All times Central. Nashville is in the Central time zone
Friday- on Broadway in downtown Nashville
5-6 m Pit Stop Challenge
Cars 21, 9, 45, 60, 28, 78
Saturday:
10 am-11:30: IndyCar Practice 1
1:15 m: IndyCar Qualifying
415-4:30 pm Group A
4:30-4:45 pm Group B
5-6 pm Final practice- all cars
Sunday:
10:50 am: IndyNXT Race Peacock, IndyCar Live
2:25 pm Drivers, start your engines
2:30 pm Green flag 206 laps NBC, Peacock, Indycar Radi
From IndyCar:
| INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, Sept. 6, 2024) – In partnership with Firestone, INDYCAR has announced the addition of Firestone Firehawk alternate-compound tires for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season finale, the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix Presented by Gainbridge on Sept. 14-15 at Nashville Superspeedway. Used in addition to Firestone Firehawk primary compounds, the softer alternate red-sidewall tires will provide another set of options, strategies and choices for drivers and teams as INDYCAR continues to enhance wheel-to-wheel racing action and turbocharge the championship weekend. In addition, rules for use of the weekend’s tire allotment also have been updated. Each NTT INDYCAR SERIES entry will receive: Six sets of primary-compound tires Four sets of alternate-compound tires NTT INDYCAR SERIES teams may use their weekend allotment unrestricted in practice and NTT P1 Award qualifying. In the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix race, teams must use, in any order: One set of primary-compound tires Two sets of alternate-compound tires As on road and street circuits, cars must complete two laps on each set of required tires. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a minimum one-lap penalty. Also new to the event, there are no requirements whether the tires used in the race must be “new” or “used.” Additionally, there are no restrictions governing the use of new or used primary or alternate tires in NTT P1 Award qualifying. This is the second time alternate-compound tires have been used on an oval following the successful debut of the option Aug. 27, 2023, at the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline at World Wide Technology Raceway. “Firestone has done a phenomenal job with this expanded format,” INDYCAR President Jay Frye said. “It will be interesting to watch how the different strategies play out. We look forward to an amazing race and championship for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES at Nashville Superspeedway.” In addition to the combined 10 sets of primary and alternate tires, each entry will receive a third and different set only to be used in the high-line group practice aimed at adding additional grip to a second racing groove – a session that has produced favorable results in 2023 and 2024. “The time between the announcement of a new Nashville venue and the race itself was just seven months,” said Cara Krstolic, director, Race Tire Engineering and Production, chief engineer, Firestone. “Our Firestone team rose to the challenge of an extremely short design cycle and its shortest-ever production timeframe to produce tires for a now heavier hybrid-powered car on a track the NTT INDYCAR SERIES hasn’t competed on since 2008. “Following two tests on the Nashville oval, we worked with INDYCAR to create differentiation in tires that would provide fans and competitors with an exciting race. To achieve that goal, Firestone is providing an alternate tire for the Music City Grand Prix. Lessons learned from introducing alternates on an oval last season at St. Louis also contributed to our preparation. “The goal for the alternate tire is to have significant wear and degradation to the point that team pit stop strategies could change as tires may wear before the end of a fuel stint. They are also designed for the different grip levels of the two types of tires to aid in creating more passing opportunities.” Practice at Nashville Superspeedway begins at 11 a.m. ET Saturday, Sept. 14, with NTT P1 Award qualifying scheduled for 2:15 p.m., high-line practice at 5:15 p.m. and the final practice of the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season at 6 p.m. All sessions are available via Peacock and the INDYCAR Radio Network. Coverage of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix Presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, Sept. 15 begins at 3 p.m. on NBC, Peacock and the INDYCAR Radio Network. |
IndyCar ends its season next weekend, with at least four weeks of decent weather remining in the year in most of the country. In 2025, the season ends even earlier- on Labor Day weekend. As the calendar would have it, the season finale next year is on August 31. Why? Because IndyCar doesn’t want football to kill its ratings.
I have said this before- don’t be afraid of football, work around it. My good friend George Phiilips of Oilpressure is a big NFL and University of Tennessee fan. He prioritizes IndyCar until football season starts, then IndyCar goes on the back burner. I get that. Unlike George and a lot of other people, I don’t care for football. I probably cannot name 10 NFL quarterbacks; the only player I really know of is Taylor Swift’s boyfriend.
While I still have F1 continuing until November to get my open wheel fix it’s not the same. IndyCar is out of the public eye for six months. The series does not have a lot of post season awards tat they can give out a week at a time post season like the stick and ball sports. The checkered flag falls on the last race of the season, then we don’t hear much about IndyCar nationally until it’s time for St. Pete.
