Tag: NTT Indycar Series

Rossi Tops Race Warmup

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Alexander Rossi had the quickest lap in the 30 minute warmup session for today’s Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix. He also was fastest in yesterday morning’s practice session.

This morning’s practice was the cleanest of the weekend, stopped just once when Jimmie Johnson spun and stalled with about 15 minutes left.

The red alternate tires appear to degrade rather quickly. The teams have some big decisions to make on when to use them. Tire choices will be coming soon, and the starting tire could be the key to the race. There are many options, including a third stop.

The top 13 results:

Race Day at Detroit

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Indycar photo

Today’s schedule: All Times Eastern

10:15-10:45 Indycar Warmup/ Peacock

12:10-1:05 Indy Lights Race Peacock

3:30- Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix (Green Flag t 3:45) USA Network; Peacock

Health Update: I’m feeling a bit better overall today, and I hope to improve as the day goes along.

Belle Isle’s final race begins this afternoon. It is fitting that a Team Penske car is on the pole. Josef Newgarden edged Takuma Sato on his final lap as time expired in the the Fast Six. Newgarden was fortunate to be in the last round.

In Round 2, Newgarden was in the pits as several cars were on laps pacing quicker than his best time. Romain Grosjean clipped the wall in turn 12, breaking the rear toe link and sending the car hard into the outside wall. The cars that might have knocked Newgarden out, including Scott Dixon and Colton Herta, were trailing Grosjean, thus did not get to complete their laps.

Qualifying Results:

DETROIT – Qualifying Saturday for the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix NTT INDYCAR SERIES event on the 2.35-mile(s) Raceway at Belle Isle Park, with qualifying position, car number in parentheses, driver, chassis-engine, time and speed in parentheses:

1. (2) Josef Newgarden, Chevrolet, 01:15.2153 (112.477 mph)
2. (51) Takuma Sato, Honda, 01:15.3490 (112.278)
3. (60) Simon Pagenaud, Honda, 01:15.3951 (112.209)
4. (06) Helio Castroneves, Honda, 01:15.4538 (112.122)
5. (5) Pato O’Ward, Chevrolet, 01:16.3301 (110.834)
6. (18) David Malukas, Honda, 01:16.6104 (110.429)
7. (26) Colton Herta, Honda, 01:15.1043 (112.643)
8. (8) Marcus Ericsson, Honda, 01:15.2279 (112.458)
9. (9) Scott Dixon, Honda, 01:15.4057 (112.193)
10. (3) Scott McLaughlin, Chevrolet, 01:15.8670 (111.511)
11. (27) Alexander Rossi, Honda, 01:16.2179 (110.998)
12. (28) Romain Grosjean, Honda, 01:16.9740 (109.907)
13. (20) Conor Daly, Chevrolet, 01:16.0154 (111.293)
14. (21) Rinus VeeKay, Chevrolet, 01:15.5482 (111.981)
15. (14) Kyle Kirkwood, Chevrolet, 01:16.1255 (111.132)
16. (12) Will Power, Chevrolet, 01:15.5731 (111.945)
17. (77) Santino Ferrucci, Chevrolet, 01:16.1390 (111.113)
18. (10) Alex Palou, Honda, 01:15.6121 (111.887)
19. (30) Christian Lundgaard, Honda, 01:16.3068 (110.868)
20. (45) Jack Harvey, Honda, 01:16.8347 (110.107)
21. (29) Devlin DeFrancesco, Honda, 01:16.3374 (110.824)
22. (48) Jimmie Johnson, Honda, 01:17.5499 (109.091)
23. (15) Graham Rahal, Honda, 01:16.4265 (110.695)
24. (11) Tatiana Calderon, Chevrolet, 01:18.3657 (107.955)
25. (4) Dalton Kellett, Chevrolet, No Time (No Speed)
26. (7) Felix Rosenqvist, Chevrolet, 01:18.6291 (107.594)

Kirkwood’s Up and Down Day

Kyle Kirkwood led Friday’s practice session, but he didn’t get very far in yesterday’s practice. He collided with David Malukas on the first lap of the practice. He rebounded to qualify 15th.

