Category: Auto Racing

Season Preview Part 2: Strong Rookie Class Continues Youth Surge

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Photo: Kyle Kirkwood leads a stout rookie class for 2022

Six rookies, five of whom are full time, add to the growing youth movement in Indycar. The class includes three Indy Lights graduates. The success of each may depend on the strength of their team. In a perfect world, equipment wouldn’t determine Rookie of the Year, but, alas, tin 2022 it might. A look at the rookies:

David Malukas- Dale Coyne Racing with HMD

Malukas finished second in Indy Lights in 2021. He was on the pole for the final race of the season with a chance to win the title, but he overshot turn 1. He should have a decent season and is a contender for top rookie honors. Coyne’s cars have been more competitive of late, and Malukas will have a decent season.

Kyle Kirkwood- A. J. Foyt Racing

Kirkwood is arguably the best driver of the rookie class. he is the first driver to win each level of the Road to Indy, and one day he will add an Indycar title to that resume. Kirkwood may struggle this season with one of the lower budget teams, but he has the ability to help the Foyt organization make some improvement.

I talked to Kirkwood earlier this month. He is setting no expectations for 2022, which I think is a sensible approach. I think three top 10s would be a good season for this team.

Christian Lundgaard- Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing

Christian Lundgaard

Lundgaard had one race with Rahal in 2021 at the second IMS road course race. He started fourth and finished 12th. In two seasons in Formula 2 he won two races, one pole, and finished on the podium nine times. We should see a steady run throughout the season, and with a couple of breaks, Lundgaard could contend for top Rookie honors.

Devlin DeFrancesco- Andretti Autosport

DeFrancesco finished sixth in Indy Lights last season, overshadowed by Kirkwood and Malukas. He had nine top fives in 20 races with two podiums. DeFrancesco will be competitive, and his equipment advantage over the other rookies makes him the favorite for the rookie crown.

Callum Ilott- Juncos Hollinger Racing

Callum Ilott

Ilott was a rising star in Europe, but the limited number of seats in Formula 1 left him on the outside. Ilott finished second to Mick Schumacher in Formula 2 in 2020, and he was the reserve driver for Alfa Romeo last season. Juncos Hollinger may struggle as a first year team in 2022.

Tatiana Calderon- A. J. Foyt Racing

Calderon has driven in many series during her career. It is her experience driving different cars that will help her get through her first Indycar season, where she will only drive the road and street course races. 2022 will be a learning year for her. A second year likely depends on sponsorship.

Drivers on the Verge

Felix Rosenqvist and Will Power need to have improved seasons in 2022. Rosenqvist finished 21st in 2021 while his teammate Pato O’Ward contended for the championship. The Swedish driver missed two races last year due to injury. His average finish of 16.4 with just two top tens has to improve for him to keep his seat.

Will Power had what was for him a substandard year. One pole, one win and a ninth place finish is not a typical power year. There is speculation that 2022 may be his last with Penske. I look for him to have a much better season. I’m not sure if a good year will help him stay where he is, but I don’t expect power to go quietly.

Will a Change of Scenery Help Harvey?

Jack Harvey’s career has puzzled me. He is fast, but things just seem to happen. was it bad strategy, miscommunication, or poor race craft? I really don’t know. He helped Meyer Shank Racing get off the ground in Indycar. Despite having six top ten finishes in 2021, I never felt he was in a contending position. Maybe a lot of the issues were growing pains. I think it’s good that the driver and team are headed in different directions for the new season.

Harvey begins 2022 as a new member of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. While this is probably not a make or break year for Harvey, look for more consistency in 2022.

Indycar Season Preview Part 1: It’s Crowded at the Top

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Photo: Can Alex Palou repeat?

One week from today the gates open for the season opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding. The NTT Indycar Series enters 2022 with momentum from a great 2021 season and off season growth in numbers and in its television position. The full time grid has expanded to 26 cars, with some races expecting up to 28. Fourteen of the 17 scheduled races will be on NBC. The youth movement will continue to grow with five full time rookies.

Alex Palou seeks to win back to back championships, a feat last achieved by Dario Franchitti in 2011 and 2012. Last year Palou had to battle Pato O’Ward and Josef Newgarden on his way to the Astor Cup. I think in 2022 the battle gets more challenging. I see five drivers representing four different teams who could possibly win the title.

