thepitwindow

Indycar’s 2022 Grid Still Has Lots of Questions

November 3, 2021 thepitwindow

Photo: Kirkwood tests the car he thought he would be driving in 2022. Joes Skibinski, Indycar

There will be at least 25 cars on the grid when the NTT Indycar Series begins February 25-27 at St. Pete. There could be even more. What we still don’t know is who will be in those cars?

Some drivers are set, others are believed to be in place but not formally announced, and others are still looking for a ride. The biggest name seeking employment right now is Kyle Kirkwood. The 2021 Indy Lights champion became a free agent Monday when his contract with Andretti expired.

Andretti’s failed attempt to buy Sauber F1 probably cost Kirkwood a full time ride in the 26.

Kirkwood’s choices are limited. Filled and presumed seats make up most of the grid. Possible openings are at Foyt, Ed Carpenter Racing, Carlin, and Juncos /Hollinger.

Kirkwood has suddenly become the key to the silly season.

Foyt- More Questions than Answers

Until A. J. Foyt Racing resigns sponsor ROKIT, don’t expect a lot of movement. Dalton Kellett is likely to return in car 4, but car 14 is in limbo. Sebastien Bourdais may run a few races in the car, but who else? If ROKIT returns, Tatiana Calderon is good possibility. Kirkwood would not be likely to be in the 14. Could Foyt add a third car if a partner comes on board?

Second Car for Juncos/Hollinger? Carlin Merger?

It’s great to see Juncos racing back. They are set with Callum Ilott in the 77. Ricardo Juncos wants a second car. It’s possible that the team might partner with Carlin. I think Carlin is on shaky ground and also needs a second car.

A partnership could help both teams and keep the Carlin name in Indycar. I expected good things from Carlin. I liked the way they ran an Indy Lights program before they moved up to Indycar Things just haven’t worked out for them in this series.

Carlin has yet to confirm a driver. It is not known whether Max Chilton will be back. If he returns, another driver needs to run Texas, Gateway, and Iowa. Conor Daly has filled that role in the past and might do so again.

Carpenter Has Many Choices

Ed Carpenter Racing needs a driver for the road and street races in the 20, which he plans to drive on the ovals. The deal usually includes a third car for the Indianapolis 500.

It has been Conr Day’s seat for the past two years, and may well be again. ECR is waiting to see if the US Air Force returns as sponsor. If they do, Daly will probably get the ride. If not, Ryan Hunter-Reay or Oliver Askew have a chance at the seat.

Kirkwood wants a full time deal, so I don’t think ECR is where he s looking.

I think it is important for the series to have Kirkwood in a full time ride. He is the next link in the generational shift that we witnessed in 2021.

Lights Drivers Mum on Indycar Futures

November 1, 2021November 1, 2021 thepitwindow

Indycar photo: Kyle Kirkwood on track by Chris Owens

The top three 2021 finishers in Indy Lights, Kyle Kirkwood, David Malukas, and Linus Lundqvist, talked about their very cold test day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway today. The trio had the opportunity to test an Indycar on the IMS road course. It was the first time in an Indycar for Lundqvist. Kirkwood and Malukas tested at Barber. Kirkwood also had a test at Sebring.

Kirkwood and Lundqvist drove cars prepared by Andretti Autosport; Lundqvist drove the number 2 car of Team Penske.

Much of the post test discussion centered on the Indycar prospects for the drivers.

Kirkwood, the first driver to win the championship on all three levels of the Road to Indy, still has no ride for 2022, but he hinted that things are moving in a positive way.

“We have an idea, yeah. I think we
have a direction. It’s not all said and done yet. As of today, which today is November
1st, I’ve been given permission to look elsewhere. I
haven’t been able to have conversations. I don’t know
exactly what I can and cannot say, so I’m going to keep my
mouth shut on the direction “.

