INDYCAR News for the Weeks of April 15 – May 12, 2019
The Open Wheel’s INDYCAR GP photo gallery – The Open Wheel’s INDYCAR Grand Prix photo gallery from NTT IndyCar Series and Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires action on the road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is available at the link. – The Open Wheel – (5/11/2019)
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Pagenaud wins the INDYCAR Grand Prix – Team Penske’s Simon Pagenaud won the INDYCAR Grand Prix for the third time in wet conditions on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The full Top 5 was Pagenaud, Dixon, Harvey, Leist, and Pigot. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (5/11/2019)
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The Open Wheel’s Indy Lights Indianapolis road course livery page – The Open Wheel’s livery feature of all the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires cars on the road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is available at the link. – The Open Wheel – (5/11/2019)
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The Open Wheel’s INDYCAR GP livery page – The Open Wheel’s livery feature of all the cars at the NTT IndyCar Series INDYCAR Grand Prix on the road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is available at the link. – The Open Wheel – (5/11/2019)
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VeeKay wins Lights Race 2 pole at IMS – Juncos Racing’s Rinus VeeKay won from pole in Indy Lights Race 2 on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The full Top 5 was VeeKay, Claman, Askew, Megennis, and Sowery. Full results here. – Indy Lights – (5/11/2019)
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Herta quickest in INDYCAR GP warmup – Harding Steinbrenner Racing’s Colton Herta was quickest in the morning warmup for the INDYCAR Grand Prix on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with a lap of 1:09.2003. The full Top 5 was Herta, Dixon, Sato, Rahal, and Bourdais. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (5/11/2019)
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VeeKay earns Lights Race 2 pole at IMS – Juncos Racing’s Rinus VeeKay earned the pole in Indy Lights Race 2 qualifying on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with a lap of 1:14.9935. The full Top 5 was VeeKay, Megennis, Norman, Malukas, and Askew. Full results here. – Indy Lights – (5/11/2019)
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Trackside podcast 5/10/19 – 1070 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 5/10/19 is a great listen as always. Indy Lights Race 1 winner at IMS Robert Megennis is a guest on the show. – 1070 The Fan – (5/11/2019)
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Rosenqvist wins first IndyCar pole at INDYCAR GP – Chip Ganassi Racing’s Felix Rosenqvist won the pole for the INDYCAR Grand Prix on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with a Firestone Fast 6 lap of 1:08.2785. The full Firestone Fast 6 was Rosenqvist, Dixon, Harvey, Herta, Jones, and Power. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (5/10/2019)
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Megennis wins Lights Race 1 at IMS – Andretti Autosport’s Robert Megennis won Indy Lights Race 1 from pole on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The full Top 5 was Megennis, Askew, VeeKay, Norman, and Claman. Full results here. – Indy Lights – (5/10/2019)
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Herta leads INDYCAR GP Practice 2 – Harding Steinbrenner Racing’s Colton Herta topped Practice 2 for the INDYCAR Grand Prix on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with a lap of 1:08.0393. The full Top 5 was Herta, Rosenqvist, Pigot, Bourdais, and Dixon. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (5/10/2019)
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Megennis takes Lights Race 1 pole at IMS – Andretti Autosport’s Robert Megennis took pole in Indy Lights Race 1 qualifying on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with a lap of 1:15.1921. The full Top 5 was Megennis, VeeKay, Askew, Norman, and Malukas. Full results here. – Indy Lights – (5/10/2019)
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Power tops INDYCAR GP Practice 1 – Team Penske’s Will Power’s lap of 1:09.2890 was fastest in Practice 1 for the INDYCAR Grand Prix on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The full Top 5 was Power, Pigot, Dixon, Rosenqvist, and Newgarden. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (5/10/2019)
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HSR announces GESS International partnership for rest of ’19 – “GESS International will continue their partnership with Harding Steinbrenner Racing as a multi-race primary sponsor of the #88 Honda-powered Indy car. GESS International will serve as primary sponsor for this weekend’s INDYCAR Grand Prix, the 103rd Indianapolis 500 and a variety of other races throughout the remainder of the 2019 IndyCar Series season. The globally established renewable energy service company previously served as primary sponsor of the #88 at the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama and as associate sponsor at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.” View the livery on our No. 88 livery page here. Full release at the link. – Harding Steinbrenner Racing – (5/10/2019)
