Category: NTT Indy

NTT IndyCar news and information

  • CHEVROLET INDYCAR AT NASHVILLE: Team Chevy Race Advance

    CHEVROLET INDYCAR AT NASHVILLE: Team Chevy Race Advance

    CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
    BIG MACHINE MUSIC CITY GRAND PRIX
    NASHVILLE SUPERSPEEDWAY
    LEBANON, TENNESSEE
    TEAM CHEVY RACE ADVANCE
    SEPT. 13-15, 2024

    CHEVROLET READY FOR THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES SEASON FINALE AT THE RETURN OF NASHVILLE SUPERSPEEDWAY

    Team Chevy Enters the Weekend with Ninth Series’ Manufacturer Title Secured; Team Penske’s Will Power Looks to Fight for Career Third NTT INDYCAR SERIES Championship

    • Racing into Nashville Superspeedway this weekend for the final race of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, Chevrolet has clinched their ninth manufacturers’ title since 2012 in the 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 era, the third consecutive title for the Bowtie brand.
    • Team Penske and Chevrolet-powered driver Will Power enters the season finale second in the standings, by 33 points, and has the potential to capture a third championship adding to his 2014 and 2022 top honors.
    • Chevrolet heads into the season finale looking to add to 11 wins so far this year, including the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500, as well as eight NTT P1 Pole Awards, 28 podium finishes, and three swept podiums.
    • Returning to the 1.33-mile D-shaped oval at Nashville Superspeedway for the first time since 2008, the 14-degree banked Middle Tennessee track will provide ample challenge to competitors for the 206-lap, 267.8-mile Big Machine Music City Grand Prix.
    • Overall, Team Chevy has amassed 122 wins and 135 earned NTT P1 Pole Awards in the V6 era since 2012, in addition to seven wins and five earned poles in eight races with hybrid technology.

    DETROIT (September 12, 2024) – Closing out the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, Chevrolet races to Nashville Superspeedway this weekend already securing their ninth Series’ Manufacturers title in the 2.2-liter twin turbo V6 era since 2012. Over that time, Team Chevy has captured 122 win and 135 earned NTT P1 Pole Awards, 11 of those victories and eight poles coming this year, including the prestigious 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500.

    The 1.33-mile D-shaped oval will provide a challenge for competitors in the season-finale event, featuring a high-intensity 14 degrees of banking and many in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES field seeing the track for the first time in their careers. While a few are returning since the last event in 2008, including championship contender Will Power, driver of the No. 12 Verizon Business Team Penske Chevrolet, a new challenge awaits the drivers that includes a softer, alternate Firestone Firehawk tire in addition to the harder, black primary option.

    “Looking forward to returning to Nashville, and hoping we’ll have a good shot at the championship,” said Power. “I really liked the test, really liked the track. It has a consistent banking, so the car is quite predictable through the corner. I just hope we can open a second lane, and we’re fighting for a championship. Nashville, we’ve had a taste of it. Have some ideas on what will do for car changes and to improve. The No. 2 Team Penske Chevy was pretty good (in the test). The car was reasonable. I felt like (Scott) Dixon was very strong which means the Ganassi cars will be very good there. It put more emphasis on Milwaukee, and ultimately seeing how this plays out.”

    Over the season, Chevrolet has captured 11 victories including the prestigious 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 with one race remaining, totaling 122 wins so far in the V6 era since 2012, in addition to eight earned NTT P1 Pole Awards in 2024 that totals 135 earned top starting positions in the V6 era. Chevrolet additionally raced to three podium sweeps in 2024 at Road America, Iowa 1, and Milwaukee 1.

    “Heading to Nashville this weekend, we’ve achieved our goal of capturing the manufacturers championship, winning the Indianapolis 500 and we’re prepared to give Will and Team Penske all the support we can to give him a solid opportunity to capture the driver’s title,” said Chevrolet INDYCAR Program Manager Rob Buckner. “We’re looking forward to the event and working with our teams to cap the season with another successful weekend. It’s sure to be an exciting race. I am very proud of the hard work and dedication by our Chevrolet engineers, drivers, and teams this year.”

    The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix race weekend kicks off the two-day show with a stacked Saturday, including the first practice at 11 a.m. ET, followed by qualifications at 2:15 p.m. ET. High-line practice and final practice wrap on Saturday from 5:15 p.m. ET to 7 p.m. ET. Sunday’s season-finale 206-lap, 267.8-mile Music City Grand Prix from Nashville Superspeedway takes the green flag live on NBC at 3 p.m. ET. All practice and qualifying sessions are broadcast with Peacock, INDYCAR Radio, and SiriusXM Channel 218.

    WHAT THEY’RE SAYING (Quotes):

    Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet:

    “I feel like turn one of Phoenix is very similar to Nashville, but it’s gonna be weird being on a concrete track for us, as well as a series. So, I am excited about that. It can be more abrasive on the tires. Should have less grip. We’re also going with the kind of like a road course package instead of the speedway wings which I found quite interesting. It’s the same package as Iowa. A little different from Gateway and Milwaukee where we ran the full road course package. At Nashville we won’t run the upper element on the rear wing so it’s a little less downforce than what we had at Milwaukee or Gateway. Obviously, having as many top 10s as we’ve had, plus now a pair of top five has been huge. You know, the car has been really, really good this year to drive and so has the team as a whole. We really just stepped it up, everything from engineering to mechanics, even myself. You know, we’ve all kind of taken a massive step forward.”

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

    “I did a little bit of at home simulator using iRacing (in preparing for Nashville). Other than that, the experience is very limited. There are some trends and nuances that you can learn from this but it only gets you to about 90%. The last 10% (always the hardest to find) has to be done at the track; we are trying our best ahead of time to shorten the learning curve once we arrive in person. The closest experience I have is running at Texas Motor Speedway in 2023. The pressure is the same as it has been every other race. Our goal remains the same, and the preparation does not change. Our job is the same as it has been, it just so happens that it is the last one on the schedule. Trusting my instincts. It’s easy to overthink details sometimes but keeping it simple and trusting my experience and the team around me has gotten us a lot further at times than digging too deep in search for answers that sometimes reveal themselves.”

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

    It’ll be my first time racing at Nashville Superspeedway at this weekend’s Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. I’m looking forward to closing out the season the right way. It’s been a rollercoaster, but we’ve had some great moments, so hopefully, we can create another one in Nashville.”

    Nolan Siegel, No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

    “I’m excited to get going this weekend at the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. We had a lot of speed and potential in Milwaukee, and I think we’ll be in a similar spot at the Nashville Superspeedway. I’m looking forward to putting it all together and producing a strong result in the season finale.”

    Alexander Rossi, No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

    “It’s pretty crazy to think that this is the final race of the year. I feel like the season just started, but here we are. This will be the end of my journey in papaya, but I can’t wait to end the season on a high note here in Nashville. It’s going to be a new venue for all of us, but I think we have an opportunity to have a great weekend.”

    Gavin Ward, Team Principal at Arrow McLaren:

    “The finale is here as we head down to Nashville for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. We’re excited for what we expect to be some great racing on this short oval, but also for all of the partner activation we’ll have this weekend, both on Broadway and at Nashville Superspeedway. Not wanting to blow our own trumpet, but our oval cars have been fast this year, so we’re looking to close the season out on a high note.”

    Christian Rasmussen, No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:

    “I am looking forward to racing at Nashville Superspeedway! It will be an interesting weekend with the majority of the grid having never been there. We’re going in with a tight points battle for Leaders Circle positions, so we’re fully focused on finishing the season off strong.”

    Rinus VeeKay, No. 21 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:

    “I am very excited for one more NTT INDYCAR SERIES race this year! It has been a crazy season and will end with a crazy last race with neither Christian (Rasmussen) or I ever having turned a lap at Nashville Superspeedway. It will be interesting, we have a bit of practice but we’ll be figuring it out on the fly! We’ve progressed so much through the season and earned a lot of Top 10s in the second half. I am looking forward to adding to that, getting some good points and hopefully moving up a few positions in the standings!”

    Will Power, No. 12 Team Penske Chevrolet:

    “Looking forward to returning to Nashville, and hoping we’ll have a good shot at the championship. I really liked the test, really liked the track. It has a consistent banking, so the car is quite predictable through the corner. I just hope we can open a second lane, and we’re fighting for a championship. Nashville, we’ve had a taste of it. Have some ideas on what will do for car changes and to improve. The No. 2 Team Penske Chevy was pretty good (in the test). The car was reasonable. I felt like (Scott) Dixon was very strong which means the Ganassi cars will be very good there. It put more emphasis on Milwaukee, and ultimately seeing how this plays out.”

    Chevrolet at Nashville (V6 era since 2012, pre-hybrid):

    Wins at Nashville: 0

    Earned Pole Awards at Nashville: 0

    Number of Team Chevy Podiums at Nashville: 0

    Number of laps led by Team Chevy at Nashville (V6 era since 2018, pre-hybrid): 0

    Of note: The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is returning to the 1.33-mile D-shaped Nashville Superspeedway for the first time since 2008, and this is the first race with the 2.2-liter twin turbo V6 engine, along with hybrid technology.

    2024 CHEVROLET BY THE NUMBERS:

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

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

    215: NTT INDYCAR SERIES races as V6 engine supplier since 2012 return to INDYCAR.

    122: Wins in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since 2012.

    135: Earned poles since 2012. Chevrolet holds 140 pole awards in total, with five recorded based on points for weather.

    5: Earned pole in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES as V6 engine supplier with hybrid technology integration.

    9: 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.

    35: 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 56 times since 2012.

    29: 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.

