Tag: Josef Newgarden

McLaughlin, Newgarden Take Milwaukee Poles in a Penske 1-2 Lockout

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Scott McLaughlin will be on the point for the start of this afternoon’s first Milwaukee 250, while teammate Josef Newgarden will move to 11th after taking a nine place grid penalty.

Tomorrow, Newgarden has the pole and McLaughlin starts second, as Team Penske continues their oval domination in the 2024 season.

Race 1 Qualifying Results:

The 11 mile an hour speed separation between McLaughlin and last place Pietro Fittipaldi means that the leaders will encounter lapped traffic very early in the race.

David Malukas will move up to the front row for the start this afternoon.

Sunset is at &:27 pm Central time. Barring a long red flag or a race with lots of yellows, the race should easily finish before sundown. Ifr not, Indycar may declare a timed race.

Remember, kids, today’s race is exclusively on Peacock at 5 pm Central.

Race 2 Results

As of now there are no penalties assessed for Race 2, so this should be tomorrow’s starting lineup.

Notes

I talked to a couple of peoples in a Dunkin Donuts this morning who are in town for the race. They are originally from Indy but now live in Texas. They flew to Milwaukee for the race.

I drove to the track a little before 10 and there was a line toget in.

I heard that garage passes are sold out.

Thanks to Dale Coyne Racing for providing me workspace this weekend.

Milwaukee’s schedule has accomplished something oval tracks have had difficulty with. There is minimal downtime once cars get on track. Indycar follows Indy NXT after a brief transition, and the action is virtually nonstop. The only change I would make is to have Sunday’s race start an hour earlier.

Newgarden Leads Milwaukee Practice

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Photo by Kyle McInnes

Josef Newgarden had the fastest lap in the only practice session for the Milwaukee double header. Newgarden was a tenth of a second faster than Scott Dixon.

The 90 minute session ran uninterrupted until Christian Rasmussen spun and hit the wall in turn 3 with six minutes left.

Newgarden said in the post practice media conference that the track feels different because the cars are heavier, but he thinks the track is the same.

The top half of the field:

The track and fairgrounds look very nice, much nicer than I remember from 2015. I had forgotten how flat the turns are here.

Thata will do it for me for today. I’ll be back in the morning with a preview of a very packed Saturday.

Bommarito 500- Another Oval, Another Penske Win

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Photo by Kyle McInnesa

One streak continues, and another restarts. Josef Newgarden broke his two race oval losing streak with a come from behind win at World Wide Technolgy Raceway, his fifth win at this track.

Newgarden beat Scott McLaughlin out of the pits on a late stop and held the lead the rest of the way.

The race had many dimensions, cautions, questionable moves, and a red flag which resulted in a seven lap shootout in which newgarden ran away from the field.

Tonight’s race was the best race since the introduction of the hybrid. There was a lot of overtaking, multiple pit strategies, and the winner was in doubt until near the end. There were also heartbreaking stories- David Malukas, Nolan Siegel, and Conor Daly, to name a few.

Alex Palou looked as if he would take a huge hit on his points lead, but thanks to Will Power’s mishap near the end, he once again extends his lead.

In the post race press conference Newgarden said that the second lane worked tonight, and he is hopeful that Indycar can get other tracks to put on a good show. He felt relieved that he didn’t hit the wall when he spun.

I will have more thoughts on the race tomorrow morning.

Newgarden Fastest in Warmup

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A cool damp track made for a tricky warmup session this morning. Josef Newgarden edged Colton Herta for the fastest lap with a 1:02.0463 circuit. Herta was just 184 ten thousandths slower.

Early morning rain left the track still damp, especially near the walls. Many cars got sideways but the drivers were able to recover.

The session ended 90 seconds early when Theo Pourchaire had trouble refiring his car after ending up in a runoff area.

Televison coverage begins at noon on USA and Peacock. green flag is set for 12:45 Eastern..

Results

Indianapolis 500 Purse Soars to New Heights 

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From IMS
 Back-to-Back Winner Newgarden Receives Largest Payout in ‘500’ History

INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, May 27, 2024) – The Indianapolis 500 purse record was shattered for the third year in a row after a weather-delayed 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, with two-time race winner Josef Newgarden of Team Penske earning $4.288 million from a total purse of $18,456,000.

After record-breaking payouts in 2022 and 2023, this is the largest purse and largest winner’s payout in the century-plus history of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” The year’s average payout for NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers was $543,000, which also exceeds last year’s average of $500,600.

In 2023, the Indianapolis 500 purse was $17,021,500, and the year’s winner payout was $3.666 million. In 2022, the Indianapolis 500 purse was $16,000,200, and the winner earned $3.1 million. Prior to 2022, the largest Indianapolis 500 purse was $14.4 million for the 2008 Indianapolis 500.

