INDYCAR News for the Month of October 2022
Ericsson’s likeness unveiled on Borg-Warner Trophy – “Marcus Ericsson unveiled his image on the Borg-Warner Trophy on Oct. 27 in Indianapolis, one of the most significant honors since he won the 106th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on May 29 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.” Full release with the iconic image at the link. – IMS – (10/27/2022)
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RACER Q&A 10/26/2022 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (10/26/2022)
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Trackside podcast 10/25/2022 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 10/25/2022 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (10/26/2022)
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Andretti officially announces Herta and Gainbridge extension through ’27 – “INDYCAR race winner Colton Herta has signed an extension to remain with Andretti Autosport through 2027. With continued support from Gainbridge, a Group 1001 company, through a concurrent extension, Herta will pilot the No. 26 Gainbridge Honda in the 2023 NTT INDYCAR season – and beyond.” Full release at the link. – Andretti Autosport – (10/25/2022)
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Abel confirmed to return with Abel Motorsports in Lights for ’23 – “Jacob Abel is staying with his family team, Abel Motorsports, in 2023 for his second full season in Indy Lights. Abel, 21, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, will continue to drive the No. 51 Abel Construction entry. He scored five top-five finishes in his rookie Indy Lights season, with a best finish of fourth at the season-ending races at Portland International Raceway and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.” Full release at the link. – Indy Lights – (10/24/2022)
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Frost and HMD top Chris Griffis Lights testing – HMD Motorsports with Dale Coyne Racing’s Danial Frost was fastest at the Indy Lights Chris Griffis Memorial Test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday with a lap of 1:16.2526. Full testing report from INDYCAR at the link. – Indy Lights – (10/21/2022)
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Report: Kanaan to drive 4th AMSP entry for 107th Indy 500 – RACER’s Marshall Pruett reports Tony Kanaan will drive a fourth entry at Arrow McLaren SP for the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race next season. Full story at the link. – RACER – (10/21/2022)
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HMD partners with Force Indy to enter Francis Jr. in Lights for ’23 – “Force Indy’s presence throughout INDYCAR paddock areas will expand in 2023, with two drivers running under the program’s banner as part of established teams competing in the ladder system for North America’s premier open wheel racing series. Ernie Francis Jr. will pilot the No. 99 Force Indy entry as part of HMD Motorsports in Indy Lights. In addition, Myles Rowe will complete the full USF Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires season in the the No. 99 for Pabst Racing under the Force Indy banner.” Full release at the link. – HMD Motorsports – (10/19/2022)
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RACER Q&A 10/19/2022 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (10/19/2022)
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Trackside podcast 10/18/2022 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 10/18/2022 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (10/19/2022)
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HMD announces Pierson for multi-year Lights deal – “The rumors of Josh Pierson combining his sportscar effort with some open-wheel racing in North America began a few weeks ago and today, those rumors turned into facts. Inking a deal with the championship-winning HMD Motorsports with Dale Coyne Racing program for a campaign in the 2023 Indy Lights series, the 16-year-old Pierson is set to begin his climb towards the pinnacle of open-wheel racing in North America.” Full release at the link. – HMD Motorsports – (10/18/2022)
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Nashville circuit unchanged for ’23 – RACER’s Marshall Pruett reports the circuit layout will remain the same for the 2023 Big Machine Music City Grand Prix but could be subject to major change after that as the City of Nashville appears to be on the verge of approving a new domed stadium just east of Nissan Stadium. Full story at the link. – RACER – (10/18/2022)
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Miller and Hays get Lights test with Abel Motorsports – “Jack William Miller and Nicky Hays are joining Abel Motorsports for their first test of Indy Lights machinery during the annual Chris Griffis Memorial Test on Friday, Oct. 21 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Miller (photo above), 19, from Westfield, Indiana, has raced the last two seasons in USF Pro 2000 (known as Indy Pro 2000) for his family-operated team. Miller, the son of INDYCAR SERIES veteran Jack Miller, finished ninth in the standings in 2022 on the strength of two podium finishes. He also won two poles in the Miller Vinatieri Motorsports car.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (10/18/2022)
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Lindh returns to Lights in ’23 with HMD – “It is a return to the INDYCAR Ladder Series for Rasmus Lindh as he joins HMD Motorsports with Dale Coyne Racing with support from GarageXYZ. Set to pilot the #10 GarageXYZ entry from the potent and championship-winning HMD Motorsports stable, Lindh will make his return to the Indy Lights paddock with one goal: to win.” Full release at the link. – HMD Motorsports – (10/17/2022)
