INDYCAR News for the Months of December 2022 to February 2023
Cape Motorsports completes INDY NXT lineup with Ahmed announcement – “Cape Motorsports has completed its INDY NXT by Firestone driver lineup for 2023, signing British-Pakistani driver Enaam Ahmed to join Jagger Jones…Ahmed, 23, graduates to INDYCAR’s development series after finishing third in the 2022 USF Pro 2000 Championship standings. He made his presence known in just his second INDY NXT series test, topping the speed charts at January’s full-field Firestone tire test on the road course at Homestead-Miami Speedway.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (2/27/2023)
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Arrow McLaren extends partnership with Mission Foods – “McLaren Racing today announced its partnership with Mission Foods, a market-leading global food brand, will continue with a multiyear extension. Mission Foods has been an Official Partner of the Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since 2020.” Full release at the link. – McLaren – (2/27/2023)
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Alternate tires to be used at WWT Raceway this season – “For the first time in NTT INDYCAR SERIES history, alternate-compound tires will be used on an oval. The Sunday, Aug. 27 race at World Wide Technology Raceway will feature the Firestone Firehawk alternates. Teams will follow the same rules as road and street circuits, with mandatory use of a new set of the alternate tire compound during the race.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (2/24/2023)
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Guayule Firestone tires to feature at all NTT INDYCAR SERIES street course races in ’23 – “Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) announced Feb. 23 that major strides have been made during the offseason to incorporate more sustainable and bio-circular materials into the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, highlighting the advancement of three key initiatives that will make the upcoming season the most sustainable to date for America’s premier open-wheel racing series. As the series’ exclusive tire supplier, Bridgestone will feature Firestone Firehawk race tires made with rubber derived from the guayule desert shrub as the alternate tire in all five street circuits of the 17-race season, a four-race increase from the 2023 season.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (2/24/2023)
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PPG to sponsor NTT INDYCAR SERIES race at Texas – “PPG has been named the entitlement sponsor for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on Sunday, April 2, that kicks off Texas Motor Speedway’s 27th season…The PPG 375 will be the second race of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season and first of five ovals on the 17-event schedule.” Full release at the link. – Texas Motor Speedway – (2/23/2023)
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INDY NXT added to IMS Brickyard Weekend schedule – “INDYCAR officials have announced an adjustment to the 2023 INDY NXT by Firestone schedule, adding the developmental series to the historic Brickyard Weekend in August at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix will take place Friday, Aug. 11 on the IMS road course, joining the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR XFINITY Series and NTT INDYCAR SERIES for one of motorsports’ premier events in North America. It’s the only event in which both the top divisions of NASCAR and INDYCAR compete on the same circuit during the same event weekend.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (2/22/2023)
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Advance Auto Parts to sponsor checkered flag as part of INDYCAR & IMS partnership – “Advance Auto Parts (NYSE: AAP), a leading automotive aftermarket parts provider, today announced a multiyear agreement to become the official sponsor of INDYCAR’s checkered flag used at each NTT INDYCAR SERIES race through the 2025 season. The partnership connects Advance’s distinctive logo, which features the checkered flag icon, with the iconic flag NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers aspire to see first at the end of each race. Through the agreement, Advance also becomes the official automotive aftermarket retail partner of INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). Advance’s marks will be displayed on the iconic IMS Scoring Pylon and other digital boards throughout the “Racing Capital of the World” for its signature events, including the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge in May and the Brickyard Weekend tripleheader in August.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (2/22/2023)
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RACER Q&A 2/22/2023 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (2/22/2023)
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Trackside podcast 2/21/2023 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 2/21/2023 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (2/22/2023)
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Arrow McLaren unveils No. 6 onsemi livery for four races – “onsemi, a leading semiconductor manufacturer with a global supply chain, was announced as an Official Partner for the team in November 2022. onsemi will be the Primary Partner for Felix’s No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet for four races this upcoming season: Grand Prix of Long Beach, Detroit Grand Prix, Grand Prix at Road America and Bommarito Automotive Group 500.” Full release at the link. View the livery at our No. 6 livery page here. – McLaren – (2/20/2023)