Going later in the year and accepting a ratings hit could avoid the four events in five week stretches which lead to long gaps between races during the current schedule.
The United Staes Grand Prix was in October at Watkins Glen was in October in the late 70s and early 80s.
How to work around football? Saturday afternoon races in the fall would avoid the NFL. True, there is college football on Saturday, but many games are lopsided. Would you rather watch an IndyCar race or the University of Georgia scoring 100 points against Nebraska Institute of Meteorology in September?
Everyone has their sports preference. In the racing postseason I prefer to watch college basketball and hockey, but neither starts until late October.
A mid-September race at Road America would be beautiful with the leaves turning color, and an October event in Phoenix could give Midwestern fans who attend a last taste of warm weather before settling in for the winter.
All may not be lost for fans like me. Mark Miles talked about putting together a postseason international series in an Indy Star article by Nathan Brown this morning. I would be fine with that, especially if it is shown opposite a football game.
From Indycar:
| INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024) – IXO Models will become the exclusive supplier of INDYCAR diecast collectible model vehicles and accessories starting with the 2025 season. This partnership between INDYCAR and IXO’s U.S.-based affiliate, IXO America, will offer the highest-quality, innovative models for racing enthusiasts and collectors alike at INDYCAR events and retailers in time for the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. The new line of INDYCAR replicas will feature an array of iconic teams and cars from North America’s premier open-wheel racing series, meticulously re-created to capture every nuance of the real track cars. From sleek aerodynamic designs to vibrant, authentic paint schemes, these models are a must-have for collectors and racing fans. Upgraded aero kits in both 1:64 and 1:18 scale, race-worn tires and new-to-market trackside vehicles are just some of the innovations IXO will bring to consumers. “IXO has shown a commitment to quality and listening to customer feedback through its diecast models from many series around the globe,” INDYCAR Director, Events & Experiences Alexis Hurley said. “We know fans around the world will love the attention to detail of IXO products as more and more models roll out next year and beyond.” The multiyear agreement marks a significant milestone for IXO. With over 25 years of diecast manufacturing experience, the brand is known for its meticulous attention to detail, superior craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to quality. IXO’s global presence and expertise in motorsports diecast will expand the reach of INDYCAR to diecast collectors and racing fans around the world. “We are beyond excited to partner with INDYCAR and bring these incredible racing machines to life in diecast form,” said Jeff Nelson, vice president of sales for IXO America. “Our team is passionate about delivering the highest-quality replica models, and we can’t wait for fans to experience the thrill of owning a piece of INDYCAR history. “This partnership underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence in the diecast model industry. IXO America has roots in ownership and design right here in Indianapolis, so our enthusiasm for INDYCAR is unparalleled in the market.” Fans should stay tuned to both IXO Models and INDYCAR social media channels and websites for the latest updates. For more information about IXO Models, visit www.ixomodels.com. |
The permanent track with the briefest history of any on the Indycar circuit will make history next weekend when a three time IndyCar champion is determined. Either Alex Palou or Will Power will win their third title September 15.
Nashville Superspeedway has a strange, twisted history. The track was built in hopes of attracting a NASCAR Cup race, but the delays in its construction and the new tracks at Kansas and Chicagoland diminished those dreams. The addition of a Cup race at Kentucky Speedway killed any hope Nashville Superspeedway ever having a place on the NASCAR Cup schedule. It hosted its first race in 2001, then closed in 2011 because of poos attendance and deterioration of the facility. The track returned in 2021. IndyCar ran at Nashville from 2001-2008, Negotiations to renew the race for 2009 and beyond failed to reach an agreement
The series returns only as an alternative to the Nashville street circuit, which is not feasible because of construction of the new Tennessee Titans football stadium. Whether Indycar ever returns to the streets of Nashville is yet to be determined, but it won’t be until 2027 at the earliest.
Buddy Lazier won the first IRL race at Nashville. Greg Ray sat on the pole for the race. Scott Dixon won the last three races at the track, 2006, 2007, and 2008. Dixon also has two poles and is the only winner to start from the pole. He also has a second place result at Nashville. The lowest starting spot for a race winner is 6th, when Buddy Lazier won the inaugural event in 2001.
Indycar winners at Nashville Superspeedway
2008 Scott Dixon (148.072)
2007 Scott Dixon (164.030)
006 Scott Dixon (161.205)
2005 Dario Franchitti (133.089)
2004 Tony Kanaan (134.975)
2003 Gil de Ferran (137.679))\
2002 Alex Barron (127.997
2001 Buddy Lazier (144.809)
Photo by Kyle McInnes
Indycar’s return to Milwaukee- and its racing roots- turned out be the perfect mix of great crowds, great racing, and great weather. The leadup to the race was filled with concerns on all fronts, but as the Friday morning rain and clouds cleared, so did the worries about what was in store.
