FORT WORTH, Texas -- Texas Motor Speedway wants to add a little color to June's Firestone 550 souvenir program. That's why it's enlisting the help of some of Texas Motor Speedway's biggest "little" fans.

Beginning today and continuing until Saturday, May 26, Texas Motor Speedway will offer kids the opportunity to have their hand-drawn art serve as a special coloring page in the June race program with its "Color Me a Little Indy" contest. Kids 12 and under can submit their IndyCar-themed colored drawing for the unique opportunity to have their artwork featured in the program.

Texas Motor Speedway will select five finalists that will be invited to join the 2012 Indianapolis 500 champion at the annual media luncheon on Tuesday, May 29. The finalists will have their artwork revealed and the Indy 500 champion will select the winning drawing.

The winner will receive a VIP prize pack that includes four Victory Lane Club tickets to the Firestone 550 on Saturday, June 9, pit passes and the chance to meet the drivers during driver intros. The other four finalists will receive a pair of tickets to the Firestone 550.

The drawings can be submitted to contests@texasmotorspeedway.com. Only one drawing per child will be entered to win.

For more information on the "Color Me a Little Indy" contest, visit http://www.texasmotorspeedway.com/Fan-Club/Indycar-500-Kids-Challenge.aspx.
Kanaan Showing Racing Veteran The Ropes

Throughout the course of his 11-year IZOD IndyCar Series career, Tony Kanaan has played the role as mentor. During his eight years with Andretti Autosport, Kanaan helped groom the likes of Danica Patrick, Marco Andretti and the late Dan Wheldon.

Kanaan, who enters his second season with KV Racing Technology, will continue his role as a teacher with a student that has 29 years of racing experience. The addition of former Formula One driver Rubens Barrichello to the team has Kanaan back in his familiar role.

"It was nice to teach him about something in life," Kanaan said during the IZOD IndyCar Series' recent open test at Texas Motor Speedway. "He's older than me and has more experience in many things, so it was nice. Hopefully he enjoyed it and we can come back here and put a good show on for the fans."

Kanaan was by his fellow Brazilian and close friend's side during the test session at Texas Motor Speedway on May 9.

Helping him transition from racing strictly road and street courses to ovals has provided a challenge for Barrichello.

"I told him everything you have learned the past 29 years that you have raced, forget about it," Kanaan said. "I think the hardest part is to understand so many things in one day. It was too much information for him. Hopefully by the time we come back over here, he will have a (Indy) 500 under his belt and he'll be much more comfortable."

The addition of Barrichello to KV Racing Technology, to go along with Kanaan and E.J. Viso, has Kanaan optimistic they can end the organization's three-year winless drought and eventually pursue a championship.

Barrichello has led the team in the early going of this season as he sits 11th in the series championship standings, followed by Viso in 12th and Kanaan in 14th.

"The team has improved a lot, obviously," Kanaan said. "We are still looking for that win. So, obviously, we expect the most. We are racers and we want to win races. We are definitely ready to do that."

The IZOD IndyCar Series returns to Texas Motor Speedway for the Firestone 550 on Saturday, June 9. Tickets are available by calling the Texas Motor Speedway ticket office at (817) 215-8500 or by visiting www.texasmotorspeedway.com.
Laps For Charity

Speedway Children's Charities-Texas Chapter's wildly popular "Laps for Charity" returns Saturday evening to offer fans the unique opportunity of driving their personal vehicle for three thrilling laps around Texas Motor Speedway's 1.5-mile speedway.

"Laps for Charity" is set for Saturday from 5-10 p.m. CT and the cost is a $30 donation to Speedway Children's Charities-Texas. In addition, fans can purchase VIP packages that include a five-lap experience, dinner for two in Texas Motor Speedway members-only Speedway Club, two "Laps for Charity" t-shirts and a photo in Victory Lane for $250.

"Laps for Charity" will serve as a nightcap for a day that also includes the Lone Star Corvette Club Car Show. The show, held on the speedway's concourse, runs from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. CT and is free to the public. Fans attending the car show also can purchase a three-lap experience at a discounted rate of $25 at the Gate 4 entrance.

Speedway Children's Charities-Texas Chapter has distributed more than $8 million in grants to charities in Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant counties since its inception in 1997. It has helped over two million children in need, enough to fill the grandstands of Texas Motor Speedway 14 times. To purchase your "Laps for Charity" ticket, visit www.scctexas.org or call (817) 215-8421.
Repeat Performance

The last time the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series took to the track on April 21 at Kansas Speedway, Plano, Texas, native James Buescher hoisted the checkered flag in celebration. Buescher scored his first career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series victory, snapping a 75-race winless streak.

The 2012 season has been a year of firsts for Buescher, who also scored his first career NASCAR victory in the season-opening Nationwide Series race at Daytona in February. With each passing lap, Buescher is gaining confidence, making him a contender for the win each week and a threat to win the truck series championship.

"Winning Daytona definitely builds confidence because you know it's possible to get to Victory Lane," Buescher said following the victory at Kansas. "You know you've been racing NASCAR for so long and you finally get to Victory Lane and you say, okay we can really do this."

Since finishing 17th in the season-opening truck series race at Daytona, Buescher has methodically climbed the series championship standings. He has moved to second, just four points behind leader Timothy Peters heading into this weekend's race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Following Charlotte and a stop at Dover International Speedway on June 1, Buescher will return to his hometown track on Friday, June 8, for the WinStar World Casino 400.