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Daly qualifies for Daytona 500 field – “The Money Team Racing made another improbable run into the Daytona 500, landing a last-ditch drive that had IndyCar regular Conor Daly welling up with tears after the checkered flag of Thursday night’s second qualifying race. “Shock the world!” was the rallying cry from the joyous TMT crew as the No. 50 Chevrolet came to rest on pit road. Daly joined reigning Craftsman Truck Series champion Zane Smith in clinching the final Daytona 500 starting spots after Thursday night’s Bluegreen Vacations Duel qualifying races. Both drivers will be making their second Cup Series starts and their first in Sunday’s prestigious season opener (2:30 p.m. ET, FOX, MRN, SiriusXM).” Full story from NASCAR at the link. – NASCAR – (2/17/2023)
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iPacket livery returns to RLL No. 15 for Laguna Seca – “Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) announced today that iPacket, a leading provider of digital vehicle presentation and delivery solutions for the automotive industry, has returned to the team as the primary sponsor of Graham Rahal’s No. 15 entry for the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on September 10. iPacket will also be a full-season associate sponsor of the entry and Official Digital Vehicle Marketplace of the team in 2023.” Full release at the link. View the livery at our No. 15 livery page here. – RLL – (2/16/2023)
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Kanaan announces this year’s Indy 500 will be his last INDYCAR race – Tony Kanaan announced on Wednesday morning that this year’s 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race will be his last NTT INDYCAR SERIES race as a driver. Watch Kanaan’s social media announcement at the link. – Tony Kanaan – (2/15/2023)
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RACER Q&A 2/15/2023 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (2/15/2023)
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Trackside podcast 2/14/2023 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 2/14/2023 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (2/15/2023)
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IMS unveils 107th Indy 500 ticket design – “NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver Marcus Ericsson combined two of his passions – winning races and ice hockey – when he unveiled the ticket for the 107th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Friday night, Feb. 10 in Indianapolis. Ericsson earned his first victory in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” last May in the No. 8 Huski Chocolate Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, and one of the many spoils for the winner is the honor of unveiling the ticket for the next year’s race. The honor of the winning driver featured on the next year’s “500” ticket dates to Mauri Rose’s appearance in 1948. Swedish native Ericsson lifted the cover from the colorful ticket, featuring a photo of him dousing his head in the winner’s famous bottle of milk, during Indy 500 Night at the Indy Fuel hockey game at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis.” Full release at the link. – IMS – (2/13/2023)
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RLL announces Legge to drive No. 44 entry at Indy 500 – “Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) announced today that Hendrickson, a leading global manufacturer and supplier of suspension systems and components to the commercial transportation industry, will be the primary sponsor of the team’s No. 44 Honda-powered entry for the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500. Katherine Legge, who is one of 9 women to compete in the Indy 500, will return to the team to pilot the entry for her third appearance in the race.” Full release at the link. View the livery at our No. 44 livery page here. – RLL – (2/9/2023)
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Abel Motorsports adds Kaminsky to INDY NXT lineup – “Colin Kaminsky will be making the next step on his journey to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, moving from the Indy Pro 2000 category into the newly rebranded INDY NXT by Firestone series with Abel Motorsports. Kaminsky will be piloting the No. 57 Slick Locks branded Dallara, starting with round 1 on the Streets of St. Petersburg Florida.” Full release at the link. – Abel Motorsports – (2/8/2023)
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RACER Q&A 2/8/2023 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (2/8/2023)
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Trackside podcast 2/7/2023 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 2/7/2023 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (2/8/2023)
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Verizon and Team Penske extend partnership – “Verizon will continue as the primary sponsor of Power and the No. 12 Team Penske Chevrolet for all 17 races on the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule. The Verizon colors first adorned the No. 12 Team Penske Chevrolet in 2009 as Power competed in select INDYCAR races during his first season with Team Penske. The technology, communications, information and entertainment leader has remained the primary sponsor of Power throughout his 15-year career with Team Penske, with this new agreement extending the relationship into the future.” Full release at the link. – Team Penske – (2/7/2023)
