INDYCAR News for the Month of May 2021

Helio outduels Palou to become four-time Indy 500 winner – Meyer Shank Racing’s Helio Castroneves became a four-time Indy 500 winner with a thrilling victory in the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The full Top 5 was Castroneves, Palou, Pagenaud, O’Ward, and Carpenter. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (5/30/2021)

The Open Wheel’s Indy 500 starting grid gallery – The Open Wheel’s photo gallery with liveries of the starting grid for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES 2021 Indy 500 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is available at the link. – The Open Wheel – (5/29/2021)

The Open Wheel’s Indy 500 livery feature – The Open Wheel’s livery feature with photos of all the cars and drivers at the NTT INDYCAR SERIES 2021 Indy 500 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is available at the link. – The Open Wheel – (5/29/2021)

Trackside podcast 5/28/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 5/28/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (5/29/2021)

Dixon fastest on Indy 500 Carb Day – Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon’s lap of 228.323 mph was fastest in rain delayed and eventually shortened Carb Day final practice for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The full Top 5 was Dixon, Pagenaud, Newgarden, Daly, and Andretti. There were no significant incidents in the session. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (5/28/2021)

IMS reaches 500 capacity, lifts local television blackout – The Indianapolis Motor Speedway issued this statement Thursday, May 27 regarding the lifting of this year’s broadcast delay: “We’ve hit our capacity for this year’s Indianapolis 500 and look forward to hosting 135,000 fans at the world’s largest sporting event since the pandemic began. We’re thrilled to welcome fans “Back Home Again” and appreciate our loyal customers and their continued support. “With no more tickets available and 40 percent of venue capacity reached, we have decided to lift the local broadcast delay for this year’s race. Central Indiana spectators will be able to tune in on NBC beginning at 11 a.m. We look forward to an exciting and historic edition of the Indy 500 this weekend.” Full release at the link. – IMS – (5/27/2021)

Trackside podcast 5/27/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 5/27/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (5/29/2021)

IMS to stream Indy 500 drivers’ meeting on Saturday – “NTT INDYCAR SERIES fans around the world can watch the 105th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge Drivers’ Meeting with BlueJeans by Verizon live Saturday, May 29 on INDYCAR.com. The Drivers’ Meeting starts at 10 a.m. (ET) and is filled with annual tradition and pageantry on the eve of Race Day. All 33 drivers in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” will receive their starter’s rings from Jostens, and INDYCAR Race Director Kyle Novak will give the field final instructions about race procedures. Other dignitaries and officials will speak and present awards at the Drivers’ Meeting, hosted by noted racing TV commentator Allen Bestwick.” Full release at the link. – IMS – (5/27/2021)

Trackside podcast 5/26/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 5/26/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (5/27/2021)

Miller’s Mailbag 5/26/21 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (5/26/2021)

Trackside podcast 5/25/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 5/25/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (5/26/2021)

Paddock open to fans at Belle Isle – “As the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear welcomes additional fans in its grandstands as a result of restrictions in Michigan being lifted at outdoor venues on June 1, attendees will also be able to access the Fifth Third Bank Paddock free of charge. All ticketholders at this year’s Grand Prix, held June 11-13, will once again be welcome in the paddock, where race teams and drivers prepare the cars that compete on the Raceway at Belle Isle Park circuit.” Full release at the link. – Detroit GP – (5/25/2021)

Trackside podcast 5/24/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 5/24/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (5/25/2021)

Palou tops Sunday post-qualifying Indy 500 practice – Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou’s lap at 225.649mph topped the charts in Sunday post-qualifying practice for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The full Top 5 was Palou, Ericsson, Daly, Kanaan, and Dixon. There were no significant incidents in the session. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (5/23/2021)

Dixon earns pole as Karam, Power, and De Silvestro claim final spots – Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon earned the pole for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with a four-lap average of 231.685mph. The front row for the race will be Dixon, Herta, and VeeKay. Karam, Power, and De Silvestro earned the final three spots in Last Chance Qualifying meaning Kimball and Enerson will miss the race. See the full grid after qualifying here. – INDYCAR – (5/23/2021)