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Marco back in No. 98 for 107th Indy 500 – “KULR Technology Group (NYSE American: KULR) (the “Company” or “KULR”) will return to the grid of the 2023 Indianapolis as the primary sponsor for the No. 98 Honda of Marco Andretti as the third-generation racer makes his 18th Indy 500 start.” Full release at the link. – Andretti Autosport – (10/17/2022)
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Andersen Promotions Announces Rebranding – “Andersen Promotions today unveiled a new moniker for the opening steps of the Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires. Moving forward, the collective branding for the world’s most effective driver development program will be known as the USF Pro Championships Presented by Cooper Tires…The decision came as INDYCAR, which assumed operations of Indy Lights in 2022, reassesses its overall branding with dual management of the ladder steps between INDYCAR and Andersen Promotions and, for 2023, different tire partners. Both USF Pro 2000 and USF2000 will continue with INDYCAR services including INDYCAR Race Control, Timing & Scoring and the AMR INDYCAR Safety Team. USF Juniors will also utilize AMR Safety Team services with Race Control and Timing & Scoring provided by USAC.” Full release at the link. – Andersen Promotions – (10/14/2022)
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Palou and O’Ward to drive in F1 FP1 sessions for McLaren – “Spanish driver Alex Palou will take part in the first free practice session at the 2022 United States Grand Prix for McLaren F1. Palou will drive Daniel’s car for the 60-minute session in Austin…Arrow McLaren SP driver Pato O’Ward will also take part in a free practice session, driving Lando’s car at the 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.” Full release at the link. – McLaren – (10/14/2022)
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Blomqvist tops driver evaluation test – RACER’s Marshall Pruett reports IMSA DPi champion Tom Blomqvist for Meyer Shank Racing topped a five car driver evaluation test at Sebring International Raceway. Full story at the link. – RACER – (10/14/2022)
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RACER Q&A 10/11/2022 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (10/12/2022)
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Trackside podcast 10/11/2022 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 10/11/2022 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (10/12/2022)
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Kellett announces departure from AJ Foyt Racing – Dalton Kellett announced on Tuesday that he has “made the decision not to continue with AJ Foyt Racing in the #4 Chevrolet.” View Kellett’s announcement in full at the link. – Dalton Kellett – (10/11/2022)
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Variety breaks down ROKiT broken promises worldwide – Variety has posted an excellent story breaking down Rokit’s broken sponsorship deals across the globe. AJ Foyt Racing felt the effects of the ROKiT situation in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES this season. Full story at the link. – Variety – (10/11/2022)
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INDYCAR announces 3 open test dates for ’23 highlighted by The Thermal Club – “INDYCAR will conduct three Open Tests for 2023 in preparation for key moments during the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. The first Open Test of 2023 will feature the series’ initial trip to The Thermal Club for a season preview Thursday and Friday, Feb. 2-3. The private, world-class facility, located just outside of Palm Springs, California, opened its 470-acre property in 2012 and is known as a premier circuit for club racers and sports car enthusiasts. INDYCAR will use a combination of the North Palm and South Palm circuits to create a 17-turn, 2.9-mile layout for the 2023 test…The Indy 500 Open Test is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, April 20-21 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The annual test on the famed 2.5-mile oval provides crucial preparation for the 107th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, scheduled for Sunday, May 28. The entire field for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” is expected to participate in the test. The third and final Open Test of the 2023 season comes Thursday, Sept. 7 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, just three days before the Astor Challenge Cup is awarded to the season champion at the same facility after the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (10/10/2022)
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Simpson back with HMD for Lights in ’23 – “After joining HMD Motorsports part way through the 2022 season, Kyffin Simpson will return to the team in 2023 for his sophomore year in Indy Lights. With an extensive off-season test program, including competition in IMSA events, Simpson will look to turn heads when the green flag flies at the start of the 2023 season.” Full release at the link. – HMD Motorsports – (10/10/2022)
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Foyt announces Ferrucci for No. 14 in ’23 – “Santino Ferrucci is once again a full-time driver in the NTT INDYCAR Series as he has been named to pilot the No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet in 2023. Ferrucci is the latest hire for the legendary team, which will field the car from its Waller, Texas headquarters.” Full release at the link. – AJ Foyt Racing – (10/6/2022)
