OpenWheel.com – The Latest INDYCAR News
HMD adds Browne to ’24 NXT lineup – “Coming off back-to-back seasons in the USF Pro 2000 Championship, Jonathan Browne will move up the ladder to compete in INDY NXT by Firestone with the two-time defending championship-winning team, HMD Motorsports. Browne will drive the #23 entry for the 2024 season and make his team debut at the upcoming Sebring International Raceway test on January 15-16.” Full release at the link. – HMD Motorsports – (11/29/2023)
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RACER Q&A 11/29/2023 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (11/29/2023)
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Trackside podcast 11/28/2023 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 11/28/2023 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (11/29/2023)
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Miller Vinatieri Motorsports moving up to NXT in ’24 – “Veteran junior open-wheel formula team Miller Vinatieri Motorsports (MVM) is jumping to INDY NXT by Firestone in 2024 with driver Jack William Miller.” Full release from INDYCAR at the link. – INDYCAR – (11/28/2023)
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RACER Q&A 11/22/2023 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (11/22/2023)
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Trackside podcast 11/20/2023 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 11/20/2023 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (11/21/2023)
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Hedge joins HMD NXT lineup for ’24 – “Fresh off his dominating Formula Regional Americas campaign, Callum Hedge will transition to INDY NXT by Firestone for the 2024 season in the #17 entry with HMD Motorsports. The soon-to-be 20-year-old driver from New Zealand began driving formula cars just a couple of years ago and has quickly worked his way through the ranks.” Full release at the link. – HMD Motorsports – (11/20/2023)
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RACER Q&A 11/15/2023 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (11/15/2023)
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Trackside podcast 11/13/2023 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 11/13/2023 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (11/14/2023)
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Graham Rahal extended as driver for RLL – “Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) announced today that the team has entered into a new multi-year agreement that will see Graham Rahal continue to compete for the team in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Rahal earned two of the final four poles in 2023, made three front row starts and returned to the podium at the Gallagher Grand Prix at Indianapolis with a second-place finish in what was the closest finish recorded on the road course with a margin of -0.4779 to the winner, Dixon, after he led a race-high 36 laps.” Full release at the link. – Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing – (11/13/2023)
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Hinch and Rossi named as teammates for ’24 Rolex 24 at Daytona – “Pfaff Motorsports has confirmed its star-studded and experienced lineup of drivers for the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. Piloting the team’s new McLaren 720S GT3 in the GTD Pro class will be full-time drivers Oliver Jarvis and Marvin Kirchhoefer, with James Hinchcliffe joining at three endurance races and Alexander Rossi taking the fourth role at the 24 Hours of Daytona in January.” Full release at the link. – Pfaff Motorsports – (11/13/2023)
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Jacob Abel returns to Abel Motorsports’ ’24 NXT lineup – “INDY NXT by Firestone veteran, Jacob Abel, will be back behind the wheel of an ABEL Motorsports Dallara IL-15 for another shot at the INDY NXT championship in 2024. Abel will once again be doing battle in the No. 51 ABEL Construction car for the duration of the 14-race schedule.” Full release at the link. – Abel Motorsports – (11/13/2023)
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RACER Q&A 11/8/2023 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (11/8/2023)
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Trackside podcast 11/7/2023 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 11/7/2023 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (11/8/2023)
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Herta named as WTRAndretti IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup driver – “Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti (WTRAndretti) announced today that Brendon Hartley and Colton Herta will be the endurance co-drivers competing for the team in the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup (IMEC) during the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season.” Full release at the link. – Wayne Taylor Racing – (11/8/2023)
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JHR names Grosjean as driver of No. 77 for ’24 – “Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) is thrilled to announce the addition of Romain Grosjean to its 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES roster. He will drive the team’s #77 Dallara-Chevrolet – a proven machine on the racing circuit.” Full release at the link. – Juncos Hollinger Racing – (11/2/2023)
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Sonsio named title sponsor of IMS road course race – “Sonsio Vehicle Protection, an industry-leading provider of vehicle protection and warranty programs, announced Nov. 1 a partnership with Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) that includes title sponsorship of the May NTT INDYCAR SERIES road course race at the Racing Capital of the World. The Sonsio Grand Prix will take place Saturday, May 11, 2024, on the 14-turn, 2.439-mile road course at IMS.” Full release at the link. – Indianapolis Motor Speedway – (11/1/2023)
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RACER Q&A 11/1/2023 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (11/1/2023)
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Trackside podcast 10/31/2023 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 10/31/2023 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (11/1/2023)
