News for the Month of February 2018

Texas Motor Speedway announces DXC Technology as entitlement sponsor for IndyCar race – “Global IT services leader DXC Technology has signed an agreement with Texas Motor Speedway to become the entitlement sponsor of the Verizon IndyCar Series race held annually in June at the world-renowned motorsports facility. “America’s Original Nighttime IndyCar Race,” a staple event at Texas Motor Speedway since the venue opened in 1997, will be rebranded the DXC Technology 600 and is scheduled for Saturday, June 9. The DXC Technology 600 will be the ninth race of the Verizon IndyCar Series’ 17-race schedule. It will air live on NBCSN beginning at 7 p.m. CT.” – TMS Release – (2/28/2018)

INDYCAR announces ’18 car coming to iRacing on 3/6/18 – “The 2018 #IndyCar is bolder and sleeker and if you are an @iRacing user, you get to race it at @IMS before we do! The 2018 #IndyCar comes to @iRacing on Tuesday, March 6th.” See it at the link. – INDYCAR – (2/28/2018)

Miller’s Mailbag 2/28/18 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (2/28/2018)

Trackside podcast 2/27/18 – 1070 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 2/27/18 is a great listen as always. Pato O’Ward and Mark Jaynes are guests on the show. – 1070 The Fan – (2/28/2018)

Belardi announces Urrutia Lights deal for ’18 – “Belardi Auto Racing is happy to confirm driver Santiago Urrutia for the 2018 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires championship. Veteran Mazda Road to Indy driver and six-time Indy Lights race winner, Urrutia will be back behind the wheel this coming season, joining last year’s teammate Aaron Telitz. Urrutia spent two years in the top level of the MRTI ladder system, earning runner-up two years in a row. Urrutia is looking to capitalize on the momentum from last year and the early test results already from this season. Coming off of the 2017 season, where Urrutia scored a pair of wins at Mid-Ohio and Gateway Motorsports Park, he will be looking to grow those numbers in a push for the championship trophy.” Full release at the link. – Belardi Auto Racing – (2/27/2018)

Report: INDYCAR considering “tire dragon” procedure to improve Phoenix – RACER’s Marshall Pruett reports INDYCAR is considering contracting a “tire dragon” service to help rubber in a second line at ISM Raceway in Phoenix before the Verizon IndyCar Series race weekend at the track in April. Full story at the link. – RACER – (2/27/2018)

ECR announces Autogeek primary sponsorship for No. 21 at St. Pete – “Ed Carpenter Racing announced today that the No. 21 Chevrolet of Spencer Pigot will feature the colors of car care superstore Autogeek.com for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. After a successful first year of partnership with ECR, Autogeek has expanded their relationship with the Indianapolis-based race team to include the primary sponsorship for the season-opening event.” See the livery on our No. 21 livery page here. Full release at the link. – ECR – (2/27/2018)

IMS announces Train and Blues Traveler as Carb Day performers – “Grammy Award-winning rock band Train will headline the Miller Lite Carb Day Concert on Friday, May 25, an exciting conclusion to one of the most action-packed days in the Month of May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Blues rockers Blues Traveler will open the concert, which starts at 3:30 p.m. on the Miller Lite Stage inside Turn 4 of the IMS oval. Tickets are on sale now at IMS.com, by calling 800-822-INDY or 317-492-6700 or by visiting the IMS Ticket Office at the IMS Administration Building. General Admission prices start at $30. Special Concert Pit access also is available for an additional $25, and a limited number of VIP Deck tickets are available for $250.” Full release at the link. – IMS – (2/27/2018)

SPM announces extension with Petro-Canada Lubricants – “Petro-Canada Lubricants Inc. (PCLI) and Verizon IndyCar Series team Schmidt Peterson Motorsports (SPM) announce a multi-year extension agreement. In addition to team partnership, PCLI has increased its alignment with SPM’s veteran driver and Ontario, Canada native, James Hinchcliffe. In addition to logo placement on Hinchcliffe’s No. 5 Honda Indy car and SPM’s second full-time entry piloted by fellow Canadian Robert Wickens in the No. 6, PCLI’s Research and Development team is working closely with SPM engineers to integrate products into operations to assist on and off the track.” Full release at the link. – SPM – (2/27/2018)

100+ more horsepower expected from next-gen engines – Motorsport.com’s David Malsher reports INDYCAR is aiming for 100-150 more horsepower out of the next generation of engines to be introduced in the Verizon IndyCar Series. “Making more power is our next step and just as we reverse-engineered the car, starting with its aesthetics first, then it’s the same for the engine,” INDYCAR president of competition and operations Jay Frye told Motorsport.com. These engines should be introduced in 2020 or 2021. Full story at the link. – Motorsport.com – (2/27/2018)

’18 Indy Lights livery pages – Our 2018 Indy Lights pages have been constructed and filled from testing at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Check them out at the link. – The Open Wheel – (2/27/2018)

