Category: Auto Racing

Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey Fast Facts 

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From Indycar

 Race weekend: Friday, June 21-Sunday, June 23
Track: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, a 2.238-mile permanent road course in Monterey, California
Race distance:NTT INDYCAR SERIESFirestone Grand Prix of Monterey: 95 laps / 212.61 miles
INDY NXT by FirestoneINDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey Race 1 & 2: 35 laps / 78.33 miles / 55 minutes (each race)

Push to pass parameters: NTT INDYCAR SERIES 150 seconds of total time with a maximum time of 15 seconds per activation
INDY NXT by Firestone150 seconds of total time with a maximum time of 15 seconds per activation
Firestone tire allotment:
NTT INDYCAR SERIES: Six sets primary, four sets alternate to be used during the event weekend. Teams must use one set of primary and one new set of alternate tires unless wet conditions are declared. One additional set is available for the weekend’s first session to teams fielding a rookie driver.
INDY NXT by Firestone: Three new sets to be used during the event weekend. Two carryover sets from the Road America event may be used during Friday’s practice sessions.
X: @WeatherTechRcwy, @INDYCAR, @INDYNXT, #FirestoneGP, #INDYCAR
Instagram: @weathertechraceway, @INDYCAR, @INDYNXT, #FirestoneGP, #INDYCAR
Threads: @INDYCAR, @INDYNXT
Facebook: @WeatherTechRaceway, @INDYCAR, @INDYNXT, #FirestoneGP, #INDYCAR
TikTok: @INDYCAR, #FirestoneGP, #INDYCARY
ouTube: @INDYCAR
Event website: www.weathertechraceway.comI
NDYCAR website: www.IndyCar.com
INDY NXT by Firestone website: www.indynxt.com
2023 race winners:
NTT INDYCAR SERIES Scott Dixon (No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda)
INDY NXT by FirestoneRace 1: Hunter McElrea (No. 27 Andretti Autosport)Race 2: Christian Rasmussen (No. 6 HMD Motorsports)
2023 NTT P1 Award winner (NTT INDYCAR SERIES): Felix Rosenqvist (No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet), 1:06.6416, 120.897 mph
2023 INDY NXT by Firestone pole winners: Race 1: Hunter McElrea (No. 27 Andretti Autosport), 1:12.3117, 111.418 mph Race 2: Christian Rasmussen (No. 6 HMD Motorsports), 1:11.7225, 112.333 mph
Qualifying records:NTT INDYCAR SERIESChristian Lundgaard, 1:06.4610, 121.226 mph, Sept. 9, 2023INDY NXT by FirestoneChristian Rasmussen, 1:11.7225, 112.333 mph, Sept. 9, 2023
USA Network race telecast: Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey, 6 p.m. ET Sunday, June 23, USA Network (live). Kevin Lee is the play-by-play announcer for USA Network’s coverage of the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey, alongside analysts Townsend Bell and James Hinchcliffe. Georgia Henneberry and Dillon Welch are the pit reporters.
Peacock Live Streaming: All NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice sessions and qualifying will stream live on Peacock, NBC’s direct-to-consumer livestreaming product, while the USA Network’s race telecast of the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey will be simulcast on the streaming service. The INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey will be streamed on Peacock, with practice and qualifying being shown on INDYCAR LIVE.
INDYCAR Radio Network broadcasts: Mark Jaynes is the anchor alongside analyst Davey Hamilton. Jake Query and Nick Yeoman are the turn announcers. Michael Young and Dan Rusanowsky are the pit reporters. The Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey race (6 p.m. ET Sunday), INDY NXT Grand Prix of Monterey doubleheader (3:20 p.m. ET Saturday and 3:50 p.m. ET Sunday) and all NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone practices and qualifying sessions air live on network affiliates, SiriusXM 218, racecontrol.indycar.com and the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA.
At-track schedule (all times local):
Friday, June 21
1:10-1:35 p.m. – INDY NXT by Firestone practice 1, INDYCAR LIVE
2-3:15 p.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice 1, Peacock
3:40-4:05 p.m. – INDY NXT by Firestone practice 2, INDYCAR LIVE
Saturday, June 22
9-9:30 a.m. – INDY NXT by Firestone Qualifying (Two groups, 12-minutes each / Fastest lap determines the lineup for Race 1, second fastest lap determines the lineup for Race 2), INDYCAR LIVE
10-11 a.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice 2 (45 minutes limited guarantee), Peacock
12:30 p.m. – INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey Race 1 “Drivers Start Your Engines”12:35 p.m. – INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey Race 1 (35 laps / 78.33 miles / 55 minutes), Peacock
2:15 p.m. – Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey NTT P1 Award qualifying (three rounds of knockout qualifying), Peacock
Sunday, June 23
Noon-12:30 p.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES final practice, Peacock
1 p.m. – INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey Race 2 “Drivers Start Your Engines”1:05 p.m. – INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey Race 2 (35 laps / 78.33 miles / 55 minutes), Peacock
3 p.m. – USA Network on air
3:23 p.m. – Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey “Drivers, start your engines”
3:30 p.m. – Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey (95 laps/212.61 miles), USA Network (Live)
