Team Penske Suspensions- A Couple of Thoughts

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It’s a conundrum straight out of Goldilocks. Is this penalty too light? Is this one too harsh? Which solution is just right? Nobody knows

Indycar’s disqualifications of Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin from the St. Pete race were followed this morning by Team Penske suspending four members, including Newgarden’s pit strategist Tim Cindric, for the entire month of May.

The suspended crew members will not be in Indianapolis and have no input on setup or strategy They will have shop access in North Carolina.

At first, I thought that may be the penalties were a bit too light. But, on further reflection, and after reading Marshall Pruett’s excellent interview with Roger Penske, I decided that the suspensions were fair.

According to Penske, there was no willful intent to skirt the rules, but a processing error within the team. In Penske’s mind, what happened did not rise to the level needed for termination. I accept that.

Indycar and Team Penske both gathered information and made decisions. maybe the timing could have been tighter, but to quote Juan Pablo Montoya, “It is what it is.”

Newgarden and Team Penske will have to carry a figurative Scarlet C the rest of this season, but they will let their on-track performance speak for them.

I don’t expect much of a drop in performance from Newgarden or Mclaughlin or Will Power despite the absent personnel on the pit stand.

The next time I talk about this will be in my post season wrap up. The penalties have all been assessed, and they will be served. It’s time to go racing at the greatest racetrack in the world.

Sonsio Grand Prix Schedule- First Look

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Friday, May 10 All times Eastern

9:30-10:45 Indycar Practice 1 Peacock, Indycar Radio

11:05-11:55 Indy NXT Practice

1:10- 2:10 Indycar Practice 2 Peacock, Indycar Radio

2;30-3:00 Indy NXT Qualifying

4:20-5:50 Indycar Qualifying Peacock, Indycar Radio

6:20 Indy NXT Race 1 Peacock, Indycar Radio

Saturday , May 11

11:15-11:45 Indycar Warmup Peacock, Indycar Radio

11:00 Indy NXT Race 2 Peacock, Indycar Radio

3:45 Green flag Sonsio Grand Prix NBC, Peacock, Indycar Radio

Bump Tales: 1954- Bob Scott Stops Short

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Drivers usually like the late afternoon shadows on the front straightaway at IMS. The shade cools the track, leading to faster lap times. On qualifying days, it is sometimes an advantage to go out late.

Sometimes, however the mixture of shadow and light can trick the eye. Such is the sad tale of Bob Scott in 1954.

Scott had competed in the 1952 and 1953 500 starting 25th in his rookie year and 11th in 1953. He had completed just 63 combined laps in the two races, finishing 29th and 31st.

Scott had been bumped on the final day of qualifying for the 1954 race, and time was running short. His good friend, Bob Sweikert, persuaded a car owner to put Scott in his machine. Sweikert then pleaded with fellow competitors in the qualifying line and with AAA officials to allow Scott to move to the head of the line.

Just before the 6 pm deadline, Scott took to the track. His first two laps were in the 138 mph range. Lap three dropped to 136, but his average would still put him in the field. As Scott came off turn 4, he shut off the engine and came into the pits. To his horror, Scott learned he had only completed three laps.

He thought the white flag was the checkered flag because of the shadows and sunlight playing on the front stretch. Scott noticed Sweikert waving at him in a gesture that he interpreted as “You did it!” The combination of mixed signals caused him to shut off the car, satisfied that he had made the race.

Writer Angelo Angelopolous reported that Scott cried for several hours afterwards. Scott was not a wealthy man. He came to the track in 1952 with just $25 to live on for the entire month.

Unfortunately, the 25-year-old Scott would not get another chance at the 500. He was killed on July 4 in a racing accident at Darlington.

The link below will take you to the final paragraph of the Angelopolous story about Scott’s misadventure. The writing is eloquent, as is the entire story.

https://indystar.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-xcott/146552290

Abel Halts 500 Entry; Field Set at 34

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Abel Motorsports has abandoned its effort to field a car for the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500. The issue, as it is with most entries, was funding. Driver R C Enerson hoped to find a budget for the car, but a deal could not be put together in time.

In 2023, R C Enerson qualified the Abel entry 28th to land safely in the field. The car dropped out of the race after 75 laps with mechanical issues.

Abel will focus on the Indy NXT championship, where Jacob Abel, son of team owner Bill Abel, is tied for the points lead. The series has two races coming up at the IMS road course next weekend.

Abel did not rule out the possibility of running an Indycar race later in 2024.

The field of entrants for the Indianapolis 500 is now set at 34 entries, which means just one car will not make the field, as happened last year.

NBC Sets May Coverage at IMS

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NBC announced more than 60 hours of coverage of activities at Indianapolis Motor Speedway leading up to and including the 108th Indianapolis 500 and the Sonsio Grand Prix. All times listed below are Eastern Time.