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Rasmussen makes HMD switch for Lights in ’23 – “A championship-winning driver in the Road to Indy, Christian Rasmussen will be returning to the Indy Lights program for the second season in 2023 – this time with the championship-winning team, HMD Motorsports with Dale Coyne Racing in the #6 entry. As the fourth driver announced for HMD Motorsports, Rasmussen will be one of eight drivers entered by the team.” Full release at the link. – HMD Motorsports – (10/6/2022)
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JHR to bring NTT INDYCAR SERIES car to Argentina for exhibition events – “Juncos Hollinger Racing is pleased to announce the team will be bringing the No. 77 JHR NTT INDYCAR SERIES car to Argentina for an exhibition during November 4th through the 9th. The car will be presented at the Michelangelo, Buenos Aires and then head to the Circuit of Buenos Aires and the Termas de Rio Hondo, Santiago del Estero to be driven by Argentinean driver Agustin Canapino.” Full release at the link. – JHR – (10/5/2022)
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RACER Q&A 10/5/2022 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (10/5/2022)
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Trackside podcast 10/4/2022 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 10/4/2022 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (10/5/2022)
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HMD adds Siegel to ’23 Lights lineup – “After climbing the Road to Indy ladder, Nolan Siegel will be advancing to the Indy Lights Championship in 2023 driving for HMD Motorsports with Dale Coyne Racing. A race winner in the Indy Pro 2000 Presented by Cooper Tires and with one Indy Lights race under his belt at the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Siegel has confirmed his intentions to move to the top-tier of junior open-wheel racing in North America.” Full release at the link. – HMD Motorsports – (10/4/2022)
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AMSP announces ’23 car/driver numbers – “The car communicator for Pato (O’Ward) and the No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet is still being finalized, while Billy will stay in his role on the radio with Felix Rosenqvist for the No. 6 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet, and Brian will be the car communicator for Alexander Rossi and the No. 7 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet. ” Full release at the link. – Arrow McLaren SP – (10/4/2022)
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AMSP announces new team management for ’23 – “Entering the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, Gavin Ward, who joined the team in July this year as Director of Trackside Engineering, will take on the role of Racing Director at Arrow McLaren SP. Brian Barnhart is a new addition to the McLaren Racing family in the role of General Manager for the team. In the role of Racing Director, Gavin will lead the technical performance team of Max Neyron (Director of Operations), Nick Snyder (Director of Performance) and Billy Vincent (Director of Competition), which will collectively drive the future performance of the racing team in the 2023 season and beyond.” Full release at the link. – Arrow McLaren SP – (10/4/2022)
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Juncos announces return to Lights in ’23 – “Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) announced today the team will return to the Indy Lights championship with two full time cars for the 2023 season. After 14 years, the Road to Indy championship winning team will close the doors to its highly successful Indy Pro 2000 Championship team to focus on the development of the Indy Lights program.” Full release at the link. – Juncos Hollinger Racing – (9/29/2022)
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Frost returns to HMD Lights program for ’23 – “Returning to the Indy Lights Championship, Danial Frost will compete in 2023 with HMD Motorsports with Dale Coyne Racing for a second consecutive season. Coming off a season that featured his first career Indy Lights victory, the Den-Jet sponsored driver is ready to continue what was started with the team as he competes for the Indy Lights Championship.” Full release at the link. – HMD Motorsports – (9/29/2022)
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Daly to make NASCAR Cup debut next weekend at Charlotte roval – Ed Carpenter Racing’s Conor Daly will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut at next weekend’s Bank of America ROVAL 400 on the Charlotte Motor Speedway road course. Daly will drive the The Money Team Racing No. 50 Chevrolet. – The Money Team Racing – (9/29/2022)
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Foyt announces deal for Petersen to drive in ’23 – “AJ Foyt Racing Team President Larry Foyt has hired Benjamin Pedersen, the 23-year-old Indy Lights veteran, to drive one of the team’s Chevrolet-powered Indy cars in the 2023 NTT INDYCAR Series. The agreement spans multiple seasons as the team plans to develop the young rookie and is aligned to a longer-term plan for AJ Foyt Racing.” Full release at the link. – AJ Foyt Racing – (9/28/2022)
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INDYCAR releases ’23 schedule – “INDYCAR has announced a 17-race schedule for the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES as the sport’s brash and bold athletes will be showcased with traditional weekend dates, 13 races on NBC and an exciting, late-summer swing leading to another climactic ending to the 2023 championship.” View the release and full schedule at the link. – INDYCAR – (9/27/2022)
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Johnson will not be full-time in INDYCAR in ’23 – Jimmie Johnson has announced he will not be a full-time participant in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2023. View Jimmie’s social media announcement at the link. – Jimmie Johnson – (9/26/2022)
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