Tag: NTT Indycar Series

INDYCAR Announces Phase Two of 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Schedule

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From IndyCar. My thoughts up later.

New Marquee Race Weekend in Barcelona Highlights Action-Packed Summer,
Furthers Series Momentum

All NTT INDYCAR SERIES Races Again To Air on FOX

INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, Oct. 23, 2026) – Following the historic announcement of an NTT INDYCAR SERIES race at iconic Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya earlier today, INDYCAR has announced Phase Two of next year’s action-packed and momentous schedule.
The summer lineup includes a mix of fan-friendly and dynamic race weekends leading up to the climactic moment at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca when the 2027 INDYCAR SERIES champion hoists the Astor Challenge Cup.For the third consecutive season, all races will be broadcast on FOX in the United States, with three additional telecasts scheduled during the two days of qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and coverage of Miller Lite Carb Day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is once again the only premier motorsports series in North America with all races broadcast on network television.
“The 2027 season will build off a record-shattering and landmark year for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES,” Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles said.
“The sport’s growth has been immense, driving incredible viewership gains, reaching new fans in younger demos and attracting increased commercial interest from emerging and long-term partners. Our relationship with FOX Sports continues to set an industry standard, and this schedule will help us build on all of these gains and take things to the next level.”
After announcing Phase One of the 2027 schedule in August, Phase Two of the 17-race championship picks up Sunday, June 13 at World Wide Technology Raceway near St. Louis. In 2026, the race on the challenging 1.25-mile oval featured 17 lead changes, wheel-to-wheel action throughout the field and an INDYCAR SERIES track-record 268 passes for position.
Two weeks later, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES heads to picturesque Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, for the series’ 37th race at historic Road America on Sunday, June 27. Known for its sweeping corners, long straightaways and 4-mile layout, the historic road course remains one of the fastest and most demanding circuits on the schedule.
Racing at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course has become a Fourth of July holiday tradition for INDYCAR, and it will continue Sunday, July 4. The technical, 2.258-mile, 13-turn road course, known for its elevation changes and tight corners, will host its 44th INDYCAR SERIES race in 2027, the longest-running road course event on the schedule.
Following the international showcase in Barcelona, the series returns to the Pacific Northwest for its annual stop at Portland International Raceway on Sunday, Aug. 1. The 12-turn road course is known for its challenging opening chicane and history of thrilling finishes. In 2026, four different race teams were represented among the top four finishers.
The series then crosses the border into Canada for the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham on Sunday, Aug. 15, on the Streets of Markham. The 2.19-mile temporary street circuit, which debuted in 2026, features 12 turns, a double-sided pit lane and technically challenging sections. The 2026 race featured 258 on-track passes, the most of any street circuit last season.
The 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship enters its final stretch with a return to the historic Milwaukee Mile for a pivotal doubleheader Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 28-29. The legendary 1-mile oval, which opened in 1903, features relatively flat corners that demand precision and offers drivers two opportunities to earn valuable championship points in one weekend. Last year’s first 250-lap race featured a season-high 696 on-track passes and track records for passes for position, passes in the top 10 and passes in the top five.
The final round of the 2027 season is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 5 at legendary WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California. The iconic 2.238-mile road course features 11 turns, dramatic elevation changes and the world-famous Corkscrew turn complex, providing a fitting showcase for the final race of the 17-event championship and the presentation of the Astor Challenge Cup, manufacturer award and Rookie of the Year award. It is the 13th time the legendary circuit on the Central Coast will host the INDYCAR SERIES season finale.
“One of the things that makes INDYCAR so special is that winning a championship requires drivers and teams to be competitive on every type of racetrack,” INDYCAR President J. Douglas Boles said.
“From high-speed ovals to tight street circuits and challenging road courses, they face a different test almost every weekend. The 2027 schedule continues that tradition, featuring the 111th Running of the Indianapolis 500, alongside some of the most iconic racetracks in North America, and the historic addition of Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. With 25 full-time entries battling for a championship and every race broadcast on FOX, our fans have an incredible season of racing to look forward to.”
Tune-in times for next season’s events will be announced at a later date. The 2027 schedule for INDY NXT by Firestone, INDYCAR’s developmental series, also will be announced in the coming weeks.

