IndyCar Content days begin at noon today with driver interviews and continue through tomorrow afternoon. Unfortunately, the complete full time field will, not be present. Dale Coyne has not yet named the driver of his second car, and last night we learned that Prema drivers Robert Shwartzman and Callum Ilott will miss the sessions as well.

Prema is undergoing an ownership change and will likely not participate in the season opener at St. Pete. This morning Prema’s sporting director, Ryan Briscoe, was announced as a driver coach for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.

Prema struggled last year, and with no shot at Leaders’ Circle money, it was going to be difficult to continue long term without major sponsorship. One of my concerns about the charter system is being realized- that the system inhibits growth of the series, making it a challenge for a new team to enter the series.

DC Race?

Talk of a possible race in Washington, DC, in August was raised last week. I have several issues with this particular event, although I am not opposed toa race in the Nation’s capital in general,

Adding a race min one of IndyCar’s busiest months would be difficult. There are already four races on three weekends in August. Taking away one of the Milwaukee races doesn’t help since the double header is just one weekend.

Sponsors have paid and budgeted for 17 races. Who pays for the 18th race?

Engine and tire limits also have leases based on 17 races. Do teams get a fifth engine?

If the series wants a race in Washington, iun a region that has been ignored by the series for way too long, fine. But to put an event together in less than six months’ time is probably not a smart decision.

Wait until next year and do it the right way. And don’t replace an oval race for it.

FOX New Commercials

Last year FOX began promoting the upcoming season with ads during the NFL playoffs. The ads featured Josef Ne3wgarden, Pato O’Ward, and Alex Palou. They were witty, fast paced, and clever.

Last week FOX rolled out new ads for the 2026 season featuring the same three drivers. The first two, with Newgarden and O’Ward, lacked a lot of the zip and pizzazz of the initial promos. In my opinion, they ranged from dark to silly.

I hope the next two ads are better, but I’m not optimistic. Maybe so0meday FOX will learn that there are more than three drivers in the series who merit attention.

I will be posting off and on during the next two days.