Author: thepitwindow

I'm a retired educator and lifelong racing fan. I hope to return to fostering greyhounds in the near future. Living mainly in Indy and wintering in Florida. I attend about 10 Indycar races a year as well as some sports car events

Test Day Update: Larson Completes Rookie Test

thepitwindow

Kyle Larson has completed Rookie Orientation with lots of time to spare. He got up to speed in just five laps and had a couple of laps faster than the required range in phase I.

Larson needed 72 laps to complete the 40 lap test. His best speed was 217.898 mph, Larson had a best turn 1 trap speed of 221.187.

“It was hard to go slow,” Larson said.

The Indycar drivers participating in the hybrid testing today spoke to the media during their brake. All had the sense that 2024 will be a learning year. Jay Frye said that the hybrid component is still evolving and will continue to evolve over the next few years.

Will Power likes the options that the drivers will have with the new system.

“You can play with it a lot,” he said.

Power thinks the new piece will not create more speed in 2024.

Will Power

“No, not next year. It’s got more capability, but I think reliability to become creep up on the amount of power that we use. “

Power likes the options the hybrid gives the driver. He said that the deriver can decide how energy to use.

“You can play with that a lot. Actually, I mean, you can have very low power for a short time. Spread that out. You know, I think I’m trying three courses to pretty much get all the way to fifth gear still. Fine, which really are the key areas they need to get the tower a lot of times yeah, that’s all stuff you can really play with. The series can just depends how much they want to utilize.”

Jay Frye told me that he is not sure how fuel mileage will be affected by the hybrid system. The added weight is a factor, but the energy saving may cause mileage to be about the same. He expects the racing to be more competitive.

Hybrids Debut; Blomqvist Hits 220

thepitwindow

Today’s schedule:

9-11am: Hybrid testing- Herta, Palou (Honda), Power, Rossi (Chevy)
11am-2pm: Larson ROP
2-6pm: Hybrid testing-Herta, Palou (Honda), Power, Rossi (Chevy)

Today at IMS the new power era begins. Four cars -two Hondas and two Chevys- will test the new hybrid engine package. I am interested in hearing their reactions after the first session.

NASCAR driver Kyle Larson takes his rookie test at 11 today. many fans have been wanting to see Larson race in the Indianapolis 500 for quite some time.

Rookies Have Successful Day

Yesterday afternoon the three rookies, who all pretty much breezed through their rookie tests in the morning, put in a combined 285 laps of practice. Tom Blomqvist had the fastest lap at 220. 176.

“It’s unbelievable,” Lundqvist said. “With the speeds that you’re going, it feels so fast. With the history and legacy around this place, it just feels magical. Even though the grandstands are empty, I can only imagine what it will feel like when they’re full. Even now it’s very, very special.”

“I’ve enjoyed it a whole lot more than I expected,” Armstrong said. “I’m not saying I didn’t expect to enjoy it, but I think the intensity of it is pretty special and watching (in-car) onboards and on TV is one thing, but actually feeling how the car moves and how the wind affects you and the tiny details of this place – and Texas – has kind of given me so much enjoyment.”

Results:

Time Speed Laps

1 60 Blomqvist, Tom (R) D/H/F 00:40.8764 220.176 90
2 8 Lundqvist, Linus (R) D/H/F 00:41.0015 219.504 102
3 11 Armstrong, Marcus (R) D/H/F 00:41.0487 219.252 93

ROP Midday- All Tests Complete

thepitwindow

Photo:- Tom Blomqvist after his rookie test

The three rookies made quick work of the Rookie Orientation Program on a cool, cloudy morning at IMS. Tom Blomqvist, Marcus Armstrong, and Linus Lundqvist each completed the three phase, 40 lap course by the noon break.

Lundqvist was the first to complete phase II at 11:10, followed by Blomqvist 30 minutes later and Armstrong at 11:45.

The inly issue during the session occurred around 11:30 when Armstrong lost power driving down the front stretch. The problem was quickly resolved, and he completed his test.

Blomqvist deswcribed the test as “..a pretty cool experience.”

He said the car became easier to drive at higher speeds. Blomqvist credited four time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves for helping him get through the morning.

Tom Blomqvist talks with Helio Castroneves after completing his rookie test.

“I grew up watching that guy (Castroneves) climb that fence when I was about seven, eight years old. He’s been giving me some tips. It’s great to be able to pick his brain because you’re limited on tires and time here.”

Blomqvist said the test at Texas helped him prepare for driving at IMS. IMs seemed a lot more natural becaus eof the G load on the body,.

Rookie Day at IMS; Hybrid Testing Thursday and Friday

thepitwindow

Today’s Schedule
10am-noon: ROP

Tom Blomqvist (MSR), Marcus Armstrong (Chip Ganassi Racing) & Linus Lundqvist (Chip Ganassi Racing)

1-5pm: ROP

Blomqvist, Armstrong & Lundqvist ROP

A cool morning will give way to a pleasant afternoon as three rookies take to the oval for Rookie Orientation today. Kyle Larson will have 11 am -2 pm tomorrow allocated for his rookie test.