Race Notes:There have been six winners in seven NTT INDYCAR SERIES races in the 2024 season. Pato O’Ward (Streets of St. Petersburg), Scott Dixon (Streets of Long Beach, Streets of Detroit), Scott McLaughlin (Barber Motorsports Park), Alex Palou (Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course), Josef Newgarden (Indianapolis 500) and Will Power (Road America) have all won in this season. The record for most different winners in a season is 11 in 2000, 2001 and 2014.
There have been six winners in the last 10 NTT INDYCAR SERIES races: Scott Dixon, Josef Newgarden, Alex Palou, Scott McLaughlin, Pato O’Ward and Will Power.
Dixon (World Wide Technology Raceway 2023, Laguna Seca 2023, Long Beach 2024 and Detroit 2024) and Palou (Portland 2023 and Indianapolis GP 2024) are the only drivers to have won multiple races over that stretch.
The Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey will be the 27th INDYCAR SERIES race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, but just the fifth since 2004. Teo Fabi won the first INDYCAR SERIES race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in 1983. Scott Dixon won the race in 2023.
Scott Dixon, Alex Palou and Colton Herta are the only former winners entered in this year’s race.
ACTIVE RACE WINNER WINS SEASONS
Colton Herta 2 2019, 2021
Alex Palou 1 2022
Scott Dixon 1 2023
Thirteen INDYCAR SERIES drivers have won at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca from the pole – Teo Fabi (1983), Bobby Rahal (1985), Danny Sullivan (1988), Rick Mears (1989), Danny Sullivan (1990), Michael Andretti (1991, 1992), Paul Tracy (1994), Alex Zanardi (1996), Bryan Herta (1998, 1999), Helio Castroneves (2000), Cristiano da Matta (2002), Patrick Carpentier (2003) and Colton Herta (2019, 2021).
ACTIVE POLE WINNER
POLES SEASONS
Colton Herta 2 2019, 2021
Will Power 1 2022
Felix Rosenqvist 1 2023
Team Penske has won six times at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Penske’s winning drivers are Danny Sullivan (1988, 1990), Rick Mears (1989), Paul Tracy (1993, 1994) and Helio Castroneves (2000). Chip Ganassi Racing has four wins with Scott Dixon (2023), Alex Palou (2022), Alex Zanardi (1996) and Jimmy Vasser (1997). Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing has three wins with Bryan Herta (1998, 1999) and Max Papis (2001).
Twenty-one drivers entered in the event have competed in past INDYCAR SERIES races at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Scott Dixon has six starts, most among the entered drivers. Eight entered drivers have led laps at the track – Colton Herta 175, Alex Palou 118, Will Power 23, Dixon 22, Pato O’Ward 15, Felix Rosenqvist 11, Romain Grosjean 6 and Josef Newgarden 5
.Rookies Luca Ghiotto, Linus Lundqvist, Christian Rasmussen, Nolan Siegel and Kyffin Simpson along with veteran driver Pietro Fittipaldi will race an NTT INDYCAR SERIES car at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for the first time this weekend. Rasmussen won at Laguna Seca in INDY NXT by Firestone in 2022 and 2023.Milestones: Scott Dixon will attempt to make his 330th consecutive start, extending his record streak … Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing will make its 1,000th INDYCAR SERIES start at this event
.INDY NXT by Firestone notes: The INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey doubleheader will be the series’ 29th and 30th races at WeatherTech Raceway at Laguna Seca. Previous INDY NXT by Firestone winners at Laguna Seca include Bryan Herta, Andre Ribeiro, Greg Moore, Tony Kanaan, Cristiano da Matta, Scott Dixon, Townsend Bell, Spencer Pigot, Rinus VeeKay and Kyle Kirkwood. Current NTT INDYCAR SERIES rookie Christian Rasmussen and Hunter McElrea split the Grand Prix of Monterey doubleheader in 2023.The INDY NXT by Firestone title fight between Jacob Abel and Louis Foster heads west for its final doubleheader weekend when the INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey hits the track on Saturday and Sunday.
Abel leads Foster by 19 points headed into the pair of 35-lap races, but Foster is riding the momentum of three-straight top-two finishes. The ultra-competitive 2024 season has seen four winners in six races to start the season and seven different drivers finish on the podium. Push to pass could play a key strategic role at Laguna Seca as INDY NXT by Firestone drivers will have a bank of 150 seconds to use an added 50 horsepower to assist in overtaking, similar to the drivers in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The maximum amount of time for each press of the overtake system is 15 seconds.
Group qualifying will decide the starting grid on road and street circuits. Based on the best lap times from the practice session immediately preceding qualifying, the fastest driver in that session will choose which group will compete in the first of the two qualifying sessions.
With 12 minutes allotted for each group (with a guarantee of one timed lap), the fastest driver between the two sessions will be awarded pole position with the drivers who finished behind that driver, in order and in that group, occupying the odd-numbered starting positions (3, 5, 7, etc.) for the race and the drivers who finished in order from the other group occupying the even-numbered starting positions (2, 4, 6, etc.). A driver’s fastest lap will determine Race 1 position. A driver’s second-fastest lap will determine Race 2 starting position. One driver and entrant championship point will be awarded to the fastest car in each qualifying group for each race. 
 

