Day, Belardi Part Ways

[PedalToTheFloor]

From IndyCar.com:



Belardi Auto Racing and Alon Day have mutually decided to cut short their Firestone Indy Lights program together. Both parties remain content and respectable for the efforts made by all those involved and parted company on amicable terms.


A decision was made soon after qualifying for the Sukup 100 in Iowa last weekend, and the No. 9 car was withdrawn from Saturday's race. A replacement driver for the No. 9 entry will be announced in the coming days.


"It is very unfortunate that we could no longer continue our business relationship with Alon," said Brian Belardi, team owner of Belardi Auto Racing. "We very much appreciate all of Alon's hard work and time with the team and wish him the very best in the future. He is a talented young man, and we expect to see him succeed wherever he goes."


Day, the first Israeli to ever compete in open-wheel racing on American soil, completed six races and acquired four top-10 finishes for Belardi Auto Racing. He acquired his highest finish at Barber Motorsports Park with a sixth place finish back in April.


"Alon shall be taking no further part in the 2012 Firestone Indy Lights Championship with Belardi Auto Racing," a representative for Day said. "We are truly grateful to all the guys at Belardi Auto Racing for making Alon's transition over to the USA smooth and comfortable. Alon plans to keep in touch with Brian and the team and wishes them all the very best of luck with their future endeavors."

[jcolbert]

So does anybody know what happened on Saturday? I noticed in timing and scoring that Day and his teammate Larrison both took part in first practice. After that Day only took part in qualifying while Larrison took part in final practice and the race but not qualifying.

[apex27]

I saw this on EformulaCarnews and junior open wheel talent - the question is - who cares?

Another non-American bringing a big check to a team that seems to be a rental car company.

I'm sure him or family (paying the bill) were not happy with not winning. Hard to imagine spending that kind of cash without going to victory lane.

Now, if Saga Karam parted ways with Andretti, that would be news!

[Bezzen]

I saw this on EformulaCarnews and junior open wheel talent - the question is - who cares?

I dunno, perhaps people interested in Indy Lights? We are after all talking about a full-season driver dropping off when there are not that many of them around.

... and about bringing cheques. That's how it works, these ships don't keep themselves afloat on prize money.

[frif20]

I was there, Larrison crashed during his qualifying attempt coming to the flagstand (didn't complete a lap).

[Miguel]

Both Day and Ebrahim out, yuuuuuup I'm happy! Do hope they put some proper driver in the car.

[GranatelliFan2]

Both Day and Ebrahim out, yuuuuuup I'm happy! Do hope they put some proper driver in the car.

They just signed Peter Dempsey for the remainder of the season.

[Chris Paff]

Both Day and Ebrahim out, yuuuuuup I'm happy! Do hope they put some proper driver in the car.

Yep, two drivers with zero futures in Indycar and not much talent.. No loss at all

[Chris Paff]

They just signed Peter Dempsey for the remainder of the season.

Good, met Peter at Carb Day in 2011, nice guy.. Wanted to drink some beer with us..

[Miguel]

They just signed Peter Dempsey for the remainder of the season.

Not bad Seems like some guys are getting fired and replaced with just those drivers who should be racing. Just one more to go to get Stefan Wilson in a car and I'm all fine

[OrdinaryRaceFan]

Not bad Seems like some guys are getting fired and replaced with just those drivers who should be racing. Just one more to go to get Stefan Wilson in a car and I'm all fine

Talent over the money, I like that

[ARROWZ46]

I saw this on EformulaCarnews and junior open wheel talent - the question is - who cares?

Another non-American bringing a big check to a team that seems to be a rental car company.

Agree with the "who cares" part, however Peter Dempsey is mega talented & is probably bringing zero $$$... so the team must be more than a rental agency

[JMFVET]

Did he get fired, or did he quit after being bumped out of his car by the teammate who wrecked his own car?

[drdisque]

I'm under the impression that he quit/decided to spend his family's money elsewhere.

From the rather positive press release that Belardi put out regarding his departure, I have the feeling his decision had more to do with the series than the team.

[OrdinaryRaceFan]

I'm not sure if many TFers will care about that, but apparently Alon Day is now racing in German F3, with half-decent results(2 podiums in 12 races so far).