Dixon tops Saturday Indy 500 qualifying; Power in last row shootout – Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon’s four-lap average of 231.828mph was fastest in Saturday qualifying for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The full Fast Nine to compete for pole on Sunday are Dixon, Herta, Kanaan, Carpenter, VeeKay, Castroneves, Palou, Hunter-Reay, and Ericsson. Power, Karam, Kimball, De Silvestro, and Enerson will compete for the final three spots on Sunday. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (5/22/2021)

Harvey fastest in pre-qualifying Indy 500 practice – Meyer Shank Racing’s Jack Harvey’s lap at 230.425mph was fastest in Saturday pre-qualifying practice for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The full Top 5 was Harvey, Sato, Hunter-Reay, McLaughlin, and Pagenaud. There were no significant incidents in the session. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (5/22/2021)

Trackside podcast 5/21/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 5/21/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (5/22/2021)

Dixon draws first run in Indy 500 qualifying draw – Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon will make the first qualifying attempt for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway after his entry pulled the first spot in the qualifying draw. See the full qualifying order at the link. – INDYCAR – (5/21/2021)

Dixon tops Fast Friday Indy 500 practice – Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon was fastest in Fast Friday practice for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with a lap at 233.302mph. The full Top 5 was Dixon, Herta, Kanaan, Ericsson, and Palou. There were no significant incidents in the session. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (5/21/2021)

Ferrucci cleared to drive after Thursday incident – From Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing: “@SantinoFerrucci has been cleared to drive and the team has been working hard to have his car ready by mid afternoon.” – RLL – (5/21/2021)

Trackside podcast 5/20/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 5/20/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (5/21/2021)

Kanaan quickest in Thursday Indy 500 practice as Ferrucci crashes – Chip Ganassi Racing’s Tony Kanaan’s lap at 225.341mph was fastest in Thursday practice for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The full Top 5 was Kanaan, Daly, Ferrucci, Newgarden, and Dixon. Herta and McLaughlin had a minor incident at the beginning of the session due to the field checking up for the RLL cars going slow down the straightaway for an unannounced photo shoot. Ferrucci had a significant incident in Turn 2 in the afternoon and had to be taken to Methodist Hospital to evaluate what’s thought to be a minor leg injury. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (5/20/2021)

NTT and INDYCAR extend entitlement partnership – “NTT is continuing its multi-tiered partnership with INDYCAR, signing a multi-year extension as the entitlement sponsor of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. In doing so, NTT will continue to deliver the smart technology backbone that will enhance the race experience for INDYCAR fans attending the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 – and from wherever else they may be watching – on Sunday, May 30 at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Technology from NTT will further enable the return of fans to the iconic race after last year’s event was postponed until August and held without fans on-site due to COVID-19 precautions. This year, additional solutions and services will help bring the race to life for those in attendance, as well as the millions of fans following the race around the world.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (5/20/2021)

Trackside podcast 5/19/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 5/19/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (5/20/2021)

Dixon tops Wednesday Indy 500 practice – Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon’s lap at 226.829mph was fastest in Wednesday practice for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The full Top 5 was Dixon, Daly, Carpenter, Ericsson, and Kanaan. There were no significant incidents throughout the day. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (5/19/2021)

Danica Patrick to drive pace car to green for Indy 500 – “Trail-blazing motorsports icon Danica Patrick will drive the 2021 mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette Stingray hardtop convertible at the 105th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 30, returning to the track where she made racing history. Patrick will lead the field of 33 cars to the green flag for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” on the 2.5-mile oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Live coverage of the race starts at 11 a.m. (ET) on NBC and the INDYCAR Radio Network, with a global audience watching the popular Patrick drive the Arctic White Stingray, the first Corvette convertible since 2008 to pace the world’s most prestigious auto race.” Full release at the link. – IMS – (5/19/2021)

Miller’s Mailbag 5/19/21 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (5/19/2021)

Trackside podcast 5/18/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 5/18/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (5/19/2021)

Power tops Day 1 of Indy 500 practice – Team Penske’s Will Power’s lap at 226.470mph was fastest in Day 1 of practice for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The full Top 5 was Power, Hunter-Reay, Sato, Karam, and Daly. There were no significant incidents throughout the day. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (5/18/2021)

