Category: Auto Racing

Opening Day at IMS- GMR Grand Prix Weekend

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Today’s Schedule:

Friday, May 12 
 INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, May 11, 2023) – Information about GMR Grand Prix track activity Friday, May 12 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

:SCHEDULE (All times local):

7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.: Public gates open

8-8:30 a.m.: USF2000 qualifying

8:45-9:15 a.m.: USF Pro 2000 qualifying

9:30-10:45 a.m.: NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice 1

11-11:50 a.m.: INDY NXT by Firestone practice 1

12:05-12:45 p.m.: USF2000 Race 1

1-2 p.m.: NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice 2

2:20-2:40 p.m.: INDY NXT by Firestone qualifying

2:55-3:45 p.m.: USF Pro 2000 race 1

4-5:15 p.m.: NTT INDYCAR SERIES qualifying/Firestone Fast Six

Rain is forecast off and on today, and tomorrow looks to be mostly dry. Look for reports after each practice and after qualifying. I plan to check out the new, improved Turn 2 monuds weather permitting.

Some news:

Toby Sowery will test an Indycar with Rahal Letterman Lanuigan Racing June 8 at Sebring.

Ernie Francis ahd withdrawn from the Indy NXT race due to his hand injury suffered at Barber.

GMR Grand Prix Preview

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It’s time to go racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The GMR Grand Prix begins the fortnight of May . The race began in 2014 as a means to draw more fans to the track at the start of May. It has served its purpose, as it brings in more people than the traditional opening day of practice for the openeing day of practice would have drawn.

The race weekend has seen the entire spectrum of weather- warm and sunny, cold and cloudy, light rain, heavy rain- sometimes all in the same race. The 2022 edition was a wet, cold affair. I thought it was one of the best GMR Grand Prix. The ever changing strategies made it a most interesting race.

Weather looks to be a factor tomorrow and it could also impact the race on Saturday.

This event saw Team Penske dominate through 2019, but three different teams have won the May road course race the last three years.

Entering the 2023 race, this season has seen a resurgence of Andretti Autosport. The ream has won three of the four poles and one race. Romain Grosjean has two poles and two second place finishes. Kyle Kirkwood won the pole and the race at Long Beach.

There are some interesting one on one battles to watch this weekend

Grosjean vs. McLaughlin

The two have battled for the lead at St. Pete and Barber this year, and and another fight for first between the Andretti and Penske driver is likely again Saturday. Grosjean and Scott McLaughlin seem to find each other on track. St. Pete was essentially a draw, and Mclaughlin won at Barber.

Ericsson vs. O’Ward

Defending 500 winner Matcus Ericsson leads Pato O’Ward by just three points as the series enters May. Ericsson finished fourth last year after starting 18th, and O’Wrd finished 19th while he started fifth.

Ganssi and Arrow McLaten have had few good results on this track. Both drivers need a good finish since only 15 points separate the top five.

Penske Return to the Top?

Team Penske has won the race five times and the pole six times. Their last win was in 2019. The team also swept the Harvest Classic double header in the fall of 2021. It is odd to say that Penske is looking to win its first pole of the season heading into the fifth race.

Romain Grosjean should get his elusive first Indycar victory this weekend. he has two poles and two second place finishes so fvar The team needs to do a bit of fine tuning on strategy and he will win.

GMR Grand Prix Fast Facts

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From Indycar:

Race weekend: Friday, May 12 – Saturday, May 13
Track: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a 2.439-mile, 14-turn road course (clockwise) Race distance: NTT INDYCAR SERIES 85 laps / 207.3 miles | INDY NXT by Firestone: 35 laps/55 minutes

Push-to-pass parameters: NTT INDYCAR SERIES: 200 seconds of total time, with a maximum time of 20 seconds per activation. | INDY NXT by Firestone: 150 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. One additional set is available to rookie drivers for use in the Friday practice session.