Urrutia fastest in Lights road course testing at Homestead – Santi Urrutia was fastest in Indy Lights testing on the road course at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Monday with a lap of 1:14.5024. The rest of the Top 5 was Norman, O’Ward, Telitz, and Franzoni. Urrutia tested with Belardi Auto Racing but a deal has yet to be officially announced. Full results at the link. – Indy Lights – (2/26/2018)

Norman fastest in Lights oval testing at Homestead – Andretti Autosport’s Ryan Norman was fastest in Indy Lights testing on the oval at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Friday with a lap at 187.170mph. The rest of the testing order in combined session results was Herta, Kellett, O’Ward, Franzoni, and Celis. Full results at the link. – Indy Lights – (2/26/2018)

Pagenaud unveils ’18 DXC Technology livery for No. 22 – Simon Pagenaud tweeted a picture of his No. 22 Team Penske machine in an updated DXC Technology livery for 2018. See the livery on our No. 22 livery page here. – Simon Pagenaud – (2/23/2018)

RLL announces Luther Automotive Group partnership – “Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) announced today that Luther Automotive Group, the largest new and used dealership group in the Midwest, will be the primary sponsor of the No. 15 Verizon IndyCar Series entry of Graham Rahal at Iowa Speedway on July 8. Luther Automotive Group will also be an associate sponsor for Rahal’s entry for the full 2018 season.” See the livery on our No. 15 livery page here. Full release at the link. – RLL – (2/23/2018)

Juncos announces Celis Jr. as Lights driver for ’18 – “Juncos Racing announced today that Mexican Alfonso Celis Jr. will join the team for the 2018 Indy Lights Championship Presented by Cooper Tires. Celis is the second driver to commit to the reigning 2017 Indy Lights Champions. Alfonso Celis Jr. (Puebla, Mexico) joins the Indy Lights Championship after a successful season in the World Series Formula V8, where he claimed one pole and one win to finish third in the championship. Celis was also a Formula One Reserve Driver for Sahara Force India Formula One during the 2016 and 2017 seasons.” Full release at the link. – Juncos Racing – (2/23/2018)

Homestead Lights test entry list – Indy Lights has posted the entry list for spring training testing at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Friday and Monday. Check it out at the link. – Indy Lights – (2/23/2018)

Daly’s 24 hours of struggle upon end of “Amazing Race” – The Indianapolis Star’s Jim Ayello has posted an excellent story on the short period of time where Conor Daly was eliminated from “The Amazing Race” and found out he wouldn’t have a ride with AJ Foyt Racing in the Verizon IndyCar Series in 2018. Full story at the link. – Indianapolis Star – (2/23/2018)

Herta named reserve driver for IMSA Team BMW RLL – John Dagys reports Colton Herta has been named reserve driver for Team BMW RLL in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Herta will still run the full Indy Lights season with Andretti Steinbrenner Racing. Full story at the link. – sportscar365 – (2/23/2018)

IMS unveils 2018 Indy 500 ticket – Indianapolis Motor Speedway has unveiled the ticket for the 102nd Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. As is tradition, last year’s winner Takuma Sato is featured on the ticket. Check it out at the link. – IMS – (2/22/2018)

Daly/Rossi finish fourth in “Amazing Race” finale – “Amazing Race” Team IndyCar of Conor Daly and Alexander Rossi finished fourth in the series finale. “There’s a lot of things I’ll look back on,” Rossi said. “It’s very special get to be in competitive environment outside of the race car.” Read the INDYCAR recap at the link. – INDYCAR – (2/22/2018)

Team Penske announces Siemens partnership – “Under the multi-year agreement, Siemens will help enhance Team Penske’s performance with full access to a wide variety of software products to enable advanced digital design and simulations…The partnership will also include Siemens as an associate sponsor on the Team Penske cars competing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, the NASCAR XFINITY Series, the Verizon IndyCar Series and the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.” Full release at the link. – Team Penske – (2/22/2018)

Juncos announces Pro Mazda champ Franzoni as Lights driver for ’18 – “Juncos Racing announced today that the 2017 Pro Mazda Presented by Cooper Tires Champion Victor Franzoni would return to the team for the 2018 Indy Lights Championship Presented by Cooper Tires. Franzoni is the first driver to commit to the reigning 2017 Indy Lights Champion team.” Full release at the link. – Juncos Racing – (2/22/2018)

Dixon, Bourdais, and Kanaan named drivers for CGRT Le Mans teams – Scott Dixon, Sebastien Bourdais, and Tony Kanaan were named as drivers of the Chip Ganassi Racing Teams Ford GTs for the 2018 24 Hours of Le Mans. Full driver lineup at the link. – Ford Performance – (2/22/2018)

Report: Continental interested in IndyCar – RACER’s Marshall Pruett reports Continental Tire is interested in becoming the official tire provider of the Verizon IndyCar Series. Full story at the link. – RACER – (2/22/2018)

