses an exclusive rubber compound to enhance both tactile feel and grip of the pedals.

Click Here for Info: Alpinestars SP Shoes

Contragulations!

2011-03-08T14:37:00.001-05:00

We would like to congratulate one of our newest customers Action Express Racing on a podium finish in the Rolex Series Grand Prix of Miami

Gridsport driver Jay Howard is a go for the Indy 500!

2011-02-23T14:34:00.003-05:00

It will be a reunion of a championship team when Jay Howard joins Sam Schmidt Motorsports in an attempt to qualify for the 100th anniversary running of the Indianapolis 500.

In 2006, Howard earned the Firestone Indy Lights championship by winning two races and recording five top-five finishes while driving for Sam Schmidt Motorsports. In May, Howard will be behind the wheel of a SSM-prepared car.

“With the success we had as a team in 2006, I can’t wait until May gets here,” said Howard, a veteran of nine IZOD IndyCar Series races. “SSM puts together a great race car and I like my chances for racing in this historic Indianapolis 500. I definitely have some unfinished business at Indy.”

Despite being one of the fastest cars in practice on the final day of qualifications last year, Howard’s bid to make his first Indy 500 fell short. After posting a four-lap average speed in a Sarah Fisher Racing car early in the day to qualify for the race, Howard was bumped from the 33-car field by Formula One veteran Takuma Sato in the final few minutes.

“I remember watching that final hour of qualifying from our garage in Gasoline Alley last year,” said Schmidt, whose Firestone Indy Lights team has won the past two Firestone Freedom 100 races. “I felt sorry for Jay, knowing him personally and how bad he wanted it, but that is part of the drama of Indy. This year, it is our goal to provide the best possible equipment and personnel to allow Jay to show his true potential to everyone.”

Schmidt has visited victory lane 37 times as a car owner in Firestone Indy Lights, -- including five times at Indianapolis -- and this will be his team's 10th anniversary of fielding a car in the Indianapolis 500.

Gridsport Team Apparel

2011-02-18T11:13:00.000-05:00

There is a reason that top teams from IndyCar, NASCAR and Sportscar Racing rely on us to outfit their crew. Gridsport is your one stop shop to outfit your entire team.

Whether you're team consists of a couple of friends or 50 people we've got you covered. Our in house design service teamed up with our embroidery, screen print and sublimation services will give you the look that you need at the track.

Check out some of our designs: Gridsport Apparel Gallery

Check out different garment options: Gridsport Pit Crew Gear

The Limited Edition Tech 1-K Shoe from Alpinestars is here!

2011-01-12T08:08:00.001-05:00

The Alpinestars Tech 1-K Boot features an exclusive rubber F1 style compound, maximising pedal grip and feel both in the wet or dry.

The Tech 1-K provides a high quality feel with optimum comfort without sacrificing lightweight. The Boots are constructed from a combination of leather and mesh panels ensuring ventilation and breathability is provided, whilst also feature a rubberised heel and toe protector to cope with the demands of the track.

Get your hands on a pair here:

Gridsport Online Store

Music and Motorsports Collide

2010-12-23T11:03:00.000-05:00

Music is intoxicating. Fast cars and racetracks: Exhilarating. Put them together, and something kicka** can happen.

Enter Rebel Rock Racing. The funky concept was the brainchild of superstar music producer and a good friend of Oakley, Jim Jonsin. The man behind such insanely huge current artists like Beyonce, Lil Wayne, Lady Gaga, BOB, Usher and T.I., he took his immense enthusiasm for sports car racing/the motorsports lifestyle and turned his business model on its head.

Check out more here:

http://www.oakley.com/community/posts/2672

Gridsport Pilot Bobby Wilson in the NOS Energy Kart at the 2010 SKUSA SuperNationals

2010-11-18T10:58:00.001-05:00

Gridsport customer Bertrand Baguette to compete in the 2010 Race of Champions

2010-11-10T14:14:00.001-05:00

Team Benelux will head to the 2010 Race of Champions in Düsseldorf on November 27-28 with a pairing of Jeroen Bleekemolen and Bertrand Baguette after thousands of fans voted for their favourite drivers at www.raceofchampions.com.

Out of over 10,000 votes, two-time Porsche Supercup champion Bleekemolen (29.6%) overcame strong opposition from Tom Coronel (25.8%) and Robert Doornbos (25.7%) to take the Dutch vote. In the battle of the Belgians, 2009 World Series by Renault champion Baguette (36.8%) fought off François Duval (31.0%) and Eric van de Poele (22.6%).

The pair join a driver roll call including multiple F1 world champions Michael Schumacher and Alain Prost, seven-time world rally king Sébastien Loeb, five-time world 500cc motorcycling champion Mick Doohan, eight-time Le Mans 24-Hour race winner Tom Kristensen, X-Games legend Travis Pastrana and 2010 F1 title contender Sebastian Vettel.

Bleekemolen said: “I'm really looking forward to being able to represent my country in The Race of Champions. It's an honour to race against such big names of this sport. And of course I want to do really well, especially for all the fans that voted for me!”

