Category: NTT Indy

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Saturday, March 4, 2023) – It might be time for Louis Foster to reset his expectations for his first INDY NXT by Firestone race Sunday on the streets of St. Petersburg.

Foster, from England, will start from the pole for the INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg after turning the best lap in qualifying, 1 minute, 5.1103 seconds, on Saturday in the No. 26 Copart/USF Pro Championship car fielded by Andretti Autosport. Foster, 19, climbed to INDYCAR’s developmental series this season after winning the USF Pro 2000 Championship in 2022.

Andretti Autosport earned its third pole in the last four INDY NXT by Firestone races at St. Petersburg.

“This was a great, great qualifying session,” Foster said. “A bit more than we expected. We’re going into this weekend with a bit of uncertainty, first time in the championship. I’m over the moon. The guys at Andretti have done an amazing job.”

Jacob Abel, who led Friday practice, continued his strong weekend and will join Foster on the front row of the grid after qualifying second at 1:05.1763 in the No. 51 Abel Motorsports car.

Christian Rasmussen rebounded from an incident that ended his practice early Friday, qualifying third at 1:05.2204 in the No. 6 HMD Motorsports with DCR car. His teammate, Rasmus Lindh, qualified fourth at 1:05.2283 in the No. 10 HMD Motorsports with DCR car.

Kyffin Simpson rounded out the top five at 1:05.2884 in the No. 21 HMD Motorsports with CGR machine. Rookie Nolan Siegel, who led practice Saturday morning, qualified sixth at 1:05.3331 in the No. 39 HMD Motorsports with DCR car.

Just .8673 of a second separated the entire 19-car field in qualifying.

The 45-lap (or 55 minutes maximum) race on the 14-turn, 1.8-mile temporary street circuit starts at 9:50 a.m. ET Sunday (Live on Peacock, INDYCAR Radio Network). All drivers are coming to grips with and learning about Firestone tires, the longtime NTT INDYCAR SERIES tire supplier that is new to the developmental series this season.

“The aim will be to win the race from pole,” Foster said. “But it’s going to be the longest race I’ve ever done with 55 minutes, so I’m just going to have to manage the tires, see what they end up like. No one’s done a race on these tires yet, so it’s all going to be brand new to us. We’ll look at some data tonight and see what we can figure out for the morning.”

INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Qualifying Results

1. (26) Louis Foster, 01:05.1103 (99.523)
2. (51) Jacob Abel, 01:05.1763 (99.423)
3. (6) Christian Rasmussen, 01:05.2204 (99.355)
4. (10) Rasmus Lindh, 01:05.2283 (99.343)
5. (21) Kyffin Simpson, 01:05.2884 (99.252)
6. (39) Nolan Siegel, 01:05.3331 (99.184)
7. (68) Danial Frost, 01:05.3664 (99.133)
8. (76) Reece Gold, 01:05.4015 (99.080)
9. (75) Matteo Nannini, 01:05.4109 (99.066)
10. (3) Josh Green, 01:05.4552 (98.999)
11. (47) Enaam Ahmed, 01:05.6028 (98.776)
12. (27) Hunter McElrea, 01:05.6267 (98.740)
13. (98) Jagger Jones, 01:05.6411 (98.719)
14. (57) Colin Kaminsky, 01:05.7149 (98.608)
15. (14) Josh Pierson, 01:05.8256 (98.442)
16. (29) James Roe, 01:05.8314 (98.433)
17. (99) Ernie Francis Jr., 01:05.8522 (98.402)
18. (28) Jamie Chadwick, 01:05.9157 (98.307)
19. (7) Christian Bogle, 01:05.9776 (98.215)

Dixon Leads Ganassi Charge to Top of Time Sheet in St. Pete

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Friday, March 3, 2023) – It’s hard to believe, but none of legendary six-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Scott Dixon’s 53 career wins have come on the streets of St. Petersburg.

That might change Sunday, if the results of the opening practice Friday are any indication.

Dixon was quickest during the opening practice session of the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, turning a top lap of 1 minute, 1.6145 seconds in the No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. Dixon will look to take the top step of the podium in the race Sunday (noon ET, NBC, Peacock, Telemundo Deportes on Universo, INDYCAR Radio Network) after four second-place and two third-place career finishes at this event.

