DeFrancesco Confirmed at Andretti

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Image from Andretti Autosport

It’s not a surprise, but now it is official. Devlin DeFrancesco will drive the number 29 car for Andretti Autosport. The 29 29 is the Steinbrenner/Andretti entry. The statement from Andretti Autosport:

11.04.21

Graduating from the Road to Indy ladder, Devlin DeFrancesco has been confirmed to pilot Andretti Steinbrenner Autosport’s No. 29 Honda for the 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. The Italian-Canadian driver made his first outings behind the wheel of an Indy car at two recent test days with Andretti Autosport and will make his first official race start on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida in February.   

“We’re thrilled to keep Devlin in the Andretti Autosport family as he makes his final jump up the Road to Indy ladder into INDYCAR,” said Michael Andretti, CEO and Chairman, Andretti Autosport. “Devlin has been a great addition to our Indy Lights program and has showed a lot of growth and strength at the recent test days. I think he’ll continue to grow with INDYCAR and I’m really glad that we could again partner with George and the Steinbrenner Racing team for the No. 29.” 

“Two years ago, we started a journey with Devlin with the intent to one day take him all the way to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and I’m thrilled that day has come,” said George Steinbrenner IV, CEO, Steinbrenner Racing. “From Indy Pro 2000 to Indy Lights and now to INDYCAR, he really impressed with his two initial days in an Indy car and we’re excited to see him in action in 2022.”

After making his Road to Indy debut in 2020 with Andretti Steinbrenner Autosport in Indy Pro 2000, DeFrancesco has quickly ascended the Road to Indy ladder moving into Indy Lights in 2021 and ultimately into the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2022. DeFrancesco earned the Rookie of the Year title and finished second in the Indy Pro 2000 Championship in 2020 and scored two podiums, nine top-five finishes, and 18 top-10 finishes in his Indy Lights debut season in 2021.  

“I am incredibly grateful to Michael (Andretti) and George (Steinbrenner IV) for the belief they have shown in me over the past two seasons moving up the Road to Indy ladder,” DeFrancesco said. “To now take that final step into INDYCAR with two of the world’s biggest names in sports – Andretti and Steinbrenner – is an incredible opportunity that I can’t wait to take full advantage of. I have three very experienced teammates to learn from and that is what makes this opportunity even more exciting. To get to race in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with Andretti Steinbrenner Autosport and to contest the Indianapolis 500 is a dream come true and I’m so looking forward to getting started.” 

DeFrancesco rounds out the Andretti Autosport 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES lineup joining already announced drivers Alexander Rossi (No. 27 NAPA AUTO PARTS / AutoNation Honda), Colton Herta (No. 26 Gainbridge Honda) and Romain Grosjean (No. 28 DHL Honda).  

The 21-year-old’s debut INDYCAR season will again be supported by his 2021 Indy Lights sponsors including hydrogen production and dispensing fueling infrastructure innovators, PowerTap Hydrogen; Kimoa – the fashion, clothing, and accessories brand founded by Fernando Alonso; world-class racing simulator manufacturer AIS; Apple’s largest premium retail partner, Simply Mac; Seattle, WA-based Jones Soda Co; software and services company Fyllo; Seattle-WA and Miami, FL-based Sol Yoga.

Detroit GP Returns to Downtown in 2023

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If you have always wanted to go to a race n Belle Isle, next year is your last chance. The Detroit Grand Prix issued a statement announcing that the Detroit Grand Prix will take place downtown on the streets of Detroit in 2023.

The statement:

I never had the chance to attend a race in downtown Detroit. I am interested to see the layout and how the event plays out. If the organizers are hoping for the same type of buzz that nashville got last summer, I think they may be disappointed.

First, Nashville was a brand new event. Second, Detroit has had a race of some kind for several years. The race isn’t a novelty. I’m not sure a new location is enough to get a significantly bigger crowd. I guess we will have to wait and see.

Indycar’s 2022 Grid Still Has Lots of Questions

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Photo: Kirkwood tests the car he thought he would be driving in 2022. Joes Skibinski, Indycar

There will be at least 25 cars on the grid when the NTT Indycar Series begins February 25-27 at St. Pete. There could be even more. What we still don’t know is who will be in those cars?

Some drivers are set, others are believed to be in place but not formally announced, and others are still looking for a ride. The biggest name seeking employment right now is Kyle Kirkwood. The 2021 Indy Lights champion became a free agent Monday when his contract with Andretti expired.

Andretti’s failed attempt to buy Sauber F1 probably cost Kirkwood a full time ride in the 26.