In the afternoon, he was the winning co driver In IMSA’s GTD class, driving the Vasser-Sullivan Lexus.

The Race

I think today’s winner comes from row 2 today. Simon Pagenaud will win his first race in two years this afternoon. Today will be another day which jumbles the points standings. The top four are separated by just 24 points.

Kirkwood Leads First Detroit Practice

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Note: I did not feel well yesterday and left the track before practic began. I took a rapid COVID test bwhich was positive, then I arranged a PCR test. I should get those results today. I am heading home this morning to isolate if necessary.

Kyle Kirkwood put up the fastest time in yesterday’s first practice session for the Chevrolet Grand Prix of Detroit. The A. J. Foyt Racing driver turned a lap of 1:16.1345 edged Pato O’Ward and Alexander Rossi. All three drivers have announced new deals for 2023. O’Ward extended his contract with Arrow McLaren SP, Rossi joins O’Ward as a teammate next year, Kirkwood moves into Rossi’s current ride at Andretti Autosport.

Felix Rosenqvist slid in turn 1 and hit the barrier. The car suffered moderate damage.

Kirkwood also was fastest in practice in the IMSA GTD class.

The Day at Belle Isle

The Friday crowd was vary large for the final race on the island.

It was nice to see activity nin the infield again. In 2021 all vendors were outside the track.

Instead of a food court the food trucks lined up on na drive just before the paddock. The event provided many more tables this year.

I will report remotely the rest of the weelend, and we will see what happens as afr as Road America goes.

Kellett Has 6 Place Grid Penalty

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Dalton Kellett, driver of the number4 car for A. J. Foyt Racing, will serve a six place grid penalty in Sunday’s Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix for an unapoproved engine c hange before the Indianapolis 500.

The announcement from Indycar:

INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, June 3, 2022) – INDYCAR officials have announced a six-position starting grid penalty for the No. 4 AJ FOYT RACING entry for an unapproved engine change before the start of the 2022 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.The team was in violation of:Rule 16.5.4. Once an Indianapolis 500 Engine is fitted to the Car, removal of the Engine prior to the Indianapolis 500 Race is an Unapproved Engine Change-Out, unless it is for Repair.According to the rulebook, the penalty for such a change at the Indianapolis 500 comes at the series’ next event, which is the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear on Sunday, June 5.

Farewell to the Belle- Detroit Preview

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Today’s Schedule:

Friday, June 3, 2022 – Comerica Bank Free Prix Day
7:30 a.m. Gates open
8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship – Practice 1 (DPi/GTD)
9:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. GM Car Corral Track Laps
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Masters Endurance Legends USA – Practice
11:20 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. Promoter Pace Car Ride Session (BCBSM Pit Lane)
12:05 p.m. – 2:05 p.m. IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship – Practice 2 (DPi/GTD)
2:25 p.m. – 3:10 p.m. Indy Lights Series Presented by Cooper Tires – Practice Session
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES – Practice 1 Peacock
4:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Masters Endurance Legends USA – Qualifying Session
5:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Qualifying (GTD – Silver/Bronze only)
5:55 p.m. – 6:10 p.m. IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Qualifying (DPi – any driver)
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Live Entertainment – The Verve Pipe (new stage location across from Autotrader Winner’s Circle)

This weekend marks the end of an era for Indycar, as the NTT Indycar Series runs its final race on Belle Isle.This is a race I used to not like. I didn’t like the track, I didn’t like the races it produced, and the first time I came to Belle Isle in 2014, I wasn’t sure what to make of it.

Since that time, I have come to appreciate the Island and the track. The racing has improved the last few years. The event itself has grown up as well. The Penske organization has contributed millions to improving the venue. The State of Michigan took control of Belle Isle from the City if Detroit a few years ago. The improvement has been noticeable.

The race has seen torrential rains, snow flurries, and broken pavement. Overall, it’s been a fun, though sometimes frustrating run.

Next year the race moves to the streets of downtown Detroit. I hope to see maps of the new course this weekend, I am not thrilled with waht I have previously seen. Some clarification would be nice.

