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

St. Pete Broadcast Schedule; Selling Limted Number of Tickets

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The broadcast schedule for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is out. Notable is the delayed television broadcast of qualifying. Qualifying will be shown live on NBC Gold for those who have purchased it. This qualifying sesion will be just the second traditional knock out qualifying leading the Fast Six this year. I have missed the Fast Six format, although I have enjoyed the way the grid is set for the double headers. The broadcast schedule:

Oct24 Saturday Practice 10:55 AM – 12:25 PM ET

Oct24 Saturday Qualifications (Live) 3:05 – 4:20 PM ET

Oct24 Saturday Qualifications (Delay) 8:00 – 9:00 PM ET

Oct25 Sunday Warmup 10:40 – 11:10 AM ET

Oct25 Sunday Pre-Race 2:00 – 2:30 PM ET

Oct25 Sunday Race 2:30 – 4:30 PM ET

Yesterday afternoon, Green Savoree, the race promoter, put a limited number of tickets on sale. the event has a 20,000 fan limit per day. Ticket holders who had seats for the original March date received an email yesterday with a reassigned seat. In my case, I am in the same grandstand, same section, but just four rows lower than my regular location. I even retained the same seat number.

Whenj the March race was cancelled the promoters gave ticketholders the opportunity to get a credit for the 2021 race. i know several fans who took advantage of that offer. Some were unhappy because there was no cash refund option. I’m disappointed that Green Savoree did not extend a similar deferral until 2021 option to those who kept their tickets, but who cannot for one reason or another go to this race. I have chosen not to attend because of the pandemic. I know of another fan, who I believe has been to every St. Pete race, also in this situation.

I understand this promoter has been hit the hardest by the schedule upheaval this year. They have lost two races entirely, Toronto and Portland, were allowed just 6,000 fans per day at Mid Ohio, and were in danger of losing this event completely as well. It is a sham that the good will of the fans takes a backseat to their bottom line.

Rosenqvist Move to AMSP Leaves Gap at Ganassi, Scrambles Silly Season

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Photo- Felix Rosenqvist on his way to his first win at road America. Joe Skibinski, Indycar

Arrow McLaren SP continues to dominate the 2021 driver lineup. Their third announcement this week blew the lid off the simmering kettle of Indycar Silly season. Felix Rosenqvist wil move from Chip Ganassi Racing to the second year team to drive the number 7 car vacated two days ago by Oliver Askew. Askew will drive for the team in the season finale at St. Pete if he is medically cleared to drive. Rosenqvist will complete his contract with Ganassi at that time as well.

Rosenqvist celebrates his first Indycar victory at Road America in July. Jos Skibinski, Indycar

Chip Ganassi Racing has an agreement with 7 time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson to run the road course portion of the 2021 schedule. Before the Rosenqvist announcement, ti was assumed that Johnson would be in a fourth Ganassi car. Does he now move to the 10? If so, who drives the car at the four oval races next year?

Helio Castroneves was thought to be a strong candidate for a third car at AMSP. Is that still an option? Will Castroneves now go to Ganassi? I can’t see him being willing to run an oval only program. Tony Kanaan is a possibility for the oval portion of the Johnson ride.

Both AMSP and Ganassi looked as if they would each expand by one car for 2021. That possibility is now in question. Two more cars on the grid would leave more room for drivers looking for work.

Meanwhile, team Penske is expected to run four cars next year with the addition of Scott McLaughlin, who will make his debut at St. Pete.

Andretti Autosport, which ran five cars this season, has only Alexander Rossi and Colton Herta locked in for 2021. Will veteran Ryan Hunter-Reay retire or became an Indy only driver?

Other drivers with uncertain status for next year are Conor Daly, Rinus Veekay, James Hinchcliffe, Charlie Kimball, and Dalton Kellett.

The 2021 lineup, which just a couple of weeks ago appeared to have some minor tweaks plus the possibility of a larger grid, now looks like there may be some major shuffling.

O’Ward Stays with Arrow McLaren SP for 2021

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Photo: pato O’Ward at World Wide technology Raceway. James Black, Indycar

A day after Arrow Mclaren SP announced that Oliver Askew would not return to the team next season, the team today announced that Pato O’Ward will return for the 2021 NTT Indycar Series season. O’Ward has one pole and a second place finish this year and is currently 5th in the points standings.

