Category: Auto Racing

CALLUM ILOTT TO TEST WITH ARROW McLAREN IN HOMESTEAD HYBRID TEST

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From Arrow McLaren:

“Callum had a seat fit last week and will test with us in Homestead, and we’re looking forward to working with him this week”

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Callum Ilott will join the Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team in Homestead, Fla., this week to test with the team in a vacant seat following David Malukas’ wrist injury and operation on Feb. 13.

Pato O’Ward will be in the car on Feb. 20, Callum will test with the team February 21, and Alexander Rossi will round out the three-day hybrid test on Feb. 22.

The team is currently considering options for its reserve driver lineup for the No. 6 NTT DATA Arrow McLaren Chevrolet for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg the weekend of March 8-10. The team will announce who will pilot its third car for the race in due course.  

Gavin Ward, Team Principal, Arrow McLaren, said:  

“We all wish David a speedy recovery, and we’re working out some options with the No. 6 NTT DATA Arrow McLaren Chevrolet crew in the meantime. Callum had a seat fit last week and will test with us in Homestead, and we’re looking forward to working with him this week. Then, hopefully we’ll be able to confirm our roster for St. Pete soon after.”  

Callum Ilott, Driver, said: 

“Obviously, I feel sorry for David and the team. It’s not easy to be in this position especially just ahead of the start of the season. I wish him the best and a speedy recovery. I’m glad I’m able to help out the team, and it’s a privilege to test this week with Arrow McLaren. I’m thankful they’re considering me for the opportunity.” 

Sato Returns to RLL for the 500

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From Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing:

ZIONSVILLE, Ind. (February 15, 2024) – Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) announced today that two-time Indianapolis 500 champion, Takuma Sato, will return to the team for the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500. AMADA AMERICA, Inc. a leading global machine tool manufacturer and supplier in the sheet metal industry, will be the primary sponsor for 2017 and 2020 Indy 500 winner Sato’s No. 75 Honda-powered entry in the May 26 event.

Sato competed for RLL in 2012 and from 2018-2021. He has earned six NTT INDYCAR SERIES wins, four of which have come with RLL, including the team’s second Indy 500 win in 2020. Most recently, Sato competed in oval races with Chip Ganassi Racing in 2023. The 2024 Indy 500 will mark his 15th time to participate in the Indianapolis 500 and sixth with RLL.

AMADA was the primary sponsor of the team’s No. 30 entry at the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix at Barber Motorsports Park on April 30, 2023 and this will be their first time to participate in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” They will also be a major associate sponsor of the No. 30 entry driven by Pietro Fittipaldi for the 2024 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, near their Buena Park, Calif. headquarters.

Sato, a native of Tokyo, Japan, has made 220 starts in the INDYCAR SERIES since his rookie season in 2010, which is sixth among active drivers and 22nd all-time. His Indy car highlights include wins in the 2017 and 2020 Indianapolis 500, 2013 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, 2018 Portland Grand Prix, 2019 Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama and Bommarito 500 at WWT Raceway, with four of the six coming with RLL. Of his 14 podium finishes to date, 10 have come with RLL as have three of his 10 Indy car poles. Prior to joining the INDYCAR SERIES, he competed in 90 Formula One races between 2002-2008 with his highest finish of third at the 2004 United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season opens Sunday, March 10 on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, for the 20th Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. North America’s premier open-wheel series will crisscross the United States, including a stop for the 108th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 26, before culminating in Nashville for the championship finale Sunday, Sept. 15. All on-track action can be seen on NBC or NBC’s Peacock Premium streaming service or USA Network. For more information about the series or team, visit http://www.indycar.com and http://www.rahal.com.

About AMADA AMERICA, Inc.
AMADA AMERICA, INC. is headquartered in Buena Park, California. AMADA is the leading global machine tool manufacturer and supplier in the sheet metal industry. The AMADA brand represents Quality, Service, and Sustainability. AMADA machine tools consistently set global standards for performance and reliability. Each year, AMADA continues to develop and perfect innovative sheet metal manufacturing solutions with the objective of maximizing our customers’ productivity.

About Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, based in Zionsville, Ind., is co-owned by three-time IndyCar Champion and 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal, former CBS Late Show host David Letterman and Mi-Jack co-owner Mike Lanigan. In 2024, the team will compete in its 33rd year of competition and will attempt to add to its 30 Indy car wins – including the 2004 Indy 500 from pole with Buddy Rice and the 2020 Indy 500 with Takuma Sato — their 37 poles, 111 podium finishes and 1992 series championship. The team also competed in the American Le Mans Series from 2009-2013 as BMW Team RLL where they won both the Manufacturer and Team Championships in the GT category in 2010 and swept all three GT titles in 2011 – Manufacturer, Team and Driver. In 2012, the team finished second in the Team Championship and third in the Manufacturer Championship and in 2013, the team finished second in the Driver, Team and Manufacturer Championship. From 2014 to 2021, BMW Team RLL competed in the GTLM class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with a two-car program. In 2022, BMW M Team RLL competed in the GTD PRO class in IMSA while simultaneously ramping up for a two-car program in the much-anticipated GTP class in IMSA for 2023. In total, the team has earned 23 wins – including the 2019 and 2020 Rolex 24 at Daytona endurance races, 30 poles and 101 podium finishes prior to the start of the 2024 season. BMW M Team RLL highlights also include second-place finishes in the Manufacturer, Team and Driver championships in 2015 and 2017 and being named the 2020 Michelin North American Endurance Champions.

QUOTEBOARD

TAKUMA SATO, Driver of the No. 75 AMADA Dallara/Honda/Firestone: “I’m absolutely thrilled to make my return to the 108th Indy 500 with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. A heartfelt thank you to Bobby, Mike, and David and the entire organization for this incredible opportunity. Gratitude overflows as I am driving the No. 75 entry with primary sponsorship from AMADA. My journey with RLL spans over a decade marked by shared successes and rejoining the team fills me with immense excitement. Here’s to reconnecting with familiar faces and forging new alliances. I just can’t wait to get to work.”

STEPHEN KEATING, EVP of Sales & Key Accounts, AMADA: “We are incredibly excited to partner with the renowned Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team at the 108th running of the Indy 500! Our partnership signifies a joint commitment to engineering excellence and innovation. We eagerly anticipate that this iconic race will demonstrate the strong collaboration between our two technology-driven organizations.”

BOBBY RAHAL, Co-Owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing: “We’re very pleased to welcome back Takuma to the team. We obviously had a great deal of success together and as I’ve said many times, Takuma’s spirit is something that motivates not only me and the entire team, but also his fans. We’re looking forward to his contributions and having a successful Indy 500.
“We were actively looking for a machine tool company a few years ago that could give us a competitive advantage, and we got to know AMADA and learn more about the tremendous machines and the technology services they provide. And, of course, our facility is a showcase for some of their technology in our production area. After having them with us as a primary sponsor in 2023, we’re thrilled that the relationship continues to grow. I can’t imagine a better match than AMADA, Takuma and our team.”

MIKE LANIGAN, Co-Owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing: “It’s exciting to have Takuma return to the team for the Indianapolis 500. As he has shown, he knows how to win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and his experience will add value to our overall program. It’s also particularly exciting to have a globally-recognized company like AMADA join us in this program after first working together in 2023.”

St. Pete Grand Prix Gets Ready for 20 Year Celebration

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The Firestone Grand Prix of St. P{etersburg track build begins next Monday as the city begins celebrating the 20th year of Indycar racing in the streets.

Mayor Ken Welch told the crowd gathered for the opening ceremonies this morning that the race is “part of the fabric of the city.”

I have attended the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg since 2013, and I can vouch for this. I have seen tremendous growth in the event and in the participation of local businesses.

Kevin Savoree, co-owner of Green Savoree Promotions, said that the track will stand for 26 days from building start to tear down. He said that the city allows them 75 days, but they have worked diligently to cut the time frame down. I remember when the building of the track took more than a month. When I arrived this morning the framework for the front stretch grandstands was already in place.

Co-owner Kim Green said that ticket sales are ahead of 202, which saw a record crowd attend the Grand Prix.

The organizers have enhanced some auxiliary events and added some new ones in honor of the special year.

The March 8-10 race weekend begins Thursday night with the Party in the Park, which will feature a parade of cars down Bayshore Boulevard. The 5k run on the track follows the party. More details will be in the next post.

A formal celebration of the 20th anniversary of the race will take place in the Mahaffey Theater. Many previous winners are scheduled to appear. Tickets are available to the public, but they are pricey.

Saturday night is a free concert with Brett Michaels.

Oh yeah. There’s some racing, too. In addition to the Indycar season opener, Indy NXT and the Road to Indy will begin their seasons, and the IMSA VP Challenge Series will race on Saturday. The series features two classes, LMP3 cars and GT4 sports cars.

Last year’s winner Marcus Ericsson attended today’s festivities. I spoke with him. Ericsson is excited to begin driving for Andretti Global. He feels his experience in F1 and his stint at the Rolex 24 in the GTP car will help him when the ERS component comes online later in the season. Ericsson seemed happy that the season will end on an oval, and he is happy that another oval is now on the schedule.

