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

Rahal Letterman Lanigan to Build Race Facility in Zionsville

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From Rahal Letterman Lanigan racing this morning:

ZIONSVILLE, Ind. (Oct. 7, 2020) – Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL), an automotive racing organization, announced plans today to expand its Indiana operations, establishing its global headquarters in Zionsville and creating up to 73 new jobs by the end of 2024.

“Indiana’s reputation as a leader in motorsports continues to pick up speed with companies like Rahal Letterman Lanigan choosing to invest in our state,” Governor Eric J. Holcomb said. “We look forward to supporting RLL’s continued growth in Indiana as the company leverages our state’s business-friendly environment and skilled workforce while racing to the checkered flag.”

The company, which has four entries in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and International Motor Sports Association (IMSA)’s WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, will invest more than $20 million to build and equip a state-of-the-art racing headquarters at the northeast corner of Creek Way and 106th Street in Zionsville. The 100,000-square-foot facility, which will occupy 13 acres southeast of the downtown area, will allow RLL to consolidate its existing INDYCAR operations in Brownsburg, as well as its IMSA operations in Ohio. The new building will feature office and event space as well as automotive R&D and light manufacturing operations to support the dynamic functions of RLL’s racing teams. The company expects to break ground on its headquarters late 2020 and be fully operational by spring 2022.

“We are very excited about this project, and excited about being in a park-like setting in Zionsville,” said Bobby Rahal, co-owner of RLL. “We feel that this building will make a statement about who we are at RLL and what our intentions are about the future. Having our entire organization based in the Indianapolis area, in Zionsville, is going to be a big plus for our organization. We have done a great job of having two facilities, as is showcased by our wins in the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the Indianapolis 500 this season, but it is certainly demanding having people in two places. We have had time to really look at the building and design every aspect with input from our personnel to maximize the space.”

Founded in 1992, RLL is co-owned by three-time INDYCAR champion and 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal, former CBS Late Show host and Indiana native David Letterman, and Mi-Jack co-owner Mike Lanigan. This year, RLL earned its second Indy 500 win and first since 2004, when Takuma Sato also took home his second victory at the historic race. RLL’s INDYCAR team is also headlined by Graham Rahal, son of Bobby Rahal, who is a six-time winner in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

“We have been working on building a race shop for over five years and are now ready to move forward,” said Mike Lanigan, co-owner of RLL. “I am personally very excited and honored to be working with the town of Zionsville. I used to live in the area years ago and look forward to our team integrating ourselves into the community and their various programs. Having our racing teams under one roof will not only maximize our abilities, it will provide economies of scale to keep the cost down. That savings will enable us to reinvest more back into the company.”

Indiana is globally recognized as a leader in motorsports. Home to the “Racing Capital of the World,” Indiana welcomes visitors from around the world to Indianapolis for world-class racing events like the Indy 500, Brickyard 400 and IndyCar Grand Prix. Motorsports-related businesses operate in all of Indiana’s 92 counties, with more than 2,400 motorsports businesses like RLL supporting more than 421,000 motorsports-related jobs across Indiana.

“Our efforts to seek the right fit for Creekside Corporate Park have proven successful with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing expanding to Zionsville and choosing Creekside Corporate Park for their corporate headquarters,” said Zionsville Mayor Emily Styron. “In Zionsville, we have the best of both worlds – a thriving business community and an unparalleled quality of life. RLL fits in well with the local culture and business environment and I know their team will love being part of this community. We are thrilled to welcome RLL to town.”

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation will offer RLL up to $1.2 million in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans and up to $300,000 in conditional tax credits from the Hoosier Business Investment (HBI) tax credit program based on the company’s planned capital investment in Indiana. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives.

About Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, based in Hilliard, Ohio and Brownsburg, Ind., is co-owned by three-time IndyCar Champion and 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal, former CBS Late Show host David Letterman and Mi-Jack co-owner Mike Lanigan. In 2020, the team is in the midst of their 29th year of open wheel competition and has 29 wins – including the 2004 Indy 500 from pole with Buddy Rice and the 2020 Indy 500 with Takuma Sato — their 33 poles, 107 podium finishes and 1992 series championship.  The team also competed in the American Le Mans Series from 2009-2013 as BMW Team RLL where they won both the Manufacturer and Team Championships in the GT category in 2010 and swept all three GT titles in 2011 – Manufacturer, Team and Driver. In 2012, the team finished second in the Team Championship and third in the Manufacturer Championship and in 2013, the team finished second in the Driver, Team and Manufacturer Championship. Since 2014, BMW Team RLL has competed in the GTLM class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with a two-car program and has brought their total to 22 wins – including the 2019 and 2020 Rolex 24 at Daytona endurance races, 28 poles and 82 podium finishes as well as a second place finish in the Manufacturer, Team and Driver championships in 2015 and 2017.