2022 race winners: NTT INDYCAR SERIES Colton Herta (No. 26 Gainbridge Honda) INDY NXT by Firestone Danial Frost (No. 68 HMD Motorsports), Linus Lundqvist (No. 26 HMD Motorsports)

2022 NTT P1 Award winner (NTT INDYCAR SERIES): Will Power (No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet), 1 minute, 9.7664 seconds, 125.854 mph

2022 INDY NXT by Firestone pole winners: Linus Lundqvist (No. 26 HMD Motorsports) 1:16.3362, 115.023 mph (race one), Lundqvist 1:16.4266, 114.887 (race two)

Qualifying records: NTT INDYCAR SERIES Will Power, 1:07.7044, 129.687 mph, May 12, 2017 (Set in Round 3 of knockout qualifying) INDY NXT by Firestone Ed Jones, 1:14.6743, 117.583 mph, May 13, 2016

NBC Sports race telecast: 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday, May 13, NBC (live). Leigh Diffey is the play-by-play announcer for NBC’s coverage of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, alongside analysts Townsend Bell and James Hinchcliffe.

Peacock live streaming: All NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice sessions and qualifying will stream live on Peacock, NBC’s direct-to-consumer livestreaming product. NBC’s GMR Grand Prix race telecast will be simulcast on the streaming service. The INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix will be streamed live on Peacock with practice and qualifying shown on INDYCAR LIVE.

INDYCAR Radio Network broadcasts: Mark Jaynes is the anchor alongside driver analyst Davey Hamilton. Jake Query, Nick Yeoman and Michael Young are the turn announcers. Ryan Myrehn and Rob Blackman are the pit reporters. The GMR Grand Prix race (3 p.m. ET), INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix (12:55 p.m. ET Saturday) and all NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone practices and qualifying sessions air live on network affiliates, SiriusXM 160, racecontrol.indycar.com and the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA.

At-track schedule (all times local): FRIDAY, MAY 12 (All times are local)
9:30-10:45 a.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice (75 minutes), Peacock
11-11:50 a.m. INDY NXT by Firestone practice, INDYCAR LIVE
1-2 p.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice (45 minutes), Peacock
2:20-2:40 p.m. INDY NXT by Firestone qualifying, INDYCAR LIVE
4 p.m. Qualifying for the NTT P1 Award (three rounds of NTT INDYCAR SERIES knockout qualifications), Peacock

SATURDAY, MAY 13 11:15-11:45 a.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES warmup, Peacock 1:05 p.m. INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix
“Drivers, start your engines”
1:10 p.m. INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix (35 laps/55 minutes), Peacock
3:30 p.m. NBC on air
3:39 p.m. “Drivers, start your engines”
3:45 p.m. GMR Grand Prix (85 laps/207.3 miles), NBC (Live)

NTT INDYCAR SERIES Notes: Scott McLaughlin became the fourth winner in as many NTT INDYCAR SERIES races this season as he outdueled Romain Grosjean to win the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix on April 30 at Barber Motorsports Park. 2022 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge winner Marcus Ericsson leads Pato O’Ward by three points heading into the critical Month of May, which has more than 100 points on offer over the next four three with races at Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course and the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. The GMR Grand Prix will be the 14th INDYCAR SERIES event conducted on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s road course. Active race winners who are expected to compete are Alexander Rossi, Colton Herta, Rinus VeeKay, Scott Dixon, Josef Newgarden, Simon Pagenaud and Will Power. ACTIVE RACE WINNER WINS SEASONS Will Power 5 2015, 2017, 2018 (GMR Grand Prix); 2020 (Harvest Grand Prix-2); 2021 (Gallagher Grand Prix) Simon Pagenaud 3 2014, 2016, 2019 (GMR Grand Prix) Scott Dixon 1 2020 (GMR Grand Prix) Josef Newgarden 1 2020 (Harvest Grand Prix-1) Rinus VeeKay 1 2021 (GMR Grand Prix) Colton Herta 1 2022 (GMR Grand Prix) Alexander Rossi 1 2022 (Gallagher Grand Prix) Four NTT P1 Award winners have won the GMR Grand Prix from the pole: Will Power in 2015, 2017 and 2018 and Simon Pagenaud in 2016. Power also won the second Harvest GP race from the pole in 2020.

ACTIVE POLE WINNER POLES SEASONS
Will Power 6 2015, 2017, 2018, 2020 (GMR Grand Prix and Harvest Grand Prix-2) 2022 (GMR Grand Prix)
Felix Rosenqvist 2 2019, 2022 (Gallagher Grand Prix) Pato O’Ward 1 2021 (Gallagher Grand Prix)
Romain Grosjean 1 2021 (GMR Grand Prix)
Rinus VeeKay 1 2020 (Harvest Grand Prix-1)
Simon Pagenaud 1 2016
Sebastian Saavedra 1 2014

Six drivers have competed in every INDYCAR SERIES race on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course – Scott Dixon, Josef Newgarden, Simon Pagenaud, Will Power, Graham Rahal and Takuma Sato. All but Sato are entered this year.