“The first session was a little messy,” Dixon said. “The session ran really long, an hour and 15 minutes, which was good. A couple sets of tires for most of the field. We ended up at the top, which is a nice way to start the weekend. Now the tough part is trying to stay there.”

Up next on the 14-turn, 1.8-mile temporary street circuit is practice at 10 a.m. ET Saturday, followed by NTT P1 Award qualifying at 2:15 p.m., with live coverage of both sessions on Peacock.

It was a strong start to the season for Chip Ganassi Racing and Andretti Autosport, whose drivers took the top four spots.

2021 St. Petersburg winner Colton Herta was second overall with a top time of 1:01.6475 in the No. 26 Gainbridge Honda fielded by Andretti Autosport. 2021 season champion Alex Palou ended up third at 1:01.6790 in the No. 10 The American Legion Honda fielded by CGR.

Kyle Kirkwood produced a strong start to his Andretti Autosport career in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES by placing fourth at 1:01.6851 in the No. 27 AutoNation Honda. Kirkwood drove for AJ Foyt Racing last season as a rookie before returning to the team with which he won the INDY NXT by Firestone championship in 2021.

2016 series champion Simon Pagenaud rounded out the top five at 1:01.6963 in the No. 60 AutoNation/SiriusXM Honda fielded by Meyer Shank Racing despite stopping on course just shy of halfway into the 75-minute session.

Rinus VeeKay was the quickest Chevrolet-powered driver, sixth at 1:01.8514 in the No. 21 Bitnile.com Chevrolet of Ed Carpenter Racing. Marcus Armstrong was the quickest of the four rookies in the field, ninth at 1:01.9444 in the No. 11 Ridgeline Lubricants Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.

2022 St. Petersburg race winner Scott McLaughlin was one of a handful of veteran and rookie drivers who encountered problems between the unforgiving concrete walls of the circuit, which includes the streets of St. Petersburg and a runway at Albert Whitted Airport. McLaughlin was 10th overall at 1:01.9882 in the No. 3 DEX Imaging Team Penske Chevrolet despite brushing the wall and damaging a toe link during the session, forcing repairs in the pits.

Abel Leads Rough-and-Tumble Opening Practice at St. Petersburg

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Friday, March 3, 2023) – Jacob Abel drives for one of the smallest teams in INDY NXT by Firestone, but he produced the biggest lap to lead the opening practice of the 2023 season Friday afternoon in the INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

Series veteran Abel, from Louisville, Kentucky, topped the time charts in a session interrupted by two crashes with a best lap of 1 minute, 6.3288 seconds in the No. 51 Abel Motorsports car. He ended up .0364 of a second ahead of rookie Nolan Siegel, who was second overall at 1:06.3652 in the No. 39 HMD Motorsports with DCR car.

This session started a new era for INDYCAR’s development series, which features a new name and has switched to Firestone tires starting in 2023.

“It was really good,” Abel said. “This Firestone tire is going to be really, really interesting. We didn’t get much time on it in the preseason, so I think a lot of people are going to be learning as the year goes on. Definitely off to a good start, and we’ll see if we can keep it up.”

INDY NXT by Firestone drivers will be on track next at 9 a.m. ET Saturday, followed by qualifying at 1:35 p.m. on the 14-turn, 1.8-mile street circuit that includes the downtown asphalt streets of St. Petersburg and a concrete runway at Albert Whitted Airport. The race starts at 9:50 a.m. Sunday, with live coverage on Peacock and the INDYCAR Radio Network.

Rasmus Lindh ended up third in practice Friday with a top lap of 1:06.4386 in the No. 10 HMD Motorsports with DCR car. Lindh returns to INDY NXT for a full season after last competing in the series in a partial campaign in 2021.

Series veteran Danial Frost was fourth at 1:06.5038 in the No. 68 HMD Motorsports with DCR car. Another series veteran, Kyffin Simpson, rounded out the top five at 1:06.5232 in the No. 21 HMD Motorsports with CGR car.

Less than one second separated the top 15 drivers in the session, setting the stage for a tight chase for the pole in qualifying Saturday.

Today’s practice started in choppy fashion due to two early crashes by leading returning drivers in the series.

Christian Rasmussen, who finished sixth in the standings last season, saw his session end when his No. 6 HMD Motorsports with DCR car crashed into the barrier in Turn 4 just five minutes into the session.