  • CHEVROLET IN INDYCAR: Chevrolet Wins 2024 INDYCAR Manufacturer Title

    CHEVROLET IN INDYCAR: Chevrolet Wins 2024 INDYCAR Manufacturer Title

    DETROIT (September 12, 2024) – For the third consecutive year Chevrolet has won the NTT INDYCAR SERIES Manufacturer Championship.

    Winning the 2024 Manufacturer Championship marks the ninth time Chevrolet has captured the coveted award since its return to INDYCAR competition in 2012.

    “This is a proud moment for everyone at Chevrolet. The effort by GM Motorsports competition engineering and Propulsion engineers, along with our partners at Ilmor, to deliver power and reliability in the Chevy 2.2 liter V6 INDYCAR engine has been outstanding,” said Mark Reuss, GM President.

    “This Championship is truly a combined effort and could not have been accomplished without the teamwork, preparation, and execution of the five Chevrolet teams: Team Penske, Arrow McLaren, Ed Carpenter Racing, AJ Foyt Racing and Juncos Hollinger Racing. Congratulations to our teams and drivers, and thank you to INDYCAR for providing an incredibly competitive series.”

    In the 13 seasons of the Chevrolet 2.2-liter V6 twin turbocharged INDYCAR engine, Team Chevy drivers have amassed 122 wins of the 215 races to date – an impressive 56.7%. Six of those wins have been in the Indianapolis 500.

    All of Chevrolet’s full-time teams contributed valuable time and effort toward the ninth NICS Manufacturer Championship. Team Penske, with drivers Will Power, Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin; Ed Carpenter Racing, with drivers Rinus VeeKay, Christian Rasmussen and Ed Carpenter; Arrow McLaren, with drivers Pato O’Ward, Alexander Rossi, Callum Illot, Theo Pourchaire and Nolan Siegel; AJ Foyt Racing, with drivers Santino Ferrucci and Sting Ray Robb; and Juncos Hollinger Racing, with drivers Romain Grosjean, Agustin Canapino, and Conor Daly were instrumental in Team Chevy’s success.

    Although having less than half of the total car count, Chevy-powered drivers maximized all their available support, engineering tools and simulator time to enable performance growth that translated to consistency and strong results.

    In addition to the nine Manufacturer Championships, Chevrolet has won seven driver championships with Ryan Hunter-Reay (2012), Power (2014 and 2022), Scott Dixon (2015), Simon Pagenaud (2016) and Newgarden (2017 and 2019).

    The Chevrolet 2.2-liter V6 engine powered drivers to win the Indianapolis 500 with Tony Kanaan (2013), Juan Pablo Montoya (2015) Will Power (2018), Simon Pagenaud (2019) and Josef Newgarden (2023 and 2024).

    Previously, Chevrolet competed in Indy-style racing as a manufacturer of V8 engines from 1986-93 and 2002-05, powering 111 wins, one manufacturer championship in 2002, seven Indianapolis 500 wins and six driver championships.

    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.

  • Global Music Superstar Diplo To Ride in Fastest Seat at Nashville

    Global Music Superstar Diplo To Ride in Fastest Seat at Nashville

    INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024) – International music superstar Diplo, a multi-Grammy Award winner, will ride in the Fastest Seat in Sports at the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season finale, the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix Presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, Sept. 15 at Nashville Superspeedway.

    Over the course of a 20-year career that began with his now-legendary Philly club night Hollertronix, Diplo has collaborated with the world’s biggest stars and toured the world many times over. Born in Mississippi and raised in Florida, Diplo is one of the most renowned artists and producers working today, as well as label head of his era-defining imprints Mad Decent and Higher Ground.

    Among his many projects, Diplo’s exclusive SiriusXM channel, Diplo’s Revolution (channel 53), features the latest in dance music from around the world – exclusive edits/remixes, access to live DJ sets from festivals and events, and much more. The channel will be featured with a special livery on Meyer Shank Racing’s No. 60 AutoNation/SiriusXM Honda, driven by Felix Rosenqvist in this weekend’s race.

    A 13-time Grammy nominee and three-time winner, Diplo is also a member of the iconic Major Lazer, one third of LSD – the psychedelic supergroup with Sia and Labrinth whose debut album has been streamed over 3 billion times – and half of Jack Ü with Skrillex and Silk City with Mark Ronson, whose platinum-certified, Grammy-winning “Electricity” with Dua Lipa topped charts worldwide.

    Diplo’s latest releases include a string of successful Higher Ground singles, last year’s “Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley: Chapter 2—Swamp Savant” – his second album as country persona Thomas Wesley that was followed by an official remix mixtape – and 2022’s “Diplo,” his first full length album of electronic music in 18 years.

    Diplo will join a long list of celebrated INDYCAR Fastest Seat in Sports passengers as he leads the field to green in a custom INDYCAR SERIES car with a special back passenger seat. This high-speed, high-octane, super-charged thrill ride already has been taken by Jon Bon Jovi, actors Judge Reinhold and Dylan Sprouse, country music star Riley Green, American Olympic gold medalist Sam Watson and reality TV star Mary Bonnet during the 2024 INDYCAR season.

    Live coverage of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix Presented by Gainbridge starts at 3 p.m. ET Sunday, Sept. 15 on the NBC, Peacock, SiriusXM IndyCar Nation and the INDYCAR Radio Network.

    The NTT INDYCAR SERIES represents the ultimate challenge in racing, with drivers competing at speeds of 200+ mph across a demanding set of ovals and road and street courses.

  • Meyer Shank Racing Set to Close out INDYCAR Season with SiriusXM and Diplo Collaboration for Nashville

    Meyer Shank Racing Set to Close out INDYCAR Season with SiriusXM and Diplo Collaboration for Nashville

    Nashville, Tenn. (10 September 2024) – With the INDYCAR season finale set for this weekend’s Big Machine Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway, Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) and SiriusXM are excited to close out the season with one final collaboration which will feature Diplo’s Revolution (SiriusXM channel 53) on the No. 60 AutoNation / SiriusXM Honda driven by Felix Rosenqvist.

    MSR and SiriusXM have showcased several artists and their SiriusXM channels through the 2024 INDYCAR season and the pair are set to finish out the season finale in Nashville with a bang.

    In addition to the electric livery that pays homage to GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, producer and DJ Diplo’s world-shaping career, Diplo himself will be in attendance of the Nashville race weekend. Fans will be able to enjoy a one-of-a-kind performance from Diplo as he is set to DJ the pre-race driver introductions on Sunday ahead of the 206 lap race set at the 1.33-mile Nashville oval.

    The superstar is a 15-time GRAMMY® nominee and two time winner, with countless Platinum records to his name. He is known the world over for his own music as well as his collaborative projects: Major Lazer, Silk City, LSD and Jack Ü among them.

    Diplo’s exclusive SiriusXM channel, Diplo’s Revolution, which he also curates, features the latest in dance music from around the world—exclusive edits/remixes, access to live DJ sets from festivals and events and much more.

    “Our partnership with SiriusXM has been great this season and it’s been such a fun experience to bring so many artists out to INDYCAR races and we’re excited to finish out the season with Diplo,” said Mike Shank. “The livery for this one is probably our most eye-catching one yet and we can’t wait for Diplo to see it in person on Sunday.”

    Additionally, Mike’s Hard Lemonade will be back with Meyer Shank Racing this weekend on both Rosenqvist’s No. 60 AutoNation / SiriusXM Honda and David Malukas’ No. 66 AutoNation / Arctic Wolf Honda.

    The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix is set for this Sunday with the NBC broadcast starting at 3:00pm ET. Live race coverage will also air on SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation (channel 218) and on the SiriusXM app.

  • INDYCAR Announces Introduction of Firestone Alternate Tires at Nashville

    INDYCAR Announces Introduction of Firestone Alternate Tires at Nashville

    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.

  • IXO Models Becomes Exclusive Supplier of INDYCAR Diecast Model Cars

    IXO Models Becomes Exclusive Supplier of INDYCAR Diecast Model Cars

    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.

  • CHEVROLET INDYCAR AT MILWAUKEE: Team Chevy Race 2 Report

    CHEVROLET INDYCAR AT MILWAUKEE: Team Chevy Race 2 Report

    CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
    HY-VEE MILWAUKEE MILES 250S
    MILWUAKEE MILE 25O RACE 2
    MILWAUKEE MILE
    WEST ALLIS, WISCONSIN
    TEAM CHEVY RACE TWO RECAP
    SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

    SCOTT MCLAUGHLIN DELIVERS SECOND CHEVROLET VICTORY OF MILWAUKEE MILE DOUBEHEADER WEEKEND
    WIN KEEPS CHEVROLET PERFECT ON INDYCAR OVALS THIS SEASON

    • Scott McLaughlin, driving the No. 3 Gallagher Team Penske Chevrolet, captured his third win of the 2024 NTT INDYCAR Series season leading 85 of the 250-lap race
    • It is the seventh win of his career and the third this season-his second on an oval
    • McLaughlin sits third in the point standings, 50 points down to the leader with one race remaining on this season’s schedule
    • Today’s win is the 11th of the season for Chevrolet, the 122nd overall in the 2.2-liter twin turbo V6 era. Additionally, today’s victory is the seventh in eight hybrid technology events.
    • Championship contender Will Power had an eventful race in the No. 12 Verizon Business Team Penske Chevrolet coming back from being two laps down at one point from a spin and pit stop, to ultimately score a 10th place finish keeping him second in points, 33 down to leader Alex Palou with the Nashville Superspeedway season finale set for September 15th
    • Chevrolet drivers scored six of the top-10 finishers in a successful return to the Milwaukee Mile for Team Chevy and the NTT INDYCAR Series

    WEST ALLIS, WISC (SEPTEMBER 1, 2024) –After starting on the outside of the front row, Scott McLaughlin scored his third win of the 2024 NTT INDYCAR Series season and seventh of his career with a final pass for the lead on lap 218 of 250 and never looked back.