Marcus Ericsson, Josef Newgarden or Kyle Kirkwood can solidify their chance at the PeopleReady Force For Good Challenge’s $1 million prize by winning at Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. Ericsson (Streets of St. Petersburg) and Kirkwood (Streets of Long Beach) have won on street circuits while Newgarden has a win on an oval (Texas Motor Speedway). A win on a road course would make one of them one step closer to earning a $500,000 bonus and a matching $500,000 donation for a chosen charity. Scott McLaughlin is also eligible for the bonus but already has a road course win at Barber Motorsports Park.

Team Penske has eight wins on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020-Race 2, 2020-Race 3, 2021-Race 2). Andretti Autosport swept the races in 2022 while Ed Carpenter Racing, Chip Ganassi Racing and Arrow McLaren are the only other teams to win at the track. Ed Carpenter Racing won in 2021-Race 1 with Rinus VeeKay. Chip Ganassi Racing won with Scott Dixon in 2020-Race 1, and Arrow McLaren won the inaugural race in 2014 with Simon Pagenaud when it was known as Schmidt Peterson Motorsports.

Four NTT INDYCAR SERIES Rookie of the Year contenders – Marcus Armstrong, Agustin Canapino, Benjamin Pedersen and Sting Ray Robb – are entered. All will race an NTT INDYCAR SERIES car at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the first time. Twenty-three of the drivers entered in the event have competed in INDYCAR SERIES races on the IMS road course.

Fifteen entered drivers have led laps in the GMR Grand Prix: Will Power 210, Scott Dixon 69, Simon Pagenaud 68, Colton Herta 50, Romain Grosjean 44, Graham Rahal 36, Rinus VeeKay 33, Josef Newgarden 25, Felix Rosenqvist 19, Pato O’Ward 5, Alexander Rossi 2, Marcus Ericsson 11, Scott McLaughlin 5, Jack Harvey 1 and Alex Palou 1. Milestones: Scott Dixon will attempt to make his 310th consecutive start, the second-longest streak in INDYCAR SERIES history….Dixon will also attempt to make his 350th start with Chip Ganassi Racing. 

INDY NXT by Firestone Notes: INDY NXT by Firestone will conduct the first of two race events at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2023 with a 35-lap race on Saturday, May 13. Denmark’s Christian Rasmussen took the series points lead with his win April 30 at Barber Motorsports Park. The field for the INDY NXT Grand Prix will be the largest INDY NXT by Firestone field at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course since 25 cars started the Liberty Challenge in 2007. Danial Frost is the only driver in the current field who has won an INDY NXT by Firestone race at IMS. Four other drivers – Rasmus Lindh, Christian Rasmussen, Reece Gold and Louis Foster – have visited victory lane in ladder series. The 2023 season features a deep and talented field with INDY NXT race winners such as Frost, Hunter McElrea and Rasmussen joining a promising rookie class that includes Jamie Chadwick (three-time W Series champ), Foster (USF Pro 2000 champ), Jagger Jones (USF2000 Rookie of the Year) and rising stars Nolan Siegel and Gold (USF Pro 2000). Other contenders include returning drivers Jacob Abel, Kyffin Simpson and Ernie Francis Jr. A new qualifying format will place a premium on banking a quick lap around the 2.439-mile road course. Teams will have a single 20-minute session with a limited guarantee of eight minutes of green flag running, depending on whichever comes first. If an entry does not set a time, their order will be based on entrant points.
 

Corvette Hardtop Will Pace 107th 500

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From IMS

Corvette Z06 Hardtop Convertible
To Pace 107th Indianapolis 500  

INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, May 9, 2023) – For the first time in the storied history of this iconic car model, a hardtop convertible Chevrolet Corvette Z06 will lead the field to the green flag for the 107th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 28 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The exterior and interior of the Corvette Z06 convertible will be on full display as the car fulfills responsibilities on and off the track.This is the first generation of Corvette Z06 to offer a hardtop convertible, greatly expanding the convertible’s ability to serve on track at any speed and provide open roof comfort on the street.Corvette is the longest-running car nameplate in automotive industry history, so it’s no surprise Corvette has paced “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” more times than any car.

The 2023 race marks the 34th time for Chevrolet to pace dating back to 1948 and the 20th time overall and since 1978 for America’s favorite sports car.