Channing Tatum named Grand Marshal at Barber – Barber Motorsports Park has announced actor and producer Channing Tatum will be the Grand Marshal for the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama. – Barber Motorsports Park – (2/21/2018)

Track construction begins at Long Beach – “The “Roar by the Shore” is less than two months away! Construction has begun on the iconic Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach race circuit in preparation for the April 13-15 race weekend. Over the next 53 days, more than 2,400 concrete blocks that anchor the safety system around the 1.97-mile, 11-turn racing circuit will be placed along with 14 large grandstands that line the race course. The schedule reflects a reduced construction time frame that was agreed to between the City of Long Beach and the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach in their new contract.” Full release at the link. – Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach – (2/21/2018)

Norris implies IndyCar is possibility based on McLaren decisions – McLaren F1 junior driver Lando Norris told MotorSport Online’s Jack Phillips that he’d be interested in racing in the Verizon IndyCar Series if he and McLaren decided that would be best for his career. “IndyCar is something I would want to do,” he admits, having mulled it over. “It depends on McLaren, if they think it is a good idea to go and do it in year two. It could help me develop, it’s a big car and fast, but it’s very different to F1.” Full story at the link. – MotorSport Online – (2/21/2018)

Miller’s Mailbag 2/21/18 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (2/21/2018)

Report: Howard to be named driver of third car for SPM at Indy – The Indianapolis Star’s Jim Ayello reports Schmidt Peterson Motorsports and Jay Howard have “finalized a deal” for Howard to drive the team’s third car in the 102nd Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. Full story at the link. – Indianapolis Star – (2/20/2018)

RLL expands Fleet Cost & Care partnership – “Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) announced today that Fleet Cost & Care (FCC), makers of the most comprehensive fleet management software solutions NexGen and Atom, will make its debut as a primary sponsor when 2016 race winner Graham Rahal returns to the high banked Texas Motor Speedway for the Texas Indy 600 on June 9. FCC has been an associate sponsor for the team’s Verizon IndyCar Series program since 2016. In 2017, the FCC logo appeared on Rahal’s No. 15 Honda-powered entry at events in St. Petersburg, Long Beach, the Grand Prix of Indianapolis, Detroit, Road America, Mid-Ohio and Sonoma as well as on Oriol Servia’s No. 16 entry at the Indianapolis 500. For 2018, the company will be featured on the No. 15 entry at all 17 races.” See the livery on our No. 15 livery page here. Full release at the link. – RLL – (2/20/2018)

Trackside podcast 2/19/18 – 1070 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 2/19/18 is a great listen as always. Ed Carpenter is a guest on the show. – 1070 The Fan – (2/20/2018)

INDYCAR announces five-year extension with Holmatro – “Holmatro has supported INDYCAR’s renowned safety team for decades, supplying rescue tools to assist in the quick and safe extrication of race drivers following an on-track incident. That reliable and valuable relationship continues with today’s announcement that INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway have renewed the agreement that keeps Holmatro as the Official Rescue Tool Provider. As such, Holmatro will provide cutting-edge technology tools and training to support every Verizon IndyCar Series and Mazda Road to Indy event for the next five years.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (2/20/2018)

Sam Hunt to headline IMS Legends Day concert – “Grammy Award nominee and multi-platinum superstar Sam Hunt will headline the Firestone Legends Day Concert on Saturday, May 26 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during Race Weekend for the 102nd Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil. Canaan Smith and Filmore will serve as opening acts for the concert, which starts at 3:30 p.m. on the Firestone Stage inside Turn 4 of the IMS oval.” Full release at the link. – IMS – (2/20/2018)

Report: TK and Rahal to test new street course tire – Motorsport.com’s David Malsher reports Tony Kanaan and Graham Rahal will test a new Firestone street course tire at Sebring International Raceway next week. The soonest the tire would be used in a race weekend would be at Toronto in July. Full story at the link. – Motorsport.com – (2/20/2018)

Report: Cosworth still looking for OEM badging for third engine manufacturer – Motorsport.com’s Tom Errington reports Cosworth is still interested in being an engine manufacturer in the Verizon IndyCar Series but needs the support of an OEM. “We have a fantastic motor racing heritage and Cosworth is keen to go top-flight racing again with the right OEM partner,” Bruce Wood, Cosworth’s managing director of powertrains, told Motorsport.com. “We’re constantly in talks with people in IndyCar. You can do it very economically, compared to other categories, and you don’t need to own a team.” Full story at the link. – Motorsport.com – (2/19/2018)

Report: SPM close to third car at Indy, field of 34-36 according to Schmidt – RACER’s Marshall Pruett reports Schmidt Peterson Motorsports is close to completing a deal for a third car for the 102nd Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race (outside of their partnership with Michael Shank Racing on the No. 60). “If we’re talking percentage likelihood, I’d say we’re at 90 with the third car,” SPM owner Sam Schmidt told RACER. “We’re planning on having the Nos. 5, 6, and 7, and our arrangement with Michael Shank and his No.60 car is more of a technical partnership…It looks like we’re going to be at a minimum of 34 cars, maybe 35 or 36, which is brilliant for the Speedway.” Full story at the link. – RACER – (2/16/2018)