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Daly to make Daytona 500 qualifying attempt with TMT Racing – “TMT Racing, which is co-owned by boxing Hall of Famer Floyd Mayweather, is excited to announce that driver Conor Daly will attempt to qualify for the 2023 Daytona 500. Conor Daly is no stranger to the world of NASCAR, having previously competed at the NASCAR CUP SERIES event in Charlotte last fall (aka The ROVAL) as well in several races in the Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series in previous years. Daly is a versatile driver who competes full-time in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and plans to race in up to an additional six NASCAR events this year with TMT, as his schedule allows. ” Full release at the link via Business Wire. – Business Wire – (2/7/2023)
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TSN and TSN+ to provide Canadian TV coverage of ’23 NTT INDYCAR SERIES – “TSN and TSN+ are Canada’s new home for complete, live coverage of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, including the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and the Honda Indy Toronto. Eight NTT INDYCAR SERIES races will be available on TSN’s national television feeds, including the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding on Sunday, March 5, the Indy 500 on Sunday, May 28 and the Honda Indy Toronto on Sunday, July 16. TSN+ will provide complete live coverage of all 17 races on the schedule.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (2/6/2023)
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Arrow McLaren reveals SmartStop livery for No. 6 for three races – “Ahead of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season debut at St. Petersburg on March 3-5, Arrow McLaren reveals the livery for one of its Primary Partners for Felix Rosenqvist and the No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, SmartStop Self Storage…SmartStop will be the Primary Partner for Felix’s No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet for three races this upcoming season: the GMR Grand Prix at Indianapolis, Indy Toronto at Exhibition Place, and Grand Prix of Portland.” Full release at the link. View the livery at our No. 6 livery page here. – McLaren – (2/6/2023)
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OpenWheel.com’s The Thermal Club open test livery feature – OpenWheel.com’s livery feature with photos of each car from the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES open test at The Thermal Club is available at the link. – OpenWheel.com – (2/5/2023)
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Ericsson fastest on Day 2 of Thermal test – Chip Ganassi Racing’s Marcus Ericsson was fastest on Day 2 of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES open test at The Thermal Club. The full Top 5 was Ericsson, Lundgaard, Kirkwood, Ilott, and Armstrong. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (2/3/2023)
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INDYCAR announces Indy 500 will be single points – “Single points will be awarded to drivers in the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge starting with the 107th Running on Sunday, May 28, ending the double-points format used from 2014-2022. The change, announced Thursday evening at The Thermal Club during the annual INDYCAR SERIES owners’ meeting, comes after a review of the double-points system. INDYCAR officials determined the rule has proven to overly penalize full-time championship teams that have performed poorly in the “500.”” Full notes from INDYCAR at the link. – INDYCAR – (2/3/2023)
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Herta tops Day 1 of Thermal test – Andretti Autosport’s Colton Herta topped the charts on Day 1 of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES open test at The Thermal Club. The full Top 5 was Herta, Lundgaard, Palou, Grosjean, and Power. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (2/2/2023)
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ECR reveals BITNILE.COM ’23 liveries for all three entries – “Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) announced today that the team’s 2023 lineup will be fully supported by new digital marketplace BITNILE.COM. The team’s two full-time entries, the No. 20 of Conor Daly and the No. 21 of Rinus VeeKay, in addition to ovals-only No. 33 of Ed Carpenter, will each compete throughout the upcoming season as BITNILE.COM Chevrolets. BITNILE.COM, an immersive digital marketplace, which is set to launch and “go live” one month from today, on March 1, 2023.” Full release at the link. – Ed Carpenter Racing – (2/1/2023)
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RACER Q&A 2/1/2023 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (2/1/2023)
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Trackside podcast 1/31/2023 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 1/31/2023 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (2/1/2023)
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INDYCAR unveils new mobile medical facility – “INDYCAR, with longtime partner Indiana University Health, is rolling into its new season with a new mobile medical facility. The INDYCAR Medical Unit will make its debut at the year’s first Open Test, held Thursday-Friday, Feb. 2-3 at The Thermal Club near Palm Springs, California. The transporter with double slide outs will provide an environment for consistent and accessible care during each NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone event. Previously, INDYCAR’s medical team utilized a combination of a mobile trailer and the facilities available at the venues that host events. With the substantially upgraded mobile unit, the sanctioning body can better serve its growing paddock.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (1/31/2023)