Weather today calls for a temperature of 50 degrees at 10 am, warming to 62 degrees by noon. Afternoon temperatures will be in the mid to upper 60s.

Tomorow and Friday will be warmer with highs in the middle to upper 70s. Turn 2 viewing mounds are open all three days.

Tickets for 2024 Total Solar Eclipse On Sale Now at IMS.com, Ticket Office 

thepitwindow

From IMS:

 Racing Capital of the World Is Destination for Unrivaled Experience within Path of Totality
INDIANAPOLIS (Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023) – Tickets to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon of the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway are on sale at IMS.com and at the IMS Ticket Office.
General admission tickets are $15 per person and include gate admission April 8, infield parking and a pair of limited-edition solar eclipse glasses – “The Greatest Spectacles.”
Kids 18 and under are admitted free with a paying adult and will receive a pair of limited-edition solar eclipse glasses.
Three-day camping packages (April 6-9) in Lot 2 are available starting at $125.
April 6 marks 50 days until the 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, so fans can enjoy a countdown weekend at IMS while gearing up for a full day of racing and space fun.
“The Total Solar Eclipse is a unique opportunity to explore the connections between motorsports and space, and there’s no better place to celebrate both than the Indianapolis Motor Speedway,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said.
“As we count down to the Month of May, gathering at IMS to witness this rare moment over the Yard of Bricks will provide another opportunity to create lifelong memories at the Speedway.”
Six months from today, a total solar eclipse, known as the “Great North American Eclipse,” will trace a narrow path of totality across 13 U.S. states. When the total solar eclipse crosses North America, Indianapolis will be located in the center of the Path of Totality.
For three minutes and 46 seconds, Indianapolis will experience darkness as the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun.
This is the first time in 819 years that a Total Solar Eclipse has been visible in Indianapolis, and it will be another 129 years before it occurs again.
IMS will host one of several NASA broadcast sites across the nation. NASA experts will be on hand to answer questions about the scientific phenomenon of a total solar eclipse. Educational STEM opportunities, exclusive merchandise and programming centered around racing and space discovery will be available throughout the day.
Visit IMS.com to purchase tickets for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse and for more information on event details.

Rookie Orientation, Hybrid Testing on IMS Oval Next Week

thepitwindow

Indycar will conduct Indianapolis 500 Rookie orientation next Wednesday. On Thursday, and Friday six drivers representing four teams will test the new hybrid system on the oval. Kyle Larson will have three hours for rookie orientation on Thursday. The turn 2 viewing mounds will be open.

From yesterday:

Movie Review- The Lionheart

Movie Review-The Lionheart

The schedule:

WEDNESDAY
10am-noon: Blomqvist, Armstrong & Lundqvist ROP
1-5pm: Blomqvist, Armstrong & Lundqvist ROP

THURSDAY
9-11am: Hybrid testing- Herta, Palou (Honda), Power, Rossi (Chevy)
11am-2pm: Larson ROP
2-6pm: Hybrid testing-Herta, Palou (Honda), Power, Rossi (Chevy)

FRIDAY
9am-noon: Hybrid testing-Ericsson/Palou (Honda), Malukas/Power (Chevy)
1-5pm: Hybrid testing- Ericsson/Palou (Honda), Malukas/Power (Chevy)

Movie Review-The Lionheart

thepitwindow

Familiarity with a documentary subject can be a dangerous thing. it colors the way you view the film. It is fun to remember the high points, and it fills the viewer with dread knowing what is about to occur. This was the case at the premiere of The Lionheart at the Heartland International Film Festival last night in Indianapolis.

Laura Brownson’s 108-minute film kicked off the film festival in a sold-out theater. All were looking forward to a story about two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon. Indirectly the film is about Wheldon, but the main focus is on his widow, Susie Wheldon and his sons, Sebastian and Oliver.

The film presents Wheldon’s life and racing career with television highlights and home movies of his early carting career interspersed with the daily lives of Susie helping their sons pursue their racing dreams. Both boys display talent in karting, and they have signed with Andretti Global. Sebastian just completed his first season in F4 juniors and will join him soon.

This is in reality Susie’s story. The scenes of her as she processes her grief tugged at my heart in an all too familiar way. I suffered the same type of loss 10 days after she did.

Yet, it is not a sad tale. The film opens with Dan joking around as he is recording radio promotions. I found joy in seeing the playful Wheldon race fans adored. The story moves forward with vignettes from Tony Kanaan, Dario Franchitti, Dan’s father Clive, and Bryan Herta. You can feel the pain of Dan’s loss when Clive Wheldon’ talks about his son.

Then, as I’m sure most of the audience knew, as the film wound down, Las Vegas reared its ugly head. Sebastian and Oliver were scheduled to race at Las Vegas Speedway in a kart race in the track’s parking lot. Oliver is reluctant to go at first, and I think Susie has some concerns about the trip as well. Sebastian is fine with racing there. Eventually they all make the trip. Susie goes inside the track to the spot of the fatal accident.

There are scenes of the crash, and Susie talks about the horrors she went through that day.

While the title refers to Dan Wheldon, Susie is the star of the story. her resolve to do whatever she can to see that her sons are happy, the sacrifices she makes for them, and her efforts keeping Dan’s memory alive make her the real Lionheart.

