Tag: Indycar

IMS Museum Plans Major Renovations- Some Thoughts

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The Indianapolis Business Journal reported last week on renovation plans for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. The full article can be read here:

https://www.ibj.com/articles/71234-getting-up-to-speed?v=preview

Highlights of the project, which at this time has no definite timeline or cost projection, include many interactive displays, virtual reality activities, a 3-D theater, and a racing simulator. Costs could run into the 10s of millions of dollars.The building will be double its current size with two wings and a partial third floor. There is talk of  some glass flooring offering a peek into part of the mysterious basement, which only a few outsiders have been privileged to see. For most race fans, the museum basement has been the IMS equivalent of a pharaoh’s tomb.

I think the museum is long overdue for a change. Up until a few years ago, displays rarely changed. The space had remained pretty much as it was when the first museum opened in the building at the corner of 16th and Georgetown. Even with their new approach of special exhibits and the additional display space in the north part of the building, the museum still is far behind other museums. The additional display space has added some improved experience, but they are still limited in what can be done.

I hope that keeping the current winning cars on display  is still part of the plan. I have always found comfort in seeing the cars when I first enter the museum proper. Several of my favorite cars of all time live there. It’s like visiting old friends. Yes, the museum needs to attract new and hopefully repeat repeat visitors. At the same time, they need to remember their older, frequent visitors like me.

On a snowy, rainy day like Indianapolis is having today, I like to go to the museum just to look at the cars. I’m not sure I’d be as tempted to go out to the new version just to hang out. A peaceful, meditative walk through history suits me just fine.

I celebrate the renovation plans, but I ask the people in charge to please consider retaining some of the current place’s charm.

The Pit Window and Wildfire Sports Going to PRI

The Pit Window and Wildfire Sports will be attending the PRI show the first week in December. Look for daily reports on Wildfire Sports and for commentary on the event here at the end of the week.  I’m excited to finally get to this show.

News From the Other Side of the World- Return to Paradise?

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First, The Pit Window wishes Sophia Floersch a speedy recovery from injuries suffered in the Macau F3 race on Sunday. It was one of the most horrifying crashes I’ve ever seen.  That no injuries were life threatening or life altering is amazing. More on this later.

Mark Miles visited Queensland, Australia, to discuss the possibility of Indycar returning to Surfers Paradise in 2020. His trip was triggered by the interest expressed by the Premier of Queensland, Anastacia  Palaszczuk, when Will Power visited on a tour of his native land.  I think this might happen, but my stance is always believe it when it’s official. Think Boston and China.

Indycar had a history in Surfers Paradise as both a season opener and a late season event. Cart/ Champ Car raced in Australia from 1991-2008. The race was held in March from 1991-97. When F1 decided they wanted a March date, the event moved to October. The last race in 2008 was a non points race due to the IRL/ChampCar merger. Will Power won the pole and Ryan Briscoe won the race. Sebastien Bourdais is the only driver to win this event twice, in 2005 and 2007.

Indycars ran on a 2.78 mile track.  The current configuration used mainly by V8 Supercars, is 1.85 miles. Street circuits tend to change as new buildings go up.

Miles has stated many times he would like to begin the season with an international race. Would St. Pete be willing to move their date again and give up their opening spot? The race already moved ahead two weeks a couple years ago. The move created some issues for the Mahafffey Theater and the performances they had booked. The series came to an agreement, but is the theater willing to be as nice a second time?  The St, Pete contract with Indycar believe goes through 2021.

The Floersch Accident

Sunday’s fence-involved crash was different from the Robert Wickens crash at Pocono. Floersch’s car left the track, flying through the fence. The fence dissipated energy and other safety improvements at the track beyond the wall helped minimize injuries.

Given the severity of the two incidents, I hope series world wide take a hard look at current fencing design and how it can be improved. I am not in favor of plexiglass, hockey arena type of protection. I think a rigid bounce back onto the track system creates another set of problems. I plan a further column about this subject early next year after some more research.

Floersch underwent a seven hour surgery Monday. There are no indications of paralysis.

PRI Show

I will be at the Performance Racing Industry  show in Indianapolis December 6,7 and 8. Look for my reports on Wildfire Sports. I may have some comments here, but the bulk of my stories will be on the Wildfire site. The Unsers will be honored at the show.

Last, I wish all my readers a Happy Thanksgiving. I am thankful to all of you. Thanks for making this a record year for The Pit Window.

 

King Joins RLL for the 500

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Photo above: Jordan King at Mid Ohio, 2018

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing announced this morning that Jordan King will drive their third entry in the 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500. King drove for Ed Carpenter Racing in 2018 as the road/street course driver of the number 20 car. He had hoped to put together a full time ride for this season. King joins Graham Rahal and Takuma Sato on the team for the oval portion of May. He will drive the car Oriol Servia used in this year’s 500. Servia led late in the race until he needed a late splash of fuel.