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Fleet Cost & Care extends RLL partnership – “Fleet Cost & Care (FCC), an industry leader in fleet management software, announced today, that it has extended their partnership with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) and their NTT INDYCAR SERIES team in a new multi-year agreement. In 2023, FCC will be the primary sponsor of Graham Rahal’s #15 Honda-powered entry at the Texas Indy 375 at Texas Motor Speedway on April 2nd, a full-season associate sponsor, and the Official Fleet Management Software Company of RLL.” Full release at the link. – Fleet Cost & Care – (1/31/2023)
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Meyer Shank Racing wins overall title at 2023 Rolex 24 at Daytona – Meyer Shank Racing won the overall title at the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s 2023 Rolex 24 at Daytona International Raceway with a driver lineup including their two NTT INDYCAR SERIES stars Helio Castroneves and Simon Pagenaud. Full story from IMSA at the link. Full results here. – IMSA – (1/29/2023)
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Juncos Hollinger Racing announces rebrand and reveals ’23 liveries – “Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) officially launched its 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES campaign by unveiling a brand-new car livery and identity at its workshop in Indianapolis today. The squad has expanded its racing programme in 2023 by committing to run a second Dallara-Chevrolet in America’s premier open-wheel series. Britain’s Callum Ilott remains with the team for a second year and will drive the #77 challenger, while Argentine racing hero Agustín Canapino will be his team-mate in JHR’s #78 machine.” Full release at the link. – Juncos Hollinger Racing – (1/29/2023)
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Herta, Wickens, and INDYCAR investigating possibilities for 2024 Indy 500 – RACER’s Marshall Pruett has an excellent story on the work being done to prepare for the possibility of Robert Wickens returning to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES for the 2024 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race with Bryan Herta and INDYCAR leading the way in necessary preparations. Full story at the link. – RACER – (1/27/2023)
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Foyt changes Pedersen’s entry to No. 55 – “After the reveal of the No. 88 livery last week, it was brought to our attention that the combination of our two individually entered numbers carries certain ideologic and symbolic references. AJ Foyt Racing does not condone nor support any such ideologies or symbols, and to avoid any reprehensible associations, we have changed the entry number from 88 to 55.” Full release at the link. – AJ Foyt Racing – (1/27/2023)
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INDYCAR releases 2023 TV broadcast start times – “NBC Sports and INDYCAR today announced the race broadcast start times for the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule, headlined by the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 28 at iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with coverage beginning at 11 a.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. The first seven races of the season will air on NBC and Peacock, including the season-opening Streets of Petersburg at noon ET Sunday, March 5 and concluding with the new Streets of Detroit circuit at 3 p.m. ET Sunday, June 4.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (1/26/2023)
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Arrow McLaren unveils No. 5 livery – The Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team has unveiled their 2023 livery for their No. 5 entry for Pato O’Ward. Check it out at the link. – McLaren – (1/26/2023)
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Arrow McLaren unveils No. 6 livery – The Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team has unveiled their 2023 livery for their No. 6 entry for Felix Rosenqvist. Check it out at the link. – McLaren – (1/25/2023)
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RACER Q&A 1/25/2023 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (1/25/2023)
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Arrow McLaren unveils No. 7 livery – The Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team has unveiled their 2023 livery for their No. 7 entry for Alexander Rossi. Check it out at the link. – McLaren – (1/24/2023)
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Trackside podcast 1/23/2023 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 1/23/2023 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (1/24/2023)
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Foyt’s entry for Pedersen to be No. 88 – “A.J. Foyt will be reminded of just how old he is every time Benjamin Pedersen takes to the track this year as the racing legend turned 88 which is the number the Danish-American driver chose to run in his rookie campaign in the NTT INDYCAR Series.” Full release at the link. – AJ Foyt Racing – (1/19/2023)
