NBC announced more than 60 hours of coverage of activities at Indianapolis Motor Speedway leading up to and including the 108th Indianapolis 500 and the Sonsio Grand Prix. All times listed below are Eastern Time.
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.
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.”
3:30 PM NTT INDYCAR SERIES Honda Indy TorontoPeacock
We missed out on tying history yesterday when Colton Herta earned his second pole of the season, but another mark could be tied today. If Scott Dixon wins, and I have had a good feeling about him all week, he will tie Mario Andretti for second place in career victories with 52. Dixon’s last win came at Texas in race 1 May 1, 2021. Dixon has won at least one race every season since 2005.
Four rookies in the top 12 starting spots makes for a bit of tension at the start. Yesterday was the 2022 rookie class’ best overall day of the season. Can they back up their qualifying performances with good results today?
The alternate tires may not see a lot of action today We could see some early pit stops, especially if there is an early caution, to get back to blacks for the rest of the race. The track is too sort for an alternate strategy to work.
There will be yellows. The timing and length of each will play into the outcome.
It should be a fun race. It’s great to have Toronto back on the schedule.
After a two year absence, the Honda Indy Toronto returns to Exhibition Place. Sunday’s event will be the 35th race in Toronto. Double headers took place in 2013 and 2014. While it is one of he older races on the calendar, this year presents some new challenges. This weekend marks the first race in Toronto for the aeroscreen. Because of the two year COVID hiatus, only 12 of the 25 drivers have raced at this track.
Toronto is the first race following the dispute between Chip Ganassi Racing and Arrow McLaren SP over the services of Alex Palou for 2023. I prefer my racing drama on the track, but I am interested in seeing how this plays out. I will discuss my thoughts on this later today.
Will Power didn’t seem to think the lack of experience will be an issue. he told the media Tuesday that experience is not a factor.
“Basically with simulators and video and everything, it doesn’t really give you an advantage any more. I think people turn up, they pretty much know the track. Yeah, it’s anyone’s guess who will be the quickest there and what the top 10 would be, honestly,” Power said.
Power thinks the forward weight of the aeroscreen might help at Toronto.
“I’ve actually found at Toronto, as the weight has gone forward, it’s really helped. On those really slippery cement patches, the actual weight downforce matters, so you get more weight force on the front tires, and it actually helps turn the car. That was a big problem when the car had really rearward weight, that the front tires would not work over that cement.”
This weekend will be the first race in 2022 without a woman driving a car. The number 11 car of A. J. Foyt Racing is not entered due to nonpayment by the sponsor, Rokit. The car may return later in the season.
Paddock Drama
The Andretti team drama we saw at Mid Ohio should be gone this week. Toronto is not a track to be running into other cars. I haven’t heard how the team test at Iowa went, but I think we’ll see good behavior from the drivers thuis weekend.
Chip Ganassi racing confirmed that Alex Palou will drive for them this weekend after the midweek dispute with Arrow McLaren SP over his 2023 employment. Both claim to have a deal with palou for next season, though McLaren doesn’t necessarily intend for him to be in Indycar. I will have thoughts on this topic in a separate story later today.
Points Battle
Marcus Ericsson takes a 20 point lead over Will Power and a 34 point lead over Josef Newgarden into Canada. Alex Palou is just 35 points behind, and Pato O’Ward trails the leader by 65 points.
Ericsson needs at least one more win to be in a good position to win the title. More important, Ericsson does not need is a bad race.
We could possibly see a change at the top of the standings Sunday.
First Repeat Pole Winner?
I have a feeling the string of nine different pole winners in nine races will be broken on Saturday by either Josef Newgarden or Will Power. Both Penske drivers have had success at Toronto, and Team Penske is having a strong season.
I still believe the series will match the record of 10 different pole winners set in 1952.
Dixon’s 52nd Win
Will Scott Dixon win again? Sunday mat be the day the six time series champion finally gets the victory that ties him with Mario Andretti on the all time career list. I think this week’s race is probably is last best chance this year.
One of the reasons I planned to go to all the races this year was to witness Dixon’s 52nd win. It stands to reason it will happen at the one race I don’t get to.
A reminder– Sunday’s race is only on Peacock Premium. I understand there are deals for a one week free trial out there in cyberspace. This week would ne a good one to find that offer.