The official announcement from the the team:

Pato O’Ward to continue with Arrow McLaren SP in 2021

October 13, 2020

Arrow McLaren SP announced today that Pato O’Ward will continue to race for the team for the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, once again piloting the No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet. 

“I am beyond excited to be racing with Arrow McLaren SP next season to build on what we have accomplished so far this year. Such a great group of people who truly have welcomed me like a second family,” said O’Ward. “Given how much change I have seen in my career to this point, it is invaluable to get the opportunity to put down roots and build on a foundation year over year.” 

O’Ward will continue with the team after a strong showing in his first full season in INDYCAR, currently sitting fifth in the championship standings with one race remaining. The Mexican driver, who is still only 21-years-old, will once again be behind the wheel of the No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet in 2021, which he has raced to one pole position, three podiums and nine top 10 finishes in 2020. 

“The entire team and I are thrilled to have Pato back in the car next year,” said Arrow McLaren SP co-owner Sam Schmidt. “He has shown incredible form this year and has kept himself in the championship hunt all season long. I think he has the potential to compete at the highest level in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES for a long time.”

Arrow McLaren SP’s 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES full driver lineup will be announced in due course. 

The team has one race remaining in the 2020 season, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on October 25. Tune in on NBC at 2:30 p.m. ET and follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube at @ArrowMcLarenSP. 

Askew Leaving Arrow McLaren SP at End of Season

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Photo: Oliver Askew from Arrow McLaren SP twitter account

In a release this afternoon Arrow McLaren SP announced that rookie driver Oliver Askew will leave the team at the end of the 2020 season. Askew has not driven for the team since the doubleheader at Mid Ohio, where he placed 19th in race 1 and 15th in race 2. Following the race Askew complained of dizziness. It is believed the issue began after his crash in the Indianapolis 500 August 23.

From the news release:

“It’s been a steep learning curve this year but I appreciate all of the experience I have gotten with Arrow McLaren SP. I’ve certainly had to develop very quickly as a driver and I know I have shown my speed and capability when able to this season. However, I think it makes sense to pursue the next chapter of my career outside the team,” said Askew. “I am grateful for all the support I’ve received from my crew, the team and all the fans. I wish the entire team well in the future.”

Askew at Mid Ohio. Indycar photo by Matt Fraver

Askew did not participate in the Harvest Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway October 2 and 3. Helio Castroneves drove the 7 car in those races. Castroneves has been pursuing a full time Indycar ride for 2021, and this opens a spot for him The team had been talking about a potential third car for next season as well.

Askew’s best finishes this year were third at Iowa in Race 1 and a sixth at Iowa in Race 2.

If Askew is cleared to drive by the Indycar medical team, he will drive for Arrow McLaren SP in the season finale, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, on October 25.

Early Racing in St. Pete Laid Groundwork for Indycar

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Before the first Indycar race in St. Petersburg, a CART race in 2003 won by Paul Tracy, sports cars raced through the streets in the mid 1980s and had a brief revival in the 90s. The early tracks did not use the Albert Whitted Airport runway and ran further uptown. The course we know today still has parts of the former tracks in it.

In 1985, St. Petersburg sought a way to gain more exposure and attract tourism. A street race was proposed. The nine turn course ran along the waterfront, returning to the finish line via Bay Shore Drive. Turn 6 looks interesting, if not downright scary. SCCA Trans Am and Can Am cars participated.

Willy T. Ribbs won the inaugural Trans Am race, and Dr. Lou Sell won the Can Am race

For 1986 the course was revised. Businesses along the pier were not happy that they were cut off during the time of the race. This configuration continued through 1990, when the race stopped after losing its sponsor. The 180 degree turn is gone. The track went to the Vinoy hotel and then to Bay Shore Drive. This track has 10 turns and a more straightforward route.

Pete Halsmer and Scott Pruett were two winners with an Indycar connection in this era. In 1987 Johnny O’Connell won in Formula Atlantics. I can’t imagine what a young O’Connell looked like. Tragedy struck in 1987 when Jim Fitzgerald suffered fatal injuries after hitting the concrete barriers in turn 1. Firtzgerald had been a mentor to Paul Newman as Newman began his racing career.

