INDYCAR News for the Month of October 2020

IMS releases new logo for 105th Indy 500 – “The logo for the 105th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge captures many rich elements of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” blending history, Hoosier pride, speed, excitement and more within its vivid colors and design. One of the notable new hallmarks of the 2021 logo is the outline of the tiered floors of the IMS Pagoda, one of the most iconic landmarks in global motorsports. That Pagoda is topped by three flag poles, representing the three drivers who occupy the front row for the Indianapolis 500.” View the logo and full release at the link. – IMS – (10/30/2020)

Ganassi announces Palou for No. 10 for ’21 – “Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) announced today that 23-year-old Spaniard Alex Palou will join the team’s NTT INDYCAR SERIES program in the No. 10 Honda beginning in 2021. He will team up with Six-Time and reigning NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champion, Indianapolis 500 and 50-time race winner Scott Dixon, Seven-Time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson, and recently re-signed Marcus Ericsson for an expanded four-car lineup in 2021. Partnership details will be announced in the off-season in preparation for the 2021 INDYCAR season and beyond.” Full release at the link. – CGR – (10/29/2020)

Arrow McLaren SP confirms Rosenqvist for No. 7 in ’21 – “Felix Rosenqvist will join Arrow McLaren SP for the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, the team confirmed today, piloting the No. 7 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet. Rosenqvist will get his first run in the car and begin duties with the team during an upcoming test at Barber Motorsports Park on November 2nd.” Full release at the link. – Arrow McLaren SP – (10/29/2020)

DragonSpeed ends INDYCAR program and sells chassis to MSR – RACER’s Marshall Pruett reports DragonSpeed has ended their NTT INDYCAR SERIES program and sold its chassis to Meyer Shank Racing. Full story at the link. – RACER – (10/28/2020)

Ganassi confirms Ericsson for No. 8 for ’21 “and beyond” – “Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) announced today that 30-year-old Swede Marcus Ericsson will continue in the No. 8 Honda in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES as part of a new, multi-year deal with the team. Partnership details will be announced in the off-season in preparation for the 2021 INDYCAR season and beyond.” Full release at the link. – CGR – (10/28/2020)

Miller’s Mailbag 10/28/20 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (10/28/2020)

Trackside podcast 10/27/20 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 10/27/20 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (10/28/2020)

Dixon takes 6th career championship as Newgarden wins at St. Pete – Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden won a wild Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on Sunday but Scott Dixon earned the headlines as he won his sixth career NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship with a podium finish. The full Top 5 was Newgarden, O’Ward, Dixon, Bourdais, and Hunter-Reay. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (10/25/2020)

VeeKay wins 2020 Rookie of the Year award – Ed Carpenter Racing’s Rinus VeeKay won the 2020 Rookie of the Year award as the highest finishing rookie in the 2020 NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship standings. – INDYCAR – (10/25/2020)

Herta leads morning warmup at St. Pete – Andretti Harding Steinbrenner Autosport’s Colton Herta led the morning warmup for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg with a lap of 1:01.6011. The full Top 5 was Herta, Dixon, Rosenqvist, Rossi, and Bourdais. Newgarden was P9. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (10/25/2020)

ECR confirms VeeKay for No. 21 in ’21 – “Ed Carpenter Racing announced today that Rinus VeeKay will remain the driver of the No. 21 Chevrolet for the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. VeeKay has spent his first year in the series as the full-time driver for the Indianapolis-based team and will continue in that role next season. When VeeKay takes the green flag in the final race of the year today, his debut season with ECR will culminate with the 2020 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Rookie of the Year title.” Full release at the link. – Ed Carpenter Racing – (10/25/2020)

Power takes pole at St. Pete – Team Penske’s Will Power’s lap of 1:01.0369 won the pole for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The Firestone Fast 6 order was Power, Rossi, Herta, Hinchcliffe, Harvey, and O’Ward. Of the championship contenders, Dixon was P11 and Newgarden P8. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (10/24/2020)

Carvana named as Johnson’s primary sponsor for CGR No. 48 in ’21 – “Leading online auto retailer Carvana (NYSE: CVNA) announced today it will be the primary partner for 7-time NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) Champion Jimmie Johnson and Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) for the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES racing season in the newly-formed Carvana Chip Ganassi Racing entry…Ahead of the upcoming season, Johnson is scheduled to participate in tests with CGR in the No. 48 Carvana Honda at Barber Motorsports Park and Laguna Seca in November. Johnson’s new paint scheme will be unveiled prior to the start of the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season where he is scheduled to compete in the full road and street course calendar.” Full release at the link. – Chip Ganassi Racing – (10/24/2020)