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Trackside podcast 5/9/19 – 1070 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 5/9/19 is a great listen as always. Colton Herta, Sage Karam, and Rob Howden are guests on the show. – 1070 The Fan – (5/10/2019)
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Norman fastest in Lights practice at IMS – Andretti Autosport’s Ryan Norman was fastest in Indy Lights practice on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with a lap of 1:16.2589. The full Top 5 was Norman, Malukas, VeeKay, Claman, and Askew. Full results here. – Indy Lights – (5/9/2019)
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ECR and Scuderia Corsa unveil new livery for Jones for Indy – Ed Carpenter Racing and Scuderia Corsa unveiled the WeatherTech livery featured on their No. 63 entry for Ed Jones. View the livery on our No. 63 livery page here. – ECR – (5/9/2019)
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The Open Wheel’s INDYCAR GP preview – The Open Wheel’s preview of the NTT IndyCar Series and Indy Lights INDYCAR Grand Prix weekend on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is available at the link. – The Open Wheel – (5/9/2019)
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O’Ward named to Red Bull Junior Team – “Carlin’s Patricio O’Ward was announced today as the newest member of the Red Bull Junior Team. The 20 year-old rookie, who has proved to be one of the most exciting drivers this season in the 2019 NTT IndyCar Series, will follow in the footsteps of several young talented drivers as he joins the Red Bull Junior program.” Full release at the link. – Carlin – (5/9/2019)
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TODAY show to be hosted from IMS on 5/23 – “TODAY is heading to Indianapolis for a special broadcast honoring military caregivers. On Thursday, May 23, TODAY’s Savannah Guthrie is teaming up with Hollywood legend Tom Hanks to co-host an hour of TODAY, live from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway!” Full release at the link. – TODAY – (5/9/2019)
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Trackside podcast 5/8/19 – 1070 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 5/8/19 is a great listen as always. Graham Rahal, Tony Kanaan, and Simon Pagenaud are guests on the show. – 1070 The Fan – (5/9/2019)
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Lights IMS road course entry list – The official entry list for the Indy Lights Grand Prix of Indianapolis on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is available at the link. – Indy Lights – (5/8/2019)
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IMS Turn 2 suites rebranded for Riley Children’s Foundation – The Turn 2 suites at Indianapolis Motor Speedway have been rebranded for the Riley Children’s Foundation. See a picture of the suites’ new look at the link. – Ed Carpenter – (5/8/2019)
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Miller’s Mailbag 5/8/19 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (5/8/2019)
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Trackside podcast 5/7/19 – 1070 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 5/7/19 is a great listen as always. Anders Krohn is a guest on the show. – 1070 The Fan – (5/8/2019)
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Crawford to drive pace car for INDYCAR GP – “Chicago Blackhawks goaltender and two-time Stanley Cup champion Corey Crawford will lead the field to the green flag for the sixth annual INDYCAR Grand Prix on Saturday, May 11 as the driver of the Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Coupe Pace Car at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Twice an NHL All-Star (2015, 2017) and a member of the NHL All-Rookie team in 2011, Crawford is just the eighth Blackhawks’ goaltender to win more than 100 games in the team’s storied history. The Windy City fan favorite is also an avid car enthusiast who enjoys restoring vintage vehicles.” Full release at the link. – IMS – (5/7/2019)
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INDYCAR GP entry list – The official INDYCAR entry list for the INDYCAR Grand Prix on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is available at the link. – INDYCAR – (5/7/2019)
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Trackside podcast 5/6/19 – 1070 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 5/6/19 is a great listen as always. Kyle Kaiser is a guest on the show. – 1070 The Fan – (5/7/2019)
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Juncos confirms Kaiser for Indy 500 – “Juncos Racing is pleased to announce Kyle Kaiser will return to the team in their attempt to qualify for the 103rd Running of the Indy 500 presented by Gainbridge. The American will pilot the No. 32 Juncos Racing Chevrolet entry for the second consecutive year. The 2017 Indy Lights Champion made a strong impression on the 2018 NTT IndyCar Series during his first Indy 500 qualifying when he drove the No. 32 Chevrolet to a 17th starting position. Kaiser competed in four races during the 2018 season.” Full release at the link. – Juncos Racing – (5/6/2019)