Malukas is strongly thought to have a ride with Dale Coyne Racing for 2022. In response to a question about how far along his deal is, he would only say, “We will do 99.9%”

As for Lundqvist, it appears he has very little going on at the moment. He replied to questions about his Indycar future,

“Unclear I would say. You never
really know what’s going to happen. I would love to stay
here in the U.S. to start off with. Obviously I would love to
be in INDYCAR next year. If that doesn’t happen, then I’m
looking to do Lights another year.
You never really know because budget-wise it’s a very big
question. We’ll see what we can do during the winter, after
this test as well, what pops up. I’ll keep digging no matter
what.”

Tire Heat Biggest Surprise

All three drivers seemed most impressed by how quickly the tires got warm. It caught a couple of them by surprise.

Lundqvist commented, “Actually the Firestone tire, the grip that they have just
straight out of pit lane was a lot better than what I
experienced in Indy Lights. Obviously it takes a little bit of
time for the pressure to come up, but it wasn’t as bad as I
expected it. You just had to be a little bit careful. It was
not too bad. Obviously I think it would have been even
better when it was warmer. Within a lap or two the tires
were in.”

Malukas agreed with Lundqvist, “Comparing to Indy Lights, it’s like
night-and-day difference. With Indy Lights in this weather,
it would have taken quite some time.”

Kirkwood noted, “One thing I did notice that was pretty big, especially
compared to the Lights car, is the tires switch on so quickly
even in the very cool conditions, which I was not expecting
on the first few laps.”

Lundqvist concluded with a comment about how well Indy Lights prepares drivers for Indycar.

“What you learn in Indy Lights, you
can definitely bring on here. The cars are very similar in
some sense but quite different in others.
I think what I learned in Indy Lights is that you’re able to
drive a car just on the limit. That really rewards you in
INDYCAR as well. It’s that you have so much more grip to
play with. It’s not as much on a knife edge, I would say, as
the Lights car is. You got so much more to play with here.
I think you’re extracting a lot of lap times if you’re having a
similar driver style in the Indy Lights car if you bring it to
INDYCAR.”

“

Chris Griffis Memorial Test Complete; Indycar Tests on Tap for Tomorrow

October 31, 2021 thepitwindow

The annual Chris Griffis Memorial test completed a successful return to Indianapolis Motor Speedway this afternoon. Each series on the Road to Indy had six 45 minute sessions, three yesterday and three today.

In USF2000 Jagger Jones, grandson of 1963 Indianapolis 500 winner Parnelli Jones, had the fastest time on Saturday and led two sessions today. I think it is exciting to see another third generation driver from a famous family take to the speedway. Other session leaders were Max Clark, Simon Sikes, and Thomas Nepveu.

In Indy Pro 2000, Reece Gold led today’s final two session, and louis Foster led the first Sunday session. Foster led two sessions on Saturday. Jack William Miller also led a round Saturday.

Indy Lights Begins a New Era

Indy Lights had its first sessions under Indycar control. The NTT Indycar Series took control of Indy lights last month. The six test rounds were competitive, with five different drivers leading sessions.

Benjamin Pedersen led Practices 2 and 3 Saturday. Jacob Abel topped Round 1. In Sunday’s test sessions the leaders were Rasmus Lindh, Hunter McElrea, and Kyffin Simpson.

Indy Lights expects fields of at least 15 cars in the 2022 season. The schedule may be out this coming week.

Indycar Tests and Robin Miller Blood Drive

2021 Indy Lights champion Kyle Kirkwood, David Malukas, and Linus Lundqvist will be testing Indycars at IMS tomorrow from 10 am until 2 pm Eastern.

While the cars are on track, the IMS Museum will host a blood drive in honor of the late Robin Miller. You can donate blood and watch race cars in one trip. Everyone wins.

This coming week we will look at the status of the 2022 Indycar grid, new engine testing.

Chris Griffis Memorial Test Entry Lists

October 29, 2021 thepitwindow

Entry lists for each category participating in the tomorrow’s and Sunday’s Chris Griffis memorial test at IMS.

Notes– Sting Ray Robb signed with Andretti for the 2022 season; Matt Brabham returns to Lights after several years in Stadium Super Trucks. Ernie Francis, Jr. will be one to watch as he tries his hand at open wheel. Francis, Jr. has had success at every level so far.