INDYCAR Adds Marquee International Event at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in 2027

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From IndyCar:

North America’s Premier Open-Wheel Racing Series Makes Historic Debutat Home of Five-Time NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champion Alex Palou

INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, Oct. 23, 2026) – INDYCAR is expanding its global footprint in historic fashion, announcing a marquee international event at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain as the centerpiece of Phase Two of the 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule.

The inaugural INDYCAR Grand Prix of Barcelona is scheduled for Sunday, July 18 and will bring North America’s premier open-wheel racing series to Spain for the first time, setting the stage for a spectacular homecoming for Barcelona native and five-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing.

The multiyear agreement with Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya marks the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ first race outside North America since 2013, when James Hinchcliffe won on the streets of São Paulo, Brazil. The event also signals a European return for the INDYCAR SERIES, which last competed on the continent in 2007 at the TT Circuit Assen in the Netherlands.

“This is a monumental day for our sport,” Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles said.

“We are pleased to be able to take our ultra-competitive brand of wheel-to-wheel racing to Europe and thrilled that we can showcase INDYCAR in Alex Palou’s hometown. We have seen Alex’s remarkable skill and talent for several years and know his fans in Spain have been clamoring to watch him race in person.

“We cannot wait to see the NTT INDYCAR SERIES compete at one of the world’s most recognizable motorsports venues set against the backdrop of a very historic and breathtaking international destination like Barcelona.”

Palou, a 29-year-old Spaniard, captured his fifth NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship in 2026, becoming just the second driver in series history to win four consecutive titles, joining Sebastien Bourdais (2004-07). With five championships in six years and 25 career victories, Palou is tied for 17th on the series’ all-time wins list. Only A.J. Foyt (seven) and Scott Dixon (six) have won more INDYCAR SERIES championships.

“I’m so excited to be part of INDYCAR’s first race in Barcelona,” Palou said.

“It is an amazing opportunity, and it means so much to me to have a race at home in Barcelona, it’s hard to put into words. I know the fans are going to love it, and I think we are going to put on a great show. We’re going to try hard with the team at Chip Ganassi Racing to bring home the trophy in July.”

Located in Montmeló, just outside Barcelona, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been a fixture on the international motorsports stage since opening in 1991. The renowned road course has hosted some of the world’s most prestigious racing championships, including FIA Formula One and MotoGP, and is recognized for its combination of high-speed corners, technical sections and demanding layout.

The addition of Barcelona marks another significant milestone for INDYCAR as the series continues to introduce its high-speed, ultra-competitive brand of racing to new audiences and build upon its growing momentum.

“The arrival of INDYCAR is a major milestone and an exciting challenge for the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya,” Chairman of the Board of Fira de Barcelona and Fira Circuit Pau Relat said.

“Bringing one of the most prestigious and spectacular championships in global motorsport to our venue strengthens our international positioning, connects us with new audiences and markets, and reinforces our strategy of diversifying the circuit’s activity through world-class events. We are working with a long-term vision to make INDYCAR Grand Prix of Barcelona a benchmark event on the international racing calendar for years to come.”

Phase Two of the 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule, which will include a listing of all races in next year’s championship, will be announced shortly. Tune-in times for next season’s events will be announced at a later date.

Kucharczyk Tops INDY NXT Regulars at Griffis Test

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From IndyCar:


NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champ Palou Quickest with Helping Hand for CGR

INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, Oct. 16, 2026) – Alex Palou didn’t expect to be the quickest driver in Friday’s Chris Griffis Memorial Test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The five-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion had never driven INDY NXT by Firestone machinery before climbing into the No. 11 Chip Ganassi Racing entry on an overcast, chilly day in Central Indiana. He arrived with minimal expectations. His lap time, however, told a different story.

Palou topped the 22-car test, named in memory of Chris Griffis, the Schmidt Peterson Motorsports team manager who died suddenly in September 2011. Palou turned a lap of 1 minute, 14.5050 seconds on the 2.439-mile, 14-turn road course.