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Indy 500 program unveiled and on sale – “An adaptation of a painting of Mario Andretti’s 1969-winning Brawner Hawk III/Ford car is featured on the cover of the 2019 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge Official Souvenir Program, which is on sale now. British artist and racing helmet livery designer Jason Fowler painted the original artwork of the famous Day-glo red car on metal with airbrush and bristle brush techniques, and that piece was adapted for the cover of the 224-page program. The cover was unveiled during a ceremony Tuesday evening, April 30 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. The Official Program cover features metallic gold ink, three different textured varnishes and Kalidocolor inks with true Day-glo rocket red as the color of Andretti’s iconic car.” Full release at the link. – IMS – (5/3/2019)
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36 entries for 103rd Indy 500 – The entry list for the 103rd Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race was released on Wednesday. It features 36 entries. View it in full at the link. – IMS – (5/1/2019)
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Miller’s Mailbag 5/1/19 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (5/1/2019)
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Trackside podcast 4/30/19 – 1070 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 4/30/19 is a great listen as always. Jack Harvey, Sebastian Bourdais, Marcus Ericsson, Fernando Alonso, and McLaren engineer Andy Brown are guests on the show. – 1070 The Fan – (5/1/2019)
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Report: Herta tops manufacturer test on IMS road course – Motorsport.com’s David Malsher reports Harding Steinbrenner Racing’s Colton Herta was fastest in a Honda test on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Monday. Full story at the link. – Motorsport.com – (4/30/2019)
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INDYCAR announces AFP device will be implemented for INDYCAR GP – “INDYCAR announced Friday that the Advanced Frontal Protection debris deflector recently introduced as the sport’s latest safety initiative will be used in competition sooner than expected – beginning at next month’s INDYCAR Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The titanium AFP, which provides frontal protection for drivers, was tested earlier this week at IMS by INDYCAR teams in an open test on the 2.5-mile oval. INDYCAR President Jay Frye said the sanctioning body is satisfied the AFP is ready for use in all NTT IndyCar Series races this season, starting with the INDYCAR Grand Prix on the IMS road course on May 11 and including its original target date for implementation, the 103rd Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on May 26.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (4/26/2019)
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IMS honors Foyt with installation of bronze brick – “Before placing a commemorative bronze brick into Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s famed Yard of Bricks start/finish line on a rainy Thursday morning, legendary A.J. Foyt recalled what it was like back in the day to race on that surface. The four-time Indianapolis 500 winner’s name and the four years he won “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” – in 1961, ’64, ’67 and ’77 – are carved on the specially produced brick…IMS President Doug Boles and brick creator Bud Tucker of IMS Facilities were on hand to unveil the brick. Also lending a hand was Mark Miles, CEO of Human & Company, which owns IMS and INDYCAR.” Full release at the link. – IMS – (4/26/2019)
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The Open Wheel’s IMS Open Test photo gallery – The Open Wheel’s photo gallery from the NTT IndyCar Series Open Test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is available at the link. – The Open Wheel – (4/25/2019)
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The Open Wheel’s IMS Open Test livery guide – The Open Wheel’s livery feature of all the cars at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Open Test is available at the link. – The Open Wheel – (4/24/2019)
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Sato fastest overall at IMS Open Test – Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Takuma Sato’s lap at 226.99mph was fastest overall on a rainy day at the NTT IndyCar Series Indianapolis Motor Speedway Open Test on Wednesday. Harding Steinbrenner Racing rookie Colton Herta was quickest in the rookie orientation and refresher session. Full story at the link. Full results here and here. – INDYCAR – (4/24/2019)
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Miller’s Mailbag 4/24/19 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (4/24/2019)
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Trackside podcast 4/23/19 – 1070 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 4/23/19 is a great listen as always. Fernando Alonso, Conor Daly, Spencer Pigot, and JR Hildebrand are guests on the show. – 1070 The Fan – (4/24/2019)
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4/24/19 IMS Open Test entry list – The entry list for the April 24th NTT IndyCar Series open test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is available at the link. 29 cars are entered. Oriol Servia in the Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports No. 77 entry is the only unannounced car/driver combination. – INDYCAR – (4/23/2019)
