Category: NTT Indy

NEWTON, Iowa (Friday, July 12, 2024) – James Roe knew what he accomplished Friday at Iowa Speedway, but he didn’t immediately know the spoils that came with it.

In addition to winning the first INDY NXT by Firestone pole of his career, the Irishman set a track record with a two-lap qualifying average of 170.625 mph.

If that wasn’t enough, Roe led a 1-2-3 sweep of qualifying for Andretti Global.

“I didn’t know (all) that – there you go,” Roe said.

The series’ track-record speed had stood since 2017 when Colton Herta ran 163.835 mph. Friday, 17 drivers eclipsed with the help of repaved corners.

Driving the No. 29 Topcon machine, Roe will lead the Andretti Global contingent comprised of Louis Foster, whose second lap in the No. 26 Copart/Novara Technologies entry fell off just enough for him to settle for the No. 2 starting position. Jamie Chadwick qualified third in the No. 28 VEXT car.

Michael Andretti’s three drivers will lead the 18-car pack to the green flag in Saturday’s INDY NXT by Firestone at Iowa Speedway (2 p.m. ET, Peacock, INDYCAR Radio Network). They had the only cars to complete the two-lap qualifying runs with average speeds in excess of 170 mph. Foster’s average was 170.601 mph while Chadwick posted 170.387 mph.

The only other pole of Roe’s professional career came in 2021 in the Indy Pro 2000 race at World Wide Technology Raceway driving for Turn 3 Motorsport.

“I can’t thank these guys enough,” Roe said of Andretti Global. “It’s been a hell of a few weeks. Yeah, here we are. We’ve got a rocket ship. So, let’s get the job done tomorrow.”

Roe qualified fourth for last year’s INDY NXT by Firestone race at this track. He finished ninth. He also has never won a race in this series. He is ninth in the season standings.

“We were strong here last year,” Roe said. “We knew that our (qualifying) car was mega, so it was a matter of just putting it together. Honestly, we guessed a little bit on setup. I left the pits and said I’m holding it flat … to the checkers.”

CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
HY-VEE DOUBLEHEADER WEEKEND
IOWA SPEEDWAY
NEWTON, IOWA
TEAM CHEVY PRACTICE ONE
JULY 12, 2024

SCOTT MCLAUGHLIN SETS THE PACE IN ONLY PRACTICE AT IOWA SPEEDWAY

COMPRESSED SCHEDULE ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ADDS TO EXCITEMENT OF THE DOUBLEHEADER ON THE FAST SHORT TRACK

• Scott McLaughlin took his NO. 3 XPEL Team Penske Chevrolet to the top of the scoring pilon as the 90-minute session, the only practice available to teams for the weekend, came to a close
• McLaughlin’s fastest lap was 17.3134 seconds at 185.891 mph edging close to the standing track record of 17.23 seconds at 186.8 mph set by Helio Castroneves in 2014 driving the No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet
• As the session was winding down, McLaughlin gave the highline a try, but ended up spinning down the track out of turn four without any damage to the car
• Last Sunday’s winner at Mid-Ohio, Pato O’Ward driving his familiar No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, was third quickest with a lap of 17.4767 seconds at 184.154 mph
• Team Chevy finished practice with five of the top-10 in the final order
• Prior to the start of the full field practice, INDYCAR split the field in half giving each group 15 minutes to run the high line only in an attempt to make two solid racing lines
• The schedule on Saturday will commence with single car two lap qualifying at 3:45 p.m. ET. Lap one will determine the starting position for Race One, and the second lap will set their starting position for Race Two. The first 250-lap event of the weekend, the Hy-Vee Homefront 250, takes the green flag live on NBC at 8 p.m. ET. Sunday sees the second of the two races, with the Hy-Vee One Step 250, airs live at 12 p.m. ET Sunday on NBC. All practice and qualifying sessions broadcast with Peacock, INDYCAR Radio, and SiriusXM Channel 218.

TEAM CHEVY TOP-10 PRACTICE RESULT:
Pos. Driver
1st Scott McLaughlin (17.3134)
3rd Pato O’Ward (17.4767)
5th Alexander Rossi (17.5119)
7th Agustin Canapino (17.5278)
10th Will Power (17.5965)

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet:

“From the start, the car was pretty good off the truck even with the changes to the downforce and to the tire that we have for this race. But ultimately it felt pretty solid. I knew we had pace in it as I was building up to the run. I got a clean enough run so I made the most of it to put up a good lap. Hopefully we get a good place to start. We need to adjust a couple of things for turn four because it easy to get up there in the marbles, but I think is going to prove difficult for everyone. But so far, so good.”

