Dirt Track at IMS To Host Indiana Sprint Week Opener in July 2025 

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A very exciting announcement from IMS.

 INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, Dec. 13, 2024) – USAC Sprint Cars will compete in a points race for the first time at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in July 2025 when the opening night of USAC NOS Energy Drink Indiana Sprint Week Presented by Honest Abe Roofing takes place at The Dirt Track at IMS.
The USAC AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship will be featured during the 38th annual Indiana Sprint Week opener Thursday evening, July 24, the night before Brickyard Weekend opens on the 2.5-mile IMS oval for the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The event promises a unique spectacle, as the 900-horsepower USAC Sprint Cars take to a quarter-mile dirt track inside Turn 3 of the famous IMS oval. USAC Sprint Cars made their debut at The Dirt Track at IMS last September in a special invitational event won by C.J. Leary of Greenfield, Indiana.
“We expected wheel-to-wheel action from Sprint Cars on The Dirt Track, and they delivered,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “Kicking off Brickyard Weekend with some of the biggest stars of the USAC during Sprint Week is sure to be another incredible show.”
USAC’s Indiana Sprint Week, a cornerstone of sprint car racing in the Hoosier State since 1988, has captivated fans for decades with its thrilling action and rich legacy.
The 2025 Indiana Sprint Week schedule consists of eight events at eight different racetracks across a 10-night span between July 24-Aug. 2.
“Sprint car racing and Indianapolis Motor Speedway share a deeply intertwined history, and this event symbolizes the unification of two racing traditions,” USAC President Kevin Miller said. “USAC Sprint Cars at IMS will be an unforgettable experience for fans and competitors alike.”
Fans can sign up here to receive ticket and camping information to attend the USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car event at IMS that starts Indiana Sprint Week.
Dates for the 2025 Driven2SaveLives BC39 for the USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midget Series will be announced later.

Senna- The Netflix Series

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The legend of Ayrton Senna, which developed a cult like following while he raced and grew larger after his death at Imola in 1994.

Senna, a limited series showing on Netflix, depicts the life of the three time world champion in an uneven, somewhat thin retelling of the story. Senna, the documentary produced by ESPN in 2010, presents a richer portrait of one of the best F1 drivers in history.

The six episodes on Netflix follow common ground for a story which depicts a driver who was fatally injured. It begins the day of the accident, then cuts to six-year-old Ayrton running into his father’s shop to see his first go cart. Film is not the only guilty party here. Books suffer the same flaw.

Produced in Brazil by a Brazilian production company, the film appears to be performed in Portugese and dubbed in English.

If you are looking for an in depth look at the private Senna, this isn’t the place. There is nothing new here, and I didn’t get a sense of his off track personality. Away from the track, he spends time with his family, who he was very close to, and he has an eye for the ladies. His passion for racing is all consuming. Going back to see the 2010 documentary will compliment the viewing of Senna on Netflix.

The racing scenes are decent, and they are interspersed with video clips of the actual events. The cars appear representative of the design of that era, late 80s-early 90s.

I did like some aspects of the film. The addition of a fictional journalist, Laura Harrison, acted as a Greek chorus, reflecting Senna’s drive and ambitions. She met Senna when he raced Formula Ford i England, and like him, wanted to be covering Formula 1. They pretty much advanced together, Her half Brazilian heritage allowed her to gain Senna’s trust. Kaya Scodelario, who played Harrison, gives the best performance in the film.

Senna’s rivalry with Alain Prost were portrayed well. Senna is considered the father of dirty driving, but Prost taught him much of what he did. The Brazilian’s quest to become world champion also encountered a barrier in Jean Marie Balestre, who seemed to favor Prost. As Senna took over second place in the rain at Monaco and was charging toward Prost in the lead, Balestre stopped the race and declared it official, denying Senna the win.

After the pair collide in Japan, senna continues and wins. Prost went to Balestre and convinces him to disqualify Senna for cutting a chicane, giving Prost the world championship.

I didn’t Gabriel Leone, the actor who portrayed the protagonist, looked anything like Senna, he is too good looking, and his hair was too short and neat. Other driver portrayals were quite accurate, however. I got chills when Niki Lauda first appeared. It was a spot on likeness. The actors playing Prost, Nelson Piquet, and James Hunt also were very accurate in appearance.