Points Battle

The top four in points- Marcus Ericsson, Pato O’Ward, Alex Palou, aqnd Will Power- are separated by just 24 points. A bad race by one of of them will be costly. Indianapolis 500 Ericsson will try to break the 500 winner’s jinx at the race after Indy. O’Ward and Ericsson each won a race at Belle isle in 2021.

Josef Newgarden needs a strong showing to climb back intoi title contention. He is 52 points behind. While a win would help a lot, Newgarden’s main objective is to finish ahead of the four drivers inb front of him.

Penske Rebound?

Team Penske did not have a strong Indianapolis 500. The team won the first three races of the year, but has been mostly silent since. Belle Isle is the team’s home race. They have performed well here in the past, and the team needs a strong showing this weekend.

Dixon Redemption?

Scott Dixon has won three times on the island. His unforced error on the last pit stop last Sunday might be the push he needs to get his 52nd Indycar win. Dixon doesn’t need to prove anything to anybody, but it is unusual to see him go nearly 14 months without winning a race.

Tires and Timing

The race at Belle Isle comes down to having the correct tires on the car at the correct time. In 2021 Newgarden looked to have made the corredt choice to start on primaries, but a caution caution caused him to make his last pit stop for alternates earlier than he had planned. The tires did not last and O’Ward passed him for the win.

When the caution flags fall greatly sdeetermines pit strategy on this track. Some teams will pit early in hopes of avoiding getting caught out by a yellow flag. Some are not so fortunate. The pit strategy that has been in play the last few years have made this race fascinating.

Second Non Surprise This Week- Rossi to AMSP

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As usual, news breaks while I’m in transit. Here is the release from AMSP.

ALEXANDER ROSSI TO JOIN ARROW McLAREN SP IN 2023

“I see the commitment this team has to each other and to me”

Indianapolis, Ind. | June 2, 2022

Arrow McLaren SP has signed American driver Alexander Rossi to a multiyear deal for him to drive for the team, starting in 2023. The arrival of Rossi underpins Arrow McLaren SP’s long-term strategy to become a consistent race winner and championship contender.

Rossi, from Nevada City, California, has secured seven wins, six poles and 25 podium finishes since arriving in IndyCar in 2016. His most notable win came as a rookie when he won the historic 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 in dramatic fashion, coasting across the finish line on fumes.

The American is a versatile driver who has also made five starts in Formula 1, raced the famed Bathurst 1000 in Australia in 2019, won the Baja 1000 in 2021, and took an overall win at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2021.

Rossi will join the team following the completion of the 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.

Arrow McLaren SP will hold a press conference tomorrow (Friday, June 3) at 10:30 a.m. ET with Alexander Rossi and Taylor Kiel, President of Arrow McLaren SP, at the Detroit Grand Prix Media Center.

Alexander Rossi, said:

“First, I want to thank everyone at Andretti Autosport for an incredible seven years. It has been a great ride with an awesome team, and it has been an honor to race for the Andretti name and for Michael for so long. The time has come for a new challenge, with a team that is growing in the sport. I look forward to contributing to the development of Arrow McLaren SP and helping them reach the top. I see the commitment this team has to each other and to me, and I’m looking forward to getting started. It’s time for me to race for another one of motorsport’s biggest names: McLaren.”

Taylor Kiel, President, Arrow McLaren SP, said:

“As we look forward to 2023, we are looking for a driver that will be a great fit and bring experience to the team. Alex is a driver who knows what it takes to succeed in this sport and will strengthen our talented driver line-up. He shares the same winning mindset that I see every day across Arrow McLaren SP and I think we will find a lot of success together in the years to come.”

Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, said:

“Alex is a proven race winner and an Indianapolis 500 champion, who shares our desire to win. It is essential that we put the right talent in place, both inside and outside the car, so we can consistently compete for championships and race wins as a team. He is someone we have had our eye on for some time and we’re excited to see what he’ll do as a part of Arrow McLaren SP.”