    The win moved the driver of the No. 3 Gallagher Team Penske Chevrolet to third in the point standings, 50 points behind leader Alex Palou with one race remaining at Nashville Superspeedway on September 15, 2024.

    Will Power looked to gain significant points in his quest for a third championship after Palou suffered mechanical issues before the race got underway. However, Power had a spin that created an extra pit stop putting him two laps down at one point. He recovered to finish 10th and is 33 points behind the points leader.

    Saturday’s winner of Race One of the Doubleheader, Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, suffered a mechanical issue and retired from the race on the 87th lap.

    Pole winner Josef Newgarden was involved in a two-car accident on lap five and retired from competition being scored in the 27th position.

    Chevrolet powered drivers had six drivers in the top-10 finishing positions in a race that saw six cautions for a total of 57-laps

    The final race of the season is scheduled for Sunday, September 13-15, 2024—Big Machine Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway.

    TEAM CHEVY TOP-10 RACE RESULTS:
    Pos. Driver
    1st McLaughlin
    4th Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet
    6th Alexander Rossi, No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet
    7th Rinus VeeKay, No. 21 askROI Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet
    9th Romain Grojean, No. 77 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet
    10th Power

    WHAT THEY’RE SAYING (QUOTES)

    ROB BUCKNER, CHEVROLET ENGINEERING PROGRAM MANAGER FOR THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES:

    ” Congratulations to Scott McLaughlin and the Thirsty 3s on a hard-fought win at Milwaukee. There were several unexpected twists to this race, but Scott and his No. 3 Chevrolet crew adapted and kept their eye on the prize with great strategy and excellent pit stops. This win keeps our Chevrolet winning oval-track record in place this season with one to go in two weeks at Nashville. Again, I can’t emphasize enough how proud I am of the Chevrolet engineering group and our Chevy-powered INDYCAR teams for the incredible effort they continue to put forth throughout this season. With all the new challenges including the hybrid technology, everyone has kept pushing and moving forward.

    “We have one to go with Will Power still very much in the hunt for his third title. We will give it everything we can at Nashville.”

    SCOTT MCLAUGHLIN, NO. 3 GALLAGHER TEAM PENSKE CHEVROLET – FINISHED 3RD:

    HOW WERE YOU ABLE TO DEAL WITH THE UNPREDICTABILITY OF THIS RACE?

    “That was like the most fun race I have had in INDYCAR, it was a blast. So happy for everyone on the Gallagher Chevy because we just stuck with it. It wasn’t quite good at the start, but we trimmed it up and it was awesome. Lot better with traffic today which helped a lot. Credit to Colton (Herta) and all the guys we raced with, we had a blast. The 21 car, the crew, they helped me a lot in some exchanges and helped me with getting in the box. Big thanks to Team Chevy, and that teamwork that we have. But yeah, I am pumped.”

    WHAT DOES THIS SIGNIFY FOR THIS TEAM?

    “Just the tenacity in some ways. We work hard. Our car wasn’t good last night, and I did a terrible job yesterday. We really worked hard on it and I had about four and a half hours of sleep last night because I was so stressed about it, what I did wrong, and what I could do better. We will keep working and that is all we can do, just keep winning races.”

    SANTINO FERRUCCI, NO. 14 SEXTON PROPERTIES AJ FOYT RACING CHEVROLET, FINISHED 4th:

    “The crew’s done a great job all weekend. It’s really, really tough, especially in these quite tight turnarounds. Great job on stops all day. We only had one bobble, I think, all weekend. But considering we did probably 10 or so pit stops under pressure, they did a great job. And Engineering did a great job, all around. Hard to beat.”

    ALMOST ANOTHER PODIUM, WHAT A DRIVE

    “Yeah, just tough. Its such a competitive field. So tight, so hard to win, so hard to get on the podium you know? We were there all day just….that’s what we had. That was it.”

    YOU KEEP PUSHING FOR THAT TOP TEN IN POINTS TOO

    “Running down that 7 car man. Would love to beat him.”

    ALEXANDER ROSSI, NO. 7 ARROW MCLAREN CHEVROLET, FINISHED 6th :

    RINUS VEEKAY, NO. 21 ASKROI ED CARPENTER RACING CHEVROLET, FINISHED 7th:

    “Yesterday’s race was tough. We really struggled with grip, especially at the end of the race, and P14 was about all we had. But today, P7 and I think we can call that a very good day! It was very sketchy out there today, a lot of guys got into trouble. On our last stop, we had to go to 25-lap old tires. It wasn’t ideal, but it was better than the 50-lap old tires we had on the car! That made it tough, I was really hanging on by a thread there at the end. It was a good day though and this is what we need to do to finish out the season on a strong note.”

    ROMAIN GROJEAN, NO. 77 JUNCOS HOLLINGER CHEVROLET, FINISHED 10TH:

    “A very good weekend for the Juncos Hollinger Racing team with Conor’s podium yesterday and the first podium for the team. A tough time for me in the last two races but generally I think we can be very proud about work we put into the weekend. With just one race to go and we are going to try to do even better.”

    WILL POWER, NO. 12 VERIZON BUSINESS TEAM PENSKE CHEVROLET, FINISHED 10th:

    “I saw the (Palou) situation and it was like, looking pretty good. As per usual, something else happens! It’s never straightforward. That’s racing.

    “We were trying to win it. I’m not one to look back, but if I would have just got a good restart in the first one, we would have been OK. Yeah we kept it off the wall and that was a good start.”

    CHRISTIAN RASMUSSEN, NO. 20 GUYCARE ED CARPENTER RACING CHEVROLET, FINISHED 16th:

    “This was not the day we had hoped for. The No. 20 GuyCare Chevrolet crew put together a really strong car for me and we had a pretty good start to the race. We were running with the lead pack guys and had a solid race going. Then we had the incident with the No. 15 car which was a bit of a weird one. I didn’t push super hard into the corner but he was completely checked up and I was fully on the brakes. I couldn’t really avoid him, which resulted in us having a drive through penalty. We had a bit of damage as well so we were kind of hanging on throughout that stint until we could get the front wing changed. Tough day. We finished ahead of the people that we needed to, but we probably should have finished even farther ahead with more points. It will all come down to Nashville which is also a new track for me, but we’ll see what we can do!”

    CONOR DALY, NO. 78 JUNCOS HOLLINGER CHEVROLET, FINISHED 17th:

    “Well today started OK and then we had an issue with the clutch which cost us a lot of laps which was such a shame because our car was so fast. We know we were really fast which is great and yesterday we were on the podium so we can really be happy about this weekend. So now we head to Nashville with a lot of good momentum.”

    STING RAY ROBB, NO. 41 GOODHEART VET/PRAY.COM AJ FOYT RACING CHEVROLET, FINISHED 18th:

    “A tough weekend overall. When we spun in the middle of the race that caught us out on an early set of tires there, and so we actually had to go long on our last couple sets, which just made us survive. I felt like the track progression just kept getting worse and worse and worse. So we were just surviving, and I got like, maybe a tire width too high, and the car just didn’t turn and went straight into the wall. So quick end to our day. We go into Nashville with hopefully a better race weekend ahead of us.”

    PATO O’WARD, NO. 5 ARROW MCLAREN CHEVROLET, FINISHED 24TH :

    NOLAN SIEGEL, NO. 6 ARROW MCLAREN CHEVROLET, FINISHED 25TH:

    JOSEF NEWGARDEN, NO. 2 SNAP ON TEAM PENSKE CHEVROLET, FINISHED 27TH:

    PRESS CONFERENCE TRANSCRIPT

    Scott McLaughlin

    Press Conference

    THE MODERATOR: Scott McLaughlin joins us, third win of the season. Still mathematically alive for the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship. Chevrolet clinches the manufacture championship as well.

    Your thoughts on another win in 2024?

    SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: It was awesome. The car was a lot better today than it was yesterday. I was able to do what I wanted in traffic in some ways. Kind of what Pato was able to do yesterday. Just big props to Benny and the crew. The Gallagher Chevy was unreal.

    Yeah, once I got confidence with the car… The first stint was quite tough for me, but once I got confidence and where I wanted to run the car, I felt the track was really cool. Even the way racing Herta there, he’s a little bit older tires than I was, whatnot, and you could sort of enter at the same point. He would go low, I’d go high, you’d sort of end up in the same spot. That’s why you could have really good side-by-side racing, I thought. It’s always fun when you’re leading.

    Yeah, it was a fun race. I thought it was a really fun race. It was a lot funner for me than yesterday. Good Lord. Really proud of everyone. Proud of the turnaround. We were really bad yesterday from my side.

    THE MODERATOR: Questions.

    Q. Another oval win.

    SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Definitely an INDYCAR driver now (smiling).

    Q. You’re becoming an oval driver. How proud are you of being able to master this unique skill in racing?

    SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Look, I wouldn’t say… For me, I think winning on an oval, not saying road and street courses isn’t satisfying, because I’ll never forget my first race win and whatnot, but it’s incredible winning on an oval. A lot of things have to go right. You have to make the right moves at the right time. That’s probably why I put Indy above a championship in some ways because it’s just incredible how perfect it has to go on an oval.

    Yeah, it’s the backbone of our sport. I thought it was great. The crowd was awesome. Yeah, it was an awesome weekend. Honestly, I thought the racing was a lot better than we all expected, as well. Yeah, that’s props to INDYCAR. That’s props to Firestone. The drivers, as well. There were a couple incidents, but we were mostly pretty good.

    Q. One of the incidents was to your teammate, Will Power. Could have been a really huge day for him. How shocked were you by seeing that? He could have been leaving here if not the points leader only down a couple.

    SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Yeah, I mean, you got to make your own decisions, and I felt like I made it reasonably. I knew his position. When Palou didn’t start the race, it’s like things shifted to Will in terms of trying to get him back. That’s sort of why it made it a little bit easier in the stint.

    Yeah, man, it sucks. Look, he’s still in the chance. Probably could have capitalized a lot. Yeah, I don’t really know what happened, so I can’t comment on it. I know he spun. Yeah, I was surprised for sure.

    Q. Not counting how you did yesterday, which race did you prefer, the evening or the afternoon?

    SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Honestly, I know I won, but I like this race. Yesterday was extremely hard. I don’t know what other drivers thought or said, whatever. I could not see into three and four. The glare from the sun was incredible, especially when the windscreen got dirty and stuff. That was a big issue for me.

    It probably made the race-ability of the track tougher down three, four compared to today because it was so hard to pick the right line. No one wanted to make a wrong move.

    I prefer this start time. I thought we had a pretty good crowd, yeah. Unless they put some lights on, it would be pretty sick. It would be awesome, yeah.

    Q. The other drivers yesterday said the cars were disappearing, then reappearing. You weren’t the only person.

    SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Okay, interesting.

    Q. Before this weekend, Penske was unbeaten on ovals this year. Yesterday obviously was a bit of a struggle. Everybody said you guys were lights out at the test here. Did the field catch up a little bit to Penske?

    SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: I think the test maybe threw us for a loop a little bit. The tire was a little bit different. The pace of the cars was a little bit different. When the pace slowed down yesterday in the race, we just weren’t good when it was slow. When it was high speed, the car was quite good, created natural downforce. When it started slowing down, that’s when we really struggled, which we fixed today with a couple things.

    I think we just missed the mark yesterday. I mean, our qualifying was really good. I thought we hit some really good lap times. I led the first 30 laps or whatever it was. I felt pretty good until I caught traffic and I just couldn’t do anything.

    Today was a big change-up for that, as well.

    Q. You said you were beating yourself up yesterday. Was it mistakes behind the wheel?

    SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Yeah, it’s my first flat track, I guess. Yeah, I was pretty peeved. Honestly I’m going to sleep like a baby tonight. I only slept like four hours last night. I was up till probably 3 in the morning. I couldn’t sleep. I was rolling over.

    It’s funny. I think it’s a lot to do with a doubleheader. The adrenaline is just going. But I generally just was pissed off with the way it went and my performance, a little bit of the team’s performance, the car performance. It was just trying to think of ways to make it better.

    I mean, that’s passion. I think my engineer was the same. He was four and a half hours. Same. It’s a passion to be better.

    Yeah, I’m going to sleep like a baby tonight. I need to catch up as much as I can because we are going to have a baby, so it won’t be too long.

    Q. When you talk about how much confidence you’re feeling, how much better did you feel in traffic compared to the lap cars yesterday?

    SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Oh, my God, like 10 out of 10. 100% better. It was night and day. I could pick where I wanted. It took me a little bit of time to get comfortable and confident. Ultimately, man, it was just lights out for me today in traffic. I think some of my moves on the restarts was showing my confidence, what I had underneath me. Yesterday, I was hanging on for dear life.

    Q. Was the lap traffic fair?

    SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: They race you hard when you’re leading because they want to stay on the lead lap. You expect it.

    No, I thought it was fair. Honestly, I had a blast racing Colton for the lead. That was awesome. We were banging, side by side. But it was legit. That’s how it should be.

    I knew he was there. I slid up a little bit. He pinched me. We hit. It was like proper. It was so cool. Like being in the Super Car again. You’re just banging doors. This place is nice because you haven’t got much banking. It’s like a big road course. It was fun.

    Q. I think it’s your first win for Gallagher. Your guys had a late night. Speak on that. Secondly, your fueler said the last stop like he wasn’t there, plugged in perfectly. Talk about your stops today. Your spotter is from here in Wisconsin, as well.

    SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: They were ripping today. Unreal. Really fast in the pit stops. I saw on TV, but the 21 car was super helpful, the box behind us. It was really good sportsmanship, to be honest. Just allowing me to have an open in into my pit box under some pretty important pit stops. They don’t have to do that. They’re a lap down car or trying to stay on the lead lap and they’re trying to help me. That’s props to Team Chevy, too, for that camaraderie.

    On Adam, yeah, it’s awesome for him. He’s been chasing this win in Wisconsin. I don’t think he’s even had one in INDY NXT. It’s super cool to have that for him. I know he’s going to be having a couple Spotted Cows tonight, that’s for sure.

    THE MODERATOR: New sponsor for 2025.

    SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: And Gallagher, nine hours to change the stickers. Pretty incredible job. The car looked pristine this morning. The effort is just unmatched. Really cool to see. They just want to do it.

    But yeah, this is an important race for Gallagher, an hour or so down the road, however far Chicago is. That’s their home base. Pretty cool.

    Q. Was the racing what you expected this weekend or more?

    SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: It’s hard to tell because the tire changed from the test day. The test day was hard, difficult to pass and whatnot, no deg. This weekend was really good.

    I probably would say it was better than we all thought. The track was wide enough, yeah.

    Q. The drivability of the track over the two days, the differences in the rubber, the temperature, did that factor into today’s race or was it another game on?

    SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: It was interesting. I thought the bottom lane, it was a little bit harder than it was yesterday. I think the heat, it being a darker sort of tinge of asphalt, it was probably a little bit hotter today to make those moves.

    Yeah, the track was really fun to drive. Slick in places, but once you sort of got your head around it, it was really, really cool. Super fun, man. Super fun.

    Q. Back to a more elevated banked track in two weeks’ time. Differences for you as a driver? What’s the first thing that comes to mind?

    SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: I haven’t stepped foot in that joint yet. It’s a whole new place for me. I’ve seen some footage, whatnot. Watched the NASCAR race there and old INDYCAR footage.

    It’s going to be interesting, that race. I’m hoping we come with a similar tire to what we’ve done this weekend and we can have some really good racing.

    I’m sort of expecting a little bit of action, man. People are crazy right now. Like, there’s a lot of people out there that don’t give an ‘F’. I’m excited to see how we go.

    THE MODERATOR: Congratulations, 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 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.

  • McLaughlin Wins Wild Milwaukee; Palou Up 33 with One to Go

    McLaughlin Wins Wild Milwaukee; Palou Up 33 with One to Go

    WEST ALLIS, Wis. (Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024) – In a wild race that featured more twists than a pretzel factory, Scott McLaughlin held off six-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Scott Dixon to win the second race of the Hy-Vee Milwaukee Mile 250s doubleheader Sunday.

    New Zealand native McLaughlin earned his series high-tying third victory of the season in the No. 3 Gallagher Team Penske Chevrolet, finishing .4558 of a second ahead of fellow Kiwi Dixon in the No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. Colton Herta placed third in the No. 26 Gainbridge Honda of Andretti Global with Curb-Agajanian.

    SEE: Race Results

    “That was the most fun race I’ve had in INDYCAR,” McLaughlin said. “It was a blast. We just stuck with it. The car wasn’t quite good at the start, and we just tuned her up, and it was awesome. A lot better in traffic today, which helped a lot.

    “Yeah, burn the house down tonight. That was awesome. I’m pumped.”

    Santino Ferrucci finished fourth in the No. 14 Phoenix Investors Chevrolet of A.J. Foyt Enterprises, mirroring his result in the first race Saturday. Marcus Ericsson ended up fifth in the No. 28 Delaware Life Honda of Andretti Global, his best result since placing fifth July 7 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

    Defending series champion Alex Palou will carry a 33-point lead over Will Power into the next race, the season-ending Big Machine Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway on Sept. 15. Palou finished 19th in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, while Power placed 10th in the No. 12 Verizon Business Team Penske Chevrolet in a day of disappointment and lost chances for both.

    McLaughlin, who started sixth, passed Colton Herta on Lap 218 to take the lead for good. That decisive dive under Herta in Turn 1 came after a feisty three-lap joust between the two young stars, as McLaughlin took advantage of fresher Firestone Firehawk tires and traffic in front of Herta to erase Herta’s seven-second lead in just 14 laps.

    It appeared Alexander Rossi might have a chance to challenge McLaughlin after the Kiwi took the lead, as Rossi was gaining ground quickly in his No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet. But Sting Ray Robb crashed his No. 41 Goodheart Vet/Pray.com Chevrolet of A.J. Foyt Enterprises in Turn 2 on Lap 228, triggering the last of six caution periods.

    All five cars on the lead lap at the time had to decide whether to pit for fresh tires or stay out, and the entire quintet dove to pit road on Lap 230. McLaughlin powered away from the field on the restart on Lap 239, and Dixon passed Rossi for second in Turn 1.

    Then Herta and Dixon engaged in a spirited fight for second, racing side by side, inches apart, in Turns 3 and 4. Dixon finally passed Herta for second on Lap 241 and set his sights on McLaughlin, but never got closer than six-tenths of a second. McLaughlin took the checkered by leading his race-high 85th lap.

    “I think had it gone a few more laps, it looked like he was starting to burn off his fronts (tires) a little bit,” Dixon said. “But congrats to McLaughlin. Pretty sweet to have a Kiwi 1-2 there.”

    McLaughlin’s victory was just one of the thrilling ebbs and flows in the race, which featured a series track record 13 lead changes on the historic 1.015-mile Milwaukee Mile oval.

    Perhaps the one lead change that appeared probable early in the race didn’t happen. Palou held on to the championship lead despite one of his most challenging days of the season.

    Palou finished 29 laps down after an electrical problem on the pace laps sent his car to the pits and the garage for repairs. Power placed 10th as the last car on the lead lap, losing a chance to gain more ground and perhaps take the championship lead after spinning in Turn 4 on a restart on Lap 131 while running in the top five.

