Tag: NTT Indycar Series

Fast Facts- Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

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Race weekend: Friday, Feb. 25 – Sunday, Feb. 27

Track: Streets of St. Petersburg, 1.8-mile, 14-turn temporary street circuit (clockwise) through downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, including a runway of Albert Whitted Airport

Media Links: NTT INDYCAR SERIES Entry List (PDF) | Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires Entry List(PDF)

Race distance: 100 laps / 180 miles (NTT INDYCAR SERIES) | 60 minute timed race (Indy Lights)

Push-to-pass parameters (NTT INDYCAR SERIES): 150 seconds of total time with a maximum single duration of 15 seconds. The push-to-pass is not available on the initial start or any restart unless it occurs in the final two laps or three minutes of a timed race

Firestone tire allotment (NTT INDYCAR SERIES): Six sets primary, four sets alternate. One additional set is available to rookie drivers for use in the Friday afternoon practice session

Twitter: @GPSTPETE, @INDYCAR, @IndyLights #FirestoneGP, #INDYCAR

Event website: www.gpstpete.com

INDYCAR website: www.indycar.com

2021 race winner: Colton Herta, 1:51:51.4115, 96.552 mph

2021 NTT P1 Award winner: Colton Herta, 1:00.3210, 107.425 mph

Qualifying lap record: Jordan King, 1:00.0476; 107.914 mph, March 10, 2018 (set in Round 1 of qualifying)

NBC Sports telecast: Race, noon ET Sunday, NBC (live). Leigh Diffey is the play-by-play announcer for NBC’s coverage of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, alongside analysts Townsend Bell and James Hinchcliffe. Marty Snider, Kevin Lee and Dave Burns are the pit reporters. Spanish-language telecast will be available on Telemundo.

Peacock Premium Live Streaming: All NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice sessions and qualifying and Indy Lights races will stream live on Peacock Premium, NBC’s direct-to-consumer livestreaming product.

INDYCAR Radio Network broadcasts: Mark Jaynes is the chief announcer alongside analyst Davey Hamilton. Nick Yeoman, Jake Query and Michael Young are the turn announcers. Ryan Myrehn and Alex Wollf are the pit reporters The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg race and all NTT INDYCAR SERIES practices and qualifying sessions air live on network affiliates, SiriusXM 160, racecontrol.indycar.com and the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA. All Indy Lights practice and qualifying sessions and races are available on racecontrol.indycar.com, the INDYCAR App and SiriusXM 160.

At-track schedule (All Times Local/Eastern Time): 

Friday, Feb. 25

3:40-4:25 p.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice, Peacock Premium

Saturday, Feb. 26

9-9:45 a.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice, Peacock Premium

12:30-1:45 p.m. – Qualifying for the NTT P1 Award (three rounds of knockout qualifying), Peacock Premium (Live)

Sunday, Feb. 27

8:45-9:15 a.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES warmup, Peacock Premium

Noon – NBC Sports on air

12:23 p.m. – “Drivers, start your engines”

12:30 p.m. – Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding (100 laps / 181 miles), NBC, Telemundo and Peacock Premium (Live)

NTT INDYCAR SERIES Notes:

