Tag: Callum Ilott

Race Recap: Java House Grand Prix of Monterey

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After six very good races in a row, IndyCar produced a rather dull show yesterday at Weather Tech Raceway Laguna Seca. The winner was never in doubt as Alex Palou won his eighth race of the season. The Chip Ganassi Racing driver should clinch the title at the next race in Portland.

Palou has a chance to finish the season with a record 11 wins should he sweep the rest of the schedule. A. J. Foyt won 10 races in 1964, and Al Unser, Sr. matched that victory total in 1970. Mario Andretti won nine times in 1969.

There were a couple of interesting on track battles, the best of which was between Colton Herta and Christian Lundgaard for second place late in the race.

Pato O’Ward did not get the start he needed from second place and had to settle for fourth place. He lost 22 points to Palou. If O’Ward does not gain 14 points on Palou at Portland, the championship is officially over.

Where is Race Control?

Once again race control dropped the ball and failed to throw an immediate yellow flag after Marcus Ericsson spun and stalled with his car sitting on the track in a dangerous spot on lap 77. It seemed to be at least a lap before the caution flag came out.

I believe the flag was held so that Alex Palou and other cars could pit. Allowing pit stops is not a good reason to withhold a necessary yellow. For those in the “No one should have their race ruined by a yellow crowd, I say, “breaks of the game.” Should a baseball umpire not call ball four on a high and wide pitch because it will spoil a pitcher’s no hitter?

Yes, Palou was the fastest car Sunday, but things happen, and the fastest car sometimes loses out because of circumstances. Ericsson’s car was in a vulnerable position and created a potential for a collision. One day, race control will get bitten by this dangerous practice of waiting to display a caution flag. I hope we don’t have to wait until something bad happens to see a change in procedures.

Ilott’s Great Drive

Callum Ilott gave Prema its best finish of the year, finishing sixth after starting 24th. He made several passes and used great pit strategy to advance. PREMA has done a very respectable job in their first IndyCar season, winning the pole for the Indianapolis 500 and now has two top 10 finishes for the season. Rookie Robert Shwartzman is just four points behind Louis Foster for Rookie of the Year.

Rookie Race

Louis Foster now leads Shwartzman by four points for Rookie honors with three races left. The pair entered yesterday’s race tied in points. Each has won a pole, Shwartzman has two top 10 finishes, while Foster’s best finish is 11th.

The rooie title will come down to the season finale at Nashville.

PREMA Launch- a New Standard for Team Launches?

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PREMA’s Indycar team launch on Friday made a strong statement as to the team’s serious intent to compete in IndyCar. The event was a splashy affair, hosted by motorsport commentator Will Buxton, who introduced team owner Rene Rosin, Penske Entertainment CEO Mark Miles. PREMA IndyCar director Piers Phillips. and PREMA’s drivers, Callum Ilott and Robert Shwartzman. Shwartzman will be the first Israeli born driver in the series.

If you missed it, here is the link to the YouTube event. Warning- there is a 15-minute countdown at the beginning. You’ll want to fast forward through.

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Romain Grosjean has signed as a reserve driver for the team, and Ryan Briscoe will take on an advisory role. The team has also added engineer Michael Cannon. All in all, the new entry to the series is beginning with quite a solid supporting lineup.

PREMA faces many obstacles in his inaugural IndyCar season, which I will discuss at a later date. Friday was a day for celebration and optimism as the American open wheel series welcomes a new membr.

The car will carry the colors of the Italian flag. I like the color scheme.

Ilott will drive car 90, and Shwartzman will be the pilot of car 83. Thye numbers reflect significant dates in the history of the team. The team began in 1983. 1990 saw PREMA’s first championship.

Friday’s program was very well done, and I would like to see other IndyCar teams do a similar season kickoff. It’s a great way to have a day of publicity for each team. It would be a boost for the smaller teams who don’t get much attention once the racing starts.

PREMA Signs Ilott

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This announcement was long suspected, now it’s official. Great to have Ilott back in the series full time.

from PREMA:

PREMA Racing announces that Callum Ilott will join the team’s brand-new NTT INDYCAR SERIES operation for its 2025 debut in the series.
 
The 25-year-old British, a veteran of 38 INDYCAR starts and two top-5 finishes, is no stranger to the PREMA family. Ilott joined the team for the first time in 2017, delivering six wins and 11 podium finishes in the Formula 3 European Championship. He is now set for a welcomed return to the team, and will be driving a Chevrolet-powered Dallara for PREMA’s highly-anticipated American effort.
 
One of the most brilliant kart racers of his generation, Ilott later moved to the GP3 Series in 2018, and eventually made his FIA Formula 2 debut in 2019. In the following season, he was a runner-up in the F1 feeder series, before moving to Endurance racing and eventually to INDYCAR in 2021. Earlier this year, he claimed his maiden FIA WEC Hypercar win in the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.
 
Ilott also had the chance to make multiple Formula 1 outings in testing and practice between 2019 and 2021. He took part in two Free Practice sessions with Alfa Romeo Racing and also served as a Scuderia Ferrari Test Driver in 2021.
 