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Mid-Ohio completes full repave – “A full repave project of the entire racing surface at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course was completed last week, officials from Green Savoree Racing Promotions, which owns and operates the track, announced today. Ohio-based Kokosing Construction Company, Inc. began initial repair work the week of October 16th, followed by milling the existing track surface on Monday, October 23 and completing the paving of the final asphalt surface layer on Friday, October 27.” Full release at the link. – Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course – (10/31/2023)
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JHR announces split with Ilott – “Juncos Hollinger Racing regrets to announce the departure of Callum Ilott from the team. After a period of collaboration and shared goals, both parties have mutually decided to part ways, effective immediately. Callum Ilott, a talented and promising driver, joined Juncos Hollinger Racing with high aspirations for the 2022 season. Juncos Hollinger Racing would like to express its sincere appreciation for his contributions over the last two years.” Full release at the link. – Juncos Hollinger Racing – (10/26/2023)
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ECR names Rasmussen as road/street driver of No. 20; Carpenter to drive No. 20 on ovals – “Ed Carpenter Racing announced today that Christian Rasmussen will join the team as part of the team’s 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES campaign. The 23-year-old Danish driver will compete in all road and street course events in the No. 20 Chevrolet and transition to ECR’s third entry for the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500…ECR is transitioning back to a model the team utilized for many years, splitting the No. 20 between the talents of two drivers. While rookie Rasmussen will compete in the 12 road and street course events, Carpenter will take over the No. 20 for the six oval races in his 22nd season.” Full release at the link. – Ed Carpenter Racing – (10/25/2023)
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RACER Q&A 10/25/2023 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (10/25/2023)
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Trackside podcast 10/24/2023 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 10/24/2023 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (10/25/2023)
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Pierson back in NXT with HMD in ’24 – “Returning for his second season, Josh Pierson will continue with HMD Motorsports in INDY NXT by Firestone for the entire upcoming season. Pierson first joined HMD Motorsports in 2023 in a multi-year campaign as he began setting his sights on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES as an Ed Carpenter Racing Junior driver.” Full release at the link. – HMD Motorsports – (10/24/2023)
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RLL names Fittipaldi as driver of No. 30 for ’24 – “Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) announced today that current Haas F1 Team reserve and test driver, Pietro Fittipaldi, who is also a multiple open-wheel champion and race-winning world endurance championship driver, will drive the No. 30 entry for his first full season of NTT INDYCAR SERIES competition in 2024. Fittipaldi, the Brazilian-American grandson of 1989 INDYCAR champion and two-time Indy 500 winner Emerson Fittipaldi, returns to the series after having made 9 starts in 2018 and 2021 for Dale Coyne Racing. Details on the sponsorship for the entry will be announced at a later date.” Full release at the link. – Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing – (10/23/2023)
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Foster tops Griffis test at IMS – Andretti Global’s Louis Foster was fastest in the INDY NXT by Firestone Chris Griffis Memorial Test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday with a lap of 1:14.8432. The Top 5 was Foster, Abel, Rowe, Siegel, and Collet. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (10/20/2023)
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Andretti announces Chadwick return to NXT program for ’24 – “Andretti Global announced today that Jamie Chadwick will return to the Andretti INDY NXT team to pilot the No. 28 Andretti Dallara for the 2024 INDY NXT by Firestone season.” Full release at the link. – Andretti Global – (10/19/2023)
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Sundaramoorthy named to Abel Motorsports ’24 NXT lineup – “Armed with crucial experience gained through four starts to cap the 2023 schedule, 20-year-old Indian-American Yuven Sundaramoorthy is pleased to confirm a full-season program with ABEL Motorsports in the 2024 INDY NXT by Firestone. Sundaramoorthy completed a majority of the 2023 USF Pro Championships season in the USF Pro 2000 program before making the step up to INDY NXT with ABEL Motorsports to finish off his year, competing in four races over three events at Nashville, Portland, and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.” Full release at the link. – Abel Motorsports – (10/19/2023)
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JHR announces Canapino return to No. 78 – “Juncos Hollinger Racing is thrilled to announce it has signed a contract extension with Agustin Canapino. The extension retains Agustin to drive the #78 car for the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES.” Full release at the link. – Juncos Hollinger Racing – (10/18/2023)
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RACER Q&A 10/18/2023 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (10/18/2023)
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Trackside podcast 10/17/2023 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 10/17/2023 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (10/18/2023)
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Foster returns to Andretti NXT program for ’24 – “Andretti Global announced today that Louis Foster will return to the Andretti INDY NXT team to pilot the No. 26 Copart / Novara Technologies Dallara for the 2024 INDY NXT by Firestone season. The two-time INDY NXT race winner will join already announced Andretti INDY NXT teammates James Roe and rookie Bryce Aron for the upcoming season.” Full release at the link. – Andretti Global – (10/17/2023)