Final Thoughts on Le Mans

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I arrived home at 10 pm last night after a loooong day of traveling. It is always great to be home after an extended trip. This blog is more of an advice column for anyone considering going to Le Mans, or for a 77-year-old blogger who may be planning a return visit. I’m not mentioning any names here.

Getting around Paris

The Paris Metro system is amazing, and the entire city seems connecting by the mainly underground railroad network. To get to the train to Le Mans from Charles de Gaulle Airport requires a transfer. Be careful to read the route map so you don’t end up traveling the wrong way. Each ticket allows one free transfer. Don’t count on help from employees there.

Bullet train– The TGV train takes an hour or less to get to Le Mans, which is about 136 miles northwest of Paris. The train is clean, quiet, and efficient.

Le Mans Transit– The T1line on the city tram goes directly to the track, which is the end of the line. The penultimate stop takes you directly to Tetre Rouge. It is an easier track entry and involves quite a bit less walking to the track than the gate at the final stop. From Tetre Rouge, you can walk toward the Dunlop bridge and cross over to the fan village.

I cannot say this enough- there is no such thing as a short walk at Le Mans.

Track shuttles– there are some internal shuttles which will save many steps from Porte Est- it’s about a mile walk to the track itself-then you need to walk back to the main plaza, but it’s a much shorter walk.

Visiting turns– Free buses will take fans to what i call the outer corners- Mulsanne, Arnage, and the Porsche curves. My advice- plan to go early Waiting until evening means a long wait in a line. Make sure you take the correct bus.

I found out that I could avoid a bus transfer to Arnage by going to the Ouest Parking area, which is just behind the Ferris wheel.