He has now the chance to be part of a new chapter in the history of PREMA in one of the world’s most competitive racing series.

RenĂ© Rosin – Team Owner, PREMA Racing
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Callum back with us for this new chapter of our history. We had a great time working with him in Formula 3, and we always kept an eye on him after that. He proved to be a great fit for us in the past, and I think he will feel like picking up something he had left off. He proved his outstanding speed skills everywhere he competed. In addition, his prior IndyCar experience will be an invaluable asset. Now that the opportunity to get back together has come, we are determined to make the most out of it.

Piers Phillips – CEO, PREMA Racing INDYCAR
“We are really looking forward to welcoming Callum to our INDYCAR team. His previous experiences in the series, combined with those with PREMA, will make him a key asset as we try to merge the team’s European heritage with what it will be able to learn in the US. We know Callum as a very talented driver, but we can also see how his professionalism has matured in the series. The information and feedback he will be able to share will be extremely important, as much as his impressive racing skills.”

Callum Ilott
“It’s an incredible opportunity to experience INDYCAR with PREMA, their first steps in the series and in the US. What an amazing chance. I love the racing, I love these cars and I love the team, so it’s great to be back to what they call the Italian family home. It’s going to be something special to build off, a lot of hard work but I’m excited to join the team and see what we can do together.”

Arrow McLaren Confirms Callum Ilott for the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500

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From Arrow McLaren:

“Callum brings experience with this team and at the Indy 500 that we think is very valuable as we enter the biggest two weeks of our season”

Arrow McLaren announced today that Callum Ilott will drive the No. 6 NTT DATA Arrow McLaren Chevrolet in the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500, finalizing the team’s four-car lineup for the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. 

The 25-year-old returns to Arrow McLaren for his third NTT INDYCAR SERIES race this season after producing a 13th-place finish at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and competing at The Thermal Club’s $1 Million Challenge. Set for his third Indy 500 start, he achieved a 12th-place finish last May as the second-biggest mover in the race after advancing 15 positions from starting 27th on the grid. 

The Cambridge, England native has spent parts of the last three seasons racing for Juncos Hollinger Racing, where he’s compiled 36 starts, five top-10 finishes and a front-row start at Laguna Seca in 2022. Last season, Callum finished 16th in the championship. 

Callum currently races in the World Endurance Championship for Hertz Team JOTA where he sits in second place in driver standings after three races. He is coming off a first-place finish at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps this past weekend and will be in the No. 6 NTT DATA Arrow McLaren Chevrolet throughout the Indy 500 practices beginning Tuesday, May 14.  

Callum came to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES after putting together an impressive rĂ©sumĂ© in Europe that included stints in Formula 1 as a test driver for Scuderia Ferrari and a reserve driver for Alfa Romero in 2021. Ilott also finished second in FIA Formula 2 in 2020 after grabbing three wins and five poles. 

Following this race, Callum will return to Hertz Team JOTA for the remainder of the 2024 World Endurance Championship campaign. Arrow McLaren announced last week that ThĂ©o Pourchaire will pilot the No. 6 Chevrolet from the Detroit Grand Prix through the remainder of the 2024 season. 

Callum Ilott, Driver, Arrow McLaren, said: 

“It is any driver’s dream to race in the Indianapolis 500, and I’d like to extend a thank you to Zak, Gavin and Tony for making this happen. I’m grateful to step into this race with a familiar car and a familiar team now in Arrow McLaren. While our April Open Test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was shortened by weather, the runs we did have were productive. I feel comfortable with the team and know that we can come together throughout the Month of May to put our best foot forward come race day.” 

Gavin Ward, Team Principal, Arrow McLaren, said: 

“Callum brings experience with this team and at the Indy 500 that we think is very valuable as we enter the biggest two weeks of our season. He and the team got along well during the first two events of the season, and we’re looking forward to carrying that over here. I’m confident that Callum and the No. 6 NTT DATA Chevy team will be competing near the front of the grid during qualifying and on race day, just like the rest of our cars.” 

ARROW McLAREN INDYCAR TEAMNO. 6 NTT DATA ARROW McLAREN CHEVROLET

Ilott Nips Palou in Practice 3

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Callum Ilott edged Alex Palou for top honors in the third session of The Thermal Club Million Dollar Challenge. Palou grabbed fast time early as he did yesterday, but Ilott, arguably the best Indycar driver not driving full time in Indycar, passed him before a 50 minute stoppage to repair broken asphalt in turn 5 halted action.

Ilott and Palou are the only drivers to turn a lap in less than 99 seconds.

Indycar extended the session by 15 minutes, but the extra time was chewed up by red flags for Romain Grosjean, who spun and stalled, and Kyle Kirkwood, lost control in turn 8 and made rear contact with the armco. The damage was not serious, and Kirkwood returned for the final 15 minutes of practice.

The final two hour practice session begins at 4 pm Eastern, followed by qualifying at 8 Eastern.