In 2018, King showed good pace in qualifying. He advanced to the second round six times, twice getting into the Fast Six. His best start was fourth at St. Pete. His best race finish was 11th at Toronto.

A lack of funding has prevented King from landing a full time ride. RLL has also been looking to field a third full time car. King hopes to add more Indycar races to his 2019 schedule. RLL is open to that idea.

COTA Tickets on Sale

Tickets for the Circuit of the Americas Indycar Classic went on sale today. There are four plans available. General admission is $85, Premium Grandstand seats begin at $119. Turn 12 bleachers are $119. There is also a Flex Pass, where fans can choose a different seat for each day. The pass is $189. Paddock Passes are $75. Seems a bit pricey to me, but it is a great track. Austin is a fun city as well.  The track is offering a 10% discount on General Admission until January 3.

I’m excited to return. I attended the first two F1 races. The hill in turn 1 was my favorite viewing spot. You can see some other parts of the circuit from there. The turn 12 stands also presents a good view. The cars come downhill to a left hand corner, then go uphill.

Bondurant School Closes; Tracks Begin Ticket Renewals; Return to Surfer’s Paradise? Wickens News

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Autosport reports this afternoon the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving has shut its doors.  Bondurant began a school for race drivers in the early 60’s after an injury during a race ended his driving career. Bill Shaw, Wilbur’s son, was an instructor at the school.

Celebrities like Clint Eastwood, Tom Cruise Tim Allen, and Nicholas Cage attended the driving school.  A huge number of racing drivers also took instruction there. Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, and Rick Mears were some of the many racing starts who honed their craft at the Bondurant School.

The Chandler, Arizona, site was also the venue for the Road to Indy shootout, which now needs to find another location soon. The shootout is scheduled for December 8 and 9.

Portland, St. Pete Ticket Renewal Periods Begin

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and The Grand Prix of Portland have opened ticket renewal periods. Fans who purchased tickets last year can renew or change seat locations before the general public sale begins.

Contact:

tickets@gpstpete.com

pir@portlanoregon.gov

Miles Flying to Australia

Mark Miles is flying to Australia to investigate the possibility of Indycar returning to Surfer’s Paradise. The premiere of Queensland, Annasacia Palaszaczuk,  expressed interest in hosting an  Indycar race during Will Power’s trip to his homeland.  Power referred her to Miles.

Surfer’s Paradise was always a fun race to watch, especially when it was the season opener.

Norman Returns to Andretti Indy Lights Ride

Ryan Norman has re-signed with Andretti Autosport for a third season in Indy Lights. Norman showed marked improvement last year. He won the pole for the Freedom 10 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and won the race at Gateway Motorsports Park after a spirited duel with Colton Herta.

Wickens Loses the Back Brace

In a new Instagram video from Robert Wickens, he discards the back brace he has worn virtually since he was injured. Here is the link to the video:

 

 

 

McLaren Forms Its Own Team for Indy; Some Thoughts

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Following yesterday’s late afternoon announcement that McLaren and Fernando Alonso will enter the 2019 Indianapolis 500, CEO Zak Brown added further details. The Mclaren effort will be a separate team, McLaren Racing. It is expected they will still receive some support from Andretti Autosport.  The team will run Chevrolet engines in all likelihood.

Brown would not comment on a possible two car effort at Indy. He did say that this entry is a precursor to a full time Indycar team.

Some Thoughts

It’s always great to have more cars in the 500, especially with another separate team. The international aspect is great for the race.

The possibility exists to have six former F1 drivers on the 500 grid, including a former world champion. Maybe Team Penske can bring Juan Pablo Montoya back as well.

Alonso will drive a car very different from the one he drove in 2017. There will be less downforce. I have no doubt he will adjust quickly as he did in his first May.

If McLaren’s main focus is helping Alonso win the third leg of the Triple Crown, would it be helpful for them to enter Pocono as well in 2019? While it is a different track from Indy, it is still a high speed track of the same length.

Andretti Autosport will be giving support to two Chevrolet teams, Harding and McLaren, during May. I don’t think that is a good idea for the series.  Even if their personnel are completely removed from engine discussions, it just looks bad.

The entry list for the 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500 appears to be heading to about 38 cars. I will wait until late April to begin my annual plea to change the qualifying format.

McLaren, Alonso Will Enter the Indianapolis 500

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Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, confirmed last night the team’s entry in th e 104th running of the Indianapolis 500. Fernando Alonso will drive for McLaren .

