Notebook: IRN Notebook March 6, 2007

Autosport.com is reporting that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is considering the reversal of the road course used for the US Grand Prix to a counter-clockwise orientation, which could help facilitate a Moto GP motorcycle race as early as 2008.

Additional details about the March 24th IRL Season Opener Party have been released: There will be live entertainment, face painting, race cars on display, door prizes, appearances by current 500 Festival Princesses and former Indianapolis 500 driver and 1999 Chase Rookie of the Year Robby McGehee. Tickets to the 91st Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 27 and IMS merchandise will be on sale. From 7-7:30 p.m., Indianapolis Motor Speedway Historian Donald Davidson will autograph the “Autocourse Official History of the Indianapolis 500,” which he co-wrote with Rick Shaffer.

The day after the IRL Season Opener Party, on March 25, NEXTEL Cup Series fans can watch the Food City 500 from Bristol Motor Speedway on large-screen televisions. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., with the party starting at noon and the race broadcast at 1:30 p.m. The party will also be held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Plaza Pavilion and the same buffet will be available.

Brett “The Hoosier Rocket” Mann of Elkhart, IN will be the guest on tonight’s Horsepower Hour on www.espnsportsradio.com from 6-7pm. Mann competes in the Michigan-based Sprints On Dirt and Allstar Circuit Of Champions sprint car series. Fans can call in with questions by dialing 1-866-249-1300.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway CEO and Indy Racing League founder Tony George received the inaugural Friend of the Family Farmer Award during opening ceremonies of the National Farmers Union annual convention in Orlando, Fla. The honor recognizes those outside of agriculture who are contributing to the livelihoods of America’s family farmers and ranchers, according to National Farmers Union president Tom Buis, who made the presentation March 3. “Since 1909, we’ve been about speed and innovation,” George said. “Ethanol is about innovation.”

Retired Eldora Speedway promoter Earl Baltes broke his hip last Thursday after falling off a stool. Eldora Speedway officials confirmed Baltes is doing well after surgery and is in the process of being moved to a rehabilitation facility where he will undergo physical therapy. Well wishers can send e-mail messages to starr@eldoraspeedway.com or via snail mail to the speedway.

Bloomington Speedway has recently posted their 2007 schedule.