Tag: Helio Castroneves

Marco Returns for Indy; Helio to Attempt Daytona 500

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The Andretti name stays on the grid. The rumors and speculation have been put to rest. Andretti Global confirmed that Marco Andretti will return to the team for his 20th Indianapolis 500. The 2020 Indianapolis Pole winner has eight top 10 finishes and top 5 runs in the 500. His best finish was his rookie year, when he was nipped at the line by Sam Hornish, Jr., in 2006.

Andretti’s’ last Top 10 was in 2017, an eighth-place result, and his last Top 5 was in 2014 when he ran third. In addition to his pole, Andretti also started on the outside of the front row in third.

Castroneves Tries Daytona

Four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 next month with Trackhouse Racing. Castroneves, a part owner of Meyer-Shank racing, will also drive in the Indianapolis 500.

I like when drivers race in different forms of racing outside their primary category, but the corporate. proprietary nature of racing today makes it such a big deal when it happens. It shouldn’t be. Drivers used to race in several different series all the time during the season.

The Field of 33

Andretti’s entry brings the entry list to 33 for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500.

The entry list to date:

McLaren (4): O’Ward, Siegel, Lundgaard, Larson

Penske (3): Newgarden, McLaughlin, Power

ECR (3): Rossi, Rasmussen, Carpenter

Foyt (2): Ferrucci, Malukas

JHR (2): Robb, Daly

Prema (2): Ilott, Shwartzman

DRR (2): RHR, Harvey

Andretti (4): Herta, Kirkwood, Ericsson, Andretti

Ganassi (3): Simpson, Dixon, Palou

MSR (3): Rosenqvist, Armstrong, Helio

RLL (3): Rahal, DeFrancesco, Foster

DCR (2): TBA, TBA

MSR: Castroneves In, Blomqvist Out for Detroit and Road America

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Helio Castroneves will drive car 66 for Meyer Shank Racing at Detroit and Road America, replacing Tom Blomqvist. Castroneves,49, is part owner of the team and drove a third entry for MSR in the Indianapolis 500 last Sunday, finishing 20th.

Tom Blomqvist

Blomqvist drove the car in the first five races of the season, with a best finish of 15th at St. Petersburg. He drove for Meyer Shank in IMSA previously but has had a difficult time in Indycar. Blomqvist spun in the first turn of the Indianapolis 500 triggering a three-car accident.

The team emphasized that Blomqvist is still part of the team. MSR is expected to return to IMSA in 2025, and he will likely be one of their drivers.

After Road America, the team will evaluate the situation. Could this be the opening David Malukas needs to return to the series?

Vautier to Drive Car 51

In a day of driver announcements, Tristan Vautier will drive car 51 for Dale Coyne Racing at Detroit. DCR has used a revolving number of rivers in their cars in 2024. Vautier was 2013 Indycar Rookie of the Year. He last drove for DCR in 2017. Vautier spent 2023 in the LeMans series.

Vautier will be the fourth driver of the 51 this season.

Qualifying Records in Danger at Laguna Seca; Spotter Guide

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Track records are expected to tumble toady in qualifying for both the NYYn Indycar series and the Indy NXT by Firestone series.

The Indycar record of 1:07.722 was set by Helio Castroneves in 2000 as he won his first career pole. Ironically, Sunday will be Castroneves’ final race as a fulltime Indycar driver.

Today’s schedule: Times Eastern

12:05-12:35 .m. – INDY NXT by Firestone Qualifying (Two 12-minute sessions / Session 1 determines the lineup for Race 1, Session 2 determines the lineup for Race 2), INDYCAR LIVE

1 pm-2 pm Indycar Practice 2 Peacock

3:35 p.m. – INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey Race 1 Peacock

5 pm-6:30 pm Indycar Qualifying  Peacock

Spotter Guide

Drivers, Boles To Celebrate 100 Days Countdown to Indy 500 with Day of Service, Fan Party Friday 

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From IMS:

 Commemorative Four-Time Winner Brick Unveil with Castroneves before Fan Party
NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers and Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles will celebrate the 100 Days Countdown to the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Friday, Feb. 17 with a Morning of Service and the 100 Days Out Fan Party.

Penske Entertainment and Cummins employees will kick off the day from 10-11:30 a.m. ET by volunteering to pack meals at Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana in Indianapolis.

