Gainbridge Continues Presenting Sponsorship of Indianapolis 500 in Multiyear Agreement Extension  

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From IMS:

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025) – Penske Entertainment Corp. and Gainbridge, an insurtech subsidiary of Group 1001 Insurance Holdings, LLC (“Group 1001”) that empowers consumers to take control of their financial future, today announced a multiyear sponsorship agreement, reinforcing a longstanding relationship between the two brands. Under the agreement, Gainbridge will continue to serve as the presenting sponsor of the Indianapolis 500, the world’s largest single-day spectator sporting event.Gainbridge invests in impactful sports and education partnerships to promote its mission, and this extension further cements Gainbridge’s commitment to racing.
“Partnering with the Indianapolis 500 is a natural fit for Gainbridge, reflecting our shared commitment to success, innovation and making every second count,” said Group 1001 President and CEO Dan Towriss. “The Indianapolis 500 holds special significance to Hoosiers and fans across the world. We’re excited for this next chapter in our partnership and honored to celebrate the skilled drivers and the dedicated fans.”
“Our partnership with Gainbridge aligns two brands with a shared passion for growth and world-class customer experience,” Penske Entertainment President and CEO Mark Miles said.
“Renewing this relationship with a multiyear agreement showcases the strength and continued relevance of the Indy 500, an iconic event with the perfect entitlement partner to fuel a momentous future.”
Since Gainbridge began its sponsorship in 2019, the Indianapolis 500 logo has celebrated the iconography of the 500-Mile Race. The Icon Series logos have featured the bricks, the checkered flag, the Pagoda, the winner’s wreath, the famed oval, Victory Podium and the green flag.
Unveiled during the 2026 Indy 500 ticket renewal window, the 2026 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge logo has a patriotic flair to celebrate the nation’s military. This design aligns with the timing of the storied event, held annually during Memorial Day weekend, and the 250th birthday year of the United States.
The 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026. Momentum and excitement are high following the historic grandstand sellout of the 2025 Indianapolis 500, which allowed a rare lift of the blackout of local broadcast coverage.
Visit IMS.com for tickets and more information about the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. 

Arrow McLAREN  Launches Multi-Year Sponsorship of Women in Motorsports North America

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From Arrow McLaren:

“We recognize that a diverse range of skillsets is key to accelerating performance”

Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team logo

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Arrow McLaren is joining forces with Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA) through a multi-year sponsorship announced today. The collaboration will focus on cultivating pathways that serve to advance, connect and enable women across the motorsports industry. 

The team will play a key role in Women with Drive – Driven by Mobil 1, WIMNA’s annual Indianapolis-based summit that brings together professionals, students and leaders across the motorsports landscape to forge connection and opportunity. Held the week of the PRI Show in downtown Indianapolis, the event features panels, breakout sessions, special events and engaging networking opportunities. In 2024, Arrow McLaren Team Principal Tony Kanaan spoke at the event, and in 2025, Vice President of Marketing and Communications Lauren Gaudion will join the panel ‘Breaking In: Non-Traditional Pathways into Motorsports.’ 

Since returning to full-time racing in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2020, Arrow McLaren has more than doubled its workforce amid a period of expansion and growth. The upcoming opening of the McLaren Racing Center — Arrow McLaren’s new state-of-the-art INDYCAR facility in Indianapolis — marks another milestone in the team’s continued growth and investment in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. 

Kevin Thimjon, President, Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team, said:

“We recognize that a diverse range of skillsets is key to accelerating performance. Partnering with WIMNA provides us with an additional avenue for recruitment and development of top talent by supporting the advancement of women across our industry.” 

Cindy Sisson, Executive Director, Women in Motorsports North America, said:

“This partnership underscores how collaboration between industry, community and city leadership can create a lasting impact. Arrow McLaren’s commitment to Women with Drive not only uplifts women in motorsports but also contributes to developing the next generation of skilled professionals who will drive Indianapolis’ continued leadership in motorsports innovation.”

Andreti Global Signs Kirkwood to Multi-Year Extension

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From Andretti Global:

INDIANAPOLIS (November 3, 2025) – Andretti Global announced today that five-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES winner Kyle Kirkwood has signed a multi-year contract extension to remain with the team. Kirkwood will continue to pilot the No. 27 Andretti Honda for the 2026 INDYCAR season. 

Since joining Andretti in 2023, Kyle Kirkwood has delivered five wins, three poles and six podiums, leading more than 300 laps. His breakout 2025 season — highlighted by a Long Beach sweep, back-to-back wins in Detroit and his first oval victory at World Wide Technology Raceway — reflects the blueprint of performance and progression driving Andretti forward. 

