Tag: NTT Indycar Series

Notes: Indycar Continues to Lay It on the Line; Test Days

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If Indycar wants a theme song for the 2024 season, I suggest “I Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash. Days after mandating that drivers in the Indianapolis 500 cannot cross the pit lane line on the front stretch as a defensive move, the series set forth a new restart procedure.

A line will be placed just after the final turn on each track at a designated point. On restarts, cars must stay single file until they cross this line. No passing is allowed until this line is crossed. I appreciate Indycar’s efforts in trying to get restarts under control. They have been quite messy then last couple of years. The line is not in effect at the start of the race.

Testing Days

Today and tomorrow all teams are at Sebring for testing without the ERS system. On Wednesday and Thursday there will be an ERS test on the IMS road course for the teams that have had not had a chance to test the new system.

Today’s testing roster:

Today is Jack Harvey’s second test day in the Coyne car. Some think he will be in the car for the St. Petersburg opener. Colin Braun will test the car tomorrow. I would really love to see Braun run a full season in Indycar.

Teams at the IMS road course test:

Foyt, RLL, Coyne, ECR, MSR, JHR

IMS will host a full grid oval test for 500 entrants April 10 and 11.

Indycar Slays the Dragon

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The weaving, bobbing moves down the front stretch in the final laps of the Indianapolis 500 are gone, banished yesterday i a ruling by Indycar. The Dragon, which started in 2019 with Simon Pagenaud trying to break the draft and maintain his lead over Alexander Rossi, reached a ridiculous extreme in 2023 when Josef Newgarden used the pit entry lane to fend off Marcus Ericsson. Ericsson followed Newgarden into the area below the pit line.

Newgarden came close to the attenuator, the outer end cap to the pit wall. In the past, the attenuator has caused massive crashes. Kevin Cogan in 1989 hit the attenuator head on and his car split in two, with the engine sliding down pit lane. In 2020, Oliver Askew hit the end of pit wall late in the race, causing an extensive debris field. Askew got a concussion as a result of the impact.

In 2024, drivers will not be allowed to go below the pit line exiting turn 4. I think this is a good move by Indycar. It should force drivers to conform more to the one defensive move rule.

The series did not address the cause of the chaotic ending to last year’s race, which was the excessive use of the red flag. In their desperation to have a green flag finish, race control threw three red flags. Chaos reigned on the restarts as drivers weren’t sure how many more chances they would have to improve their position. I understand that a ruling is coming that will designate the last lap on which a red flag may be used, barring safety concerns. I hope it is around lap 180.

Safety Improvements

IMS has made several physical improvements to track safety, installing more SAFER barriers and refreshing the existing foam walls.

Inside turn 1,700 feet of catch fence has been added behind the wall, and 800 feet of new SAFER barrier is in turn 4,

In the north short chute, 85 feet of the foam wall replaces a guardrail.

Around the entire track, new SAFER wall has replaced all the preexisting barriers.

Indycar’s Broadcast Times- Change is in the Air

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Is the Peacock losing its feathers? NBC enters the final year of its current deal with Indycar, and it appears Fox is the favorite to take over the rights beginning in2025. The broad cast times and [platform distribution looks as if NBC is slowly weaning itself from the series.

NBC network has only nine points races, down from 13 last year and 14 in 2022. You could argue that with the Thermal Club exhibition and the scant three hours of Indianapolis 500 qualifying the big network has 11 events, but that still is a significant drop in air time.

Meanwhile, USA network will have six races, including the historic Long Beach race, one of Indycar’s crown jewels.

Peacock has two races exclusively, Toronto and the first Milwaukee race.

If this is NBC’s final year, that would be sad. They have been a great broadcast partner, although I felt that last year they started to fall into the complacency trap which happens with long term partners. I don’t need a full season recap in the middle of the race, nor highlights of someone’s win at a track 10 years ago.

The Times They are a’Changing

The time change that stands out for me is Road America. Since Indycar’s return to the famed Wisconsin track, the race has had a noon star. The promoter insisted on it. I really liked. Most years I could still get back to Indy before dark after the race. With a 2:30 pm local start, that will not be possible.

The early green flag seemed popular with the fans. I wonder if the new time will affect attendance.

Weather Tech Raceway at Laguna Seca moves from an early afternoon start to a 3 pm local start.

Night Races?

On the surface, I guess you could call Iowa race 1, Gateway, and Milwaukee race1 night races, but how much of the race will actually be under the lights?

Iowa is listed as 7 pm local time, so that one should end in darkness. Gateway has a 5 pm local broadcast window start time. How dark it gets during the race depends on the actual green flag time. The same goes for Milwaukee. \The Wisconsin State Fair sent an email yesterday which listed the race start time at 5 pm.