SEE: Overall Test Results

“Feels strange, but it feels good,” Palou said. “Feels kind of strange to be a rookie, but I’m a rookie. I’ve never been in this car before, so I’m a rookie in this series. I think a lot of people think that it’s like other sports where you go down and it’s like you’re so much higher level. Here it’s tough. I didn’t expect to be first.”

Tymek Kucharczyk finished second on the day with a lap of 1:14.8209 in the No. 71 HMD Motorsports entry. The Polish driver finished third as a rookie in the standings this past season with two victories. The last time he was on this road course, he won on May 9. The last time he was in this car, he won the Sept. 6 season finale at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

Max Taylor was third Friday at 1:14.8453 in the No. 28 Andretti Global entry. Kucharczyk and Taylor were the highest-finishing drivers from the 2026 championship standings to participate in Friday’s test. Taylor finished fourth last season in the same ride.

Max Garcia, who became the second-youngest winner in INDY NXT by Firestone history with his Aug. 30 victory at Milwaukee Mile, finished fourth at 1:14.9443 while testing for HMD Motorsports. The Miami high school senior competed for Abel Motorsports during his rookie season.

Jack Beeton rounded out the top five with a lap of 1:14.9577. He competed for HMD Motorsports this past season but tested the No. 29 Andretti Global entry.

Friday’s test offered an opportunity to experience a different car for Palou and learn from the next generation of open-wheel drivers. The opportunity first arose during the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, when Chip Ganassi Racing asked him to participate. His answer was an easy yes.

“I love driving cars, any kind of car,” Palou said. “Obviously, it’s a bit different to what I’m used to. But you learn so much. These kids are really, really fast in these cars, but any track day is good. Obviously, I wouldn’t do a race, but test day, 100 percent.”

One of Palou’s key points of reference was teammate Alessandro de Tullio, whose progress he had followed throughout the 2026 season. De Tullio recorded two wins and eight poles during his rookie season with AJ Foyt Racing. Friday marked his first day testing with Chip Ganassi Racing, and he finished sixth quickest with a lap of 1:15.0009.

“I think we have an incredible reference in our team with de Tullio,” Palou said. “He’s been so fast all year, and I’ve been following him a lot.”

The 22 cars combined to complete 1,573 laps during the test.

The 2027 INDY NXT by Firestone season begins the first weekend of March on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.
 
 

Rossi Hustles IR-28 Through More Development at Sebring 

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From IndyCar:

 SEBRING, Fla. (Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026) – The development of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ next-generation IR-28 car moved this week to the bumps and bruises of Sebring International Raceway from earlier testing on the silky-smooth surface of Indianapolis Motor Speedway

.Alexander Rossi, who drives full time for Chevrolet-powered ECR, took over testing duties Tuesday at the historic Florida circuit. The 2016 Indianapolis 500 winner continued the evaluation of the car that will debut at the start of the 2028 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.

The Sebring test marks the first opportunity to evaluate the IR-28 away from Indianapolis, following initial sessions on the 2.439-mile, 14-turn road course and 2.5-mile oval in August and September. Five-time and reigning series champion Alex Palou completed 43 laps Monday on Sebring’s outer loop, putting the new car through its paces on a circuit renowned for its punishing surface and demanding mix of asphalt and concrete.

Rossi completed 134 laps Tuesday.Palou, a Honda-powered driver for Chip Ganassi Racing, and Rossi also were chosen to handle testing duties at both IMS configurations.The two-day Sebring test session represents another important step in the series’ extensive development program, with the IR-28 facing the kind of conditions designed to expose weaknesses long before the car reaches competition.

“It’s a new car for me at Sebring,” Rossi said.

“Coming back here and being part of the next generation of INDYCAR’s future is a huge honor. It’s an exciting time in this sport. This car, in so many ways, is a pretty big upgrade from what we have.”