“As we celebrate the rich history of the Corvette Pace Car at IMS, it’s amazing to see the evolution of these cars on and off the track,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “The hardtop convertible on the 2023 Corvette Z06 is just another example of the Chevrolet innovation that translates from track to street.”

Red Mist Metallic exterior paint and two-tone Jet Black and Sky Cool Gray with Torch Red accents on the interior pair nicely with the Indianapolis 500 logos. Spider-design forged aluminum wheels finished in Tech Bronze complete the car’s iconic, race-ready look.The 2023 Corvette Z06 is set apart by its beating heart, the 5.5L LT6 which creates 670 horsepower, making it the highest-horsepower naturally aspirated V-8 ever to ever hit the market in any production car.

All that power will be held to the track with the Carbon Aero package, providing 734 pounds of downforce at 186 mph, more than any other Corvette.In its 70-year history, Corvette has become synonymous with American sports cars, and the Z06 is the definition of America’s supercar. It’s authentic, optimistic, proud, young at heart and ingenious – values synonymous with both the Indy 500 and Chevrolet.

“We are honored to be pacing the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 with the Corvette Z06 convertible,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Global Chevrolet. “Chevrolet and INDYCAR share the same spirit of competition, and we are proud Z06 will lead the pack across the bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.”

Visit IMS.com for tickets and more information on all Month of May events and activities at IMS.Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 80 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com. 
 

1963- Jones Fends Off Rear Engine Challenge

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Editor’s note: The Pit Window celebrates its 7th birthday today. I am humbled and grateful for your continued support and readership. Thank you.

The early 60s were a time of transition at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Cars flirted with laps under one minute. Rear engine cars began to appear, and while some dismissed them as a fad, it soon became apparent that the future had arrived.The front engine roadster would have just two more years of glory, then fade into the shadows of history.

Parnelli Jones came to Indianapolis in 1961. He started fifth and finished 12th. In 1962 Jones was the first driver to turn an official lap at more than 150 miles per hour. He started on the pole and ran away fron the field until his brakes failed. Somehow, he briught the car home seventh after leading 120 laps. His pit crew used tires to stop the car on his pit stops.

In 1963, Jones broke the track qualifying record he had set the year before with a 151.2 mph lap.

Lotus brought two Ford powered rear engine cars driven by Jim Clark and Dan Gurney.They started fifth and 12th.

In the race, Jones and Jim Hurtubise battled for the lead early. Jones took control and led until his first pit stop. Clark took the lead until his only stop. Jones was again in front and stayed there until the checkered flag. He led 167 laps.

Parnelli Jones in his 1963 winning car

Late in the race, a crack appeared in the oil tank of Jones’ car, and oil began to qppeart on the track. Lotus boss Colin Chapman demanded that Jones be black flagged. J. C. Agajanian, Jones’ car owner, argued that the crack was above the oil level. No flag was thrown.

The oil on track cost Roger McCluskey third place as he spun with two laps to go. Clark, who finished second, decidenot to pursue Jones hard because of how slippery the track had become.

Parnelli Jones had another shot to win the500 in 1967. He drove a turbine powered car. Jones started sixth, but moved to the lead on lap one. He would lead 171 laps. On lap 196 a $6 bearing failed, and the car came to a halt in turn four. 1967 was his last 500.

A front engine roadster had just one more victory, with A. J. Foyt in1964. The mass switch to rear engine cars began in 1965, and the front engine machines disappeared completely five years later.

GMR Grand Prix Schedule

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It’s race week at IMS. Here is the Indycar/Indy NXT schedule for Friday and Saturday:

All Times Eastern

Friday, May 12:

9:30-10:45 Indycar Practice 1 Peacock

11-11:50 Indy NXT Practice

1-2 Indycar Practice 2 Peacock

2:20-:40 Indy NXT Qualifying

4-5:15 Indycar Qualifying Peacock

Satuyrday, May 13

11:15-11:45 Indycar Warm up Peacock

1:10-2:05 Indy NXT Race (35 laps or 50 minutes) Peacock

3:45 Green flag- Indycar GMR Grand Prix (85 laps) NBC, Peacock Coverage begins at 3:30

1953-Vukovich Dominates

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After falling just nine laps short of victory in 1952, Bill Vukovich finished the job this time on the hottest day in 500 history to date. Vukovich led 195 laps starting from pole. Sam Hanks led three laps, and Fred Agabashian and Jim Rathmann each led a lap. Vukovich took the lead for good on lap 54.