Trackside podcast 2/15/18 – 1070 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 2/15/18 is a great listen as always. Brant James and Jon Beekhuis are guests on the show. – 1070 The Fan – (2/16/2018)

RLL announces associate sponsorship from Keihin North America – “Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) announced today that Keihin North America, a leading manufacturer of precision technology parts for both the automotive and powersports industry, has returned to the team as a full-season associate sponsor after having been an associate sponsor of Graham Rahal’s entry in the 2017 Indianapolis 500. Keihin, a major supplier to the Automotive and Powersports Industries, will be featured on the entry of reigning Indianapolis 500 champion Takuma Sato as well as Rahal’s entry in a multi-year program.” Full release at the link. – RLL – (2/16/2018)

Miller & Pruett’s Indy 500 car count – RACER’s Robin Miller and Marshall Pruett have posted an excellent update on the current status of the car count for the 102nd Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. Includes separate updates on Conor Daly, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, Oriol Servia, and much more. Check it out at the link. – RACER – (2/15/2018)

Daly/Rossi advance in Episode 7 of “Amazing Race” – “Amazing Race” Team IndyCar of Conor Daly and Alexander Rossi won both legs of a double-episode that aired on Wednesday night and they’ll continue to appear on the show next week. Read the INDYCAR recap at the link. – INDYCAR – (2/15/2018)

Carpenter confirms Danica will run Indy 500 with ECR – After Danica Patrick let it slip on Wednesday that Ed Carpenter would be her owner for the 102nd Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, Ed Carpenter confirmed the news. An interview with Ed Carpenter is available at the link. – Chris Hagan – (2/15/2018)

Another team emerges as Thom Burns Racing joins social media – Thom Burns Racing has emerged as a very real candidate to enter a car in the 102nd Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. Burns was a partner on the Lazier family’s team in the recent past and rumors had emerged for a while that he might go on his own this year. Thom Burns Racing posted on Twitter for the first time on Tuesday and insinuated they’ll be a race team for the Indy 500. An Indiana business entity search shows that Thom Burns Racing LLC was created in December of 2017. Check out their Twitter account at the link. – Thom Burns Racing – (2/14/2018)

Fontana and Las Vegas open to INDYCAR return – Autoweek’s Matt Weaver reports executives at Auto Club Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway are each open to a return from the Verizon IndyCar Series. “I love IndyCar racing,” Auto Club Speedway president Dave Allen told Autoweek. “I love open-wheel racing, and I’ve always said that…”We keep the channels open, and if a date came open that made sense and if it made business sense for IndyCar, we would do that. We’re always open to IndyCar. Jay (Frye, IndyCar president of competition and operations) and his group, which has had some changes, are trying to keep open-wheel front facing and alive and well.” Full story at the link. – Autoweek – (2/14/2018)

Miller’s Mailbag 2/14/18 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (2/14/2018)

Track build begins in St. Pete – “Track construction has begun on the picturesque 1.8-mile, 14-turn temporary circuit on the waterfront in downtown St. Petersburg. The final racing layout for the 14th Annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, March 9-11, will again feature six left and eight right turns running in a clockwise direction. The commencement of the race track build was highlighted by a visit today from Team Penske’s Verizon IndyCar Series driver Will Power. No one has been faster on this track as Power has claimed seven of the last eight pole positions during qualifying for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.” Full release at the link. – Firestone GP – (2/13/2018)

RACER interview with Frye on windscreen – RACER’s Marshall Pruett has posted an excellent interview with Jay Frye on the future of the windscreen after Scott Dixon tested it at ISM Raceway in Phoenix. Full story at the link. – RACER – (2/13/2018)

Danica says Indy 500 deal is complete – Brant James reports for INDYCAR.com that Danica Patrick says her deal to race in the 102nd Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race is complete but a date for the formal announcement has yet to be set. “We’ll do something a little more substantial for the announcement and the unveil,” said Patrick. Full story at the link. – INDYCAR – (2/12/2018)

The Open Wheel’s Saturday Phoenix test photo gallery – The Open Wheel’s Parker Hall’s photo gallery from Saturday activity at the Verizon IndyCar Series “Prix View” open test at ISM Raceway in Phoenix is available at the link. – The Open Wheel – (2/10/2018)

RLL sweeps Phoenix testing as Sato leads the way in final session – Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing finished off their sweep of all four full-field sessions at the Verizon IndyCar Series open test at ISM Raceway as Takuma Sato’s lap at 189.855mph was fastest in the final session on Saturday. The rest of the Top 5 was Power, Kanaan, Newgarden, and Andretti. Dixon and Leist each made contact with a barrier in the session but were cleared to drive. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (2/10/2018)