Main Contenders

Alex Palou- Chip Ganassi Racing

Palou’s rise to the front surprised many people, but he was consistent and did what he needed to do nearly very time out. Palou is as close to a Scott Dixon clone as you can get, and that steadiness helped him secure the title. Look for more of the same from the defending champion, but getting three wins may be difficult.

Josef Newgarden- Team Penske

A first lap accident at Barber put Newgarden in catch up mode for the entire season. He didn’t win a pole until Road America, and Newgarden’s first win came at Mid Ohio in July. The two time series champion lost in the closing laps at Detroit, and a mechanical issue late in the race at Road America cost him another sure victory. Newgarden will be in the mix again. A better start to the year will help his chances.

Pato O’Ward

Pato O’Ward- Arrow McLaren SP

O’Ward held the points lead with three races to go, but a 14th place finish at Portland and a DNF in the finale at Long Beach saw him slide back to third the standings. If the hard charging driver can show a little more patience, he will be in the hunt again. He should at least equal his two wins from 2021. I think the title fight down the stretch could come down to O’Ward and another young veteran.

Colton Herta

Colton Herta- Andretti Autosport

Herta’s sixth place finish in last season’s standings was not representative of his year. Three wins, tied With Palou for most in the series, and three poles, second most behind Newgarden, put Herta in great position to challenge for the championship. Several opportunities slipped through his hands as his car seemed to fade late in races during mid season. Like new garden Herta was a victim oft he first lap chaos at Barber. I think the 2022 title will be a season long tussle between Herta and O’Ward.

Scott Dixon- Chip Ganassi Racing

Dixon had what was for him an off year- one victory and a fourth place in the championship. His car seemed slightly off pace at times. His season wasn’t helped with his disastrous 17th place finish in the Indianapolis 500. Dixon can never be counted out, but I still think youth will be served this year. Another top five finish is in the cards because, well, it’s Scott Dixon.

Dark Horses

This group of drivers could work their way into contention.

Alexander Rossi- Andretti Autosport

Rossi should improve after two winless seasons punctuated by a lot of bad luck and sometimes questionable strategy. He may also be driving for a 2023 ride. Rossi’s last win came in 2019 at Road America. His ninth and 10th place finishes the last two years were the worst of his career. I’m not sure if he will win a race this season, but he should have more finishes in the top five.

Simon Pagenaud- Meyer Shank Racing

Pagenaud seems rejuvenated by the move from Team Penske and the long shadows of Newgarden and Will Power. He seemed to be lost in the shuffle last season. Pagenaud led day two of this week’s test at Sebring. The 2019 Indy 5600 champion looks ready for a solid run at the title on a team that has grown into one that can challenge for wins and podiums.

Graham Rahal-Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing

Rahal hasn’t had bad years. He has had quiet years. His seventh place in 2021 came about as quietly as a top ten finish could be. No wins in the last five years has to be frustrating, but could 2022 be the year Rahal returns to the top step of the podium? The team is stronger with the addition of Jack Harvey and rookie Christian Lundgaard.

Rinus VeeKay- Ed Carpenter Racing

Which VeeKay shows up this year? The one who was fifth in the standings and took his first victory in May, or the one who faded to 12th place after returning to the cockpit following a bicycler accident. I hope it’s the former, completely healed and ready to contend all season. While he may not win the championship, VeeKay could be a spoiler in 2022.

Marcus Ericsson- Chip Ganassi Racing

Ericsson’s first two career victories in 2021surprised most people, and he came home sixth in the standings. Ericsson chased Newgarden to the flag at Mid Ohio and may have caught him had the race been a bit longer. Don’t go to sleep on him this year. The wins seemed to energize him and give him a confidence I was wondering about.

Tomorrow we’ll look at the rookie class and talk some about the rest of the field. Sunday my terribly incorrect season predicts come out. Then it’s Race Week!

Snake Pit Lineup Set

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I don’t normally share news about the entertainment surrounding the Indianapolis 500, but this is a sign that May is returning to normal. Look for my season preview tomorrow and Saturday.

