INDYCAR News for the Month of January 2021
RWR to partner with Coyne for two entries in ’21 – “Dale Coyne Racing announced today that it is entering into a collaboration with Rick Ware Racing for its No. 51 and No. 52 entries for the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The team, which will run under the Dale Coyne Racing with RWR banner, will field the No. 51 car (previously the No.19 and No. 55 cars) as a full season entry alongside its sister No. 18 Dale Coyne Racing with Vasser Sullivan entry. The team further plans to run the No. 52 car at the Indianapolis 500 as a third entry under the DCR stable. Additionally, the No. 52 car is set to do a selection of other races that are yet to be determined.” Full release at the link. – Dale Coyne Racing – (1/29/2021)
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Team Penske unveils PPG livery for No. 3 – Team Penske has unveiled a new PPG livery for their No. 3 entry to be driven by Scott McLaughlin throughout the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES. View the livery on our No. 3 livery page here. – Team Penske – (1/29/2021)
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Trackside podcast 1/28/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 1/28/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (1/29/2021)
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Jones lands Coyne with Vasser Sullivan No. 18 ride – “Dale Coyne, Jimmy Vasser and James “Sulli” Sullivan announced today that Ed Jones will drive the No.18 car, co-entered by Dale Coyne Racing and Vasser Sullivan Racing for the 2021 NTT IndyCar Series season. The team also announced that, for the fourth consecutive season, the car will carry primary sponsorship support from SealMaster Pavement Products and be entered as the No. 18 Team SealMaster-Dale Coyne Racing with Vasser Sullivan Honda.” Full release at the link. – Dale Coyne Racing – (1/27/2021)
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Miller’s Mailbag 1/27/21 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (1/27/2021)
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Andretti confirms Hinch for full-season in No. 29, Genesys for 10 races – “NTT INDYCAR SERIES fan favorite, James Hinchcliffe will be back with Andretti Autosport in the No. 29 Honda. Hinchcliffe will be sporting the Genesys orange for 10 races throughout the 2021 season, including the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500.” Full release at the link. – Andretti Autosport – (1/26/2021)
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Team Penske No. 3 for McLaughlin to feature PPG as primary sponsor for 10 races – Scott McLaughlin announced his Team Penske No. 3 car will feature PPG as a primary sponsor for 10 races over the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. Check out the announcement video at the link. – Scott McLaughlin – (1/25/2021)
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Peacock Premium takes over as INDYCAR streaming platform – “Peacock Premium becomes the new streaming home of NTT INDYCAR SERIES coverage beginning with the 2021 season. NBC Sports’ exclusive streaming coverage will move from NBC Sports Gold’s “IndyCar Pass,” to Peacock Premium, which is available for $4.99 per month. Peacock Premium will provide fans in the U.S. with live coverage of 2021 INDYCAR qualifying and practice sessions as well as coverage surrounding the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, Indy Lights races, race day warmups and full-event replays of INDYCAR races in 2021. Peacock Premium will surround the 105th Indianapolis 500 with exclusive practice and qualifying coverage, as well as ancillary content.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (1/25/2021)
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Trackside podcast 1/21/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 1/21/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (1/22/2021)
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NBC to shutdown NBCSN by year-end 2021 – Sports Business Daily’s John Ourand reports NBC plans to shut down NBCSN by the end of 2021. Exactly what this might mean for non-NBC NTT INDYCAR SERIES broadcasts remains to be seen, but the expectation would be for alternatives to include USA Network or the streaming platform Peacock Premium. Full story at the link. – Sports Business Daily – (1/22/2021)
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INDYCAR moves Barber opener to April 18th for NBC – “INDYCAR officials have announced the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season opener at Barber Motorsports Park has been rescheduled from Sunday, April 11 to Sunday, April 18. The move results in the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by AmFirst being featured on NBC network television. A record nine events will air on NBC this season. It’s the first time the 2.38-mile road course will host the opener for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. A return to the popular Birmingham, Alabama, racecourse leads an opening stretch of four races in 15 days with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (April 25) and a doubleheader at Texas Motor Speedway (May 1-2) to follow. NBC will air the first two races of the new season and six of the first eight from April to June.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (1/22/2021)
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de Ferran has left McLaren – IndyStar’s Nathan Brown reports Gil de Ferran has left his role at McLaren after his contract was completed at the end of 2020. Full story at the link. – IndyStar – (1/22/2021)
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Juncos adds Sowery to Lights lineup – “Juncos Racing is pleased to announce Toby Sowery has joined the team for the 2021 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires season. Sowery is the second driver announced to the two-time Indy Lights champion team. Sowery, of Cambridgeshire in the United Kingdom, will return to the final step of Road To Indy after previously competing in the Indy Lights series during the 2019 season. Sowery’s successful year included one win and seven podiums, finishing third overall in one of the most highly competitive fields in the Indy Lights series.” Full release at the link. – Juncos Racing – (1/21/2021)
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Miller’s Mailbag 1/20/21 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (1/20/2021)