Herta tops practice at St. Pete – Andretti Harding Steinbrenner Autosport’s Colton Herta’s lap of 1:01.1306 was fastest in the only pre-qualifying practice session of the weekend at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The full Top 5 was Herta, Hinchcliffe, Palou, Sato, and Bourdais. Of the championship contenders, Dixon was P15 and Newgarden P8. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (10/24/2020)

RLL confirms Sato for ’21 – “Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) announced today that the team has come to terms with 2020 Indianapolis 500 champion Takuma Sato for the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. Sato first joined the team in 2012 and returned in 2018. He has earned six wins in the series to date, four of which have come with the team including the team’s second Indy 500 win in 2020. The 2021 season will be his fourth consecutive with RLL, and fifth overall.” Full release at the link. – RLL – (10/24/2020)

Penske confirms McLaughlin for 4th entry in ’21 – “Team Penske also announced that McLaughlin will transition from Supercars racing to begin the next phase of his career. McLaughlin will race for Team Penske to complete the team’s four-car, full-season lineup in the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The 27-year-old McLaughlin will make his INDYCAR SERIES debut this weekend at the 2020 season finale on the Streets of St. Petersburg.” Full release at the link. – Team Penske – (10/23/2020)

The Open Wheel’s St. Pete preview – The Open Wheel’s preview of the 2020 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the Streets of St. Petersburg is available at the link. – The Open Wheel – (10/23/2020)

Firestone extends GP of St. Petersburg title sponsorship – “Bridgestone Americas, Inc. today announced a three-year extension for the Firestone brand’s title sponsorship of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The new agreement continues a partnership that began in 2014 and maintains Firestone’s naming rights on the NTT INDYCAR® SERIES event through the 2023 season. Firestone is completing its 21st consecutive season as the sole tire supplier of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and the St. Pete race continues to be an ideal setting for the brand to engage race fans and consumers while showcasing its best-in-class tire technology. With the event returning to its usual season-opening spot on the schedule in 2021, Firestone will help the NTT INDYCAR SERIES wave the green flag on a fresh start next year at the same track where the 2020 season will conclude.” Full release at the link. – GP of St. Pete – (10/23/2020)

’21 Indy Lights schedule released, no Freedom 100 to prioritize occurrence of Indy 500 – “Andersen Promotions today announced the calendar of events for the three series which comprise the highly acclaimed Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires driver development program – Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, the Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires and the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship – as well as additional enhancements for the first two steps of the ladder system. In total, over $3,138,500 in prize money and awards will be on offer in 2021.” Full release at the link. – Indy Lights – (10/22/2020)

St. Pete spotter guide – The official INDYCAR spotter guide for the 2020 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida is available at the link. – INDYCAR – (10/22/2020)

Askew cleared to drive at St. Pete – From Arrow McLaren SP: “Oliver Askew will race in the No. 7 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, having been declared fit to compete by the INDYCAR Medical Team.” – Arrow McLaren SP – (10/21/2020)

Miller’s Mailbag 10/21/20 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (10/21/2020)

Trackside podcast 10/20/20 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 10/20/20 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (10/21/2020)

Ganassi unveils special blue NTT livery for No. 10 at St. Pete – Chip Ganassi Racing has unveiled a new blue NTT livery for their No. 10 entry for Felix Rosenqvist at this weekend’s Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Check it out at the link. – CGR – (10/20/2020)

RLL to test Felix da Costa at Barber in November – “Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) announced today that it is scheduled to test reigning FIA Formula E champion Antonio Félix da Costa, 29, on November 2 at Barber Motorsports Park (BMP). It will be the first time for the five-time FIA Formula E race winner to drive an Indy car.” Full release at the link. – RLL – (10/14/2020)

Report: Rosenqvist to swap Ganassi for Arrow McLaren SP in ’21 – Motorsport.com’s David Malsher-Lopez reports Felix Rosenqvist is set to switch to Arrow McLaren SP for the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. Full story at the link. – Motorsport.com – (10/14/2020)

Miller’s Mailbag 10/14/20 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (10/14/2020)

Trackside podcast 10/13/20 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 10/13/20 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (10/14/2020)

O’Ward confirmed back at Arrow McLaren SP for ’21 – “Arrow McLaren SP announced today that Pato O’Ward will continue to race for the team for the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, once again piloting the No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet.” Full release at the link. – Arrow McLaren SP – (10/13/2020)