  • The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding will be the 19th INDYCAR SERIES race on the streets of St. Petersburg, dating to 2003. Colton Herta won the 2021 race after starting from the pole position. Paul Tracy won the inaugural race on Feb. 23, 2003, under CART sanction, while Sebastien Bourdais started from the pole that year.
  • The St. Petersburg INDYCAR race has been run every year since 2003 except for 2004. No driver has competed in every St. Petersburg race, but Scott Dixon has started 17 consecutive races.
  • Herta can continue a streak of back-to-back race winners at St. Petersburg that began in 2015. Juan Pablo Montoya won back-to-back St. Petersburg races in 2015 and 2016, while Sebastien Bourdais won in 2017 and 2018. Josef Newgarden won back-to-back in 2019 and 2020.
  • Dixon seeks his first win on the streets of St. Petersburg. Dixon’s six NTT INDYCAR SERIES championships trail only the seven INDYCAR SERIES titles collected by A.J. Foyt. Dixon is third on the all-time INDYCAR SERIES victory list with 51 wins and can tie Mario Andretti for second with his next win, but has never won at St. Petersburg. He has four runner-up finishes at the circuit.
  • Helio Castroneves (2006, 2007 and 2012), Will Power (2010 and 2014) and Josef Newgarden (2019-2020) are the only entered drivers to win at St. Petersburg more than once. Five past winners are entered: Castroneves, Power, Newgarden, Graham Rahal (2008) and Herta.
  • Team Penske has won the pole position 10 of the past 15 St. Petersburg races, including nine of the last 12 poles by Power. Along with Power, previous pole winners Rahal (2009), Takuma Sato (2014) and Herta are entered this weekend.
  • Team Penske has won at St. Petersburg 10 times, including six of the last 10 races with Castroneves (2012), Power (2014), Montoya (2015-16) and Newgarden (2019-2020).
  • Three drivers have won the race from the pole – Castroneves (2007), Power (2010) and Herta (2021). The St. Petersburg winner has qualified fourth in four of the last nine seasons.
  • Dixon has made 288 consecutive starts heading into the weekend, which is the second-longest streak in INDYCAR SERIES history.
  • Jack Harvey will make his 50th INDYCAR SERIES start at St. Petersburg.
  • Rookies Tatiana Calderon, Devlin DeFrancesco, Kyle Kirkwood and David Malukas will make their NTT INDYCAR SERIES debut at St. Petersburg.

Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires Notes:

  • The 14-car field for the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is the largest Indy Lights field at St. Petersburg since 2017.
  • The 2021 season features a deep and talented field with race winners such as Linus Lundqvist and Matt 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.
  • Three new teams have joined the series for 2022, TJ Speed Motorsports, led by Indy Lights championship-winning engineer Tim Neff, Road to Indy stalwart Abel Motorsports and African-American-led Force Indy.
  • Since 2005, the driver who won at least one of the races at St. Petersburg has gone on to win the Indy Lights title six times, including Kyle Kirkwood, who won the first race of the doubleheader in 2021.

INDYCAR’s International Broadcast Reach Continues To Grow

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Indycar photo

From Indycar:

 INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022) – The stars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES will be available to international audiences in more than 200 countries and territories around the globe during the 17-race 2022 season. An impressive roster of partners is set to broadcast and stream North America’s premier open-wheel racing series to audiences in Europe, Latin America, Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
“The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is a truly global product with athletes hailing from 14 nations and partnerships extending across major countries and continents,” said Mark Miles, president & CEO of Penske Entertainment Corp. “We’ve prioritized relationships that expand both our reach and visibility, bringing our racing action to new audiences and expanding our fan base. We’re pleased to welcome back more than two-thirds of our 2021 partners while adding exciting new ones to our growing lineup, as well.”
Many key partnerships have been announced, renewed or expanded heading into the new season, including:
A new relationship with ESPN across Latin America will bring live coverage of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to key markets including Mexico and Brazil, where audiences are set to cheer for Arrow McLaren SP driver Pato O’Ward and defending Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge winner Helio Castroneves.
Sky Group, which has provided coverage on Sky Sports UK since 2019, has expanded its commitment to the series with the addition of Sky Sport Germany (including Austria and Switzerland) and Sky Italia.
STAN Sport will be the new streaming partner in Australia, showing every race live and advertisement-free. STAN’s sister broadcaster 
Nine Network also will show race highlights mid-week.
Canal+ will bring the action to French audiences eager to track the progress of Andretti Autosport’s Romain Grosjean and Meyer Shank Racing’s Simon Pagenaud. Canal+ also will provide coverage in Switzerland and sub-Saharan Africa.
Movistar+ will return for a sixth consecutive season as INDYCAR’s exclusive partner in Spain as Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou readies to defend his NTT INDYCAR SERIES crown.
Gaora will continue to broadcast all races in Japan as Japanese racing hero Takuma Sato begins his maiden season for Dale Coyne Racing.
Ziggo Sport will make an expanded commitment as INDYCAR’s partner in the Netherlands, where fans eagerly anticipate Rinus VeeKay’s third season as a driver for Ed Carpenter Racing.
Viaplay and V Sport continue with robust coverage of INDYCAR in the Nordics and enthusiastic support for Swedes Marcus Ericsson and Felix Rosenqvist and Danish newcomer Christian Lundgaard. Viaplay will also expand its rights portfolio to include Poland, Iceland and the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
Sportsnet in Canada, Sky Sports in New Zealand, Supersport in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, Network 4 in Hungary, Arena Sport in the Balkans, 
Viasat Sport East in Russia & CIS, Sport TV in Portugal and VOO Sport in Belgium are all in the roll call of INDYCAR broadcasters for the 2022 season.
The 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season begins with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding on Sunday, Feb. 27. A full list of international broadcast partners is available here.