Report: ECR favorite to be landing spot for Danica – Autoweek’s Bruce Martin reports Ed Carpenter Racing and Danica Patrick could be moving very close towards making a deal to run the 102nd Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. “They certainly check most of the boxes,” Carpenter told Autoweek. “Danica has always been strong at Indy. She has good partners. There is always more to it than that, so we’ll see what happens. Full story at the link. – Autoweek – (2/10/2018)

RLL fastest again as Sato leads Saturday afternoon test session at Phoenix – Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Takuma Sato’s lap at 189.728mph topped the charts in Saturday afternoon Verizon IndyCar Series testing at ISM Raceway. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing has topped all three full-field sessions thus far. The rest of the Top 5 was Power, Dixon, Hunter-Reay, and Pagenaud. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (2/10/2018)

The Open Wheel’s 2018 car/driver quiz – The Open Wheel’s livery quiz from the 2018 Verizon IndyCar Series open test at ISM Raceway. – The Open Wheel – (2/10/2018)

The Open Wheel’s Phoenix livery page – The Open Wheel’s “spotter guide” for for the 2018 Verizon IndyCar Series test at ISM Raceway in Phoenix is available at the link. You’ll find the liveries of all 23 cars on one page. – The Open Wheel – (2/10/2018)

The Open Wheel’s Friday Phoenix test photo gallery – The Open Wheel’s Parker Hall’s photo gallery from Friday activity at the Verizon IndyCar Series “Prix View” open test at ISM Raceway in Phoenix is available at the link. – The Open Wheel – (2/9/2018)

Rahal fastest in Friday night test session at Phoenix – Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Graham Rahal was fastest in the Friday night session of Verizon IndyCar Series testing at ISM Raceway with a lap at 189.090mph. The rest of the Top 5 was Sato, Pagenaud, Newgarden, and Kanaan. Leist had a spin with no contact in the session. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (2/9/2018)

Sato fastest in first Phoenix test session on Friday – Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Takuma Sato’s lap at 187.022mph was fastest in the first full-field session of the Verizon IndyCar Series open test at ISM Raceway on Friday. The rest of the Top 5 was Pagenaud, Kanaan, Leist, and Bourdais. Full results here. – INDYCAR – (2/9/2018)

RLL announces One Cure primary sponsorship for No. 15 at Phoenix and Portland – “Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) announced today that One Cure, an initiative from the Flint Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University (CSU), will be the primary sponsor of the No. 15 Verizon IndyCar Series entry of Graham Rahal at ISM Raceway on April 7 and Portland International Raceway, September 2. One Cure will also be an associate sponsor for Rahal’s entry for the full 2018 season with the goal of bringing awareness to, and understanding for One Cure.” Full release at the link. – RLL – (2/9/2018)

Leist tops Phoenix rookie testing – AJ Foyt Racing rookie Matheus Leist’s lap at 184.236mph was fastest in Thursday rookie testing at ISM Raceway. Full story at the link. – INDYCAR – (2/9/2018)

Dixon visor cam with windscreen from Phoenix testing – “Hop inside the cockpit with Scott Dixon in the No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda as he tests the windscreen prototype developed by INDYCAR, under the lights at ISM Raceway.” Video at the link. – INDYCAR – (2/9/2018)

Andretti Autosport announces Ruoff Home Mortgage sponsorship for No. 98 – “The blue, green and white of Ruoff Home Mortgage will dress the No. 98 Andretti-Herta Autosport entry for two races during the 2018 Verizon IndyCar Series. The Indy 500-winning partnership will open the season on the streets of St. Petersburg as Marco Andretti’s primary sponsor and return mid-season on the livery at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.” See the livery on our No. 98 livery page here. Full release at the link. – Andretti Autosport – (2/9/2018)

Trackside podcast 2/8/18 – 1070 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 2/8/18 is a great listen as always. James Hinchcliffe, Robert Wickens, Pietro Fittipaldi, Jack Harvey, and Michael Shank are guests on the show. – 1070 The Fan – (2/9/2018)

The Open Wheel’s Sonoma test photo gallery – The Open Wheel’s guest photographer Riley Bridges’ favorite photos from Verizon IndyCar Series testing at Sonoma Raceway on February 5, 2018. – The Open Wheel – (2/8/2018)

Daly/Rossi advance in Episode 6 of “Amazing Race” – “Amazing Race” Team IndyCar of Conor Daly and Alexander Rossi finished third in the episode that aired on Wednesday night and they’ll continue to appear on the show next week. Read the INDYCAR recap at the link. – INDYCAR – (2/8/2018)

Juncos reveals livery for No. 32 for Kaiser and Binder – “Juncos Racing revealed today that the vibrant green, white, and orange team colors would carry onto the No. 32 Verizon IndyCar Series entry shared by Rene Binder and Kyle Kaiser for the 2018 season…Binder’s No. 32 Juncos Racing car will feature Binderholz as the primary sponsor. Binderholz is one of the leading European companies in cutting-edge technologies and production methods within the timber market. Along with Binderholz, other sponsorship opportunities are being sought after by the Austrian. Kaiser will feature Juncos Racing on the No. 32 car until sponsorship has been secured” See the livery on our No. 32 livery page here. Full release at the link. – Juncos Racing – (2/8/2018)

