Category: Auto Racing

IXO Models Becomes Exclusive Supplierof INDYCAR Diecast Model Cars 

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From Indycar:

 INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024) – IXO Models will become the exclusive supplier of INDYCAR diecast collectible model vehicles and accessories starting with the 2025 season.

This partnership between INDYCAR and IXO’s U.S.-based affiliate, IXO America, will offer the highest-quality, innovative models for racing enthusiasts and collectors alike at INDYCAR events and retailers in time for the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.
The new line of INDYCAR replicas will feature an array of iconic teams and cars from North America’s premier open-wheel racing series, meticulously re-created to capture every nuance of the real track cars. From sleek aerodynamic designs to vibrant, authentic paint schemes, these models are a must-have for collectors and racing fans. Upgraded aero kits in both 1:64 and 1:18 scale, race-worn tires and new-to-market trackside vehicles are just some of the innovations IXO will bring to consumers.

“IXO has shown a commitment to quality and listening to customer feedback through its diecast models from many series around the globe,” INDYCAR Director, Events & Experiences Alexis Hurley said. “We know fans around the world will love the attention to detail of IXO products as more and more models roll out next year and beyond.”

The multiyear agreement marks a significant milestone for IXO. With over 25 years of diecast manufacturing experience, the brand is known for its meticulous attention to detail, superior craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to quality. IXO’s global presence and expertise in motorsports diecast will expand the reach of INDYCAR to diecast collectors and racing fans around the world.

“We are beyond excited to partner with INDYCAR and bring these incredible racing machines to life in diecast form,” said Jeff Nelson, vice president of sales for IXO America.

“Our team is passionate about delivering the highest-quality replica models, and we can’t wait for fans to experience the thrill of owning a piece of INDYCAR history.

“This partnership underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence in the diecast model industry. IXO America has roots in ownership and design right here in Indianapolis, so our enthusiasm for INDYCAR is unparalleled in the market.”

Fans should stay tuned to both IXO Models and INDYCAR social media channels and websites for the latest updates. For more information about IXO Models, visit www.ixomodels.com. 

Nashville Superspeedway- A Brief Indycar History

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The permanent track with the briefest history of any on the Indycar circuit will make history next weekend when a three time IndyCar champion is determined. Either Alex Palou or Will Power will win their third title September 15.

Nashville Superspeedway has a strange, twisted history. The track was built in hopes of attracting a NASCAR Cup race, but the delays in its construction and the new tracks at Kansas and Chicagoland diminished those dreams. The addition of a Cup race at Kentucky Speedway killed any hope Nashville Superspeedway ever having a place on the NASCAR Cup schedule. It hosted its first race in 2001, then closed in 2011 because of poos attendance and deterioration of the facility. The track returned in 2021. IndyCar ran at Nashville from 2001-2008, Negotiations to renew the race for 2009 and beyond failed to reach an agreement

The series returns only as an alternative to the Nashville street circuit, which is not feasible because of construction of the new Tennessee Titans football stadium. Whether Indycar ever returns to the streets of Nashville is yet to be determined, but it won’t be until 2027 at the earliest.

Buddy Lazier won the first IRL race at Nashville. Greg Ray sat on the pole for the race. Scott Dixon won the last three races at the track, 2006, 2007, and 2008. Dixon also has two poles and is the only winner to start from the pole. He also has a second place result at Nashville. The lowest starting spot for a race winner is 6th, when Buddy Lazier won the inaugural event in 2001.

Indycar winners at Nashville Superspeedway

2008 Scott Dixon (148.072)

2007 Scott Dixon (164.030)

006 Scott Dixon (161.205)

 2005 Dario Franchitti (133.089)

2004 Tony Kanaan (134.975)

2003 Gil de Ferran (137.679))\

2002 Alex Barron (127.997

2001 Buddy Lazier (144.809)

Milwaukee Wrap Up-Indycar Can Go Home Again

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Photo by Kyle McInnes

Indycar’s return to Milwaukee- and its racing roots- turned out be the perfect mix of great crowds, great racing, and great weather. The leadup to the race was filled with concerns on all fronts, but as the Friday morning rain and clouds cleared, so did the worries about what was in store.