I thought the last episode was the best of the series. It was tight and focused solely on the bloody Imola weekend. On Friday night Senna goes to the hospital to see Rubens Barichello, who was severely injured in a crash that afternoon. Saturday afternoon Roland Ratzenberger is killed ina crash, and Senna begins to wonder why he still races. Dr. Sid Watkins questions why he needs to do this. Senna has accomplished everything he can in the sport. We see the doubt on his face as he gets in his car and slowly dons his helmet. We see very little of the actual incident.

While I was hoping for more from the series, it was nice getting a bit of a racing fix in December. If you know the Senna story, there is nothing new to learn here. For those new to racing, you will learn about a legend, and it is a worthwhile use of your time.

Some IndyCar Notes

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Tough news in Indy NXT today as Yuven Sundaramoothy will not be able to compete in 2025 due to budget issues. The Wisconsin native posted the following statement on X today:

I hope he gets back in 2026. He was coming on strong toward the end of the year.

Chili Bowl News– Katherine Legge will participate in the Chili Bowl in Tulsa next month. She will drive for Abacus Racing. Santino Ferrucci also drives for Abacus.

New Chassis? According to Racer magazine, Indycar owners got a look at renderings for a new chassis scheduled to begin racing in 2027. according to the story the reviews were mixed. The new car does not look much different from the current one. Disappointing if true. I want to see something sleeker and bolder.

Grid check– One spot at Juncos and two at Dale Coyne are all that remain to complete the 2025 IndyCar grid. I think Conor Daly will get the Juncos opening, and Rinus VeeKay will have one of the seats at Coyne. The final seat at Coyne is anyone’s guess.

I’ll be back to finish out the week with a review of the Netflix series Senna and some thoughts on the charter system and the implications that are surfacing.

Accomplished Motorsports Executive Buck Named Director of INDY NXT by Firestone 

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From IndyCar

 
INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024) – Veteran racing industry executive Richard Buck has been named as director of INDY NXT by Firestone, INDYCAR officials announced Dec. 10.
Buck takes over all operations and competition for INDY NXT by Firestone, the developmental series of INDYCAR that prepares drivers, engineers and other team personnel for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
Phoenix native Buck assumes his new role after 35 years of motorsports experience, including operations and project management, competition officiating, engineering and race strategy in NASCAR and INDYCAR.
“I am thrilled to return to my racing roots in INDYCAR,” Buck said. “I have always kept my eye on the sport, and the opportunity to be the director of INDY NXT was something I could not pass up. The developmental series is on the rise as it continues to advance talent to the premier open-wheel series in North America.”
Buck most recently served as the president and CEO of motorsports consultant 3194 Motorsports LLC and as the managing director of the NASCAR Cup Series from 2014-2019. Before that, he was the vice president of racing operations in IMSA from 2013-2014 before stints as the managing director for GRAND-AM, NASCAR’s Touring Series and NASCAR’s Racing Development in Canada and Mexico from 2005-2013.
“The competition is fierce, and the future is bright for INDY NXT by Firestone,” INDYCAR President Jay Frye said. “With his vast motorsports experience, Richard is a tremendous fit for the series’ leadership role, and we are excited to welcome him back into the INDYCAR family.”
Introduction to INDYCARBuck was originally introduced to INDYCAR in 1979 when he began working with a long list of accomplished drivers while accumulating Indianapolis 500 by Gainbridge wins and INDYCAR SERIES championships:
YearsTeamPositionDrivers
1996-2000Precision Preparation Inc. (PPI)Team Manager and Race StrategistCristiano da Matta Robby Gordon Hiro Matsushita Max Papis Scott Pruett Oriol Servia
1985-1996Penske RacingCrew ChiefEmerson Fittipaldi Rick Mears Danny Sullivan Paul Tracy Al Unser Al Unser Jr.
1985Alex Foods RacingCrew ChiefJohnny Rutherford
1982-1984Provimi RacingCrew ChiefTony Bettenhausen Derek Daly Arie Luyendyk
Other Experience in Motorsports
While at PPI, Buck also helped the team field teams in developmental Toyota Atlantic series, NASCAR and various off-road racing series.
His transition to NASCAR came in 2000-2004, when he served in a variety of team managerial and race strategist roles at Team Gordon, Andy Petree Racing, Petty Enterprises, Robert Yates Racing and Curb Agajanian Performance Group.
Buck’s motorsports career began in the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars, working for Gary Stanton Racing and popular drivers Steve Kinser, Ronnie Shuman, and Sammy and Jeff Swindell.
The 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone season begins Sunday, March 2 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. Coverage throughout the 14-race season can be seen via FOX Sports on either FS1 and FS2, with audio coverage available from the INDYCAR Radio Network. 
 