INDYCAR DRIVERS ON THIS YEAR’s INTERNATIONAL BROADCAST PARTNERSHIPS
“The fans are so important to INDYCAR, and they motivate us racers to give them the best show possible each weekend. It’s extra special to me that my Brazilian fans have access to all of the INDYCAR action. My home country is where my heart is, and although I’m racing here in America, I want to make them proud back home.” – Helio Castroneves, Meyer Shank Racing
“INDYCAR’s 17-race schedule is dynamic and challenging, featuring competitive events at each and every stop. Canal+ is the place for French fans to catch all of my races, including my first attempt in ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ at the 106th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge in May.” – Romain Grosjean, Andretti Autosport
“It’s great news to be able to showcase what INDYCAR will be doing this year. It’s been a huge goal of mine, specifically the past year, for everyone back home in Mexico to be able to watch. I think it’s great that INDYCAR has found a solution, along with ESPN, for everyone in Mexico to be able to cheer me and Arrow McLaren SP on. I look forward to making my home country proud.” – Pato O’Ward, Arrow McLaren SP
“It’s going to be an amazing NTT INDYCAR SERIES season filled with action-packed racing and exciting finishes. I’m so excited that fans in Spain can tune in to watch every minute of the action as our team goes for the Astor Cup crown again.” – Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing
“The variety of drivers that compete in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES is, in my opinion, what makes us one of the premier motorsports disciplines on the planet. As the sport continues to grow, we need to make sure that it is accessible to as many fans around the world as possible. I know the next Will Power is out there watching, and being able to watch our races on television will help keep top talent coming into the sport for years to come.” – Will Power, Team Penske
“Gaora is a great partner for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and will be the go-to place for Japanese fans to see me compete in 2022. From start to finish, this season’s racing will be incredible, and I hope everyone tunes in.” – Takuma Sato, Dale Coyne Racing with RWR 

St. Pete Schedule

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It’s Race Week! The schedule for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Presented by RP Funding has a packed Friday with four races, and one Indycar practice session. Five different series share the track with Indycar this weekend. Saturday ends with Indycar qualifying at 12:30 PM.

The on track Saturday schedule is short because there is a performance at the Mahaffey Theater that evening. The conflict is a result of the race moving from its traditional march slot on the calendar.

Race time is 12:30 PM Eastern Sunday. I like that Indycar is moving their races to earlier time slots. The race is on NBC. Practices and qualifying are on Peacock

All times Eastern

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2022 Gates Open 7:30 AM-6:00 PM

7:45AM – 8:15AM Indy Pro 2000 Qualifying
8:30AM – 8:45AM SRO GT America Qualifying 1
8:50AM – 9:05AM SRO GT America Qualifying 2
9:20AM – 9:50AM USF2000 Qualifying 1
10:05AM – 10:50AM Indy Lights Practice
11:05AM – 11:25AM Mazda MX-5 Cup Qualifying
11:40AM – 12:25PM Indy Pro 2000 Race 1
12:40PM – 1:25PM USF2000 Race 1
1:54PM – 2:10PM Indy Lights Qualifying
2:25PM – 3:25PM SRO GT America Race 1
3:40PM – 4:25PM NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice 1
4:40PM – 5:25PM Mazda MX-5 Cup Race 1
5:40PM – 6:10PM Indy Lights Final Practice

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2022 Gates Open 7:45 AM-1:30 PM

8:00AM – 8:45AM Indy Pro 2000 Race 2
9:00AM – 9:45AM NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice 2
10:00AM – 10:45AM Mazda MX-5 Cup Race 2
11:00AM – 12:00PM SRO GT America Race 2
12:30PM – 1:45PM NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying

2:00 PM-2:30 PM Indy Lights Autograph Session Fan Village

3:00 PM- 4:00 PM Indycar Autograph Session Fan Village

4:00 PM-6:00 PM Party in the Park North Straub Park

8:00 PM Fireworks

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2022 Gates Open 8:30 AM- 2:30 PM

8:45AM – 9:15AM NTT INDYCAR SERIES Warm Up
9:30AM – 10:30AM Indy Lights Race
10:45AM – 11:25AM USF2000 Race 2
11:50AM NTT INDYCAR SERIES Driver Introductions
12:30PM Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding NTT INDYCAR SERIES Race (100 Laps)

Dixon, Power Look to Equal or Tie Andretti Marks in 2022

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Scott Dixon and Will Power have an opportunity this upcoming Indycar season to tie or pass Mario Andretti in different career categories. Dixon, who has won at least one race every year since 2003, needs one victory to tie Andretti’s career mark of 52 wins, second only to A. J. Foyt. It was a shock that he only won one race last season.

Power is four poles shy of tying Andretti’s career mark of 67 poles, first among Indycar drivers. Power won only one pole last season, at the second IMS road race. His single pole was more of a shock than Dixon’s single first place.

Other Storylines for 2022

How will Romain Grosjean fare with his new team? Can Grosjean have the same success as part of a larger team, Andretti Autosport, as he had with Dale Coyne? Can he keep pace with Colton Herta and Alexander Rossi?

Romain Grosjean

Will we have a third OEM announcement by the time of the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500? If we don’t, it will be at least 2025 until Honda and Chevrolet have another competitor.

Will having 14 races on NBC significantly increase viewership? The deal with NBC is probably the best package Indycar has ever had. I hope it pays huge dividends. If not, there may never be another deal this good.

Can Beth Paretta finalize a deal for the Indianapolis 500? It would be a shame if 2021 was a one time effort. The credibility of the Race for Diversity and Change would suffer if her team is not at IMS in May.

Keep an eye on Ernie Francis, Jr. in Indy Lights as well. I hope he does well enough to get a shot the 500 in 2023. It is just as important to have African American representation in Indycar as it is to have a female presence.

Some predictions:

Season champion- I give a narrow edge to Colton Herta over Pato O’Ward in a tight yearlong battle.

Winners- Eight drivers will win races this season, with Herta and O’Ward winning at least three each. Scott McLaughlin may be the only first time winner in 2022.

David Malukas

Rookie of the Year- This is a tough contest to decide. Christian Lundgaard has better equipment, but David Malukas is more familiar with most of the tracks Indycar will run. I think Malukas will win, but it will come down to the final race.

On September 12 we can all look at this post again and have a good laugh. Thanks for reading my preview series. Now let’s go racing!

Season Preview Part 2: Strong Rookie Class Continues Youth Surge

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Photo: Kyle Kirkwood leads a stout rookie class for 2022

Six rookies, five of whom are full time, add to the growing youth movement in Indycar. The class includes three Indy Lights graduates. The success of each may depend on the strength of their team. In a perfect world, equipment wouldn’t determine Rookie of the Year, but, alas, tin 2022 it might. A look at the rookies:

David Malukas- Dale Coyne Racing with HMD

Malukas finished second in Indy Lights in 2021. He was on the pole for the final race of the season with a chance to win the title, but he overshot turn 1. He should have a decent season and is a contender for top rookie honors. Coyne’s cars have been more competitive of late, and Malukas will have a decent season.

Kyle Kirkwood- A. J. Foyt Racing

Kirkwood is arguably the best driver of the rookie class. he is the first driver to win each level of the Road to Indy, and one day he will add an Indycar title to that resume. Kirkwood may struggle this season with one of the lower budget teams, but he has the ability to help the Foyt organization make some improvement.

I talked to Kirkwood earlier this month. He is setting no expectations for 2022, which I think is a sensible approach. I think three top 10s would be a good season for this team.

Christian Lundgaard- Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing

Christian Lundgaard

Lundgaard had one race with Rahal in 2021 at the second IMS road course race. He started fourth and finished 12th. In two seasons in Formula 2 he won two races, one pole, and finished on the podium nine times. We should see a steady run throughout the season, and with a couple of breaks, Lundgaard could contend for top Rookie honors.