If we are going to have a night race let them start at twilight, so at least two thirds of the race is run under the lights.

Overall, it is probably the best schedule possible, considering the disruptive Olympic break for 26 at the peak of the season. Not having to deal with that interruption every four years would be one of the few good reasons to go to Fox.

I’m ready for some racing. Just two weeks to go.

NBC Sports, INDYCAR Unveil 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Race Broadcast Start Times 

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My thoughts will be posted later.

From Indycar and NBC:

 INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024) – NBC Sports and INDYCAR announced Feb. 20 the race broadcast start times for the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule, headlined by the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 26, with coverage beginning at 11 a.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
The 2024 season kicks off on NBC and Peacock with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding at noon ET Sunday, March 10.
“I can’t wait for the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season to begin, and what a way to kick things off in St. Petersburg again on NBC,” said reigning series champion Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing.
“We’ll be returning with our two goals in focus – winning the Indianapolis 500 and winning the championship – and I know our entire team is counting down the days until we have a chance to put all our hard work and preparation this offseason to the test.”

Highlights of NBC Sports’ 2024 INDYCAR coverage schedule include:
Indianapolis 500 qualifying coverage from IMS airing on NBC and Peacock at 3 p.m. ET Sunday, May 19 to determine the starting grid for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
The $1 Million Challenge made-for-TV exhibition race at 12:30 p.m. ET Sunday, March 24 on NBC and Peacock at The Thermal Club outside of Palm Springs, California.
The return of the Milwaukee Mile at Wisconsin State Fair Park for the first time in nearly a decade (2015) with a doubleheader Aug. 31-Sept. 1. Exclusive coverage starts at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 31 on Peacock, with the second race at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1 on USA Network and Peacock.
The season finale for the first time at Nashville Superspeedway, determining the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion at 3 p.m. ET Sunday, Sept. 15 on NBC and Peacock.
Peacock once again will provide comprehensive streaming coverage of the 2024 season, including the exclusive presentation of the Streets of Toronto for the third consecutive year at 1 p.m. ET Sunday, July 21.

Throughout the season, Peacock will present over 120 hours of coverage, including nearly exclusive coverage of every qualifying and practice session in 2024.
Additionally, coverage surrounding the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500, all INDY NXT by Firestone races, race day warmups and full-event race replays will be available on the platform. Click here for more details.
“The 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season is going to bring quite a bit of change to the schedule, changes that should be exciting for our fans watching the broadcasts and in-person,” said 2023 Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden of Team Penske. “
New races at The Thermal Club and The Milwaukee Mile bring new venues to the schedule, and crowning a champion in my hometown, Nashville, will be must-see television. The Indianapolis 500 is always thrilling, and when you combine it all together, you get a schedule that fans will not want to miss.”



CALLUM ILOTT TO TEST WITH ARROW McLAREN IN HOMESTEAD HYBRID TEST

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From Arrow McLaren:

“Callum had a seat fit last week and will test with us in Homestead, and we’re looking forward to working with him this week”

Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team logo

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Callum Ilott will join the Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team in Homestead, Fla., this week to test with the team in a vacant seat following David Malukas’ wrist injury and operation on Feb. 13.

Pato O’Ward will be in the car on Feb. 20, Callum will test with the team February 21, and Alexander Rossi will round out the three-day hybrid test on Feb. 22.

The team is currently considering options for its reserve driver lineup for the No. 6 NTT DATA Arrow McLaren Chevrolet for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg the weekend of March 8-10. The team will announce who will pilot its third car for the race in due course.  

Gavin Ward, Team Principal, Arrow McLaren, said:  

“We all wish David a speedy recovery, and we’re working out some options with the No. 6 NTT DATA Arrow McLaren Chevrolet crew in the meantime. Callum had a seat fit last week and will test with us in Homestead, and we’re looking forward to working with him this week. Then, hopefully we’ll be able to confirm our roster for St. Pete soon after.”  

Callum Ilott, Driver, said: 

“Obviously, I feel sorry for David and the team. It’s not easy to be in this position especially just ahead of the start of the season. I wish him the best and a speedy recovery. I’m glad I’m able to help out the team, and it’s a privilege to test this week with Arrow McLaren. I’m thankful they’re considering me for the opportunity.” 

St. Pete Grand Prix Gets Ready for 20 Year Celebration

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The Firestone Grand Prix of St. P{etersburg track build begins next Monday as the city begins celebrating the 20th year of Indycar racing in the streets.

Mayor Ken Welch told the crowd gathered for the opening ceremonies this morning that the race is “part of the fabric of the city.”

I have attended the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg since 2013, and I can vouch for this. I have seen tremendous growth in the event and in the participation of local businesses.