From yesterday:

https://thepitwindow.blog/2024/05/01/hiding-in-the-spotlight-vukovich-the-man-who-wouldnt-lift-a-review/

From the NBC announcement:

108th running of the Indianapolis 500

May 14-20.

May 24-27

DateEventPlatform(s)Time (ET)
Tues., May 14Indy 500 PracticePeacock9:15-11:15 a.m.
Indy 500 PracticePeacock1-6 p.m.
Wed., May 15Indy 500 PracticePeacock12-6 p.m.
Thurs., May 16Indy 500 PracticePeacock12-6 p.m.
Fri., May 17Indy 500 PracticePeacock12-6 p.m.
Sat., May 18Indy 500 PracticePeacock8:30-9:30 a.m.
Indy 500 Full Field QualifyingPeacock11 a.m.-5:50 p.m.
Sun., May 19Indy 500 Top 12 and Last Chance PracticePeacock12-2 p.m.
Indy 500 Top 12, Last Chance, and Fast Six QualifyingNBC, Peacock3-6 p.m.
Mon., May 20Indy 500 PracticePeacock1-3 p.m.
Fri., May 24Indy 500 Final Practice on Carb DayPeacock11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Indy 500 Pit Stop ChallengePeacock2:30-4 p.m.
Sat., May 25Indy 500 ParadePeacock12-2 p.m.
Sun., May 26Indy 500 Pre-RaceNBC, Peacock, Universo11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
108th Running of the Indianapolis 500NBC, Peacock, Universo12:30-4 p.m.
Mon., May 27Indy 500 Victory CelebrationPeacock8:30-11 p.m.

Sonsio Grand Prix, May 10-11

DateEventPlatform(s)Time (ET)
Fri., May 10Practice 1Peacock9:30-10:45 a.m.
Practice 2Peacock1:10-2:10 p.m.
QualifyingPeacock4:20-5:50 p.m.
INDY NXT by Firestone Race 1Peacock6:10-7:20 p.m.
Sat., May 11Final Warm-UpPeacock11:15-11:45 a.m.
INDY NXT by Firestone Race 2Peacock1-2:10 p.m.
Sonsio Grand Prix – Pre-RaceNBC, Peacock3-3:30 p.m.
Sonsio Grand PrixNBC, Peacock3:30-5:30 p.m.
Sonsio Grand Prix – Post-RaceNBC, Peacock5:30-6 p.m.

–NBC SPORTS–

INDYCAR, Indiana University Health Announce Updates to INDYCAR Medical Team 

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From Indycar:

 INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, May 1, 2024) – INDYCAR and Indiana University Health announced May 1 the appointment of Angela Fiege, MD to director of medical services for INDY NXT by Firestone and the addition of sports neurologist Bert Vargas, MD to the INDYCAR Medical Team. IU Health is the official healthcare provider for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the INDYCAR Medical Team is comprised of IU Health physicians and nurses who are experts in motorsports medicine.
Fiege, who is a veteran critical care and emergency medicine physician at IU Health, is also a longtime motorsports physician. She has served in various roles in motorsports including the INDYCAR Medical team since 2010 and the AMR motorsports physicians’ team for NASCAR. She has also worked at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as a track physician since 2007. She will continue her role as deputy director of medical services for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, alongside Medical Director Julia Vaizer, MD. Fiege is a graduate of Indiana University School of Medicine, where she also serves as an assistant professor of clinical medicine.
“Dr. Fiege continues to be a tremendous asset to the INDYCAR Medical Team, and I am thrilled she will be able to focus on the care and well-being of our INDY NXT by Firestone paddock,” Vaizer said.
“The INDYCAR Medical Team and Indiana University Health have a long-standing history of providing exceptional medical care for our INDYCAR racing competitors,” Fiege said.
“It is an incredible honor to be a part of an organization that places such an emphasis on promoting the safety and well-being of its participants. I look forward to the opportunity to carry on this tradition and focus on the health of our INDY NXT drivers to prolong the duration of their careers.”
Vargas is the first neurologist dedicated to the INDYCAR Medical team, and his position is funded by Rev proceeds. Rev is the IU Health Foundation’s annual fundraising event which takes place each May at IMS. Working in medical affairs for Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis, Vargas is a sports neurologist and who has led the AMR neurotrauma team for NASCAR since 2017, serves as a member of the NFL Head, Neck and Spine Committee and is also a sideline unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant for the NFL. Vargas obtained his medical degree from the University of Arizona and was a flight surgeon with the United States Air Force. After his service and his residency at New York University, he completed a fellowship in headache medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona and now serves as an adjunct clinical professor of neurology at Indiana University School of Medicine.
“To have someone with Dr. Vargas’ experience with us week in and week out, providing post-incident evaluations and creating a comprehensive care plan to get our drivers back on track safely is such a valuable addition to our team,” Vaizer said.
“He will also be available to the INDYCAR paddock to provide care for those that may be suffering from non-sports related neurological conditions that might affect performance.”
“It is an honor to be a part of the INDYCAR Medical Team and supplement the superior care that this group offers motorsports athletes and their teams,” Vargas said. “INDYCAR is among a growing list of sports organizations that have seen value in incorporating sports neurologists at athletic events. I hope to provide neurotrauma expertise with the goals to help safeguard driver safety and performance and also help to ensure longevity in the sport for our athletes.”
“The INDYCAR Medical team has played a paramount role in the series’ success both on and off the track and Dr. Fiege has been a key contributor,” INDYCAR President Jay Frye said. “Her background and experience will be a real asset as she focuses on INDY NXT by Firestone. The addition of Dr. Vargas is another example of INDYCAR’s commitment to safety as he contributes his guidance and expertise in an emerging area.”
About INDYCAR
INDYCAR is the Indianapolis-based governing body for North America’s premier open-wheel auto racing series, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and its developmental series, INDY NXT by Firestone. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES features an international field of the world’s most versatile drivers – including two-time and reigning series champion Alex Palou, two-time series champion Will Power, six-time series champion Scott Dixon and two-time series champion and reigning Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden – who compete on superspeedways, short ovals, street circuits and permanent road courses. The 2024 season consists of 17 races in the United States and Canada and is highlighted by the historic Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES, INDY NXT by Firestone, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IMS Productions are owned by Penske Corporation, a global transportation, automotive and motorsports leader.
For more information on INDYCAR and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, please visit www.indycar.com. For more information on INDY NXT by Firestone, please visit www.indynxt.com.
About Indiana University Health
Named the “#1 Hospital in Indiana” by U.S. News & World Report, Indiana University Health is dedicated to providing a unified standard of preeminent, patient-centered care. A unique partnership with Indiana University School of Medicine – one of the nation’s leading medical schools – gives our highly skilled physicians access to innovative treatments using the latest research and technology. Learn more at iuhealth.org.
About Indiana University Health Foundation
Indiana University Health Foundation leverages the power of philanthropy to support the IU Health mission of making Indiana one of the nation’s healthiest states. When you give to IU Health, you aren’t just making a donation – you’re making all the difference. To learn more, visit iuhealthfoundation.org. 
 

Hiding in the Spotlight-Vukovich, The Man Who Wouldn’t Lift- A Review

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A forgotten, incomplete manuscript hidden in a closet for decades, provides the deepest insight into one of the more enigmatic winners of the Indianapolis 500, Bill Vukovich. Yet, as well written as this biography is, I still don’t know him as well as I had hoped.

Vukovich, The Man Who Wouldn’t Lift is an intimate look at the two time, back-to-back winner of the 500, who came and went in the short span of five years. Much of the story is in first person, as the writer witnesses much of what occurs.

Angelo Angelopolous, sportswriter for The Indianapolis News and considered the best writer of his day, wrote the manuscript in the years following Vukovich’s death. The planned publication in the spring of 1960 never happened. The manuscript lay in Angelopolous’s nephew’s closet for decades.

Mark Montieth, a more recent sportswriter for the News, took up the task of completing the manuscript. Montieth writes the Prologue and Epilogue. Both are very well written, with added details of the aftermath of that dark Memorial Day in 1955 in the Epilogue.

Angelopolous is one of the few people Vukovich allowed to get close to him, yet there is still a distance between them. Vuky does his talking on the track, but with the exception of a select few people, he is reluctant to engage with others. The story is exceptionally well written in a mainly journalistic style.

After a brief family history, the biography concentrates on Vukovich’s six years at the Indianapolis motor Speedway from 1950-1955. I learned many details of events that I had some knowledge of, and several more items that I had not known. Several photos are new to me as well.

What comes through most of all is that Vukovich, who seems cold and uncaring to the general public, is a man with a deep caring soul, and a great sense of integrity. He gives honest answers and he doesn’t care if that is what people want to hear.

He also has a brooding and dark side, which becomes more evident in the late months of 1954 and into 1955. Some friends are concerned about his surviving the 1955 race.

There are several ironies in the tale of one of the greatest drivers in Speedway history. It appears that had he won in 1952, that win would have been the easiest of his victories. I had no idea how difficult his two wins were, especially 1954 when the team is concerned about even qualifying for the race.

This book has earned its place on my list of must-read books about the Indianapolis 500. It is up there with Gentlemen, Start Your Engines by Wilbur Shaw and Black Noon by Art Garner. All three works provide intimate looks at the history of the race, told by people who lived it.

The final sentence of Angelopolous’s story is one of the greatest lines I have ever read in any book. I will just say the story ends on lap 56 of the 1955 Indianapolis. 500.