About IEDC
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) leads the state of Indiana’s economic development efforts, helping businesses launch, grow and locate in the state. Governed by a 15-member board chaired by Governor Eric J. Holcomb, the IEDC manages many initiatives, including performance-based tax credits, workforce training grants, innovation and entrepreneurship resources, public infrastructure assistance, and talent attraction and retention efforts. For more information about the IEDC, visit http://www.iedc.in.gov.

Harvest GP Entry Lists

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Twenty five cars and the return of some familiar faces highlight the entry lists for the harvest GP weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Sebastien Bourdais makes his first 2002 Indycar appearance in his first drive for A. J. Foyt Racing. Helio Castroneves returns for the first time since the Indianapolis 500, but not with team penske. the three time 500 winner is with Arrow McLaren SP, substituting for Oliver Askew, who is recovering from concussion symptoms. It will be odd seeing Castroneves in a car not numbered 3.

Sage Karam also is back in the Dreyer and Reinbold entry, their second race of the year.

Herta Seeks to Build on Momentum from Mid Ohio Win

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Photo: Colton Herta celebrates his win at Mid Ohio. Indycar, Chris Owens

Colton Herta hopes to convert the momentum gained from his race 2 victory at Mid Ohio into at least one win this weekend in the Harvest Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A sweep would help him in his bid to overtake Josef Newgarden for second place in the point standings. Herta trails points leader Scott Dixon by 118 points. Newgarden trails by 72 points.

“I mean, I think if you’re not going for the championship, you’re kind of mindset is to win races. That’s really the mindset. Obviously don’t overextend it and throw a good result away. I have a little bit to lose.Obviously we need to do well. If we really do want to get second place in the championship, we need to win another race. I think we do need a little bit of help from Josef on this weekend., ” Herta told media this morning.

For the races this weekend, in cooler temperatures than Indycar normally encounters at IMS, Herta is unsure what to expect.

“I’m not really sure what it will do for the racing. I think there’s a possibility that guys will try different downforce options if it’s that much cooler. This is a place you can sometimes get away with trimming if it’s a little bit cooler because how long the straights are, no major high-speed corners. It might be interesting in the race tosee what people go for with downforce options that might open up the passing a little bit.”

Herta has been impressed with the rookies this year. Although this is his second year in the series, he is already looking over his shoulder. He commented on the rookies.

“…it just seems like the series is getting tougher and tougher. Another really good crop of rookies. Definitely makes you work harder. You know there’s a lot of guys coming in that are really fast and can take your seat. Yeah, definitely makes you work really hard.”

Herta would like to see IMS change the track configuration for Race 2.

“I think I would love to maybe see — I think you could do it each day, do a different track each day where you can have the turn one like the Formula 1 cars used to use, I think that might make overtaking a little bit better. The other day you can do the normal track. You can practice on the normal track, run it Sunday, shouldn’t be a huge adjustment to run the track Sunday.”

He likes the shortened format that has been used on the short ovals this year, but still thinks road courses should stay with the full weekend program.

Herta is happy that he got a victory this season. It will help him approach the final three races a bit more relaxed.

“I think just a bit of relief that we got the win in this year. I think it’s important for me to win at least once a year. I think for a lot of guys, they feel the same way. It was nice to get that win done, kind of take it off my shoulders, kind of push forward.”

Practice for the Harvest Grand Prix negins Thursday at 2;25 PM Eastern time.

IMS, Gleaners Food Bank Join Forces To Help Ensure No One Runs On Empty

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From IMS this morning:

September 29, 2020 | By Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana are teaming up to drive awareness for Gleaners’ vital mission to end hunger in Central Indiana, especially its No One Runs On Empty awareness campaign.

Gleaners becomes an Official Charitable Partner of IMS through the new partnership, announced Sept. 29 at IMS during Race Week for the INDYCAR Harvest GP presented by GMR and the Indianapolis 8 Hour races Oct. 1-4 at the Racing Capital of the World.