I had some indication that attendance would be better than expected on Friday when I got caught in the garage pass redemption line which went about halfway into the tunnel. It reminded of the Legends’ Day autograph line at IMS. Perhaps the organizers can find a spot behind the grandstands or have multiple points for distributing wristbands like some other tracks do.
The upper deck was very near capacity on Saturday while the lower sections did not seem that full. On Sunday the upper deck was about 90% of Saturday’s crowd, but the lower decks looked significantly fuller. I wonder if Saturday’s race brought some folks out who hadn’t considered coming.
Everyone seemed to have a great time, and it was a race crowd. They were on their feet for restarts, and when there were passes for the lead.
One thing I would like to see added for 2025 is a scoring pylon. The promoters had three video boards on the front stretch, well spaced so that every fan had access , but the angle of the sun made them hard to see for most of yesterday.
Saturday and Sunday were examples of the best of short track racing. Both races, while completely different in tone and style, featured the best elements of the sport. Early contenders faded while others found the right combination and put themselves in the mix. Favorites had issues and dropped out. The winner was in doubt until the final handful of laps. A race fan can’t ask for more.
Kudos to Firestone and Indycar for figuring out the oval package after the debacle at Iowa.
I wish Milwaukee had the double header slot on future calendars, and Iowa went back to a single race.
Will Power’s spin may have cost him his shot at the title. He gained only 10 points on Alex Palou on a day when he could have grabbed the lead. Palou needs only to finish ninth or better at Nashville to clinch his second consecutive crown.
The two podiums had six different drivers representing five different teams, including a first time podium for Juncos Hollinger Racing.
Pato O’Ward broke the Team Penske oval winning streak Saturday, but Scott McLaughlin got them back on track yesterday.
I hope the momentum from this past weekend carries over to the season finale in Nashville i9n two weeks’ time. There is an actual title fight happening this year, and I am ready for it.
Photo by Kyle McInnes
Indycar- Just when you think you know how things will turn out, they turn out differently.
A chaotic beginning set the tone for another entertaining race. The started was waved off, and polesitter Josef Newgarden’s day ended when he was punted by Marcu Armstrong into the front stretch wall.
Before that happened, what looked like a very short day for Alex Palou and a loss of the championship lead turned out with him losing just 10 more points to Will Power. Power spun on a restart and went down a lap. he recovered to 10th at the end, but attrition allowed Palou to finish 19th.
After a disjointed first half, the race settled into a game of pit strategy. It appeared Herta had the upper hand until Sting Ray Robb’s wall contact with 21 laps to go allowed the leaders to take fresh tires. McLaughlin
The waved off start because the back of the field was not in line caused chaos at the front. Some drivers slowed, and others accelerated. I have seen the green flag waved with worse formations than how the field lined up today. It would help if Race control stopped allowing the last half of the field to lag so far behind on the pace laps. Perhaps the grid should start out in rows of two, then have a tire scrub lap, and reform.
Today’s race had 816 passes, more than yesterday. Given the good racing we saw at Milwaukee this weekend, and what we watched at Gateway, I think the hybrid wasn’t the issue at Iowa. It may have been the track.
Scott Dixon finished second from 17th.
Colton Herta finished third after starting 18th. He nearly won the race.
Marcus Ericsson went rom 16th to 5th, and Kyke Kirkwood finished eighth from 19th oin the grid.
Overall, Mikwaukee had a successful return to its Indycar roots. The attendance was great both days. There may have been a few more fans here today. The racing was very good.
I will stop here since I need to hit the road. Thanks for following along this weekend. I will have a complete Milwaukee wrap up tomorrow.
No penalties today. Can Pato sweep the weekend?
Today’s Schedule: All times Central. Race is on USA, Peacock, and Inycar Radio
10 am: Gates Open
11 am: Install Lap
1:25 pm: Driver Intros
1:44 pm: Invocation
1:45 pm: Anthem
1:56 pm: Command
2 pm: Green Flag
I would be very happy with a race similar to last evening’s event. The temperature should be in the md 70s for the race.
I watched some highlights on Peacock this morning. The upper deck was almost full, and television had some good shots of the stands.
Som leftovers:
Why do Myer Shank cars always fall back immediately when they start on the front row?
The Ericsson/Newgarden incident was nobodY’s fault. It looked like the rear of the 28 just slid out.
night having Alex Palou and Will Power pitting next to each other had an interesting moment last night. Let’s see what today brings as the title chase has tightened.I will have the starting lineup out in a bit,
The Pit Window by Mike Silver 