Attendance for the fan-friendly 100 Days Out Party at IMS is at capacity. IMS will launch its new 2023 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge brand campaign, “This Is May,” at the party. Fans also will be shown a premiere of the commercial spot created by IMS Productions. A media availability with drivers and IMS dignitaries begins at 7:15 p.m..

WHAT: 100 Days Morning of Service
WHO: J. Douglas Boles, IMS PresidentAmy Boerger, Cummins Vice President and General Manager – North America On-HighwayJosé Samperio, Cummins Executive Director and General Manager – North America On-HighwayZach Gillen, Cummins Sales and Service – North America LeaderTerry Magid, Cummins Executive Director – Global Risk
WHEN: 10 -11:30 a.m. ET, Friday, Feb. 17
WHERE: Gleaners Food Bank, 3737 Waldemere Ave., Suite 200, Indianapolis***

WHAT: Commemorative Four-Time Winner Brick Unveil
WHO: J. Douglas Boles, IMS PresidentHelio Castroneves, Meyer Shank Racing, four-time Indianapolis 500 winner
WHEN: 5:45 p.m., Friday, Feb. 17
WHERE: Yard of Bricks, Indianapolis Motor Speedway***

WHAT: 107th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge 100 Days Out Fan Party
WHO: J. Douglas Boles, IMS PresidentHelio Castroneves, Meyer Shank Racing, four-time Indianapolis 500 winnerMarcus Ericsson, Chip Ganassi Racing, 2022 Indianapolis 500 winnerColton Herta, Andretti Autosport with Curb-AgajanianChristian Lundgaard, Rahal Letterman Lanigan RacingJosef Newgarden, Team PenskePato O’Ward, Arrow McLaren Racing
WHEN: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17Live shots and b-roll available beginning at 5 p.m. (pre-event)Driver and dignitary media availability at 7:15 p.m.
WHERE: Gallagher Pavilion and Pagoda Plaza, Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Indycar Announces Grid Penalty for Castroneves

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From Indycar

INDYCAR Announces Nashville Grid Penalty 
 INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, Aug. 5, 2022) – INDYCAR officials have announced a six-position starting grid penalty for the No. 06 Meyer Shank Racing entry for an unapproved engine change following Saturday’s race on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.The team was in violation of:Rule 16.2.3.2 A fifth (5th) Engine is eligible to earn Engine Manufacturer points if a Full Season Entrant has completed the Full Season Entrant Engine Mileage with its first four (4) Engines. Otherwise, a fifth (5th) or more Engine does not earn Engine Manufacturer points and will be considered an Unapproved Engine change-out.According to Rule 16.6.1.2, the penalty is a six-position starting grid penalty on road and street course events and nine positions at oval events and will be served at the series’ next event, which is the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix Sunday, Aug. 7 on the streets of Nashville. 

PENSKE ENTERTAINMENT, NBC SPORTS ANNOUNCE ‘PENNZOIL PRESENTS THE CLUB’

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Image from Penske Entertainment

From IMS and Penske Entertainment:

March 17, 2022 | By Indianapolis Motor Speedway

A Conversation 110 Years in the Making: Foyt, Unser, Mears Welcome Castroneves to Most Exclusive Club in Motorsports

Television coverage of the Month of May at Indianapolis Motor Speedway will shift into high gear Saturday, May 14 when NBC debuts “Pennzoil presents The Club,” a documentary featuring an exclusive conversation among one of the most elite groups in global motorsports — the four drivers to win the Indianapolis 500 four times.

Airing at 2 p.m. (ET), “Pennzoil presents The Club” will lead into live coverage at 3 p.m. that afternoon of the GMR Grand Prix NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on the IMS road course.

A trailer, released just this morning, is at this link:

youtube.com/watch?v=m2MVwrkX8LU

Helio Castroneves became the fourth member of the most exclusive club in motorsports last May 30. Castroneves will aim for his record-breaking fifth “500” victory in the 106th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 29, also live starting at 11 a.m. (ET) on NBC.

“This is a truly once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch and discuss sports history,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “For fans around the globe, it’s an epic way to start the Month of May on NBC before tuning in to the GMR Grand Prix and Helio’s historic ‘drive for five’ on Indy 500 Race Day.”

Shortly after Castroneves’ emotional victory for Meyer Shank Racing in the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, Boles called for a secret meeting of Castroneves and his fellow four-time winners, A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears.