Devlin DeFrancesco- Andretti Autosport

DeFrancesco finished sixth in Indy Lights last season, overshadowed by Kirkwood and Malukas. He had nine top fives in 20 races with two podiums. DeFrancesco will be competitive, and his equipment advantage over the other rookies makes him the favorite for the rookie crown.

Callum Ilott- Juncos Hollinger Racing

Callum Ilott

Ilott was a rising star in Europe, but the limited number of seats in Formula 1 left him on the outside. Ilott finished second to Mick Schumacher in Formula 2 in 2020, and he was the reserve driver for Alfa Romeo last season. Juncos Hollinger may struggle as a first year team in 2022.

Tatiana Calderon- A. J. Foyt Racing

Calderon has driven in many series during her career. It is her experience driving different cars that will help her get through her first Indycar season, where she will only drive the road and street course races. 2022 will be a learning year for her. A second year likely depends on sponsorship.

Drivers on the Verge

Felix Rosenqvist and Will Power need to have improved seasons in 2022. Rosenqvist finished 21st in 2021 while his teammate Pato O’Ward contended for the championship. The Swedish driver missed two races last year due to injury. His average finish of 16.4 with just two top tens has to improve for him to keep his seat.

Will Power had what was for him a substandard year. One pole, one win and a ninth place finish is not a typical power year. There is speculation that 2022 may be his last with Penske. I look for him to have a much better season. I’m not sure if a good year will help him stay where he is, but I don’t expect power to go quietly.

Will a Change of Scenery Help Harvey?

Jack Harvey’s career has puzzled me. He is fast, but things just seem to happen. was it bad strategy, miscommunication, or poor race craft? I really don’t know. He helped Meyer Shank Racing get off the ground in Indycar. Despite having six top ten finishes in 2021, I never felt he was in a contending position. Maybe a lot of the issues were growing pains. I think it’s good that the driver and team are headed in different directions for the new season.

Harvey begins 2022 as a new member of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. While this is probably not a make or break year for Harvey, look for more consistency in 2022.

Indycar Season Preview Part 1: It’s Crowded at the Top

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Photo: Can Alex Palou repeat?

One week from today the gates open for the season opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding. The NTT Indycar Series enters 2022 with momentum from a great 2021 season and off season growth in numbers and in its television position. The full time grid has expanded to 26 cars, with some races expecting up to 28. Fourteen of the 17 scheduled races will be on NBC. The youth movement will continue to grow with five full time rookies.

Alex Palou seeks to win back to back championships, a feat last achieved by Dario Franchitti in 2011 and 2012. Last year Palou had to battle Pato O’Ward and Josef Newgarden on his way to the Astor Cup. I think in 2022 the battle gets more challenging. I see five drivers representing four different teams who could possibly win the title.

Main Contenders

Alex Palou- Chip Ganassi Racing

Palou’s rise to the front surprised many people, but he was consistent and did what he needed to do nearly very time out. Palou is as close to a Scott Dixon clone as you can get, and that steadiness helped him secure the title. Look for more of the same from the defending champion, but getting three wins may be difficult.

Josef Newgarden- Team Penske

A first lap accident at Barber put Newgarden in catch up mode for the entire season. He didn’t win a pole until Road America, and Newgarden’s first win came at Mid Ohio in July. The two time series champion lost in the closing laps at Detroit, and a mechanical issue late in the race at Road America cost him another sure victory. Newgarden will be in the mix again. A better start to the year will help his chances.

Pato O’Ward

Pato O’Ward- Arrow McLaren SP

O’Ward held the points lead with three races to go, but a 14th place finish at Portland and a DNF in the finale at Long Beach saw him slide back to third the standings. If the hard charging driver can show a little more patience, he will be in the hunt again. He should at least equal his two wins from 2021. I think the title fight down the stretch could come down to O’Ward and another young veteran.