NTT INDYCAR SERIES News Conference

Friday, July 12, 2024

Scott McLaughlin

Press Conference Transcript

Q. Scott McLaughlin, did the wind affect you at all in your spin in four?

SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: No. It was just pure driver problem. But, yeah, the wind is stronger than we had when we tested here. No, yeah, it wasn’t a major factor today.

Q. (No microphone.)

SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: I definitely think it’s probably not as useful on an oval as it is on a road course. You still have the ability to use it. We still see a difference when you deploy it in some areas.

I believe people are going to use it in qualifying. People are going to use it in the race. But yeah, it’s certainly a lot easier to charge. Probably not a huge difference from a lap time perspective over 30, 40 laps.

It’s there if we need it, which is fun to use.

Q. Not much turnaround time between a night race tomorrow night and an early start on Sunday. You guys are racers, so you go out there and do what you need to do to win the race. How well-prepared do the teams have to be to have an extra car ready to go in case the Saturday night car gets in a crash?

SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: It’s certainly a tough schedule going from a night race into a late morning one. The teams have been prepared for it for a long time.

Ultimately, you never want to crash. Obviously, if you do, you have a shunt on Saturday. It puts a little bit of pressure on them. Every team on pit lane has some of the best people in the world. I’m sure it’s easy to put a car going. You don’t want to do it. It’s not easy, but it is what it is.

But yeah, the commitment is there, and they’re ready to go if need be.

Q. Was there any actual tire deg or is it just the layups? Was there legit tire deg?

SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: There’s some tire deg. Not as much as we’ve seen in the past. I think that’s more track specific than tires or whatnot.

Definitely, like Scottie said, I think it sucks a little bit that the repave is not great for us, but it is what it is. Everyone’s got the same track to deal with, so see how we go.

THE MODERATOR: Thank you, Scott

ABOUT CHEVROLET

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heartbeat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com

NEWTON, Iowa (Friday, July 12, 2024) – Twenty-seven NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers had a lot to learn Friday at Iowa Speedway, and they had a short time to do it.

Friday’s 90-minute practice was the lone such session of the weekend as the series prepares for a pair of points-paying races: the Hy-Vee Homefront 250 presented by Instacart on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET and the Hy-Vee One Step 250 presented by Gatorade on Sunday at noon ET.

Both races will air live on NBC, Peacock and the INDYCAR Radio Network.

The drivers spent Friday learning how to navigate the track’s freshly paved corners that have made lap times significantly quicker. Additionally, there are nuances to using INDYCAR’s new hybrid technology for the first time on an oval track. The energy recovery system made its series debut last week at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, a road course race won by Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward.

Finally, there is an adaption to Firestone’s right-side tire compound that is different than what the field tested at the .894-mile short oval last month. And if that wasn’t enough, INDYCAR mandated a 10 percent reduction in downforce that has teams trying new chassis setups.

It added up to an adventurous practice, with no less than six drivers having tense moments, most in the latter part of the session.

The car of Andretti Global’s Marcus Ericsson took right-side damage after he lost control of the No. 28 Delaware Life Honda in Turn 3. The impact was first with the right rear, then with the right front. The winner of the 2022 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge was not injured, but the accident happened on just his fourth lap of practice, which meant he won’t get another lap until Saturday’s qualifying session.

“Really strange,” Ericsson said of losing control. “I was so comfortable … a massive setback.”

Katherine Legge also had to scramble at that end of the track. Her No. 51 e.l.f. Cosmetics Honda of Dale Coyne Racing was passing Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s No. 45 Hy-Vee Honda driven by Christian Lundgaard in Turn 4 when the car began to slide. The driver who last raced at this track in 2012 was able to keep the car off the wall, preventing damage.

Santino Ferrucci saw his No. 14 AJ FOYT RACING/SEXTON PROPERTIES Chevrolet push nearly to the wall in Turn 4. Moments later, Agustin Canapino lost control of his No. 78 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet in Turn 2 while following Will Power in the No. 12 Verizon Business Team Penske Chevrolet. Neither car touched the wall.

Returning to pit road, Canapino took light contact from Scott Dixon and his No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. Dixon said he mistook Canapino for the team’s sister car, driven by Romain Grosjean, and didn’t realize Canapino was pitting. Again, neither car took significant damage.