INDYCAR SERIES Race Winner, Longtime OfficialDallenbach Dies at 87 

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Editor’s note:. Dallenbach was a very good driver and a no.ninsense, fair eace director.

from IMS


INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, April 29, 2024) – Wally Dallenbach, a respected INDYCAR SERIES race winner as a driver and longtime series official dedicated to racing safety, died April 29. He was 87.
Dallenbach, a native of East Brunswick, New Jersey, made 13 Indianapolis 500 starts between 1967-79.
Dallenbach, a native of East Brunswick, New Jersey, made 13 Indianapolis 500 starts between 1967-79. His best finish was fourth, in 1976 and 1977, in the No. 40 Wildcat/DGS owned by Patrick Racing. He qualified in the middle of the front row in 1974 for Patrick, his best “500” start.
Perhaps Dallenbach’s most memorable performance as a driver at Indianapolis came in 1975, again for car owner U.E. “Pat” Patrick. He led four times for a race-high 96 laps, losing the top spot only at pit stops.
But Dallenbach was eliminated from the race by a burnt piston while leading on Lap 162, just 12 laps before the race was called due to rain, with Bobby Unser earning his second “500” victory. Dallenbach was credited with ninth place.
Dallenbach recorded five victories, 27 podium finishes and one pole in 180 INDYCAR SERIES starts. His best championship finish was second, behind Roger McCluskey, in 1973 despite not qualifying for the first two races of the season.
The most memorable of Dallenbach’s victories came in the 1973 California 500 at Ontario Motor Speedway, the last of his three straight wins that season for Patrick Racing.
Dallenbach started his driving career in drag racing on the East Coast before switching to oval racing in midgets and sprint cars. He made his INDYCAR SERIES debut in 1965 at Langhorne Speedway, with his final start coming in 1979 at Phoenix. He then retired as a driver, but it wasn’t his last appearance in an INDYCAR SERIES car.
In 1981, rain severely curtailed the first weekend of Indianapolis 500 qualifying, and Mario Andretti didn’t get a chance to make an attempt. Andretti had a clashing commitment to race in the Belgian Grand Prix Formula One race during the second qualifying weekend, so Dallenbach briefly exited retirement to put Andretti’s No. 40 STP Oil Treatment Wildcat/Cosworth safely in the field before turning the car back to Andretti for the race.
After his initial retirement, Dallenbach became the first competition director and chief steward of Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) in 1980. He served as chief steward until 2004, easily recognized by his trademark cowboy hat and earning respect from all corners of the paddock for his even-handed officiating and humble, personable demeanor.
Dallenbach also made significant contributions to racing safety. He worked with doctors Steve Olvey and Terry Trammell and safety directors Steve Edwards and Lon Bromley to develop a trailblazing safety team including doctors, nurses and emergency medical technicians that traveled to all CART races. He also worked with teams and car builders to create improvements in chassis construction, including more energy-absorbing materials.
“Wally Dallenbach made a huge contribution to our sport for five decades as a driver and official,” a joint statement from INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway said.
“He was a talented competitor behind the wheel, who always raced hard but clean. That sense of fairness and decency extended to his legendary tenure as chief steward of CART, where he was respected and liked by all for his steady, sensible officiating. Wally’s many contributions to racing safety, especially a traveling medical team, will resonate long into the future. He was one of the true good guys of open-wheel racing, and our thoughts and sympathies are with his family.”
Said two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Gordon Johncock, Dallenbach’s teammate for six seasons at Patrick Racing: “Wally was as good a teammate as you could ever ask for. He took racing seriously. I’ve never met anyone at the track as helpful as Wally. He loved the sport and after he retired spent years helping as chief steward of Championship Auto Racing Teams. He helped the veterans and rookies – everyone. I’ll miss him. He did a lot for the sport over the years. A very good man.”
Motorcycles also were an object of passion for Dallenbach. He moved to a ranch in Basalt, Colorado, after his successful 1973 season – fulfilling a dream spawned during his honeymoon in 1960 in Aspen – and organized the Colorado 500 dirt-bike ride with friend Sherm Cooper in 1976.
By 1981, the invitation-only event grew so big that the Colorado 500 Charity Fund was established, with a road ride added in 1987. The ride has raised more than $1.2 million for scholarship funds, medical centers, teen services, scouting and other charities, including groups that preserve trail-riding areas.His vast and varied accomplishments were rewarded with enshrinement in multiple
Halls of Fame, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame, Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Hall of Fame and state sports halls of fame in his native New Jersey and Colorado.
Dallenbach’s wife, Peppy, passed away in 2023. He is survived by three children – two sons, former NASCAR Cup Series driver Wally Jr. and multiple Pikes Peak International Hill Climb winner Paul, and daughter, Colleen.