Tag: Mid Ohio Sports Car Course

INDYCAR Announces Full Debut of NTT INDYCAR SERIES Hybrid Era at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

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From Indycar. This race was expected to be the first race for the hybrid. Nice of IndyCar to wait until my first race after Indy to debut it.

Final Full-Field Test of Settings, Parameters Scheduled for Tuesday, June 11 at Milwaukee Mile

INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, May 14, 2024) – Through a commitment to an intensive, thorough process of meticulous development and production, the hybrid era for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES will make its competition debut Friday-Sunday, July 5-7 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio presented by the 2025 Civic Hybrid.
INDYCAR, Chevrolet and Honda have worked in collaboration to develop the first-of-its-kind hybrid unit. The 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 engine was initially paired and tested with hybrid power Aug. 16, 2023, at Sebring International Raceway. In just seven months, a total of 23,518 miles were successfully completed among 28 NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers.
“The strength of this uncharted partnership between Chevrolet and Honda has pushed this innovative project to the grid in 2024,” INDYCAR President Jay Frye said. “The INDYCAR-specific hybrid power unit will bring a new and exciting element to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with additional energy and overtake options. We cannot wait to see the start of this new era at Mid-Ohio.”
INDYCAR’s hybrid power expands the series’ efforts to deliver the most competitive motorsport on the planet. The new powerplant unit will feature additional overtake (Push to Pass) options, ultimately giving INDYCAR SERIES drivers more choices and control – enhancing the on-track competition and excitement.
The innovative hybrid system is made up of the low voltage (48V) Motor Generator Unit (MGU) and Energy Storage System (ESS) – consisting of 20 ultracapacitors – both of which fit inside the bellhousing, located between the Chevrolet and Honda INDYCAR SERIES internal combustion engine and the gearbox. During regeneration, acting on the clutch shaft, the MGU builds power to be stored in the ESS. The additional horsepower is deployed through the same motor generator on driver demand.
For competition, options for automatic “regen” via braking or throttle position and manual “regen” via selected steering wheel paddles and buttons will be available. Deployment of stored energy will only be available manually through a latching button, similar to the existing Push to Pass system.
While available to use in addition to the traditional INDYCAR Push to Pass system on road and street circuits, the two systems will come with different rules. Push to Pass will still have a restriction on amount of time per use and total time used over the course of a race. Rules for the hybrid power unit will limit the amount of energy deployed per lap – based on track length. Used in combination on road and street circuits, the added boost will provide an additional 120 horsepower for a total of 800+ for the first time in two decades. Additional horsepower is expected in the coming years as hybrid unit development evolves.
Safety elements include the low voltage system and the ability for drivers to restart the car by themselves if they spin and stall the engine on the track – avoiding the need for the AMR INDYCAR Safety Team to be deployed and creating more green-flag action in races.
“The introduction of hybrid technology provides an opportunity to integrate electrification technologies into the NTT INDYCAR SERIES,” General Motors Executive Director, Motorsports Competition Eric Warren said.
“During the development of any new technology, extensive analysis and testing are done to identify as many issues as possible. We support INDYCAR’s decisions throughout this process to study testing data carefully and make sure that when the hybrid technology is integrated, the operation and performance are exactly what is expected
.“This approach has given INDYCAR and the engine manufacturers the opportunity to ensure the high level of competition continues uninterrupted.”
“Hybrid technology is playing an ever-increasing role in both our racing programs and the production vehicles created by Honda and Acura,” Honda Racing Corporation USA President David Salters said. “More than a quarter of Honda’s total sales in 2023 – nearly 300,000 vehicles – were Honda CR-V and Accord hybrids. Introducing electrification to INDYCAR at Mid-Ohio further aligns our racing efforts with Honda’s passenger car production as we operate multiple manufacturing and R&D facilities in central Ohio, employing more than 13,000 associates there.
“This is exciting new technology and, like all things new, has presented challenges to us at HRC as we have stepped in with our competitors to help INDYCAR make the hybrid system compact enough, powerful enough, light enough and reliable enough to work within the highly-restricted confines of an INDYCAR chassis. We are proud of our associates’ work to develop the supercapacitor pack and control software for the system. We look forward to hybrid tech adding another dimension to the great racing spectacle and entertaining our great Honda and INDYCAR racing fans.”
A full-field test of INDYCAR’s power unit is scheduled for Tuesday, June 11 at the Milwaukee Mile to allow teams to finalize implementation ahead of the July debut. On-track testing has taken place at Barber Motorsports Park, Homestead-Miami Speedway road course, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IMS road course, Milwaukee Mile, Road America, Sebring and World Wide Technology Raceway to effectively mirror the disciplines of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule.
The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio presented by the 2025 Civic Hybrid will be broadcast on NBC, Peacock and the INDYCAR Radio Network beginning at 1:30 p.m. ET Sunday, July 7.The next event for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES is the 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 26.
Coverage begins at 11 a.m. ET on NBC and Peacock with a Spanish-language broadcast available on Universo. Audio coverage is also available from the INDYCAR Radio Network via the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA and SiriusXM channel 218. 