Finally, as the session was ending, Scott McLaughlin spun his No. 3 XPEL Team Penske Chevrolet off Turn 4 as Legge did. He, too, got away without damaging the car.

“That proves to kids growing up, like don’t give up if you’re spinning,” McLaughlin said.

McLaughlin said he lost control as a result of trying the outside lane, a part of the track where the older surface doesn’t have as much grip. That’s also where excess tire rubber builds up, he said, something all drivers will have to watch for in the races to come.

McLaughlin finished with the session’s fastest lap at 185.891 mph. He will be one of the drivers trying to break Helio Castroneves’ track-record speed of 186.809 mph set in 2014 when NTT P1 Award qualifying is held Saturday at 3:45 p.m. ET (Peacock, INDYCAR Radio Network).

Each car-and-driver combination will get two timed laps, the first lap determining the starting position for Race 1 and the second establishing grid position for Race 2.

Other drivers to watch are series leader Alex Palou, who had the second-fastest lap in Friday’s practice in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda and O’Ward, who drives the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet. They turned laps of 185.536 and 184.154 mph, respectively.

David Malukas (No. 66 AutoNation/Arctic Wolf Honda of Meyer Shank Racing) and Alexander Rossi (No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet) rounded out Friday’s top five at 184.112 and 183.784 mph.

Josef Newgarden (No. 2 Hitachi Astemo Team Penske Chevrolet) won both of these races last year. His quickest lap Friday ranked 15th.

CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
HY-VEE HOMEFRONT 250 & HY-VEE ONE STEP 250
IOWA SPEEDWAY
NEWTON, IOWA
TEAM CHEVY RACE ADVANCE
JULY 12-14, 2024

CHEVROLET SHIFTS GEARS TO IOWA SPEEDWAY FOR THE HY-VEE DOUBLEHEADER WEEKEND

• In the 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 era since 2012, Chevrolet holds 11 wins in 14 events at the 0.875-mile Iowa Speedway.
• Since 2012, Team Chevy has also captured the NTT P1 Pole Award in 13 of 14 events.
• In the V6 era since 2012, Chevrolet has led 3,519 laps at Iowa Speedway of the 3,850 total laps, for 91.4%.
• Chevrolet additionally has swept the Iowa Speedway doubleheader weekend in the three events it has hosted, including 2020, 2022, and 2023.
• Team Chevy has swept the podium at Iowa Speedway in six of the 14 events, including 2012, 2013, 2016, 2022 Race 1, 2022 Race 2, and 2023 Race 1.
• Team owner and driver Ed Carpenter returns to the Team Chevy lineup, driving the No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet at Iowa Speedway this weekend.

DETROIT (July 11, 2024) – With momentum gained from Pato O’Ward and Arrow McLaren’s victory in the 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 with hybrid technology debut at Mid-Ohio this past weekend, Chevrolet looks next to the 0.875-mile tri-oval of Iowa Speedway to continue their hot streak in the first of two doubleheader weekends on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule.

The 10th and 11th rounds on tap in the hunt for the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship, Chevrolet holds a stellar record at “The World’s Fastest Short Track,” with 11 wins in the 14 events held during the V6 era since 2012. Locking out the podium six times as well as qualifying on pole in 13 of the 14 events, Team Chevy has swept the previous three doubleheader weekends at Iowa, including 2020 (Simon Pagenaud and Josef Newgarden), 2022 (Josef Newgarden and Pato O’Ward), and 2023 (Josef Newgarden in both). Combined, Chevrolet has led 3,519 laps at Iowa of the 3,850 turned in competition during the V6 era since 2012, for 91.4%.

“It was a successful start to the V6 hybrid era with Pato (O’Ward) and Arrow McLaren securing the first victory with the new technology on board in Mid-Ohio for Chevrolet,” said Mark Stielow, Director of Motorsports Competition Programs for General Motors. “Shifting forward to Iowa this weekend, it’s a demanding oval both mentally and physically on our Team Chevy drivers, and mixing in the July heat with the new hybrid technology during a doubleheader, it will be a challenge that we are ready for. Iowa has been a great proving ground for Chevrolet, a place to showcase our strong success, dedication, and hard work, and we’re looking forward to potentially adding a 12th and 13th win on the oval there this weekend.”