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Scuderia Corsa changes Indy 500 entry number to No. 63 – Scuderia Corsa announced on Tuesday that the team’s entry in the 103rd Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race will be changed to number 63 rather than the previously announced 64. – Scuderia Corsa – (4/23/2019)
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Andretti Autosport reveals Daly’s USAF livery for Indy 500 – Andretti Autosport revealed the United States Air Force livery for their No. 25 entry for Conor Daly in the 103rd Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on Tuesday. See the livery on our No. 25 livery page here. – Andretti Autosport – (4/23/2019)
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ECR announces PFS primary sponsorship for No. 20 at Indy 500 – “Preferred Freezer Services announced today a continuation of their partnership with Ed Carpenter Racing for a sixth consecutive year. New for 2019, the only owner/driver in the NTT IndyCar Series will be behind the wheel of a blue and white Preferred Freezer Services car for the first time. Ed Carpenter’s No. 20 Chevrolet will showcase the classic colors and famous Preferred Freezer Services polar bear at the 103rd Running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, 2019.” See the livery on our No. 20 livery page here. Full release at the link. – Ed Carpenter Racing – (4/23/2019)
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DRR confirms second Indy 500 entry for Hildebrand – Dreyer & Reinbold Racing has announced a second entry for the 103rd Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race to be driven by JR Hildebrand. This year’s entry will be No. 48 and will be backed once again by primary sponsor Salesforce. Full story at the link. – INDYCAR – (4/22/2019)
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IMS releases details for 4/24 open test – “It may not be May yet, but it will feel a lot like the most magical month in racing Wednesday, April 24 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway when 15 teams and 28 drivers are expected to participate in an INDYCAR Open Test in preparation for the 103rd Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge…The test will take place from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (ET) on the 2.5-mile oval. Veterans will be on track from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., with Rookie Orientation Program and refresher tests from 1-3 p.m. and all participants on track from 3-6 p.m. The Turn 2 Viewing Mounds will be open for public viewing. Testing will be streamed on indycar.com, the NTT IndyCar Series Facebook page and Periscope. Announcers for the test are Kevin Lee, Anders Krohn, Robin Miller and Katie Hargitt.” Full entry list and release at the link. – IMS – (4/22/2019)
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Special Mario tribute livery unveiled for Marco at Indy 500 – “Marco Andretti, U.S. Concrete and Andretti Autosport unveiled the No. 98 U.S. Concrete / Curb machine that the third-generation driver will pilot for the 103rd Running of the Indianapolis 500 next month. The day-glow red car closely resembles the 1969 race-winning livery of Mario Andretti, celebrating the 50th anniversary of his memorable Indianapolis 500 victory.” See the livery on our No. 98 livery page here. Full release at the link. – Andretti Autosport – (4/18/2019)
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Gateway announces naming rights commitment – “Gateway Motorsports Park and World Wide Technology (WWT), a market-leading technology solution provider, today announced a long-term naming rights commitment, renaming the motorsports facility “World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway.” The multi-faceted racing venue serves as home to NASCAR, INDYCAR and NHRA racing in the St. Louis region, where WWT was founded and is headquartered. WWT also becomes the official technology partner of the track and will use the venue to advance development programs for the company and its community outreach initiatives.” Full release at the link. – World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway – (4/17/2019)
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Andretti Autosport partners with Trion Solutions for No. 98 entry – “NTT IndyCar Series driver, Marco Andretti, will make a run at the checkered flag with associate partner, Trion Solutions at the INDYCAR Grand Prix, 103rd Running of the Indianapolis 500 and both races at the Detroit Grand Prix. The Trion logo will be featured on the side cockpit of the racing machine for all four events.” Full release at the link. – Andretti Autosport – (4/17/2019)
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IMS adds to Legends Day concert lineup – “Chart-topping country artist Carly Pearce and Clayton Anderson have been added to a star-studded lineup at the Firestone Legends Day Concert on Saturday, May 25 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Fan favorites at IMS, Pearce and Anderson each will perform sets one day before the 103rd Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. Multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning Zac Brown Band will headline the concert, which starts at 3:30 p.m. on the Firestone Stage inside Turn 4 of the IMS oval.” Full release at the link. – IMS – (4/17/2019)
