INDYCAR News for the Month of September 2023
IMS confirms ’24 Brickyard 400 will be on the oval – “Brickyard Weekend returns to its iconic roots – the 2.5-mile oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway – as NASCAR celebrates 30 years at the Racing Capital of the World on July 20-21, 2024. The Brickyard Weekend race lineup will include the NASCAR Xfinity Series Pennzoil 250 on Saturday, July 20 and the NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400 presented by PPG on Sunday, July 21.” Full release at the link. – IMS – (9/28/2023)
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RACER Q&A 9/27/2023 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (9/27/2023)
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Trackside podcast 9/26/2023 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 9/26/2023 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (9/27/2023)
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Andretti extends Kirkwood – “Andretti Global announced today that two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES winner Kyle Kirkwood has signed a multi-year contract extension to remain with the team. Kirkwood will continue to pilot the No. 27 AutoNation Honda for the 2024 INDYCAR season.” Full release at the link. – Andretti Global – (9/26/2023)
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Gold returns to HMD for ’24 NXT season – “After competing for a partial season with HMD Motorsports, Reece Gold will return to the team for the full 2024 INDY NXT by Firestone season…For the 2024 season, Gold will return to the #10 entry with continued backing and support from The Ticket Clinic.” Full release at the link. – HMD Motorsports – (9/26/2023)
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INDYCAR releases 2024 schedule – “INDYCAR has announced a 17-race schedule for the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, which will take the world’s most competitive motorsport series into several fan-favorite markets, including a much-anticipated return to the Milwaukee Mile. The schedule is also highlighted by two Saturday night races, a new and unique made-for-TV exhibition in Southern California, a global entertainment destination as the new host city for the season finale, and 12 NBC broadcast network showcases bolstered by the rising popularity of live streaming on Peacock. Milwaukee Mile lands on the INDYCAR SERIES schedule for the first time since 2015” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (9/25/2023)
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HPD to become Honda Racing Corporation USA – “Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) in Sakura, Japan, and Honda Performance Development (HPD) in Santa Clarita, CA, jointly announced today that HPD will formally become Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US) starting with the 2024 motorsports season. With this change, HRC US will play an integral role in Honda’s global motorsports activities, which includes contributing to the company’s Formula One (F1) program. Collaborating as one global HRC entity, the two independent racing arms of Honda will combine their unique expertise and resources to strengthen Honda’s overall motorsports capabilities.” Full release at the link. – Honda – (9/21/2023)
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Cusick hopes to enter $1 Million Challenge – RACER’s Marshall Pruett reports Cusick Motorsports has intentions of entering Stefan Wilson in the $1 Million Challenge at The Thermal Club in March along with additional details on the logistics of the event. Full story at the link. – RACER – (9/21/2023)
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RACER Q&A 9/20/2023 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (9/20/2023)
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Trackside podcast 9/19/2023 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 9/19/2023 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (9/20/2023)
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Report: ’24 Texas race in jeopardy due to schedule conflicts – Nathan Brown reports for the Indianapolis Star that various scheduling issues have thrown doubt into the immediate future of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. Full story at the link. – Indianapolis Star – (9/19/2023)
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ECR to test Askew and Rasmussen – RACER’s Marshall Pruett reports Ed Carpenter Racing will test both Oliver Askew and Christian Rasmussen at Barber Motorsports Park in the near future and likely choose from the pair for their 2024 No. 20 entry. Full story at the link. – RACER – (9/19/2023)
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CGR adds fifth entry for Simpson in ’24 – “Chip Ganassi Racing announced today that Kyffin Simpson will make the jump to join the team’s NTT INDYCAR SERIES lineup for the complete 2024 season. Simpson, who joined Chip Ganassi Racing as a development driver in May of 2022, competed in the INDY NXT by Firestone series for the past two seasons…At 18 years old, Simpson is currently slated to be the youngest INDYCAR SERIES driver on the grid next season.” Full release at the link. – Chip Ganassi Racing – (9/18/2023)
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RACER Q&A 9/13/2023 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (9/13/2023)
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Trackside podcast 9/12/2023 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 9/12/2023 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (9/13/2023)