In 1996 and 1997, a race sponsored by Kash n Karry ran on a course around Tropicana Field. The sponsor pulled out before the 1998 race and racing was done in St. Pete until CART returned in 2003.

The new track is basically the same layout we are familiar with today, 14 turns with the wide runway as the front stretch. The curbing in turns 2 and 10 stays down all year long.

There was no race in 2004 as the promoters were uncertain of the viability of CART. In 2005 the IRL began racing and has continued annually since.

In 2017 a subtle change was made with a little kink between turns 2 and 3.

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will run on October 25 this year. If it runs as scheduled March 7 in 2021, it will serve as the 2020 season finale and the 2021 season opener. The races would be held less than five months apart.

Indy Lights Set for 2021 Return; Increased Scholarship and Testing Opportunities

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Lights 1 Banner
Indy Lights returns in 2021 with a bigger incentive package. Photo: Indy Lights

Great news from Indy lights:

Championship Incentives include Larger Scholarship, INDYCAR Test

PALMETTO, Fla. – Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires has served as a crucial step for many drivers in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES including young stars Oliver Askew, Colton Herta, Patricio O’Ward and Rinus VeeKay amongst many others. Following a year’s hiatus due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the series is set to re-emerge in 2021 in its rightful place as the stepping-stone to the pinnacle of American open-wheel racing. The rejuvenated Indy Lights series will benefit from additional initiatives being formulated in conjunction with INDYCAR, its sanctioning body, to ensure continued growth as the top level of the Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires driver development system.

Enhancements in 2021 include an increased value of the champion’s scholarship award to $1,250,000. A guaranteed entry for the champion into at least three 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES events, including the Indianapolis 500, will remain. Also new in 2021, the top-three finishers in the Indy Lights championship will each receive a NTT INDYCAR SERIES test at the conclusion of the season.

The driver assist program remains an important part of the entire Road to Indy program. Since the formation of the ladder system in 2010, 37 Indy Lights drivers have made starts in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Twenty-three of the 33 starters in this year’s Indianapolis 500 were Indy Lights graduates including eight Indy Lights champions.

“After careful planning with the INDYCAR team, we are pleased to confirm the exciting addition of a season-ending INDYCAR test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway soon after the 2021 season,” said Dan Andersen, owner and CEO of Andersen Promotions. “We continue to explore additional ways to strengthen the Indy Lights championship. In the interim, we want to spread the word that Indy Lights will be back and it will be stronger than ever.”

“From top to bottom, the entire team recognizes the role and commitment Indy Lights has played in bringing new talent to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES,” said Mark Miles, president and CEO of Penske Entertainment. “We are firmly committed to ensuring its continued success.”

The 2021 Indy Lights grid will see three scholarship cars in what is expected to be a solid field. Reigning Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires champion Kyle Kirkwood will return in his quest to be the first driver to win successive championships in all three levels of the Road to Indy. The still-to-be-named 2020 Indy Pro 2000 champion will advance to the next level. That field is headed by Juncos Racing’s Sting Ray Robb, who holds a 49-point lead with five races remaining in a battle for a guaranteed Indy Lights program with the team of a driver’s choice. In addition, the FR Americas champion will also earn an Indy Lights scholarship for next season. That championship has been dominated by Swedish driver Linus Lundqvist, who has won 12 of the 14 races held to date.

The Cooper tire-shod Dallara IL-15 with a 450-horsepower AER powerplant will see the addition of a Dallara-designed and installed Titanium Halo in 2021 for increased safety. The package has produced incredible competition with a strong parity across the board showcasing racecraft. With similarities to an Indy car, the equipment package provides the appropriate training for drivers to take the next step including a six-speed, paddle-shift transmission, a 50-horsepower “push-to-pass” feature, “drive-by-wire” throttle control and advanced engine management electronics.

The 2021 Indy Lights calendar will be unveiled prior to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES finale, October 25, on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. The schedule will see some change, but will remain a 10-event, 18-race schedule featuring all three circuit types – oval, road course and street circuit.