Take time to enjoy the city– Since most track activity doesn’t begin until mid to late afternoon, use the morning time to enjoy the city of Le Mans. It is very peaceful, and the architecture there is wonderful. I did not get a chance to explore the old city as much as I wanted to. It’s an area on a hilltop with buildings from medieval times. There is a very cool vibe there.

I enjoyed having a mid-morning coffee at an outdoor cafe near Place de la Republique on the days when no race activities took place there. The plaza is one of the tram stops on the T1 line.

Autographs– There is a better chance of the driver autographs you want at scrutineering than there is of getting an autograph at the official autograph session. Drivers walk around the ring after the official photographs and sign for fans who wait all day behind the barricades.

Back to Reality

I understand there was slight bit of Indycar news while I was away. I’m still trying to catch up to it all. I discussed the new television package last week. Tomorrow, i will have some thoughts about the 2025 schedule, and during the race weekend, I will talk about the McLaren situation. It sounds like McLaren and Juncos Hollinger deserve to be partners. They have the same philosophy when it comes to treatment of drivers.

Now to go back to sleep.

Au Revoir Le Mans- Many Thoughts on Reaching a Dream

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The clock went to zero, the checkered flag waved, and my life long dream of going to Le Mans accomplished. I will try o distill my thoughts into two blogs. There are too many to condense in to one. If you are a reader of my blog and not a personal friend, consider yourself lucky. My friends w2ill be hearing ab out this for months, maybe until next June.

My first impression of the entire week is that Le Mans blows Indianapolis away. This is not meant to be a put down of most beloved 500. It is a matter of scale. Everything is bigger in Le Mans. From the pre race buildup that begins with scrutineering, to the post-race podium ceremony, everything is made to feel like it is the most important event.

Pre-Race

The palpable buzz in the crowd built all day. The grid walk, like those of Sebring and the Rolex 24, was a madhouse of fans looking for their favorite teams. The scene reinforced why I don’t do grid walks anymore. I was content to watch from the stands.

The brief simple pre-race ceremony was direct and to the point. I remember when the 500 opening ceremony was like that.

Two things stood out. The parade of flags of each drivers’ nation acknowledge that Le Mans is an international event. Flag bearers then moved to stand by the cars of that country. It’s as if this race is the Olympics of motorsport.

La Marseilles– I have always liked the French national anthem, but to hear it sung accompanied by a brass band live brought me to tears. It is such a stirring anthem.

The cars then started and rolled off for the pace lap, The field lined up, came off the final turn, the tricolor waved, and the clock started.

The Race

At the end of lap 1, when Ferrari had already jumped to the lead, I had to remind myself that I was not dreaming. After the second lap, I settled into watching the race. I was glad that the rain had held off for the start.

Rain would play a major role in the story of the 2024 edition of Le Mans. An early shower had some teams deciding to go to wet tires immediately. Others stayed out. The shower was brief, and the track dried quickly. That set up two different strategies early. In a 24 hour race, even early decisions can have a long-term effect.

The four hour full course yellow for rain set up an intriguing ending.

In the end, Ferrari won again. Nolan Siegel was the American bright spot as part of the winning LMP2 United Autosport team.

Watching Le Mans

Veterans of Daytona and Sebring are accustomed to walk around to various vantage points during the race. everyone has their favorite spots for the start and the finish. At Le Mans this is difficult to do because of the siz of the track. I wanted to go watch from Arnage. All I had to do was leave the track, catch a bus and take it to catch another bus, reenter a track gate. The process took nearly an hour because of the long lines waiting to board the buses.

Of course, three minutes after arriving, the rain started. It was one of the heavier downpours akthough it di not last long.

Arnage is a slow corner right after the high speed Indianapolis corner. It is a public road that has been incorporated into the track. I got a few photos, but not as many as I had hoped.

The track has provided several big screen televisions in the several villages for fans to watch the race.

Going to L e Mans has fulfilled a 65-year-old dream of mine. My heart was so full at the end of the race. Le Mans is more than a 24 hour race. It is an entire week of revealing the components one by one. It’s a fascinating process.

