Racing News: Firestone Signs Agreement With IndyCar Through 2013

WELCOME BACK: A week after announcing it would leave the IZOD IndyCar Series at the end of 2011, IndyCar has reached an agreement with Firestone to keep the tire manufacturer involved with the series through 2013.

TOGETHER AGAIN: Richard Petty will again partner with Andretti Autosport to field an entry for John Andretti in the 100th anniversary Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May.

SIGN HIM UP: Defending Formula One World Driving champion Sebastian Vettel has signed a contract extension that will keep him with Red Bull Racing through the 2014 season.

CAKE WALK: Del Worsham returned to the Top Fuel division in style by earning his first NHRA Top Fuel triumph during the Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida, in his second race since returning to the division this year. Mike Neff (Funny Car) and Jason Line (Pro Stock) were also winners.

HOME AGAIN: American racer Josef Newgarden has returned to the United States and will drive a Firestone Indy Lights entry for Sam Schmidt Motorsports this year.

NIGHT LIGHT: The New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, New York, will host racing under the lights for the first time during Super DIRT Week October 7, with the Triple 20s for big-block modifieds and the Twin 20s for small blocks racing at night, thanks to a temporary lighting system.

SPEEDY: Formula One veteran Michael Schumacher was the fastest during the final Formula One test session held in Barcelona, Spain, last week. The international series opens with the Australian Grand Prix March 27 at Albert Park in Melbourne, Australia.

FUELED FOR FIRE: Sunoco Race Fuels has signed on a title sponsor of the ASCS Canyon region for non-wing sprint cars and the ASCS Southwest region for winged sprint cars.

FULL TIMER: Sebastian Saavedra will race in the IZOD IndyCar Series this season after signing a contract to drive the No. 34 Dallara Honda fielded by Conquest Racing.

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