Sebring is a regular testing destination for INDYCAR SERIES teams, in large part because of its unforgiving character. Its bumps, uneven surfaces and relentless demands on vehicle components make it an ideal proving ground for a car expected to compete on road courses, ovals and temporary street circuits. With street circuits accounting for one-third of the 2026 schedule, durability and driver confidence over challenging surfaces remain important considerations in the IR-28’s development.

“What’s good about this place is it’s the poorest-quality surface that you can have in a permanent road course,” Rossi said.

“It mimics a street course kind of. Because it’s a permanent road course, it gets used a lot, so it’s a higher grip level than a street course. In terms of bumps, pavement changes, difficult changes in the asphalt, that’s why everyone comes and tests here. It’s somewhat of a preview that you’re going to get in street courses.”

Rossi’s test plan Tuesday focused on evaluating the car’s fundamental systems and performance, building on work completed during earlier sessions at Indianapolis. He worked alongside Dallara and INDYCAR officials.The testing emphasis has evolved as development has progressed. Initial tests focused on confirming that the car’s systems functioned as expected. At Sebring, the priority was understanding how the package performs over an extended test and identifying issues that might emerge through more extensive running, especially on rough, bumpy surfaces

.“I don’t know that anyone is looking for anything (particular),” Rossi said. “The messaging we get is run the car as if it’s your race car. From there, we’ll see what issues, problems, surprises come out of that. I think all the test list items were really accomplished in the first two tests. Just making sure things worked as you would expect

.“This test is more of a practical application of: ‘Does it perform over a two-day test as the current car does? Does it do what it is expected to and kind of what little things could come out of that we need to address before the series produces a bunch of these?’”

Driver feedback remains central to that process, particularly when it comes to comfort and cockpit cooling. The IR-28 incorporates a more integrated cooling approach, with strategically positioned ducts designed into the initial bodywork rather than added to the existing carbon-fiber structure. Palou reported a significant improvement in cooling during Monday’s running, highlighting progress since the initial Indianapolis tests.

Rossi also experienced the benefits of those improvements at Sebring.

“First of all, visually, it’s an incredible race car to look at,” Rossi said. “It generates more grip in high-speed corners. It’s a very nice car to drive. It’s well-built and incredibly well-engineered. Cooling-wise, we made a pretty big step in this test, in particular. It’s night-and-day different in terms of comfort and drivability in the cockpit.”

Although the car’s competition debut remains more than a year away, the development schedule allows time to address concerns and validate improvements across different types of circuits before the 2028 season begins. Every lap adds another piece to that process, helping ensure the IR-28 can withstand the demands of a race weekend while delivering the performance drivers and fans expect.

“There are more things that are scheduled to come as time comes that will allow this car to race and perform even better, that will only put on a better show for the fans, which is the No. 1 priority for all of us,” Rossi said. 

Shake It Up: Palou Puts IR-28 Through Pounding Paces at Sebring 

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From IndyCar:

 SEBRING, Fla. (Monday, Oct. 12, 2026) – The initial tests of the new NTT INDYCAR SERIES IR-28 chassis took place in August and September on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course and oval, two circuits known for their billiard-table smooth asphalt.

Now, for the rough stuff.

Five-time and reigning NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Alex Palou of Honda-powered Chip Ganassi Racing turned 43 laps Monday on the outer loop at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida, the first test for the car outside of IMS. 2016 Indianapolis 500 winner Alexander Rossi of Chevrolet-powered ECR will take over testing duties Tuesday at the historic Florida circuit.

Sebring is a popular testing site for NTT INDYCAR SERIES teams due to its bumpy nature and mix of asphalt and concrete surfaces, which simulate well the temporary street circuits that formed a third of the series schedule in 2026. It’s a punishing, unforgiving track that stresses the durability and strength of components perhaps better than any other testing ground for the series.

“We’re trying to test it as tough as we can,” Palou said. “It’s a bumpy course. Before we produce all the new cars, we want to make sure it passes this stress test and that it’s good to go for racing.

“We’re trying to get miles and miles, see what breaks so we can fix it.”

Palou and Rossi are the only series drivers so far to test the car, which will be introduced at the start of the 2028 season. As in the road course and oval tests at IMS, the two drivers and Dallara and INDYCAR officials will continue to perform a long checklist of basic system and performance checks on the car.