In the week before the race, I learned a lot about myself as well. I can travel alone to Europe. I learned enough French to understand what people told me and to make myself understood. Thanks, Google Translate and my AirBnB host.

I have a few more things to share, including some travel tips, then I will move on. I promise. Thanks for following along and allowing me to share the journey of a lifetime.

Indycar’s New Television Deal – Some Thoughts

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Indycar finally got some positive news yesterday with the announcement of the new television partnership with Fox. Overall, this is the best television package I have ever seen for Indycar There are many good things in this package, and at the same time some concerns remain, and not small ones either. While there are many good things in this package, and at the same time some concerns remain, and not small ones either.

Having every race on a main broadcast channel is a dream come true. There will be no more hunting for USA, Peacock, or (shudder) CNBC again. Viewers will know where to find the Indycar series. This part is something I did not expect.

Indy NXT now has a semi-permanent home on FS1 with an occasional appearance on FS2. Getting off streaming exclusively and getting over the air exposure can only help the drivers and teams in that series. Maybe even the Indycar owners will start noticing and not run to F2 so quickly.

My understanding is that Fox is paying a huge sum of money for this deal. Rights fees have always been an issue with Indycar media deals.

Doubts Still Linger

Still, despite the best news the series has had since that spectacular Indianapolis 500, there are still questions.

Who will be the announcers? Fox has a whole tends to seek mediocre talent as their top lev el. If you have ever watched a World Sereies game or a Big East basketball game, you know what I’m talking about. I hope they hire as much of the NBC crew as is available.

Production Values

I don’t like the way sports events are presented on Fox. They seem to spend too much time trying not showing the game in progress so they can interview someone who is supposed to be focusing on the game. Talking to managers during baseball games, pulling coaches from time out huddles, or a flashback to when two opponents met 15 years ago when they each played for different teams all detract from the game going on right now.

I haven’t watched a NASCAR race on Fox, but I have heard some comments that give me pause.

Television Windows– Flexibility Required

Each race has been allotted a two and a half hour window, except for the 500 which has a five hour window. That might work for some sports, but racing needs some more flexibility. If we have a situation next year such as we had at the 500 this year, does the 500 end up on FS2? Will they stay with a race that runs long?

Is five hours really long enough for a three hour race/ It sounds as if the pre race will be rushed, and the post race could possiblybe cut off mid ceremony.

I agree Indycar took the best package and got virtually everything they wanted. I’m excited to see what it looks like. The ball is in Fox’s court to produce.

Le Mans Journal Day 8-Estre’s Last Lap Nips Cadillac

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Alex Lynn had to be feeling quite good. His final Hyperpole lap edged out Sebastien Bourdais by 0.018 seconds to take the top spot and give Cadillac a front row lockout. But Kevin Estre in the Penske Porsche had yet to complete his final circuit. Estre gaiuned enough ground in the second half of the lap to steal the pole from Cadillac. His margin over Lynn was 0.148 seconds.

Penske cars have now won poles at the Daytona 500, the Indianapolis 500, and Le Mans.

Team Jota number 12, driven by Callum Ilott, did not participate because the car was not ready in time following a practice crash.

In LMP2, the number 14 car from AO Racing, affectionately known as Spike, will start on pole for that class. Louis Delatraz, who drives for Wayne Taylor Racing in IMSA, looks for his first Le Mans win after several close calls. The car has been in the top three in the practice sessions.

GT3 honors go to McLaren number 70, Brendan Iribe gave McLaren its first Le Mans pole.

The 2024 Le Mans grid is quite deep in all classes. I’m looking for a very competitive race.

Le Mans Continues to Astound

I thought that after a couple of days here i would find this event to return to an ordinary race weekend. The surprises keep coming. I di not expect much from yesterday’s Hyperpole shootout, nor did I expect much interest from the fans. The session had the largest crowd of the week. I watched from the same spot as I did for qualifying, just before the Dunlop bridge.

Wednesday for qualifying the crowd was about four deep from the fence. Thursday fans stood at least eight deep. I have no idea how those in the back saw anything.