On July 21, 2021, the four legendary INDYCAR SERIES drivers gathered to commemorate one of the most significant accomplishments in motorsports history. Penske Entertainment was on hand to capture and document the moment, recording a conversation 110 years in the making.

“Pennzoil presents The Club” is a documentary celebrating that conversation and what it means to win “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” four times. The show features a sit-down conversation in downtown Indianapolis, historic race footage and a four-time winner’s meeting at the world-famous Yard of Bricks with the Borg-Warner Trophy.

Featuring additional interviews with Mario Andretti, Tony Stewart, Scott Dixon, Roger Penske and veteran motorsports writer Curt Cavin, “Pennzoil presents The Club” is the only recorded conversation among Foyt, Unser, Mears and Castroneves. Unser passed away Dec. 9, making this conversation even more poignant. The documentary includes a dedication to his memory.

“It’s still hard for me to believe that I am a part of this group of drivers – these are drivers that I have looked up to and watched all my life and to now be standing on the same level as them is incredible. My best memories have come from winning the Indianapolis 500, there is no other race in history that has that same feeling; the feeling of a month’s long hard work all coming to an end in the best way possible,” said Castroneves. “I will forever be grateful for the people who have helped me achieve such a monumental accomplishment because it was not just me, it was a team effort each of those four years.”

Castroneves Unveils Historic Image on Borg-Warner Trophy at Indiana Statehouse

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From IMS

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, March 3, 2022) – 2021 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge winner Helio Castroneves unveiled his likeness on the Borg-Warner Trophy for the fourth time Thursday, March 3 at the Indiana Statehouse.
Castroneves, a native of Brazil, became the fourth four-time “500” winner when he captured the 105th edition of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” last May 30. He etched his name alongside this race’s greatest names in A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears by joining their exclusive club of four-time winners.
“I’m beyond lucky to get to have another face added to the Borg-Warner Trophy,” Castroneves said. “It’s an exciting time to get to celebrate this special moment at the Indiana Statehouse, as well. It’s been such a great experience making my full-time return to INDYCAR with Meyer Shank Racing. Last year was just the start of a really great partnership together, and now we begin the drive for five.”
Among the guests present at the trophy unveiling were Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb, Penske Entertainment President and CEO Mark Miles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles and BorgWarner Inc. Global Director of Marketing and Public Relations Michelle Collins.
“This is one of the most historic unveilings of a likeness on the Borg-Warner Trophy we’ve ever had as Helio’s image now appears for the fourth time on this beautiful trophy,” Boles said. “It’s exciting to get to celebrate something that only A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears have done and place Helio alongside those iconic names. While Helio isn’t from Indiana, he definitely knows what it means to be a Hoosier, and we are proud to stand in the Indiana Statehouse today for this very special occasion.”
Said Collins: “Today is a special day for everyone involved as we get to finally unveil the winning driver’s image on the Borg-Warner Trophy. BorgWarner is proud to be able to reward Helio Castroneves’ hard work on the track, winning his record tying fourth Indianapolis 500, with this beautiful sterling silver likeness created by sculptor William Behrends.
The unveiling of the winning driver’s image is a fun and memorable annual event that showcases the winner’s likeness, along with all the other past winners of the Indianapolis 500 dating back to 1911 when Ray Harroun drove to victory.
“Helio and everyone at Meyer Shank Racing performed flawlessly on Race Day last May to put their names atop the record book. Helio is a wonderful ambassador for the sport, and everyone at BorgWarner is proud to be associated with him. We recognize his greatness and never-ending smile on and off the track.”
As part of the unveiling ceremony, Holcomb presented Castroneves with the flag flown at the Indiana Statehouse on the day of his historic win. Castroneves reciprocated by giving Holcomb an iconic bottle of milk, the drink enjoyed by all Indy 500 winners in Victory Lane at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Castroneves’s image on the world-famous trophy was created once again by sculptor William Behrends, who has crafted the sterling silver, bas relief images of all winners for the trophy since 1990.Commissioned by BorgWarner in 1935, the sterling silver trophy stands more than 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighs approximately 110 pounds, honoring every winner since 1911 with their sculpted faces affixed to the iconic trophy.
Through a multi-phase process, Behrends begins creating the likeness of the drivers. Castroneves visited Behrends at his studio in Tryon, North Carolina, for an in-person session to produce a full-scale clay model of his face. While Behrends has sculpted Castroneves’ face three previous times for his wins in 2001, ’02 and ’09, this was the first time Castroneves visited Behrends’ studio. Until 2015, Behrends created the faces on the Borg-Warner Trophy from 360-degree, black and white photos taken the morning after the race.
The life-size clay image is used as a reference when Behrends works on the smaller model, which is created out of a mixture of oil-based clays. The clay model is eventually turned into a mold and then cast in wax, which is sent out to a jeweler to be transformed into sterling silver. Behrends ends his process by polishing and buffing the image before attaching it to the Borg-Warner Trophy.
Later this year, Castroneves will receive his fourth BorgWarner Championship Driver’s Trophy, also known as a “Baby Borg,” which is a miniature replica of the Borg-Warner Trophy that will feature a duplicate of his sterling silver image. Meyer Shank Racing also will receive a memento commemorating the victory: its first the BorgWarner Championship Team Owner’s Trophy. Castroneves’ Indy win also was the first in NTT INDYCAR SERIES competition for the team.
Tickets for the 106th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, the GMR Grand Prix and all Month of May events at Indianapolis Motor Speedway are on sale at IMS.com. 
 