Full Repave of Racing Surface Completed at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

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Planning for comprehensive project began in 2022

Article and photos from Mid Ohio Sports car Course

Photos provided courtesy of Kokosing/Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

LEXINGTON, Ohio (Oct. 31, 2023) – A full repave project of the entire racing surface at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course was completed last week, officials from Green Savoree Racing Promotions, which owns and operates the track, announced today. Ohio-based Kokosing Construction Company, Inc. began initial repair work the week of October 16th, followed by milling the existing track surface on Monday, October 23 and completing the paving of the final asphalt surface layer on Friday, October 27. 
The project was a collaborative effort using the expert services of Kokosing Construction Company, Inc., Kokosing Materials, Inc. and Advanced Materials Services, LLC. Planning and thorough research for the repaving began in 2022 with a test layer placed in Turn 1 for performance evaluation of a racetrack-specific asphalt mixture during the 2023 racing season. The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course racing surface was last repaved starting fall 2005 and completed in spring 2006.
“We were blessed with outstanding weather last week for the crews to complete this major project in a relatively short amount of time,” said Kevin Savoree, co-owner, president and chief operating officer of Green Savoree Racing Promotions. “It was a tremendous accomplishment and collaboration between Kokosing Construction, Kokosing Materials, Advanced Materials Services and our own track operations team to make it happen. We look forward to getting race cars on it for the first time next spring!”
Last week’s work utilized approximately 100 people, 5,000 manpower hours, 15 trucks to remove approximately 6,000 tons (300 truckloads) of old track material and 30 trucks to haul in 6,000 tons of the new asphalt mixture onto the property. The project encompassed 11,550 feet of surface paving, 3,500 feet of various turn reinforcement, 500 feet of full depth repair in the Keyhole and Turn 12 areas and 300 feet of transverse joint repair. 
After milling the racing surface, the second step of the process for Kokosing featured asphalt repairs and reinforcement of high stress areas which required additional milling depth. For the final stage, two pavers placed the asphalt surface layer at 40-foot width around the entire circuit, working in echelon (side-by-side pattern) to avoid a centerline joint throughout the track’s 2.258-mile, 13-turn or 2.4-mile, 15-turn layout. The old, milled track material is being recycled and regraded to create additional paddock and parking surface areas on the Mid-Ohio property. 
“Plans for the 2023 project started in 2022, immediately after completing the resurfacing of Turn 1,” said Bart Moody, vice president of asphalt estimating and engineering at Kokosing Construction Company, Inc. “Logistical challenges had to be overcome to produce the mix and perform the work with limited time and access. A full-time truck coordinator was in constant communication with material trucks to ensure they entered and exited the track at the correct locations as work progressed. Crews worked extended hours in order to maintain the schedule that made use of unseasonably warm weather for October in Ohio.”
Aggregates were sourced locally in Ohio from Olen Corporation’s Upper Sandusky and Fredericktown plants. Durable aggregates were selected to withstand the loading applied to the track, and a highly polymerized asphalt binder was produced by Kokosing Materials, Inc. to withstand the high temperatures and stresses. The asphalt mixture used was tested at the Kokosing Materials Asphalt Plant and at the track for a variety of properties such as asphalt content, gradation and density. 
“The stresses on a racetrack, especially road courses with tight turns, are much higher than those typically seen on conventional asphalt pavements,” said Graham Hurley, project engineer at Advanced Materials Services, LLC. “The much stiffer PG 88-22 asphalt binder used counteracts the shear stresses imparted on the track surface by race cars, which prevents any ravelling that may occur. Additionally, the specifications used for this project were much tighter than a traditional highway specification. The target minimum softening temperature for asphalt binder and the target in-place density values were both set higher than conventional specifications for vehicular traffic. Kokosing successfully met these higher conditions with ease.”
The new track surface will be allowed to cure for over five months in advance of the 2024 season. The road course annually hosts a variety of locally, regionally and nationally sanctioned race events as well the driving and riding courses provided by The Mid-Ohio School. 
The full schedule and ticket information for the 2024 major spectator events featuring IMSA, SVRA’s SpeedTour, NTT INDYCAR SERIES, American Motorcyclist Association and MotoAmerica will be announced at a later date. Children 12 and under receive free general admission when accompanied by a ticketed adult at all Mid-Ohio events. Visit midohio.com for more information, and follow its Facebook page @MidOhioSportsCarCourse, Twitter at @Mid_Ohio or Instagram at @officialmidohio for the latest news.   
About Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course:A comprehensive motorsports facility in Lexington, Ohio, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course sits on 380 acres and features a permanent road-racing circuit with two primary race track configurations: 2.4-mile, 15-turn or 2.258-mile, 13-turn layout. Located 60 miles north of Columbus and 75 miles south of Cleveland near Mansfield, the natural terrain road course is commonly referred to as the “Most Competitive in the U.S.” and annually hosts a diversity of locally, regionally and nationally-sanctioned race events for amateur, club and professional drivers and riders. It is also home to The Mid-Ohio School, featuring over 20 driving and riding courses, for teenagers to professional racers using Honda vehicles. Opened in 1962, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course has been owned and operated by Green Savoree Mid-Ohio, LLC since 2011, just the raceway’s third private ownership group in its history.
For more information, visit midohio.com, ‘like’ its Facebook page @MidOhioSportsCarCourse or follow updates on Twitter @Mid_Ohio and Instagram @officialmidohio.
About Kokosing:Kokosing is one of the largest family-owned construction companies in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. Known for unwavering integrity and exceptional safety and quality, Kokosing companies provide extensive resources for their customers. Kokosing’s primary business lines include industrial, transportation, pipelines, water and wastewater, marine and renewable energy. Additionally, aggregates and asphalt material suppliers are part of the Kokosing family of companies.
About Advanced Materials Services LLC:Founded in 2007 and located in Auburn, Alabama, Advanced Materials Services, LLC provides pavement engineering, testing, and consulting services. AMS supports all aspects of flexible pavement design, testing, and construction inspection, particularly for specialty pavements, such as airfields, automotive proving grounds, intermodal facilities, and racetracks. AMS staff have over 60 years of cumulative experience in the development of asphalt specifications, asphalt mixture design, quality assurance support, materials research, and geotechnical engineering. To date, AMS has provided support to over 35 racetracks across the country.