    “It was not a great day, but it could have been a lot worse,” Palou said. “It could have been a lot better, obviously. On to Nashville.”

    Said Power: “A long shot now. God gave us a chance then, but kind of let it go. That’s the season, man. You just can’t have those mistakes.”

    McLaughlin is the only other driver mathematically eligible for the title at Nashville, 50 points behind Palou. But it should come down to a two-driver duel for the Astor Challenge Cup at Nashville between two-time season champions Palou and Power, as McLaughlin will be eliminated if Palou starts the race.

    Palou, strategist Barry Wanser and the entire Chip Ganassi Racing crew stayed calm and avoided catastrophe when Palou’s car stopped at the exit of pit lane at the start of the pace laps with an apparent electrical problem. The car returned to the track but then had to return to the paddock for more diagnosis and repairs, and Palou returned to the track at speed on Lap 37, 28 laps down.

    “We couldn’t really do anything,” Palou said. “We tried everything to try and not lose many laps.”

    Palou was the most notable of a handful drivers struck by mechanical misfortune in this race. Another was Race 1 winner Pato O’Ward, who finished 24th after completing just 87 laps due to a gearbox problem.

    The race took an eventful tone right from the start. Besides Palou’s car shockingly sitting silent at the exit of pit lane, NTT P1 Award winner Josef Newgarden was eliminated from the race in a three-car incident on Lap 1. The race start was called off because the rear of the field wasn’t in order, and the No. 8 American Legion Chip Ganassi Racing Honda of rookie Linus Lundqvist hit the rear of the No. 11 Ridgeline Lubricants Chip Ganassi Racing Honda of teammate Marcus Armstrong, who then pinballed into Newgarden’s No. 2 Snap-on Team Penske Chevrolet, punting it into the inside wall.

    After that melee, the race settled into a pattern of nonstop action. There were a season-high 763 on-track passes – a season high and the most on record in an INDYCAR SERIES race at the Milwaukee Mile – and 56 passes in the top five, another track record. Ferrucci once again put on a show with 63 on-track passes, the most of any driver in one race this season.

    Hy-Vee Milwaukee Mile 250s Race 2 Results

    WEST ALLIS, Wis. – Results Sunday of the Hy-Vee Milwaukee Mile 250s Race 2 NTT INDYCAR SERIES event on the 1.015-mile Milwaukee Mile, with order of finish, starting position in parentheses, driver, engine, laps completed and reason out (if any):

    1. (2) Scott McLaughlin, Chevrolet, 250, Running
    2. (17) Scott Dixon, Honda, 250, Running
    3. (18) Colton Herta, Honda, 250, Running
    4. (12) Santino Ferrucci, Chevrolet, 250, Running
    5. (16) Marcus Ericsson, Honda, 250, Running
    6. (6) Alexander Rossi, Chevrolet, 250, Running
    7. (15) Rinus VeeKay, Chevrolet, 250, Running
    8. (19) Kyle Kirkwood, Honda, 250, Running
    9. (14) Romain Grosjean, Chevrolet, 250, Running
    10. (4) Will Power, Chevrolet, 250, Running
    11. (8) Felix Rosenqvist, Honda, 249, Running
    12. (25) Christian Lundgaard, Honda, 248, Running
    13. (24) Kyffin Simpson, Honda, 248, Running
    14. (13) Jack Harvey, Honda, 247, Running
    15. (22) Katherine Legge, Honda, 246, Running
    16. (23) Christian Rasmussen, Chevrolet, 243, Running
    17. (20) Conor Daly, Chevrolet, 230, Retired
    18. (21) Sting Ray Robb, Chevrolet, 221, Contact
    19. (10) Alex Palou, Honda, 221, Running
    20. (5) Linus Lundqvist, Honda, 215, Contact
    21. (27) Pietro Fittipaldi, Honda, 181, Mechanical
    22. (9) David Malukas, Honda, 126, Mechanical
    23. (26) Graham Rahal, Honda, 123, Contact
    24. (7) Pato O’Ward, Chevrolet, 86, Mechanical
    25. (11) Nolan Siegel, Chevrolet, 23, Mechanical
    26. (3) Marcus Armstrong, Honda, 6, Contact
    27. (1) Josef Newgarden, Chevrolet, 5, Contact

    Race Statistics
    Winner’s average speed: 120.334 mph
    Time of race: 2:06:31.3981
    Margin of victory: 0.4558 of a second
    Cautions: 6 for 57 laps
    Lead changes: 13 among 7 drivers

    Lap leaders:
    Newgarden, Josef 1 – 4
    McLaughlin, Scott 5 – 43
    Power, Will 44 – 54
    Ferrucci, Santino 55 – 56
    Legge, Katherine 57 – 58
    Power, Will 59 – 96
    Ferrucci, Santino 97 – 100
    Power, Will 101 – 115
    Rossi, Alexander 116 – 161
    McLaughlin, Scott 162 – 163
    Herta, Colton 164 – 187
    McLaughlin, Scott 188 – 198
    Herta, Colton 199 – 217
    McLaughlin, Scott 218 – 250

    NTT INDYCAR SERIES point standings: Palou 525, Power 492, McLaughlin 475, Herta 462, Dixon 443, O’Ward 419, Kirkwood 384, Newgarden 365, Rossi 350, Ferrucci 339, Lundgaard 301, Rosenqvist 301, Ericsson 292, VeeKay 282, Armstrong 272, Lundqvist 255, Grosjean 246, Rahal 244, Fittipaldi 177, Robb 175, Simpson 174, Rasmussen 147, Siegel 142, Harvey 126, Malukas 125, Agustin Canapino 109, Daly 99, Theo Pourchaire 91, Legge 56, Tom Blomqvist 46, Ed Carpenter 45, Toby Sowery 45, Callum Ilott 39, Luca Ghiotto 27, Helio Castroneves 26, Kyle Larson 21, Takuma Sato 19, Tristan Vautier 12, Juri Vips 11, Colin Braun 10, Ryan Hunter-Reay 6, Hunter McElrea 6, Marco Andretti 5

  • O’Ward Wins at Milwaukee; Power Inches Closer to Palou

    O’Ward Wins at Milwaukee; Power Inches Closer to Palou

    WEST ALLIS, Wis. (Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024) – Pato O’Ward won the first race of the Hy-Vee Milwaukee Mile 250s on Saturday, and Will Power tightened his NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship duel with Alex Palou with two races remaining this season.

    O’Ward earned his third victory of the season in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, beating the No. 12 Verizon Business Team Penske Chevrolet of Power to the finish by 1.8215 seconds. O’Ward’s seventh career victory came after three consecutive finishes of 15th or lower since late July, effectively removing him from the title race.

    “We had a really tough weekend last week in Portland, and this is a great way to bounce back,” O’Ward said. “We have another opportunity tomorrow. The car was fantastic. It was getting a little gnarly there at the end, but glad I could bring it home for the boys. They were fantastic on pit stops. Strategy was amazing.”

    Live coverage of the second 250-lap doubleheader race on the 1.015-mile oval starts at 2:30 p.m. ET Sunday on USA Network, Peacock and the INDYCAR Radio Network. Palou will seal his third championship in four years if he wins and leads the most laps. Otherwise, the title race will go to the season-ending Big Machine Music City Grand Prix on Sunday, Sept. 15 at Nashville Superspeedway.

    Conor Daly finished third Saturday in a stirring drive in the No. 78 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet, his best race since a career-best result of second in June 2016 at Detroit. Daly thrilled the crowd with 51 on-track passes, the most of any driver in a race this season, using every available racing line on the track.

    Santino Ferrucci placed fourth in the No. 14 Phoenix Investors Chevrolet of A.J. Foyt Enterprises, with championship leader Alex Palou rounding out the top five in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. Palou’s lead to second place Power, which was 54 points entering this race, was trimmed to 43 points.

    The top five finishers in Saturday’s race each were from different teams, just the second time that has occurred this season. The other time came at the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding in March, also won by O’Ward.

    This was a race of varied pit strategies and plenty of action on the lead lap and in lapped traffic as the NTT INDYCAR SERIES returned to the historic oval for the first time since 2015. There were a season-high 667 on-track passes and 326 passes for position – the most on record at the Milwaukee Mile.

    Various “undercut” and “overcut” ploys were tested by teams during early stops in hopes that perhaps either fresh Firestone Firehawk tires, racing in less traffic or an opportune caution could deliver a win.

    Instead, O’Ward won on pace after starting sixth in the 27-car field. He took the lead for good under caution on Lap 195 when Power made his final pit stop. O’Ward’s last stop came on Lap 186, handing the lead to Power.

    Two laps later, the last of three caution periods was triggered when the front left wheel dislodged from Colton Herta’s No. 26 Gainbridge Honda of Andretti Global with Curb-Agajanian when it wasn’t tightened during his pit stop on Lap 185.

    Power and a group of three other leading cars had to make their last stop under that caution, and O’Ward cycled to the front, where he would stay. O’Ward led a race-high 133 laps.

    After his final stop under that caution, Power cycled into third place behind O’Ward and Ferrucci. Power eventually passed Ferrucci for second, with Daly passing Ferrucci for third on Lap 224.

    A thicket of lapped traffic slowed O’Ward, and Power pounced to within .3 of a second on Lap 236. But Power never was able to make a passing attempt for the lead, and O’Ward threaded a needle in 150-mph traffic to pull away from Power over the closing laps.

    “It was getting wiggly,” O’Ward said of his car’s handling under pressure from Power. “It was reminding me a little bit of like qualifying, just getting a bit on the nose (loose handling). The car was changing a lot from the start of the race to the end of the race.”