Castroneves named grand marshal at St. Pete – “Three-time Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg race winner Helio Castroneves will serve as the grand marshal for the March 9-11th weekend. Castroneves, who gained global notoriety for his dazzling performance away from the race car by winning Dancing with the Stars in 2007, has claimed the most IndyCar wins in the event’s 13-year history.” Full release at the link. – Firestone GP – (2/8/2018)

Andretti Autosport announces U.S. Concrete sponsorship for No. 98 – “Andretti Autosport announced today the addition of a new partner as national ready-mixed concrete producer U.S. Concrete enters IndyCar competition for the first time, paired with third-generation racer Marco Andretti. U.S. Concrete, a leader in concrete manufacturing and green building, has joined the team to brand the No. 98 Honda for six Verizon IndyCar Series races including Long Beach, Indianapolis [Grand Prix and Indy 500], Texas, Pocono and Sonoma.” See the livery on our No. 98 livery page here. Full release at the link. – Andretti Autosport – (2/7/2018)

RLL announces extension of United Rentals partnership – “Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) announced today that United Rentals Inc., the largest equipment rental company in the world, has extended their existing agreement with the team as well as expanded it in a new multi-year agreement. The partnership between RLL and United Rentals began in 2016 as a full season associate sponsorship with primary sponsorship of the Detroit doubleheaders. In 2017, the program expanded to also include primary sponsorship of the Phoenix race. For 2018, a new multi-year program will include associate sponsorship for the season as well as primary sponsorship at the IndyCar Series season-opening race in St. Petersburg, both races at Indianapolis Motor Speedway – the Grand Prix of Indianapolis and the 102nd Running of the Indianapolis 500 — and a return to the Detroit doubleheader as the defending champion of both races. United Rentals also continues as the Official Equipment Partner of the Verizon IndyCar Series.” See the livery on our No. 15 livery page here. Full release at the link. – RLL – (2/7/2018)

DCR confirms Paysafe sponsorship and Claman De Melo/Fittipaldi split in No. 19 – “Leading global payments provider, Paysafe will become the primary and naming sponsor of the Dale Coyne Racing entry that will be shared by Canadian Zach Claman De Melo and Brazilian Pietro Fittipaldi for the 2018 Verizon IndyCar Series season. Following a successful partnership with De Melo at the season ending event in Sonoma in 2017, Paysafe has agreed to partner with Dale Coyne Racing to provide continued sponsorship to the young Canadian as its primary brand ambassador as well as extend its support to his Brazilian teammate, and up and coming driver, Pietro Fittipaldi. Fittipaldi is the grandson of two-time Formula 1 Champion and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, Emerson Fittipaldi. The two drivers will take turns piloting the Paysafe Honda-powered car throughout the season.” Full release at the link. – Dale Coyne Racing – (2/7/2018)

Shank receives tub for ’18 season – RACER’s Marshall Pruett reports Michael Shank Racing has received their tub for the 2018 Verizon IndyCar Series season. The team hopes to test in late February before embarking on their partial-season effort for 2018. Full story at the link. – RACER – (2/7/2018)

Pigot visor cam from Sonoma test – RACER has posted an excellent visor cam video from Spencer Pigot during Verizon IndyCar Series testing on Monday at Sonoma Raceway. – RACER – (2/7/2018)

Miller’s Mailbag 2/7/18 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (2/7/2018)

Report: Fittipaldi confirms seven race deal with DCR – Motorsport.com’s Charles Bradley reports Pietro Fittipaldi will drive in seven races in the 2018 Verizon IndyCar Series including the 102nd Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race with Dale Coyne Racing. “This is a dream come true, even more so to be racing in the Indy 500, where my family already has a history of great results,” Fittipaldi told Motorsport.com. “I want to thank the entire team at Dale Coyne Racing, along with Escuderia Telmex for this massive opportunity and important step in my career.” Full story at the link. – Motorsport.com – (2/6/2018)

CGRT announces PNC Bank partnership for No. 9 car – “PNC Bank and Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR), today announced an agreement designating PNC as the primary sponsor of the Chip Ganassi Racing No. 9 Honda for the 2018 Verizon IndyCar Series season. The sponsorship represents an expansion of the PNC-CGR relationship that dates back to 2013 when PNC Bank became an official sponsor of Chip Ganassi Racing. Driven by four-time IndyCar Series champion, Scott Dixon, the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda will appear in eight markets within the PNC footprint. Most notably, Dixon and the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda will be seen competing in the 102nd running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 27.” See the livery on our No. 9 livery page here. Full release at the link. – CGRT – (2/6/2018)