7:30 AM Spectator Gates Open 8:45 AM – 9:45 AM INDYCAR Practice #2-Peacock 9:55 AM – 10:15 AM HMSA Qualifying 10:20 AM – 10:35 AM IMSA Series Pit Set Up 10:45 AM – 11:25 AM Porsche Carrera Cup Race #1 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM IMSA WeatherTech Championship Autograph Session (IMSA Paddock – free to all spectators) 12:05 PM – 1:20 PM INDYCAR Qualifying & FIRESTONE FAST 6– Peacock 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM Commence IMSA Pre-Race 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Start of IMSA Sportscar Grand Prix of Long Beach (100 min) 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM Stadium SUPER Trucks Race #1 5:15 PM – 5:35 PM Historic IMSA GTP Challenge Race #1 6:00 PM Acura and ELS Present Saturday Concert Starring Royal Machines w/special guests (Terrace Plaza in front of the Long Beach Performing Arts Center) 6:00 PM – 6:20 PM Super Drift Practice 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM Formula D Super Drift Challenge Competition #2
Three news items from Friday.
First, Indycar has assessed a six place grid penalty to Devlin DeFrancesco for avoidable contact during the EXPEL 375 at Texas. DeFrancesco was deemed to be at fault in all three caution periods.
Devlin DeFrancesco
I’m glad Indycar has taken this step. This action sets a good example of the conduct expected of drivers.
DeFrancesco was 25th in Friday’s practice. If he qualifies there, it won’t be much of a penalty. I have not known Indycar to carry over grid penalties to the following race.
Following yesterday’s practice, Jimmie Johnson did not appear at the autograph session. He posted the following video to Twitter.
Johnson apparently suffered the injury when he hit the tire barrier during practice. It sounds like Johnson will be reevaluated in the morning before practice. If he is not cleared to drive, Ganassi has a pretty good substitute who is in Long Beach for IMSA.-some guy named Bourdais.
NBC announced that Peacock will again have an untimed post-race show on Sunday immediately after the NBC broadcast ends. I could get used to this.
Track Record in Jeopardy?
Simon Pagenaud’s time was within one second of the track record, set by Helio Castroneves in 2017. Today’s cooler temperatures and using the red alternate tires could result in a new speed mark for the Long Beach track.
A sleeper pick for pole is Marcus Ericsson. Ericsson led much of the first half of practice yesterday.
Friday Report
Attendance was big at the first day of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. I’m sure empty grandstands were noticeable on Peacock. Most people spent the day inside the convention center to avoid the near 100 degree temperatures. Today the high should be around 72 degrees and for race we are looking at 68 degrees for a high.
The numerous displays in the convention center range from auto manufacturers to car accessories to home and health products. The center is a massive building. It was nice to have the option of being inside to avoid the extreme heat.
I stumbled upon a fan Q& A with the drivers from A. J. Foyt Racing.
From left: Dalton Kellett, Tatiana Calderon, Kyle Kirkwood
The line for the autograph session stretched around the corner. I wonder how big it would have been had fans known Jimmie Johnson would not be htere.
I had forgotten how much walking is required at this track. I am enjoying being back here, and I hope to get back one more time. If you live in the East, this is not a race you would want to do annually.
I will close with a few shots of on track action. the cars are entering turn 9.
Alexander Rossi leads Romain Grosjean and Dalton KellettMarcus Ericsson could be in contention for the pole today.Pato O’Ward, Helio Castroneves
Back later with reports on morning practice and qualifying.
Race weekend: Friday, April 8 – Sunday, April 10 Track: 1.968-mile, 11-turn temporary street course (clockwise) in Long Beach, California Race distance: 85 laps / 167.28 miles Push-to-pass parameters: 200 seconds of total time with a maximum time of 20 seconds per activation. Firestone tire allotment: Six sets primary, four sets alternate. Rookie drivers are allowed one extra primary set for Practice 1. Twitter: @GPLongBeach @INDYCAR, #AGPLB, #INDYCAR Event website: www.gplb.com INDYCAR website: www.INDYCAR.com 2021 race winner: Colton Herta (No. 26 Gainbridge Honda) 2021 NTT P1 Award: Josef Newgarden (No. 2 Hitachi Team Penske Chevrolet), 1:08.2241, 103.846 mph Qualifying lap record: Helio Castroneves, 1:06.2254, 106.980 mph, April 8, 2017 NBC Sports race telecast: 3 p.m. (ET) Sunday, April 10, 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, Dave Burns and Kevin Lee are the pit reporters. 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. NBC’s Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach race telecast will be simulcast on the streaming service, while Peacock Premium’s exclusive post-race show – featuring driver interviews, podium ceremonies and post-race analysis – will be streamed following the race. INDYCAR Radio Network broadcasts: Mark Jaynes is the chief announcer alongside analyst Davey Hamilton and turn announcers Nick Yeoman, Jake Query and Michael Young. Ryan Myrehn and Joel Sebastianelli are the pit reporters. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach 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. At-track schedule (all times local): Friday, April 8 3:15-4:15 p.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice 1 (45-minute session), Peacock Premium (live) Saturday, April 9 8:45-9:45 a.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice 2 (45-minute session), Peacock Premium (live) 12:05 p.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying for the NTT P1 Award (three rounds of knockout qualifying), Peacock Premium (live) Sunday, April 10 9-9:30 a.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES warmup, Peacock Premium (live) Noon – Driver introductions Noon – NBC on air 12:38 p.m. – Start engines command 12:45 p.m. – Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach (85 laps/167.28 miles), NBC and Peacock Premium (live) Race Notes: This weekend’s Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will mark the 38th INDYCAR SERIES event on the historic Long Beach street circuit. Mario Andretti won the first INDYCAR SERIES race there in 1984. Colton Herta won the race in 2021. There have been two winners in two races in 2022 – Scott McLaughlin (St. Petersburg) and Josef Newgarden (Texas). The last time Team Penske won the first three races of an INDYCAR SERIES season was in 2012 when Helio Castroneves (St. Petersburg) and Will Power (Barber, Long Beach and Sao Paulo) claimed wins in the first four races. Since 2012, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES has averaged just under nine different race winners per season, including a record-tying 11 winners in 2014. There were nine different winners in the 16 races of 2021, with equally tight competition projected for this season. There have been seven different winners in the last 10 NTT INDYCAR SERIES races (Marcus Ericsson, Pato O’Ward, Alex Palou, Josef Newgarden, Will Power, Colton Herta and Scott McLaughlin). The only repeat winners in that stretch are Newgarden (Mid-Ohio and WWT Raceway in 2021 and Texas in 2022), Palou (Road America and Portland in 2021) and Herta (Laguna Seca and Long Beach in 2021). Three California natives are entered: 2021 Long Beach race winner Colton Herta hails from Valencia while Andretti Autosport teammate and 2018 and 2019 Long Beach race winner Alexander Rossi is a native of Nevada City. Chip Ganassi Racing’s Jimmie Johnson is from El Cajon. Herta has won the last three INDYCAR SERIES races held in the Golden State (Laguna Seca 2019, Laguna Seca 2021 and Long Beach 2021). Al Unser Jr. has won the most times at Long Beach (six). Will Power and Alexander Rossi are the only entered drivers with multiple wins. Power won in 2008 and 2012, and Rossi won in 2018 and 2019. Other former race winners scheduled to compete are Helio Castroneves (2001), Takuma Sato (2013), Scott Dixon (2015), Simon Pagenaud (2016) and Colton Herta (2021). Five drivers have won the race from the pole – Mario Andretti (1984, 1985 and 1987), Al Unser Jr. (1989-90), Helio Castroneves (2001), Sebastien Bourdais (2006-07) and Alexander Rossi (2018-19). Twenty-one of the 26 drivers entered have competed in INDYCAR SERIES races at Long Beach. Will Power has 15 starts, most among all entered drivers. Ten entered drivers have led laps: Helio Castroneves 194, Power 170, Alexander Rossi 151, Scott Dixon 104, Takuma Sato 67, Simon Pagenaud 54, Colton Herta 43, Josef Newgarden 22, Graham Rahal 4 and Jack Harvey 1. Six NTT INDYCAR SERIES rookies – Tatiana Calderon, Devlin DeFrancesco, Callum Ilott, Kyle Kirkwood, Christian Lundgaard and David Malukas – are expected to compete. All but Ilott will be making their first INDYCAR SERIES start on the Streets of Long Beach. Milestones: Alexander Rossi will attempt to make his 100th NTT INDYCAR SERIES start … Scott Dixon will attempt to make his 291st consecutive start, the second-longest streak in INDYCAR SERIES history.
12:45 PM Green Flag for the Expel 375 NBC coverage begins at 12:30 PM
Post race show on Peacock after NBC coverage ends
Race time temperature should be around 69 degrees and sunny, rising to the mid 70s by the end of the race.
The race should be very competitive. I think any one of the first seven starters could win. Pole sitter Felix Rosenqvist is confident of his chances. Josef Newgarden was very quick in the practice sessions. Many Texas races have come down to a late yellow and cars diving into the pits for new tires. The leader is a sitting duck in this situation.
Nathan Brown of the Indianapolis Star posted a story last night in which he reported that the efforts to reduce the effect of the JP 1 compound have not changed much. We are likely to see a single file race again. That would be a shame. Some of Indycar’s best races have been at Texas Motor Speedway.
Will Power led the effort for a high downforce session to attempt to scrub off the JP1 compound
This is possibly the last Indycar race at TMS for a while. there has been no talk about renewing the relationship this weekend. Attendance yesterday extremely low. I am not anticipating a large turnout today.
The Pit Window by Mike Silver 