INDYCAR News for the Month of February 2021

Arrow McLaren SP unveils ’21 liveries – “Arrow McLaren SP today launched its 2021 campaign with the new driver pairing of Pato O’Ward and Felix Rosenqvist, together with the reveal of new liveries for Arrow McLaren SP.” View the liveries on our No. 5 and No. 7 livery pages. Full release at the link – Arrow McLaren SP – (2/26/2021)

Haas rescinds Grosjean’s INDYCAR sponsorship after F1 incident – RACER’s Chris Medland has posted a fascinating story on how and why Gene Haas changed his mind on sponsoring Romain Grosejan’s NTT INDYCAR SERIES program after the French driver’s terrifying Formula 1 crash in Bahrain. Full story at the link – RACER – (2/25/2021)

VeeKay tops Barber test as Grosjean makes testing debut – RACER’s Marshall Pruett has posted a recap from Monday’s 12 car NTT INDYCAR SERIES test at Barber Motorsports Park. Ed Carpenter Racing’s Rinus VeeKay posted the fastest time. Romain Grosjean drove his Dale Coyne Racing with Rick Ware Racing machine for the first time. Full story at the link – RACER – (2/24/2021)

Miller’s Mailbag 2/24/21 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (2/24/2021)

Trackside podcast 2/23/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 2/23/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (2/24/2021)

Arrow McLaren SP announces multi-year partnership with Vuse – “Arrow McLaren SP and Vuse will continue to charge beyond with a new, multi-year INDYCAR agreement and partnership expansion that includes enhanced activation and assets, and a new Vuse-titled livery on the No. 7 Vuse Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet…Coming on the heels of last year’s partnership, which drove innovation for both brands despite the year’s challenges, Vuse and Arrow McLaren SP’s new multi-year agreement is turning up their collaboration with enhanced branding on the No. 5 and No. 7 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolets and two annual custom-designed livery paint schemes throughout the season.” Full release at the link – Arrow McLaren SP – (2/23/2021)

IMS planning for fans in attendance for Indy 500 – RACER reports IMS is planning to have fans in attendance for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race in May. Full story with quotes from an “IMS spokesperson” at the link – RACER – (2/22/2021)

Goodyear purchases Cooper Tires – “The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and Cooper Tire & Rubber Company today announced that they have entered a definitive transaction agreement under which Goodyear will acquire Cooper in a transaction with a total enterprise value of approximately $2.5 billion.” What this means for the future of Cooper Tires and the Road to Indy remains to be seen. Full release at the link – Goodyear – (2/22/2021)

RLL unveils another new livery for No. 30 – “Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) announced today that Digital Ally, a company that develops, manufactures and markets advanced video recording products and other critical safety products for law enforcement, emergency management, fleet safety and security, will feature its Shield Health Protection Products line, as the primary sponsor of the No. 30 Honda-powered entry for 2017 and 2020 Indianapolis 500 champion Takuma Sato for five NTT INDYCAR SERIES races per season in a multi-year deal.” View the livery on our No. 30 livery page here. Full release at the link – RLL – (2/22/2021)

Johnson’s Carvana livery unveiled – “Leading online auto retailer Carvana today unveiled the paint scheme for Chip Ganassi Racing’s No. 48 Honda to be driven by 7-time NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) Champion Jimmie Johnson in his rookie NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. Featuring Carvana’s iconic halo and signature blue color palette, the No. 48 Honda will make its racing debut with Johnson behind the wheel on April 18 at Barber Motorsports Park as the NTT INDYCAR SERIES 2021 racing season gets off to a roaring start. ” View the livery on our No. 48 livery page here. Full release at the link – Carvana – (2/22/2021)

Sato’s likeness unveiled again on Borg-Warner Trophy – “2020 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge winner Takuma Sato joined an elite club of drivers to have their image on the Borg-Warner Trophy at least twice, unveiling his likeness Friday, Feb. 19 during an online show at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Sato, from Tokyo, became the first Japanese driver to win “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” in 2017 and repeated the feat last August while driving for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. He is one of just 20 drivers to win the race at least twice in its 104 editions. The Borg-Warner Trophy Unveiling Special was a highlight of 100 Days festivities Friday, as Race Day for the 105th Indianapolis 500 is Sunday, May 30 – exactly 100 days from today. Joining Sato in person in the ceremony were team co-owners Bobby Rahal and Mike Lanigan, BorgWarner Global Director of Marketing and Public Relations Michelle Collins and IMS President J. Douglas Boles.” Full release at the link – IMS – (2/19/2021)