Had Vukovich won in 1952, the year ending in a 3 would have produced a multiple winner for the third staright time. Tommy Milton won his second 500 in 1923 and Louis Meyer won his second in 1933.

While the race seemed easy for Vukovich- he and runner-up Art Cross were the only drivers who did not use a rellief driver in the 90 degree heat- winning the pole was not. A heavy rain began while he was on his qualification run. Vukovich completed the four laps and still won the pole.

Bill Vukovich celebrates his pole in the rain.

The race featured just two former winner, Johnnie Parsons and BillmHolland. It was Holland’s first 500 since his suspension for driing in non sanctioned races. Six future winners started the race- Bob Sweikert, Pat Flaherty Jimmy Bryan, Rodger Ward, Jim Rathmann, and Sam Hanks.

Gene Hartley did not have a good race. He crashed on lap 53, then took over as a relief driver and crashed again.

Driver Carl Scarborough collapsed from the heat during a pit stop on lap 70.He later died.

1953 saw the debut of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network. Previously, Mutual Broadcasting would brak induring the day with 15 minutes summaries as the race progressed.

Bill Vukovich ajnd the Fuel Injection Special won two concsecutive 500s

Vukovich won again in 1954 and was fatally injured while leading the 1955 race. It is intersting to speculate what might have been. He could have been not only the first four time winner, but the first arguably only man to win more than two consecutive 500s.

Simplified Screening at IMS

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From Indianapolis Motor Speedway:

Epic Month of May at IMS Set for Green Flag  

Racing Capital of the World Ready To Welcome Fans from Across the Globe

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, May 4, 2023) – It’s May in Indianapolis, and that means it’s time to start preparing for your trip to racing’s most-famed venue: Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Gates will be open to fans 12 days throughout the action-packed and exhilarating Month of May for practice, qualifying, concerts, race days and more.

“The Month of May at the Racing Capital of the World is full of can’t-miss track activity featuring the stars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the many time-honored traditions and pageantry our fans love,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “Ticket sales are strong, and we’re expecting large crowds again this year as we show the world what it truly means when we say, “This is May.”


”As always Race fans are encouraged to“PlanAhead” through IMS.com/PlanAhead, an interactive web page that serves as a home base for fans headed to the track. The “Plan Ahead” page features detailed information about the entire fan experience at IMS, including directions, parking, schedule, gate regulations, digital ticket guide, ADA accessibility and much more.

Race fans are encouraged to download the IMS App on iOS or Android and use the technology from NTT INDYCAR SERIES title sponsor NTT and its Smart Solutions platform, which will update the IMS App every 30 seconds with wait time information at each gate to allow race fans smoother entry into the facility.

Fans will notice one addition to the safety and security measures in place this year. New security screening detection devices have been added to all pedestrian gates.

“With hundreds of thousands of fans walking through the gates of IMS throughout the Month of May, our goal is to continue to provide a secure, safe and very welcoming environment at IMS, while doing our best to ensure a smooth entry with minimal impact to our fans,” Boles said. “As always, our fans help make this possible by planning ahead and arriving early so they don’t miss any of the pre-race action that takes place long before the green flag waves.”

As fans pass through one of the pedestrian entrances, they will walk through a CEIA OPENGATE® security device. Fans won’t need to empty their pockets or remove items of clothing, simply walking through the gate and enter the facility. Since its introduction in 2021, the CEIA-manufactured OPENGATE system has become the choice for pedestrian entry screening at hundreds of facilities, including professional and collegiate sports facilities and theme parks.

IMS has retained GXC Inc. to place this innovative technology and pair it with an entry process designed for least-encumbered pedestrian movement.

Certain items remain prohibited at IMS, including weapons. In addition, glass containers, bikes, golf carts and illegal drugs also are not allowed. Coolers and bags will be checked for both size and contents at each pedestrian gate. All coolers must be no larger than 18 inches by 14 inches by 14 inches in size. Additional gate regulation information is available at ims.com/gate-regulations.

While the additional screening is a simple process, fans are encouraged to arrive as early as possible to allow time to park and patiently make their way in through the gates. Gates will open at 7:30 a.m. for the GMR Grand Prix on Saturday, May 13 and at 6 a.m. for the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 28. To check the gate hours for other days in May, visit IMS.com.