 IMS.com  LogoFor Immediate Release  02-17-2022-SnakePit-Email.png  Superstar Martin Garrix To Headline
2022 Indy 500 Snake Pit presented by Coors Light  deadmau5, Galantis, Steve Aoki, Yellow Claw Also Performing May 29 at IMS; Tickets On Sale
INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022) – Superstar DJ and producer Martin Garrix will headline a stellar lineup of global electronic music artists at the Indy 500 Snake Pit presented by Coors Light on Sunday, May 29 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the biggest and best party of Race Weekend.deadmau5, Galantis, Steve Aoki and Yellow Claw also will perform at the Race Day concert during the 106th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.
Performances begin early in the morning in the infield adjacent to Turn 3 of the IMS oval, with specific set times to be announced.
“The Indy 500 Snake Pit presented by Coors Light is one of the most popular concerts of the year on the global EDM calendar,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “Anticipation is even higher for this year’s show after a two-year pause due to the pandemic, so we can’t wait to welcome this incredible, star-studded lineup and their fans back home again to the Speedway for a day filled with fun and epic memories.”
General admission and VIP tickets for the Snake Pit are on sale for $45 and $150 at www.ims.com. VIP amenities will include access to a raised viewing platform located beside the stage, a private cash bar and private air-conditioned restrooms.
All Snake Pit ticketholders must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid Indy 500 general admission or reserved seat ticket. Ticket holders should be prepared to show proper identification to enter the concert.
Packages that include Race Day general admission tickets are available. A package featuring general admission to the Indianapolis 500 and Snake Pit is $85, while a race general admission and Snake Pit VIP package is $190.
Snake Pit concertgoers are encouraged to buy tickets now, as prices will increase as May approaches and limited quantities of admission wristbands are available. In a new regulation for 2022 to maximize safety and overall guest experience, coolers will not be permitted in the Snake Pit. Complimentary water hydration stations will be available for concert attendees. Empty hydration packs with up to two pockets also will be allowed inside the Snake Pit gates.
Martin Garrix has risen to global stardom in pop as well as electronic circles –and yet he’s far from being done. Dance music’s freshest talent has headlined festivals around the globe, founded a label and mentored other artists and won the No. 1 spot in DJ Mag’s Top 100 twice. This will be Garrix’s second performance in the Snake Pit, as he also was in the lineup for the landmark 100th Indianapolis 500 in 2016. Garrix, from The Netherlands, taught himself to produce and play his songs by his mid-teens. In 2013, he released music on Musical Freedom – his idol Tiesto’s label – and not long after, he released the track that would change everything for him.“Animals,” released in June 2013, was a breakout success and a game-changer for the music industry. Reaching No. 1 in the United Kingdom and many other countries, it proved that a hard-hitting, dancefloor-oriented track could reach pop status, ultimately reaching over a billion streams across several platforms. It also proved that Garrix, at only 17, had the talent to become a world-class musician.
The eight years since have been marked by a quick march through the ranks of dance music, conquering stages all around the world and releasing more breakout hits. In 2016, Garrix took pole position in the DJ Mag Top 100 for the first time and launched his label, STMPD RCRDS. Named after his father’s profession, who runs a stamp auction house, the label serves as an outlet for Garrix’s music and as a platform for up-and-coming, creative talents.
Garrix’ musical achievements have not gone unnoticed. He was awarded with two MTV EMAs in 2016, holding the No. 1 spot in the 2017 DJ Mag Top 100, a “Man of Today” accolade from GQ, a spot among Forbes’ “30 Under 30” and another at Billboard’s “EDM Power Players.” He also performed twice on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on NBC, the first Dutch guest in the show’s history.2021 was a banner year for Garrix. His “In The Name of Love” with Bebe Rexha, a breakout hit released in 2016, and his collaboration with Tove Lo on “Pressure” combined to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify. He was the official music artist at the UEFA Euro 2020 soccer tournament, collaborating with Bono and The Edge of U2 on “We Are The People.” Garrix’s first album, “Greatest Hits Vol. 1,” also was released last year.
His latest release is “Won’t Let You Go,” a collaboration with Matisse & Sadko and John Martin. A naturally outgoing person and a born entertainer, Garrix also has headlined at some of the world’s major music festivals, including Coachella, Tomorrowland, Lollapalooza and Ultra Music Festival. He also locked down residencies at two of the world’s most prestigious clubs, Ushuaïa Ibiza and Omnia Las Vegas, and also performed at the Closing Ceremonies of the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.