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Larson passes Indy 500 ROP on Thursday – “Another important step down, more to come in Kyle Larson’s Indianapolis 500 journey. NASCAR Cup Series star Larson completed the Indianapolis 500 Rookie Orientation Program (ROP) on Thursday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a significant milestone as he attempts to become just the fifth driver to compete in the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on the same day. Larson’s “Hendrick 1100” – the moniker given to this “double” initiative – will take place Sunday, May 26, 2024.” Full story from INDYCAR at the link. – INDYCAR – (10/12/2023)
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Three rookies pass Indy 500 ROP on Wednesday – “Seven hundred and ninety-five drivers have made at least one Indianapolis 500 start over 107 editions of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” That number may increase by at least three after Tom Blomqvist of Meyer Shank Racing and Chip Ganassi Racing teammates Marcus Armstrong and Linus Lundqvist each completed the Rookie Orientation Program (ROP) on Wednesday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and became eligible to participate in the 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge next May.” Full story from INDYCAR at the link. – INDYCAR – (10/12/2023)
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Andretti adds Aron to ’24 NXT lineup – “Andretti Global announced today that Bryce Aron will join the team’s 2024 INDY NXT by Firestone driver lineup piloting the No. 27 Andretti Dallara. The American rookie is the second confirmed Andretti INDY NXT driver for the 2024 season, joining already announced teammate James Roe.” Full release at the link. – Andretti Global – (10/11/2023)
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RACER Q&A 10/11/2023 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (10/11/2023)
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HMD announces Siegel return in NXT for ’24 – “While the 2024 grid begins to take shape, 2023 Rookie of the Year Nolan Siegel will return to HMD Motorsports for the upcoming INDY NXT by Firestone season. After finishing third in the 2023 Championship and claiming two victories, five podium results, six top-five finishes, leading 67 laps, and earning Rookie of the Year honors, Siegel will return to the series with a focus on adding to those results and fighting for the 2024 Championship.” Full release at the link. – HMD Motorsports – (10/10/2023)
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ROP and hybrid testing at IMS this week – “Meyer Shank Racing driver Blomqvist and Chip Ganassi Racing teammates Armstrong and Lundqvist will attempt to complete the rookie test Wednesday, Oct. 11, while Larson will be on track Thursday, Oct. 12…The NTT INDYCAR SERIES also will test the 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine with hybrid technology Thursday and Friday at IMS. Two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champions Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing and Will Power of Team Penske will be joined by Colton Herta of Andretti Global and Alexander Rossi of Arrow McLaren for Thursday’s hybrid test. David Malukas of Arrow McLaren and Marcus Ericsson of Andretti Global will join Palou and Power on Friday in testing the hybrid power unit, which will make its NTT INDYCAR SERIES race debut in 2024.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (10/10/2023)
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Trackside podcast 10/9/2023 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 10/9/2023 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (10/10/2023)
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Andretti announces Roe to return to NXT program in ’24 – “Andretti Global announced today that James Roe will return to the Andretti INDY NXT team to pilot the No. 29 Topcon Dallara for the 2024 INDY NXT by Firestone season. Roe is the first to be confirmed to the team’s 2024 INDY NXT driver lineup.” Full release at the link. – Andretti Global – (10/9/2023)
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Grosjean enters arbitration against Andretti – “I enjoyed working with the IndyCar team at Andretti Autosport, and am proud of the successes we shared through two seasons. I am thankful for the many friendships developed at the highest level of American open-wheel racing. I had expected to continue racing with the fine people of Andretti Autosport in the coming years…I have commenced an arbitration proceeding in Indiana against Andretti Autosport, seeking to protect my rights.” Full statement from Grosjean at the link. – Romain Grosjean – (10/5/2023)
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’24 INDY NXT schedule released – “INDYCAR has announced a 14-race schedule for the 2024 INDY NXT by Firestone season, with another oval added to even better prepare drivers for the diverse skills required in NTT INDYCAR SERIES competition. One of the highlights of the schedule is a return to the Milwaukee Mile on Saturday, Aug. 31. It’s the first time INDYCAR’s development series has raced at the historic 1-mile oval at Wisconsin State Fairgrounds Park in West Allis, Wisconsin, since 2015. There are three exciting oval races on the 2024 schedule, including events July 13 at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa, and Aug. 17 at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois. Three of the final five events of the season will be on ovals, placing more importance on success in this discipline as the race for the championship reaches its climax.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (10/4/2023)
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RACER Q&A 10/4/2023 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (10/4/2023)
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Trackside podcast 10/3/2023 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 10/3/2023 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (10/4/2023)