Fast Facts-Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix

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Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear
 Fast Facts  
Race weekend: Friday, June 3 – Sunday, June 5
Track: Raceway at Belle Isle Park, a 2.35-mile, 14-turn temporary street course (clockwise)
Race distance: Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix: 70 laps / 164.5 miles | Indy Lights Detroit Grand Prix Race 1: 25 laps/45 minutes; 
Indy Lights Detroit Grand Prix Race 2: 30 laps/55 minutes
Push-to-pass parameters: NTT INDYCAR SERIES: 150 seconds of total time with a maximum time of 15 seconds per activation | Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires: 150 seconds of total time with a maximum time of 15 seconds per activation
Firestone tire allotment: Six sets primary, four sets alternate. Teams must use one new set of primary and alternate tires in the race. One additional set for teams fielding a rookie driver is available for the first session of the weekend.
Twitter: @DetroitGP @IndyCar, #DetroitGP, #IndyCarEvent website: www.DetroitGP.com
INDYCAR website: www.IndyCar.com
2021 race winners: NTT INDYCAR SERIES
Race 1: Marcus Ericsson (No. 8 Huski Chocolate Chip Ganassi Racing Honda)
Race 2: Pato O’Ward (No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet)
Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires
Race 1: Kyle Kirkwood (No. 28 Andretti Autosport
)Race 2: Kyle Kirkwood (No. 28 Andretti Autosport)
2021 NTT P1 Award winners: Race 1: Pato O’Ward (No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet) 1:14.1989, 114.018 mph;
Race 2: Josef Newgarden (No. 2 Hitachi Team Penske Chevrolet) 1:14.8607, 113.010 mph
Qualifying lap record: NTT INDYCAR SERIES
Takuma Sato, 1:13.6732, 114.831 mph, June 4, 2017
Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires
Jonny Kane, 1:21.840, 103.372 mph, June 17, 2000
USA Network race telecast: 3 p.m. (ET) Sunday, June 5, USA Network (live). Leigh Diffey is the play-by-play announcer for USA Network’s coverage of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, alongside analysts Townsend Bell and James Hinchcliffe.
Peacock Premium Live Streaming: All NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice sessions and qualifying will stream live on Peacock Premium, NBC’s direct-to-consumer livestreaming product, while USA Network’s Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix race telecast will be simulcast on the streaming service. Peacock Premium’s exclusive post-race show – featuring driver interviews, podium ceremonies and post-race analysis – will be streamed following the race. The Indy Lights Detroit Grand Prix doubleheader will be streamed on Peacock Premium with practice and qualifying being shown on INDYCAR Live!
INDYCAR Radio Network broadcasts: Mark Jaynes is the chief announcer alongside analyst Davey Hamilton. Jake Query, Nick Yeoman and Michael Young are the turn announcers. Ryan Myrehn and Joel Sebastianelli are the pit reporters. The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix race (3 p.m. ET Sunday), Indy Lights Detroit Grand Prix doubleheader (11:20 a.m. ET Saturday and noon ET Sunday) and all NTT INDYCAR SERIES and Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires practices and qualifying sessions air live on network affiliates, SiriusXM 160, racecontrol.indycar.com and the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA.
At-track schedule (all times local)
:Friday, June 3
 (All times local)2:25 – 3:15 p.m. Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires practice #1, INDYCAR Live!
3:30 – 4:30 p.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice #1 (45 minutes), Peacock Premium
Saturday, June 4
7:45 – 8:15 a.m. Indy Lights Grand Prix of Detroit Qualifying (Two 12-minute sessions: 7:45-7:57 a.m./Race #1;
8:03-8:15 a.m. /Race #2), INDYCAR Live!
8:30 – 9:30 a.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice #2 (45 minutes), Peacock Premium
11:25 a.m. Indy Lights Grand Prix of Detroit Race #1 command to start engines
11:30 a.m. Indy Lights Grand Prix of Detroit Race #1 (25 Laps/45 minutes), Peacock Premium (U.S)/INDYCAR Live! (Most international markets)
12:35-1:50 p.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying for NTT P1 Award (Three rounds of knockout qualifying), Peacock Premium (live)
Sunday, June 5
10:15 – 10:45 a.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES warmup, Peacock Premium
12:05 p.m. Indy Lights Grand Prix of Detroit Race #2 command to start engines12:10 p.m. Indy Lights Grand Prix of Detroit Race #2 (30 Laps/55 minutes), Peacock Premium (U.S)/INDYCAR Live! (Most international markets)
2:55 p.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver introductions
3:38 p.m. Command to start engines
3:45 p.m. Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear (70 laps/164.5 miles), USA Network (live)
Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix Race Notes:
There have been five different winners in six NTT INDYCAR SERIES races to start the 2022 season. Scott McLaughlin (Streets of St. Petersburg), Josef Newgarden (Texas Motor Speedway and Streets of Long Beach), Pato O’Ward (Barber Motorsports Park), Colton Herta (Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course-1) and Marcus Ericsson (Indianapolis 500) have all won in 2022. The record for most different winners in a season is 11 in 2000, 2001 and 2014.
The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear will be the 30th and final INDYCAR SERIES race conducted at the Raceway at Belle Isle Park and the 33rd INDYCAR SERIES race held in Detroit. A 2.5-mile street circuit in downtown Detroit hosted CART events from 1989-1991.
Scott Dixon and Helio Castroneves have won three times at the Raceway at Belle Isle Park and are tied for most wins by an INDYCAR SERIES driver at the track. In addition to Castroneves and Dixon, other previous Belle Isle winners entered include Marcus Ericsson, Josef Newgarden, Pato O’Ward, Simon Pagenaud, Will Power and Graham Rahal.
ACTIVE RACE WINNER WINS SEASONS
Helio Castroneves 3 2000, 2001, 2014 Race #2
Scott Dixon 3 2012, 2018 Race #1, 2019 Race #2
Will Power 2 2014 Race #1, 2016 Race #2
Graham Rahal 2 2017 Race #1, 2017 Race #2
Simon Pagenaud 1 2013 Race #2
Josef Newgarden 1 2019 Race #1
Marcus Ericsson 1 2021 Race #1
Pato O’Ward 1 2021 Race #2
Four NTT P1 Award winners have won the race from the pole: Graham Rahal (2017, Race 1), Scott Dixon (2012), Helio Castroneves (2001) and Robby Gordon (1995).
ACTIVE POLE WINNER POLES SEASONS
Helio Castroneves 3 2001, 2007, 2014 Race #1
Scott Dixon 2 2008, 2012
Takuma Sato 2 2014 Race #2, 2017 Race #2
Simon Pagenaud 2 2016 Race #1, 2016 Race #2
Alexander Rossi 2 2018 Race #2, 2019 Race #1
Josef Newgarden 2 2019 Race #2, 2021 Race #2
Will Power 1 2015 Race #1
Graham Rahal 1 2017 Race #1
Pato O’Ward 1 2021 Race #1
The winner at Detroit has gone on to win the INDYCAR SERIES championship in the same season five times. Josef Newgarden won Race #1 in 2019, Scott Dixon won Race #1 in 2018, Will Power won Race #2 in 2014, Alex Zanardi won on Belle Isle in 1998, Bobby Rahal won at Belle Isle in 1992 and Emerson Fittipaldi won in downtown Detroit in 1989.
Scott Dixon has competed in 20 previous races at Belle Isle, most of any driver.
Thirteen drivers entered have led laps at the track (Helio Castroneves 268, Scott Dixon 143, Graham Rahal 111, Josef Newgarden 100, Simon Pagenaud 93, Will Power 87, Takuma Sato 44, Santino Ferrucci 20, Alexander Rossi 21, Marcus Ericsson 7, Pato O’Ward 6, Conor Daly 4 and Romain Grosjean 1.)
Four drivers will race NTT INDYCAR SERIES cars at the Raceway at Belle Isle for the first time: Tatiana Calderon, Devlin DeFrancesco, Kyle Kirkwood and David Malukas. Kirkwood, who won both Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires races in 2021, will be pulling double duty, by also competing in the IMSA Chevrolet Sports Car Classic on Saturday.
Milestones: Scott Dixon will attempt to make his 295th consecutive start, the second-longest streak in INDYCAR SERIES history.
Indy Lights Detroit Grand Prix Race Notes
:Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires will conduct a doubleheader weekend with a 25-lap sprint race on Saturday and a 30-lap feature race on Sunday. Linus Lundqvist rides a wave of success, having won two of the last three races to put himself on top of the Indy Lights championship standings. The 23-year-old Swede has swept three out of four qualifying sessions so far this season, taking the momentum of three consecutive pole positions to this weekend’s event in Michigan. Qualifying for the doubleheader event takes on a new look with teams splitting Saturday’s 30-minute qualifying session into separate 12-minute periods. Drivers will set the field for Saturday’s 25-lap sprint race during the first 12 minutes, then after a short break for adjustments, take to the 2.35-mile street circuit for a second 12-minute session to set the lineup for Sunday’s 30-lap feature.
Push-to-pass will also take on a new look beginning at Detroit as Indy Lights drivers will have a bank of 150 seconds to use added horsepower to assist in overtaking, similar to the drivers in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The maximum amount of time for each press of the overtake system is 15 seconds.
The 2022 season features a deep and talented field with race winners such as Linus Lundqvist and Matthew Brabham joining a promising rookie class that includes Christian Rasmussen (Indy Pro 2000 champ), Hunter McElrea (Indy Pro 2000), Kyffin Simpson (Formula Regional Americas champion) and Ernie Francis Jr. (seven-time Trans Am champion/Formula Regional Americas). Other contenders include returning drivers Danial Frost, Sting Ray Robb and Benjamin Pedersen. 
 