Notes– Indy Pro is led by Kiko Porto, the 2021 USF 2000 champion. Porto is 9 years old.

Notes– Jagger Jones is the son of P. J. Jones and grandson of Parnelli Jones

Indy Lights will announce its schedule soon. I’m hearing that the series will run the ovals at Iowa and Gateway. Indy Lights will run just three double headers on select road courses. The season will be 14 races.

On Monday, November 1, Kyle Kirkwood, David Malukas, and Linus Lundqvist will test an Indycar at IMS as a bonus for placing in the top three in Indy Lights in 2021. Kirkwood will drive the 26, Lundqvist the 29, and Malukas will drive the 3 car. Don’t read anything about driver placement for 2022 into these car assignments.

I will have updates throughout the weekend.

Weather Changes Schedule for Chris Griffis Memorial Test

October 28, 2021 thepitwindow

New from Indycar this morning:

Indy Lights, Road to Indy Drivers
To Test Saturday-Monday at IMS

Schedule Revised Due to Inclement Weather Forecast FridayAn inclement weather forecast for Friday, Oct. 29 has forced the NTT INDYCAR SERIES Combine test to be moved to Monday, Nov. 1 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. The Chris Griffis Memorial Open Test remains scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 31 on the road course.

Indy Lights standouts Kyle Kirkwood, David Malukas and Linus Lundqvist – the top three drivers in the 2021 series standings, respectively – will test in NTT INDYCAR SERIES machinery from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (ET) Monday. The Combine test evaluating these NTT INDYCAR SERIES prospects is a reward for finishing in the top three positions in Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires in the 2021 season. Kirkwood will drive the Andretti Autosport No. 26 Honda, with Lundqvist in Andretti Autosport’s No. 29 Honda. Malukas will drive the No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet.

Drivers from Indy Lights and the first two rungs of the Road to Indy ladder system – Indy Pro 2000 Presented by Cooper Tires and Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship – will test from 8 a.m.-5:15 p.m. Saturday and Sunday during the annual Chris Griffis Memorial Open Test. The two-day Chris Griffis test provides drivers with the opportunity to sample Road to Indy machinery while building momentum for the upcoming season.

It’s named in memory of Chris Griffis, the former team manager of Schmidt Peterson Motorsports who passed away suddenly in September 2011.

Alfa Rome-No; Andretti F1 Deal not Going Forward

October 28, 2021 thepitwindow

Photo: Racer magazine

What appeared to be an agreement for Michael Andretti to buy 80% interest in Formula 1’s Sauber entry, currently running as Alfa Romeo, has stooped short of completion. Andretti had agreed to pay 350 million Euros to purchase controlling interest in the team, but the team’s owner, Finn Raussing, wanted another 250 million up front to cover five years as a guarantee n case sponsorship was lacking.

If Michael Andretti still wants to enter Formula 1, he could pursue another team, although I can’t think of a current tem that is availale for the price he was willing to pay Alfa Romeo; or he could start a new team, which is cost prohibitive. in addition to team startup costs, there is 200 million Euro entry fee. The fee is distributed equally among the existing teams.

The end of the Andretti F1 saga for now puts to rest the speculation about Colton Herta going to F1. He would not have been eligible until 2023 at the earliest, but some people had him as good as gone from Indycar at the completion of the deal. It is good news for Indycar as Herta is the early favorite to become the 2022 Indycar champion.

In other F1 news, the Grand Prix of Miami apparently has sold out of available tickets. Some fans, like me, were notified that heir pre sale spots were no longer available. The organizers plan to cap attendance at 80,000 a day. Given all the fan issues at Austin, which has experience hosting F1 events, 80,000 seems ambitious, especially in the more compact venue space in Miami. I have heard three day tickets range from $600-$2,400. I’d rather spend that kind of money on tickets to Hamilton. Besides, Florida in May? No thanks.