Jimmie Allen to perform national anthem for Indy 500 – “Chart-topping, platinum-selling country recording artist Jimmie Allen will perform the national anthem before the start of the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 30 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Allen will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” just before the 33 drivers are called to their cars to begin “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” NBC’s telecast of this year’s historic edition of the world’s most iconic race begins at 11 a.m. (ET).” Full release at the link. – IMS – (5/18/2021)

RLL unveils updated No. 45 livery for Indy 500 – Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing unveils updated Hy-Vee/Mountain Dew livery for their No. 45 entry for Santino Ferrucci in the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. See the livery on our No. 45 livery page here. – RLL – (5/18/2021)

Trackside podcast 5/17/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 5/17/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (5/18/2021)

Arrow McLaren SP announces new livery for No. 7 for Indy 500 – “Arrow McLaren SP and team partner Vuse will drive art and innovation by debuting the team’s new partnership with Undefeated, the most recognized and well-curated global streetwear brand and retail boutiques. At the heart of the collaboration is a unique design by James Bond, founder of Undefeated, on the No. 7 Vuse Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet piloted by Felix Rosenqvist. The design will be showcased at one of the greatest sporting moments in the world, the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 30th.” See the livery on our No. 7 livery page here. Full release at the link. – Arrow McLaren SP – (5/17/2021)

ECR unveils No. 20 livery for Indy 500 – “First Person Advisors, a subsidiary of NFP and a benefits advisory firm, announced today a partnership with Ed Carpenter Racing for the 2021 Indianapolis 500.” See the livery on our No. 20 livery page here. Full release at the link. – ECR – (5/17/2021)

The Open Wheel’s GMR Grand Prix livery feature – The Open Wheel’s livery feature with photos of all the cars and drivers at the 2021 GMR Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is available at the link. – The Open Wheel – (5/16/2021)

VeeKay earns first NTT INDYCAR SERIES victory at GMR Grand Prix – Ed Carpenter Racing’s Rinus VeeKay earned his first career NTT INDYCAR SERIES victory in the GMR Grand Prix on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. The full Top 5 was VeeKay, Grosjean, Palou, Newgarden, and Rahal. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (5/15/2021)

Malukas wins thrilling finish in Lights Race 2 at IMS – HMD Motorsports’ David Malukas held off Toby Sowery at the finish to win Indy Lights Race 2 from pole on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. The full Top 5 was Malukas, Sowery, . Full results here. – Indy Lights – (5/15/2021)

VeeKay paces warmup for GMR Grand Prix – Ed Carpenter Racing’s Rinus VeeKay paced the morning warmup for the GMR Grand Prix on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course with a lap of 1:10.5598. The full Top 5 was VeeKay, Palou, Dixon, Newgarden, and Jones. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (5/15/2021)

Malukas earns Lights Race 2 pole at IMS – HMD Motorsports’ earned the pole for Indy Lights Race 2 on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course with a lap of 1:15.1851. The full Top 5 was Malukas, Lundqvist, Sowery, Peroni, and Robb. Full results here. – Indy Lights – (5/15/2021)

Trackside podcast 5/14/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 5/14/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (5/14/2021)

Grosjean takes pole for GMR Grand Prix – Dale Coyne Racing with Rick Ware Racing’s Romain Grosjean earned the pole for the GMR Grand Prix on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course with a Firestone Fast 6 lap of 1:09.4396. The full Firestone Fast 6 was Grosjean, Newgarden, Harvey, Palou, McLaughlin, and Daly. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (5/14/2021)

Lundqvist wins from pole in Lights Race 1 at IMS – Global Racing Group w/HMD Motorsports’ Linus Lundqvist dominated to win Indy Lights Race 1 from pole on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. The full Top 5 was Lundqvist, Malukas, Sowery, Kirkwood, and Peroni. Full results here. – Indy Lights – (5/14/2021)

Road to Indy adds October Mid-Ohio finale following Toronto cancellation – “Following today’s announcement by organizers of the Honda Indy Toronto and INDYCAR that the July 9-11 event on the streets of Toronto has been cancelled due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions in Ontario, Andersen Promotions has revised its 2021 calendar. The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course will now host the season finale for the Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires on October 1-3. All three levels of the ladder system – Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, the Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires and the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship – will cap off the year with double-header rounds on the 2.258-mile, 13-turn road course located in Lexington, Ohio.” Full release at the link. – Indy Lights – (5/14/2021)