After the successful Mid-Ohio debut of the V6 engine with hybrid technology, Iowa Speedway will be the first oval for the new tool in competition after extensive collaboration, research, and testing by the series and both manufacturers.

Of the V6 era since 2012, including the hybrid technology debut, Chevrolet holds 116 wins since 2012 in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 208 race events, as well as 130 earned NTT P1 Pole Awards, eight manufacturer titles, and six Indianapolis 500 victories.

The doubleheader weekend at Iowa Speedway kicks off with practice on Friday at 3:35 p.m. ET, transitioning then to Saturday with qualifying and Firestone Fast Six at 3:45 p.m. ET. The first 250-lap event of the weekend, the Hy-Vee Homefront 250, takes the green flag live on NBC at 8 p.m. ET. Sunday sees the second of the two races, with the Hy-Vee One Step 250, airs live at 12 p.m. ET Sunday on NBC. All practice and qualifying sessions broadcast with Peacock, INDYCAR Radio, and SiriusXM Channel 218.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING (Quotes):

Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet:

“It was really good to have both not only the Iowa hybrid test but the Milwaukee hybrid test as well because it gave us a head start on a car setup, and really figuring out what I like as a driver and what I don’t like, I think that that’s really important. Also, James (Schnabel) is still learning me as a driver, so getting the car comfortable for me to be fast is crucial. And we were able to do that at the hybrid test.

“I think it’s definitely going to be a different experience using (the hybrid technology) in Iowa. I think that the hybrid is less effective on the short oval just because of the minimum speeds and how we carry the corners. So, I don’t think I’ll really using the hybrid much other than maybe for starting qualifying off and you know being able to play defense and offense but for normal running, I probably won’t be using much of it. I do enjoy racing at Iowa and I’ve had a lot of fun, fun races there. I love the fact that it’s normally two to three lanes. Unfortunately, I don’t think that’s going to be the case this year, but we’re gonna have our fingers crossed for the highline practice so we can make sure we have a two-lane racetrack.”

Sting Ray Robb, No. 41 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet:

“The repave completely changed the track. The increase in grip means less tire wear and more fatigue for the drivers. There will need be different demands on the car than we initially thought too. Making a “quali” [qualifying] car and a car to last the race will be interesting.

“(Running two races so close together is physically) incredibly difficult. I expect this to be the most physical weekend of the year. This is due to the temperatures at the track, plus the increase in grip over past years here. Good sleep, lots of food, and lots of hydration I think will be some key points for the weekend. I think it could be a fun race with a good car where we are competitive. I know the race can be won and lost on pitlane on such a short oval like Iowa, so those will be one of the main focuses through the weekend to nail down. “

Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“We have a big doubleheader this weekend coming off the win at Mid-Ohio. This weekend at Iowa Speedway is probably going to be one of the most physical races weekends of the season. The hybrid system and repave should keep things interesting. I hope we come out of Iowa with better results than we did last year and keep some positive momentum rolling.”

Nolan Siegel, No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“It’s a big shift going into short track racing now, but I’m really excited. It’ll be the first oval race with the hybrid system, so there is still a lot to learn. Historically, Arrow McLaren has always been super strong on ovals, so I’m really excited to do my first oval with the team. We had a successful test there a couple weeks ago and I think we’re going to have a strong car and a solid shot at it this weekend. I’m excited to see what we can do and start building better results.”

Alexander Rossi, No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“I can’t wait to get back to Iowa for the first doubleheader of the year. It’s going to be a hot and intense weekend, but I think we’ll have strong cars and I can’t wait to get going.”

Gavin Ward, Team Principal at Arrow McLaren:

“The win last weekend in Mid-Ohio definitely provided a boost of confidence for the team heading into the second half of the season. We’ve been strong at Iowa Speedway in the past but, as we found at our recent test here, the repave has really changed the characteristics of the track. We’re hoping to pull together everything we learnt from the test and roll off the trucks with a competitive package for all three cars. The atmosphere at this race is so cool with the concerts and IndyCar short oval racing is hard to beat. As a team our focus remains one of continual improvement and enjoying the process of competing at the highest level. If we can keep doing that, the results will take care of themselves.”

Ed Carpenter, No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:

“The Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend has become a highlight of the calendar for me. I have always really enjoyed racing at Iowa Speedway and it has turned into a really fun and unique event! For sure, it will be a challenge with the new surface and somewhat unknown tire and downforce package. The team has really been coming on strong the second half of the season. I am excited to pick up where Christian (Rasmussen) left off at Mid-Ohio and get more great results for the team!”