RLL Signs DeFrancesco; Three Spots Left on 2025 Grid

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From Rahal Letterman lanigan Racing

ZIONSVILLE, Ind. (December 9, 2024) – Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) announced today that Devlin DeFrancesco will compete full time for the team in the No. 30 Honda-powered entry beginning with the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season in a multi-year deal. Details on the sponsorship for the entry will be announced at a later date.

“I’m very excited to be back in the INDYCAR SERIES,” said Canadian DeFrancesco. “Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing has an amazing history and is also on an impressive trajectory. Seeing all the work that is going on from the men and women behind the scenes, it is easy to see that this team and myself are very hungry for results. I look forward to getting started with all the great people here.”

DeFrancesco, 24, has made 34 starts in NTT INDYCAR SERIES competition with Andretti Steinbrenner Autosport with his best start being fifth at the August 2023 road course race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He earned career-best finishes of 12th place at World Wide Technology Raceway in 2022 and the Detroit street race in 2023.

“I’m very pleased that we are able to welcome Devlin to the team,” added Bobby Rahal, co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. “We had the chance to witness his ability while he was at Andretti and there were clearly times when he was quite competitive so I’m confident that we can have a lot of good races together. We’re looking forward to his contribution to the team.”

The 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season opens Sunday, March 2 on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, for the 21st Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. North America’s premier open-wheel series will crisscross the United States, including a stop for the 109th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 26, before culminating in Nashville for the championship finale Sunday, August 31. All on-track action can be seen live on FOX and the INDYCAR Radio Network. For more information about the series or team, visit www.indycar.com and www.rahal.com.

About Devlin DeFrancesco

Devlin DeFrancesco, 24, was born in Toronto, Canada on January 17, 2000. He started his racing career in karting at the age of six and has won races in North America and European karting.

In 2014, DeFrancesco placed 2nd overall in the Italian Championship and 3rd overall in the CIK FIA European Championship. In 2014, he sustained an injury to his wrist that required two surgeries and that kept him out of a full racing series for approximately a year. As part of his rehabilitation, Devlin attended the Carlin Academy, where he used a combination of simulators and on-track testing to prepare for FIA Formula 4-style racing.

In 2015, DeFrancesco was selected to be a part of the Generation Ganassi Driver Identification Program, a mentoring and talent development program that aimed to identify and assist up to 10 North American drivers between the ages of 13 and 18. When he graduated from karts in 2015, he competed in the Ginetta Junior Championship with HHC Motorsports that year. In early 2016, he competed in New Zealand’s Toyota Racing Series with Giles Motorsport and finished the season 10th overall.

He joined Carlin Motorsports for the 2016 MSA Formula season and won three races and finished fifth in the point standings. He continued to compete for Carlin in 2017 and moved to the Euroformula Open and Spanish Formula 3 Championships. He won three races and five podiums en route to the Spanish Formula 3 title and won one Euroformula Open race as well as a total of seven podium finishes to finish third in the championship overall. He also competed in the final two rounds of the 2017 FIA Formula 3 European Championship with Carlin.

He teamed up with Carlin again in 2018 for the F3 European Championship, competing in the two opening rounds but was forced to withdraw from the following round due to dental surgery and subsequently made the switch to join the GP3 Series for the reminder of the 2018 season while teaming up with MP Motorsport. In 2018, he made his IMSA debut at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in the DPI class with JDC-Miller MotorSports and finished sixth with co-drivers Cindric, Alon and Trummer. He returned to IMSA competition later that year with the team in the Petit Le Mans event and finished ninth.

In 2019, he competed in the inaugural FIA F3 Championship with Trident Racing and gained valuable knowledge. He also returned to IMSA for the Rolex 24 at Daytona with JDC-Miller MotorSports and teammates Barrichello, Vautier and Goikhberg. The race ended before the 22nd hour due to heavy rainfall and the team was scored in fifth place.

His return to the F3 Championship with Trident Racing was announced in February 2020, but he was forced to withdraw from the season due to COVID-19 and being immuno-compromised.