“IMS always has looked beyond its gates to help the Central Indiana community, so this partnership with Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana is an ideal extension of that mission,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “Gleaners tirelessly works to provide meals for hungry Hoosiers, a need that has become even more acute during these challenging times. We’re honored to help, and we encourage all race fans to donate to Gleaners as often as possible.”

A variety of promotional assets at IMS and around Central Indiana will be used to encourage fans to regularly donate to Gleaners. The No One Runs On Empty awareness campaign, launched in early July, highlights advocacy and volunteerism, and encourages financial support for Gleaners’ hunger relief programs.

An estimated 1.5 to 2 million Hoosiers face food insecurity, a number that has climbed significantly from 1 million prior to the COVID-19 pandemic., The need in Marion County increased dramatically more than in the other 20 Indiana counties served by Gleaners, but all counties have seen increased need.

The No One Runs On Empty awareness initiative is made possible through the generosity of the Anthem Foundation. Anthem issued a $1 million challenge to encourage community giving. Gleaners is approximately halfway to that goal and hopes to meet the challenge by the end of this year.

IMS also will host two community food distribution events with Gleaners later this year as part of the partnership.

“For the past seven months, Gleaners has been in the midst of an extraordinary effort to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Joseph Slater, chief operations and financial officer of Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. “Since March, we’ve been distributing approximately 1.5 million meals each week. Some distributions, such as the Mega Fresh Mobile hosted by IMS last Memorial Day, have served nearly 5,000 families in one day.

“The connection between food insecurity and a host of other issues Including health, unemployment and education, has never been more clear. As we’ve navigated the pandemic and our response to it, a number of organizations have stepped forward to join us in our campaign to make sure that No One Runs On Empty: the Anthem Foundation, Bank of America, Andretti Harding Steinbrenner Autosport. Today, we’re thrilled to add the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to that list of champions, joining us in the fight against hunger. The theme of the Harvest GP fits perfectly with our strategic goal to provide the highest level of nutrition possible to those we serve. We’re thrilled to be a part of it.”

This partnership is a continuation of Gleaners’ No One Runs On Empty initiative. Racing was the launching platform for the program that focuses on education, advocacy, volunteerism and giving. NTT INDYCAR SERIES sophomore sensation Colton Herta drove the No. 88 Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana for Andretti Harding Steinbrenner Autosport in the GMR Grand Prix in July and the 104th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge in August at IMS.

Fans are encouraged to promote Gleaners’ mission by posting to social media with the hashtags #NoOneRunsOnEmpty and #Donate88.

Gleaners was founded in 1980 and is a respected leader within Feeding America, the nation’s food bank network. Since that time, Gleaners has distributed more than half a billion pounds of food and critical grocery products through more than 585 hunger relief agencies, schools and community partners serving hungry Hoosiers.

In addition to food distribution to agencies, Gleaners serves the most vulnerable populations, seniors and children, through specialty programs such as School-Based Pantries, Mobile Pantries, Summer Meals for Kids and Senior Hunger Initiative programs. Fresh Connect Central began as an initiative focused on the distribution of fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables in 2017 and has grown to include meat and dairy. Gleaners also serves as the reclamation site for Kroger Central Division, and a FEMA disaster relief staging site.

Charity Navigator has recognized Gleaners as a 4-Star organization, the highest rating for charity demonstrating fiscal management and accountability. In addition, Gleaners is an accredited charity with the Better Business Bureau and has earned a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. To learn more, visit www.gleaners.org.

Gleaners also is on social media at www.facebook.com/GleanersFoodBankofIndiana and on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn at @GleanersFBIndy.

Dixon, Newgarden Pursue “Strange” Championship

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Points leader Scott Dixon and his closest challenger Josef Newgarden agree that whoever wins the title will consider the 2020 championship to be a strange one.

Scott Dixon

“I think it would probably be the strangest just I think how the season’s gone, the schedule change,the ups and downs,” Dixon shared on a zoom conference with Indycar media this afternoon.

Josef Newgarden

“Yeah, I would agree with Scott. It would be the strangest. I don’t know how you’re going to forget this year,” Newgarden said.

In preparing for the Harvest Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend, Dixon is approaching the doubleheader as they would any other race weekend and not focusing on clinching the title.