Kevin Savoree, co-owner of Green Savoree Promotions, said that the track will stand for 26 days from building start to tear down. He said that the city allows them 75 days, but they have worked diligently to cut the time frame down. I remember when the building of the track took more than a month. When I arrived this morning the framework for the front stretch grandstands was already in place.

Co-owner Kim Green said that ticket sales are ahead of 202, which saw a record crowd attend the Grand Prix.

The organizers have enhanced some auxiliary events and added some new ones in honor of the special year.

The March 8-10 race weekend begins Thursday night with the Party in the Park, which will feature a parade of cars down Bayshore Boulevard. The 5k run on the track follows the party. More details will be in the next post.

A formal celebration of the 20th anniversary of the race will take place in the Mahaffey Theater. Many previous winners are scheduled to appear. Tickets are available to the public, but they are pricey.

Saturday night is a free concert with Brett Michaels.

Oh yeah. There’s some racing, too. In addition to the Indycar season opener, Indy NXT and the Road to Indy will begin their seasons, and the IMSA VP Challenge Series will race on Saturday. The series features two classes, LMP3 cars and GT4 sports cars.

Last year’s winner Marcus Ericsson attended today’s festivities. I spoke with him. Ericsson is excited to begin driving for Andretti Global. He feels his experience in F1 and his stint at the Rolex 24 in the GTP car will help him when the ERS component comes online later in the season. Ericsson seemed happy that the season will end on an oval, and he is happy that another oval is now on the schedule.

Another indication of the growth of this event I noticed today is what seemed to be a larger than usual media presence at this opening event.

We are just three weeks and a day from the first track action for 2024. After a long off season of turmoil, I can’t wait to focus on cars at speed.

Stadium Construction, Lack of Access, Led to Nashville Race Switch

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Scott Borchetta, head of the Music City Grand Prix, said switching the Indycar season finale to Nashville Super Speedway was necessary for several reasons. Construction of the new Titans Stadium, scheduled to be completed in 2027, consumed much of the old track layout’s footprint. Race organizers felt there would not be access for the teams or fans with the altered layout.

Borchetta took over as head of the Music City Grand Prix group in December. he quickly realized that there was not enough time to get everything in place. The NFL schedule doesn’t come out until May; the Titans might have a home game that weekend. The new mayor has lengthened the process for city council approval of items.

Race organizers still plan to retain the festival atmosphere of race weekend in Nashville and at the track, which is about 35 miles from downtown. Borchetta said there will be shuttles to the track for people who have booked lodging in Nashville assuming the race would be on the streets.

I’m not sure if Nashville had begun selling tickets yet. Borchetta said nothing about sales already made for 2024.

Some Thoughts

Switching the season finale to an oval may have an effect on the championship. Six of the last eight races are now oval events. Does this give Josef Newgarden an advantage?

I have always maintained that the finale should be an oval race. An oval provides a chance for a fairer fight in a close points battle. I am glad that the switch happened.

The 2024 season now has seven ovals, four street races, and six natural road course races. I think this is a proper mix of events for the series. It would be nice if the oval events were more spread out over the summer than all being bunched up at the end of the year.

To the fans who have clamored for more ovals the past few years.: There are no excuses now. If you want to see this nice increase in ovals continue, get out to the tracks. Nashville especially needs to be well attended.

Update-Malukas out Six Weeks Malukas Injury May Delay His Season Debut

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An update- Marshall Pruett reports that Davis Malukas will be out six as his left wrist heals. His first would be Long Beach April 21

Athletes gonna Athlete. Sometimes their need to challenge themselves results in an off-season mishap. Arrow McLaren driver David Malukas fractured his hand in a mountain biking accident and had surgery yesterday. The injury will likely keep him out of next week’s testing and the full grid test at Sebring the last week of February. It may also prevent him from starting the season at St. Pete the weekend of March 8-10.

I think he will be in the car for the season opener. Other drivers have driven with broken hands before. Jimmie Johnson fractured a bone in his hand in a practice crash at Long Beach in 2022 and still drove in the race.

The injury carries a bit more significance for Malukas since this is his first season with Arrow McLaren. The team has shown little tolerance for drivers who don’t meet their standards. Missing the season opener will put Malukas in a difficult spot in the season standings. He will need to win a race to make up for it.

How restrictive can teams be in restricting their drivers’ off-season activities? Many teams don’t allow drivers to race in some other series, and there have been restrictions on things like skydiving in some contracts. Will this incident lead to more restrictive contracts in the future?

I wish David a speedy recovery. He is one of the best interviews in the paddock, and a great guy. I as hoping this would be his breakout season with a strong team. It still may be, but we might have to wait until midseason to see him realize his potential