A former INDY NXT by Firestone Champion with Andretti, Kirkwood remains the only driver to capture titles in all three development series (USF2000, USF Pro 2000 and INDY NXT) in consecutive years. His trajectory embodies the team’s framework for sustained success, built on focus, discipline and a shared drive to elevate Andretti’s competitive and connected future. 

Under the TWG Motorsports umbrella, Andretti Global continues to strengthen its INDYCAR program with a focus on performance, innovation and long-term driver development. Kirkwood’s extension is central to that vision in retaining talent and consistency to embody the competitive spirit that defines both organizations. As a proven race winner and rising star within the Andretti lineup, Kirkwood represents the next generation of leadership on track, anchoring the team’s pursuit of championships while reflecting TWG’s broader commitment to cultivating excellence across its global motorsports platform. 

Kirkwood will join INDYCAR veteran and recently announced teammate Will Power and Indianapolis 500 Champion Marcus Ericsson for the 2026 INDYCAR season, kicking off with the season opener on the Streets of St. Petersburg on Feb. 27.   

JILL GREGORY, PRESIDENT, ANDRETTI GLOBAL  

“Kyle represents exactly what we strive for across TWG Motorsports and Andretti Global. His blueprint for success has made him a key part of our INDYCAR lineup defined by talent, tenacity and a relentless drive to win. Kyle’s growth and ambition reflect the strength of Andretti Global and our commitment to developing world-class competitors on and off the track.” 

KYLE KIRKWOOD, DRIVER, ANDRETTI GLOBAL  

“These are very exciting times for myself, Andretti Global and TWG Motorsports. I’d first like to thank the entire team and especially Dan Towriss and Jill Gregory for putting their trust in me. We’ve had an amazing three years together and our future together is very bright. We have proven to be true contenders, and most recently, Championship contenders. Our trajectory has only been up, and I am confident that we will be fighting again for championships. Between the new shop, leadership, teammates and the many evolving factors within the organization, I believe this team is an absolute powerhouse, and we’re so excited for the journey ahead.” 

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About Andretti Global 

Andretti Global, part of the TWG Motorsports umbrella, is a leading racing organization competing in INDYCAR, INDY NXT and Formula E. With more than 300 race wins, multiple series championships and decades of success across premier racing categories, Andretti Global is built on a legacy of innovation, teamwork and competitive spirit. The team continues to push performance forward while representing the best of American motorsport on the world stage. Learn more at AndrettiGlobal.com. 
 

About TWG Motorsports 

TWG Motorsports is the motorsports entity of TWG Global, unifying a robust racing portfolio across the world’s biggest stages in Formula 1®, INDYCAR, Formula E, IMSA, and NASCAR. With strategic partnerships that include General Motors on the Cadillac Formula 1® Team and ownership of Andretti Global, Wayne Taylor Racing and Spire Motorsports, TWG Motorsports combines deep technical expertise, proven competitive excellence and industry-leading business acumen. TWG Motorsports is committed to innovating, growing and winning at the highest levels of the sport. Learn more at TWGMotorsports.com. 

When a Legacy Ends

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After 61 years and 55 Indianapolis 500-mile races, an Andretti will not be on the grid in IndyCar or the 500. Marco Andretti announced his retirement from racing Wednesday. Next May it will be strange not to see this storied name on the grid or on the entry list.

Andretti is the last of the Andrettis to race in the 500. My first 500 was in 1962. I have seen an Andretti on the grid since 1965, Mario’s rookie year. Outside of the split years from 1996-2000 and 1979 when Mario was in Formula 1, an Andretti has been in the field on Memorial Day weekend. I will definitely feel a void in May of 2026.

Besides Mario, Michael, and Marco, Jeff Andretti, Michael’s other son, and John Andretti (Aldo’s son) also ran in the 500. Mario, Michael, Jeff, and Michael all started the race in 1991 and 1992. One odd statistic is that Michael is the only one of the five Andrettis to be running at the finish of his final 500.

The Andretti clan has a combined total of 73 Indianapolis 500s on their collective resumes.

Marco began his career in a difficult situation. He followed his mega start grandfather and superstar father into the sport. The pressure on him h tremendous. His near miss of victory at Indy in his rookie year had fans thinking that another great Andretti career had begun. It was not to be. While Marco did well at IMS, he won just two races- at Sonoma and Iowa- five years apart. Andretti also earned three pole positions, including the top spot for the 2020 Indianapolis 500.

We should still see the Andretti name on the team that Michael founded at least through next year. After that I fear the team’s name may change to TWG to reflect6 the new ownership group.