    Said Power, who won last Sunday at Portland International Raceway: “The car was all over the place with adjustments as you go through the run. I’m stoked to get on the podium. One more (place) was what we needed, but Pato was super good and strong, and he got through that traffic really well. Alex was super consistent, so it’s hard to drop that points gap, but we’re doing everything we need to at the moment. We’ll keep digging.”

    The metronomic Palou rebounded from the 12th starting position for his 13th top-five finish in 15 races this season. He was in trouble early, mired in mid-pack, and just missed a two-car accident on Lap 147 that eliminated Indianapolis 500 winners Josef Newgarden in the No. 2 PPG Team Penske Chevrolet and Marcus Ericsson in the No. 28 Delaware Life Honda of Andretti Global from the race.

    But as he seemingly does with the consistency of sunrise and sunset, Palou found a way to drive into the top five despite falling a lap down in seventh when the final caution flew during his out lap after his final stop. Palou and a handful of other drivers got the wave-around during that final caution, returning him to the lead lap.

    “A little bit unlucky with that yellow,” Palou said. “We were a bit aggressive to try and get the lead. Not the luckiest of days, but a top five. The car was amazing.

    “Looking forward to tomorrow. I’m happy that we got a good solid day. Hopefully we can be a step above everybody tomorrow.”

    Hy-Vee Milwaukee Mile 250s Race 1 Results

    WEST ALLIS, Wis – Results Saturday of the Hy-Vee Milwaukee Mile 250s Race 1 NTT INDYCAR SERIES event on the 1.015-mile Milwaukee Mile, with order of finish, starting position in parentheses, driver, engine, laps completed and reason out (if any):

    1. (6) Pato O’Ward, Chevrolet, 250, Running
    2. (5) Will Power, Chevrolet, 250, Running
    3. (25) Conor Daly, Chevrolet, 250, Running
    4. (19) Santino Ferrucci, Chevrolet, 250, Running
    5. (12) Alex Palou, Honda, 250, Running
    6. (4) Linus Lundqvist, Honda, 250, Running
    7. (3) Alexander Rossi, Chevrolet, 250, Running
    8. (1) Scott McLaughlin, Chevrolet, 250, Running
    9. (26) Christian Lundgaard, Honda, 250, Running
    10. (17) Scott Dixon, Honda, 250, Running
    11. (23) Christian Rasmussen, Chevrolet, 250, Running
    12. (15) Kyle Kirkwood, Honda, 250, Running
    13. (8) Felix Rosenqvist, Honda, 250, Running
    14. (13) Rinus VeeKay, Chevrolet, 249, Running
    15. (2) David Malukas, Honda, 249, Running
    16. (14) Jack Harvey, Honda, 249, Running
    17. (24) Nolan Siegel, Chevrolet, 249, Running
    18. (27) Pietro Fittipaldi, Honda, 248, Running
    19. (18) Katherine Legge, Honda, 248, Running
    20. (21) Graham Rahal, Honda, 248, Running
    21. (16) Marcus Armstrong, Honda, 247, Running
    22. (10) Colton Herta, Honda, 246, Running
    23. (20) Sting Ray Robb, Chevrolet, 244, Running
    24. (9) Romain Grosjean, Chevrolet, 243, Running
    25. (22) Kyffin Simpson, Honda, 238, Running
    26. (11) Josef Newgarden, Chevrolet, 146, Contact
    27. (7) Marcus Ericsson, Honda, 146, Contact

    Race Statistics
    Winner’s average speed: 123.758 mph
    Time of race: 2:03:01.3451
    Margin of victory: 1.8215 seconds
    Cautions: 3 for 38 laps
    Lead changes: 7 among 5 drivers

    Lap Leaders:
    McLaughlin, Scott 1 – 48
    Lundqvist, Linus 49 – 67
    O’Ward, Pato 68 – 77
    Herta, Colton 78 – 86
    McLaughlin, Scott 87 – 118
    O’Ward, Pato 119 – 185
    Power, Will 186 – 194
    O’Ward, Pato 195 – 250

    NTT INDYCAR SERIES Point Standings: Palou 514, Power 471, Herta 426, McLaughlin 422, O’Ward 413, Dixon 403, Kirkwood 360, Newgarden 358, Rossi 321, Ferrucci 306, Lundgaard 283, Rosenqvist 282, Armstrong 267, Ericsson 262, VeeKay 256, Lundqvist 245, Rahal 237, Grosjean 224, Fittipaldi 168, Robb 163, Simpson 157, Siegel 137, Rasmussen 133, Malukas 117, Harvey 110, Agustin Canapino 109, Theo Pourchaire 91, Daly 86, Tom Blomqvist 46, Ed Carpenter 45, Toby Sowery 45, Legge 40, Callum Ilott 39, Luca Ghiotto 27, Helio Castroneves 26, Kyle Larson 21, Takuma Sato 19, Tristan Vautier 12, Juri Vips 11, Colin Braun 10, Ryan Hunter-Reay 6, Hunter McElrea 6, Marco Andretti 5

  • CHEVROLET INDYCAR AT MILWAUKEE: Team Chevy Race 1 Report

    CHEVROLET INDYCAR AT MILWAUKEE: Team Chevy Race 1 Report

    CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
    HY-VEE MILWAUKEE MILE 250
    MILWAUKEE MILE
    WEST ALLIS, WISCONSIN
    TEAM CHEVY RACE 1 REPORT
    AUGUST 31, 2024

    PATO O’WARD AND ARROW MCLAREN NOTCH CHEVROLET’S 10TH WIN OF 2024 AND 121ST SINCE 2012 IN THE HY-VEE MILWAUKEE MILE 250 RACE 1

    Team Chevy Swept the Top Four Positions and Raced to the Third Podium Sweep of 2024

    • Pato O’Ward, driver of the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, raced to his third victory of the season in Race 1 at the Milwaukee Mile, his third oval win in his career, his seventh career NTT INDYCAR SERIES victory, and his 25th-career podium finish.
    • O’Ward’s win Saturday is Chevrolet’s 10th win of the season, fifth in five oval events so far this year, and 121st overall in the 2.2-liter twin turbo V6 era. Additionally, today’s victory is the sixth in seven hybrid technology events.
    • Chevrolet swept the top four positions at the conclusion of the Hy-Vee Milwaukee Mile 250 Race 1, with O’Ward in first, Will Power second, Conor Daly third, and Santino Ferrucci fourth.
    • Today’s podium sweep at Milwaukee is Chevrolet’s third of the season, first at Road America, second at Iowa 1, and third at the historic one-mile oval.
    • Championship contender Will Power, driver of the No. 12 Verizon Business Team Penske Chevrolet, sits second in the championship standings 43 points behind the leader heading into the penultimate event of the season.
    • Chevrolet currently leads the Manufacturers Championship with 1,354 points to the competition’s 1,175 after the Hy-Vee Milwaukee Mile 250 Race 1.

    WEST ALLIS, Wis. (August 31, 2024) – Racing to Chevrolet’s 121st victory in the 2.2-liter twin turbo V6 era since 2012 in an action-filled 250-lap Hy-Vee Milwaukee Mile Race 1, Pato O’Ward, driver of the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevy, led 118 laps to win the first of two events during the Hy-Vee Milwaukee Mile 250 doubleheader weekend.

    “We got another one! That’s three in the book this year,” said O’Ward. “We had a really tough weekend last weekend in Portland. This is a really great way to bounce back. We have another opportunity tomorrow. The car was fantastic. It was getting a little wobbly there at the end but glad I could bring it home for the boys. They were fantastic on pit stops. The strategy was amazing. We worked on the car really hard yesterday to really have something to fight with today. Team Chevy, they brought the power to us. Super stoked for all of us. Those last few laps reminded me of qualifying edginess. The car kept changing a lot from the start of the race to the end of the race. We will enjoy this today, and then it is back to work tomorrow.”

    Conquering the historic Milwaukee Mile during an exciting 250-lap, 253.75-mile event, O’Ward additionally captured Team Chevy’s 10th victory this season that included not only the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500, but the fifth victory on five ovals, as well as five additional on road and street courses. Today’s win is also Chevrolet’s sixth hybrid technology victory in the seven events so far after debuting at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course mid-season.

    Additionally, Chevrolet claimed the top four positions, with O’Ward in first, Will Power, driver of the No. 12 Team Penske Chevrolet, in second, Conor Daly, in the No. 78 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet, finishing third for the team’s best NTT INDYCAR SERIES finish, and Santino Ferrucci, driver of the No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet, in fourth. Of note, Daly’s drive during Saturday’s Race 1 saw him make 51 on-track passes, earning him the Josten’s Biggest Mover Award of the race, and is the most of any other driver in the 2024 season.

    Today’s podium sweep at Milwaukee is Team Chevy’s third of the year, first at Road America, second at Iowa 1, and the third at the historic one-mile oval Saturday.

    “What a great drive by Pato O’Ward to capture the win today on the Milwaukee Mile,” said Rob Buckner, Chevrolet Program Manager for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. “Congratulations to his No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet team on great strategy and tremendous work on pit lane to bring home the victory! As this season rolls towards the end, this group of Chevrolet engineers working side-by-side with our teams in INDYCAR continue to move the needle higher and higher in performance. We’ve worked to improve with the addition of the hybrid technology not only on road and street courses, but ovals as well. Having a Chevy-powered driver take the victory at every oval race so far this season is an accomplishment of which we are all very proud. Two races to go, a Manufacturers Championship to clinch, and a driver’s title to battle for is top-of-mind for our group until the final checkered flag falls at Nashville. But first, we have another 250-laps to run tomorrow at Milwaukee.”

    Championship contender Power, with his podium finish, now sits 43 points behind the leader heading into the penultimate event of the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.

