INDYCAR News for the Month of March 2021
The Open Wheel’s 2021 Final Four liveries – The Open Wheel’s INDYCAR liveries feature with mock liveries for iRacing for the four universities participating in the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Final Four at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana is available at the link. – The Open Wheel – (3/31/2021)
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Team Penske unveils No. 3 Indy 500 livery – Team Penske has unveiled the 2021 Pennzoil No. 3 entry for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. View the livery on our No. 3 livery page here. – Team Penske – (3/31/2021)
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Pserra Racing and Serravalle add entry to ’21 Lights season – Pserra Racing and Antonio Serravalle will compete in the 2021 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires season. Full release from Indy Lights at the link. – Indy Lights – (3/31/2021)
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Newgarden unveils No. 2 Indy 500 livery – Josef Newgarden’s Shell Fuel Rewards Team Penske No. 2 entry for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race was unveiled on Wednesday. View the livery on our No. 2 livery page here. – Josef Newgarden – (3/31/2021)
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Miller’s Mailbag 3/31/21 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (3/31/2021)
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Trackside podcast 3/30/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 3/30/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (3/31/2021)
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INDYCAR Radio Network moves to indycar.com/Radio – The INDYCAR Radio Network has transitioned their online platform to www.indycar.com/Radio. Check it out at the link. – INDYCAR – (3/31/2021)
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ECR unveils new USAF livery for No. 20 – “Ed Carpenter Racing and the U.S. Air Force are proud to unveil Conor Daly’s No. 20 U.S. Air Force Chevrolet for the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. In a brand-new design for 2021, Daly’s NTT INDYCAR SERIES car celebrates the U.S. Air Force’s B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. The No. 20 was painted in ECR’s race shop and features a pattern of silver, blue and black silhouettes of the only stealth bomber in the world.” View the livery on our No. 20 livery page here. Full release at the link. – Ed Carpenter Racing – (3/30/2021)
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RLL unveils new Fleet Cost & Care livery for No. 15 – “Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) announced today that Fleet Cost & Care (FCC), an industry leader in fleet management software, has entered into a new multi-year agreement with the team for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES that will include full season associate sponsorship and grow from being a primary sponsor for one event to two as Fleet Cost & Care will be primary sponsor of Graham Rahal’s entry for the Genesys 300 on May 1 and XPEL 375 on May 2 — both at Texas Motor Speedway.” View the livery on our No. 15 livery page here. Full release at the link. – RLL – (3/30/2021)
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ECR unveils new livery for No. 21 – Ed Carpenter Racing has unveiled their new SONAX livery for their No. 21 entry for Rinus VeeKay. View the livery on our No. 21 livery page here. – Ed Carpenter Racing – (3/29/2021)
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Karam takes INDYCAR iRacing Challenge victory in Round 2 at Homestead – Sage Karam won the INDYCAR iRacing Challenge event at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway in the No. 98 Andretti Autosport Honda. Ed Carpenter Racing’s Conor Daly and Enzo Fittipaldi in the No. 52 Dale Coyne Racing with Rick Ware Racing Honda completed the podium. Full story at the link. – INDYCAR – (3/26/2021)
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Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix announces IMSA will rejoin one-weekend format for ’21 – “The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear will return to its traditional one-weekend format in 2021 as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship will join the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires Series for an exciting on-track lineup, June 11-13 on Belle Isle.” Full release at the link. – Chevrolet Detroit GP – (3/25/2021)
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Carvana to allow fans to choose Johnson’s No. 48 livery for five races – “Leading online auto retailer Carvana (NYSE: CVNA), known for its immersive, patented, 360-degree photo technology, is giving INDYCAR fans an experience they’ll never forget: the chance to get up close and personal with Chip Ganassi Racing’s No. 48 Honda and select Jimmie Johnson’s Indy car paint scheme for five NTT INDYCAR SERIES 2021 races.” Full release at the link. – Carvana – (3/25/2021)
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Miller’s Mailbag 3/24/21 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (3/24/2021)
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Trackside podcast 3/23/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 3/23/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (3/24/2021)