King to test w/ECR at Phoenix on Sunday – David Malsher reports for AUTOSPORT that Ed Carpenter Racing road/street course rookie Jordan King will test on the oval at ISM Raceway after the open test this weekend. “The goal for me this year is to learn as much as I can and prepare myself to the best of my ability to try and get a full-time seat in IndyCar for 2019,” King told AUTOSPORT. Ed Carpenter offered this on what this means for King possibly running an oval in 2018: “At the moment that isn’t the plan, but you never know. It’s a long way off until May.” Full story at the link. – AUTOSPORT – (2/6/2018)

Report: Newgarden fastest in Sonoma testing – Motorsport.com’s David Malsher reports Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden was fastest in the Verizon IndyCar Series test at Sonoma Raceway on Monday. Full unofficial results and story at the link. – Motorsport.com – (2/6/2018)

Foyt and Kanaan unveil No. 14 ABC Supply Co. livery – Tony Kanaan tweeted out the ABC Supply Co. livery that he’ll drive in his No. 14 car for AJ Foyt Racing this season on Monday. See the livery on our No. 14 livery page here. – Tony Kanaan – (2/5/2018)

Penske and Pagenaud unveil No. 22 Menards livery – Simon Pagenaud tweeted out the Menards livery that he’ll drive in his No. 22 car for Team Penske this season on Monday. See the livery on our No. 22 livery page here. – Simon Pagenaud – (2/5/2018)

DCR confirms Vasser/Sullivan partnership – “Dale Coyne, Jimmy Vasser and James “Sulli” Sullivan announced today the creation of Dale Coyne Racing with Vasser-Sullivan, to compete in the Verizon IndyCar Series beginning with the 2018 season. The newly formed team also announced that SealMaster will be the primary sponsor for nine of the 17 races, including the Indianapolis 500, for the #18 Dale Coyne Racing w/ Vasser-Sullivan entry to be driven by Sebastien Bourdais.” Full release at the link. – Dale Coyne Racing – (2/5/2018)

Vasser and Sullivan to partner with DCR for No. 18 entry – The AP’s Jenna Fryer reports Jimmy Vasser and Jim Sullivan are back in INDYCAR as they’re partnering with Dale Coyne Racing’s No. 18 entry for Sebastien Bourdais. The entry will have a primary sponsorship from SealMaster for 9 of the 17 races this season. See the livery on our No. 18 livery page here. Full story at the link. – AP – (2/5/2018)

Penske and Newgarden unveil No. 1 Hitachi livery – Josef Newgarden tweeted out the Hitachi livery that he’ll drive in his No. 1 car for Team Penske this season on Monday. See the livery on our No. 1 livery page here. – Josef Newgarden – (2/5/2018)

Fittipaldi to test for DCR at Sonoma and Phoenix – David Malsher reports Pietro Fittipaldi will test for Dale Coyne Racing in the No. 19 car this week at Sonoma and Phoenix. Fittipaldi is expected to share the seat with Zachary Claman De Melo this season. Full story at the link. – Motorsport.com – (2/5/2018)

ECR unveils ’18 liveries – Ed Carpenter Racing unveiled their 2018 Verizon IndyCar Series liveries for both the No. 20 and No. 21 car. See the liveries on our No. 20 and No. 21 pages. – ECR – (2/5/2018)

Sonoma test open to fans on Monday – “At least twelve drivers from seven Verizon IndyCar Series teams will take part in a one-day test session at Sonoma Raceway on Monday, Feb. 5…Race fans are invited to enjoy the test session for free, with testing slated to run from approximately 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with a break from noon-1 p.m. The Raceway Café will be open for lunch.” Full release at the link. – Sonoma Raceway – (2/5/2018)

CMR Racing and Chad Orr to attempt Freedom 100 – “Today it was announced that CMR Racing’s driver Chad Orr will attempt to qualify and race in the 2018 Indy Lights Freedom 100 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the month of May. The CMR staff has been working hard with Bruce Robinson who is a marketing associate with a few teams in the paddock to get things into action.” Full release at the link. – CMR Racing – (2/4/2018)

INDYCAR ROC recap – INDYCAR has posted an excellent recap of the Race of Champions experience for drivers Helio Castroneves, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Josef Newgarden. Montoya (2) and Castroneves (1) each grabbed runner-up finishes. Full story at the link. – INDYCAR – (2/4/2018)

DCR set to announce Claman De Melo and Fittipaldi will share No. 19 – The Indianapolis Star’s Jim Ayello reports Dale Coyne Racing will soon announce that Zachary Claman De Melo and Pietro Fittipaldi will share the driving duties of the team’s No. 19 car throughout the 2018 Verizon IndyCar Series season. “This is just the situation we’re in because we need funding for that car,” team owner Dale Coyne told the Indianapolis Star. “But, truthfully, the money is secondary. I think this is a scenario that could work out pretty good for us.” Full story at the link. – Indianapolis Star – (2/4/2018)