Rinus VeeKay, No. 21 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:

“I am excited for Iowa, such a cool track! It will be interesting with the new surface to see how the racing will be, and there have been some changes made in downforce levels and tire compounds since the test. But we had good speed during the test! This is kind of the start of the oval season, so that’s pretty cool. Two races and one at night, which will be exciting. I love night races! I am just looking forward to bouncing back in a strong way this weekend and working back towards the Top 10 in points!”

Romain Grosjean, No. 77 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet:

“Iowa is a fun little racetrack where the races were awesome in the past. There has been a few changes made to the track so we will see how that plays out for us. We will try to start our oval season pretty well in Iowa with two races.”

Agustin Canapino, No. 78 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet:

“We arrived in Iowa, which is a very important weekend because it is double (race). It is an oval that last year we had very good potential, and we were satisfied with the tests carried out a few days ago. We are going to try to have a great weekend and take many points.”

Chevrolet in Iowa (since 2012, V6 era, pre-hybrid):

Wins at Iowa: 11

2012: Ryan Hunter-Reay

2013: James Hinchcliff

2016: Josef Newgarden

2017: Helio Castroneves

2019: Josef Newgarden

2020 (Race 1): Simon Pagenaud

2020 (Race 2): Josef Newgarden

2022 (Race 1): Josef Newgarden

2022 (Race 2): Pato O’Ward

2023 (Race 1): Josef Newgarden

2023 (Race 2): Josef Newgarden

Earned Pole Awards at Iowa: 13

2013: Helio Castroneves

2014: Scott Dixon

2015: Helio Castroneves

2016: Simon Pagenaud

2017: Will Power

2018: Will Power

2019: Simon Pagenaud

2020 (Race 1): Conor Daly

2020 (Race 2): Josef Newgarden

2022 (Race 1): Will Power

2022 (Race 2): Will Power

2023 (Race 1): Will Power

2023 (Race 2): Will Power

Number of Team Chevy Podiums at Iowa (V6 era since 2012, pre-hybrid): 31

*Chevrolet has also swept the podium six times, including 2012, 2013, 2016, 2022 Race 1, 2022 Race 2, and 2023 Race 1.

Number of laps led by Team Chevy at Iowa (V6 era since 2012, pre-hybird): 3,519 of 3,580, or 91.4% of all laps in the V6 era since 2012.

2024 CHEVROLET BY THE NUMBERS:

1: NTT INDYCAR SERIES race as V6 engine supplier with hybrid technology integration.

1: Wins in the NTT INDYCAR Series as V6 engine supplier with hybrid technology integration since mid-2024.

207: NTT INDYCAR Series races as V6 engine supplier since 2012 return to INDYCAR.

115: Wins in the NTT INDYCAR Series since 2012.

130: Earned poles since 2012. Chevrolet holds 135 pole awards in total, with five recorded based on points for weather.

8: Manufacturer Championships since 2012.

7: Driver/entrant champions since 2012.

13: Indianapolis 500 victories by Chevrolet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

6: Indianapolis 500 wins by Chevrolet since 2012 in the V6 2.2-liter twin turbo direct injected era.

33: Number of times Chevrolet has swept the podium in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since 2012 in the V6 2.2-liter twin turbo direct injected era. In total, a manufacturer has swept the podium 53 times since 2012.

27: Wins by Will Power since 2012 – all with Chevrolet power – most of any driver with the same manufacturer.

9: Wins from the pole by Will Power with Chevrolet power since 2012, most by any driver.

46: Pole starts by Will Power since 2012 in a Chevrolet-powered car, most of any driver.

*Will Power’s career total of 70 poles makes him the all-time pole winner in INDYCAR.

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Pataskala, Ohio (9 July 2024) – Just one week after the NTT INDYCAR SERIES broke new ground by running a new hybrid powerplant for the first time ever, the series throws another new wrinkle at its teams this weekend as it will run its first doubleheader of the 2024 season with two weekend races to be held at the .875-mile Iowa Speedway oval in Newton, Iowa.

Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) started the hybrid era in fine fashion last weekend at Mid-Ohio with David Malukas (No. 66 AutoNation / Arctic Wolf Honda) matching a career-best qualifying result when he started third on the grid. Both he and Felix Rosenqvist (No. 60 AutoNation / SiriusXM Honda) finished on the lead lap and in the top 14, as MSR continues to demonstrate speed and reliability on race weekend.

