Starting Tire Switch Allowed and Other Notes

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Per Zion Brown of IndyStar, teams will be allowed to change their starting tire selection because of the change in race length. I mentioned this after hearing about the shortened race. A new tire list will be out soon.

I spoke with track staff about the paddock situation. The person I talked to said that only hard cards were allowed in the paddock today, no wristbands. I am all for fan friendliness at tracks, but sometimes circumstances require things to change. Please read the Terms and Conditions on the race tickets.

I do think, however, that many times IndyCar schedules are geared more for the convenience of television and the fans who put the effort forth to come to the tracks are sometimes not considered. There needs to be some middle ground.

Let’s Try Again

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Today’s schedule: Times are Central. broadcast on FOX

Another scorching day on tap with a slight chance for pop up showers is on hand as we attempt to run the Music City Grand Prix. The race distance, as I noted last night returns to the 225 lap distance of 2025. The reason given is the heat.

Tire rules remain in effect, one set of primaries and two sets of alternates must be used. It probably won’t happen, but I think teams should have the option to change their starting tire designation if they wish, considering the shortened race length.

A series will not grow if it doesn’t take risks. Yesterday was huge gamble given the summer weather patterns in the Midwest and South. Sometimes things work out, sometimes they don’t.

I do wonder why FOX made this a midafternoon race instead of an 11 am local start. I understand a lot of wheels have to turn to reschedule a race If heat were the biggest concern, late morning would make more sense.It would be cooler at that time as well.

I am not changing my prediction of a Kyle Kirkwood win, and I would still keep an eye on Scott McLaughlin. We will see how this works out.

I will need to leave immediately after the checkered flag to get home. If there is a weather delay or a stoppage of the action, I will leave at that point. Look for a wrap up tomorrow.

If you’re coming to the track today, sunscreen and hydration are still very much in order.

I will keep you posted on any new developments this morning

Postponed- Nashville Monday Afternoon

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The weather won the day and the Music City Grand Prix will take place tomorrow at 3 pm Eastern on FOX.

Today was planned as a huge ratings boost following the World Cup, but typical weather at this time of year in Nashville washed out any chance of running tonight.

Tomorrow’s schedule will be forthcoming. Thanks for following along this weekend.

Music City Race Day

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Today’s schedule:

Times are Central. IndyCar race start is contingent on when the World Cup ends, and the weather.

From IndyCar:

Immediately following the “INDY NXT by Firestone race (so, roughly 1 p.m. CT), car Nos. 15, 18 and 66 will be allowed an install lap given their incidents in final practice. The cars will only be allowed one-time by the start-finish line.

Today’s weather from @Indycar_WXman:

Could we end up with a night race? I would not have a problem with that. If the race goes off uninterrupted, I think Kyle Kirkwood will win his second race of the year. I would keep an eye on Scott McLaughlin as well. he has been quietly quick so far.

Should Kirkwood win, he will still only make a minimal gain on Alex Palou, who will probably end up with a top five.

Now we just wait for the World Cup to come to its merciful end, and what Mother Nature wants to do.

Malukas Released; Cleared to Drive

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David Malukas returned to Nashville Superspeedway about an hour after qualifying ended. He demonstrated to the satisfaction of IndyCar medical staff that he could enter and exit the car without any issues.

Malukas sustained a knee injury in this morning’s practice and spent much of the day at a local hospital for evaluation. He told FOX news r=that he did not have any broken bones.

\Team Penske issued the following statement”

A large corwd had gathered at the garage of the 12 car waiting for Malukas to undergo the test.

He had no problem entering or exiting the cockpit.

Malukas talks with IndyCar medical team after per4forming the equired exercise.

Malukas has gone on track for an install lap. I’m happy to see Malukas return, but it’s hard not ot feel bad for Conor Daly, who would have subbed for Malukas. Daly has driven for every team in the paddock except Team Penske and Chip Ganassi Racing.