But Palou noticed Monday his feedback on driver comfort and car braking from the initial tests at IMS was adopted and made significant improvements, especially in driver cooling. The revolutionary aeroscreen was added to the current car in 2020, with ducts fit into the existing carbon fiber body to aid cooling. The new car has more ducts that are more strategically placed from initial design instead of an add-on like the ducting on the current car

.“Yeah, it’s been so much better, the cooling, since we started a couple months ago,” Palou said.
“Huge step, and that’s something we’ve been asking for a long time on our current car.

“We have a very big one (duct) right in front of us (on the IR-28) that makes the air go from down to up and makes the airflow so much better. It’s been huge.”

Palou completed a historic moment for the IR-28 during testing today when he passed a current car driven by Kyle Kirkwood of Andretti Global, who was testing Firestone Firehawk tires at the circuit along with Scott McLaughlin of Team Penske. It was the first on-track pass for the new car.

“It wasn’t planned,” Palou said.
“We went out, and I saw Kirkwood was doing the tire test. We spoke during lunch that at some point this afternoon we would go together. We wanted to see how this car does in traffic. It was cool. We were playing a little bit.”

Another advantage to Sebring being a regular test spot for NTT INDYCAR SERIES teams is there’s a plethora of data with the current car that can be compared with the IR-28. All systems continue to be go with the new car

.“I’m very excited,” Palou said. “I like the looks of it. It seems safer. It looks like it’s going to be much better racing because we’re going to be able to follow much closer on road, street and ovals
.“I’m just excited to go racing. I wish it was already ’27. Having said that, it gives us so much time to work on the car, to make sure it’s good. If there’s something that doesn’t really work on ovals or whatever, we can go test it before we actually race it.” 
 

Conway Retires; IndyCar Notes

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Mike Conway, who won four IndyCar races, Le Mans twice, and two WEC world titles, announced his retirement today. Conway, 43 has driven for Toyota in Hypercar since 2014.

In IndyCar, the British driver drove for multiple teams, beginning with Dreyer and Reinbold in 2009. He also had stints with Dale Coyne Racing, Andretti, Ed Carpenter racing, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, and A. J. Foyt Racing.

Conway won four IndyCar races, two times at Long Beach, a race at Toronto, and once at Detroit. After an accident near the end of the 2010 Indianapolis 500 which left him hospitalized, and the death of Dan Wheldon, Conway decided to not run ovals any longer. He left IndyCar after the 2013 season.

Conway found great success in WEC with Toyota and Toyota Gazoo Racing. He won Le Mans in 2021 and this past June. Conway won the WEC driving championship in 2019 and 2021.

I remember Conway as always being competitive in any equipment. I hated to see him leave IndyCar. I hope he stays involved in racing. he will make a great team manager.

Notes

With Christian Lundgaard officially at Chip Ganassi Racing, four seats remain open – one seat at Juncos Hollinger, assuming Rinus VeeKay returns, two seats at Dale Coyne Racing, and one at A. J. Foyt Racing.

Foyt hopes to be able to sign IndyNXT driver Josh Pierson after his evaluation test at the end of October. I wonder if they have a backup plan just in case.

Personal news– With my 80th birthday approaching and my 60th 500 in seven and a half months, I decided it was time- to purchase a commemorative brick. I bought one to be placed in Pagoda Plaza, probably underneath one of the rolling vendor carts.

I am excited to see it and to become a permanent part of IMS. If I like it, I might get another one to mark my 100th race.

We are still waiting for schedule news. The holdup is likely the possibility of a race in Spain. I think that event has a 50/50 chance of happening.

 INDYCAR Announces Extension of Independent Officiating Board Members 

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 Managing Director of Officiating Elkins Also Confirmed for 2027

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026) – INDYCAR has announced extensions for Independent Officiating Board (IOB) members Ray Evernham, Raj Nair and Ronan Morgan for the 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone seasons.

This month, INDYCAR’s charter team owners unanimously agreed to retain Evernham and Nair, and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) reappointed Morgan as the series looks to the second year of INDYCAR Officiating.