Joel Zimmerman, more commonly known as deadmau5 (pronounced ‘dead mouse’), is one of the world’s most respected electronic music producers of modern times. Enjoying international chart success with his platinum-certified single “Ghosts ‘n’ Stuff,” as well as “Professional Griefers,” “Sofi Needs A Ladder” and “I Remember,” he also has released seven critically acclaimed albums. The multiple JUNO Award-winning and Grammy-nominated artist’s ability to push the boundaries of his talent grows at an equal rate to his fan base, which counts 15 million and more over his combined social media channels.
His latest music offerings include “Pomegranate” with The Neptunes, “Bridged By A Lightwave” with Kiesza, “Channel 43” with Wolfgang Gartner, “Hypnocurrency” with REZZ, “When The Summer Dies” with Lights, “Hyperlandia” featuring Foster The People and “this is fine.” with Portugal. The Man.In the live realm, his 2019/20 U.S. cubev3 tour, featuring production of his own design and implementation, ranked in the Top 10 of Pollstar’s top tours globally. Beyond his music career, he is also a co-founder of gaming venture PIXELYNX and is an executive of HD streaming platform StreamVoodoo.
Setting a new standard for songwriting in dance music, Galantis is a collaborative project led by Christian Karlsson (aka Bloodshy, one-third of Miike Snow). Galantis’ debut album, “Pharmacy,” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Dance album chart on the strength of RIAA gold certified single “Peanut Butter Jelly” and platinum certified smash “Runaway (U & I)” – the latter of which earned Grammy nominations for “Best Dance Recording” and “Best Remixed Recording.”
The 2017 sophomore album, “The Aviary” (featuring platinum certified single “No Money”) saw a top 10 debut in 23 countries. The third Galantis album, “Church,” features the chart-topping single “Faith” with country music icon Dolly Parton featuring Dutch singer-songwriter Mr. Probz, which saw a No. 1 debut on Billboard’s Dance/Electronic Chart before quickly reaching No. 1 on the Dance/Mix Show Airplay Chart where it remained for five weeks.Galantis has received over 4 billion cumulative worldwide streams, and over 1 billion video views to date. More recently, Galantis have teamed up with Little Mix and David Guetta on 2021 summer smash “Heartbreak Anthem” which debuted at No. 1 on the Worldwide iTunes charts and secured the No. 1 spot at UK airplay and Shazam charts.
The story of Galantis started back in 2009. Working as Bloodshy, Karlsson’s songwriting collaborations have included Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Katy Perry and Britney Spears (whose “Toxic” earned a Grammy for “Best Dance Recording”). This collaborative nature led to the birth of the Galantis project, which had its live debut at 2014’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and has continued on years later as one of dance music’s most dynamic and in-demand live performers.
Steve Aoki is returning to the Snake Pit for the second time, as he also performed there in 2015.Counting nearly 4 billion music streams to his name, two-time Grammy-nominated artist/DJ/producer Aoki is one of the most in-demand entertainers in the world. As a solo artist, Aoki boasts a lauded cross-genre discography that includes seven studio albums and collaborations with Lil Uzi Vert, Maluma, BTS, Linkin Park and Louis Tomlinson, among others. In 1996, he established Dim Mak out of his college dorm room, a trendsetting record label, events/lifestyle company and apparel brand. It has served as a launch pad for global acts like The Chainsmokers, Bloc Party, The Bloody Beetroots and The Kills, in addition to being the home of early releases from acts such as ZEDD and Diplo.
As a nightlife impresario, Aoki’s legendary Hollywood club night Dim Mak Tuesdays hosted early performances from future superstars such as Kid Cudi, Daft Punk, Lady Gaga, and Travis Scott.Aoki is also a fashion designer, author and entrepreneur. In 2012, he founded THE AOKI FOUNDATION, which primarily supports organizations in the field of brain science research with a specific focus on regenerative medicine and brain preservation. In addition, Aoki has pushed his clothing line Dim Mak Collection to new heights, both with original designs and collaborations with everyone from A Bathing Ape to the Bruce Lee estate.
Yellow Claw has climbed dance music charts since the Dutch DJ and production duo of Jim Aasgier and Nizzle released their first songs in 2012. The duo’s debut in November 2015, “Blood For Mercy,” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Heat Seekers Chart and Top Dance/Electronic Albums Chart and earned an Edison Award in 2016, the Dutch equivalent of a Grammy Award. The duo has sold out shows in the United States, Asia and Europe and performed on major festival stages at the Electric Daisy Carnival, Tomorrowland, Lollapalooza, Coachella and more.In 2017, Yellow Claw released its sophomore album, “Los Amsterdam.” The album has amassed more than 200 million Spotify streams and peaked at No. 1 on the iTunes Dance Albums chart.
Yellow Claw’s third album, “New Blood,” was released in 2018.
Tickets for the 106th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 29 and the GMR Grand Prix on Saturday, May 14 are available at www.ims.com. 
 