Second-place finisher Pato O’Ward of Arrow McLaren took home $1,050,500, exceeding the take-home prize for last year’s second-place finisher.

“The Indianapolis 500 is the greatest race in the world, and this record-breaking purse is reflective of just how monumental competing in and winning at Indy is for these drivers,” Penske Entertainment President and CEO Mark Miles said.
“Despite weather challenges, the Month of May featured packed grandstands and intense on-track action. Presenting this purse is the ideal end cap to an epic month.”

NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson earned Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year honors for his performance during the Month of May. Larson, driving for Arrow McLaren/Rick Hendrick, made his first attempt to complete “The Double,” by racing both the 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600. Larson earned a $50,000 bonus for being named Rookie of the Year, adding to a total take-home prize of $178,000.

The Indianapolis 500 purse consists of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and NTT INDYCAR SERIES awards, plus other designated and special awards. Purse awards are presented annually at the Victory Celebration, held this year at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis Monday night.

Newgarden’s purse included a $440,000 rollover bonus from BorgWarner for earning back-to-back wins in the “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” The jackpot increases by $20,000 each year but has only been awarded one other time since its inception when Helio Castroneves won the Indy 500 in both 2001 and 2002.

The next NTT INDYCAR SERIES race is the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear on Sunday, June 2 on the streets of Downtown Detroit. The race will be broadcast live on USA Network, Peacock and the INDYCAR Radio Network starting at noon (ET).

Indianapolis 500 Wrap Up: A Great Race Caps a Long Day

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Photo by Kyle McInnes

Some of the best Indianapolis 500s are worth waiting a little longer for. My favorite 500 of all time- 1986- was delayed almost a full week by weather. While yesterday’s race began just four hours late, it was a gem, my favorite race since 2014. I will think a bit more about this, but 2024 may replace 2014 as second on my favorites list.

The 108th 500 had all the elements that make for a great race. Contenders came and went, accidents at times that altered pit strategy, green flag runs that weren’t overly long-the longest was the final 46 laps- and five lead changes in the final 10 laps.

I have a standard for what makes a good race, and yesterday met it. To me a good 500 mile race has no more than 50 laps of caution, and no driver leads more than a third of the race. It was close on both counts.

The emotion from winner Josef Newgarden and runner up Pato O’Ward is what this race is all about. Their intense, lead swapping battle over the final eight laps is the stuff of Indianapolis legends.

Alternate Strategies Nearly Work

Conor Daly drove arguably the best 500 of his career. he was in a position to win most of the day on an alternate fuel strategy, aided by the early caution flags. The caution for his teammate, Ryan Hunter-Reay, hurt his plan. Daly finished 10th, improving 19 positions from the start.

But then the master of alternate fuel tactics, Scott Dixon, stepped in, and while things didn’t quite go his way, he still managed a third place result from a 21st place start.

Overcoming Penalties

Kyle Kirkwood and Graham Rahal survived drive through penalties to gaindecent results. Kirkwood’s penalty was for pit lane contact on lap 92. he finished seventh.

Rahal faced a bigger challenge. he started last, and his pit speed penalty on lap 134 might have ended a good day for him. But Rahal fought back to come home 15th, probably the best drive of the day.

In what is becoming an annual event. Rinus VeeKay had an issue with contact in pit lane, was sent to the back of the field, yet fought back to ninth at the end. I wonder how well he would finish if he didn’t have to recover from penalties every year.

While Callum Ilott did not get assessed an official penalty, a stuck weight jacker on the pace lap forced him to start the race from the pits. He managed to finish 11th.

Mixed Results for Rookies

The six rookies had a mixed day. Christian Rasmussen was the highest finisher of the group in12th. Rasmussen, Kyle Larson, and Kyffin Simpson led laps. But three were not around at the finish.

Larson ran inn the top 10 until a pit speed violation on lap 134 buried him in the field. he had a 22nd place result, but ill still win Rookie of the Year.

Tom Blomqvist was involved in the first turn accident, Marcus Armstrong lasted only six laps with a mechanical issue, and Linus Lundqvist hit the wall after 27 laps.

Newgarden’s Rare Feat

How unusual are back to back victories in the 500? After Wilbur Shaw first won in 1939 and 1940, two other drivers (Mauri Rose, 1947-1948; Bill Vukovich 1953,1954) accomplished twin wins in 15 years. There was not another back to back event until Al Unser in 1970 and 1971. It would be another 30 years until Helio Castroneves in 2001 and 2002 would go back to back. Newgarden, 22 years later, now joins this club of the most difficult feat in the 500.

Final Thoughts

I am glad that the red flag did not come into play at the end of the race this year. Newgarden earned this victory.