Askew out at Arrow McLaren SP for ’21; will race at St. Pete if cleared – “Arrow McLaren SP announced today that Oliver Askew will leave the team at the end of 2020. In the meantime, Askew will be able to pursue new opportunities for the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, and will compete for the team at the Grand Prix of St Petersburg, subject to him being declared fit to race by the INDYCAR medical authorities.” Full release at the link. – Arrow McLaren SP – (10/12/2020)

Sting Ray Robb wins ’20 Indy Pro 2000 title to clinch ’21 Indy Lights scholarship – “Sting Ray Robb, from Payette, Idaho, who stood on all three steps of the podium for Juncos Racing. It was enough for the 19-year-old to clinch the Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires, as well as a scholarship valued at over $600,000 to graduate into Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, the final step of the Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires open-wheel development ladder, in 2021. Robb scored a dominant victory in the first of two races today. Later in the afternoon he cruised to a third-place finish, which, allied to a similar result earlier in the day for Juncos Racing teammate Artem Petrov, was enough to secure a third successive Team Championship for Argentinean-born Ricardo Juncos’ Indianapolis-based organization.” Full release at the link. – Indy Pro 2000 – (10/12/2020)

Indy Lights announces changes for ’21 – “Following a year’s hiatus due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the series is set to re-emerge in 2021 in its rightful place as the stepping-stone to the pinnacle of American open-wheel racing…Enhancements in 2021 include an increased value of the champion’s scholarship award to $1,250,000. A guaranteed entry for the champion into at least three 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES events, including the Indianapolis 500, will remain. Also new in 2021, the top-three finishers in the Indy Lights championship will each receive a NTT INDYCAR SERIES test at the conclusion of the season…The Cooper tire-shod Dallara IL-15 with a 450-horsepower AER powerplant will see the addition of a Dallara-designed and installed Titanium Halo in 2021 for increased safety.” Full release at the link. – Indy Lights – (10/7/2020)

RLL announces new HQ in Zionsville, IN – “Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL), an automotive racing organization, announced plans today to expand its Indiana operations, establishing its global headquarters in Zionsville and creating up to 73 new jobs by the end of 2024…The company, which has four entries in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and International Motor Sports Association (IMSA)’s WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, will invest more than $20 million to build and equip a state-of-the-art racing headquarters at the northeast corner of Creek Way and 106th Street in Zionsville. The 100,000-square-foot facility, which will occupy 13 acres southeast of the downtown area, will allow RLL to consolidate its existing INDYCAR operations in Brownsburg, as well as its IMSA operations in Ohio. The new building will feature office and event space as well as automotive R&D and light manufacturing operations to support the dynamic functions of RLL’s racing teams. The company expects to break ground on its headquarters late 2020 and be fully operational by spring 2022.” Full release at the link. – RLL – (10/7/2020)

Miller’s Mailbag 10/7/20 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (10/7/2020)

Trackside podcast 10/6/20 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 10/6/20 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (10/7/2020)

The Open Wheel’s INDYCAR Harvest GP livery feature – The Open Wheel’s livery feature with photos of all the cars at the INDYCAR Harvest GP on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course is available at the link. – The Open Wheel – (10/4/2020)

The Open Wheel’s INDYCAR Harvest GP photo gallery – The Open Wheel’s photo gallery of the INDYCAR Harvest GP on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course is available at the link. – The Open Wheel – (10/3/2020)

Power dominates Harvest GP Race 2 to win from pole – Team Penske’s Will Power won INDYCAR Harvest GP Race 2 from pole on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. The Top 5 was Power, Herta, Rossi, Newgarden, and O’Ward. Dixon finished P8 and now only leads Newgarden by 32 points. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (10/3/2020)

INDYCAR announces extension of OEM deals with new engine coming in ’23 – “INDYCAR has reached a new, multi-year extension with engine partners Honda and Chevrolet, taking their partnership well into the end of the decade and providing stability and innovation for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES…Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the introduction of the 2.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 with hybrid technology will be delayed to the year 2023. Working in partnership with Chevrolet and Honda, the new engine will give the most exciting and competitive racing series in the world an additional 100 horsepower, ultimately producing over 900.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (10/3/2020)

Power takes pole for Harvest GP Race 2 – Team Penske’s Will Power earned the pole for INDYCAR Harvest GP Race 2 on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course with a lap of 1:08.9767. The Top 6 on the grid will be Power, Herta, Rossi, Palou, O’Ward, and Hunter-Reay. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (10/3/2020)