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Indy 500 Snake Pit lineup announced – “Grammy Award-nominated musician Kaskade will headline a star-studded lineup of global electronic music artists at the Indy 500 Snake Pit presented by Coors Light on Sunday, May 28 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Subtronics, John Summit, DJ Diesel (aka Shaquille O’Neal) and Jauz also will perform at the Race Day concert during the 107th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. Performances begin early in the morning on the stage located in the infield adjacent to Turn 3 of the IMS oval, with specific set times to be announced.” Full release at the link. – IMS – (1/19/2023)
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Barber race now named Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix – “Alabama’s premier INDYCAR event has a new name! Our new title sponsor, Medical Properties Trust, dedicated the entitlement to Children’s of Alabama. Get ready to join us at the “Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix.” We can’t wait to see you there April 28 – 30!” Full social media announcement at the link. – Barber Motorsports Park – (1/19/2023)
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Robb announced as driver of No. 51 DCR w/RWR entry – “Dale Coyne Racing with Rick Ware Racing has signed the 2022 INDY NXT by Firestone driver Sting Ray Robb to pilot its No. 51 Honda powered entry for the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. Robb finished second in the INDY NXT by Firestone championship last year on the strength of 11 top five finishes, eight podiums, two poles and 99% of laps completed in 14 races, which included the win at Laguna Seca. He made his first unofficial outing with Dale Coyne Racing earlier this month during an impressive one-day test at Sebring international Raceway.” Full release at the link. – Dale Coyne Racing – (1/18/2023)
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RACER Q&A 1/18/2023 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (1/18/2023)
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Trackside podcast 1/17/2023 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 1/17/2023 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (1/18/2023)
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Power withdraws from Rolex 24 -RACER’s Marshall Pruett reports reigning NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champion Will Power will not make his debut driving appearance in the Rolex 24 at Daytona later this month as he has withdrawn from the SunEnergy1 Racing No. 75 Mercedes-AMG entry to care for his wife. Full story at the link. – RACER – (1/18/2023)
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CGR names Sato as oval driver for No. 11 – “Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Takuma Sato will join Chip Ganassi Racing in 2023 to pilot the No. 11 Honda in oval competition, while Marcus Armstrong will drive the road and street course races. Sato brings more than two decades of experience racing at the highest level of the sport to the defending Indianapolis 500 winners who have won 14 INDYCAR SERIES championships, including nine across the past 15 seasons of competition.” Full release at the link. – Chip Ganassi Racing – (1/17/2023)
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INDYCAR increases INDY NXT funding awards for ’23 Championship – “The annual INDY NXT by Firestone Content Day took place Friday, Jan. 13 at INDYCAR headquarters in Indianapolis, and one of the main talking points among drivers and team officials was an increase to the prize fund and other perks in the series starting this season. INDYCAR hiked the awards based on feedback from teams after the 2022 season, as the developmental series for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES is expected to see 19 entries in 2023, the most since 2009.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (1/16/2023)
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JHR confirms Canapino for full-time No. 78 entry – “Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) is pleased to confirm Argentine racing star Agustin Canapino will join its NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver line-up in 2023. The 32-year-old will drive the team’s No. 78 Dallara-Chevrolet and will partner Britain’s Callum Ilott. Canapino will be the first driver from Argentina to contest a full season in America’s premier open-wheel series since Juan Manuel Fangio II drove in INDYCAR 25 years ago.” Full release at the link. – JHR – (1/12/2023)
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McLaren announces Larson to race in ’24 Indy 500 with Hendrick partnership – “Champion driver Kyle Larson will join McLaren Racing for the 2024 Indianapolis 500, adding to Arrow McLaren’s star-studded lineup for the “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Kyle’s Chevrolet will be co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick and carry title partnership from HendrickCars.com. Rick is the chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group and the owner of 14-time NASCAR Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports, which Kyle has driven for since 2021. Additional details, including car number and livery for the HendrickCars.com Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, will be announced at a later date.” Full release at the link. – McLaren Racing – (1/12/2023)
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RACER Q&A 1/11/2023 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (1/11/2023)
