I’m back after a much needed end of season break and a family trip back to California to meet the newest family member. I thought I’d return to have a 2023 Indycar schedule to discuss, but there is nothing yet. Did the schedule run off with the third OEM? Several other things are going on, though which deserve mention.

Indy Lights Champion’s Prize Cut

Yesterday we learned that Indy Lights champion Linus Lundqvist would receive only $500,000 for winning the title. Kyle Kirkwood collected $1.2 million in 2021, which had been the standard amount.

In the past the Lights champion was guaranteed three Indycar races the following year, including the Indianapolis 500. That guarantee is now gone.

When Penske Entertainment. took control of the top rung of the Road to {ndy at the beginning of 2022, entrants were led to believe that the prize money and the three races were to stay the same.

This reduction in prize money is a slap in the face to the drivers in the series. How many drivers came here expecting a one million driver payoff? Indy Lights was looking at a possible 20 car grid for 2023. How will this development affect that total?

Penske Entertainment should have made their intentions more clear at the start of this season. We may not see Lundqvist in Indycar at all in 2023, which would be a shame. The kid is talented and showed he belongs

Changes at AMSP

Taylor Kiel announced this week that he is leaving Arrow McLaren SP. The announcement seemed to be rather abrupt. The team announced that Brian Barnhart would replace him.

I’m not sure why Taylor is leaving, but he must have something big in the works. He has done a great job bringing the team up to a competitive level.

Herta and the Super License

Colton Herta will not be granted a super license exception by the FIA. The FIA undervalues Indycar in its license points system, and tends to favor their own feeder series. While I don’t like the system, I don’t think any series can make exceptions for any one driver, regardless of his or her talent.

Jamie Chadwick

On a positive note, Jamie Chadwick, two time W Series champion, tested with Andretti Autosport’ Indy Lights team Wednesday at Sebring. I hope the test went well and that Andretti or some other Lights team can find a spot for her in 2023.

She is a alented driver who would be great asset to the Indycar series.

I hope my next post discusses the 2023 schedule.