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AJ Foyt Racing announces ROKiT as primary marketing partner – “AJ Foyt Racing and Sebastien Bourdais will be rockin’ with ROKiT this year! The global conglomerate ROKiT signed as the primary marketing partner of the No. 14 Chevrolet to be driven by Bourdais in the NTT INDYCAR Series this season. The striking livery design embodies ROKiT’s disruptive approach to challenging conventional business. In addition to branding on the car, the agreement allows for a variety of activation opportunities.” Full release at the link. View the livery on our No. 14 livery page here. – AJ Foyt Racing – (3/23/2021)
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Bourdais claims overall win at IMSA Sebring – Sebastien Bourdais was part of the driving trio that won the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring IMSA overall victory over the weekend in the No. 5 Mustang Sampling/JDC Miller MotorSports Cadillac. Full story at the link. – INDYCAR – (3/22/2021)
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Palou dominates for INDYCAR iRacing Challenge victory at Montreal – Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou won the INDYCAR iRacing Challenge event at virtual Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal on Thursday night in dominant fashion after claiming the pole as well. Road to Indy star Braden Eves and Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin completed the podium. Full story at the link. – INDYCAR – (3/19/2021)
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INDYCAR iRacing Challenge Season 2 kicks off Thursday night 3/18 at Montreal – Season 2 of the INDYCAR iRacing Challenge kicks off Thursday night at 6:30PM ET from virtual Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. The race can be watched live on INDYCAR’s YouTube channel or drivers’ YouTube or Twitch accounts. Full preview and spotter guide at the link. – INDYCAR – (3/18/2021)
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Miller’s Mailbag 3/17/21 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (3/17/2021)
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Trackside podcast 3/16/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 3/16/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (3/17/2021)
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Mid-Ohio announces plans for ticket sales dates – “The 60th season of racing at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course will feature its five traditional events in 2021. The legendary road course in Lexington, Ohio, will showcase some of the premier series in all of motorsports for fans as it returns to a full slate of racing starting in May. On Tuesday, March 23, the renewal period begins for Mid-Ohio Season Race Pass and Season Motorhome spaces for 2020 customers. Then, on Tuesday, April 6, event tickets will go on sale at advance pricing at a savings before standard pricing begins on Tuesday, April 27. Renewal customers on file will be notified directly with further details.” Full release at the link. – Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course – (3/16/2021)
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INDYCAR announces plans for INDYCAR iRacing Challenge Season 2 – “A packed lineup of NTT INDYCAR SERIES stars will return to compete in Season 2 of the popular INDYCAR iRacing Challenge, which starts Thursday, March 18. The virtual series involving NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers made its debut last spring to the enjoyment of race fans across the globe during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, it’s set to build up to the series’ 2021 opener Sunday, April 18 at Barber Motorsports Park. Each race will be streamed live on INDYCAR.com, along with INDYCAR’s YouTube channel and Facebook page, and iRacing’s YouTube channel. Secondary channels also will be available from NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers’ personal accounts.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (3/11/2021)
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Miller’s Mailbag 3/10/21 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (3/10/2021)
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Trackside podcast 3/9/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 3/9/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (3/10/2021)
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Report: Top Gun Racing to enter Enerson for ’21 Indy 500 – The Indianapolis Star’s Nathan Brown reports RC Enerson will drive an entry for Top Gun Racing for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. Full story at the link. – Indianapolis Star – (3/9/2021)
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Paretta Autosport announces MoneyLion partnership – “Paretta Autosport and MoneyLion announced today that the financial platform, where hardworking Americans can bank, borrow, save and invest – all within one app, will become the first team sponsor of the No. 16 Chevy-powered INDYCAR at this year’s Indianapolis 500. Paretta is the first female owned, female driven, and female forward race team in the sport.” Full release at the link. View the updated livery on our No. 16 livery page here. – Paretta Autosport – (3/8/2021)
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RLL unveils ’86 Indy 500 tribute livery for No. 15 – Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing unveiled a new Total livery for their No. 15 entry for Graham Rahal to drive at Portland and Long Beach. The livery is a tribute to owner Bobby Rahal’s 1986 Indy 500 winning design. View the livery on our No. 15 livery page here. – RLL – (3/5/2021)
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Bryan Herta to call races for son Colton this year – Bryan Herta will serve as the race strategist for his son Colton Herta in the Andretti Autosport No. 26 entry for the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. Full story at the link. – INDYCAR – (3/5/2021)