Newgarden wins wild Harvest GP Race 1 – Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden won INDYCAR Harvest GP Race 1 on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course from a front row starting spot beating out an early impressive drive by Herta. The Top 5 was Newgarden, Rossi, VeeKay, Herta, and Rosenqvist. Dixon finished P9 and now only leads Newgarden by 40 points. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (10/2/2020)

MSR announces investment in team by Liberty Media – “Meyer Shank Racing is pleased to announce that Liberty Media has made a minority equity investment in the Ohio-based team, which is attributed to the Formula One Group. The investment will go towards the growth of Meyer Shank Racing’s motorsports operations, including the recently announced multi-year Acura DPi program as well as future expansion of the team’s INDYCAR program.” Full release at the link. – Meyer Shank Racing – (10/2/2020)

VeeKay takes pole for Harvest GP Race 1 – Ed Carpenter Racing’s Rinus VeeKay won the pole for INDYCAR Harvest GP Race 1 on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course with a lap of 1:09.6903. The Top 6 on the grid will be VeeKay, Newgarden, Herta, Power, Andretti, and Harvey. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (10/1/2020)

Palou tops Harvest GP practice – Dale Coyne Racing with Team Goh’s Alex Palou topped the charts in the only practice session of the weekend for the INDYCAR Harvest GP on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course with a lap of 1:10.1777. The full Top 5 was Palou, Harvey, Herta, Dixon, and Chilton. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (10/1/2020)

The Open Wheel’s INDYCAR Harvest GP preview – The Open Wheel’s preview of the INDYCAR Harvest GP on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course is available at the link. – The Open Wheel – (10/1/2020)

GP of St. Pete to allow spectators at finale later this month – “Officials from the City of St. Petersburg and Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC (GSSP) announced today that the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, rescheduled to October 23-25, will be open to spectators. The event was postponed from its original March date due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. At today’s City of St. Petersburg City Council Meeting, Mayor Rick Kriseman with the support of City Council approved GSSP’s plans to operate the event with 20,000 spectators under specific health and safety protocols. Fans should visit gpstpete.com/covid19 for more information on these essential protocols.” Full release and schedule at the link. – GP of St. Petersburg – (10/1/2020)

INDYCAR announces ’21 calendar featuring 17 races – “INDYCAR officials announced a 17-race schedule for the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES, including expanded network TV coverage, two thrilling high-speed races at Texas Motor Speedway prior to the Indianapolis 500 and a return to its other pillar events. The 2021 season will begin Sunday, March 7 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, marking the 10th consecutive year that St. Petersburg will host the launch of a new season. That event will be the first of nine races on NBC network television – a schedule that also includes the historic Grand Prix of Long Beach in April.” Full release and schedule at the link. – INDYCAR – (10/1/2020)

INDYCAR to contest doubleheader at Texas to open May ’21 – Texas Motor Speedway announced the NTT INDYCAR SERIES will have a doubleheader race weekend on May 1 & 2, 2021. – Texas Motor Speedway – (9/30/2020)

IMS to host full NASCAR/INDYCAR road course doubleheader in August ’21 – “The stars of the NASCAR Cup Series will take on a new challenge at The Racing Capital of the World in 2021, competing on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course for the first time Sunday, Aug. 15. The revamped Brickyard Weekend also will feature a brand-new NTT INDYCAR SERIES race Saturday, Aug. 14 on the road course, setting the stage for another history-making NASCAR-INDYCAR weekend after this year’s successful collaboration at IMS…The INDYCAR race on the 2021 August weekend will be the third NTT INDYCAR SERIES event of the season at IMS, following the GMR Grand Prix on the road course and the 105th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on the oval.” Full release at the link. – IMS – (9/30/2020)

INDYCAR Harvest GP Race 2 spotter guide – The official INDYCAR spotter guide for Race 2 of the INDYCAR Harvest GP at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is available at the link. – INDYCAR – (9/30/2020)

INDYCAR Harvest GP Race 1 spotter guide – The official INDYCAR spotter guide for Race 1 of the INDYCAR Harvest GP at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is available at the link. – INDYCAR – (9/30/2020)

Report: Major changes ahead for ’21 INDYCAR calendar – RACER’s Robin Miller has posted a detailed piece on the anticipated changes on the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES calendar. Check it out at the link. – RACER – (9/30/2020)

Miller’s Mailbag 9/30/20 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (9/30/2020)

Trackside podcast 9/29/20 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 9/29/20 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (9/30/2020)

INDYCAR News From Last Month