    The green flag for Sunday’s 250-lap 253.75-mile Milwaukee Mile 250 Race 2 flies live on USA Network at 2:30 p.m. ET. Additional coverage of the twin 250-lap, 253.75-mile races broadcast via Peacock, as well as INDYCAR Radio and SiriusXM Channel 218.

    TEAM CHEVY TOP-10 RACE 1 RESULT:

    Pos. Driver

    1st Pato O’Ward

    2nd Will Power

    3rd Conor Daly

    4th Santino Ferrucci

    7th Alexander Rossi

    8th Scott McLaughlin

    WHAT THEY’RE SAYING (QUOTES):

    Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet:

    “Honestly, I can’t thank this team enough. We knew we had a good car. We didn’t it right qualifying, definitely had it right especially in the middle of that race. Man, we were moving around. Honestly, hats off to (Conor) Daly. Obviously, we probably aren’t each other’s favorites, but credit is due. Good to see him on the podium and he drove a hell of a race. I felt like there were a couple of us out there on restarts driving all over the place. Honestly, it was dirt racing style. We were sliders into (turn) three.”

    How much confidence did you have to have in your car to do what you just did on those restarts?

    “I just really trusted the right rear. I knew I could throw it down into (turn) three flat out, turn it in, and set it, and the thing would not just slide out from under me or push up into the car above me. Honestly, hats off to our engineering crew again. Just killing it. Can’t wait for tomorrow. We start a little bit further up, which will be nice. It’ll be a little different in the heat. Obviously, when it got a little cooler, we kind of lost the overall balance so I’m looking forward to that.”

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

    “I think we really missed the mark on that first pit stop. The one that promoted us to second is the same one that hurt our day. What really hurt us was the No. 6 car getting released into us on pit lane and then hitting our rear wing and knocking that off. It screwed us two times on pit lane, then we got a stop and go penalty for hitting our tire trying to avoid contact with him. Just a really dumb day. Not much to write home about. I think the best thing we can do is forget it and not take lessons we learned today because there was nothing to learn and move on to tomorrow. I think our pace is not terrible. We are starting in a decent place and hopefully race forward.”

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

    “What a great way to close out the day here in Milwaukee with the win in Race 1, and we’ll have another opportunity tomorrow. I have to give it up to the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet crew, they gave me an absolute rocket ship. Thanks to Team Chevy for all of their great work this season, and they brought a strong package here today to lock out the top four. We’ll be starting from a similar position tomorrow, so we’ll see if we can do the same from there.”

    Nolan Siegel, No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

    “First, I want to congratulate Pato (O’Ward); that’s a great win for the team. As for the No. 6 Big Machine Music City Grand Prix Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, we had a really good race going and we all worked really hard for two hours and drove through the field. Then, we lost about 15 spots because of the timing of the last yellow, and that kind of ruined our day. Hopefully that doesn’t happen tomorrow, but excited to start up front and give this another go.”

    Alexander Rossi, No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

    “First of all, that’s a great day for the team. I think the No. 7 VELO Arrow McLaren Chevrolet was strong from the second stint onward, but we faced a little bit of an unlucky situation when we came in just before that final yellow. We undercut, and got burned by that. Ultimately, it was a good day, and I think we have a good car starting up front again tomorrow. What we learned today will certainly help us hopefully get on the podium.”

    Gavin Ward, Team Principal at Arrow McLaren:

    “First and foremost, this is an awesome day for Team Chevy claiming the top four spots. They really brought the power today. They were really strong and gave us the motor we needed to go race for the win. Pato managed the race beautifully, and I think the team executed on the top level with pit stops and strategy. Alexander had another strong day with a top-10 finish, and it was looking like a pretty decent fight from the back for Nolan until that pit lane incident. We’ll learn from it. We’re starting further up tomorrow so no reason we can’t have another good day.”

    Christian Rasmussen, No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:

    “Solid day! 23rd to 11th with a lot of cool passes on track. The first stint was a little bit rough, we had a lot of understeer. Over the course of the race we made good changes to the car, the guys on the stand got the strategy right and we pitted at the right times. Overall, I am happy with my first short oval race in an Indy car and the good thing is I get to do it all over again tomorrow!”

    Conor Daly, No. 78 Junco Hollinger Racing Chevrolet:

    “It feels amazing, I appreciate Ricardo and Brad just giving me a chance. We had a lot of bad luck the first few times together, but tonight they gave me the car today to do it. Thank you to Chevrolet for getting us the engine last night. Obviously, the penalty today was tough, but just super thankful for everyone here at Juncos Hollinger Racing. I want to do well in this series, and it has been far too long since I’ve been on the podium. I just love racing here and can’t be more proud of what we accomplished tonight.”

    Josef Newgarden, No. 2 Team Penske Chevrolet:

    “I think (Marcus Ericsson) got in a little hot. I gave him the inside, because it’s really tough to hold the inside, and looks like he just kind of washed up a little bit on the entry to middle. The next thing I know I’m getting hit and we run into the wall. It’s tough. Man, I hate getting into a wreck, but it happens. It’s INDYCAR. Sometimes it goes your way, sometimes it doesn’t.”

    Did the two of you talk about it?

    “Well, he hasn’t seen it. I said ‘Hey, just watch it. I gave you the inside because I knew it was going to be tough for you to hold the inside.’ I think if he sees it, he’ll probably know.”

    Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet:

    “Tough day for the Odyssey Batteries Chevy. We weren’t fast in traffic. Unfortunate because I thought when we were out in clear air and running out in the front, we were good. Just need to get our car better in traffic and we’ll be okay.”

    Will Power, No. 12 Team Penske Chevrolet:

    “Very difficult to pass. Not impossible, but the car was all over the place with adjustments as you go through the run. Stokes to get on the podium with the Verizon Chevy. One more was what we needed. Pato (O’Ward) was super good and strong, and got through that traffic really well. Alex (Palou) is forever consistent, so it’s hard to drop that points gap but we’re doing everything we need to at the moment. We’re executing good starts and strategies. Keep digging, man. Keep digging and try and keep the fight to the end.

    It was going to be interesting there. You either do a big undercut and make track position, which we lost out in the first stint, or you do what we did there and just hopefully catch a yellow which, yeah, perfect timing. I’ve had them on the wrong side so many times. I’ll take it every time.”

    PATO O’WARD, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, WILL POWER, No. 2 Verizon Business Team Penske Chevrolet, and CONOR DALY, No. 78 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet – Podium Press Conference Transcript:

    THE MODERATOR: We are joined now by Will Power and Conor Daly.

    Will, that lead between you and Palou shrinks a little bit.

    WILL POWER: Yep, shrinks a little more. Another 10 points would have been great. Almost had him there, but just too good.

    I should say pleasant surprise but well-deserved, Conor driving all the way. Shows it doesn’t matter where you qualify. Even my spotter said during that run, Conor already has passed half the field around the outside, so the outside works.

    For Ricardo and that team, couldn’t be happier. Super excited to see that.

    CONOR DALY: Thanks.

    WILL POWER: Closing the gap. Palou is a serious contender, man. Nothing can rattle that guy. Very tough to go head-to-head with him.

    THE MODERATOR: Conor, welcome back to the podium in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

    CONOR DALY: Thank you. Yeah, it’s really cool, especially when you get to share it with — the last podium I was on had Juan Pablo Montoya and Sebastien Bourdais. I changed my era of INDYCAR drivers.

    Yeah, kind of crazy. I mean, I honestly didn’t know how good we were. The first lap I decided to just go where there was open space. Turns out that worked. Then, yeah, we just kept going. It was kind of slowly working our way forward.

    Our pit box might be the worse thing in the world. I am just thankful that, like, we didn’t hit anyone. The guys got the work done, we got out of the pits okay.

    It’s going to be a struggle tomorrow for us, too. Obviously we want to win and we want to compete at the front, and this team gave me the opportunity to do that.

    We thought we could do it at Gateway. That opportunity quickly came to a grinding halt. But yes, I’m thankful to be here and be back up where I dreamed of being my whole life really.

    THE MODERATOR: The official passing stat, 51 on-track passes for you. Obviously most of the night. Incredible job.

    CONOR DALY: Thank you.

    THE MODERATOR: We’ll open it up for questions.

    Q. Will, I don’t know if it was intentional or not, you boxed Palou in a couple times on the pit stop. He was actually monetarily fined for running over equipment. Was that gamesmanship or by design?

    WILL POWER: Not at all. I tried my best to be square. The best thing I can do is hit my marks, that will give me the quickest stop. It’s very difficult with such short boxes to get around and square. I actually locked up one time and went long.

    Going around Palou, none of that. I’m not into that. Just straight up shitty to do that sort of thing. Yeah, it’s tight boxes simply. Yeah, hard to get in and out with someone in front of you.

    Lucky Santino left before I did on that yellow where we all stopped. So yeah, just tough.

    Q. On Santino, did he help you there or did you earn that?

    WILL POWER: No, he was going for a podium, which is fair enough. Those guys are still digging to get in the top 10. I did a move.

    CONOR DALY: I watched it all.

    WILL POWER: I didn’t want to force him out.

    CONOR DALY: Thank you, by the way.

    WILL POWER: Is that how you got it?

    CONOR DALY: Yes.

    WILL POWER: Santino, I’m good friends with him. He helped me out at Portland. I didn’t expect him just to move over. He deserved to be there and he’s going to fight for it.

    Q. Conor, do you have a shot at this ride, at keeping this ride for next year?

    CONOR DALY: I mean, I’d love to think so. In the end, the finances are very difficult to make happen in this world. But I feel like I have a lot that I still want to do in this world. The last couple years have been obviously really difficult for me, in the situation that I was in.

    This group around me has been just so supportive. Even after the first two races, like I said on TV, I’m sure everyone was, Well, we thought it was going to be great.

    I know I can run at the front with these guys. The car gave me the opportunity to do that. I can only do what the car will allow me to do. They gave me that chance. We made the right moves when we needed to.