Newgarden quickest in GMR Grand Prix Practice 2 – Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden was quickest in GMR Grand Prix Practice 2 on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course with a lap of 1:09.3323. The full Top 5 was Newgarden, VeeKay, Power, Herta, and McLaughlin. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (5/14/2021)

Andretti announces “multi-year” extension with Herta and Gainbridge – “Gainbridge will continue to call Andretti Autosport home with Colton Herta behind the wheel of the No. 26 Gainbridge Honda in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES as both extend their tenure with the team via a multi-year agreement starting with the 2022 season. Strong results kicking off the 2021 championship have marked a successful start to the first year of Colton Herta representing the Gainbridge brand on track.” Full release at the link. – Andretti Autosport – (5/14/2021)

Rossi fastest in GMR Grand Prix Practice 1 – Andretti Autosport’s Alexander Rossi was fastest in GMR Grand Prix Practice 1 on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course with a lap of 1:09.8784. The full Top 5 was Rossi, Harvey, VeeKay, Newgarden, and Grosjean. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (5/14/2021)

Carlin and Chilton to miss GMR Grand Prix due to travel issues – Carlin and Max Chilton will not compete in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES GMR Grand Prix this weekend due to travel issues with Chilton. The team has arrived at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and will focus their efforts on getting their car ready for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. The team will run their two Indy Lights cars this weekend. Full release at the link. – Carlin – (5/14/2021)

Lundqvist earns pole for Lights Race 1 at IMS – Global Racing Group w/HMD Motorsports’ Linus Lundqvist earned the pole for Indy Lights Race 1 in qualifying on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course with a lap of 1:15.0978. The full Top 5 was Lundqvist, Sowery, Malukas, Kirkwood, and Peroni. Full results here. – Indy Lights – (5/14/2021)

INDYCAR announces cancellation of Toronto event for ’21 – “Due to ongoing restrictions in Ontario focusing on COVID-19 health-and-safety measures, organizers for the Honda Indy Toronto and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES jointly announce that this year’s event, July 9-11, will no longer be a part of the 2021 schedule…INDYCAR is considering various scenarios for the remainder of the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES calendar as it relates to the cancellation of the event on the Streets of Toronto.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (5/14/2021)

Trackside podcast 5/13/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 5/13/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (5/14/2021)

Frost tops Lights practice at IMS – Andretti Autosport’s Danial Frost topped the only Indy Lights practice session of the weekend on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course with a lap of 1:15.9347. The full Top 5 was Frost, Sowery, Lundqvist, Kirkwood, and Megennis. Full results here. – Indy Lights – (5/13/2021)

Colts QB Wentz to give the command for GMR Grand Prix – “New Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz will be introduced to Indianapolis Motor Speedway fans Saturday and will deliver the command to start engines for a nationally televised NTT INDYCAR SERIES road race at the iconic motorsports facility.” Full release at the link. – IMS – (5/13/2021)

Gossage stepping down at Texas in June – “After more than three decades of service to race fans on behalf of Speedway Motorsports, including the last 25 years at Texas Motor Speedway, Eddie Gossage will step down as President of The Great American Speedway following the June 13 NASCAR All-Star Race…Speedway Motorsports will launch a nationwide search for Gossage’s successor.” Full release at the link. – Texas Motor Speedway – (5/13/2021)

ECR announces new sponsorship for No. 20 for GMR Grand Prix – “MannKind Corporation (Nasdaq: MNKD) is revved up to announce an elevated partnership for the 2021 season with NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver Conor Daly, who is living with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and will help raise awareness about diabetes and innovative management options. MannKind will also be a primary sponsor for Ed Carpenter Racing as Daly debuts the No. 20 MannKind Chevrolet at the May 15th running of the GMR Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.” See the livery on our No. 20 livery page here. Full release at the link. – ECR – (5/13/2021)

The Open Wheel’s GMR Grand Prix preview – The Open Wheel’s photo gallery from the 2021 GMR Grand Prix on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course is available at the link. – The Open Wheel – (5/13/2021)

Trackside podcast 5/12/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 5/12/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (5/13/2021)