Doordash, Google Join HyVee for Indycar at Iowa Iowa

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From Iowa Speedway and HyVee. Big sponsor news as the weekend gains more support.

HY-VEE AND INDYCAR ANNOUNCE PRESENTING SPONSORS FOR HY-VEE INDYCAR RACE WEEKEND

February 16, 2022 | By INDYCAR

Hy-Vee, Inc. and INDYCAR announce that Google and DoorDash will be the presenting sponsors for the Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend, July 22-24, 2022. PepsiCo will be a key event sponsor, as well as the sponsor of Hy-Vee’s No. 45 car throughout the race season. Tickets for Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.hyveeindycarweekend.com or by calling the race ticket office at (641) 417-6007.

INDYCAR will return to Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa, for the first time since 2020, with three days of turbocharged action, July 22-24. Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend will feature the only doubleheader race event on the 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule. Saturday’s series race will be the
Hy-VeeDeals.com 250 presented by DoorDash, and Sunday’s action will be highlighted by the Hy-Vee Salute to Farmers 300 presented by Google.

Hy-Vee will build on its support of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES as Hy-VeeDeals.com – the company’s website that aggregates all weekly ads, digital coupons and hot deals – will be a featured on-air sponsor during each race broadcast on the NBC family of networks during the 2022 season. A QR code will pop up on screen allowing race viewers to scan it with their phone for a chance to win $25,000. One winner will be awarded following each race broadcast.

In addition to premier on-track action with the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, as well as the rising stars of racing competing in Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend will include a festival-like atmosphere with three days of music, food and family-focused entertainment.

“The economic impact this race weekend is creating for the Midwest will be like none other, and we are proud to team up with these incredible partners to ensure that the fans who come to the Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend truly have an amazing experience,” said Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee’s chairman and CEO. “We look forward to creating an exciting atmosphere leading up to and during the race – both in our stores and at the track during the event.”

“Google is proud to call Iowa home and honored to support initiatives that make it a great place to live, work and visit,” said Kirsten Kliphouse, president of North America, Google Cloud. “We recently announced Google’s investment in our Iowa data center has reached $5 billion, and we’re committed to making an impact beyond the data center walls by partnering with organizations like Hy-Vee on events that bring economic opportunity to local communities.”

“DoorDash is proud to sponsor the inaugural INDYCAR race weekend with Hy-Vee, a longstanding partner and supporting champion of our mission to empower local communities,” said Christopher Payne, president at DoorDash. “As consumer expectations for convenience, speed and selection continue to grow on and off the raceway, we’re committed to expanding access to Hy-Vee’s unparalleled assortment to even more cities across the state of Iowa and nationwide. We look forward to continuing to offer Iowa residents the best of their neighborhoods directly to their door.”

“PepsiCo is thrilled to be part of the 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES — this year bigger and better than before. Our beverage brands — led by Mountain Dew — will bring exciting experiences to INDYCAR fans and Hy-Vee customers at home, in store and at the track,” said Neil Pryor, president, PepsiCo Beverages North America Central Division. “There is no better way to enjoy the thrill of the race than with a cold Mountain Dew in your hand, and we’re proud to bring that joy to neighbors across Iowa, a state in which nearly 2,000 of our employees live and work.”

Known as “The Fastest Short Track on the Planet,” the 7/8 of a mile Iowa Speedway oval is a favorite with drivers and race fans alike. Two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Josef Newgarden is a three-time race winner at Iowa Speedway and the most recent driver to celebrate in Victory Lane in 2020. Other Iowa winners include four-time Indianapolis 500 champ Helio Castroneves, along with NTT INDYCAR SERIES champions and Indy 500 winners Simon Pagenaud, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Tony Kanaan, Dan Wheldon and Dario Franchitti.