Palou Streak Continues; Mid Ohio Win Third in a Row-Quick Thoughts

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I am going to save this headline and just change the name of the race each week. Alex Palou’s five second win over Scott Dixon moves Palou one step closer to tying Dixon’s four straight to start the 2020 season.

A. J. Foyt won the first seven races of the 1964 season. I don’t think we need to start discussing that record yet.

Palou’s lead is 110 points over Dixon and 116 points ahead of Josef Newgarden. Palou leads the top five by 127 points. I can’t recall when a driver dominated the field like this in the modern era.

Lundgaard Saves Rahal’s Day

The great weekend for RLL- withdrivers starting second, fifth, and 11th, fizzled in the race. Graham Rahal was in a close battle with Colton Herta for the lead early in the race. Rahal had a fueling issue on his first pit stop and then stalled the car on his second stop. Rahal finished seventh.

Jack Harvey lined up 11th and faded to 18th. Christian Lundgaard came home fourth, salvaging complete disappointment on whqat looked to be a promising day.

Andretti Still Searching for a Complete Weekend

Andretti Autosport won its fifth pole of the season, and also had a river starting third. Colton Herta jumped out to an early lead over Graham Rahal, and Kyle Kirkwood maintained third for a while, but spun as Palou battled him for position.

Herta also had pit issues and served a penalty for a pit speed violation.

Herta finished 11th, and Kirkwood took the checkered flag in 17th.

Daly Returns to Super Sub Role

Conor Daly returned to his role as one of the best substitute drivers, taking ober for Simon Pagenaud, who was not cleared to drive following yesterday’s horrific accident.

Daly started last and moved up to 20th by the end of the race. It was an admirable job considering he was driving what uis usually the Indianapolis 500 car, and had just 30 minutes in the car this morning.

The Event

It was a decent race, better than most at Mid Ohio. There were a lot of position battles and passing in the esses.

Tiday’s crowd was the largest I have seen at Mid Ohio in many years. Every Indycar event this year has seen increased attendance over last year, and not just by a little.

While I enjoyed the race, I think this race is better at 90 laps. The longer distance would allow for an alternate strategy to have a better chance of working. Pato O’Ward tried an undercut today, but the lack of yellows didn’t help him.