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DHL announces end to partnership with Andretti – DHL has announced the end to their partnership with Andretti Autosport over the past. Check out their tribute video at the link. – DHL – (9/12/2023)
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Dixon wins crazy Firestone GP of Monterey – Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon won a crazy Firestone Grand Prix of Monterrey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca after early contact and serving a penalty. The Top 5 was Dixon, McLaughlin, Palou, Power, and Ilott. Armstrong clinched Rookie of the Year and Chevy won the manufacturer championship. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (9/10/2023)
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Rasmussen seals ’23 INDY NXT title with dominant Race 2 Laguna Seca victory – HMD Motorsports’ Christian Rasmussen sealed the 2023 INDY NXT by Firestone championship with a dominant win from pole in Race 2 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The Top 5 was Rasmussen, McElrea, Foster, Brabham, and Abel. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (9/10/2023)
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INDYCAR to run $1 Million Challenge at The Thermal Club in ’24 – “The NTT INDYCAR SERIES will bring its pulsating, wheel-to-wheel action to The Thermal Club for a unique, made-for-TV racing exhibition during the 2024 season. The special event from sunny Southern California will offer a $1 million prize to the winner and will receive a network broadcast showcase on NBC. Race Day for the $1 Million Challenge is set for Sunday, March 24 with an NTT INDYCAR SERIES Open Test and qualifications to take place Friday and Saturday March 22-23.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (9/10/2023)
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Kirkwood fastest in abbreviated warmup session at Laguna Seca – Andretti Autosport’s Kyle Kirkwood was fastest in an abbreviated morning warmup session for the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterrey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with a lap of 1:07.8939. The Top 5 was Kirkwood, Ericsson, Canapino, Palou, and McLaughlin. The session was delayed and then shortened due to fog. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (9/10/2023)
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Rosenqvist on pole at Laguna Seca – Arrow McLaren’s Felix Rosenqvist earned the pole for the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterrey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with a Firestone Fast Six lap of 1:06.6416. The Firestone Fast 6 order was Rosenqvist, McLaughlin, Lundgaard, Newgarden, Dixon, and Palou Full results here. – INDYCAR – (9/9/2023)
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McElrea wins from pole in INDY NXT Race 1 at Laguna Seca – Andretti Autosport’s Hunter McElrea won from pole in INDY NXT by Firestone Race 1 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The Top 5 was McElrea, Rasmussen, Frost, Simpson, and Brabham. Rasmussen only needs to start the race on Sunday to clinch the championship. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (9/9/2023)
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Lundgaard quickest in Practice 2 at Laguna Seca – Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Christian Lundgaard was quickest in Practice 2 for the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterrey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with a lap of 1:07.6154. The Top 5 was Lundgaard, VeeKay, Palou, Rossi, and Kirkwood. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (9/9/2023)
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McElrea and Rasmussen earn poles for INDY NXT Laguna Seca doubleheader – Andretti Autosport’s Hunter McElrea and HMD Motorsports’ Christian Rasmussen each earned poles for the INDY NXT by Firestone doubleheader weekend in qualifying at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Here are qualifying results for Race 1 and Race 2. – INDYCAR – (9/9/2023)
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Herta fastest in Practice 1 at Laguna Seca – Andretti Autosport’s Colton Herta’s lap of 1:07.5382 was fastest in Practice 1 for the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterrey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The Top 5 was Herta, O’Ward, Rossi, Ericsson, and Kirkwood. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (9/8/2023)
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Rasmussen leads Laguna Seca INDY NXT practice – HMD Motorsports’ Christian Rasmussen led INDY NXT by Firestone Practice at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with a lap of 1:12.3656. The Top 5 was Rasmussen, McElrea, Simpson, Gold, and Franzoni. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (9/8/2023)
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Arrow McLaren fills ’24 No. 6 seat with Malukas – “Arrow McLaren today announced that David Malukas has signed a multiyear deal with the team ahead of the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season…David will join Arrow McLaren drivers Pato O’Ward and Alexander Rossi in the team’s lineup and will race the No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet for team partners NTT DATA, onsemi and SmartStop.” Full release at the link. – McLaren – (9/8/2023)
