KV Racing Technology-SH announced a renewed partnership with BSN in conjunction with the launch of the Authentic Performance and Energy Beverage N.O.-XPLODE.

The bright red N.O.-XPLODE brand logo will be on No. 11 car driven by Tony Kanaan for the Indianapolis 500 and five other races the remainder of the season.

"I've been using N.O.-XPLODE long before they joined the team as our sponsor and I can say that it definitely pumps me up for those mornings where I don't even want to get out of bed," Kanaan said. "Having their continuous support boosts our team efforts to new levels."

Team Penske's Haslett earns 'True Grit' Award

C&R Racing Inc. officials honored John Haslett with the C&R Racing “True Grit” Award.

The $5,000 award is given to a veteran INDYCAR team member who has achieved success, overcome adversity, excelled in preparation and has exemplified dedication to the highly skilled trade of building and maintaining IZOD IndyCar Series cars.

Haslett has participated in 29 Indianapolis 500 races with a position in transportation and as a tire specialist. He can be found working with the tires for the No. 3 Shell V-Power Pennzoil-Ultra Team Penske car for Helio Castroneves or as the backup fueler.

“I started working in racing when I was just 22 years old,” Haslett said. “I was green as green can be, fresh out of the U.S. Navy. My first year at Indy, I was working on Bobby Unser’s car. We won that race, and I have been hooked on racing ever since. It is the best feeling ever to help win the ‘500’ for (team owner) Roger Penske and I’m grateful to be acknowledged for all my efforts.”

Racing to Recovery Gala offers something for everyone

Dozens of unique items will be auctioned May 22 at the Racing to Recovery Gala in Indianapolis.

The Racing to Recovery Gala raises funds to benefit the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation. Schmidt, a former IndyCar Series driver and current team owner, founded the organization after suffering a spinal cord injury during a racing accident in 2000.

Among the items to be auctioned include a Napa Valley wine tasting trip, a behind-the-scenes walrus tour at the Indianapolis Zoo, an Indiana Pacers basketball signed by ABA legends, including Mel Daniels, George McGinnis and Bobby "Slick" Leonard, a catamaran trip for two to an exotic destination, fashion items, wine tastings, a framed Sam Schmidt autographed team shirt and much more racing and sports memorabilia.

New this year is an online auction, now open, in which premium items are up for bid in advance of the Gala. Included in the online auction is a rare set of U.S. silver dollars signed and carried by 32 drivers in the 2005 Indianapolis 500. Coins signed by Danica Patrick, Helio Castroneves and Dan Wheldon are included in the set. Bids are being accepted at www.racing2recoveryauction.com.

Tickets are still available by contacting events@samschmidt.org.

He said it

NBC Sports Network pit reporter Will Buxton after working at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the first time this past weekend:

“This is something very unique, the history of Indianapolis. The feeling you get when you come into the place, the only thing I could compare it to is Monza, when you enter the track at Monza and you see the banking and you drive in through the trees and you know the history of the place. You get a real appreciation of how much it means to motor racing. To see all the fans here, as well; it’s really an incredible place.

“I said (May 18) when we opened the show that this place makes my soul sing. You’ve got to be pretty soulless if you can’t come to Indianapolis and just fall in love with the place.”