Colton Herta

Colton Herta- Andretti Autosport

Herta’s sixth place finish in last season’s standings was not representative of his year. Three wins, tied With Palou for most in the series, and three poles, second most behind Newgarden, put Herta in great position to challenge for the championship. Several opportunities slipped through his hands as his car seemed to fade late in races during mid season. Like new garden Herta was a victim oft he first lap chaos at Barber. I think the 2022 title will be a season long tussle between Herta and O’Ward.

Scott Dixon- Chip Ganassi Racing

Dixon had what was for him an off year- one victory and a fourth place in the championship. His car seemed slightly off pace at times. His season wasn’t helped with his disastrous 17th place finish in the Indianapolis 500. Dixon can never be counted out, but I still think youth will be served this year. Another top five finish is in the cards because, well, it’s Scott Dixon.

Dark Horses

This group of drivers could work their way into contention.

Alexander Rossi- Andretti Autosport

Rossi should improve after two winless seasons punctuated by a lot of bad luck and sometimes questionable strategy. He may also be driving for a 2023 ride. Rossi’s last win came in 2019 at Road America. His ninth and 10th place finishes the last two years were the worst of his career. I’m not sure if he will win a race this season, but he should have more finishes in the top five.

Simon Pagenaud- Meyer Shank Racing

Pagenaud seems rejuvenated by the move from Team Penske and the long shadows of Newgarden and Will Power. He seemed to be lost in the shuffle last season. Pagenaud led day two of this week’s test at Sebring. The 2019 Indy 5600 champion looks ready for a solid run at the title on a team that has grown into one that can challenge for wins and podiums.

Graham Rahal-Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing

Rahal hasn’t had bad years. He has had quiet years. His seventh place in 2021 came about as quietly as a top ten finish could be. No wins in the last five years has to be frustrating, but could 2022 be the year Rahal returns to the top step of the podium? The team is stronger with the addition of Jack Harvey and rookie Christian Lundgaard.

Rinus VeeKay- Ed Carpenter Racing

Which VeeKay shows up this year? The one who was fifth in the standings and took his first victory in May, or the one who faded to 12th place after returning to the cockpit following a bicycler accident. I hope it’s the former, completely healed and ready to contend all season. While he may not win the championship, VeeKay could be a spoiler in 2022.

Marcus Ericsson- Chip Ganassi Racing

Ericsson’s first two career victories in 2021surprised most people, and he came home sixth in the standings. Ericsson chased Newgarden to the flag at Mid Ohio and may have caught him had the race been a bit longer. Don’t go to sleep on him this year. The wins seemed to energize him and give him a confidence I was wondering about.

Tomorrow we’ll look at the rookie class and talk some about the rest of the field. Sunday my terribly incorrect season predicts come out. Then it’s Race Week!

Doordash, Google Join HyVee for Indycar at Iowa Iowa

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From Iowa Speedway and HyVee. Big sponsor news as the weekend gains more support.

HY-VEE AND INDYCAR ANNOUNCE PRESENTING SPONSORS FOR HY-VEE INDYCAR RACE WEEKEND

February 16, 2022 | By INDYCAR

Hy-Vee, Inc. and INDYCAR announce that Google and DoorDash will be the presenting sponsors for the Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend, July 22-24, 2022. PepsiCo will be a key event sponsor, as well as the sponsor of Hy-Vee’s No. 45 car throughout the race season. Tickets for Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.hyveeindycarweekend.com or by calling the race ticket office at (641) 417-6007.

INDYCAR will return to Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa, for the first time since 2020, with three days of turbocharged action, July 22-24. Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend will feature the only doubleheader race event on the 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule. Saturday’s series race will be the
Hy-VeeDeals.com 250 presented by DoorDash, and Sunday’s action will be highlighted by the Hy-Vee Salute to Farmers 300 presented by Google.

Hy-Vee will build on its support of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES as Hy-VeeDeals.com – the company’s website that aggregates all weekly ads, digital coupons and hot deals – will be a featured on-air sponsor during each race broadcast on the NBC family of networks during the 2022 season. A QR code will pop up on screen allowing race viewers to scan it with their phone for a chance to win $25,000. One winner will be awarded following each race broadcast.

In addition to premier on-track action with the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, as well as the rising stars of racing competing in Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend will include a festival-like atmosphere with three days of music, food and family-focused entertainment.