“I think, I don’t know, for us, we just have to treat it like any other race weekend and try to get maximum points. The obvious goal is to go out there and try to win, but unfortunately there’s 23, 24 others that have the same goal. Try to do better than we did at the last doubleheader at Mid-Ohio where I definitely made a very large mistake, that gave away some pretty easy points there.”

Newgarden trails Dixon by 72 points with three races left. he looks at the weekend the same way Dixon does- score more points and the rest will fall into place.

“I think I feel similar to how we felt all year. We sort of just approach it where we try and do the best job possible every weekend, control what we can control, try and score the most points, just like Scott.”

Both drivers are excited that fans will be allowed to attend. 10,00 fans per day are allowed into the track for the weekend.

Dixon said,

“I think it’s going to be fantastic to have up to 10,000 fans on each day. It’s definitely been a different dynamic I think for a lot of us this season,especially the Indianapolis 500 that ran without fans. We welcome the fans greatly. Hopefully the weather cooperates and we can have a fantastic weekend.”

Newgarden agreed,

“Excited to see fans back at a weekend. Everybody has been eager to get to a racetrack, at Indianapolis. Fun to see people around, socially distanced. Hopefully the weather is good. I haven’t even looked. Hopefully we have a good forecast for everybody that’s going to come out.”

Pracftice for the Harvest Grand Prix begins Thursday, with race 1 qualifying later that day. Race 1 is Friday at 3:30 pm Eastern on USA network. Race 2 is Saturday at 2:30 pm eastern on NBC.

Hinchcliffe to Complete Season in #26

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In a move which is not a big surprise, James Hinchcliffe will take over the number 26 Gainbridge Honda for Andretti Autosport for the last three races of the season. The car had been driven by Zach Veach for the lats three years. veach stepped out of the car earlier this week. Hinchcliffe’s time in the car may be a prelude to his driving the 26 next season full time. The announcement from Andretti Autosport:

James Hinchcliffe has been confirmed as the driver of the No. 26 Gainbridge Honda with Andretti Autosport for the remaining three events on the 2020 NTT INDYCAR SERIES calendar. This comes following an announcement Wednesday confirming that Zach Veach would not return to the 26 car for the remaining events.

Hinchcliffe has competed in three prior events [Genesys 600 at Texas Motor Speedway, the GMR INDYCAR Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500] this season with Andretti Autosport in the No. 29 Genesys Honda.

The Harvest GP presented by GMR will see Hinchcliffe join Alexander Rossi (No. 27 NAPA AUTO PARTS / AutoNation Honda), Ryan Hunter-Reay (No. 28 DHL Honda), Colton Herta (No. 88 Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana Honda) and Marco Andretti (No. 98 U.S. Concrete / Curb Honda) for the doubleheader race weekend. The pair of races on the IMS Road Course will be broadcast live Friday at 3:30 p.m. ET on USA Network and Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

MICHAEL ANDRETTI, CHAIRMAN & CEO, ANDRETTI AUTOSPORT
“It’s always unfortunate to have to change drivers this far into a season, but we have to look at finishing the year the best we can for the 26 team and start evaluating and looking at options for 2021. James has an existing relationship with our team that we’d love to build on and it makes the most sense for him to step in for these last three races. We are looking forward to seeing what he can do.”

JAMES HINCHCLIFFE, NTT INDYCAR SERIES DRIVER, NO. 26 GAINBRIDGE HONDA
“I know, probably better than most, what Zach is feeling right now, and I have to say that he has handled everything about as class act as you can. I’ve known Zach as a teammate, before that as a colleague and even before that as a friend, and he is a guy that I respect in every way. I know he is a fighter and will fight back to where he wants to be.

“For me now, my focus is 100% on racing the Harvest GP and getting the best possible results for Gainbridge, for Honda, for Michael and for the team. I obviously haven’t been on a road course in a while, but at least the last time I was, it was here at IMS! Hopefully that puts us in a good position to go out there and have a strong weekend.”

Askew Withdraws from Harvest GP; Castroneves to Fill In

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Photo: Oliver Askew at Indycar Content Day in February

From Arrow McLaren SP:

Helio Castroneves to pilot the No. 7 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet at Indianapolis

Arrow McLaren SP driver Oliver Askew will withdraw from the INDYCAR Harvest Grand Prix, after being declared not fit to drive by the INDYCAR Medical Team.