The Andretti name will soon fall to the archives as have many of the great multigenerational names of the past like Vukovich and Unser. It was a pleasure to watch the Andrettis race. Thanks to all of them for the many great years.

Marco Andretti Retires

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In an announcement on X, Marco Andretti announced his retirement from racing. Andretti raced in 20 Indianapolis 500s, finishing second in 2006 and winning the pole in 2020. He also finished third three times and had seven top 10 finishes. Andretti won three races in his IndyCar career, his final victory coming at Iowa in 2011. I will have more about this story later in the week.

Andretti’s statement:

🏁 To my family, friends, teams, sponsors, and fans who have genuinely supported me for the last 30 years in motorsports, I want to thank you for allowing me the privilege to continue our family’s passion on the racetrack. I have had some really fun times behind the wheel in a lot of different types of racing cars — a lot of great memories as well, mostly at the Indy 500. Today, I am announcing my retirement from motor racing and the Indianapolis 500. That totals 20 starts at the Speedway, which I feel so fortunate to be able to say. That is ranked 12th all-time. Not bad for a 38-year-old. I am proud of my overall stats at the Indy 500. I had six very legitimate shots at victory with Andretti Autosport and ended up with 20% top-3 finishes at the Speedway. It feels accomplishing to me to be able to retire having more podium finishes than my father Michael and the same as my grandfather Mario at the biggest race in the world. I will never forget the rare circumstance of getting to race my dad in the closing laps for the win there — the pressure of participating in a dramatic Bump Day in 2011 to a pole position in 2020. That is what the Indianapolis 500 produces: extremes on both ends. That is why I love and appreciate it so much. I am very much at peace with the next chapter in my life after dedicating three decades to the sport. I will be prioritizing most of my time on being a great father to my daughter, Miura, and tending to my other business ventures. I am also coming out with a memoir about my life called “Defending the Dynasty.” Details coming soon on that. 2006–2025: Competing at the top level of North American motorsport is and has been an honor for me, even in the tough times. That is where I can look back and say I have made my best progress in life as a man. Learning to navigate very difficult dynamics at times, and others doubting me, made me realize that my opinion of myself is the one that should matter the most. Lastly, a special thank-you to a lot of the people I respect in motor racing for the kind words about my driving, work ethic, and true character. – MA 🏁

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Murray Leads Andretti Power Play in Chris Griffis Memorial Test at IMS 

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Editor’s Note: I was unable to attend the test today. Here is the report from IndyCar.

 INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, Oct. 27, 2025) – Sebastian Murray laid down the first marker for the 2026 INDY NXT by Firestone season, leading the Chris Griffis Memorial Test on Oct. 27 on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.Murray was quickest among 24 drivers turning laps on the 14-turn, 2.439-mile circuit, stopping the clocks at 1 minute, 14.5035 seconds in the No. 27 Andretti Global car.
Murray, from Scotland, finished 13th in the series standings in 2025 as a rookie for Andretti Cape INDY NXT before moving to the Andretti team after this season for 2026.
SEE: Overall Test Results
“Great day at IMS,” Murray said. “We finished P1, so obviously thrilled. The team was amazing today, and we learned a lot and improved a lot. We were obviously very fast all day, so massive thank you to the team.”
The quick lap by Murray was the highlight of a strong performance for Andretti Global, whose drivers seized the top three spots on the time chart. Andretti Global drivers also have won the last two championships in the INDYCAR development series.Series veterans and Andretti newcomers Max Taylor and Josh Pierson ended up second and third, respectively.
Taylor’s best lap was 1:14.6366 in the No. 28 car, while Pierson ended up at 1:14.6674 in the No. 29 machine. Taylor was quickest overall in the morning session at 1:15.0926.
Nikita Johnson was fourth overall and the quickest rookie at the test, turning a best lap of 1:14.8849 in the No. 21 Cape Motorsports car. USF2000 and USF Pro 2000 series runner-up Johnson made three INDY NXT starts early in the 2025 season but will be eligible for Rookie of the Year honors in 2026.
AJ Foyt Racing marked a successful return to the INDYCAR development series with USF Pro 2000 veteran and INDY NXT rookie Alessandro de Tullio rounding out the top five at 1:15.0406.
The annual open test is named in memory of Chris Griffis, the team manager of Schmidt Peterson Motorsports who passed away suddenly in September 2011. Twenty-four drivers – three more than the burgeoning 21 cars that ran most of the 2025 season – combined to turn 1,728 laps over the two sessions of the test day.
The 2026 INDY NXT by Firestone season starts Sunday, March 1 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.