Rosenqvist has led the team’s efforts thus far in 2024, earning MSR’s first INDYCAR SERIES pole position and scoring a half-dozen top-10 qualifying results through the year’s first nine points-paying races and is currently ninth in the season point standings.

MSR has two top-10 finishes to its name at Iowa Speedway, including a pair of seventh-place results coming in the 2020 doubleheader. Its current driver lineup does bring cause for optimism, as both drivers have shown well in recent visits.

Rosenqvist has seven Iowa starts with a trio of top-10 finishes to his credit. He has led in two of those starts and his best finish of fourth came in the Sunday race in last year’s doubleheader. Malukas has four starts at Iowa with three of those being from the top 10 and has turned those into a pair of top-eight finishes.

MSR recently announced its latest collaboration with SiriusXM which will showcase Eric Church’s Outsiders Radio SiriusXM channel on the No. 60 MSR machine for the double-header race weekend. The country music star will see the livery up close and personal in the MSR garages on Saturday before the first of two races at Iowa Speedway. Following Saturday’s Hy-Vee Homefront 250 presented by Instacart, Eric Church will play a special performance to close out the first day of INDYCAR race action.

The Outsiders Radio channel launched back in 2022, showcasing music from Church’s career, including his vast catalog of nearly two decades that has earned him seven ACM awards, four CMA Awards and 10 GRAMMY nominations.

Teams will qualify for the Hy-Vee Homefront 250 at 3:45pm ET on Saturday with the first of the weekend’s two races set for an 8:00pm ET start. Sunday’s race starts less than 15 hours later, with the race broadcast set for Noon ET. Both races will be carried live on NBC and Peacock. The races, along with all other INDYCAR action can be heard live on SiriusXM Channel 218.

Meyer Shank Racing Driver Quotes:

Felix Rosenqvist: “It’s a double-header and a very tough track. They repaved it so it’s going to be very physical – I think that is going to be the name of the game as far as talking with some of the other drivers. Big physical challenge, but we’ll just have to make sure we are well-prepared and hydrated and maybe get a good massage after the first race. It’s normally a very good race at an exciting track, so I’m ready to get out there.”

David Malukas: “I’m really excited to go into Iowa. It’s going to be a doubleheader and of course ovals are something that I am more used to and more comfortable with. We got a test at Iowa and the car was really quick. The team has had some good results at Mid-Ohio and Laguna so I think the next jump would be to continue that and get some good results in Iowa.”

CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
HONDA INDY 200 AT MID-OHIO
MID-OHIO SPORTS CAR COURSE
LEXINGTON, OHIO
TEAM CHEVY WINNER QUOTE
JULY 7, 2024

PATO O’WARD PUTS CHEVROLET IN VICTORY LANE AT MID-OHIO
SCOTT MCLAUGHLIN GIVES CHEVROLET TWO PODIUM SPOTS IN INDYCAR HYBRID POWER UNIT DEBUT

• Pato O Ward, No 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, won his second race of the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season with a hard-fought victory today at the debut of the INDYCAR Hybrid Power Unit
• Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Sonsio Team Penske Chevrolet., finished third to give Chevrolet two spots on the podium for the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio
• It is the 5th win of the season for Team Chevy

Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet-RACE WINNER:

YOU HAVE MADE YOUR WAY TO VICTORY LANE AGAIN, WHAT ARE THE FEELINGS?

“Yeah, that was a hard-fought race. We were really, really strong on the reds. Palou was really, really strong on the blacks. So, all I needed to do was just kind of stay at bay in the first stint and then come into the pits and put those reds on and try and close the gap. Then get him on the pit sequence or on track, but great job by the team. Ahhh, it’s been a while. I know we won St. Pete, but this is a proper win, and we earned this one this weekend.”

IS THIS THE PRODUCT OF THE EFFORT AND HARD WORK BEING PUT IN BY THIS PROGRAM?

“Yeah, I felt very comfortable with the car this weekend. From the second practice going into qualifying, we executed, and they put a really strong car under me for the race. So, hats off to Arrow/McLaren, they gave me a rocket.”

Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Sonsio Team Penske Chevrolet, FINISHED 3rd:

LONG GREEN FLAG RUNS TODAY, WHAT WERE CONDITIONS LIKE OUT THERE?