Another indication of the growth of this event I noticed today is what seemed to be a larger than usual media presence at this opening event.

We are just three weeks and a day from the first track action for 2024. After a long off season of turmoil, I can’t wait to focus on cars at speed.

Stadium Construction, Lack of Access, Led to Nashville Race Switch

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Scott Borchetta, head of the Music City Grand Prix, said switching the Indycar season finale to Nashville Super Speedway was necessary for several reasons. Construction of the new Titans Stadium, scheduled to be completed in 2027, consumed much of the old track layout’s footprint. Race organizers felt there would not be access for the teams or fans with the altered layout.

Borchetta took over as head of the Music City Grand Prix group in December. he quickly realized that there was not enough time to get everything in place. The NFL schedule doesn’t come out until May; the Titans might have a home game that weekend. The new mayor has lengthened the process for city council approval of items.

Race organizers still plan to retain the festival atmosphere of race weekend in Nashville and at the track, which is about 35 miles from downtown. Borchetta said there will be shuttles to the track for people who have booked lodging in Nashville assuming the race would be on the streets.

I’m not sure if Nashville had begun selling tickets yet. Borchetta said nothing about sales already made for 2024.

Some Thoughts

Switching the season finale to an oval may have an effect on the championship. Six of the last eight races are now oval events. Does this give Josef Newgarden an advantage?

I have always maintained that the finale should be an oval race. An oval provides a chance for a fairer fight in a close points battle. I am glad that the switch happened.

The 2024 season now has seven ovals, four street races, and six natural road course races. I think this is a proper mix of events for the series. It would be nice if the oval events were more spread out over the summer than all being bunched up at the end of the year.

To the fans who have clamored for more ovals the past few years.: There are no excuses now. If you want to see this nice increase in ovals continue, get out to the tracks. Nashville especially needs to be well attended.

Update-Malukas out Six Weeks Malukas Injury May Delay His Season Debut

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An update- Marshall Pruett reports that Davis Malukas will be out six as his left wrist heals. His first would be Long Beach April 21

Athletes gonna Athlete. Sometimes their need to challenge themselves results in an off-season mishap. Arrow McLaren driver David Malukas fractured his hand in a mountain biking accident and had surgery yesterday. The injury will likely keep him out of next week’s testing and the full grid test at Sebring the last week of February. It may also prevent him from starting the season at St. Pete the weekend of March 8-10.

I think he will be in the car for the season opener. Other drivers have driven with broken hands before. Jimmie Johnson fractured a bone in his hand in a practice crash at Long Beach in 2022 and still drove in the race.

The injury carries a bit more significance for Malukas since this is his first season with Arrow McLaren. The team has shown little tolerance for drivers who don’t meet their standards. Missing the season opener will put Malukas in a difficult spot in the season standings. He will need to win a race to make up for it.

How restrictive can teams be in restricting their drivers’ off-season activities? Many teams don’t allow drivers to race in some other series, and there have been restrictions on things like skydiving in some contracts. Will this incident lead to more restrictive contracts in the future?

I wish David a speedy recovery. He is one of the best interviews in the paddock, and a great guy. I as hoping this would be his breakout season with a strong team. It still may be, but we might have to wait until midseason to see him realize his potential

The First Signs of Spring

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The 2024 Indycar season takes another step forward this week. On Thursday the track build officially begins in St. Pete for the March 10 season opener. I continue to be amazed at how quickly the track is built and then torn down after the race. I will be on site to cover the event.

Another good sign last week was the Arrow McLaren livery presentations of their three 2024 cars.

The cars of Alexander Rossi, David Malukas, and Pato O’Ward

I like Rossi’s car the best. It has the throwback feel of the Marlboro McLaren F1 car. The white trim gives it a clean look.

Malukas’s car is too similar to Scott Dixon’s machine. It seems like all Indycar teams have to employ a certain combination each year, and we see a field full of nearly identical themes.

Pato’s car does not look different from the car he has run the last couple of years. i assume this a brand mandate, I don’t dislike it, I was just hoping for something a bit bolder.

Bumping At the 500

The entry list for the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 could end up at 35 or 36.

In addition to the 27 full time teams, Andretti will field a car for Marco Andretti, and Arrow Mclaren is adding Kyle Larson. Ed Carpenter Racing brings in a third car for Christian Rasmussen. Abel Motorsports should return with R C Enerson. Dreyer and Reinbold with Don Cusick has announced Ryan Hunter-Reay and Conor Daly.