Dale Jr. joins Music City GP ownership group – “Dale Earnhardt Jr., the 2021 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee and 15-time NASCAR Cup Series Most Popular Driver, joined the ownership group of the Music City Grand Prix today, becoming the most recent addition to an elite group of owners that includes GRAMMY Award-winning artist Justin Timberlake.” Full release at the link – Music City GP – (2/19/2021)

RLL announces PeopleReady to return on No. 30 – “Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) announced today that staffing leader PeopleReady has returned to the team as primary sponsor of two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Takuma Sato’s entry for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 30, 2021. PeopleReady’s first experience as a primary sponsor of an Indy car ended in victory lane when Sato became the only active, full-time, two-time winner of the world-famous race in 2020.” View the livery on our No. 30 livery page here. Full release at the link – RLL – (2/19/2021)

Andretti confirms Steinbrenner and Capstone partnership for No. 29 – “Andretti Autosport has announced today that the team will again join forces with Steinbrenner Racing to field the NTT INDYCAR SERIES entry piloted by James Hinchcliffe. Recognizable partner Capstone Turbine Corporation, the world’s leading clean technology manufacturer of microturbine energy systems, will return with their #ShiftToGreen campaign as the primary partner on the No. 29 Honda for six races in the upcoming 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.” Full release at the link – Andretti Autosport – (2/18/2021)

Capstone to feature as primary sponsor for six races on Andretti No. 29 – “Capstone Turbine Corporation, the world’s leading clean technology manufacturer of microturbine energy systems, announced today that the green and white livery of Capstone Turbine will now be displayed on the No. 29 Andretti Steinbrenner Autosport car piloted by James Hinchcliffe for six races in the upcoming 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.” Full release at the link. – Capstone Turbine Corporation – (2/18/2021)

Arrow McLaren SP teases livery reveal for 2/26 – Arrow McLaren SP has posted to social media what appears to be an announcement that their livery reveal will come on February 26th. – Arrow McLaren SP – (2/17/2021)

Miller’s Mailbag 2/17/21 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (2/17/2021)

Trackside podcast 2/16/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 2/16/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (2/17/2021)

RLL unveils new United Rentals livery for No. 15 – “Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) announced today that as part of the team’s 30th season of competition in 2021, they will run liveries reminiscent of a past fan favorite that founder and team co-owner Bobby Rahal competed in for “Rahal’s Last Ride” in his final season of Indy car competition in 1998. United Rentals Inc., the largest equipment rental company in the world, who last year entered into a new multi-year agreement with the team for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, has unveiled the livery that will run in five of their six races as primary sponsor in 2021…A special livery for the Indy 500 will be unveiled at a later date.” View the livery on our No. 15 livery page here. Full release at the link. – RLL – (2/15/2021)

IMS to unveil Sato’s likeness on the Barg-Warner Trophy on 2/19 – “In celebration of the 100 Days Countdown to the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, two-time race champion Takuma Sato will participate in a special streaming show Friday, Feb. 19 to unveil his likeness on the Borg-Warner Trophy, commemorating his 2020 win. Sato will join Rahal Letterman Lanigan team owners Bobby Rahal and Mike Lanigan, along with Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles and BorgWarner Global Director of Marketing and Public Relations Michelle Collins, for an unveil showcase streamed from the IMS Museum. NTT INDYCAR SERIES fans and media are encouraged to watch the “Borg-Warner Trophy Special” via IMS.com/100Days at 1 p.m. (ET) Friday.” Full release at the link. – IMS – (2/12/2021)

MSR confirms Nashville a part of Helio’s six race plan – “Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) NTT INDYCAR Series driver Helio Castroneves will aim to add to his record of street racing success this August as he looks forward to racing in the inaugural Music City Grand Prix on the streets of Nashville. Transcard will partner with Meyer Shank Racing and utilize Castroneves as part of a focused marketing program surrounding the event weekend. Castroneves is slated to compete in six NTT INDYCAR Series races with MSR this season onboard the No. 06 MSR Honda IndyCar, starting with the 105th running of the Indianapolis 500 in May. Castroneves will return to action for MSR in the Music City Grand Prix (August 8), the August Indianapolis Motor Speedway event (Aug. 14), the Grand Prix of Portland (Sept. 12), WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (Sept. 19) and the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach (Sept. 26).” Full release at the link. – Meyer Shank Racing – (2/12/2021)

Foyt adds No. 11 entry for Kimball for Month of May – “AJ Foyt Racing announced today that Charlie Kimball will be back in the cockpit for two races in the 2021 NTT INDYCAR Series. The 35-year-old Californian will pilot the team’s No. 11 Tresiba Chevrolet in the 105th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 30 after competing in the Indy Grand Prix on the IMS road course on May 15.” Full release at the link. – AJ Foyt Racing – (2/11/2021)