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Paretta Autosport announced to run de Silvestro at Indy 500 – “Paretta Autosport, a new NTT INDYCAR SERIES race team spearheaded by female automotive and motorsport executive Beth Paretta, has announced its entry for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. 2010 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year Simona De Silvestro has been announced as the driver for Paretta Autosport, which will utilize Chevrolet power and run the No. 16 for this year’s legendary “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” The 32-year-old from Switzerland is a veteran of five Indianapolis 500 starts. The team is an extension of INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s “Race for Equality & Change” announced last July. Team Penske will provide technical support to Paretta Autosport in assisting in the preparation for competing in the race Sunday, May 30. Paretta Autosport will integrate women in the team to ensure that it provides opportunities, including competition, operations and administrative roles such as logistics, marketing and public relations.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (1/19/2021)
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Kiel appointed President of Arrow McLaren SP – “Arrow McLaren SP has appointed Taylor Kiel to the position of President, with Kiel stepping up from his previous role as Managing Director, Competition. The new position will see Kiel oversee operations of the whole company, including both the competition and commercial sides of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES team…Kiel will remain the strategist for the No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet, continuing to guide O’Ward on track during race weekends.” Full release at the link. – Arrow McLaren SP – (1/19/2021)
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GRG w/HMD adds Lundqvist to ’21 Lights lineup – “Global Racing Group with HMD Motorsports are excited to announce the third driver who will be joining the newly-formed partnership for the 2021 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires Championship. Linus Lundqvist – reigning Formula Regional Americas Powered by Honda Champion and recipient of the first Honda Performance Development Indy Lights Scholarship – is set to join the field in a Global Racing Group with HMD Motorsports entry and make his debut in the Road to Indy.” Full release at the link. – HMD Motorsports – (1/19/2021)
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’21 testing begins Monday and Tuesday at Sebring – The first testing of the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES takes place this week on Monday and Tuesday at Sebring International Raceway. It’s not an official test, but most of the teams will be there. – INDYCAR – (1/18/2021)
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Marco announces he won’t race full-time in ’21, will race in Indy 500 – From Marco Andretti: “Upon careful thought over the past couple of months, I have made the decision to make some changes to my racing activities and focus for 2021…I am fortunate to be in a position at Andretti Autosport to run the full INDYCAR season if I want to. But, instead, I have decided to change up my direction somewhat – to reset – to do something a little different – look at everything fresh and see where that takes me…First and foremost, I remain very hungry to win the Indy 500. It is our biggest stage and the place that I feel I bring the most to the table as a driver.” Full Andretti Autosport release at the link. – Andretti Autosport – (1/15/2021)
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Juncos tabs Robb for Lights entry – “Juncos Racing is extremely pleased to announce Sting Ray Robb will move up to the 2021 season of Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires with Juncos Racing. Robb proved to be the strongest and most consistent driver during the 2020 Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires season claiming seven victories, five poles, 11 podiums and 15 top-five finishes, setting four new track records and leading the most laps.” Full release at the link. – Juncos Racing – (1/15/2021)
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Report: Grosjean and Coyne close to a deal – RACER’s Marshall Pruett reports former Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean is likely to be confirmed to drive for Dale Coyne Racing in the near future. Full story at the link. – RACER – (1/14/2021)
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Andretti confirms RHR and DHL return to No. 28 for ’21 – “After celebrating over 10 years with Andretti Autosport in 2020, Ryan Hunter-Reay will continue to call the team home. The 2012 series champion will continue to pilot the No. 28 DHL Honda into the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. This takes Hunter-Reay’s relationship with Andretti into a 12th season, and marks 11 years of continued DHL partnership.” Full release at the link. – Andretti Autosport – (1/14/2021)
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Miller’s Mailbag 1/13/21 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (1/13/2021)
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Trackside podcast 1/12/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 1/12/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (1/13/2021)
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Indy Autonomous Challenge unveils modified IL-15 chassis for October ’21 event – “Energy Systems Network (ESN) and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), organizers of the Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC), today unveiled the official racecar that will be autonomously driven by scores of university teams in the world’s first high-speed, head-to-head autonomous race at the Racing Capital of the World on Oct. 23, 2021…Since 2002, Dallara has been the sole racecar supplier of the Indy Lights series, and now the modified Dallara IL-15 is the official IAC racecar.” Full release at the link. – IMS – (1/11/2021)
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Report: Exclusive Autosport not entering Lights in ’21 – RACER’s Marshall Pruett reports Exclusive Autosport will not enter the 2021 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires season. The team’s expansion plans are are on hold and they sold their two Lights chassis to the combined HMD Motorsports/Global Racing Group effort. Full story at the link. – RACER – (1/11/2021)