35 entries on official Indy 500 entry list – The official entry list for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is available at the link. There are 35 entries for 33 spots on the starting grid. – IMS – (5/12/2021)

GMR Grand Prix entry list – The official INDYCAR entry list for the GMR Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is available at the link. – INDYCAR – (5/12/2021)

ECR announces Bitcoin as primary sponsor for No. 21 for Indy 500 – “Ed Carpenter Racing announced today that the team will enter the No. 21 Bitcoin Chevrolet for Rinus VeeKay in this year’s Indianapolis 500. ECR will also be the first NTT INDYCAR SERIES team to integrate Bitcoin as a payment option for all of its employees. The first decentralized sponsorship in the history of racing will empower not only ECR on the track but the Bitcoin community off. In addition to the No. 21’s black and orange scheme, Bitcoin will be present on ECR’s other Indianapolis 500 entries.” See the livery on our No. 21 livery page here. Full release at the link. – ECR – (5/12/2021)

Vasser-Sullivan unveils latest Mouser/Molex livery for No. 18 this weekend – The Dale Coyne Racing with Vasser-Sullivan No. 18 entry for Ed Jones will feature a new Mouser/Molex livery this weekend for the GMR Grand Prix. See the livery on our No. 18 livery page here. – Vasser-Sullivan – (5/12/2021)

Miller’s Mailbag 5/12/21 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (5/12/2021)

Trackside podcast 5/11/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 5/11/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (5/12/2021)

Report: INDYCAR and NBC Sports negotiations trending towards split – The contract between INDYCAR and NBC Sports ends after this season and Sports Business Journal reports the pair are trending towards a split with CBS emerging as a favorite. Full report at the link. – SBJ – (5/11/2021)

IMS unveils Corvette Stingray as Indy 500 pace car – “The 2021 mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette Stingray hardtop convertible will lead the 33-car field to the green flag for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on May 30, 2021. The Arctic White Stingray will be the first convertible since 2008 to pace the iconic race. Chevrolet and Corvette have led the starting field more than any other manufacturer and nameplate, respectively. The 2021 race marks the 32nd time for Chevrolet to pace dating back to 1948, and the 18th time since 1978 for America’s favorite sports car.” Full release at the link. – IMS – (5/11/2021)

Stewart to attend Indy 500 with AJ Foyt Racing – AJ Foyt invited Tony Stewart to attend the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race as a guest of AJ Foyt Racing and Stewart accepted. Full release at the link. – AJ Foyt Racing – (5/11/2021)

Fans cleared to attend Belle Isle – “Bringing one of the most popular annual summertime events back to the Motor City, the Grand Prix will continue its giveback to Belle Isle by safely welcoming fans to the 31st running of the Grand Prix in Detroit. This year’s Grand Prix will feature spacing between groups of attendees in reserved grandstand seating, limited general admission viewing areas and reduced capacity in hospitality areas. General admission tickets will also be available for purchase, while displays and fan activities away from the track will be reduced or removed this year to adhere to current protocols. Including race participants, workers, partners, vendors, media and fans, the Grand Prix is expected to host between 6,000-9,000 people each day on Belle Isle.” Full release at the link. – Detroit GP – (5/11/2021)

Top Gun Racing debuts on track at Gateway test – Top Gun Racing made its NTT INDYCAR SERIES testing debut on Monday with RC Enerson in their No. 75 car at World Wide Technology Raceway ahead of an expected attempt to qualify for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race later this month. Full story at the link. – RACER – (5/11/2021)

Trackside podcast 5/10/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 5/10/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (5/11/2021)

Trackside podcast 5/7/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 5/7/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (5/8/2021)

Trackside podcast 5/6/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 5/6/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (5/7/2021)

Trackside podcast 5/5/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 5/5/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (5/6/2021)

Trackside podcast 5/4/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 5/4/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (5/5/2021)

Miller’s Mailbag 5/4/21 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (5/5/2021)