ECR PARTNERS WITH CAPE MOTORSPORTS TO JOIN INDY NXT FIELD IN 2026

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Editor’s Note: Story from ECR. I will have follow up stories next week on IndyNXT and the IndyCar grid.

ECR Also Teams Up With Jay Howard Driver Development to Establish Direct Pathway to NTT INDYCAR SERIES
(INDIANAPOLIS) October 24, 2025 – ECR (Ed Carpenter Racing) announced today a partnership with Cape Motorsports to join the INDY NXT field in 2026. Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR will field two entries in INDY NXT, the developmental series of INDYCAR. The teams will collaborate to provide technical support, testing opportunities for emerging drivers, and career development for engineers and mechanics. The INDY NXT entries will carry ECR’s team colors of Carpenter Blue and Indiana Gold, mirroring ECR’s NTT INDYCAR SERIES Chevrolets.
In addition, ECR will partner with Jay Howard Driver Development in the USF Pro Championships (USF Juniors, USF2000, and USF Pro 2000). Similar to the entries in INDY NXT, the Jay Howard Driver Development cars will also race in ECR’s team colors and carry the Powered by ECR moniker. The new ladder of Jay Howard Driver Development, Cape Motorsports, and ECR establishes a direct pathway to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
ECR’s entry into INDY NXT is a natural progression for the team. Although ECR has competed exclusively in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since 2012, the team has long maintained an eye for talent developed in the ladder series. ECR cars have been driven by three USF2000 champions, four USF Pro 2000 champions, and six INDY NXT champions. The team’s most recent race winner, Christian Rasmussen, is one of only two drivers in history to earn a championship in each division that currently feeds the NTT INDYCAR SERIES – USF2000 (2020), USF Pro 2000 (2021), and INDY NXT (2023). ECR team owner Ed Carpenter is a graduate of INDY NXT, having competed in the series in 2002 and 2003.
“I’m very excited to bring these highly successful programs together to create a complete development path through the entire open-wheel ladder system,” Carpenter stated.“As ECR continues to grow and work toward becoming a championship-caliber team, this is an important step forward. This partnership should not only strengthen ECR, but also Cape Motorsports and JHDD. I’m looking forward to being involved and working with all of the programs and drivers in 2026 and beyond.”
Cape Motorsports is a Brownsburg, Indiana–based racing team founded by brothers Dominic and Nicholas Cape in 2001. The team has competed in numerous levels of U.S. junior open-wheel series since its founding and has won 14 USF2000 titles in 21 years. In 2026, Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR will field two cars in INDY NXT. In late September, the team announced that one entry will be driven by Florida native Nikita Johnson, 17.
“Partnering with ECR and Jay Howard Driver Development is an incredibly exciting step for Cape Motorsports,” said Dominic and Nicholas Cape, co-owners of Cape Motorsports. “This collaboration brings together three organizations that share the same passion for discovering and shaping young talent. From karting to INDYCAR, we’re building a pathway that gives drivers every opportunity to grow, learn, and ultimately succeed at the highest level. For us, it’s about more than just racing, it’s about building the next generation of champions.”
With a mission of developing drivers internally, Jay Howard Driver Development (JHDD) guides drivers from their early days in karting through the junior ranks of open-wheel racing. The team is led by Jay Howard, the only driver in history to win the USF2000 championship both as a driver and as a team owner. JHDD is headquartered in Westfield, Indiana, near the location of ECR’s future race shop.
Howard stated, “I would like to thank Ted (Gelov, ECR Chairman) and Ed for this opportunity. This is something I had envisioned back when I started this driver development program. Under the ECR banner, we are the only development program of its kind that will be able to take drivers from karts to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, which is phenomenal.” He continued, “The future is bright for everyone involved! We will proudly represent Java House, Splenda, and ECR in it’s a new era and we are ready to get to work.”
The first Powered by ECR entry will take to the track next week. Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR will participate in the annual INDY NXT Chris Griffis Memorial Test on Monday, October 27, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.
About Ed Carpenter Racing Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) first entered the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2012. The Indianapolis-based race team has proven its versatility by collecting wins across each type of track the series competes on – street and road courses, short ovals and speedways. ECR is led by team co-owner Ed Carpenter, three-time pole winner of the Indianapolis 500 (2013, 2014 and 2018). For the 2025 season, Alexander Rossi joined the team as driver of the No. 20 Java House Chevrolet while Christian Rasmussen has been elevated full-time driver of the No. 21 Splenda Chevrolet. Carpenter completed ECR’s three-car lineup in the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500. More information on Ed Carpenter Racing may be found at http://www.ecrindy.com/.