Yesterday may have been the race O’Ward needed to realize his potential in the series. I expect he will be a better driver after Sunday.

Kudos to the crowd for sticking it out for a very long day, and for Doug Boles and IMS management for keeping everyone safe during the storm.

And thanks to Indycar for coming up with the raciest Speedway package in years. More, please, on the remaining ovals.

Thanks to everyone who followed along on this site yesterday. I will be taking a break for a couple days, then soon I will be off to Le Mans.

Some Very Quick Thoughts on A Strange Race

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Above and Beyond-

The fans endured a four hour rain delay to watch the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500. The day for about a third of them involved being here when the gates opened at 6am, evacuating the grandstands and even exiting the track for a while, then returning for a three hour race. I would say 90% of them returned.

Second, Doug Boles and the IMS staff deserve an extra measure of respect above what they already had. They putb in the equivalent of three work days today. They rescheduled, implemented a safety plan, and got NBC to lift the local blackout.

Third, the drivers. After a rough first quarter of the race, they put on a great show during the final 50 laps.

The Weird Race

After a demolition derby first 50 laps, the race settled down a bit, interrupted by a few more cautions.

The second half of the race saw one great racing stint, a bit more chaos, then a thrilling duel to the finish.

Josef Newgarden is now one of the rarest of 500 champions, a back to back winner. He won this on merit, winning a game of tag with Pato O’Ward.

Conor Daly’s strategy might have worked had his teammate Ryan Hunter-Reay not caused a caution. t put everyone on pretty much the same strategy.

What a great drive by Scott Dixon to finish third and lead late after starting 21st. But should we expect anything less from him?

Alex Palou with another top 10. He is Mr. Automatic as far as top 10s go.

It has been a long day, and I am exhausted. I will have a more detailed follow up omorrow. Thanks fopr following along this very long race weekend.

Fast Friday Lives Up to Its Name

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A day of no rain and fast speeds combined to make Fast Friday the best day of practice week. Attendance was verygood. I heard from several fans about how long it took to get in this morning. There was drama, speed, and worry. In other words, a typical practice day. Josef Newgarden goes into the weekend as the favorite for the pole, while the usually fast Ganassi team is struggling to find speed. Trouble bit a team that could not afford to lose track time.

Nolan Siegel’s crash just past midday has been the only damper on the afternoon. Siegel spun exiting turn 2 and flipped upside down. Siegel was released from the infield care center. The car suffered extensive damage. I just received word that the team will use a spare car.

Josef Newgarden set a blistering 4 lap average of 234.063. Colton Herta set the fastest single lap time of 234.974.

Drivers on the bubble

Nolan Siegel

Marcus Ericsson

Katherine Legge

Team Rahal?

Qualifying is looking like a Team Penske/Arrow McLaren duel with maybe a sleeper from Andretti or Meyer Shank sneaking. Chevrolet has definitely had the upper hand this week.

Where’s Ganassi?

Chip Ganassi Racing cars have not been in the Fast 12 conversation much today. Scott Dixon is the fastest of the team with the 21st fastest single lap.. No cars are in the top 15 in 4 lap runs.

Alex Palou lost an engine, setting his program back. He returned late in the day.

Mechanical woes

It seems as if there have been a lot more mechanical issues this year. Conor Daly had an upright fail yesterday. Kyle Larson’s crew changed engines yesterday. Alex Palou lost an engine today. Pietro Fittipaldi and Takuma Sato have had gremlins interfere with their day today.

The qualifying order is going on right now. Team Penske has drawn three numbers in the top 10. McLaughlin -2 Power- 9, and Newgarden- 10. Kyle Kirkwood just drew the number 1.

Alexander Rossi will be last car in line.

An early look at the weather shows just a slight chance of a late afternoon shower, Sunday looks dry. Temperatures will be in the 80s, hotter than it has been all week. I will have the latest forecast in the morning.

Results

Newgarden Makes Another Statement

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Photo by Kyle McInnes

This afternoon, Josef Newgarden let his driving do the talking as he set the fastest lap in opening practice for the Children’s of Alabama Grand Prix. He set fast lap after a spin at turn 15 early in the session.

Pato O’Ward was second fastest, 0.083 seconds off the top speed.Will Power had the third best time.

Chevrolet dominated the 75 minute practice, with Colton Herta the best Honda in fourth.

\Team Rahal showed strength as Christian Lundgaard was fifth and Graham rahal finished the day seventh.

Friday Notes

Barber continues to draw large Friday crowds. The trams were full several times, unusual for a Friday.

The food court continues to disappoint with little variety of food choices. I know Birmingham is known for barbecue, but it isn’t everyone’s cup of tes. Or plate of food, rather.

Practice 2 begins at 11:15 am Central time tomorrow.

Results