“As we continue to build excitement for Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend and the return to Iowa, what a great opportunity to welcome premier companies in DoorDash, Google and PepsiCo as sponsors of this special event,” said Bud Denker, president of Penske Corporation, which owns INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “Our partnership with Hy-Vee and the support from these industry-leading brands demonstrates the continued growth of INDYCAR and the commitment to hosting an impactful event in Iowa.”

West Des Moines, Iowa-based Hy-Vee first became involved in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES when the supermarket chain was the primary sponsor for Rahal Letterman Lanigan (RLL) Racing’s No. 15 car in Race 2 of the 2020 Iowa Speedway doubleheader. In its third year of sponsoring RLL, Hy-Vee provides primary sponsorship of RLL’s No. 45 car, which will be driven by Jack Harvey, and associate sponsorships of Graham Rahal’s No. 15 car and No. 30 car, which will be driven by newcomer Christian Lundgaard.

“It’s exciting to see the Hy-Vee races at Iowa Speedway building momentum with announcements like this. Welcoming household brands like DoorDash, Google and Pepsi as sponsors is a great indication of how big of an event this will be and how big of a splash Hy-Vee is going to make. And this is just the beginning,” said Harvey, driver of the No. 45 Hy-Vee car.

For more details about weekend activities, visit www.hyveeindycarweekend.com.

Pagenaud Leads Meyer Shank Sweep of Sebring Day 2

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Photo: Mike Levitt -Lumen

Meyer Shank Racing seems to have taken it upon themselves to uphold then honor of the older drivers,. 2019 Indianapolis 500 winner Simon Pagenaud had the fastest time Tuesday in the second day of testing at Sebring International Raceway.

Four time and defending Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves had the second fastest time, giving Meyer Shank Racing the top two spots on the chart.

Last year’s wave of young drivers may still grab most of the attention in season, but Pagenaud and Castroneves may have something for them.

Defending NTT Indycar Series champion Alex Palou was sixth fastest Tuesday.

2021 Indy Lights champion Kyle Kirkwood was the fastest rookie Tuesday with the fifth quickest lap.

Marco Andretti Enters 500; Seeks 250th Career Start

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Editor’s note: It is hard for me to imagine an Indianapolis 500 without an Andretti in it. This is good news.

From Indycar:

Marco Andretti will attempt to make his 250th career INDYCAR SERIES start Sunday, May 29 in the 106th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, driving the No. 98 Honda fielded by Andretti Herta Autosport with Marco Andretti and Curb-Agajanian with primary sponsorship from KULR Technology Group.

Third-generation driver Andretti is looking to make his 17th career start and earn his first victory in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” He has eight top-10 finishes, including four in the top three, and won the pole in 2020.

KULR Technology Group (NYSE American: KULR) first joined Andretti Technologies (“ATEC”), the advanced technology arm of Andretti Autosport, and sister team, Andretti United Extreme E, in 2021 as the official thermal management and battery safety technical partner.

The goal of the ATEC partnership focuses on transferring aerospace knowledge onto the racetrack. KULR’s expertise with lightweight, high-performance thermal management solutions through space exploration provides the opportunity to implement new cooling technology, battery cell architecture and testing methodologies within the high-performance and high-power applications across the motorsport landscapes.

“We’ve worked with KULR through Andretti Technologies for over a year now, including last year’s Indy 500 with Marco, and we are thrilled to now welcome them as a primary sponsor to our INDYCAR program,” said Andretti Autosport chairman and CEO Michael Andretti. “The development potential of KULR’s technology is exciting given their expertise in high-performance thermal management solutions and understanding of battery safety. We look forward to this special event in May as Marco celebrates 250 career INDYCAR starts.”

Said KULR President and CEO Keith Cochran: “We are humbled and honored to have the legendary Andretti Autosport racing team represent the KULR brand in the upcoming Indianapolis 500. As the primary sponsor for the No. 98 car driven by Marco Andretti, we are extending our partnership with Andretti Autosport and further demonstrating the breadth of applications for KULR’s technologies.”

Live coverage of the 106th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge will start at 11 a.m. (ET) May 29 on NBC, Telemundo and the INDYCAR Radio Network.