Penske and Boles to Give Keynote at PRI Show

October 27, 2021 thepitwindow

IMS Photo

From IMS:

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021) – Roger Penske and Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles will kick off the 2021 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show as the featured speakers at the Grand Opening Breakfast on Dec. 9, 2021. Taking place just before the PRI Show officially opens, the breakfast is an iconic staple of the trade show and signifies the start to the three biggest days in the motorsports industry. Both the breakfast and the trade show take place in Indianapolis – the Racing Capital of the World, where thousands of race parts manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and resellers, along with race teams and racers from every motorsports segment in the world, will gather in person for the first time since 2019.

With a focus on new products and technology that advance all aspects of motorsports, the PRI Show is the racing industry’s leading business-to-business event. As the featured speakers at the Grand Opening Breakfast, Penske and Boles will underscore the importance of innovation and technology in racing. Racing icon Penske is the founder and chairman of Penske Corporation, which includes Penske Entertainment Corp., owner of both IMS and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Earlier this year, IMS opened to 135,000 fans at the 105th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge– which, at the time, marked a milestone as the world’s highest-attended sporting event since the start of the pandemic.

.“Penske is a trailblazer and an icon in the racing industry,” PRI President Dr. Jamie Meyer said. “He embodies the spirit of racing and maintains a winning mindset. Similarly, Boles is a fierce advocate for and promoter of IMS and Indianapolis and the world-class racing events hosted here. We’re honored to have them join us at the PRI Grand Opening Breakfast and are excited to have them kick off the Show.”
Penske and Boles will talk about the importance of uniting the motorsports industry and connecting at in-person events.

“As the motorsports world moves forward into 2022 and beyond, it’s more important than ever to work together across the industry,” Penske said. “I can’t think of a better place to gather than at the PRI Show in Indianapolis. This is the perfect setting to connect with race leaders and innovators and collaborate on issues such as technology, advocacy and opportunities.”

All those registered for the PRI Show on Dec. 9-11 are invited to attend the Grand Opening Breakfast. Attendees are admitted to the breakfast free of charge, but guests are advised to arrive early, as seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The 2021 PRI Trade Show floor opens immediately after the breakfast. The event features nearly 1,000 exhibitors showcasing the latest products, services, machinery, simulation and testing technologies, and trailers for the racing industry in a single location. PRI encompasses all forms of racing and attracts attendees from all 50 states and all over the world, including professional race teams, retail shops, warehouse distributors, engine builders, fabricators, dealers, installers, jobbers and media.

Autonomous Cars at IMS: Some F1 Thoughts

October 25, 2021 thepitwindow

Photo: The winning car in the Indy Autonomous Challenge from the Technical University of Munich. IMS photo.

Saturday’s Indy Autonomous Challenge provided an interesting look at the future of cars-driverless, computer controlled machines, best suited for regular driving, but not for racing. I found it unnerving to see a car controlled by a team of people sitting around a computer instead of being driven by someone in the cockpit. I hope racing never comes to this.

For the record, European teams dominated the day, making the final three in a shootout looking for the best two lap average. The fastest lap was by the Europe team at just over 139 mph, but a programming error caused the car to slow to about 90 mph on its second lap. The team programmed one lap too few into the car.

The winning speed achieved by the TUM team, from Munich, Germany was 135.9 mph. Some cars hit 155 mph down the front straight.

I would not be concerned about these cars running in the 500 in our lifetime. They did have engines, and it was nice to hear the sound on the track, but I don’t see the same rooting interest for a machine as there is for a driver.

Andretti and F1-Deal or No Deal?

First reports said the sale was complete. Then another report said that Michael Andretti needed another 250 million Euros to complete the purchase of the Alfa Romeo team.

The anticipated announcement of an American F1 team did not happen in Austin over the weekend. Having a team from the USA announced at the US Grand Prix would have been most appropriate.

We might know something by the time of Grand Prix of Mexico in two weeks, but I’m thinking the deal is off the table. Colton Herta fans can relax for now.

The Crowd

Attendance at the USGP in Austin was mind boggling- 140,000 yesterday for the race and 400,000 for the weekend. The race day crowd exceeds the 135,00 who were allowed to attend the Indianapolis 500 in May. Can the USGP repeat this number next year?I think that is what we need to keep it in perspective.