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Spectators to be allowed at Barber, final number not set yet – The Indianapolis Star’s Nathan Brown reports spectators will be allowed at Barber Motorsports Park but the exact number has yet to be determined. Full story at the link. – Indianapolis Star – (3/5/2021)
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INDYCAR’s Day 1 “Content Day” notebook – INDYCAR’s notebook from Content Day 1 is available at the link. – INDYCAR – (3/5/2021)
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Spectators approved for St. Pete – “Officials from the City of St. Petersburg and Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC (GSSP) announced today that members of City Council have unanimously approved for spectator attendance at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg set for April 23-25, 2021. At today’s City of St. Petersburg City Council Meeting, an event plan was presented by GSSP officials and Mayor Rick Kriseman’s administration, and City Council approved the resolution by a count of seven votes to zero for 20,000 spectators to attend per day. As was implemented at the October 2020 race weekend, GSSP will operate the event under specific health and safety protocols for COVID-19. Fans should visit gpstpete.com/covid19 for more information on these essential event protocols.” Full release at the link. – GP of St. Pete – (3/4/2021)
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Fittipaldi named oval driver for DCR/RWR No. 51 – “Pietro Fittipaldi is returning to the team with which he made his NTT INDYCAR SERIES debut three years ago to pilot its No. 51 Dale Coyne Racing with RWR entry at all 2021 oval events on the schedule. Fittipaldi will share driving duties of the team’s #51 full season entry with his former Haas F1, and now current Dale Coyne Racing with RWR teammate, Romain Grosjean who is taking part in all the road and street course races on the schedule.” Full release at the link. – Dale Coyne Racing – (3/4/2021)
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INDYCAR releases ’21 broadcast schedule – “NBC Sports and INDYCAR have announced the full 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES telecast schedule, featuring a record nine races on broadcast network NBC, including the 105th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 30 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Six of the first eight races of the season will air on NBC, including the season-opening Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by AmFirst on Sunday, April 18 at Barber Motorsports Park. The 17-race season, which will be exclusively presented across NBC Sports, also features the inaugural Music City Grand Prix in Nashville, Tennessee, on Sunday, Aug. 8 on NBCSN.” Full release and schedule with television start times at the link. – INDYCAR – (3/3/2021)
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First look at halo for Lights in ’21 – Marshall Pruett has posted four excellent pictures of the halo head protection device that will feature on Indy Lights cars in 2021. Check it out at the link. – Marshall Pruett – (3/3/2021)
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Miller’s Mailbag 3/3/21 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (3/3/2021)
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Trackside podcast 3/2/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 3/2/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (3/3/2021)
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IMS to host Johnson & Johnson vaccine clinic March 5-7 – “The Indiana Department of Health today announced that it has partnered with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, University of Notre Dame and Ivy Tech Community College to host three mass vaccination clinics to help eligible Hoosiers receive a free COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, effective today, Hoosiers age 55 and older are now eligible to receive a free vaccine…The mass vaccination clinics will offer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which received its Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA on Saturday. The vaccine requires only one dose and has been shown to be safe and effective at preventing hospitalizations and deaths in clinical trials involving nearly 44,000 participants from all races and ethnicities.” Full release at the link. – ISDH – (3/2/2021)
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XPEL to be primary sponsor for Race 2 at Texas Motor Speedway – “XPEL, Inc. – a leading provider of protective films and coatings today announced a multi-year sponsorship at Texas Motor Speedway. The second race of the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES doubleheader, scheduled for Sunday, May 2, will be called the XPEL 375. The race will be televised live on NBCSN with coverage beginning at 4 p.m. CT.” Full release at the link. – Texas Motor Speedway – (3/2/2021)
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O’Ward fastest at Laguna Seca test – Arrow McLaren SP’s Pato O’Ward was fastest in an eight car NTT INDYCAR SERIES test at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on Monday. Full story at the link – Motorsport.com – (3/2/2021)
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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)
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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 Grosjean’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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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