 

Call the Super Sub- Ferrucci in for Ilott at Detroit

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Callum Ilott has not been cleared to drive this coming weekend because of his injury suffered in Sunday’s Indianapolis 500. Santino Ferrucci will drive the number 77 entry for Juncos Hollinger Racing. Ferrucci subbed for Jack Harvey at Texas and finished ninth. Ferrucci finishe 10th in the 500 driving for Dreyer and Reinbold Racing.

Callum Ilott. Indycar photo by Chris Jones

The full statement from Juncos Hollinger racing:

Indianapolis, IN (June 1, 2022) – After further evaluation of NTT INDYCAR SERIES rookie Callum Ilott, from the injury he sustained during the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500, Ilott has not been cleared to drive this weekend in the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix. Santino Ferrucci will replace Ilott in the No. 77 JHR Chevrolet for one event.

Ricardo Juncos and Santino Ferrucci

JHR and Ilott respect the decision made by the INDYCAR Medical Team and are committed to getting the young Britain back on track as soon as he is well and cleared. Ilott was reevaluated this week after an injury suffered to his hand caused during his wreck at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Ilott will go through another evaluation next week.

“Obviously I am devastated not to be racing this weekend in Detroit,” said Ilott. “After speaking with the doctors and specialists here in Indy the damage to my hand was slightly worse than when first looked at. They suggested that the long-term healing was the top priority and any damage that could be done in the short term by racing would be a longer-term problem. So, after learning this I agreed with the medical team’s decision that I would not be cleared and would spend more time healing. Although I would have loved to be racing, I wanted to preserve myself and focus on my health. I spoke with Ricardo (Juncos) and Brad (Hollinger) and we came to a same conclusion for the benefit of the team. I will be with the team this weekend and supporting Santino and providing any guidance I can. I am sorry that I won’t be in the car this weekend but know this is the right decision.”

“This is a very difficult scenario for Ilott and JHR,” said JHR Co-owner and Team Principal Ricardo Juncos. “Together we are looking at the long-term view, so keeping Ilott out of the car to take the necessary time to heal was most important, so we support the INDYCAR’s evaluation. Callum has already proven to be a strong contender this year and we want to keep building on that, so we all agree this is the best decision for this weekend.”

Santino Ferrucci brings a great deal of experience to JHR, having run in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since 2018. The American recently competed in the Indianapolis 500 with Dreyer and Reinbold Racing finishing 10th and at Texas Motor Speedway with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing finishing ninth.