Kirkwood’s choices are limited. Filled and presumed seats make up most of the grid. Possible openings are at Foyt, Ed Carpenter Racing, Carlin, and Juncos /Hollinger.

Kirkwood has suddenly become the key to the silly season.

Foyt- More Questions than Answers

Until A. J. Foyt Racing resigns sponsor ROKIT, don’t expect a lot of movement. Dalton Kellett is likely to return in car 4, but car 14 is in limbo. Sebastien Bourdais may run a few races in the car, but who else? If ROKIT returns, Tatiana Calderon is good possibility. Kirkwood would not be likely to be in the 14. Could Foyt add a third car if a partner comes on board?

Second Car for Juncos/Hollinger? Carlin Merger?

It’s great to see Juncos racing back. They are set with Callum Ilott in the 77. Ricardo Juncos wants a second car. It’s possible that the team might partner with Carlin. I think Carlin is on shaky ground and also needs a second car.

A partnership could help both teams and keep the Carlin name in Indycar. I expected good things from Carlin. I liked the way they ran an Indy Lights program before they moved up to Indycar Things just haven’t worked out for them in this series.

Carlin has yet to confirm a driver. It is not known whether Max Chilton will be back. If he returns, another driver needs to run Texas, Gateway, and Iowa. Conor Daly has filled that role in the past and might do so again.

Carpenter Has Many Choices

Ed Carpenter Racing needs a driver for the road and street races in the 20, which he plans to drive on the ovals. The deal usually includes a third car for the Indianapolis 500.

It has been Conr Day’s seat for the past two years, and may well be again. ECR is waiting to see if the US Air Force returns as sponsor. If they do, Daly will probably get the ride. If not, Ryan Hunter-Reay or Oliver Askew have a chance at the seat.

Kirkwood wants a full time deal, so I don’t think ECR is where he s looking.

I think it is important for the series to have Kirkwood in a full time ride. He is the next link in the generational shift that we witnessed in 2021.

Lights Drivers Mum on Indycar Futures

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Indycar photo: Kyle Kirkwood on track by Chris Owens

The top three 2021 finishers in Indy Lights, Kyle Kirkwood, David Malukas, and Linus Lundqvist, talked about their very cold test day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway today. The trio had the opportunity to test an Indycar on the IMS road course. It was the first time in an Indycar for Lundqvist. Kirkwood and Malukas tested at Barber. Kirkwood also had a test at Sebring.

Kirkwood and Lundqvist drove cars prepared by Andretti Autosport; Lundqvist drove the number 2 car of Team Penske.

Much of the post test discussion centered on the Indycar prospects for the drivers.

All driver photos by Joe Skibinski

Kirkwood, the first driver to win the championship on all three levels of the Road to Indy, still has no ride for 2022, but he hinted that things are moving in a positive way.

“We have an idea, yeah. I think we
have a direction. It’s not all said and done yet. As of today, which today is November
1st, I’ve been given permission to look elsewhere. I
haven’t been able to have conversations. I don’t know
exactly what I can and cannot say, so I’m going to keep my
mouth shut on the direction “.

 

malukjs

Malukas is strongly thought  to have a ride with Dale Coyne Racing for 2022. In response to a question about how far along his deal is, he would only say, “We will do 99.9%”

lundjs

As for Lundqvist, it appears he has very little going on  at the moment. He replied to questions about his Indycar future,

“Unclear I would say. You never
really know what’s going to happen. I would love to stay
here in the U.S. to start off with. Obviously I would love to
be in INDYCAR next year. If that doesn’t happen, then I’m
looking to do Lights another year.
You never really know because budget-wise it’s a very big
question. We’ll see what we can do during the winter, after
this test as well, what pops up. I’ll keep digging no matter
what.”

Tire Heat Biggest Surprise

All three drivers seemed most impressed by how quickly the tires got warm. It caught a couple of them by surprise.

Lundqvist commented, “Actually the Firestone tire, the grip that they have just
straight out of pit lane was a lot better than what I
experienced in Indy Lights. Obviously it takes a little bit of
time for the pressure to come up, but it wasn’t as bad as I
expected it. You just had to be a little bit careful. It was
not too bad. Obviously I think it would have been even
better when it was warmer. Within a lap or two the tires
were in.”

Malukas agreed with Lundqvist, “Comparing to Indy Lights, it’s like
night-and-day difference. With Indy Lights in this weather,
it would have taken quite some time.”

Kirkwood noted, “One thing I did notice that was pretty big, especially
compared to the Lights car, is the tires switch on so quickly
even in the very cool conditions, which I was not expecting
on the first few laps.”

