Friday Notebook: Dinger Announcement, Karam, Big Weekend Event

-With today’s expected announcement of AJ Allmendinger driving for Penske in this year’s Indy 500, one of the most intriguing possibilities of the offseason has come to fruition. Allmendinger is a bit of a throwback as a racer; he is able to jump into just about anything and get up to speed quickly. His open wheel credentials are excellent, and he should have every chance at a great run at Indy with Penske. What are the possibilities beyond that? I suspect it has to do with what his opportunities are in other series, as well. If he manages a solid schedule in IndyCar, though, I’d be thrilled.

-How great is to see Sage Karam testing with Sam Schmidt's Firestone Indy Lights team down at Sebring? The car count woes of Lights are not in question this year, but if Karam is a full-season deal with Schmidt, we just gained another Lights contender. For a field with not many cars, there are plenty of great prospects in Lights.

-Don’t forget—if you’re anywhere close to Speedway and Indianapolis this weekend, the Graham Rahal Foundation and Indy Cars and Coffee are having a charity event at the Dallara factory in Speedway Saturday from 11am-5pm. Graham will be joined by several other drivers, including Ed Carpenter, Alex Tagliani, Pippa Mann, and possibly others, to help benefit the Graham Rahal Foundation and its great causes. Two-seater rides, an autograph session, the Dallara simulator, and a tour are some of the highlights of this special preseason event. The cost is $10 per person, and should be a great time for INDYCAR fans young and old. Plus, you’ll be doing something for charity!

-If you do make the trip to Speedway, be sure to say hi! My son’s birthday party is that morning (4 years old, if you can believe it!), but you can bet we’ll be coming over there as soon as it’s done. Have a great weekend!