Wickens drives a race car again with BHA – “Inspired by the goal to race again and powered by courage, determination, persistence and perseverance, Robert Wickens returned to the cockpit in a Hyundai Veloster N TCR car today, for the first time since his horrific IndyCar accident in 2018…The #54 Hyundai Veloster N TCR equipped with hand controls, is normally piloted by International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) race-winning and paralyzed Hyundai driver Michael Johnson and teammate Stephen Simpson. The team competes in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge for Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA). In collaboration with BHA, Johnson loaned the #54 Universal Coating Veloster N TCR race car to Wickens for the milestone occasion.” Full release at the link. – Bryan Herta Autosport – (5/4/2021)

Foyt unveils No. 11 livery for Indy 500 – AJ Foyt Racing has unveiled the new Tresiba livery for their No. 11 entry for Charlie Kimball in the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. See the livery on our No. 11 livery page here. Full release at the link. – AJ Foyt Racing – (5/4/2021)

Andretti confirms Stefan Wilson in No. 25 for Indy 500 – “Andretti Autosport announced today that Stefan Wilson and new partner LOHLA SPORT will join the five-time Indianapolis 500 winning team for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 to complete the team’s six-car lineup. Wilson, who ran the 102nd Running of the Indianapolis 500 with Andretti Autosport and competed for the team in Indy Lights, will team up with the new premier women’s golf lifestyle brand to run the No. 25 LOHLA SPORT Honda.” See the livery on our No. 25 livery page here. Full release at the link. – Andretti Autosport – (5/4/2021)

Team Penske and Porsche announce IMSA/WEC partnership – “Porsche Motorsport and Team Penske have agreed to collaborate closely in fielding the new LMDh vehicle commencing in 2023. The successful US team will work together with the experts from Weissach to run factory entries in the FIA WEC World Endurance Championship and the North American IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IWSC). Under the name of Porsche Penske Motorsport, two of the spectacular LMDh prototypes will compete for overall victories in the top class of each of the two racing series.” Full release at the link. – Team Penske – (5/4/2021)

Trackside podcast 5/3/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 5/3/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (5/4/2021)

Bobby Unser passes away at 87 – “Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Unser, one of the most colorful, outspoken and popular drivers in the history of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” died Sunday, May 2 at his New Mexico home. He was 87. Unser won the Indianapolis 500 in 1968, 1975 and 1981. He is one of just 10 drivers to win the “500” at least three times and is a member of numerous motorsports Halls of Fame, including induction into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame in 1990. Unser and Rick Mears are the only drivers to win the “500” in three different decades. He was one of six members of the Unser family to race in the Indianapolis 500. Bobby and his brother Al, a four-time winner, are the only brothers to win the race.” Full release at the link. – IMS – (5/4/2021)

The Open Wheel’s Texas photo gallery – The Open Wheel’s photo gallery from the 2021 Genesys 300 and XPEL 375 at Texas Motor Speedway is available at the link. – The Open Wheel – (5/2/2021)

The Open Wheel’s Texas livery feature – The Open Wheel’s livery feature with photos of all the cars and drivers at the 2021 Genesys 300 and XPEL 375 at Texas Motor Speedway is available at the link. – The Open Wheel – (5/2/2021)

O’Ward claims first NTT INDYCAR SERIES win at XPEL 375 – Arrow McLaren SP’s Pato O’Ward earned his first NTT INDYCAR SERIES victory in the 2021 XPEL 375 at Texas Motor Speedway. The full Top 5 was O’Ward, Newgarden, Rahal, Dixon, and Herta. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (5/2/2021)

Dixon wins again at Texas to claim points lead – Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon won the 2021 Genesys 300 at Texas Motor Speedway in dominant fashion to take the points lead into Sunday’s second race of the doubleheader weekend. The full Top 5 was Dixon, McLaughlin, O’Ward, Palou, and Rahal. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (5/1/2021)

Palou on pole for Genesys 300 with earlier start time – Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou will start on the pole for the Genesys 300 at Texas Motor Speedway by leading the entrant points after qualifying was cancelled due to the effects of rain. Engines will fire at 6:05PM CT (local time) with an anticipated green flag at 6:10PM CT. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (5/1/2021)

Kanaan tops Texas practice as qualifying is scrapped – Chip Ganassi Racing’s Tony Kanaan topped the sole practice session for the 2021 Genesys 300 and XPEL 375 at Texas Motor Speedway with a lap at 220.173mph. The full Top 5 was Kanaan, O’Ward, Sato, Dixon, and Pagenaud. The session started much later than planned as moisture delayed the schedule causing the cancellation of qualifying. The starting grid for each race will be set by entrant points. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (5/1/2021)