Nair is a 30-year veteran of the automotive and auto racing industries with vast experience and technical compliance expertise as an executive at Singer Group, Inc., Multimatic, Inc. and Ford Motor Company. He served as the IOB’s chair during the 2026 INDYCAR season.Evernham is a longtime motorsports veteran who most notably served as the crew chief for three of Jeff Gordon’s NASCAR Cup Series championships before he pioneered Dodge’s return to NASCAR. He served as the IOB’s secretary and treasurer last season.Morgan has over five decades of global motorsport experience as a senior official, promoter, organizer and competitor. Morgan also is a member of the FIA World Motor Sport Council and advisor to the FIA president.

Both Nair and Evernham will continue with their specific leadership roles within the IOB in 2027. Nair has served as the IOB chairman and Evernham as its secretary and treasurer.

With the framework finalized in December 2025, INDYCAR established INDYCAR Officiating as an independent, not-for-profit organization to govern North America’s premier open-wheel racing series. As designed, the IOB is comprised of two members chosen via a vote from INDYCAR charter team owners, and the other member is appointed by the FIA. The IOB is charged with enforcement of INDYCAR and INDY NXT rules and establishing officiating and governance separation and process transparency for INDYCAR Officiating.

The IOB also has confirmed that veteran motorsports officiating and competition executive Scot Elkins will continue as INDYCAR Officiating’s managing director of officiating (MDO). Elkins was selected in April 2026 and began in May to oversee race control, race stewards and technical inspection. He will continue to report directly to the IOB – with no oversight from INDYCAR or Penske Entertainment Corp. officials – to provide officiating governance and management

.In June, Elkins instituted a formal three-steward model that will continue in 2027 and launched official post-event reports for both the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone. The reports summarize race control activity, penalties, incident reviews and technical inspection findings, including matters reviewed and closed with no penalty. They are supported by published technical penalty guidelines carrying a three-level infraction framework, a central stewarding log and a precedent library, so that decisions can be measured against one another and provide a framework toward consistency across INDYCAR events.

Post-event reports are available at https://noticeboard.indycarofficiating.org.

The IOB also worked closely with the FIA through its first season to exchange ideas and explore best practices. The FIA Officials Department assisted in the evaluation of stewarding practice and helped develop a more robust model. All three IOB members attended the FIA Formula One Miami Grand Prix to benchmark race control, stewarding, technical inspection and communications against Formula One and Formula 2. Additionally, FIA safety officials attended the Indianapolis 500 and met INDYCAR medical and rescue teams to learn how INDYCAR implements its medical and rescue operations, which remain under the direction and authority of INDYCAR.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:

“It was gratifying to see how well INDYCAR Officiating was integrated into the 2026 INDYCAR season, and I believe continuity of the IOB is important as it builds on the success from its first season. INDYCAR remains committed to clear independence in the application of our rulebook and the IOB is instrumental in that effort. Additionally, creating consistency in the rule enforcement and penalty guidelines is important to our teams, drivers and our fans, and I appreciate the IOB board’s leadership and Scot’s work in this area. ” – J. Douglas Boles, INDYCAR president

“We moved quickly but meticulously this year in instituting a more transparent process, enhanced by a formal three-steward model, technical penalty guidelines and post-event reports, which we believe has been beneficial for all of INDYCAR. With that foundation, several improvements land for the 2027 season: a rulebook review with INDYCAR, a clarified formal review and appeal process, and additional tools for race control. Alongside that, we are modernizing technical inspection, including scanning technology, with the aim of having it proven and in place before the IR-28 starts racing in 2028. Our entire INDYCAR Officiating team is buoyed by the support of the paddock and looks forward to getting started next season.” – Scot Elkins, INDYCAR Officiating managing director of officiating

“I maintain what I’ve said from the start – that INDYCAR already greatly benefited from the knowledgeable and professional officiating personnel in race control and technical inspection. Kyle Novak and Nick Allen lead tremendous teams, and I have been delighted to join and support them in my role. With Raj and Ronan, I look forward to continuing this journey of strengthening and adding another layer to an already skilled group.” – Ray Evernham, Independent Officiating Board secretary and treasurer