I’m seeing a lot of hand wringing by some outlets and on social media about how F1 is now more popular in the US than Indycar is. Let’s consider some things, though.

I’m not dismissing the great job the organizers did in getting a crowd of that size, but here are some circumstances that may have led to the huge attendance. First, this was the first US Grand prix since 2019. Many fans are thrilled at the return of racing and don’t want to defer going to a track they have always wanted to visit.

Second, COTA has always had huge draw from Mexico, which also lost its Grand Prix in 2020. There may have been an even larger contingent from south of the border. The crowd in two weeks in Mexico City may be even bigger.

Third, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have brought legions of fans to every grand prix this season, and those fans at the last five races will continue to grow.

Some people credit the Netflix series “Drive to Survive” with an increase in F1’s popularity here. It may have something to do with it, but to swell the Austin crowd that much? I’m not sure.

My question is, how many fans were from the United States?

The Race

As far as the race goes, it was one of the better USGPs. It was a strategy race, which I enjoy. Max Verstappen’s tire strategy of pitting early gave him an edge over Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen increased his lead in the standings to 12 points over Hamilton with five races left.

Barber Test

Indycar etsting continues at barber today. The weather should be decent- temperatures in the mid 70s with only a 15%chance of rain.

Andretti will eb testing with Devlin DeFrancesco and Kyle Kirkwood. DeFrancesco is rumored to be set in the 29 while Kirkwood’s status for next year is still uncertain.

AMSP will test former F1 driver Nico Hulkenberg as the team considers a third car for 2022, perhaps part time before a full time run in 2023.

The A J Foyt Racing test with Logan Sargeant has been cancelled as Sargeant signed late last week with the Williams Driving Academy.

Andersen Promotions Announces USAC Sanctioning

October 21, 2021 thepitwindow

PALMETTO, Fla. – Andersen Promotions today announced a new agreement with the United States Auto Club (USAC Racing) to become the sanctioning body for the three racing series owned and operated by the organization – the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship and Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires as well as the new USF Juniors Presented by Cooper Tires.

Both USF2000 and Indy Pro 2000 are key steps on the highly visible Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires, a scholarship-supported driver development platform to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and Indianapolis 500. The recently announced USF Juniors is a pre-step to the ladder system offering its champion a scholarship package to enter USF2000.

USAC Racing has enjoyed a storied history since being formed in 1956 as a sanctioning body for the United States National Championship and the Indianapolis 500. While its portfolio is best known in the circle track arena with Silver Crown, Sprint, Midget and .25 Midget sanctioning, it now governs a diverse motorsports platform which also includes the SRO World Challenge, Porsche Sprint Challenge and the SPEED Energy Stadium SUPER Trucks.

“Thirty years ago when I first announced the USF2000 series launch in 1991, USAC stepped up and was my first sanctioning body,” said Dan Andersen, Owner and CEO of Andersen Promotions. “We’ve come full circle and I am very pleased to be back with them and look forward to a long-term relationship. USAC Racing is widely recognized for its operation of Midgets, Sprint cars and Silver Crown cars but they are also becoming increasingly prominent in road racing with Porsche and SRO. This is a great sanctioning body and we are proud to be with them.

“I would also like to thank INDYCAR, which has sanctioned the Road to Indy since its inception in 2010. INDYCAR’s focus is, understandably, on series it owns and operates. We’ll continue to use their services on race weekends and look forward to our ongoing relationship as a support series where our drivers continue along their path toward the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.”

USAC Racing sanctioning services will include licensing and membership management, which will result in cost savings for teams and drivers. Andersen Promotions will continue to contract the services of INDYCAR for Race Control, Timing & Scoring and the AMR INDYCAR Safety Team with all events on its 2022 calendar for USF2000 and Indy Pro 2000 in support of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

The Road to Indy will be back in action later this month with its traditional Chris Griffis Memorial Open Test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course on October 30/31. The outing will feature all three levels of the ladder including Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, which is owned by INDYCAR and will continue to operate under its sanction.

###