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Trackside podcast 1/10/2023 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 1/10/2023 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (1/11/2023)
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Power to make Rolex 24 debut – NBC Sports’ Nate Ryan reports reigning NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champion Will Power will make his debut driving appearance in the Rolex 24 at Daytona later this month in the GTD class in the SunEnergy1 Racing No. 75 Mercedes-AMG. Full story at the link. – NBC Sports – (1/11/2023)
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RLL adds Eriksen as COO – “Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) announced today that Steve Eriksen has joined the team as chief operating officer. Eriksen will report directly to team ownership and oversee operations for the team’s involvement in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Eriksen spent the past two seasons at Chip Ganassi Racing, overseeing their race-winning IMSA DPi program after a 30-year career at Honda where he most recently held the title of vice president and chief operating officer at Honda Performance Development, Inc.” Full release at the link. – RLL – (1/10/2023)
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Cannon rejoins Foyt – “AJ Foyt Racing is pushing full steam ahead into 2023. New faces in new places were capped off by highly respected veteran engineer Michael Cannon joining the team this year. Cannon will lead the team’s race engineers Daniele Cucchiaroni and Roberto Garcia along with drivers Santino Ferrucci and rookie Benjamin Pedersen.” Full release at the link. – AJ Foyt Racing – (1/10/2023)
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Andretti announces partnership with GM/Cadillac for F1 pursuit – “Today Andretti Global and General Motors, two American powerhouses in the automotive and motorsport sectors, have announced their intent to pursue the opportunity to compete in the FIA Formula One World Championship. GM would be represented by the Cadillac brand. The Andretti Cadillac team would be based in the U.S. with a support facility in the U.K…The Andretti Cadillac team is planning to submit an Expression of Interest when the FIA opens the formal process. If selected, the team is seeking to compete as soon as practical with at least one American driver.” Full release at the link. – Andretti Autosport – (1/5/2023)
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Andretti announces Roe to complete ’23 INDY NXT lineup – “Andretti Autosport announced today that James Roe will join the championship-winning team for the 2023 INDY NXT by Firestone season. Roe will pilot the No. 29 Topcon Andretti Autosport Dallara rounding out Andretti Autosport’s INDY NXT by Firestone lineup.” Full release at the link. – Andretti Autosport – (1/4/2023)
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Trackside podcast 1/3/2023 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 1/3/2023 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (1/4/2023)
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Andretti Autosport announces IMSA partnership with Wayne Taylor Racing – “Andretti Autosport and Wayne Taylor Racing announced a new, long-term partnership today that will see the championship-caliber teams combine resources to compete in IMSA’s top classes. Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport’s No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-06 and its No. 93 Harrison Contracting Company Acura NSX Evo22 will make their official debut at the 2023 Roar Before the Rolex 24 and will be on the grid for the Rolex 24 at DAYTONA. The newly formed team will also compete in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America series. During the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season, day-to-day operations and leadership remain as they have currently operated with the long- term goal of moving the programs into Andretti Global’s recently announced 575,000-square-foot headquarters in Fishers, Indiana, due to be operational in 2025.” Full release at the link. – Andretti Autosport – (12/28/2022)
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RACER Q&A 12/28/2022 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (12/28/2022)
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INDYCAR adds new suspension piece for ovals – RACER’s Marshall Pruett reports INDYCAR will mandate a new front suspension piece on ovals for the the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. Full story at the link. – RACER – (12/28/2022)
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RACER Q&A 12/21/2022 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (12/21/2022)
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Trackside podcast 12/20/2022 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 12/20/2022 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (12/21/2022)
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INDYCAR and MAHLE on path for 2024 introduction of hybrid system – “For the past two years, MAHLE Powertrain has worked with INDYCAR to develop an innovative, first-of-its-kind hybrid system for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to provide on-demand acceleration at the driver’s request. With several milestones now met by MAHLE Powertrain, INDYCAR, in collaboration with Chevrolet and Honda Performance Development, will provide continued development and production of the hybrid system in time for the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (12/20/2022)