INDYCAR announces details of windscreen test on 2/8 at Phoenix – “INDYCAR will take the next step in the evolution of its driver safety program by testing a windscreen on an Indy car for the first time on track, Thursday, Feb. 8, at ISM Raceway. The test will be held in conjunction with the Verizon IndyCar Series’ preseason open test near Phoenix. The windscreen, under development for nearly two years, will be affixed to a Chip Ganassi Racing Honda driven by four-time Verizon IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon. The primary goal of the test will be to validate visual acuity for the driver in various lighting conditions – under full sun, at dusk and at night under track lighting.” Image and full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (2/2/2018)

GreenLight teases Chilton livery in ’18 die-cast image – GreenLight Collectibles has posted an image of a 2018 1:18 scale die-cast of Carlin’s No. 59 car for Max Chilton. See the livery on our No. 59 livery page here. – GreenLight Collectibles – (2/1/2018)

SPM unveils 2018 liveries – Schmidt Peterson Motorsports unveiled their 2018 Verizon IndyCar Series liveries on Thursday. Along with the livery unveiling, it was revealed that rookie Robert Wickens will drive the No. 6 car rather than No. 7. Check them out at the link and our livery pages here. – SPM – (2/1/2018)

Daly/Rossi advance in Episode 5 of “Amazing Race” – “Amazing Race” Team IndyCar of Conor Daly and Alexander Rossi finished fourth in the episode that aired on Wednesday night and they’ll continue to appear on the show next week. Read the INDYCAR recap at the link. – INDYCAR – (2/1/2018)

INDYCAR names Sansum managing director of engine development – “INDYCAR has landed a lead engineer from a championship-winning manufacturer as its new managing director of engine development. Darren Sansum joins INDYCAR after a successful stint at Toyota Racing Development, which has won the past two manufacturer championships in NASCAR’s Cup series. Sansum brings considerable experience to INDYCAR, having also worked for Ford Motor Company, Cosworth Technology and Ilmor Engineering. At INDYCAR, Sansum will oversee engine development and competition between Honda and Chevrolet in the Verizon IndyCar Series effective Feb. 6.” Full release at the link. – INDYCAR – (1/31/2018)

RLL announces partnership with TOTAL QUARTZ – “Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) and Total Specialties USA, Inc., Total S.A.’s U.S. marketing affiliate, have announced a multi-year agreement that will see TOTAL QUARTZ become the Official Lubricant Partner of their Verizon IndyCar Series team and the primary sponsor of the No. 15 Indy car driven by Graham Rahal in the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. It will mark Total’s return to the team after being an associate sponsor of their inaugural season in 1992 where Bobby Rahal earned his third Indy car title. The 2018 Long Beach race will mark their first as a primary sponsor of an Indy car.” See the livery on our No. 15 livery page here. – RLL – (1/31/2018)

Miller’s Mailbag 1/31/18 – RACER’s Robin Miller’s weekly fan Q&A is a great read as always. – RACER – (1/31/2018)

Trackside podcast 1/30/18 – 1070 The Fan’s Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee radio show from 1/30/18 is a great listen as always. Rob Edwards and Ryan Briscoe are guests on the show. – 1070 The Fan – (1/31/2018)

INDYCAR Rolex 24 recap – “Try It Tiny and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are introducing a luxury, pop-up Tiny House Hotel at the 102nd Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil…Each tiny house is packed with a host of amenities never before available to attendees, including a compact kitchen with high-end finishes, a modern bathroom, air conditioning, sleeping quarters and more. Interested fans can select from a mix of several different houses with varying layouts and options. Fifteen Tiny House spots will be located at IMS and available to customers for Race Weekend. The Tiny House Hotel will be conveniently located on the track’s property from Thursday, May 24 until Monday, May 28. In addition to the accommodations, guests will enjoy four General Admission tickets to the race, on-site parking, a private concierge service and much more. The total cost for the weekend is $3,000.” Full release at the link. – IMS – (1/30/2018)

Bell returns home from Rolex 24 to find racing items stolen – Townsend Bell returned home from driving in the Rolex 24 at Daytona to find his house had been robbed. Missing items include two Rolex watches related to racing victories, his ring for winning the 2001 Indy Lights championship, 10 rings from starting in the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, and more. Full story at the link. – RACER – (1/30/2018)

INDYCAR Rolex 24 recap – INDYCAR’s recap of INDYCAR drivers’ experience at the Rolex 24 at Daytona is a great read. Scott Dixon was a driver for Chip Ganassi Racing Team’s winning effort in GT Le Mans and Sebastien Bourdais drove for the team’s other car that finished P2 in the same class. Other drivers didn’t have as successful of an experience but performed well themselves. Full story at the link. – INDYCAR – (1/29/2018)

Coyne hopes to finalize lineup before 2/9-10 Phoenix test – RACER’s Marshall Pruett reports Dale Coyne Racing owner Dale Coyne wants to finalize the teams’ plans for the driver of the No. 19 car before the Verizon IndyCar Series test at ISM Raceway in early February. Full story at the link. – RACER – (1/29/2018)

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