“The economic impact this race weekend is creating for the Midwest will be like none other, and we are proud to team up with these incredible partners to ensure that the fans who come to the Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend truly have an amazing experience,” said Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee’s chairman and CEO. “We look forward to creating an exciting atmosphere leading up to and during the race – both in our stores and at the track during the event.”

“Google is proud to call Iowa home and honored to support initiatives that make it a great place to live, work and visit,” said Kirsten Kliphouse, president of North America, Google Cloud. “We recently announced Google’s investment in our Iowa data center has reached $5 billion, and we’re committed to making an impact beyond the data center walls by partnering with organizations like Hy-Vee on events that bring economic opportunity to local communities.”

“DoorDash is proud to sponsor the inaugural INDYCAR race weekend with Hy-Vee, a longstanding partner and supporting champion of our mission to empower local communities,” said Christopher Payne, president at DoorDash. “As consumer expectations for convenience, speed and selection continue to grow on and off the raceway, we’re committed to expanding access to Hy-Vee’s unparalleled assortment to even more cities across the state of Iowa and nationwide. We look forward to continuing to offer Iowa residents the best of their neighborhoods directly to their door.”

“PepsiCo is thrilled to be part of the 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES — this year bigger and better than before. Our beverage brands — led by Mountain Dew — will bring exciting experiences to INDYCAR fans and Hy-Vee customers at home, in store and at the track,” said Neil Pryor, president, PepsiCo Beverages North America Central Division. “There is no better way to enjoy the thrill of the race than with a cold Mountain Dew in your hand, and we’re proud to bring that joy to neighbors across Iowa, a state in which nearly 2,000 of our employees live and work.”

Known as “The Fastest Short Track on the Planet,” the 7/8 of a mile Iowa Speedway oval is a favorite with drivers and race fans alike. Two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Josef Newgarden is a three-time race winner at Iowa Speedway and the most recent driver to celebrate in Victory Lane in 2020. Other Iowa winners include four-time Indianapolis 500 champ Helio Castroneves, along with NTT INDYCAR SERIES champions and Indy 500 winners Simon Pagenaud, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Tony Kanaan, Dan Wheldon and Dario Franchitti.

“As we continue to build excitement for Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend and the return to Iowa, what a great opportunity to welcome premier companies in DoorDash, Google and PepsiCo as sponsors of this special event,” said Bud Denker, president of Penske Corporation, which owns INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “Our partnership with Hy-Vee and the support from these industry-leading brands demonstrates the continued growth of INDYCAR and the commitment to hosting an impactful event in Iowa.”

West Des Moines, Iowa-based Hy-Vee first became involved in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES when the supermarket chain was the primary sponsor for Rahal Letterman Lanigan (RLL) Racing’s No. 15 car in Race 2 of the 2020 Iowa Speedway doubleheader. In its third year of sponsoring RLL, Hy-Vee provides primary sponsorship of RLL’s No. 45 car, which will be driven by Jack Harvey, and associate sponsorships of Graham Rahal’s No. 15 car and No. 30 car, which will be driven by newcomer Christian Lundgaard.

“It’s exciting to see the Hy-Vee races at Iowa Speedway building momentum with announcements like this. Welcoming household brands like DoorDash, Google and Pepsi as sponsors is a great indication of how big of an event this will be and how big of a splash Hy-Vee is going to make. And this is just the beginning,” said Harvey, driver of the No. 45 Hy-Vee car.

For more details about weekend activities, visit www.hyveeindycarweekend.com.

Pagenaud Leads Meyer Shank Sweep of Sebring Day 2

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Photo: Mike Levitt -Lumen

Meyer Shank Racing seems to have taken it upon themselves to uphold then honor of the older drivers,. 2019 Indianapolis 500 winner Simon Pagenaud had the fastest time Tuesday in the second day of testing at Sebring International Raceway.

Four time and defending Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves had the second fastest time, giving Meyer Shank Racing the top two spots on the chart.

Last year’s wave of young drivers may still grab most of the attention in season, but Pagenaud and Castroneves may have something for them.

Defending NTT Indycar Series champion Alex Palou was sixth fastest Tuesday.

2021 Indy Lights champion Kyle Kirkwood was the fastest rookie Tuesday with the fifth quickest lap.