Mario Moraes to miss Mid-Ohio?

UPDATE #2 This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' with today's announcement that Paul Tracy will sub for Moraes.

08/06/09 Mario Ermirio de Moraes, father of KV Racing Technology driver Mario Moraes (Mario Ermirio de Moraes Filho) passed away late this afternoon in Brazil at Hospital Beneficencia Portuguesa.

Mario Ermirio de Moraes was born August 1, 1958. He is survived by his wife, Nidia Maria Faustino de Moraes, son, Mario Ermirio de Moraes Filho and daughters Fabiana Faustino de Moraes and Natalia Faustino de Moraes.

Viewing is schedule for tomorrow, Thursday, August 6, at 7:00 a.m. at Salao Nobre do Hospital Beneficencia Portuguesa, Rua Maestro Cardim, 769, 1 andar, bloco 1 – Bairro Bela Vista, Sao Paulo.

The burial is scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, August 6, at 3:30 p.m. at Cemitério Sao Paulo, na rua Cardeal Arcoverde, n 1217 Bairro Pinheiros, Sao Paulo.

Statement from KV Racing Technology co-owners Kevin Kalkhoven and Jimmy Vasser:

“On behalf of the entire KV Racing Technology organization we wish to express our deepest sympathy to Senhora Nidia Maria Faustino de Moraes, Mario, his sisters Fabiana and Natalia and the entire family for their loss."

08/05/09 There are unconfirmed reports that KV Racing driver Mario Moraes' dad has lost his battle with cancer…According to Brazilian News reports, Moraes will be absent from the starting lineup of this weekend's Mid-Ohio IndyCar race and don't be surprised if Paul Tracy is asked to fill in. Tracy recently drove for the team at Watkins Glen, Toronto and Edmonton.

If the report is true our condolences to Mario and his family.