No announcement concerning which engine the team will use or what full time team, if a nylon, they will partner with.

In 2017 Alonso drove in the 500 for McLaren, who partnered with Andretti Autosport. He led 29 laps before dropping out with engine failure. Alonso earned Rookie of the Year for his efforts.

Still no word about other races for 2019 for McLaren or Alonso.

More details later tomorrow.

 

 

 

 

Indycar Developments and Non Developments

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Some Indycar developments this week have sharpened the 2019 picture a bit, but the big announcements are still to come.

International Media  Rights In House

Indycar has created Indycar Media, a new organization in house distribution of the series’ global media rights. Indycar media plans to make deals with more than 24 licensees representing more than 100 countries. This gives Indycar flexibility to tailor content to specific needs, Sweden might want more features on Felix Rosenqvist and Marcus Ericsson, Should a certain Spanish driver enter the Indianapolis 500, Spain and a lot of Europe would want more stories about him.

This is a good deal for the series. There is potential for good income growth here.

 

Road to Indy Prize Packages

The Road to Indy and Andersen Promotions revealed their scholarship and cash awards for 2019. A combined total of $2 million is available to the champions of the three series.

The Indy Lights champion receives $1.1 million which goes toward three Indycar races in 2020, including the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500. Winning the Pro Mazda title nets $596,700. $500,00 of the prize is scholarship money for Indy Lights, and the rest is for entry fees and Cooper tires at the next level.

USF2000’s top driver will have $305,600- a $250,000 scholarship and $55,600 for tires and entry fees in Pro Mazda.

My spending other people’s money segment today-

I think the top three drivers in points should get some scholarship award, even if it means they spend another year at the same level.

Juncos- 2 Cars, No Drivers

Juncos Racing has purchased a second Dallara chassis. They plan to use the second car to enhance their test days. As far as the race schedule, Juncos will again be a part time team. They may run more races with just one car or fewer races with two cars. It’s great to see teams buying extra cars.

Juncos has not signed any drivers fort he season or for testing as of today.

South America?

A video from Brazil today announced an Indycar race will take place on the streets of Rio de Janeiro in2020. The video showed the track layout and an  animated Indycar in Verizon livery driving the circuit. Signage included Verizon, Toyota, and DHL.  There is a slight glitch to this plan. Neither Mark Miles nor Jay Frye have signed an agreement for this race. Indycar says there no plans in motion to hold this event.

Speculation about a race in Uruguay also has been discussed. I can’t envision two Indycar races in South America in a season. They would have to be run either on consecutive weekends, or within a span of three weeks.  That is a long time away from home for all involved. Compensation needs to be well worth everyone’s effort.

My guess – one of the two is likely, no earlier than 2020. Waiting until 2021 and the new engine and possibly chassis package might be a better idea.

Title Sponsor?

Still no word on a title sponsor for Indycar.  I was hoping we would know something by Thanksgiving, but that may be optimistic.

 

 

Some Thoughts on Mari Hulman George- We’ve Lost a Lot

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One of the first things I do after I wake up in the morning is check social media. Saturday morning the first thing on my Twitter timeline was the notice of the death of Mari Hulman George. It was hard to believe. I knew she was ill, but that didn’t make the news less of a shock.

Although she had not been an active member of the board for a couple of years, I’m sure her influence was still being felt. Many drivers have praised her selflessness and kindness. She let Parnelli Jones drive her car at Trenton when his car had a problem during practice. Jones finished second. A. J. Foyt spent many Christmases with Mari and her family.

I was most familiar with her through her work with greyhound rescue.  I fostered and adopted greyhounds from a different group, but her group, USA Dog, also had a presence at shows where we had information booths our hounds. I remember ads for greyhound rescue in the Indianapolis 500 programs in the ’90’s. She was instrumental in bringing the Mutt Strut to the track as well.

How will things change at the Speedway? There probably won’t be many changes noticeable on a day to day basis. There are things that will change, one has already happened. First, all drivers, past and present, have lost a great friend and advocate. Second, we will likely not hear the name Hulman mentioned in connection with anybody again. While it is Tony’ middle name, no one refers to him with his middle name. Third, the thing that makes me most sad, is that we may never hear the race started with “Gentlemen, Start your Engines” again. The 100th running of the 500 was the last time the race began with those words. Mari, accompanied by her family gave the command in unison. Tony Hulman the last two years has given the pedestrian “Drivers, start your engines,” a weak command to begin the Indianapolis 500.

The Hulman family has owned the Speedway for seventy three years as of next Friday. The third generation is now completely in charge. My hope is that they follow the examples and high bars set by their grandfather and mother.