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Power tops quick test day at Laguna Seca – Team Penske’s Will Power topped the charts in a full field test day at freshly paved WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on Thursday with what would be a new track record if it was an official session with a lap of 1:07.2762. The Top 5 was Power, Lundgaard, McLaughlin, Vips, and Ericsson. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (9/8/2023)
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CGR names Armstrong to full season entry in ’24 – “Chip Ganassi Racing announced today that the team has signed Marcus Armstrong to a multi-year contract extension…The Kiwi will be expanding his driving duties to compete on ovals with a full season beginning next season. Armstrong will drive an INDYCAR on an oval for the first time when he tests at Texas Motor Speedway on September 13.” Full release at the link. – Chip Ganassi Racing – (9/7/2023)
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Rowe moving up to INDY NXT in ’24 with HMD & Force Indy – “Newly crowned champion of the 2023 USF Pro 2000 Championship with Cooper Tires, Myles Rowe will move up the ranks and join HMD Motorsports for the 2024 INDY NXT by Firestone season as he continues his journey to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Making history during the 2023 season, Rowe was the first African American to win a race in the USF Pro 2000 Championship’s history and the first African American driver to win a North American open-wheel championship. Rowe will drive the No. 99 Force Indy entry with continued support from Penske Entertainment’s Race for Equality & Change initiative, an ongoing effort to support, grow and sustain diverse representation in motorsports.” Full release at the link. – HMD Motorsports – (9/6/2023)
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RACER Q&A 9/6/2023 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (9/6/2023)
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Trackside podcast 9/5/2023 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 9/5/2023 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (9/6/2023)
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Andretti Autosport to rebrand as parent company Andretti Global – “Andretti Autosport, a Championship-winning motorsports organization, today announced a major rebranding initiative that will see the international organization adopt the branding of Andretti Global, the identity previously named as the parent company to the U.S.-based race team.” Full release at the link. – Andretti Global – (9/5/2023)
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Rosenqvist to drive for MSR in ’24 – “Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) will expand its NTT INDYCAR SERIES program in 2024, and has signed Felix Rosenqvist to a multi-year agreement with the team. Rosenqvist will bring his pace and experience as he teams up with Tom Blomqvist for MSR’s full-season two-car campaign. MSR is also growing its program to support a third entry for the 2024 Indianapolis 500 for Helio Castroneves.” Full release at the link. – Meyer Shank Racing – (9/5/2023)
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Palou wins at Portland and cliches 2023 championship – Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou won the 2023 BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland at Portland International Raceway and clinched the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Championship. The Top 5 was Palou, Rosenqvist, Dixon, O’Ward, and Newgarden. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (9/3/2023)
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Foster wins from pole in INDY NXT at Portland – Andretti Autosport’s Louis Foster won from pole in the 2023 INDY NXT by Firestone GP of Portland at Portland International Raceway. The Top 5 was Foster, Siegel, Frost, Bogle, and Rasmussen. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (9/3/2023)
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Rowe wins USF Pro 2000 championship and will graduate to INDY NXT in ’24 – “Myles Rowe, from Brooklyn, New York, clinched the USF Pro 2000 championship Saturday at Portland International Raceway with his third-place finish in the second race of a season-ending tripleheader for the open-wheel development series. He earns a scholarship that will enable him next season to climb to INDY NXT by Firestone – the official INDYCAR development series and one step below the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (9/3/2023)
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Newgarden fastest in BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland final practice – Team Penske’s Joseph Newgarden was quickest in the BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland final practice with a lap of 00:59.4533. The Top 5 was Newgarden, Ilott, Palou, Ericsson, and Dixon. Full results here – (9/2/2023)
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Foster earns pole for INDY NXT by Firestone GP of Portland – Andretti Autosport’s Louis Foster was fastest in qualifying for the INDY NXT by Firestone GP of Portland with a lap of 01:02.6302. The Top 5 was Foster, McElrea, Rasmussen, Simpson, and Gold. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (9/2/2023)
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Foster tops INDY NXT by Firestone GP of Portland – Andretti Autosport’s Louis Foster was fastest in practice 2 for the INDY NXT by Firestone GP of Portland with a lap of 01:02.4266. The Top 5 was Foster, McElrea, Rasmussen, Siegel, and Franzoni. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (9/2/2023)