Lessons Learned in 2020 – Fewer Schedule Disruptions in 2021?

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Six schedule revisions, cancelled races, races run in front of empty stands, and races with severely limited attendance are what most will recall about the 2020 NTT Indycar Series. It has not been easy for team owners, sponsors, drivers, crew, or fans. Yet, I find it impressive that the series will have run 14 races this season, and I find some optimism for 2021 in the way things have played out as we head to the season finale at St. Petersburg in a little more than two weeks.

The protocols in the paddock have appeared to work well with masks and distancing in place. Teams kept to themselves. Media interviews mostly were on Zoom, and in-session talks with team personnel conducted with microphones on poles.

Accommodating fans presented other issues. It is challenging for tracks to regulate individual behavior. As the season wore on, I noticed improvement in track management and fan compliance.

Road America was the first race of the season to allow fans. protocols like temperature screening at the gates, mask wearing, and social distancing were in place. I must say the track staff wasn’t strict on enforcing the mask requirement, and while most people kept their distance, I observed many who did not.

Iowa limited the crowd each night to 5,000. In the stands people stayed within the boundaries of their assigned seats and stayed with the group they came with. White circles on the hills kept groups at a proper social distance. mask compliance was somewhat better than at Road America.

At World Wide Technology Raceway (Gateway), I noticed even better mask compliance. the crowd was small enough that social distance was easily maintained. In the first turn grandstand, two rows of seats were blocked from spectators followed by one row of seating.

Mid Ohio had a 6,000 per day fan limit. Track personnel reminded fans to wear masks and respect the limits of the squares marked in the general admission areas.

At Indianapolis Motor Speedway last weekend, the 10,000 fans allowed each day could choose either a north or south bubble to sit in. Each area had its own entrance and moving from one area to the other was not allowed. Mask compliance was good, as was social distancing.

The fans improved in adapting to the rules as the season went on. I have concerns about 20,000 fans at St. Pete. Spectators will need to be spread out quite a lot. We’ll see how it goes.

I have hope that next year’s schedule will go pretty much as planned unless there is another significant surge of the virus. First, all tracks now have a COVID plan in place for the paddock and fans. Tracks have worked with local and state governments to determine safe fan limits.

Any concerns about races might come in the early part of the season, but I hope that by the end of the year things will be closer to normal. I don’t look for any race to be allowed full capacity until 2022 at the earliest. Fans hoping to get paddock access in 2021 may be disappointed. I don’t see that perk returning for awhile.

While there will still be some limits at races, I think we will see a more normal schedule with fewer disruptions. It will take time to return to a completely regular routine with no attendance or movement limits. We may also see shorter race weekends as well. the series has learned this year how what can be accomplished in a shorter time frame.

Indycar Reaches Long Term Agreement with Honda and Chevy

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Photo from Indycar
INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020) – INDYCAR has reached a new, multi-year extension with engine partners Honda and Chevrolet, taking their partnership well into the end of the decade and providing stability and innovation for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. “To be able to announce a long-term, multi-year extension with our two great partners is phenomenal,” INDYCAR President Jay Frye said. “It’s an exciting time in INDYCAR with the innovations in the car, the new 2.4-liter engine and hybrid technology.” Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the introduction of the 2.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 with hybrid technology will be delayed to the year 2023. Working in partnership with Chevrolet and Honda, the new engine will give the most exciting and competitive racing series in the world an additional 100 horsepower, ultimately producing over 900. “Honda welcomes this step to the future by INDYCAR, action that mirrors Honda’s efforts to develop and manufacture high-performance, electrified products that will meet industry challenges and delight our customers,” said Ted Klaus, president of Honda Performance Development. “At Honda, we race to develop our people, to innovate technologies and to engage fans. We are proud of our uninterrupted, 27-year leadership in INDYCAR, and look forward to delivering a next-generation Honda 2.4-liter hybrid power unit with more than 900 horsepower.” “Chevrolet has enjoyed great success since joining the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2012 with our 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V6 engine,” said Mark Reuss, president of General Motors. “We are thrilled to be moving forward with INDYCAR because it’s the perfect showcase for our engine technology, in the only open-wheel racing series in America, a high-tech, growing series that Roger Penske and his team are absolutely taking to the next level.” The newly designed powertrain system also will provide a departure from the traditional, manual handheld starters and will let drivers restart the car quickly should it stall on the track. This will benefit the AMR INDYCAR Safety Team as it reduces exposure time on track and adds to the fan experience by potentially reducing the number of caution flags on track, leading to better flow and time of races. “Fast, loud, and authentic,” Frye said, “along with a history of innovation – that’s our racing roots and will continue to be the sport’s legacy. This announcement keeps that in mind while celebrating a stable and bright future.” The commitment and overall stability of the series will continue to allow INDYCAR future opportunities for an additional OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) to join its mainstay engine partners.