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Bogle back with HMD NXT program for ’24 – “As the 2024 INDT NXT by Firestone grid is taking shape, HMD Motorsports announces their third driver confirmation for the returning veteran Christian Bogle. Set for the entire 2024 schedule, Bogle will pilot the familiar #7 Pelican Energy Consultants branded entry in his fourth season in the series as he looks to build upon his improvement year-after-year.” Full release at the link. – HMD Motorsports – (10/3/2023)
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MSR pauses IMSA program for ’24 – “Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) will pause the Ohio-based organization’s championship-winning IMSA campaign for the 2024 season to fully focus on the team’s growing NTT INDYCAR SERIES program. MSR has competed in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship since 2004, becoming one of the most prolific and successful teams in the sport with more race starts than any other organization in the modern era. The previous IMSA round at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway marked MSR’s 350th start in North American sports car competition, having also competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.” Full release at the link. – Meyer Shank Racing – (10/3/2023)
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Arrow McLaren and Juncos Hollinger Racing announce strategic alliance – “McLaren Racing today announced its plans to enter a strategic alliance with Juncos Hollinger Racing to benefit both teams. The alliance may evolve over time, beginning with a commercial and strategic focus, working together to grow their respective propositions. The teams, both powered by Team Chevy, will also consider this alliance as a talent development opportunity, with the potential for engineers, mechanics and drivers to build their experience. The strategic relationship will be mutually beneficial to extract the strengths of both teams and will be in effect for the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.” Full release at the link. – McLaren – (10/3/2023)
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Arrow McLaren announces new titles for leadership – “As the NTT INDYCAR SERIES offseason gets underway, Arrow McLaren announces several evolutionary organizational changes to streamline operations. Gavin Ward’s title is changing from Racing Director to Team Principal to better reflect Gavin’s overarching responsibility of the Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team, reporting to Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing. Brian Barnhart, who joined the team last year as General Manager, will report to the Team Principal overseeing the business operations and administration of the team, including strategic partnerships and special projects. Tony Kanaan’s title is also changing from Special Advisor to Sporting Director, joining the existing leadership team to have a more present role beyond race weekends.” Full release at the link. – McLaren – (10/2/2023)
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JHR names Morgan as Team Manager – “Juncos Hollinger Racing, a prominent presence in the world of INDYCAR racing, is delighted to announce the appointment of David P. Morgan as its new Team Manager. This significant addition to the leadership team marks an exciting development for the racing outfit.” Full release at the link. – JHR – (10/2/2023)
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Report: Iowa Speedway to host NASCAR Cup Series in ’24 – The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi and Jeff Gluck report Iowa Speedway is set to host the NASCAR Cup Series in June 2024. The 2024 NASCAR schedule is expected to be announced this week. Full story at the link. – The Athletic – (10/2/2023)
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IMS confirms ’24 Brickyard 400 will be on the oval – “Brickyard Weekend returns to its iconic roots – the 2.5-mile oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway – as NASCAR celebrates 30 years at the Racing Capital of the World on July 20-21, 2024. The Brickyard Weekend race lineup will include the NASCAR Xfinity Series Pennzoil 250 on Saturday, July 20 and the NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400 presented by PPG on Sunday, July 21.” Full release at the link. – IMS – (9/28/2023)
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RACER Q&A 9/27/2023 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (9/27/2023)
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Trackside podcast 9/26/2023 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 9/26/2023 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (9/27/2023)
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Andretti extends Kirkwood – “Andretti Global announced today that two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES winner Kyle Kirkwood has signed a multi-year contract extension to remain with the team. Kirkwood will continue to pilot the No. 27 AutoNation Honda for the 2024 INDYCAR season.” Full release at the link. – Andretti Global – (9/26/2023)
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Gold returns to HMD for ’24 NXT season – “After competing for a partial season with HMD Motorsports, Reece Gold will return to the team for the full 2024 INDY NXT by Firestone season…For the 2024 season, Gold will return to the #10 entry with continued backing and support from The Ticket Clinic.” Full release at the link. – HMD Motorsports – (9/26/2023)
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INDYCAR releases 2024 schedule – “INDYCAR has announced a 17-race schedule for the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, which will take the world’s most competitive motorsport series into several fan-favorite markets, including a much-anticipated return to the Milwaukee Mile. The schedule is also highlighted by two Saturday night races, a new and unique made-for-TV exhibition in Southern California, a global entertainment destination as the new host city for the season finale, and 12 NBC broadcast network showcases bolstered by the rising popularity of live streaming on Peacock. Milwaukee Mile lands on the INDYCAR SERIES schedule for the first time since 2015” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (9/25/2023)
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