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Ferrucci switch to Xfinity series is official – Sam Hunt Racing and Santino Ferrucci have announced they will pair together for a partial NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule in 2021. This will prevent Ferrucci from running a full season in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. – Santino Ferrucci – (1/8/2021)
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Indy Lights adds Barber to open season following St. Pete date change – “With Barber Motorsports Park now set to host the opening rounds of the 2021 Road to Indy schedule on April 10/11, Andersen Promotions is pleased to confirm that Indy Lights will return to the scenic 2.3-mile road course, completing its 10-event, 20-race schedule with a double-header round…Following the news today from Green Savoree Racing Promotions and INDYCAR that the season-opening races of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires on the Streets of St. Petersburg will be moved to April 24/25 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Andersen Promotions is announcing subsequent adjustments to its 2021 calendar.” Full release at the link. – Indy Lights – (1/6/2021)
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INDYCAR confirms April date for St. Pete; Barber to open season – “INDYCAR officials have announced the 2021 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is being rescheduled for Sunday, April 25 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The move creates a condensed, action-packed early-season schedule for 2021…Due to the move, Barber Motorsports Park becomes the host of the season opener as the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama will raise the curtain on the 2021 season.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (1/6/2021)
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Miller’s Mailbag 1/6/21 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (1/6/2021)
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Trackside podcast 1/5/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 1/5/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (1/6/2021)
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Veach confirmed for full season in IMSA with Vasser Sullivan Lexus – Zach Veach has been confirmed for a full-season 2021 IMSA ride with Vasser Sullivan Lexus. More at the link. – Vasser Sullivan – (1/5/2021)
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Report: St. Pete and Barber evaluating later dates – RACER’s Marshall Pruett reports the INDYCAR weekends on the Streets of St. Pete and Barber Motorsports Park are being evaluated to shift to dates later in spring as a COVID-19 measure. Full story at the link. – RACER – (1/5/2021)
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Miller’s Mailbag 12/30/20 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (12/30/2020)
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HMD Motorsports confirms Malukas for No. 79 Lights entry – “HMD Motorsports is excited to officially announce that David Malukas will be making a return to the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires field for the upcoming 2021 season. With no surprise of his confirmation, Malukas will join the already confirmed Global Racing Group with HMD Motorsports entry of Benjamin Pedersen…Malukas will return to his #79 HMD Motorsports entry for the 2021 season. With two drivers confirmed, HMD Motorsports and Global Racing Group will make their two remaining driver announcements after the New Year.” Full release at the link. – HMD Motorsports – (12/29/2020)
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Miller’s Mailbag 12/23/20 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (12/23/2020)
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Trackside podcast 12/22/20 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 12/22/2020 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (12/23/2020)
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Andretti confirms Megennis for Lights No. 27 – “Andretti Autosport announced today that Robert Megennis will return for the 2021 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires season. Megennis will step back into his No. 27 Dallara, completing the team’s four-car lineup…Megennis completes Andretti’s 2021 Indy Lights roster, joining rookie teammates Devlin DeFrancesco [No. 17 Dallara], Kyle Kirkwood [No. 28 Dallara] and Danial Frost [No. 68 Dallara] on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, as the 2021 Indy Lights season kicks off on March 5-7, 2021.” Full release at the link. – Andretti Autosport – (12/22/2020)
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Carlin to return to Lights with F3 driver Peroni – “2016 Indy Lights Champions Carlin will re-join the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires Series for the 2021 season with former FIA F3 driver Alex Peroni. The Anglo-American team are joining forces with the Australian born racer as he makes his debut in US racing. 21-year-old Peroni comes to the US having raced in the FIA Formula 3 Championship in the 2019 and 2020 seasons.” Full release at the link. – Carlin – (12/21/2020)
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Howden named Road to Indy Series Development Director – “As the leading driver development program and the only platform to guarantee its champions advancement to the next step on the ladder system, the Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires today announced expanded roles for Rob Howden, the Official Voice of the Road to Indy, and Road to Indy TV, its broadcast production arm, in preparation for the 2021 racing season. Howden will see his position grow as Series Development Director, a multifaceted role with the primary focus as a liaison with teams and drivers in addition to assisting with the recruitment of prospective competitors and as an advisor on key areas for continued growth of the Road to Indy. He replaces Jonny Baker who, after three years, departs due to the time demands of his highly successful CoForce consulting, marketing and digital agency, founded in partnership with Anders Krohn in 2011.” Full release at the link. – Indy Lights – (12/18/2020)
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