    But yeah, what the future holds, I have no idea. Thankfully I got next week planned and the weekend after that. After that, we’re kind of just back to the drawing board.

    Q. (No microphone.)

    CONOR DALY: Feels like family. I won Ricardo’s first (indiscernible) championship for him and got him his first INDYCAR podium. Feel like that’s got to count for something.

    THE MODERATOR: Pato O’Ward joins us, sombrero and all.

    Pato, congratulations. Your thoughts on obviously a big night and another race tomorrow, too.

    PATO O’WARD: Yeah, wonderful race for us. The car really came to life in the second stint, then it was a little gnarly after that. A lot of changing editions. The track was getting quite a bit cooler. Tomorrow it’s going to be quite a bit hotter than what it was today, at least how it ended. Balances are going to change. Quick cars are going to evolve. We’ll see where we’re at.

    But yeah, super stoked. A great bounceback after a really tough weekend for me and the whole team. So really happy that I was able to give them this.

    Chevy top three, that’s awesome.

    WILL POWER: We should be in Mexico City, not NASCAR (smiling).

    PATO O’WARD: What?

    WILL POWER: I say we should be in Mexico City (smiling).

    PATO O’WARD: Pato who (smiling)?

    THE MODERATOR: Chevrolet top four tonight.

    Q. Pato, what a difference a week makes. Tell me about this team, you guys rallied from nowhere last weekend to winning this week.

    PATO O’WARD: Yeah, I mean, it’s all about what are we missing, right? We’re not going to get it right all the time. But specifically this year has been really, really tough just to feel like I have something to fight with. I feel like I’ve had it in numerous races along the year, but there’s been some where it’s just been really, really tough in a lot of different angles, I would say.

    It was nice to bounce back like this after a solid qualifying effort, then really putting it together in the race. Great pit stops, great strategy. It all definitely came together for us.

    Q. Will, what did you learn about your car tonight you can apply tomorrow to get more points?

    WILL POWER: Man, it changed so much over a run and then from run to run. Very difficult to know what to do. I can’t tell you how much I moved my tools around all night, front wing. Very difficult to know what you need here. I think the tire deg is so big that you start with one balance, you finish with the complete other side of that.

    I think everyone will be better tomorrow. They’ll know strategy, how the tires go off, they know how to pass, what lanes work. It will be a harder race, for sure.

    But it was good. It was cool racing with Pato at the end there trying to catch him. Like, he was just laying big darkies out every time out of the corner. I’m like, He’s loose. I was a bit loose, but I had a bit of both.

    Yeah, you feel satisfied. We need a win. Very satisfied when you put everything into a race and it works out.

    Q. Conor, speak to the fact that you’ve done impressive things on ovals in INDYCAR, and members of the Carlin team are now part of your current team.

    CONOR DALY: A lot of those guys I got ’em a pole, now I got ’em a podium. I feel good about that. They’re a great group of people.

    Shout-out to Trevor Carlin, too. He put together a really cool group of people. Obviously, a lot of them have really enjoyed it. They’ve stayed. Ricardo and Brad have taken over.

    It truly is I think a very underrated group. They’re so smart. There’s a lot of talented folks there. They deserve this, for sure, because it’s been a very unlucky year for them. Obviously I felt it the last two weeks.

    This is the first race we’ve been together where we haven’t been spun at least once. That’s positive. I think tomorrow can only be better, I hope.

    Q. First time back at the Milwaukee Mile since 2015. How did you view the quality of the race?

    WILL POWER: Yeah, it was pretty good. There was a lot of passing, back and forth. I thought the crowd was really good, too. Sounded awesome once you got out of the car, the cheer of the crowd.

    I think it was a very successful return. A lot of fun in the race. Yeah, I don’t know what it looked like from the outside, but it felt… He passed 50 times. I don’t think anyone is going to get close to that.

    CONOR DALY: I just wish they would have swept for the last restart ’cause when they did, it really opened it up. If they didn’t, I mean, you were going up top with a prayer and you close your eyes. That was really tough.

    WILL POWER: Actually couldn’t see.

    CONOR DALY: I never saw a single car in front of me.

    WILL POWER: A car would disappear, come out and there he is.

    CONOR DALY: No idea where I was (smiling).

    THE MODERATOR: 667 on-track passes in this race tonight, 326 were for position which is the most on record here at the Milwaukee Mile.

    Q. Pato, from your standpoint, the quality of the race, how the track felt, the fan support?

    PATO O’WARD: It was fantastic. You could just hear the cheers of everybody. Super happy on the podium. Everybody was just super into it, brought a lot of energy today. That was fantastic to see.

    My first time here in Milwaukee, so I don’t know what to compare to. But this was fantastic. Really been amazing. It was a pretty good race. We could get through traffic and stuff like that, so that usually means it’s eventful pretty much everywhere but leaders.

    It was definitely a success and excited for tomorrow.

    Q. Do you think there’s a good foundation to build this race back to being a regular on the schedule?

    WILL POWER: Yeah, I do. I think we got to really build these events up. It’s important to have a full crowd. Looks great on TV. Looking forward to our TV package next year, all on network at the same time, at a good time.

    Yeah, some great things happening to the series. Probably some good events coming in the next year or two. It won’t be next year obviously, the schedule is out, but after that.

    Got to keep digging. Got to keep catching those F1 and NASCAR people, see if we can get there, man. NASCAR, they had it written on the wall apparently that they’re going to one day be there. We need that painted somewhere (smiling).

    Where would you paint that? We can be near, I don’t know, F1. You could aim high. Put it on the wall there for everyone to see.

    CONOR DALY: Love your strategy, Will.

    WILL POWER: Get in the psyche and subconscious. Manifest it and one day, boom, there’s INDYCAR right up there with the big guns. You boys will benefit way more than me.

    PATO O’WARD: Don’t sell yourself short.

    WILL POWER: If I was here for another decade…

    PATO O’WARD: You’d be fine. You’re performing fine. I don’t see why not.

    WILL POWER: It’s just a matter of keeping your job that long. Young blokes coming up trying to take my seat apparently (smiling).

    Q. Conor, you mentioned earlier about getting Ricardo his first podium in INDYCAR, his first championship in Star Mazda. What does that mean to bring all that full circle?

    CONOR DALY: It’s pretty cool, man. I think it’s really impressive what he’s done with that group. It’s still a fairly fresh team in the last five, six years, you know what I mean? When Carlin first came over, now under the JHR banner, I love what they’ve done, I love the group of people they’ve brought together. It’s really hard to go racing in this series. It’s hard to show up and be competitive. Obviously they’ve proven that they can do it.

    It means a lot. I think Ricardo is a racer at his heart. He just loves racing. He wants to do whatever it takes. He’s on my stand. It sounds like he wants to try to engineer the car sometimes. My man, there’s people that are paid to do that. Let’s just chill for a second.

    But he just loves it. He wants to figure out how to make these cars go faster. The team is dedicated to understanding where they need to improve, which I think is so important.

    To go faster, it is hard. You have to do a lot of work to get there. I think they’re trying to do that.

    Q. The last 25 laps you saw Pato and Will battling. How much was it having to keep back and realize you’re in third, podium, not risk too much?

    CONOR DALY: I mean, most of the time I had no idea where I was on track position-wise. I figured that once I saw these two in front of me, I was in a decent spot. I definitely didn’t lift off. I was trying my hardest. Definitely got a bit free at the end and was just trying to hang on.

    We were not slow by any means, which felt nice.

    Q. When did you know you were in third?

    CONOR DALY: As soon as lap traffic went away. Actually after I passed Santino, they were like, You’re third.

    That’s cool. That was neat.

    Q. Tell me about the sun. I can’t ‘blank’ see was said every third lap by somebody. Was it that bad?

    WILL POWER: Yeah, you couldn’t see the line. Also, I know this guy is going high, then needs to go low, reappear here. Really, you couldn’t see the car. It would disappear. It was very, very difficult at the end.

    CONOR DALY: Gateway was tough, but this was worse. Complete blindness.

    PATO O’WARD: Completely gone. Then, oh, it’s there.

    Q. Conor, looked like Santino came up post race. You had a post-race embrace.

    CONOR DALY: I don’t think the guy is a bad driver. I’ve always said that. We’ve just had some disagreements, for sure.

    PATO O’WARD: His beef is with Grosjean.

    CONOR DALY: Yeah, my teammate.

    I can respect a good racer. Like, he obviously raced me clean. This year it’s been really cool. Yeah, I’ve had some problems with him, of course. I respect good racing and a good racer. Like, he’s done a great job this year, for sure.

    His group of people behind him, Michael Cannon already texted me. It’s very funny what he says. I like Michael Cannon a lot. He calls me Randy. Randy Cool. I don’t know why. He just said Randy in all caps and 45 exclamation points. That’s Mike.

    Q. Conor, did you know you were going to have to go after it today knowing you had the new engine and nothing to lose?

    CONOR DALY: I honestly didn’t know if we were going to be good or not. I still have no idea how that all happened.

    Yeah, felt fine. Felt good. Car was nice to drive. We just kind of kept working on it. Small adjustments every pit stop. Then we didn’t go crazy. We kind of put everything in the right spot.

    Q. Pato, was this an emotional day for you, the stuff that happened this morning? Did you go through an emotional roller coaster or were you pretty even keel?

    PATO O’WARD: No, I was chilling in the morning, I was chilling in the afternoon. I was just here for business.

    CONOR DALY: Pato, you going to be on Speed Street again this week?

    PATO O’WARD: I enjoyed that.

    WILL POWER: I was hoping I speak to Conor at least two more times this year. It’s a big deal.

    CONOR DALY: Great program.

    THE MODERATOR: Thank you.

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