Following the INDYCAR race at Mid-Ohio, Oliver reported a balance and coordination issue, which triggered an examination from the INDYCAR Medical Team. As a result, Oliver is not medically cleared to race and is subject to INDYCAR’s Return to Racing Protocol.

“This was an incredibly tough call but I have to follow the advice of the INDYCAR Medical Team and my doctors. My priority right now is focusing on my health,” Askew said. “Despite not being in the car, I will be at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Harvest GP, giving whatever insight and support to Arrow McLaren SP that I can.”

Askew will be replaced in the No. 7 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet by Helio Castroneves for the upcoming doubleheader Harvest GP at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.

“The welfare of Oliver, our team members and fellow competitors is paramount,” said Arrow McLaren SP co-owner Sam Schmidt.

“We therefore support Oliver and the decision of INDYCAR. Withdrawing to focus on his health and recovery is the right thing to do.”

Helio will join Pato O’Ward, driver of the No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet, to complete the team’s driver lineup in Indianapolis.

“First and foremost, we wish Oliver the best and that he is able to take time to recover,” said Helio. “I look forward to getting back on track and helping to build on the great progress that Arrow McLaren SP has made this year.”

Arrow McLaren SP returns to action at the Harvest GP, a doubleheader of races on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. The races will take place on Friday, October 2nd at 3:30 p.m. ET on USA Network and Saturday, October 3rd at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC. 

Book Review: Racer

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A. J. Foyt calls him a fighter. Michael Andretti talks about his big heart. Richard Petty considers him family. Mario Andretti talks about John Andretti the family and business man. The four legends describe their feelings toward Andretti in the forewords to his autobiography, Racer, recently published by Octane Press

John Andretti has a passion for racing, family, and life in general. His autobiography, as told to Jade Gurss, author of Beast, reflects his passions through stories about his life. From his early racing days as part of a very competitive family, to his battle with colon cancer, Andretti maintains a positive attitude.

The son of Aldo Andretti, Mario’s twin brother, John grew up in a family where competition ruled. Whether it was sledding in the backyard, trying to get better grades than his sister, or just beating Michael or Mario on the track, John competed at the highest level he could.

Early on his passion for racing appears. If he can’t win the race, he has to at least finish higher than the pother family members he is racing against. In a kart race at Pocono, John was leading his class comfortably. A tire couldn’t be removed and the crew told him to just finish the race on it. Cousin Michael begins to catch him, but John holds on for the apparent victory. After the race, John is disqualified because of the tire and Michael gets the trophy. Several times later in the autobiography, John makes reference to Michael possessing his trophy.

John’s passion for racing continued while he attended Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. John drives back to Indianapolis to race, then returns to school. Still he maintains a high grade point average. He has 17 races scheduled in May of his senior year. John receives permission to take his final exams early, and he doesn’t return for commencement.

In 1995 John begins raising money for Riley Children’s Hospita with the Race for Riley. The race began as a challenge to Mike Hibbeln, a producer at WIBC radio. The Andretti kids were treated at Riley as kids. John wants to give back. The event grows, sponsors such as Cheerios get in volved, and in 2019 Race for Riley raises more than $600,000. Of all of John’s accomplishments, I think this was the one he was most proud of.

John drives Indycar and NASCAR, winning races in both series. He drives for Richard petty two different times and becomes an honorary member of the Petty family. He also tries drag racing for a bit. John doesn’t stay long enough to win any drag races, but he did well in his brief time.

The story about the Stinger, the Marmon Wasp tribute car built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first 500 Mile Race, shows John’s determination. John and Tammy Whitworth, CEO of Window World, who had sponsored Andretti in the 500 have an idea to get every living driver who had riven in the 500 to sign the car. If a driver can’t get to Indianapolis to sign it, Andretti takes the car to them,l no matter where they live. The car travels to Florida, California, South Carolina, and Colorado and several othet places in order for former drivers to sign it. Only one driver refuses to sign it. Andretti does not name the driver. The car is auctioned off in 2016 fro $900,000. The proceeds went to St. Jude Hospital.

In the final six chapters, Andretti talks about his cancer diagnosis and his treatments. It is difficult to read, especially for someone who has gone through these treatments or has had a partner who has had cancer.

Andretti maintains his positive attitude until the end. Success is not always measured in how many races won, but by how much is done for the benefitof others. because of his efforts for Riley hospital and St. Jude, John Andretti is a champion.