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Rahal earns second pole of 2023 at the BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland – RLL’s Graham Rahal earned his second pole effort of the 2023 season in the BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland. The Fast 6 was Rahal, McLaughlin, Herta, Dixon, Palou, O’Ward. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (9/2/2023)
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McLaughlin fastest in BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland practice 2 – Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin was quickest in the BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland practice 2 with a lap of 00:58.1516. The Top 5 was McLaughlin, Newgarden, Dixon, Rahal, and Palou. Video highlights here. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (9/1/2023)
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Lundgaard back to the top in BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland practice 1 – RLL’s Christian Lundgaard was quickest in the BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland practice 1 with a lap of 00:58.1776. The Top 5 was Lundgaard, Kirkwood, Palou, O’Ward, Rosenqvist. Notably, Dixon was 19th at 00:59.0457. Video highlights, including all the off-track excursions here. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (9/1/2023)
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Rasmussen tops INDY NXT by Firestone GP of Portland – HMD Motorsports’ Christian Rasmussen was fastest in practice 1 for the INDY NXT by Firestone GP of Portland with a lap of 01:02.8194. The Top 5 was Rasmussen, Simpson, McElrea, Foster, and Abel. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (9/1/2023)
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BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland spotter guide – The official INDYCAR spotter guide for the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland at Portland International Raceway is available at the link. – INDYCAR – (8/31/2023)
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BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland entry list – The official INDYCAR entry list for the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland at Portland International Raceway is available at the link. – INDYCAR – (8/31/2023)
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INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of Portland entry list – The official INDYCAR entry list for the 2023 INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of Portland at Portland International Raceway is available at the link. – INDYCAR – (8/31/2023)
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Brabham to drive JHR No. 76 NXT entry at final two race weekends – “Driver update: Car #76 will see Matthew Brabham as the driver for the last two races of the season in the @INDYNXT.” Full release at the link. – Juncos Hollinger Racing – (8/31/2023)
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Ganassi announces Lundqvist for ’24 lineup – “Chip Ganassi Racing announced today that the team has signed Linus Lundqvist to a multi-year contract. Lundqvist is set to bring his championship credentials to Chip Ganassi Racing for his first full season in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2024.” Full release at the link. – Chip Ganassi Racing – (8/31/2023)
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Continental Tire to become Official Tire of USF Pro Championships – “Andersen Promotions today announced that Continental Tire will become the Presenting Partner and Official Tire of USF Pro Championships and its three ladder series – USF Pro 2000, USF2000 and USF Juniors – with a five-year agreement beginning in 2024. The tires will be manufactured at Hoosier Racing Tire in Plymouth, Ind., and supplied to competitors beginning in November for off-season testing.” Full release at the link. – USF Pro Championships – (8/31/2023)
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RACER Q&A 8/30/2023 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (8/30/2023)
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Trackside podcast 8/29/2023 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 8/29/2023 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (8/30/2023)
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Vips to drive RLL No. 30 for remainder of season – “Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) announced today that Estonian driver Juri Vips will make his NTT INDYCAR SERIES debut in the team’s No. 30 entry at the BitNile.com Grand Prix of Portland on September 3 and the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, September 10. Vips drove an Indy car for the first time on October 12, 2022 at Sebring International Raceway in a test for the team and again at Barber Motorsports Park on March 13, 2023. He has also performed static simulator testing for the team during the season.” Full release at the link. – Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing – (8/28/2023)
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MSR announces Blomqvist to finish season in No. 60 – “Tom Blomqvist will be rejoining the MSR INDYCAR squad for the final two races of the season, starting off with the Bitnile.com Grand Prix of Portland on September 3rd (3:00pm ET, NBC, SiriusXM Ch. 160). Blomqvist will fill in for Simon Pagenaud who continues to recover from an accident at Mid-Ohio earlier this year. Pagenaud has not been medically cleared by the INDYCAR medical team to run the final two races at Portland and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.” Full release at the link. – Meyer Shank Racing – (8/28/2023)
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