I had some indication that attendance would be better than expected on Friday when I got caught in the garage pass redemption line which went about halfway into the tunnel. It reminded of the Legends’ Day autograph line at IMS. Perhaps the organizers can find a spot behind the grandstands or have multiple points for distributing wristbands like some other tracks do.

The upper deck was very near capacity on Saturday while the lower sections did not seem that full. On Sunday the upper deck was about 90% of Saturday’s crowd, but the lower decks looked significantly fuller. I wonder if Saturday’s race brought some folks out who hadn’t considered coming.

Everyone seemed to have a great time, and it was a race crowd. They were on their feet for restarts, and when there were passes for the lead.

One thing I would like to see added for 2025 is a scoring pylon. The promoters had three video boards on the front stretch, well spaced so that every fan had access , but the angle of the sun made them hard to see for most of yesterday.

Short Track Racing- More, Please

Saturday and Sunday were examples of the best of short track racing. Both races, while completely different in tone and style, featured the best elements of the sport. Early contenders faded while others found the right combination and put themselves in the mix. Favorites had issues and dropped out. The winner was in doubt until the final handful of laps. A race fan can’t ask for more.

Notes

Kudos to Firestone and Indycar for figuring out the oval package after the debacle at Iowa.

I wish Milwaukee had the double header slot on future calendars, and Iowa went back to a single race.

Will Power’s spin may have cost him his shot at the title. He gained only 10 points on Alex Palou on a day when he could have grabbed the lead. Palou needs only to finish ninth or better at Nashville to clinch his second consecutive crown.

The two podiums had six different drivers representing five different teams, including a first time podium for Juncos Hollinger Racing.

Pato O’Ward broke the Team Penske oval winning streak Saturday, but Scott McLaughlin got them back on track yesterday.

I hope the momentum from this past weekend carries over to the season finale in Nashville i9n two weeks’ time. There is an actual title fight happening this year, and I am ready for it.

Quick Thoughts- Milwaukee Race 2

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Photo by Kyle McInnes

Indycar- Just when you think you know how things will turn out, they turn out differently.

A chaotic beginning set the tone for another entertaining race. The started was waved off, and polesitter Josef Newgarden’s day ended when he was punted by Marcu Armstrong into the front stretch wall.

Before that happened, what looked like a very short day for Alex Palou and a loss of the championship lead turned out with him losing just 10 more points to Will Power. Power spun on a restart and went down a lap. he recovered to 10th at the end, but attrition allowed Palou to finish 19th.

After a disjointed first half, the race settled into a game of pit strategy. It appeared Herta had the upper hand until Sting Ray Robb’s wall contact with 21 laps to go allowed the leaders to take fresh tires. McLaughlin

The waved off start because the back of the field was not in line caused chaos at the front. Some drivers slowed, and others accelerated. I have seen the green flag waved with worse formations than how the field lined up today. It would help if Race control stopped allowing the last half of the field to lag so far behind on the pace laps. Perhaps the grid should start out in rows of two, then have a tire scrub lap, and reform.

Today’s race had 816 passes, more than yesterday. Given the good racing we saw at Milwaukee this weekend, and what we watched at Gateway, I think the hybrid wasn’t the issue at Iowa. It may have been the track.

Kyle McInnes photo

Movers

Scott Dixon finished second from 17th.

Colton Herta finished third after starting 18th. He nearly won the race.

Marcus Ericsson went rom 16th to 5th, and Kyke Kirkwood finished eighth from 19th oin the grid.

Overall, Mikwaukee had a successful return to its Indycar roots. The attendance was great both days. There may have been a few more fans here today. The racing was very good.

I will stop here since I need to hit the road. Thanks for following along this weekend. I will have a complete Milwaukee wrap up tomorrow.

Let’s Do it Again

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Today’s Schedule: All times Central. Race is on USA, Peacock, and Inycar Radio

10 am: Gates Open
11 am: Install Lap
1:25 pm: Driver Intros
1:44 pm: Invocation
1:45 pm: Anthem
1:56 pm: Command
2 pm: Green Flag

I would be very happy with a race similar to last evening’s event. The temperature should be in the md 70s for the race.