“Although I am happy to be back in the car, it’s unfortunate for Callum under the circumstances,” said Ferrucci. “I hope his hand heals really quickly and he is back on track soon. I’m just here to help with the team and see if we can get them a really good result and bring in some different knowledge from my experience in Detroit. I am looking forward to having some fun and carrying the momentum I have from Indy. I can’t thank the guys over at Juncos Hollinger enough with in trusting me this weekend and hopefully it goes really smoothly.”

“We want to thank Santino Ferrucci for graciously stepping in to help us out in the No. 77 Chevrolet at Detroit,” said Juncos. “To have a driver of high caliber like Santino will be a great assist to our team. We will provide any support necessary to Santino this weekend as we get him settled in the car.”

“This is a tough moment for all of us here at JHR, but we are all confident this is what’s best for the health and healing of Callum,” said Co-Owner Brad Hollinger. “The support Callum has for this team and the support we all have for Callum, shows the unity of everyone at JHR. We are all here to fully support Santino this weekend and thank him for stepping in on such short notice.”

From Andretti Autosport: Kyle Kirkwood to Pilot Andretti Autosport No. 27 AutoNation Honda INDYCAR Starting in 2023

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If you’re shocked by this, you haven’t been paying attention. This announcement takes the mystery out of Friday’s team announcement.

The Andretti release:

06.01.22

—

Andretti Autosport has today announced that NTT INDYCAR SERIES rookie and 2021 Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tire Champion Kyle Kirkwood will pilot the No. 27 AutoNation Honda starting in the 2023 season.

“I couldn’t be more excited to return to Andretti Autosport next year and represent AutoNation and Honda.” said Kirkwood. “Andretti Autosport is a place I’ve called home for years past and I have truly felt like family. I have a ton of loyalty to the team, and it means a lot to have Michael and the Andretti team offer me this opportunity. AutoNation has been doing great work in raising awareness and funding for cancer research. I’m honored to Drive Pink (DRVPNK) next season.”

Kirkwood continued, “I have worked extremely hard this season and will continue to work harder every day for the A.J. Foyt team. I want to thank the entire team at A.J. Foyt Racing for giving me the opportunity to compete in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The group on the No. 14 car have been incredible and I am beyond grateful to them for all the amazing experiences we have been able to share together so far this season.”

AutoNation, America’s largest and most admired automotive retailer, will serve as the primary sponsor for the full 2023 racing calendar as they drive towards $35 million donated in the fight against cancer. As a long-time partner with the championship-winning organization, AutoNation and DRVPNK have appeared on race cars across the Andretti Autosport INDYCAR team since 2014.

“We really enjoyed having Kyle as part of our Indy Lights team and he’s off to a strong start in INDYCAR,” said Andretti Autosport Chairman and CEO Michael Andretti. “I think he’ll bring a fresh perspective and will be competitive. We are looking forward to helping him continue his career growth.

“AutoNation first joined the team eight years ago and we’ve been thrilled to see how their support has continued to grow over the years. We’ve seen a lot of successes both on and off the track and are excited to see what Kyle and AutoNation can do together for the DRVPNK campaign.”

“We are excited to welcome Kyle to the team and for the passion and commitment he will bring to our mission to drive out cancer, through DRVPNK,” said Marc Cannon, AutoNation CXO and EVP. “We would also like to wish Alexander all the best and thank him for his endless efforts to support AutoNation’s mission to drive out cancer over the years.”

With this move, it is confirmed that Alexander Rossi will depart the team at the conclusion of the 2022 season after seven years. Together, Rossi and Andretti have captured seven wins, including the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 in Rossi’s rookie 2016 INDYCAR campaign.

“Alexander has been a great contender for us, and we’ve enjoyed having him as part of the team for seven seasons,” added Andretti. “He’s won races and become a leader in the team, but all careers and all teams evolve, and we’ve mutually decided it’s time for each of us to move on. I have no doubt he’ll have a continued, successful INDYCAR career and we wish him the best. In the meantime, we are all working hard to finish the 2022 season strong.”