There is talk that Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing will have an entry for two-time 500 winner Takuma Sato.

A. J. Foyt Racing will decide by the end of February if they will run a third car for the 500, which would put the field at 35. There may be one other entry.

We won’t have to worry about guaranteed spots in 2024.

Parkside Collectibles Accelerates INDYCAR Fan Experience with Groundbreaking Sports Trading Card Partnership

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From Indycar:

Inaugural Collection Launching March 1

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024) – Parkside Collectibles Inc., a trailblazing trading card company, announced a collaboration with INDYCAR to bring the adrenaline-fueled world of North America’s premier open-wheel racing series closer to fans and collectors worldwide.
Launching March 1, the inaugural INDYCAR trading card collection will redefine the fan experience while celebrating the athleticism, skill and captivating narratives throughout INDYCAR. This exclusive set, which includes special redemption opportunities for signed memorabilia and a one-of-a-kind 2024 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge autographed helmet, will be available for fans to purchase on site at races, in retail card stores and online at Parksidecards.com. Additionally, each set offers the chance to win a 4-pack Indy 500 racing experience, complete with tickets, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the exhilarating world of racing.
Parkside Collectibles, renowned for its dedication to crafting engaging collectibles, pledges to encapsulate the thrill and intensity of INDYCAR through meticulously designed cards. The collection promises to feature iconic drivers, breathtaking race moments and historic milestones that have etched into motorsport history.
“We’re beyond thrilled to partner with INDYCAR to launch these new INDYCAR trading cards and excited to see fans’ reactions to these memorialized moments,” said Eric Christensen, CEO of Parkside Collectibles Inc.
The Parkside Collectibles and INDYCAR partnership will elevate the fan experience, fostering an unparalleled connection between racing enthusiasts and the sport.
“We are pleased to begin this new partnership with Parkside, which will reintroduce an INDYCAR sports card collection and give fans a dynamic way to interact with the ascending stars of our sport,” Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles said. “Sports cards have always been an engaging way to connect with athletes, and it is satisfying to know the elite, bold and brash personalities of INDYCAR are once again represented through Parkside’s quality collectibles.”
Throughout the season, fans can expect a plethora of both online and in-person activations that will ignite their passion for INDYCAR racing. Fans should be on the lookout during race weekends, where attendees can look forward to exclusive in-person experiences and chances to win limited-edition trading card sets. Simultaneously, their online communities will buzz with exciting social media contests and giveaways that offer fans a chance to win Parkside and INDYCAR prizes. This partnership is a testament to their commitment to bringing the thrill of INDYCAR racing directly into the hands of fans, both on and off the track.

Presale of the Parkside INDYCAR trading card collection is available here

.Founded with the vision to rekindle and nurture the passion for trading cards, Parkside Collectibles is a pioneer in offering affordable, captivating trading card products. With a dedication to engaging both young fans and veteran collectors, Parkside brings the excitement of various sports leagues, including NWSL, INDYCAR, US Women’s Soccer, Big 3 Basketball, Fan Controlled Football, Major League Lacrosse, and more, into the hands of enthusiasts. Embodying the nostalgic charm of discovering collectible trading cards at your local corner store, Parkside is committed to creating products that resonate with fans of traditional and new sports and entertainment brands, all while maintaining a price point reminiscent of simpler times. Parkside’s commitment lies in crafting memorable collecting experiences that connect fans with their favorite sports moments and icons, ensuring that the joy of collecting thrives across generations.
The 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season begins Sunday, March 10 at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding. Coverage will be available on NBC and Peacock with a Spanish language broadcast available on Universo. Audio coverage will be available via the INDYCAR Radio Network on SiriusXM channel 218 and the INDYCAR APP powered by NTT DATA. 
 
 

IMS Solar Eclipse Event Features Astronauts and Racers

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Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be one of three official NASA sites for the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse. The Speedway has an extensive program planned,

STEM education, simulations, and an accommodation for the visually impaired are all part of the day’s activities. There will be two locations for people to set up their telescopes.

In a press briefing this afternoon, IMS president Doug Boles outlined the program, which will be supervised by Purdue University.

Ed Carpenter will run a few laps at 1 pm, just before the eclipse begins.

There will be an autograph session featuring astronauts and race drivers.

Boles said that more than 10,000 tickets have been sold, and that he expects about 25,000 to be in attendance. Tickets are $15, and kids 18 and under are free.

The eclipse begins at 1:50 pm EDT, and totality occurs from 3:06-3:09 pm. IMS will hand out special viewing glasses to all attendees.

The full schedule can be found at ims.com.