Lundqvist concluded with a comment about how well Indy Lights prepares drivers for Indycar.

“What you learn in Indy Lights, you
can definitely bring on here. The cars are very similar in
some sense but quite different in others.
I think what I learned in Indy Lights is that you’re able to
drive a car just on the limit. That really rewards you in
INDYCAR as well. It’s that you have so much more grip to
play with. It’s not as much on a knife edge, I would say, as
the Lights car is. You got so much more to play with here.
I think you’re extracting a lot of lap times if you’re having a
similar driver style in the Indy Lights car if you bring it to
INDYCAR.”

 

 

“

Chris Griffis Memorial Test Complete; Indycar Tests on Tap for Tomorrow

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The annual Chris Griffis Memorial test completed a successful return to Indianapolis Motor Speedway this afternoon. Each series on the Road to Indy had six 45 minute sessions, three yesterday and three today.

In USF2000 Jagger Jones, grandson of 1963 Indianapolis 500 winner Parnelli Jones, had the fastest time on Saturday and led two sessions today. I think it is exciting to see another third generation driver from a famous family take to the speedway. Other session leaders were Max Clark, Simon Sikes, and Thomas Nepveu.

In Indy Pro 2000, Reece Gold led today’s final two session, and louis Foster led the first Sunday session. Foster led two sessions on Saturday. Jack William Miller also led a round Saturday.

Indy Lights Begins a New Era

Indy Lights had its first sessions under Indycar control. The NTT Indycar Series took control of Indy lights last month. The six test rounds were competitive, with five different drivers leading sessions.

Benjamin Pedersen led Practices 2 and 3 Saturday. Jacob Abel topped Round 1. In Sunday’s test sessions the leaders were Rasmus Lindh, Hunter McElrea, and Kyffin Simpson.

Indy Lights expects fields of at least 15 cars in the 2022 season. The schedule may be out this coming week.

Indycar Tests and Robin Miller Blood Drive

2021 Indy Lights champion Kyle Kirkwood, David Malukas, and Linus Lundqvist will be testing Indycars at IMS tomorrow from 10 am until 2 pm Eastern.

While the cars are on track, the IMS Museum will host a blood drive in honor of the late Robin Miller. You can donate blood and watch race cars in one trip. Everyone wins.

This coming week we will look at the status of the 2022 Indycar grid, new engine testing.

Chris Griffis Memorial Test Entry Lists

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Entry lists for each category participating in the tomorrow’s and Sunday’s Chris Griffis memorial test at IMS.

Notes– Sting Ray Robb signed with Andretti for the 2022 season; Matt Brabham returns to Lights after several years in Stadium Super Trucks. Ernie Francis, Jr. will be one to watch as he tries his hand at open wheel. Francis, Jr. has had success at every level so far.

Notes– Indy Pro is led by Kiko Porto, the 2021 USF 2000 champion. Porto is 9 years old.

Notes– Jagger Jones is the son of P. J. Jones and grandson of Parnelli Jones

Indy Lights will announce its schedule soon. I’m hearing that the series will run the ovals at Iowa and Gateway. Indy Lights will run just three double headers on select road courses. The season will be 14 races.

On Monday, November 1, Kyle Kirkwood, David Malukas, and Linus Lundqvist will test an Indycar at IMS as a bonus for placing in the top three in Indy Lights in 2021. Kirkwood will drive the 26, Lundqvist the 29, and Malukas will drive the 3 car. Don’t read anything about driver placement for 2022 into these car assignments.

I will have updates throughout the weekend.

Weather Changes Schedule for Chris Griffis Memorial Test

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New from Indycar this morning:

Indy Lights, Road to Indy Drivers
To Test Saturday-Monday at IMS
Schedule Revised Due to Inclement Weather Forecast FridayAn inclement weather forecast for Friday, Oct. 29 has forced the NTT INDYCAR SERIES Combine test to be moved to Monday, Nov. 1 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. The Chris Griffis Memorial Open Test remains scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 31 on the road course.

Indy Lights standouts Kyle Kirkwood, David Malukas and Linus Lundqvist – the top three drivers in the 2021 series standings, respectively – will test in NTT INDYCAR SERIES machinery from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (ET) Monday. The Combine test evaluating these NTT INDYCAR SERIES prospects is a reward for finishing in the top three positions in Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires in the 2021 season. Kirkwood will drive the Andretti Autosport No. 26 Honda, with Lundqvist in Andretti Autosport’s No. 29 Honda. Malukas will drive the No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet.