Music City GP set to start at 5:30PM ET – The inaugural Music City Grand Prix on the Streets of Nashville will start at 5:30PM ET (4:30PM local) and air on NBCSN. – Music City GP – (2/10/2021)

Foyt to announce driver of third Indy 500 entry on Thursday 2/11 – From INDYCAR PR: “Larry Foyt, president of AJ Foyt Racing, will participate in an NTT INDYCAR SERIES video news conference at 1 p.m. (ET) on Thursday to discuss the team’s plans for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. Foyt will be joined by the driver who will be announced Thursday through the team’s press release prior to the video conference.” – INDYCAR PR – (2/10/2021)

Miller’s Mailbag 2/10/21 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (2/10/2021)

Trackside podcast 2/9/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 2/9/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (2/10/2021)

Carlin names Bogle to Lights program – “Jay Howard Driver Development driver Christian Bogle will join Carlin for the 2021 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires season. The 19-year-old has raced in Jay Howard’s team for the last three seasons and will graduate to Indy Lights this year from the USF2000 Series…The team’s Indy Lights cars will be run out of Carlin’s Delray Beach workshop in Florida, be operated by Carlin personnel and run alongside the team’s INDYCAR operation.” Full release at the link. – Carlin – (2/9/2021)

Report: Ferrari out of INDYCAR consideration – RACER’s Marshall Pruett reports INDYCAR’s efforts to add Ferrari as an engine supplier to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES have been rejected. “After our discussions, we came to the conclusion that we will not be entering IndyCar anytime soon,” said Scuderia Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto. “That might be possible in the medium and long term. But today we want to concentrate our investments on Formula 1 involvement.” Full story at the link. – RACER – (2/5/2021)

HMD finalizes Lights lineup with Lastochkin – “As the start of the season approaches, HMD Motorsports has nearly finalized their 2021 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires team roster with the addition of Nikita Lastochkin. After recently testing with the team at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Lastochkin has inked a deal that will see him pilot the #59 entry for the Indianapolis, Indiana based program.” Full release at the link. – HMD Motorsports – (2/4/2021)

Timberlake joins Music City GP ownership group – “Today the Music City Grand Prix is thrilled to announce additions to its previously announced ownership group for the inaugural urban street race in Nashville August 6-8, 2021. Among those joining the group include notable GRAMMY Award-winning artist Justin Timberlake, who in 2011 backed late British driver Dan Wheldon’s winning effort in the Indianapolis 500 through a sponsorship with his clothing company William Rast. The ownership group will also include former Delta Airlines Chief Operating Officer Gil West, and NASCAR team owner and driver Justin Marks. Just last month, Marks’ Trackhouse Racing team announced a new addition to his team – GRAMMY Award-winning Latin artist Pitbull.” Full release at the link. – Music City GP – (2/4/2021)

Coyne confirms Grosjean with RWR news – “A veteran of 180 Formula 1 starts, Romain Grosjean, is turning to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES for 2021, as he embarks on the next chapter of his racing career with Dale Coyne Racing with RWR. The team is elated to announce that the former Haas F1 driver will be behind the wheel of the #51 Dale Coyne Racing with RWR full-time entry for all the road and street courses in 2021, with the oval races yet to be determined.” Full release at the link. – Dale Coyne Racing – (2/3/2021)

Report: Grosjean signs on for road/street courses with Coyne/RWR – Motorsport.com’s David Malsher-Lopez reports former Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean with race for Dale Coyne Racing with Rick Ware Racing on the road and street courses for the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. Full story at the link. – Motorsport.com – (2/3/2021)

Miller’s Mailbag 2/3/21 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (2/3/2021)

Trackside podcast 2/1/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 2/1/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (2/2/2021)

Rossi unveils his new AutoNation livery – Alexander Rossi has posted a picture of his new AutoNation livery for the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. View the livery on our No. 27 livery page here. – Alexander Rossi – (2/1/2021)

Team Penske unveils new Verizon livery for No. 12 – Team Penske has unveiled a new Verizon livery for their No. 12 entry to be driven by Will Power throughout the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES. View the livery on our No. 12 livery page here. – Team Penske – (2/1/2021)

Rossi and Castroneves earn overall win at Rolex 24 – Alexander Rossi and Helio Castroneves were part of the winning driver combination to take the overall victory at the 2021 Rolex 24 At Daytona for Wayne Taylor Racing. Full report from INDYCAR at the link. – INDYCAR – (2/1/2021)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

INDYCAR News From Last Month