I also had a chance meeting with some fellow Indycar fans. I saw on social media that they were coming, but did not have much hope of ever seeing them here. Yet, we found each other. Meeting siomeone you know here is a totally random act unless a meeting point has been pre arranged.

Friday is the Drivers’ parade at Place de la Republique. It begins a 4 pm local time. I plan to be there by 2, just going by the crowds I saw at Scrutineering last week.

I do have some thoughts on the new Indycar television package and the schedule, which I will put in another article later today. The six hour time difference is both a luxury and a curse when figuring out when to post things. It is 1:30 am Eastern as I am writing this. I try to post around 6 am Eastern, as most of you seem to think sleep is more important than reading my blog.

INDYCAR, FOX Sports Announce Historic Media Rights Deal  

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From Indycar. My thoughts at a later time


All 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Races To Air on FOX. Agreement Includes Extensive, Multiplatform Coverage of Indy 500 
across FOX Sports Family of Networks

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, June 13, 2024) – INDYCAR and FOX Sports announced June 13 the new exclusive home of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the iconic Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge beginning in 2025. The new media rights deal provides a massive and unprecedented increase in exposure for North America’s premier open-wheel racing series, with every 2025 race airing on FOX and available on the FOX Sports app. FOX Deportes will carry exclusive Spanish-language television coverage, with a schedule to be announced at a later date
.FOX will also provide coverage of Indy 500 qualifications on both Saturday and Sunday, bringing the total number of broadcast network windows to 19, a record for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
INDYCAR will become the only premier motorsport in the United States with exclusive major broadcast network coverage for all its races.
“This represents unrivaled exposure and provides an unparalleled growth opportunity for the most competitive and entertaining motorsport on the planet,” INDYCAR CEO Mark Miles said.
“FOX Sports is a fully committed partner, ready to bring engaging and technically innovative coverage to millions of fans across the country while also promoting INDYCAR thoroughly across all its platforms.
”“Adding the iconic Indianapolis 500 and delivering the entire NTT INDYCAR SERIES to the FOX Sports roster fits perfectly within our model of teaming with sports’ largest events and best-in-class brands,” FOX Sports CEO and Executive Producer Eric Shanks said.
“We’re honored to be the new broadcast home to ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,’ an incredibly special event to everyone at FOX Sports.”
The 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season kicks off with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on Sunday, March 2 and concludes with the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix on Sunday, Aug. 31.
The 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge takes place on Sunday, May 25.
The full schedule for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES was released today and can be viewed here.
Indianapolis 500 Race Day coverage will be extensive for fans across the country, with a five-hour window on FOX set aside for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” The Indy 500 is annually the world’s largest single-day spectator sporting event, attracting a crowd of more than 300,000 people to the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The immersive collaboration will see all practice and qualifying sessions for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES telecast on cable on FS1 and FS2.
The majority of INDY NXT by Firestone races will also air on FS1, with FS2 providing supplemental coverage of additional races.
This news comes on the heels of continued growth and momentum for INDYCAR, which has seen rising attendance across its schedule, significant growth in commercial partnerships and record metrics across its digital platforms.
Additional announcements, including on-air talent, will be announced at a later date.

 
 
 

Le Mans Journal Day 7- The Learning Curve of Learning Curves

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Wednesday I found a track entrance near Tetre Rouge, one of the more well known corners. It is a very fast right hand turn which comes after a series of esses. The Dunlop bridge is visible from here. Sunday I was near the bridge, but I did not realize I was that close to Tetre Rouge.

The Road to Le Mans series was on track when I arrived.

Shuttle buses run from various points to the turns, and I will be taking advantage of hose today. Circuit de la Sarthe requires a lot of walking, and golf carts are not available for rent. At least i am getting my steps in.

Wednesday was qualifying for the 24 Hours. I prefer the way IMSA qualifies, where each group gets their own 15 minute time period. At Le Mans, all cars are on track for one hour. The top eight then advance to Thursday’s Hyperpole shootout to determine the pole and the first four rows of each class. Hyperpole is a 30 minute session for all 24 eligible cars.