I watched some highlights on Peacock this morning. The upper deck was almost full, and television had some good shots of the stands.

Som leftovers:

Why do Myer Shank cars always fall back immediately when they start on the front row?

The Ericsson/Newgarden incident was nobodY’s fault. It looked like the rear of the 28 just slid out.

night having Alex Palou and Will Power pitting next to each other had an interesting moment last night. Let’s see what today brings as the title chase has tightened.I will have the starting lineup out in a bit,

Quick Thoughts-Milwaukee Race 1- Pato- monium

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Photo by Kyle McInnes

All of a sudden Indycar oval racing is good again. The gloom and doom following the Iowa doubleheader has vanished like gossamer on windy day.

WWTR had a good race, and this evening’s race also produced a good show. The race ended with Will Power chasing down winner Pato O’Ward. Races always seem more fun when Pato wins. Itb was certainly a poular victory with the fans.

O’Ward, the most popular driver in Indycar and Mexico, dominated the race ince he took the lead, staying at the front for 133 laps. Any other winner would have been overshadowed by third place finisher Conor Daly, who started 25th and gave. Juncos Hollinger Racing their first podium..

O’Ward first took the lead on lap 68, led again from lapo 119-185, and took the lead for good on lap 195. He managed traffic beautifully, keeping Will Power at bay to win by just under two seconds. It was one of O’Ward’s more convincing wins.

Daly- From 25th to 3rd

Juncos Hollinger Racing hired Conor Daly to replace Agustin Canapino for one reason- to get into the Leaders’ Circle. Based on tonight’s result, it looks as if they made the right choice. The 78 is now 21st in entrant point -above the cut line.iiDaly does well on ovals, but tonight was arguably one of the best drives of his career, He started 25th in a car that had not shown except for a few solid qualifying efforts and brought home the team’s first Indycar podium.

Daly admitted in the post race press conference that finances may keep him from keeping htis ride in 2025. JHR would be well served to find a way for Daly to stay. The team has shown improvement this season, and I think Daly could help take another step forward.

Notes

Katherine Legge recovered from a spin and earned a top 20 finish.

Why did the last caution, for debris, require 16 laps?

Power cut Alex Palou’s lead to 43 points as Palou managed a fifth place result. Power shave 11 points from the advantage. Even he cuts 11 points in each of the final two races, Palou still takes his third title.

Power noted in the press conference that Indycar, not NASCAR, should be racing in Mexico.

Results

McLaughlin, Newgarden Take Milwaukee Poles in a Penske 1-2 Lockout

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Scott McLaughlin will be on the point for the start of this afternoon’s first Milwaukee 250, while teammate Josef Newgarden will move to 11th after taking a nine place grid penalty.

Tomorrow, Newgarden has the pole and McLaughlin starts second, as Team Penske continues their oval domination in the 2024 season.

Race 1 Qualifying Results:

The 11 mile an hour speed separation between McLaughlin and last place Pietro Fittipaldi means that the leaders will encounter lapped traffic very early in the race.

David Malukas will move up to the front row for the start this afternoon.

Sunset is at &:27 pm Central time. Barring a long red flag or a race with lots of yellows, the race should easily finish before sundown. Ifr not, Indycar may declare a timed race.

Remember, kids, today’s race is exclusively on Peacock at 5 pm Central.

Race 2 Results

As of now there are no penalties assessed for Race 2, so this should be tomorrow’s starting lineup.

Notes

I talked to a couple of peoples in a Dunkin Donuts this morning who are in town for the race. They are originally from Indy but now live in Texas. They flew to Milwaukee for the race.

I drove to the track a little before 10 and there was a line toget in.

I heard that garage passes are sold out.

Thanks to Dale Coyne Racing for providing me workspace this weekend.

Milwaukee’s schedule has accomplished something oval tracks have had difficulty with. There is minimal downtime once cars get on track. Indycar follows Indy NXT after a brief transition, and the action is virtually nonstop. The only change I would make is to have Sunday’s race start an hour earlier.