Drivers from Indy Lights and the first two rungs of the Road to Indy ladder system – Indy Pro 2000 Presented by Cooper Tires and Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship – will test from 8 a.m.-5:15 p.m. Saturday and Sunday during the annual Chris Griffis Memorial Open Test. The two-day Chris Griffis test provides drivers with the opportunity to sample Road to Indy machinery while building momentum for the upcoming season.

It’s named in memory of Chris Griffis, the former team manager of Schmidt Peterson Motorsports who passed away suddenly in September 2011.

Alfa Rome-No; Andretti F1 Deal not Going Forward

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Photo: Racer magazine

What appeared to be an agreement for Michael Andretti to buy 80% interest in Formula 1’s Sauber entry, currently running as Alfa Romeo, has stooped short of completion. Andretti had agreed to pay 350 million Euros to purchase controlling interest in the team, but the team’s owner, Finn Raussing, wanted another 250 million up front to cover five years as a guarantee n case sponsorship was lacking.

If Michael Andretti still wants to enter Formula 1, he could pursue another team, although I can’t think of a current tem that is availale for the price he was willing to pay Alfa Romeo; or he could start a new team, which is cost prohibitive. in addition to team startup costs, there is 200 million Euro entry fee. The fee is distributed equally among the existing teams.

The end of the Andretti F1 saga for now puts to rest the speculation about Colton Herta going to F1. He would not have been eligible until 2023 at the earliest, but some people had him as good as gone from Indycar at the completion of the deal. It is good news for Indycar as Herta is the early favorite to become the 2022 Indycar champion.

In other F1 news, the Grand Prix of Miami apparently has sold out of available tickets. Some fans, like me, were notified that heir pre sale spots were no longer available. The organizers plan to cap attendance at 80,000 a day. Given all the fan issues at Austin, which has experience hosting F1 events, 80,000 seems ambitious, especially in the more compact venue space in Miami. I have heard three day tickets range from $600-$2,400. I’d rather spend that kind of money on tickets to Hamilton. Besides, Florida in May? No thanks.

Penske and Boles to Give Keynote at PRI Show

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IMS Photo

From IMS:



INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021) – Roger Penske and Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles will kick off the 2021 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show as the featured speakers at the Grand Opening Breakfast on Dec. 9, 2021. Taking place just before the PRI Show officially opens, the breakfast is an iconic staple of the trade show and signifies the start to the three biggest days in the motorsports industry. Both the breakfast and the trade show take place in Indianapolis – the Racing Capital of the World, where thousands of race parts manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and resellers, along with race teams and racers from every motorsports segment in the world, will gather in person for the first time since 2019.

With a focus on new products and technology that advance all aspects of motorsports, the PRI Show is the racing industry’s leading business-to-business event. As the featured speakers at the Grand Opening Breakfast, Penske and Boles will underscore the importance of innovation and technology in racing. Racing icon Penske is the founder and chairman of Penske Corporation, which includes Penske Entertainment Corp., owner of both IMS and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Earlier this year, IMS opened to 135,000 fans at the 105th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge– which, at the time, marked a milestone as the world’s highest-attended sporting event since the start of the pandemic.

.“Penske is a trailblazer and an icon in the racing industry,” PRI President Dr. Jamie Meyer said. “He embodies the spirit of racing and maintains a winning mindset. Similarly, Boles is a fierce advocate for and promoter of IMS and Indianapolis and the world-class racing events hosted here. We’re honored to have them join us at the PRI Grand Opening Breakfast and are excited to have them kick off the Show.”
Penske and Boles will talk about the importance of uniting the motorsports industry and connecting at in-person events.

“As the motorsports world moves forward into 2022 and beyond, it’s more important than ever to work together across the industry,” Penske said. “I can’t think of a better place to gather than at the PRI Show in Indianapolis. This is the perfect setting to connect with race leaders and innovators and collaborate on issues such as technology, advocacy and opportunities.”

All those registered for the PRI Show on Dec. 9-11 are invited to attend the Grand Opening Breakfast. Attendees are admitted to the breakfast free of charge, but guests are advised to arrive early, as seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The 2021 PRI Trade Show floor opens immediately after the breakfast. The event features nearly 1,000 exhibitors showcasing the latest products, services, machinery, simulation and testing technologies, and trailers for the racing industry in a single location. PRI encompasses all forms of racing and attracts attendees from all 50 states and all over the world, including professional race teams, retail shops, warehouse distributors, engine builders, fabricators, dealers, installers, jobbers and media.