 INDY NXT by Firestone Drivers Featured at Chris Griffis Memorial Test Monday at IMS

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  The Chris Griffis Memorial Test is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 27 on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.
Testing and driver evaluations by INDY NXT by Firestone teams will take place from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. ET on the 14-turn, 2.439-mile circuit.
The annual open test is named in memory of Chris Griffis, the team manager of Schmidt Peterson Motorsports who passed away suddenly in September 2011.
WHAT: Chris Griffis Memorial Test
WHO: INDY NXT by Firestone Teams and Drivers Scheduled to Participate (subject to change, (R) denotes series rookie):
ABEL Motorsports: Max Garcia (R), Colin Kaminsky, Jordan Missig, Myles Rowe
A.J. Foyt Enterprises: Nicholas Monteiro (R), Alessandro de Tullio (R)
Andretti Global: Lochie Hughes, Sebastian Murray, Josh Pierson, Max Taylor
Chip Ganassi Racing: Bryce Aron, Niels Koolen
Cusick Morgan Motorsports: Juan Manuel Correa, Nicholas Stati (R)
HMD Motorsports: Jack Beeton (R), Enzo Fittipaldi (R), Tymek Kucharczyk (R)
A full participation list will be available in the coming days on the INDYCAR and IMS content site.
WHEN: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. ET, Monday, Oct. 27
WHERE: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course

AJ Foyt Racing to Compete in INDY NXT by Firestone in 2026 

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Editor’s note: Story from A J Foyt Racing. It is great to see another IndyCar team affiliated with IndyNXT.

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INDIANAPOLIS (October 21, 2025) — AJ Foyt Racing will extend its program into the INDY NXT by Firestone championship beginning in 2026. The team will field a two-car effort as it looks to build a strong foundation for drivers, crew, engineers, partners, and more for the future. Backed by a Strategic Alliance with HMD Motorsports, this collaboration represents the next step in strengthening the connection between INDY NXT by Firestone and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, creating a more straightforward pathway for driver and team personnel development.

 

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The young drivers of the INDY NXT by Firestone championship get ready for the start at Nashville Superspeedway. (INDYCAR Photo)

While AJ Foyt Racing will maintain its own brand and identity, the new program emphasizes the team’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of INDYCAR talent. By working with not only drivers but also crew members looking to make a move to the INDYCAR SERIES earlier in their careers, the organization aims to provide a more integrated and structured approach to preparing all for the top level of American open-wheel racing.

Founded in 1965 by four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A.J. Foyt, AJ Foyt Racing is an iconic and respected name in motorsports. With multiple championships across the various sanctioning bodies of INDYCAR racing over the years, the team has built a legacy rooted in excellence, perseverance, and innovation. Under the leadership of Larry Foyt, the team continues to uphold its long-standing commitment to developing competitive talent and advancing the sport.

 

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The addition the program marks AJ Foyt Racing’s second foray into the INDY NXT by Firestone championship.. In 2002, A.J. Foyt IV won the first INDY NXT by Firestone championship. Ed Carpenter drove for the team in 2003 and won the Freedom 100, the Series’ inaugural race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

 

“This has been a long time coming,” commented AJ Foyt Racing Team President Larry Foyt. “We’ve

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played a significant role in developing drivers who have gone on to compete at the top level of INDYCAR. We felt it was time to get involved in the INDY NXT by Firestone program again. Forming a Technical and Strategic Alliance with HMD Motorsports provides the experience and technical support to make our INDY NXT program as strong and effective as possible.”

 

HMD Motorsports brings extensive experience in the INDY NXT by Firestone championship to the new alliance program. Since joining the series in 2019 and competing full-time from 2021 onward, the team has earned both a team title and two driver championships, multiple rookie of the year honors, and promoted several drivers into the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. HMD will provide technical support and series insight to AJ Foyt Racing’s INDY NXT program.

 

“We are thrilled to announce this Strategic Alliance with AJ Foyt Racing,” commented HMD Motorsports Team President Mike Maurini. “This is the next step in making the pathway to INDYCAR more accessible to talented drivers throughout the INDY NXT paddock. Together, our teams will combine experience and resources to help develop the next generation of competitive drivers.”

 

The partnership will combine AJ Foyt Racing’s INDYCAR experience with HMD Motorsports’ success in INDY NXT to support driver development and prepare rising talent for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. AJ Foyt Racing will make its INDY NXT by Firestone debut in 2026 with further details on the driver lineup and program to be announced in the coming months.