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Ganassi wants guaranteed Indy 500 starting spots for full-time teams – Jim Ayello of the Indianapolis Star reports Chip Ganassi has added his name to the list of NTT IndyCar Series owners that would like to see guaranteed starting spots for the series’ full-time entrants in the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. Full story at the link. – Indianapolis Star – (4/17/2019)
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Miller’s Mailbag 4/17/19 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (4/17/2019)
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Trackside podcast 4/16/19 – 1070 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 4/16/19 is a great listen as always. – 1070 The Fan – (4/17/2019)
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Belardi announces deal for Windom at Freedom 100 – “Chris Windom returns to Belardi Auto Racing partnered with Jonathan Byrd’s Racing to run in the 17th annual Freedom 100 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 24. Windom will be piloting the No. 17 Belardi Auto Racing/ Byrd Racing, NOS Energy Drink sponsored Dallara in the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires series.” See the livery on our No. 17 livery page here. Full release at the link. – Indy Lights – (4/16/2019)
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The Open Wheel’s Sunday Long Beach photo gallery – The Open Wheel’s photo gallery of Sunday NTT IndyCar Series action at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is available at the link. – The Open Wheel – (4/14/2019)
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Rossi wins for second straight year at Long Beach – Andretti Autosport’s Alexander Rossi won from pole in the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach for the second consecutive year. The full Top 5 order was Rossi, Newgarden, Dixon, Rahal, and Hunter-Reay. Rahal was penalized for blocking Dixon on the final lap and lost his spot on the podium. Full race results here. – INDYCAR – (4/14/2019)
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The Open Wheel’s Long Beach livery guide – The Open Wheel’s photo gallery of all the NTT IndyCar Series liveries at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is available at the link. – The Open Wheel – (4/14/2019)
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The Open Wheel’s Saturday Long Beach photo gallery – The Open Wheel’s photo gallery of Saturday NTT IndyCar Series action at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is available at the link. – The Open Wheel – (4/13/2019)
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Rossi takes pole at Long Beach – Andretti Autosport’s Alexander Rossi won the pole for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach with a lap of 1:06.4811. The full Firestone Fast 6 order was Rossi, Dixon, Power, Newgarden, Pagenaud, and Rahal. Full qualifying results here. – INDYCAR – (4/13/2019)
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Andretti to field car for Jarett Andretti at Freedom 100 – “Third-generation racer Jarett Andretti will see a dream come true May 24 when he climbs into an Andretti Autosport Indy Lights machine for the Freedom 100 – his first career Indy Lights race. Jarett is the son of John Andretti, grandson of Aldo Andretti and great nephew of Mario Andretti.” Full release at the link. – Indy Lights – (4/12/2019)
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IMS announces exclusive beverage deal with PepsiCo – “Officials from PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ: PEP) and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced a multiyear partnership Thursday, April 11 in which Pepsi and MTN DEW become the Official Soda Beverages of IMS and Aquafina the Official Water of IMS starting with the 2019 season. PepsiCo products will be served exclusively at concession stands and in suites throughout the historic facility starting with the INDYCAR Grand Prix and 103rd Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge in May.” Full release at the link. – IMS – (4/11/2019)
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Road America offers free entry for first responders – “REV Group and Road America have teamed up to pay tribute to first responders with free entry to the inaugural NTT IndyCar Series REV Group Grand Prix, June 20-23. Taking place at Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI, all active-duty first responders will be treated to a packed weekend of activities, including the NTT IndyCar Series feature race. A unique race experience is also planned to further honor the men and women who answer the call to protect and serve our communities.” Full release at the link. – REV Group Grand Prix – (4/11/2019)
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Alonso tests at Texas – McLaren and Fernando Alonso tested at Texas Motor Speedway on Tuesday. “It was definitely quite special,” Alonso told IndyCar.com “The oval is very different to (Indianapolis Motor Speedway), so you feel really the banking and you feel the compression on the body. It’s definitely physically different, the feeling you get, so that was interesting.” Full story at the link. – INDYCAR – (4/10/2019)
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