Penske Entertainment Corp. Provides Race for Equality & Change Update

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From Indycar and Penske Entertainment Corp.:
INDIANAPOLIS, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020 – Penske Entertainment Corp. announced several significant steps this morning related to its ongoing Race for Equality & Change initiative. This includes a major expansion of its relationship with NXG Youth Motorsports Inc. (NXG), a 501c3 that introduces minority students to motorsports. “NXG uses the world of motorsports to provide students access to STEM curriculum, career pathways and valuable life lessons,” said Penske Entertainment Corp. President & CEO Mark Miles. “We’re thrilled to partner with Coach Rod Reid to support his tremendous work and the expansion of his program.” In addition, Jimmie McMillian was named Chief Diversity Officer for Penske Entertainment Corp. McMillian has been Senior Corporate Counsel for IMS and INDYCAR since 2016 and is nationally recognized as a strong and consistent voice for diversity in the legal profession. He is charged with leading the ongoing implementation of vital Race for Equality & Change pillars. “Jimmie is an impactful leader and a strong voice for inclusivity and diversity,” Miles said. “His experience, perspectives and community relationships will be a tremendous asset in this role. We’re grateful to have him guiding this significant and important effort for us.” NXG Expansion Penske Entertainment Corp., owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and INDYCAR, has teamed up with several corporate partners to provide increased funding and resources to NXG. More than half a million dollars in funds and in-kind contributions have been raised, with key donations coming from program title sponsor Lucas Oil, Penske Entertainment Corp., LifeSecure Insurance Company and Snap-on Incorporated. NXG will also be provided a permanent garage at IMS with brand-new tools from Snap-on. The increased funding and infrastructure further the program in several important ways, including allowing for a yearlong curriculum, increasing the number of students participating and enhancing the depth and quality of student experience. “The support from partners new and long-term, including LifeSecure Insurance, Snap-on, Penske Entertainment Corp. and Lucas Oil, will help us build upon the strong foundation we’ve established,” said Coach Reid. “Ultimately, we’ll be able to ensure more students have access to opportunities that teach vital life and career skills on a year-long basis.” Since its inception in 2006, NXG has introduced more than 1,000 boys and girls ages 11 to 16 to the educational benefits that can be derived from performance driving. It utilizes racing as a training tool for life-skill development, engaging participants in classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. Participants are introduced to motorsports career opportunities such as engineering, marketing, management, food service, and health and fitness while being inspired to become safe, responsible future drivers. The announcement coincides with NXG’s season finale taking place this week at IMS as part of the INDYCAR Harvest GP presented by GMR. Race for Equality & Change Race for Equality & Change was unveiled during this year’s Brickyard 400 weekend and represents a major effort to support diversity and inclusivity across the INDYCAR industry. Key goals include: Recruiting and developing a diverse workforce throughout all levels of INDYCAR and IMS Diversifying the competitive driver field at the grassroots, Road to Indy and NTT INDYCAR SERIES levels Supporting impactful grassroots youth motorsports programs, like NXG Diversifying employment, leadership and ownership within the SERIES and with INDYCAR promoters Investment in minority communities to encourage greater engagement with INDYCAR and IMS Establishing a procurement program to meaningfully increase the number of minority-owned businesses that contract with INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway each year “I’m honored to take on this role and ready to help fuel change and inclusivity in our sport,” McMillian said. “Penske Entertainment Corp. is committed to making a difference, and today’s announcements are just the beginning of the important work and progress to come.” For more information, please visit IMS.com and INDYCAR.com.