Baguette added: “This is great news and I’m delighted that so many people voted for me to appear at ROC 2010. It will be a real buzz to line up against these legends of motor sport and Jeroen and I will push like crazy to bring home a result for Team Benelux.”

The Race of Champions has been staged every year since 1988, founded by IMP President Fredrik Johnsson and Michèle Mouton, the world’s most successful female rally driver.

Johnsson said: “Thanks to everyone who voted for our Team Benelux line-up. We were overwhelmed by the response and we look forward to seeing Jeroen and Bertrand race in Düsseldorf later this month.”

Alpinestars Athlete Ken Block in the latest Gymkhana video.

2010-09-14T17:51:00.004-04:00

Hookup for Gridsport Facebook Fans!

2010-09-01T14:50:00.000-04:00

We would like to thank all of Facebook fans out there by offering you a hookup this month. Starting September 1st we would like to offer a 10% discount on all orders placed at our webstore (www.gridsport.net). We will run this promotion the entire month of September so if you need some new gloves, a new suit or even just a t-shirt or two here's a chance to keep some cash in your pocket.

The Facebook fan discount applies to all products so just enter coupon code FBOOK910 at check out and your discount will be applied. This discount is exclusively for our Facebook Fans and we will be checking orders to make sure you "Like" our page. So before you pass the code on to your friends just make sure they stop be our page here and "Like" us!

This offer expires at the end of September so don't be left out!

Catching up: Going toe to toe with Howard

2010-08-25T12:29:00.002-04:00

Jay Howard will make his fourth IZOD IndyCar Series start this weekend in the PEAK Antifreeze & Motor Oil Indy 300 at Chicagoland Speedway for Sarah Fisher Racing in the No. 66 Service Center car.

Howard, 29, started from the pole and finished third at the 1.5-mile racetrack during his 2006 Firestone Indy Lights championship season (in which he recorded 11 top-10 finishes in the 12 races).

Catching up with Howard, who last competed at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on Aug. 8.

Part of your workout regimen includes boxing. What’s that discipline like?

“Karting is a great way to keep sharp for sure, although I find it works a different muscle group compared to the IndyCar. In karting, you use more of your body. Being strapped into the IndyCar, this really restricts your movement, penetrates the shoulder and arms a lot more than in a kart.

“One of the reasons I think boxing is such a great training tool for IndyCar is exactly what I just mentioned. It penetrates deep into the shoulder muscle and arms, especially with the additional conditioning exercises we do after an hour of boxing. I aim to be in the ring at least once a week with Dave Lewter (who is a former professional fighter) at minimum. I will ramp that up over the off-season to two times.

“Another huge benefit to boxing is the hand-eye coordination. Especially once you start getting tired, it's important to keep focus. Dave loves to hit me at any opportunity he gets.”

Speaking of training, how is the Screaming Talent karting enterprise going?

“I have technically stopped running the Screaming Talent team. I loved running the team, but I cannot devote enough time to it to make it 100 percent successful. When I commit to things, I have to make that 100 percent commitment to it. So I decided to just focus on the engine building side of things. My father has built engines for years and years now, so it makes sense.

“Ogden USA is the name of the engine company, we partnered up with Steve Ogden from the UK. It's going great and one of our junior drivers that I also coach just qualified for the Rotax World Finals in Italy, which I will be attending with him as his coach and I'll be detailing on my new website www.jayoward.com.

With Chicagoland being your final race of 2010, how would you assess it and what are your goals for 2011?

“Chicago is the last race with SFR for the 2010 season, not necessarily the last race of the 2010 season. It has not been what we expected at all. I have a wonderful sponsor in Service Central and couldn't ask for more. They have been very supportive and believe in me, so I am very grateful to them. I hope the fans continue to help support our program by taking their cars to any of the four brands; Tire Kingdom, National Tire and Battery, Big O Tires and Merchants.

“From a performance side of things, I am still in shock over the Indianapolis 500. It's tough being in a small team competing against the big guns. On the bright side, I am very optimistic for the 2011 season with what I am working on.”

You’re also working on wedding plans?

“The date is Oct. 29, 2011. We actually will have (IRL Ministry director) Bob Hills marrying us in Indianapolis. My fiancée, Courtney Nicoson, is doing OK. She got in an accident during the Kansas race weekend. Both Courtney and I have become good friends with Bob. He was the first person to visit Courtney in the hospital at Kansas and made sure she was OK while I was still racing.”

Alpinestars Fall 2010 Sportswear is in!

2010-08-24T18:18:00.001-04:00

We have just received some of the new sportswear styles from the Alpinestars Fall 2010 Collection.

Check them out here: Gridsport.net

Oakley Motorsports Wins 4th Indy 500 In The 21st Century

2010-06-02T18:19:00.002-04:00

On the hottest recorded Indy 500 race day in history, reaching 96 degrees on the grounds and 131 on the course, the 94th running was a heated battle in more ways than one. At the start things were chaotic with the #21 car of Davey Hamilton crashing and spinning off the track in turn number two of the first lap!