“Yeah, it was hard. We were in no mans land there, so I had my own race and was just playing with the hybrid a bit and learning it as well. I am just really proud of everyone on this Sonsio Protection Chevy. We have been up and down all year and its nice to get a solid result. Hopefully we can build on to this. Now we go to two ovals, two ovals that I really enjoy and just keep building some momentum.”

YOUR CREW CAME OVER THE RADIO AND SAID YOU WERE DOING A PERFECT JOB DURING THE RACE. HOW RELIEVING IS THAT AS A DRIVER?

“Its nice. Your confidence gets knocked around when you make a couple of mistakes here and there. You come in with a lot of expectation and you want to be good every weekend, but ultimately you are human, and everyone makes mistakes. But as I have said, I have a great team behind me, and we have to keep pushing on and keep working. There are plenty of races left in the season and we can keep on improving and see where we are at.”

Mark Stielow, Director of Motorsports Competition Programs for General Motors:

“What an exciting race today at Mid-Ohio! Congratulations to Pato O’Ward, Gavin Ward and the entire No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet team on their outstanding win. Pato drove a skilled, patient race while his crew executed flawlessly on pit lane. It was a true team win.

“There were great battles throughout the field. With Scott McLaughlin bringing the No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet to the finish in third, it is very rewarding for everyone on the Chevrolet engineering side along with our teams who have all put in countless hours to reach today’s race to have two drivers on the podium for debut of the INDYCAR Hybrid Power Unit.”

ABOUT CHEVROLET

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heartbeat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com

Lexington, Ohio (7 July 2024) – Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) had its high hopes for today’s Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio dashed on a couple of trips down Pit Lane, but the team fought back for a pair of top-15 results as David Malukas (No. 66 AutoNation / SiriusXM Honda) finished 12th while Felix Rosenqvist (No. 60 AutoNation / SiriusXM Honda) ended his day in 14th.

Malukas, who had matched his personal NTT INDYCAR SERIES best by taking the third spot in Saturday’s qualifying, ran a strong third throughout his first stint, before pitting for new Firestone alternate tires on Lap 27. Unfortunately, that was as close as he would get after a stall leaving the pit box cost him a 10-second deficit.

Malukas stayed with the same pit strategy as the leaders, making two pit stops, which gave him a chance to gain ground on those cars that made an extra stop. The strategy allowed him to show consistent on-track speed and gain a spot back on his way to the 12th-place finish.

Rosenqvist started 19th after a six-position grid penalty for an engine change, which led MSR to employ an alternate fuel strategy in hopes of earning spots. The Swedish driver started on the softer alternate Firestones in a move that saw him gain four positions before pitting in just 12 laps, but eventually brought him to three fuel stops over the 80-lap race and leaving him to finish 14th.

The 12th-place finish for Malukas was the best of the 2024 season for the No. 66 machine and marked the third time in as many tries that he has finished in the top 12 at Mid-Ohio.

The team will head one hour south back to it’s shop just outside of Columbus and turn its two-car stable over to it’s oval set up as the series heads to Iowa Speedway next weekend for the first double-header race weekend of the year.

Meyer Shank Racing Driver Quotes:

David Malukas: “Unfortunately we had some clutch issues on the pit stops and we lost about 10-15 seconds on that first stop and another few positions on the next one. Pace-wise on the reds, it wasn’t really there. Overall without all of those issues I think we would have finished in the top 5. If you told me in Laguna that I would be really upset with a P12, I would be surprised. This race is another good step forward at Meyer Shank Racing.”

Felix Rosenqvist: “P14 at Mid-Ohio. It was a very stagnant race, not much going on. We actually made up a lot of spots in the beginning, 19th to 14th. We chose the three stop strategy which I don’t think was the right decision, but it wasn’t way better or worse than the two stop strategy. We were the best car to finish on that strategy. We had great pace to be honest. We started in the back and that hurt us in the end. I learned a lot of good things and waiting for that good result that’s going to come soon.”

LEXINGTON, Ohio. (July 7, 2024) – ABEL Motorsports and Jacob Abel continued the fight for the INDY NXT by Firestone championship title, taking home a podium finish in the Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio to keep the points battle close.

Abel, driving the No. 51 ABEL Construction Dallara, dealt with a late-race vibration to bring the car home in third position for his seventh series podium of the season, keeping him in second position in the title chase. But for Abel’s teammates – Yuven Sundaramoorthy, in the No. 22 S Team Motorsports Dallara and Jordan Missig in the No. 21 ABEL Motorsports entry – early contact kept them from a solid result, though both showed race pace among the leaders.

