A long overdue update...

I know, I know… it’s January 27, 2012 and I haven’t blogged since March 2011. It turns out, your rookie year in the IZOD IndyCar Series tends to get a bit busy and unfortunately I neglected my blog. However, this year will be different. I’m going to keep you updated as we prep for the 2012 season and plan to blog each race weekend so you know what’s going on at the track. See? I wrote it down, so it will happen! I promise.

As I head into my first test in the Honda DW12 car in a few days, I’ll take the chance to quickly talk about 2011. There were plenty of ups and downs, but I came out with two top-10 finishes and a ton of experience. Racing in the Indianapolis 500 for the first time is something I will never forget. There’s nothing like qualifying weekend in Indy or heading out to pit lane on race morning. It still gives me chills to think about it!

Rooting for Stanford at the Fiesta Bowl with family! 

The off-season started off with an awesome trip to Hawaii, followed by the announcement of a multi-year extension of the partnership between my sponsor Novo Nordisk and Chip Ganassi Racing Teams. I’d say my off-season started off pretty well, huh?! I am so honored and fortunate to have the support of both Novo Nordisk and Chip Ganassi Racing. I can’t thank them enough for allowing me to pursue my dream. The rest of the winter was filled with quality time with friends and family, lots of physical training, and appearances in the diabetes community. Now, I’m more than ready to get back in a car!

On Tuesday and Wednesday, I’ll have my first test days in the DW12 at Sebring. I’ve been picking the brains of engineers, mechanics, my teammates—basically anyone who has been within five feet of the new car! Now the only thing left to do is actually get some laps in the car myself.

I’m really looking forward to 2012… I have my goals set on top-10 qualifications and finishes, hopefully with a few podiums as well. Thanks for reading, and I’m glad to have you along for the ride!