“I believed that this board would add another layer of experience and expertise to the process of INDYCAR Officiating, and with the quality of people who comprised that board, INDYCAR has, in fact, achieved that. I look forward to their continued participation relative to 2028 and the new IR-28 and corresponding rules and regulations.” – Chip Ganassi, Chip Ganassi Racing owner

“The implementation of the INDYCAR Officiating Board this past season was a pivotal step forward for the series to ensure fair and transparent processes and decision making across race control and tech inspection. The team and I were pleased with its effectiveness in 2026 and look forward to their continued leadership in 2027.” – Tony Kanaan, Arrow McLaren team principal

“Raj, Ray and Ronan have each brought valuable experience and perspective to their first year of service to INDYCAR Officiating, and unanimous support by the team owners has been proof of concept for the direction of independent officiating in our sport. With Scot Elkins continuing as the MDO in concert with the race control and tech inspection team already in place, officiating will build on the strong foundation and continue the mission of separation and transparency.” – Mark Miles, Penske Entertainment Corp. president and CEO

“I was pleased to see how seamlessly and successfully the established members of the team collaborated with the board to improve an already impressive product. INDYCAR Officiating is a sensible evolution and powerful way to support one of the best racing series in global motorsport. I expect 2027 will be another successful season of synergy and growth.” – Ronan Morgan, Independent Officiating Board member

“It has been a year of substantial growth for INDYCAR Officiating, and I would like to personally thank team owners, managers, drivers and partners for their unwavering support to our mission. Year two of INDYCAR Officiating will continue to build on our established baseline of process, independence, governance separation and transparency. We cannot wait to get started in the 2027 season.” – Raj Nair, Independent Officiating Board chairman

“The FIA is proud to continue our role on the INDYCAR Independent Officiating Board and to strengthen our partnership with INDYCAR and the wider motorsport community across the United States. This collaboration goes far beyond officiating – it is about sharing knowledge and expertise across safety, sporting integrity and governance, while learning from one another to deliver a stronger championship. I have been delighted to see this relationship grow over the past year and congratulate INDYCAR, its teams, drivers and officials on a historic 2026 season. We look forward to building on this momentum together in 2027.” – Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA presidentThe 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT championships begin Sunday, March 7 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. Coverage of the upcoming season will be provided by FOX, FOX Sports and INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls. 
 

Ganassi Signs Christian Lundgaard To Drive No. 9 in Multiyear Deal

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Editor’s Note: This story broke yesterday, but I waited until today out of respect for Gordon Johncock. I felt he deserved an exclusive day in my posts.

From yesterday

Gordon Johncock-Champion of Life

Congratulations to Christian Lundagaard and CGR. This team will be exciting in 2027.- Ed.

From IndyCar:

Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) has signed Danish driver Christian Lundgaard to a multiyear contract to drive the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES starting in the 2027 season.

Three-time INDYCAR SERIES race winner Lundgaard (photo, above) has 16 podium finishes and 21 top-five finishes in 87 career starts. In 2026, he won races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course and at Road America, and he secured a career-best third-place finish in the INDYCAR SERIES championship standings.

Lundgaard will join teammates Alex Palou and Kyffin Simpson as part of the CGR’s 2027 driver lineup. He is replacing Scott Dixon, who left CGR after 24 full-time seasons and six series championships to join Arrow McLaren in 2027.

“It is an honor and a privilege to join Chip Ganassi Racing beginning next season,” Lundgaard said. “The fact that it is in the iconic No. 9 PNC Bank Honda makes it even more special. CGR has set the standard in INDYCAR for decades, and the opportunity to be part of that legacy is something I’ve worked toward my entire career.

“I’m incredibly excited about what’s ahead. I can’t wait to get to work with everyone at Chip Ganassi Racing and compete for wins, championships and the Indianapolis 500.”