Also in 2019/20, he competed in a partial season of the F3 Asian Championship with Absolute Racing and finished seventh in the championship with three podiums despite missing the final three rounds due to the pandemic.

In 2020, DeFrancesco joined Steinbrenner Racing and Andretti Autosport to compete in the 2020 Indy Pro 2000 Championship. He scored two wins and was runner-up to the champion, Sting Ray Robb. He moved to Indy Lights in 2021 in a car co-entered by Steinbrenner Racing and Andretti Autosport. With two podiums and nine top-five finishes, he finished sixth in the points standings.

In January of 2022, DeFrancesco and his co-drivers, Colton Herta, Patricio O’Ward and Eric Lux, won the LMP2 class of the Rolex 24 at Daytona before he made his INDYCAR SERIES debut in March with Andretti Steinbrenner Autosport where his best finish was 12th at WorldWide Technology Raceway in his rookie season. In 2023, he earned his best career INDYCAR start to date of fifth place at the August road course race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and matched his best finish of 12th place at the Detroit street race.

In 2024, he competed in the Endurance Cup in the GTD class in IMSA with Forte Racing’s Lamborghini team.

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 2025, the team will compete in its 34th 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, 112 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 24 wins – including the 2019 and 2020 Rolex 24 at Daytona endurance races, 30 poles and 103 podium finishes prior to the start of the 2025 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.

Newgarden Closes the Book on the 108th 500

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The final chapter of the 2024 Indianapolis 500 is now complete as winner Josef Newgarden unveiled his likeness on the Borg Warner trophy Tuesday evening.

The first back-to-back winner of the race in 22 years and the sixth driver to win two years in a row, compared this year’s image with his 2023 face.

“There are more wrinkles,” he quipped.

Newgarden understands his place in history, and he hopes to create more next May by becoming the first to win the race three times in succession. He realizes the probability is extremely low.

Newgarden talks about the 2024 Indianapolis 500. “It was agood racfe,” he said.

Two icons of Indianapolis history merged on Tuesday, as the Borg Warner sat inside what used to be a stable for Polk Sanitary Milk Company, which began in 1872 and closed in the late 1950s.. The building is now an event center and a place for business startups. At one point Polk was the largest dairy in the city.

The image reveal began about 10 years ago. It was originally held at the IMS Museum but has been at three different locations the past three years. The 2022 event was a midday affair, and Simon Pagenaud unveiled his image on the trophy in France. In 2023 the Stutz Center played host to trophy reveal.

Newgarden and IMS President Doug Boles

The trophy reveal brings closure to the 500. It is always nice to reminisce in December about the annual end of May event.

Back-to-Back Indy 500 Winner Newgarden Unveils Second Image on Borg-Warner Trophy

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From IMS. I will have more on this event tomorrow.

  INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024) – 2024 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge winner Josef Newgarden unveiled his likeness on the Borg-Warner Trophy on Dec. 4 in Indianapolis, one of the most significant honors since he won his second Indy 500 on May 26 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Newgarden, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, earned his second victory in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” in the No. 2 Shell Powering Progress Team Penske Chevrolet.
This was the 20th Indy 500 victory for Team Penske, and Newgarden is the first back-to-back winner since Helio Castroneves won his second Indy 500 while driving for Team Penske in 2002.
The unveiling ceremony took place at COhatch Polk Stables, a coworking space for entrepreneurs and startups located in downtown Indianapolis.
The bas-relief, sterling silver image of Newgarden is the 111th face to be affixed to the iconic trophy, awarded annually to the winner of the Indianapolis 500 since 1936.
“Having my face added to the Borg-Warner Trophy is one of the coolest parts about winning the race,” Newgarden said. “Seeing the finished product, with two side-by-side images of my face, is an unbelievable honor, and I look forward to hopefully adding a third likeness to the row after this year’s Indy 500.”
Renowned sculptor Will Behrends created Newgarden’s image, as he has for every winner since 1990.Each face on the trophy is unique, even for a back-to-back winner like Newgarden. Behrends starts from scratch each year and begins his creative process by studying a series of 360-degree photos of the winner to get a baseline for sculpting before constructing a full-scale model of the driver’s face. Normally a driver would visit Behrends’ studio in Tryon, North Carolina, for an in-person session. This year’s visit was impacted by Hurricane Helene, so Newgarden and Behrends met virtually to make the final adjustments to the full-scale model.
This life-size clay version is used as reference for Behrends to construct the smaller model, a piece created out of a mixture of oil-based clay. The smaller clay model is turned into a mold and cast in wax before being sent to a jeweler to be transformed into sterling silver. Behrends completes his process by polishing and buffing the sculpture before attaching it to the trophy.
“Today is a special day for Josef and BorgWarner,” said Michelle Collins, global director marketing and public relations for BorgWarner.
“Josef is one of only six drivers to win back-to-back Indianapolis 500 victories in the race’s 113-year history, and unveiling his face on this spectacular trophy cements his mark not only in INDYCAR, but all of motorsports. BorgWarner is honored to uphold the tradition of the Borg-Warner Trophy and celebrate Josef’s historic 2024 Indianapolis 500 win.”
Originally designed in 1935, the sterling silver trophy measures over 5 feet, 4-3/4 inches tall and weighs more than 110 pounds as it carries the sculpted face of every victor since 1911.
Early next year, Newgarden will receive his BorgWarner Championships Driver’s Trophy, also known as a “Baby Borg,” a miniature replica of the large-scale Borg-Warner Trophy.
Tickets for the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and all Month of May events at Indianapolis Motor Speedway are on sale at IMS.com. 
 