The INDY NXT Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio took the green flag just after NTT INDYCAR SERIES warm up, with Abel starting third, Sundaramoorthy 15th and Missig 16th. Starting the race at the alternate start line on the turn three straight, the field made it safely through just one corner before an incident just ahead sent Missig off track.

Unable to turn the car once he hit the grass, Missig landed in the gravel, bringing out a full course caution. Restarted by the AMR INDYCAR safety Team, Missig rejoined the field, albeit two laps down. Sundaramoorthy took advantage of the chaos to push his way forward, settling into 12th position.

Taking the green once again on lap four, Abel balanced the effort to make a move on Louis Foster ahead, while keeping Callum Hedge behind him. Behind him, Sundaramoorthy was in the thick of a three-car battle for 10th, making a big move on the outside to score two spots, but the progress stalled out as Sundaramoorthy slid wide to avoid, making slight contact with Salvador de Alba outside – garnering a drive-through penalty for avoidable contact. He rejoined in 14th and by lap 26, was second only to the leader in terms of lap speed.

Abel continued to show pace as well, with the top three posting nearly identical lap times as Abel looked for an opportunity. Meanwhile, Missig focused on his race, continuing the learning curve in only his fifth race in the series.

With 8 laps to go, Abel began experiencing a vibration in the left front tire that proved to cost him both pace and performance. Holding his breath and nursing his car through the corners, Abel was able to manage the issue and make it to the checkered flag in third, his seventh podium in nine races. Sundaramoorthy came home 14th and Missig 17th.

“We actually had a lot of pace in the middle of the race, and I think we were catching Louis,” said Abel. “I was feeling pretty good about it, the balance was kind of coming to me. Unfortunately, I had the vibration in the left front tire so we had to take what we could get after that – knowing we had the pace but having to stop pushing to bring it home. Obviously not a super great championship day because we’ve lost to the leader a little bit more, but it could have been worse.”

“I was able to make some good moves and get by all that stuff on the start,” said Sundaramoorthy. “Bogle checked up a little bit there and I thought I had room to maneuver right, but Salvador was there, unfortunately. I feel bad for the team, the pace was there.”

“Starting in the back is its own penalty,” said Missig. “There was chaos just in front of me and I could have turned in, but I would have hit Jamie (Chadwick). The only other option was just to go straight but as soon as I got in the grass car wouldn’t turn and eventually, the gravel just kind of caught up to it. After that, it was just a matter of making the best of it. We showed pace, keeping pace with the leaders, and I gained more experience, so we’ll see what comes next. I’d love to do one or two of the ovals, to get more experience for next year.”

ABEL Motorsports thanks partners ABEL Construction Company, Advance Ready Mix, Boyd Cat®, S Team Motorsports, Quest Global and OMP for their continued support.

Next up for ABEL Motorsports and the INDY NXT by Firestone will be the Iowa 100, Saturday, July 13 at 2:05 p.m. Eastern. The race will be streamed live in the U.S. on Peacock, while international viewers can watch via INDYCARLIVE.com with INDYCAR Radio available at indycar.com/radio and on Sirius XM

About ABEL Motorsports: Team principal Bill Abel began racing motocross in 1972, earning numerous championship titles as he continued the family racing tradition. In 2015, ABEL Motorsports was launched, starting in the USF2000 series and building up the junior open wheel ladder. The team captured the inaugural Formula Regional Americas Championship with driver Kyle Kirkwood in 2018.

ABEL Motorsports currently competes in the INDY NXT by Firestone series, the official development series for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, led by third-generation driver Jacob Abel. The team made its INDYCAR debut in 2023 with driver RC Enerson in the Indianapolis 500. For more information visit the official team website at abelmotorsports.com.

About Abel Construction Company: ABEL Construction is one of the largest general contractors in Kentucky, holding licenses in thirteen states. The company has offices in Lexington, Kentucky and Indianapolis, Indiana, with the corporate office in Louisville. Their expertise spans many areas, including general contracting, construction management, design-build, Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), and facilities maintenance.

Abel Construction has helped build some of the region’s most recognizable landmarks. Their projects cover diverse sectors, including automotive, healthcare, post-secondary education, commercial, food/beverage, tech, and industrial/manufacturing. They prioritize client satisfaction, focusing on efficient project delivery regardless of size or cost. The company’s skilled professionals utilize cutting-edge technology and software to ensure successful outcomes. abelconstruct.com/.

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