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Racing News: USF1 Battles Financial Trouble, Asks to Skip First Four Races

UNCERTAIN FUTURE: USF1 has reportedly asked the FIA for permission to miss the first four races of the 2010 Formula One season. USF1 Executive Vice President Peter Windsor is rumored to be on his way out as well.

SPECTATOR DEATH: Susan Zimmer, a 52-year-old spectator from Wisconsin, was killed Saturday during the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Int’l Raceway when a tire from Antron Brown’s Top Fuel dragster flew over the catch fencing and struck her. She was pronounced dead at Good Samaritan Hospital.

OPTIMISTIC:
Atlantic Championship Series owner Bob Johnston is hopeful that 2010 will be a strong year for the oldest open-wheel racing series in American history. The series has introduced a value program that will guarantee any driver paying $495,000 a seat for the 2010 season.

NEW OWNERS: Davey Hamilton, along with Scott Jaske, Joe Kennedy and Jeff Sinden, purchased the Menard Engine Group last week. Hamilton will oversee all aspects of the business.

SPRINT SUB: Paul McMahan will drive the No. 91 Kasey Kahne Racing entry in the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series in place of injured rookie Cody Darrah.

SWEET RIDE:
Formula One veteran Takuma Sato and E.J. Viso have joined KV Racing Technology for the full IZOD IndyCar Series slate this year. Hideki Mutoh has also landed at Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing after spending the last two years with Andretti Autosport.

TWO OUT OF THREE:
Levi Jones led only three laps out of a possible 90, but he still left USA Raceway in Tucson, Arizona, as the winner of the USAC Silver Crown and USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car events Sunday. Brad Sweet captured the USAC Mopar National Midget feature.

BIG MONEY:
The 28th annual Jim Nace National Open at Selinsgrove (Pa.) Speedway could potentially pay out $26,000 if one driver can win both 22-lap segments during the event scheduled for September 18.

OH MARIO:
Conquest Racing will return full time to the IZOD IndyCar Series this season by fielding an entry for series rookie Mario Romancini.

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