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’24 silly season starts with Shwartzman test at Ganassi – RACER’s Marshall Pruett reports Ferrari academy driver Robert Shwartzman will test with Chip Ganassi Racing in January as the team begins to evaluate options to replace at least one seat with Alex Palou heading to Arrow McLaren SP in 2024. Full story at the link. – RACER – (12/20/2022)
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Shank named to Board of Directors at Road America – “Elkhart Lake’s Road America Inc., recently announced the addition of Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) Team Owner, Mike Shank, to its Board of Directors. Shank comes into the position with over two decades of motorsports experience as professional IMSA and INDYCAR SERIES Team Owner.” Full release at the link. – Road America – (12/14/2022)
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RACER Q&A 12/14/2022 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (12/14/2022)
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Trackside podcast 12/13/2022 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 12/13/2022 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (12/14/2022)
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Juncos names Gold and Nannini INDY NXT drivers for ’23 – Juncos Hollinger Racing has named Reece Gold and Matteo Nannini the team’s 2023 INDY NXT driver pairing. See the team’s tweet at the link. – Juncos Hollinger Racing – (12/12/2022)
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INDYCAR announces “100 Days to Indy” series in partnership with CW Network and VICE – “Penske Entertainment and The CW Network announced Dec. 8 they are joining forces with VICE Media Group for “100 Days to Indy,” a first-of-its-kind broadcast series about the road to the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, the world’s premier motorsports competition. Produced by Penske Entertainment and VICE Media Group, the six-part series will take fans behind the scenes to chronicle the bold and brash personalities of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES as they begin the 2023 season and start their epic quest for racing’s greatest prize. “100 Days to Indy” will air on The CW Network in spring 2023.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (12/8/2022)
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VeeKay to drive in Rolex 24 at Daytona – Ed Carpenter Racing’s Rinus VeeKay will once again drive in the Rolex 24 at Daytona with TDS Racing in their LMP2 No. 11 Oreca 07 Gibson. Full story at the link. – Sportscar365 – (12/7/2022)
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Grosjean joins Lamborghini as factory driver in addition to INDYCAR duties – “Lamborghini Squadra Corse announces the arrival of Romain Grosjean as official Factory Driver with Iron Lynx. 2023 will be a year packed with challenges for the versatile Franco-Swiss driver. In addition to participating in the GT campaign, he will play a key role in developing the Lamborghini LMDh project… His debut as Lamborghini official driver will be at the 24 Hours of Daytona behind the wheel of a Huracán GT3 EVO2, managed by Iron Lynx. Grosjean will also join Caldarelli and Bortolotti as test driver for the LMDh car, with which he will race in the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship in 2024 together with the same Lamborghini team partner Iron Lynx.” Full release at the link. – Lamborghini – (12/7/2022)
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RACER Q&A 12/7/2022 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (12/7/2022)
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Trackside podcast 12/6/2022 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 12/6/2022 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (12/7/2022)
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INDYCAR announces “pause” of 2.4-liter engine project for ’24 – “INDYCAR is also continuing its path toward the introduction of a hybrid engine platform for the 2024 race season. This program is being developed through the collaboration of Ilmor, Chevrolet and Honda Performance Development. Testing of the hybrid motor has commenced and will continue through the 2023 season. With the introduction of the hybrid motor, the 2.4-liter engine will be paused to allow the innovative hybrid technology to be paired with the proven 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engines.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (12/6/2022)
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CGR and The American Legion announce partnership extension – “Chip Ganassi Racing and The American Legion announced a multi-year partnership extension today that features primary sponsorship of the No. 10 Honda driven by 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champion Alex Palou. The American Legion will be featured prominently across Chip Ganassi Racing’s INDYCAR program, including 2022 Indianapolis 500 Winner Marcus Ericsson, as well as development driver Kyffin Simpson in the INDY NXT Series.” Full release at the link. – Chip Ganassi Racing – (12/5/2022)
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Newgarden and McLaughlin to compete in Rolex 24 at Daytona as teammates – NTT INDYCAR SERIES stars Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin will make their Rolex 24 at Daytona debuts in January along with Indy NXT driver Kyffin Simpson as part of Tower Motorsports’ LMP2 driver lineup. Full story at the link. – Sportscar365 – (12/5/2022)