The race saw two black flags; nine crashes, including the final lap and perhaps one of the more strategic victories witnessed in decades. Oakley’s Dario Franchitti from Scotland lead most of the race and at times pulled head of the pack by over four seconds to the next closest driver. But with several pit stop mishaps creating a stir in the field, including Oakley’s Scott Dixon and Rafael Matos both losing a tire on the same pit stop while pulling out, things were getting interesting.

Matos who rocks the Oakley racing suit, boots, gloves and Elite Collection Pitboss eyewear would push and move he’s #2 HP car into the third position before the pit stop fiasco, which would lead to a crash into the wall several laps later. Dixon in his Oakley racing boots and gloves would recover from his tough pit stop and eventually pull through the field to take a solid fifth position at the finish line. Rounding out the top ten for Oakley was C-6 wearing Justin Wilson from Great Britain in the eighth position.

But in the end the real story was Scotsman Dario Franchitti’s ability to squeak by on just 1.6 gallons of fuel remaining in his tank to cross the finish line ahead of a hard charging Dan Wheldon. “Still running,” exclaimed Dario to his crew through his mic as he crossed the finish line.

Check out the full story, 42 image photo gallery and associated Oakley products by clicking link below:

http://www.oakley.com/sports/indycar/athletes/455/posts/2181

Jay Howard Gear is here!

2010-05-20T16:27:00.001-04:00

Get your hands on Indy 500 Rookie, Jay Howard's merchandise at Gridsport. With styling from ArtRotondo these shirts might just be the hottest fan gear in the paddock.

2010 Gridsport Tee's Now Available.

2010-05-18T18:23:00.002-04:00

Get your hands on the official Gridsport Team Tee. Now available in 5 flavors for the 2010 season.

MTV Cribs visits the Oakley Rolling O Lab!

2010-04-15T16:22:00.001-04:00

Gridsport Athlete Jay Howard is the first entry for the 2010 Indianapolis 500

2010-04-14T17:05:00.002-04:00

Fan favorite Sarah Fisher (above right) filed the first entry for the Indianapolis 500, for rookie teammate Jay Howard (right center), in a ceremony April 14 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with Brian Barnhart (left), Indy Racing League president, Competition and Racing Operations, and Jeff Belskus, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation. May is almost here

Spring is here! Check out the new warm weather styles from Alpinestars.

2010-03-24T16:36:00.001-04:00

Check out the new syles at: Gridsport.net

Check out Rafa's new HP suit from Oakley

2010-03-03T16:20:00.003-05:00

Raphael Matos elected to switch over to Oakley for all of his safety gear needs for the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Championship. Rafa debuted his new Oakley along with sponsor HP during pre season testing at Barber Motorsports Park.

Gridsport Athlete Jay Howard's program expands to 5 races

2010-03-01T16:24:00.003-05:00

Make that five races this season for Jay Howard in the No. 66 Service Central car.

TBC Retail Group announced its sponsorship expansion between Howard and Sarah Fisher Racing to include the May 1 race at Kansas Speedway. The 2006 Firestone Indy Lights champion also will compete at Indianapolis, Texas, Mid-Ohio and Chicago.

“We added this race to our schedule because of the optimism the entire SFR team demonstrated during the recent practice sessions and we think this is a great kick-off to Jay's race season,” said Bob Crostarosa, Senior Vice President Marketing and Advertising, TBC Retail Group. “Jay is the driver to watch this year.”

Fisher also will compete in the Road Runner Turbo Indy 300 at Kansas Speedway – the first oval race on the IZOD IndyCar Series schedule.

“TBC Retail Group has become a great marketing partner of our No. 66 program this year and to be adding Kansas is a huge plus for our 2010 efforts,” said Howard, who participated in the first IZOD IndyCar Series Open Test last week at Barber Motorsports Park. “The track time at Kansas prior to heading into the Month of May for the Indianapolis 500 is huge for our growing program. I've competed at Kansas before and I'm grateful that TBC has added that to my schedule to start out the season.”

Check out the new Alpinestars KMX-1 Kart Suit

2010-02-23T16:14:00.000-05:00

The K-MX 1 is a high performance suit using innovative construction techniques to create a lightweight, well fitted and comfortable suit to satisfy the performance demands of top level, white-knuckled, kart racing.

For More Info check out: Gridsport.net

De Ferran back in the game with Luczo Dragon Racing

2010-02-16T16:06:00.001-05:00

Steve Luczo and Jay Penske, co-owners of Luczo Dragon Racing, had been discussing the possibility of Gil de Ferran joining the operation in some capacity for more than a year. On Feb. 16, they welcomed a partner.

De Ferran, owner of de Ferran Motorsports who was the 2003 Indianapolis 500 winner and sporting director for Honda Racing's Formula One team, will serve as co-owner, president and managing partner of Luczo Dragon Racing/de Ferran Motorsports in the IZOD IndyCar Series.

The Arai GP-6 is Finally Here!

2010-02-10T16:38:00.000-05:00

Its here! The long awaited GP-6 PED helmet from Arai is finally here and available.

Using the same shell shape as the F-1
GP-6RC, the GP-6(PED) provides the latest incarnation of the iconic Arai “GP” Series auto racing helmet.

For More info: Gridsport.net