Thanks for folowing along this weekend. I will have a wrap up at some point tomorrow,

Rahal Fastest in Warm Up

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Grahan Rahal’s great weekend continued this morning as he posted the fast time in this miorning’s warm up for the Honda Indy 200. Rahal ‘s lap of 1:08.4255 was 17hindredths of a second quicker than Scott Dixon.

David malukas was third, devlin DeFrancesco fourth, and Marcus Ericsson rcompleted the top five.

Will Power went into the turn 4 sand trap and caused the only red flag of the session.

Conor Daly, substituting for Simon Pagenaud, was 12th. Pole sitter Colton Herta was sixth fastest.

Kyle Kirkwood completed just five laps and had the slowest speed of the morning.

Results

Mid Ohio Race Day

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Good morning from a wet Mid Ohio. Rain has tapered to sprinkles. @Indycar_Wxman thinks the race will be dry, but we will see. His Latest:

@Indycar_Wxman 46m

Storms made it through #MidOhio overnight and showers are generally ending this morning…this should open up a drying gap into the afternoon and into the #Honda200 race window..we’ll have to watch for redevelopment late afternoon..but timing leans to dry race for now #INDYCAR

Today’s Schedule: All tumes Eaastern

8 am: Porsche Race

10:30-11 am: INDYCAR warmup Peacock

11:35 am: INDY NXT Command

11:40 am: INDY NXT Green Peacock

1:05 pm: Driver Intros

1:34 pm: Invocation

1:35 pm: Anthem

1:37 pm: Drivers to Cars

1:46 pm: Command

1:53 pm: Green Flag USA; Peacock

We should know in the next couple of hours if Simon Pagenaud will be cleared to drive. If he is not, Conor Daly will take his place..

I think the winner today comes from the second row, and I don’t think his first name is Alex. I have had a good feeling about Kyle Kirkwood since Friday’s peactice.

An interesting thing about front row starters Colton Herta and Graham Rahal- both teams have made personnel changes since the 500. It’s nice to see the changes pay off so quickly.

Today’s race will get veryn intereting very quickly if it begins dry and rain comes later in the race.

The schedule can be quite fluid on a day with a weather forecast like we have today. I wll post upfates on The Pit Window on Facebook and on @tutorindie on Rwitter. Save some of your 500 tweets for late breaking news.

I’ll be back after warmup with tire selections and a weaqther update.

Herta Edges Rahal for Mid Ohio Pole

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Colton Herta will start the Honda Indy 200 from the pole tomorrow. He narrowly beat out Graham Rahal on his final lap as time ran out.

Colton Herta

Herta decided to go with blacks on his final run, and he nipped Rahal by 0.0432 seconds. The pole is Herta’s second in a rpw as the year of streaks continues. A;ex Palou has won two races in a row going into tomorrow.

Honda Lockout

All six cars in the Firestone Fast Six had Honda power, an unusual happening in this age of competitiveness. Rahal explained that Mid Ohio is an important race for Honda, and they put a lot of effort into this event.

RLL’s Best Day

The Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team put all three cars into the second round, and two afvanced to the Fast Six. Jack Harvey will have his second best start of the season rolling off 11th tomorrow.

Graham Rahal

Christian Lundgaard will start fifth. Rahal, in second, has his best starting spot of the year.

2023 has been a struggle for RLL, but there havs been slow improvement. Today the3y showeed that they are capable of competing.

Arrow McLaren Stumbles

Once again, Arrow Mcaren missed an oppoprtunity to start up front and finally get a win this year.

Pato O’Ward, fastest in Friday practice, ended up off track in round one and will start 25th.

Felix Rosenqvist starts 10th, and Alexander Rossi lines up 13th.

Today’s qualifying was exactly what Indycar qualifying should be. There was a lot of drama and fierce battling to advance.The Fast Six was arguably the best qualifying round of the season. Anyone in the final round coukld have been on pole.

The Starting Lineup

Power Fastest in Practice 2; Pagenaud Involved in Scary Crash

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to quaWill Powwr turned the quickest lap this morning in the last practice before qualifying at 2:45 this afternoon. His quick lap came after a red flag for a horrific crash as Simon Pagenaud suffered a brake failure and rolled at least nine times in the turn 4 sand trap. Pagenaud was released from the medical center, but is not cleared to qualify.

Conor Daly is available to qualify if the backuo car is ready. The team has not made a decision as yet.

Simon Oagenaud comes to a stop agaunst the tire barrier.

It is easy in this age of enhanced safety to take it for granted that a driver will walk away from a crash, but to witness an accident like this still makes you hold your breath. Driver safety is never a guven, no matter how many advances in safety the car has.

I’ll be back with qualifying groups in a bit.

Results