The Open Wheel’s Texas preview – The Open Wheel’s photo gallery from the 2021 Genesys 300 and XPEL 375 at Texas Motor Speedway is available at the link. – The Open Wheel – (4/30/2021)

XPEL 375 entry list – The official INDYCAR entry list for the 2021 XPEL 375 at Texas Motor Speedway is available at the link. – INDYCAR – (4/28/2021)

Genesys 300 entry list – The official INDYCAR entry list for the 2021 Genesys 300 at Texas Motor Speedway is available at the link. – INDYCAR – (4/28/2021)

St. Pete was NBC’s most-watched non-Indy 500 afternoon INDYCAR race – From NBC Sports PR: “With a Total Audience Delivery (TAD) of 1.225 million viewers on NBC, Sunday’s Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is now NBC Sports’ most-watched afternoon #INDYCAR race EVER (excluding the Indy 500).” – NBC Sports PR – (4/28/2021)

Miller’s Mailbag 4/28/21 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (4/28/2021)

Trackside podcast 4/26/21 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 4/26/2021 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (4/27/2021)

Carlin announces Daly will drive No. 59 at Texas – “Conor Daly will re-join Carlin’s NTT INDYCAR Chevrolet entry for this weekend’s running of the Genesys 300 and Xpel 375 at the Texas Motor Speedway. The 29-year-old Indiana native shares driving duties of the #59 car for the third consecutive season in Texas, before Max Chilton returns for the GMR Grand Prix in mid-May.” Full release at the link. – Carlin – (4/26/2021)

The Open Wheel’s St. Pete photo gallery – The Open Wheel’s photo gallery from the 2021 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the Streets of St. Petersburg is available at the link. – The Open Wheel – (4/26/2021)

The Open Wheel’s St. Pete livery feature – The Open Wheel’s livery feature with photos of all the cars and drivers at the 2021 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the Streets of St. Petersburg is available at the link. – The Open Wheel – (4/25/2021)

Herta dominates from pole to win at St. Pete – Andretti Autosport’s Colton Herta dominated throughout the race for victory at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the Streets of St. Petersburg. The full Top 5 was Herta, Newgarden, Pagenaud, Harvey, and Dixon. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (4/25/2021)

The Open Wheel’s St. Pete Lights livery feature – The Open Wheel’s livery feature with photos of all the cars and drivers at the 2021 Indy Lights Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the Streets of St. Petersburg is available at the link. – The Open Wheel – (4/25/2021)

Malukas takes victory and title lead in Lights Race 2 at St Pete – HMD Motorsports’ David Malukas won Indy Lights Race 2 on the Streets of St. Petersburg to take over the championship lead. The full Top 5 was Malukas, Kirkwood, Lundqvist, Frost, and DeFrancesco. Full results here. – Indy Lights – (4/25/2021)

Kirkwood tastes first Lights victory in Race 1 at St Pete – Andretti Autosport’s Kyle Kirkwood won the first Indy Lights race of his young career in Race 1 on Streets of St. Petersburg. The full Top 5 was Kirkwood, Frost, Malukas, Megennis, and Peroni. Full results here. – Indy Lights – (4/24/2021)

Herta earns pole at St. Pete – Andretti Autosport’s Colton Herta earned the pole for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the Streets of St. Petersburg with a lap of 1:00.3210. The full Firestone Fast 6 order was Herta, Harvey, Newgarden, Pagenaud, Bourdais, and O’Ward. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (4/24/2021)

Penske extends Power contract through ’23 – The NBC Sports/Peacock broadcast team for Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg qualifying announced that Will Power’s contract with Team Penske has been extended through 2023. – NBC Sports – (4/24/2021)

Andretti announces addition of Wheldon brothers to development program – “Andretti Autosport has announced an expansion to the team’s development efforts with the addition of brothers Sebastian and Oliver Wheldon as junior drivers. Through its history, Andretti Autosport has been committed to developing driver, crew and engineering talent across its wide range of operations.” Full release at the link. – Andretti Autosport – (4/24/2021)

INDYCAR News From Last Month