The Lionheart will have another showing Saturday, October 14 at 7 pm at Newfields. As of this morning tickets are available. I understand that HBO has purchased the film and it will be released in 2024.

October, 2011

thepitwindow

Editor’s note: With the premiere tonight of The Lionheart at the Heartland International Film Festival, I am reposting this, originally published October 17, 2016.

Tonight’s showing is sold out, but the film will also be shown next Saturday, October 14, at 7 pm at Newfields.

I was calling Las Vegas the fire sale race. It was the final race for the old cars, and every team wanted to race every car they had. Thirty four were entered, more cars than Indianapolis 500 entries most years.  Indycars hadn’t raced there in a while. Several drivers questioned the track’s safety.

The race was the season finale.  As usual, the championship would be decided. That alone should have been enough. But Randy Bernard, who had done many great things, decided this wasn’t enough. He declared a $1 million prize for Dan Wheldon, winner of the 500, if he won the race starting from last place.  I never liked the idea.

First, it diminished the championship battle. Second, it was a NASCAR type gimmick. I was very disappointed that Indycar thought it necessary.  Third, instead of the usual twenty or so cars, there were going to be thirty-four racing on a one and a half mile track.

Everyone expected a big pileup. Only 15 laps in, it happened.  An airborne car went into the fence. It looked really bad.  I couldn’t tell who it was at first, but I knew that driver was seriously injured. The broadcast team said it was Wheldon.

The times I’ve been at a track when a driver is killed, awareness is instant. There is an eerie silence that descends over the venue. Things move in slow motion. Oddly, sitting in my living room watching on television, I had that same sensation. I had been tweeting about the race with my friends. That activity halted for several minutes.

Inside sources began hinting on Twitter what I had feared. Nothing was official, but I knew that the source was reliable. We could do nothing but wait. The image of the helicopter ascending was all the confirmation I needed.  It looked just the end of the movie Senna, which I had just seen a few weeks before.

……………………………….

That Sunday also marked the beginning of a severe decline in my wife’s condition. She had been home from rehab two weeks. Things were looking better, but in the following week, her energy slowly drained and by the following Friday, she was back in the hospital. Friends came to be with her the next Sunday so I could go to Dan’s memorial downtown.She knew it was important to me. Knowing what was coming, it was hard to sit through. She died Wednesday of that week.

I never met Dan Wheldon. I have no photos of him. I never got his autograph. But I always admired his skill, his passion, and his joy for life.  Vicki had many of the same qualities as Dan.

At the five year mark, which at times feels like five minutes and other times like fifty years, I strive to live up to their standards, to embrace the joys of life, and let the little stuff go.  Ten days from now I will go to a quiet place and at 11:22 say a quiet prayer of thanks, and have the strength to get through another year.

INDYCAR Announces 14-Race2024 INDY NXT by Firestone Schedule

thepitwindow

From Indycar:


 INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023) – INDYCAR has announced a 14-race schedule for the 2024 INDY NXT by Firestone season, with another oval added to even better prepare drivers for the diverse skills required in NTT INDYCAR SERIES competition.One of the highlights of the schedule is a return to the Milwaukee Mile on Saturday, Aug. 31. It’s the first time INDYCAR’s development series has raced at the historic 1-mile oval at Wisconsin State Fairgrounds Park in West Allis, Wisconsin, since 2015.
There are three exciting oval races on the 2024 schedule, including events July 13 at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa, and Aug. 17 at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois. Three of the final five events of the season will be on ovals, placing more importance on success in this discipline as the race for the championship reaches its climax.
The 2024 season opens Sunday, March 10 on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, with the champion being crowned Sunday, Sept. 15 on the Streets of Nashville, Tennessee, which will host the season-ending event for the first time.
There also are two doubleheader weekends, May 10-11 on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course and June 22-23 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California.
“The 2024 INDY NXT by Firestone schedule builds on the growth and success of the 2023 season,” said Levi Jones, INDY NXT by Firestone series director.
“We enjoyed great competition among a growing field of 17 to 19 cars at nearly every event, with a talented group of drivers from all over the world.”
All 14 races will take place during NTT INDYCAR SERIES event weekends. That will further integrate INDY NXT by Firestone teams and drivers into the INDYCAR paddock.Every race will be streamed live on Peacock, with live coverage of practice and qualifying available on INDYCAR LIVE. The INDYCAR Radio Network again will provide audio coverage of all INDY NXT by Firestone sessions in 2024 via SiriusXM Channel 160 and the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA.
The schedule was released after a banner 2023 season for INDY NXT by Firestone. Besides an average car count of 18 starters, the most since 2009, 14 different drivers finished on the podium – twice as many as in 2022. A total of 25 drivers competed in at least one race last season, an increase of eight over 2022.
On-track action also was breathtaking among the talented young drivers. The average number of lead changes increased 25 percent, and on-track passes for position increased 113 percent, from 651 to 1,226. The average margin of victory also tightened from 3.13 seconds to 2.59.
Start times for the 2024 events will be announced at a later date.