 

Castroneves To Reveal Historic Borg-Warner Trophy Image on March 3

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From IMS

Helio Castroneves, who earned his record-tying fourth Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge victory last May, will unveil his likeness on the Borg-Warner Trophy at 11:30 a.m. (ET) Thursday, March 3 at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis.
Castroneves won the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, tying A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears as four-time winners of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” The victory also was the first in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES for Meyer Shank Racing.
The event will take place in the South Atrium of the Indiana Statehouse. Fans can watch a live stream of the event at may.ims.com.
WHO: Helio Castroneves, 2021 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge Winner.
Eric J. Holcomb, Indiana Governor; Mark Miles, Penske Entertainment President and CEO; J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway President; Michelle Collins, BorgWarner Inc. Marketing and Public Relations, Global Director
WHAT: Unveiling of Helio Castroneves’s likeness on Borg-Warner Trophy
WHEN: 11:30 a.m. (ET), Thursday, March 3
WHERE: Indiana Statehouse, South Atrium, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
Media, please RSVP to Lauren Guidotti in IMS Public Relations at lguidotti@brickyard.com. 
 

Helio and Mike- A New Winning Combination- Quick Thoughts on the Rolex 24

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Photo; IMSA, Mike Levitt

When Mike Shank hired Helio Castroneves to run the 105th Indianapolis 500 last year, I just said, “Huh,” and didn’t give it much more thought. Of course Castroneves went on to win his fourth 500. Today Castroneves, along with Indycar teammate Simon Pagenaud, Tom Blomqvist, and Oliver Jarvis win the 60th Rolex 24.

The driver and owner have clicked and the chemistry may make life miserable for other teams.

Shank won the Rolex 10 years ago, which makes today’s victory extra special.

Great Day for Indycar– Seven of the twelve Indycar drivers finished in the top five in their classes. Alexander Rossi was on the second place team in DPi; Colton Herta, Pato O’Ward, and Devlin DeFrancesco won the LMP2 class for Dragonspeed; Rinus VeeKay was second in LMP 2; and Kyle Kirkwood was fourth in GTD Pro.

Speaking of GTD Pro, the battle for the win over the last two laps between winner Mathieu Jaminet and Laurens Vanthoor was the best fight of the day. The drivers exchanged positions had contact with each other in the horseshoe and the bus stop on the final lap with Jaminet going on to win. Vanthoor spun and fell to third.

I’m glad to see Felipe Nasr finally win the Rolex after 10 years of trying.

This was an outstanding 24 hour race. There were compelling stories throughout the race. The DPi class provided a lot of the drama, with the Ganassi Cadillacs both experiencing issues which put them out of contention. Both cars looked strong in the middle of the race.

With six hours remaining, the outcome was in doubt in each class.

Kamui Kobayashi tried to singlehandedly keep the 48 competitive. He had a great first stint, but several issues put the car 22 laps down.

The crowd seemed down a bit, but the fans that did come didn’t seem to let the abnormally cold weather bother them.

From the parts of the Peacock broadcast I saw, NBC did a great job of coverage. James Hinchcliffe, to the surprise of no one was outstanding as a commentator. I enjoyed the times NBC went to break and on Peacock we just heard the sounds of the cars.

Daytona could use a video board and an extra grandstand or two in the International Horseshoe. The track also should figure out a way to get a stand by the Le Mans Chicane.