Herta Leads Sebring Test

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Colton Herta had the fastest time yesterday in the first day of testing at Sebring for the NTT Indycar Series. Seventeen drivers ran laps in preparation for the February 27 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Presented by RP Funding.

Chip Ganassi Racing used Monday as an evaluation Day for IMSA driver Kevin Magnussen. All four Ganassi drivers- Scott Dixon, Alex Palou, Marcus Ericsson, and Jimmie Johnson- will test today.

A. J. Foyt Racing used Monday as a rookie test day. Dalton Kellettt will be on track today along with teammates Kyle Kirkwood and Tatiana Calderon. Kirkwood was 12th fastest Monday.

Kyle Kirkwood. Image from AJ Foyt Racing Twitter

Ed Carpenter Racing and Meyer Shank Racing will test today.

The top times:

I enjoyed seeing some of the new liveries in my brief time at Sebring yesterday. The AMSP cars look fantastic. The light blue with the orange recalls the iconic Gulf liveries of Mclarens of the past.

Felix Rosenqvist. Image from Indycar Twitter

Sebring Test Final Warm Up Before St. Pete Season Opener

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Image: Colton Herta at an earlier Sebring test. Indycar photo

The entire full time grid will test at Sebring Monday and Tuesday in a final prep session for the season opener, The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding, February 25-27.

Four rookie drivers, Tatiana Calderon and Kyle Kirkwood from A. J. Foyt racing; Callum Ilott of Juncos Hollinger Racing, and David Malukas with Dale Coyne Racing, will test both days.

Monday is the busier day, with eight teams and 20 drivers on track. Ed Carpenter Racing and Meyer Shank Racing will test Tuesday.

The lineups:

MONDAY, Feb. 14

AJ Foyt Racing: Tatiana Calderon, Kyle Kirkwood

Andretti Autosport: Devlin DeFrancesco, Romain Grosjean, Colton Herta, Alexander Rossi

Arrow McLaren SP: Pato O’Ward, Felix Rosenqvist

Chip Ganassi Racing: Scott Dixon, Marcus Ericsson, Jimmie Johnson, Alex Palou

Dale Coyne Racing: David Malukas

Juncos Hollinger Racing: Callum Ilott

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing: Jack Harvey, Christian Lundgaard, Graham Rahal

Team Penske: Scott McLaughlin, Josef Newgarden, Will Power

TUESDAY, Feb. 15

AJ Foyt Racing: Calderon, Dalton Kellett, Kirkwood

Dale Coyne Racing: Malukas, Takuma Sato

Ed Carpenter Racing: Conor Daly, Rinus VeeKay

Juncos Hollinger Racing: Ilott

Meyer Shank Racing: Helio Castroneves, Simon Pagenaud

Indy 500 Green Flag Begins Epic Journey Across Globe  

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News from IMS. Interesting idea.

 IMS.com  LogoFor Immediate Release  02-11-GreenFlagSweden.jpg  INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, Feb. 11, 2022) – The green flag for the 106th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge will take an epic global journey in 2022, visiting unique settings and events as part of the Green Flag Relay leading into “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” on Sunday, May 29.
The flag made its first stop thousands of miles away from Indianapolis Motor Speeday when it travelled to Pite Havsbad, Sweden, with NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver Jimmie Johnson for motorsports’ all-star Race of Champions on Feb. 6-7. Team USA, comprised of Chip Ganassi Racing’s Johnson and Andretti Autosport’s Colton Herta, took second place Feb. 6 in the prestigious Race of Champions Nations Cup.
“The green flag is one of the most iconic symbols in all of motorsports, and nothing is more exciting or meaningful to our fans than seeing it wave at the beginning of the world’s greatest race,” Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles said.
“This year, it will be even more special knowing how many renowned global events and landmarks the flag will have journeyed to leading up to such an important moment.”
Fans can follow the flag’s adventures via www.IMS.com/GreenFlagRelay, which will feature an interactive map with photographs, video and more. On social media, the campaign can be tracked using the hashtag #GreenFlagRelay.
The flag will visit an exciting location this weekend, so fans are encouraged to be on the lookout for additional content soon.
The 106th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge takes place Sunday, May 29 with live coverage beginning on NBC at 11 a.m. (ET). Visit IMS.com to buy tickets and for more information.