Results:

Arrow McLaren Tabs Ilott to Sub for Malukas at St. Pete

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Arrow McLaren released the following announcement this morning:

Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team today announces Callum Ilott to drive the No. 6 Chevrolet in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season opener in the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg as David Malukas recovers from surgery on his left wrist. 

Callum made 36 starts with Juncos Hollinger Racing over the last three seasons, including five top-10 finishes. He also has experience in Formula 1 as he was a test driver for Scuderia Ferrari and a reserve driver for Alfa Romeo in 2021.

The team continues to evaluate options for its driver lineup for future tests and races as David recovers. 

Notes

In a just completed news conference, Ilott seemed excited to be back in an Indycar. He said he would be open to doing more races should his schedule permit, but his first priority this season is WEC.

Ilott was the finishing driver and finished second in the opening WEC race in Qatar last weekend.

He said that the ay he left Indycar was “slightly premature,” and he is glad to have a chance with a competitive team. This chance with McLaren “felt right.”

The team did not give an update on Malukas’ recovery. He is expected to return at Long Beach, leaving an opening for the Thermal exhibition.

CALLUM ILOTT TO TEST WITH ARROW McLAREN IN HOMESTEAD HYBRID TEST

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From Arrow McLaren:

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

Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team logo

https://mclaren.bloomreach.io/cdn-cgi/image/format=webp,quality=80/delivery/resources/content/gallery/mclaren-racing/images/social-media-logos/vector-3.png

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

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

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

Gavin Ward, Team Principal, Arrow McLaren, said:  

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

Callum Ilott, Driver, said: 

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

A Few Positive Notes

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After a very rough week of bad new, there are some positive Indycar stories toshare.

Callum Ilott will drive in the WEC series in2024 for Team JOTA. The team has a sponsorship deal with former NFL quarterback Tom Brady and Hertz. Ilott will still be available to drive in the Indianapolis 500 and possibly some other Indycar events.

There will be a second season of100 Days to Indy, which will have the same production crew as in 2023. The first season of the mini documentary will also be released internationally. I hope the new season focuses on some different drivers so viewers can get a taste of al the personalities in the series.

I think the series also needs a 100 Days After Indy series. to teach the populace that the year doesn’t end with the 500.

DHL’s move to Ganassi keeps a long running sponsor in the series. It would not feel right not seeing that yellow and red car on track. I wonder how many races it will take for me to realize it’s the 10, not the 28, and that Alex Palou, not Romain Grosjean or Ryan Hunter-Reay is driving.

This afternoon the series announced that Ilmor will service the ERS units when they come on board later in the season. The units will be leased similar to the engines but will have a 5,000 mile limit. Each car would need two per full season. Nothing was mentioned about penalties should a team need a third unit. I don’t think there will be one, since they are all the same.

Friday evening at 5 pm the Borg Warner trophy’s newest image will be unveiled in a ceremony at the Stutz building in downtown Indianapolis. 023 500 winner Josef Newgarden will get his first look at his face on the trophy. Fans can watch the unveil live on the IMS YouTube Channel.

Thoughts on Ilott and JHR; Notes

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While the news that Callum Ilott and Juncos Hollinger Racing agreed to “mutually part ways” came as a shock at first, after some reflection, it wasn’t really a surprise. The tension had been there all season.

At last spring’s open test at IMS Ilott expressed frustration about some issue with the car.

There was the incident at Long Beach where he exited the pits in front of teammate Agustin Canapino. Fans of the Argentinian were outraged and flooded Ilott’s Twitter account with death threats and tasteless comments. The team response to these comments were mild.

JKHR laid off some people midseason, and Ilott’s performance faltered.

At Weather Tech Raceway Laguna Seca, both drivers were contending for high top 10 spots when their cars came together. I thought it was more Canapino’s fault, but Ilott took the brunt f the blame. Again, the death threats and vile comments were hurled Ilott’s way. The series and some drivers issued strong statements of condemnation, but JHR released a rather tepid response, barely a reprimand.

I wondered at the time how Ilott could stay at a team that would not support him.

Iam sure money has something to do with his departure. Canapino had to scrape together a new deal for 2024 since the government of Argentina could not renew their sponsorship.

JHR did Ilott a disservice by releasing him so late. There may be just one quality ride available, which Ilott can’t afford.

Now Ilott joins a pool of five drivers who are vying for maybe four full time seats. There are also some European drivers like Enzo Fittipaldi and Theo Pourchaire who will be testing with Indycar teams soon.

Ilott is a driver with some talent, and I would love to see what he could do with none of top rides. We may not get that chance next year, which would be Indycar’s loss.

Notes

I confirmed Friday that the IMS Museum’s last day before closing for nearly 18 months for renovation is November 5th. The gift shop will move to the white building just south of the museum and will be open beginning November 6th.

Pietro Fittipaldi’s ride in the number 30 car for RLL continues Indycar’s string of Brazilian drivers which was nearing extinction. His brother Enzo will be testing with Dale Coyne Racing soon. I’m not sure Enzo is ready for Indycar, but we have seen drivers make this leap before.