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Ganassi names Armstrong road/street course driver for No. 11 in ’23 – “Chip Ganassi Racing announced today that Marcus Armstrong will drive the No. 11 Honda in road and street course races across the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season…Armstrong, 22, is set to make his North American professional debut after competing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship from 2020 to 2022 where he earned four wins and eight podiums.” Full release at the link. – Chip Ganassi Racing – (12/2/2022)
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Dixon added to Ganassi lineup for Rolex 24 at Daytona – “Cadillac Racing is pleased to announce that Scott Dixon will complete the Cadillac V-LMDh lineup in the first of four endurance races on the 2023 IMSA schedule. The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season opener on the 2.56-mile, 12-turn road course will mark the competition debut of the sleek and powerful Cadillac V-LMDh in the new Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class.” Full release at the link. – Chip Ganassi Racing – (12/2/2022)
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Andretti adds Chadwick to ’23 INDY NXT lineup – “Andretti Autosport has signed three-time W Series Champion, Jamie Chadwick, to join Andretti Autosport for the 2023 INDY NXT by Firestone season. Chadwick will make her American racing series debut in the No. 28 DHL Andretti Autosport Dallara and become the first female in 13 years to compete full-time in the INDY NXT championship. DHL, the world’s leading express and logistics company, will serve as primary sponsor of Chadwick’s entry, partnering with Andretti Autosport and Jamie to grow the company’s long-standing partnership with the team, dating from 2010.” Full release at the link. – Andretti Autosport – (12/1/2022)
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Palou named McLaren F1 reserve driver for ’23 – “2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Alex Palou will serve as one of the McLaren Formula 1 Team’s reserve drivers for the 2023 season. Palou will provide support for the team alongside his driving duties in INDYCAR, being available as a reserve driver for the team for all events that do not conflict with his INDYCAR commitments.” Full release at the link. – McLaren – (12/1/2022)
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RACER Q&A 11/30/2022 – RACER’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (11/30/2022)
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Trackside podcast 11/29/2022 – 107.5 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 11/29/2022 is a great listen as always. – 107.5 The Fan – (11/30/2022)
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RLL announces reassigned entries for ’23 driver lineup – “Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) announced today that the team has revised the entry designation for their three fulltime programs for the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. Graham Rahal will continue in the No. 15 entry while Jack Harvey will take over the No. 30 and Christian Lundgaard will pilot the No. 45 Honda-powered entry…Supermarket chain Hy-Vee will continue as the full-season, primary sponsor of the No. 45 entry as part of a multi-year agreement. Details on primary sponsorship for the No. 30 entry will be announced in the coming months. Hy-Vee will also be present on the No. 30 entry as an associate sponsor as part of their teamwide associate sponsorship.” Full release at the link. – RLL – (11/23/2022)
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DRR and Cusick partner to enter Wilson in No. 24 for Indy 500 – “Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and Cusick Motorsports have announced a partnership today to field British racing driver, Stefan Wilson, in the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 to pilot the No. 24 Chevrolet-powered car. Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (DRR) has entered and qualified 45 cars in the Indy 500 dating back to 2000 with a best finish of fourth in 2012. Cusick Motorsports was created as a marketing and business-to-business incubator and will be partnering with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing for its third attempt at the Indianapolis 500, along with many of its long-term partners. Wilson, the 33-year-old racer, will make his fifth attempt at the Indy 500. Thus far, his career-best finish at the historic race is fifteenth in 2018, where he was leading the race with just four laps to go.” Full release at the link. – DRR – (11/17/2022)
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Another star-studded musical lineup announced for ’23 Iowa race weekend – “Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend returns to Iowa Speedway, July 21-23, 2023, and today, Hy-Vee, Inc. announced the impressive lineup of musical acts that will be featured before and after each NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on Saturday and Sunday of event weekend…Carrie Underwood and Kenny Chesney will perform on Saturday of race weekend while Zac Brown Band and Ed Sheeran will rock the Hy-Vee Stage on Sunday. Ticket renewals for the 2023 Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend will begin on Monday, November 21 and fans can register now for an exclusive pre-sale opportunity at https://www.hyveeindycarweekend.com/ before tickets go on sale to everyone on Monday, December 5.” Full release at the link. – Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend – (11/16/2022)
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