Lundgaard, 25, has quickly become a well-rounded INDYCAR SERIES talent, scoring victories on both road and street circuits and scoring his first oval podium result in 2026. He was a winning driver in Formula 2 – one step below Formula One – and served briefly a simulator driver for the Alpine F1 Team before coming to the INDYCAR SERIES in 2021 with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. He earned his first victory in 2023 at Toronto with RLL before joining Arrow McLaren in 2025.

“We are excited to welcome Christian to Chip Ganassi Racing,” team owner Chip Ganassi said. “We know he’s capable of accomplishing even more in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and we’re looking forward to helping him reach that next level with the No. 9 team.

“He’s already proven he can win races, and it isn’t often a driver of his caliber becomes available. Throughout our history, one of the things we’ve done best is identify young talent, help them maximize their potential and develop them into championship contenders. We believe Christian has all the talent to be the next driver to do that.”

PNC Bank will continue its longstanding partnership with CGR on the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda next season. PNC Bank has been a partner of the team since 2013 and a primary partner on the No. 9 since 2018. With approximately 2,300 branches and 58,000 employees, PNC is one of the largest financial institutions in the U.S.

“We are excited to begin a new era with Chip Ganassi Racing and what’s ahead with Christian taking the wheel of the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda,” said Lou Cestello, PNC Bank head of regional presidents. “He’s already achieved some remarkable milestones early in his career, and we’re looking forward to watching him build on that success in 2027 and beyond.”

The 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season starts Sunday, March 7 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.

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Gordon Johncock-Champion of Life

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To live life like Gordon Johncock is to be content. He raced and excelled at it. He retired and put all things racing aside, then focused on his lumber business, shunning the spotlight. Johncock, two-time Indianapolis 500 winner and 1976 national champion, died last night at the age of 90.

Johncock had a stellar racing career in an era of auto racing superstars, competing with A. J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, and Johnny Rutherford. He competed on an equal footing and won his fair share of races. While he may bot have grabbed the headlines that Foyt or Andretti commanded, drivers knew Johncock was someone they would have to fight for a victory.

The first word that came to my mind to describe him was gritty. Johncock was a hard charging, no nonsense racer. A look at his results from his 1976 championship show one of the most consistent seasons in IndyCar history. Johncock won just two races, but he 12 podiums, 13 top fives, and just one DNF.

His career stats – 25 wins, 20 poles, and 2 Indianapolis 500 wins- stand among the best all time Johncock was one of the most consistent drivers in history. In addition to his 1976 championship, he had nine season finishes in the top five. Johncock was third int he standings three times. fourth twice, and fifth four times.

Indianapolis 500

Johncock had great success at Indianapolis with 11top 10 results, including eight top five finishes. He could have won more than twice. In 1966 he completed the 500 miles in less time on track than winner Graham Hill, but extended time in the pits cost him track position. In 1977 Johncock was leading when the crankshaft on his car broke on lap 184, handing Foyt his fourth Indianapolis win.

His two victories ironically stand out for very different reasons. The rain-delayed, rain shortened, tragedy filled race in 1973 was one of the most forgettable days in Speedway history, but his thrilling win over Rick Mears by 0.16 seconds. At the time that finish was the closest in 500 history. It still stands as the seventh closest finish.

Johncock has two other distinctions in his Speedway career. His fifth-place finish in 1965 was the last top five finish for a front engine roadster. Johncock’s win in 1982 made him the last winner of the Indianapolis 500 to have driven both a front engine and a rear engine car in their career.

There are now only three winners who driven front and rear engine cars- Foyt, Andretti, and Johnny Rutherford. Only Foyt had riven each type to victory at Indianapolis.

Fans were puzzled when Johncock retired briefly in 1985, but he returned in 1987 and competed through the 1992 race. He then reti4red quietly and returned to Michigan to run his lumber business. He described racing as “A job I once had.” Johncock seemed content to be away from racing. He was always direct, knew what he wanted, and knew when he had had enough. That’s a lesson some pro athletes today should learn from.

I saw on social media this morning that there are only nine drivers from the 1960s still living. Time catches up with all of us, and as I have said before, if you see one of these heroes at a track, stop, say hello and thanks. The opportunities to do so are quickly dwinding.