I hear this rookie Palou is pretty good.
Chris Griffis Memorial Test Entry List
Tag: Chris Griffis Memorial Test
Chris Griffis Memorial Test Update- Palou to Drive
Friday’s Chris Griffis Memorial Test for the IndyNXT by Firestone became a lot more interesting today when Chip Ganassi Racing announced that five-time IndyCar champion Alex Palou will test the number 11 car (pictured above). Palou has had a very busy off season, testing the IR-28 car at Ims and Sebring, and also driving, although briefly, in Petit Le Mans.
The test is expected to feature 22 drivers and run from 9:30 am until 4:30 pm Eastern time on the IMS road course. Turn 2 spectator mounds will be open. A full entry list will be out stomorrow.
News and Notes
That Didn’t Take Long– A story yesterday said that Ford was evaluating a possible return to IndyCar. I did not put much stock in it, and today Ford stated that they were not moving forward with a 2.4 liter engine which IndyCar uses. It was a fun few minutes thinking about a Ford-Chevy rivalry in American open wheel.
Josh Pierson Cleared to Move Up Josh Pierson passed his evaluation test on the IMS road course on Tuesday, clearing the way for him sign with A.J Foyt Racing’s IndyCar team. Pierson won an IndyNXT race in 2025, which was short of the licensing requirement for IndyCar.
Chevy Renewals- Chevrolet announced extended multiyear agreements with ECR, Arrow McLaren, and Team Penske. While nearly everyone thought these agreements were foregone conclusions, the announcement makes the contracts official. I’m waiting for Honda to do the same thing. If nothing else, it’s good PR.
From last night:
INDY NXT by Firestone Drivers Featured at Chris Griffis Memorial Test Friday at IMS
From IMS:
| The Chris Griffis Memorial Test is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 16 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 test is named in memory of Chris Griffis, the team manager of Schmidt Peterson Motorsports who passed away suddenly in September 2011.The DEX Imaging Media Center will be open to media during the test. Live timing of the test will be available at www.indycar.com/leaderboard. WHAT: Chris Griffis Memorial Test WHO: INDY NXT by Firestone Teams and Drivers .WHEN: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. ET Friday, Oct. 16 WHERE: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course |
From last night:
Chris Griffis Memorial Test Entry Lists
Entry lists for each category participating in the tomorrow’s and Sunday’s Chris Griffis memorial test at IMS.
Notes– Sting Ray Robb signed with Andretti for the 2022 season; Matt Brabham returns to Lights after several years in Stadium Super Trucks. Ernie Francis, Jr. will be one to watch as he tries his hand at open wheel. Francis, Jr. has had success at every level so far.
Notes– Indy Pro is led by Kiko Porto, the 2021 USF 2000 champion. Porto is 9 years old.
Notes– Jagger Jones is the son of P. J. Jones and grandson of Parnelli Jones
Indy Lights will announce its schedule soon. I’m hearing that the series will run the ovals at Iowa and Gateway. Indy Lights will run just three double headers on select road courses. The season will be 14 races.
On Monday, November 1, Kyle Kirkwood, David Malukas, and Linus Lundqvist will test an Indycar at IMS as a bonus for placing in the top three in Indy Lights in 2021. Kirkwood will drive the 26, Lundqvist the 29, and Malukas will drive the 3 car. Don’t read anything about driver placement for 2022 into these car assignments.
I will have updates throughout the weekend.