One of the favorites, a Toyota HyperCar, lost all of its times yesterday and will start at the back of the class.

Into the Night

Wednesday saw the first night practice, from 10 pm to midnight. The session begins at dusk. There is still quite a bit of light in the sky at 10 pm. There is another night practice tonight (Thursday).

Friday is the drivers’ parade, which I understand is a very fun event. There is no track activity on Friday. Fans are invited to walk the track. The time period overlaps the parade, making it hard for fans to do both.

Hyperpole

The BMW driven by Laurens Vanthoor had the fastest qualifying lap yesterday.

Advancing to tonight’s Hyperpole round are the Ganassi Cadillacs. Scott Dixon and Sebastien Bourdais are in ther number. Alex palou is the 2 car. The number 12 Porsche of Callum Ilott is also in the shootout.

The LMP2 car team of which Nolan Siegel is part of will be in that class’s shootout.

Power Paces Another Penske 1-2-3 at Milwaukee Test

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Twenty Drivers Give Workout to New Hybrid Unit as Debut Nears

From Indycar

MILWAUKEE (Tuesday, June 11, 2024) – It appears Wisconsin is Team Penske’s new playground.Two days after sweeping the podium at Road America, Team Penske drivers Will Power, Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin were the three fastest drivers, respectively, in an NTT INDYCAR SERIES Open Test at Milwaukee Mile.

Two-time series champion Power led with a lap of 161.521 mph in the No. 12 Chevrolet on the historic 1-mile oval. Two-time reigning Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge winner Newgarden followed at 160.759 in the No. 2 Chevrolet, with McLaughlin third at 160.639 in the No. 3 Chevrolet. Power won the XPEL Grand Prix at Road America presented by AMR last Sunday at Road America, followed by Newgarden and McLaughlin in Team Penske’s first podium sweep in a series event since 2017.

All 20 cars in the all-day test were equipped with the new hybrid unit that will make its competition debut Friday-Sunday, July 5-7 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio presented by the 2025 Civic Hybrid

.“You do feel it’s probably going to assist in passing,” Power said of the hybrid unit. “If you’ve got a run on someone, I think it will work.”

The hybrid units will be used during the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ first return to this track since 2015 during the Hy-Vee Milwaukee Mile 250 doubleheader Aug. 31-Sept. 1. Power is one of two active series drivers with a win at Milwaukee; he won in 2014, while Scott Dixon won in 2009.

“It hasn’t changed much,” Power said of the famed oval. “I think those patches don’t seem to have much grip though in the middle of the corners, which is really good for passing. It’s the same track. It feels exactly like it did.

“I did really well here. It was one of my favorite ovals. I had been looking forward to coming here.”

Colton Herta was fourth in testing today at 160.137 in the No. 26 Honda fielded by Andretti Global with Curb-Agajanian. Pato O’Ward of Arrow McLaren rounded out the top five at 159.993 in his No. 5 Chevrolet.

David Malukas was eighth at 159.293 in his debut with Meyer Shank Racing in the No. 66 Honda. Malukas missed the first seven races of the season due to a wrist injury suffered in a preseason mountain biking accident. He will make his racing debut with MSR at Mid-Ohio.

Light rain delayed the test for 36 minutes late in the afternoon while teams were in the race simulation portion of the schedule, when the field was divided into two groups. The 20 drivers combined to turn 3,563 incident-free laps on the day. That’s equal to 178 laps per driver, more than half of the 250-lap distance of each of the races over Labor Day weekend.“

This was another important milestone for the INDYCAR hybrid power unit,” INDYCAR President Jay Frye said. “Chevrolet and Honda checked a lot of boxes today, and none of it could happen without the continued partnership and support of our drivers and teams. The anticipation grows, and we cannot wait to see the hybrid era begin at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in a few weeks.”

The next NTT INDYCAR SERIES event is the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey on Sunday, June 23 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Live coverage starts at 6 p.m. ET on the USA Network, Peacock and the INDYCAR Radio Network.

RESULTS