DRR Sets 500 Lineup of Hunter-Reay and Harvey

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Dreyer & Reinbold Racing with Cusick Motorsports announced this morning that Ryan Hunter-Reay, winner of the 2014 Indianapolis 500 and 2012 series champion, will return in one of their two entries for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500. Jack Harvey will drive the second car.

Harvey is a veteran of seven Indianapolis 500s, with a best finish of ninth in 2020. His last 500, in 2023, is known for Harvey’s bumping teammate Graham Rahal out of the field on the day’s final run.

Harvey ran a partial season for Dale Coyne Racing in 2024. In 2023 he began the year with Rahal Letterman racing, but was let go midseason.

Hunter-Reay will drive for DRR for the third consecutive year. He started the race 12th last year and dropped out after 107 laps due to contact, finishing 26th.

TAG Heuer Extends Partnership with INDYCAR, IMS

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From IMS yesterday:

  INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, Dec. 2, 2024) – TAG Heuer – the renowned Swiss Luxury watchmaker and motorsports sponsorship pioneer – has renewed its longstanding, multiyear partnerships with INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A whirlwind of speed and thrills, INDYCAR and the mythical Indianapolis 500-Mile Race have brought together fierce legends and adrenaline-seeking fans since 1911.Continuing as the Official Watch and Timekeeper of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, TAG Heuer also will remain a presenting sponsor of the Hulman Terrace Club hospitality suites at the Racing Capital of the World.
TAG Heuer started its partnership with INDYCAR in 2014 and with the Indianapolis 500 and IMS in 2004.
“With more than 20 years of history at IMS, TAG Heuer is a brand deeply rooted in motorsports and the traditions and values of INDYCAR and the Indy 500,” said Penske Entertainment CEO Mark Miles. “TAG Heuer is an ideal match for the precision and high performance on display at every INDYCAR event, most especially ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’”
During 20 years of partnership, TAG Heuer has released 17 special edition watches in homage to the Indy 500. Adorned with evocative details, such as the Speedway’s iconic Wing and Wheel logo and the Brickyard motif, these unique watches tell the story of drivers’ relentless thirst for victory on the racetrack. Bold new Indy 500 timepieces regularly breathe fresh creativity into this thriving partnership.
TAG Heuer will continue to provide a special edition watch to the winning driver and chief mechanic of the Indianapolis 500 and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion driver. Fans also can own a piece of racing heritage, as special edition Indy 500 watches are available for purchase.
“TAG Heuer is a brand synonymous with racing, and there is no better proving ground to demonstrate our passion and strong heritage in motorsport than at IMS during the Indy 500 with INDYCAR,” TAG Heuer CEO Antoine Pin said. 
TAG Heuer branding also will continue to have a strong presence at IMS, including on the highly visible IMS Pagoda and on the retaining wall near the iconic Yard of Bricks start-finish line during the Month of May.
The 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season begins Sunday, March 2 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding on the Streets of St. Petersburg. The 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is scheduled for Sunday, May 25. Coverage of all 17 NTT INDYCAR SERIES races will be available on FOX and the INDYCAR Radio Network.