“I just kind of lost the rear into Turn 4 and don’t have a complete answer on what happened yet,” Rasmussen said. “We’ll get the car back out there, and hopefully we’ll get some more laps in the next practice.”

Just two minutes after the track reopened following Rasmussen’s crash, Hunter McElrea made hard contact with the barrier in Turn 3 in his No. 27 Smart Motors car fielded by Andretti Autosport. McElrea, the series’ 2022 Rookie of the Year after finishing fourth in points last season, was done for the session.

INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, March 3, 2023) – Simu Liu, the groundbreaking star of Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings,” will ride in the Fastest Seat in Sports at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding, leading the full field of drivers to the green flag of the season-opening NTT INDYCAR SERIES race Sunday, March 5.

The live telecast of the race on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, will start at noon ET on NBC, Peacock and Telemundo Deportes on Universo.

INDYCAR’s Fastest Seat in Sports is a high-speed, high-octane, super-charged thrill ride in a custom INDYCAR SERIES car with a special back passenger seat. At almost every race on the schedule, the car advances the field of drivers to the start/finish line to signify the beginning of the race, with a special passenger in the guest seat. Previous participants in the Fastest Seat in Sports include Lady Gaga, NBA champions Steph Curry and Kawhi Leonard, actor Channing Tatum and many others.

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. The race for the championship begins this weekend on the sunny city streets of St. Petersburg.

Liu made history as the lead of the first Asian-fronted movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which earned him the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Action Movie Star.

For five seasons, Liu starred in the CBC/Netflix comedy series “Kim’s Convenience,” which won the ACTRA Awards for Outstanding Ensemble in 2017 and was also nominated for the same award in 2018.

He most recently completed production on Greta Gerwig’s feature “Barbie” for Warner Bros. opposite Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling and will next star alongside Mark Wahlberg in “Arthur the King” and on the film adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s bestseller “One True Loves” opposite Phillipa Soo.

Liu’s New York Times best-selling memoir, “We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story,” was released by Harper Collins last May. He also was named as one of “The World’s Most Influential People” in June 2022 by TIME magazine.

Many Innovative Features Bring Action, Excitement to Fans Everywhere

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, March 2, 2023) – INDYCAR and NTT DATA have joined forces to reimagine and redesign the popular INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA, with the new-look app available now internationally for all Android and iOS devices.

The INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA gives fans the insider’s edge on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, North America’s premier open-wheel championship and one of the most competitive racing series globally. With the power of NTT DATA’s best-in-class mobile technology, the INDYCAR App in 2023 provides a better experience for fans by fully capitalizing on the capabilities of modern iOS and Android devices and platforms.

“While downloads and use of the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA grew to unprecedented levels in 2022, we wanted to continue to work with our innovative partner NTT DATA to make this an even more essential way for fans to follow the world’s most exciting racing series,” said Mark Miles, president and CEO of Penske Entertainment Corp. “Mobile continues to be one of the most popular ways to engage our new and existing fans, and we want to bring the action, excitement and personalities of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to our fans wherever they are, whenever they want.”

Among the highlights and features of the new INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA:

• Live timing and scoring leaderboard data in near-real time, with an enhanced 2D track map and driver-specific telemetry information
• Single sign-on feature for fans to seamlessly enjoy the race across multiple Android and/or iOS devices, connect through social channels and access premium features
• Exclusive livestream videos, along with highlight clips, race recaps and video features
• Integration with INDYCAR Fantasy Challenge driven by Firestone, the official fantasy racing game of INDYCAR
• New for 2023: Users can select multiple favorite drivers and teams, allowing fans to stay up to date on what matters most to them
• A minimum of 11 in-car cameras during the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season and up to 15 in-car cameras for select races
• Detailed schedule with a list of races, locations, session times and broadcast channels for the entire season
• Race-specific content, including INDYCAR’s interactive spotter guide, pit assignments and the full weekend schedule
• Custom push notifications for race start times, news updates, special announcements and more

“We appreciate the opportunity to partner with Penske Entertainment to bring new digital technologies to help expand and enhance the racing experience, especially on race day. That’s what the redesigned NTT INDYCAR Series mobile app accomplishes,” NTT DATA Services CEO Bob Pryor said. “We expect INDYCAR’s passionate fan base will appreciate the new app to debut now, so they can have it on hand for the 2023 season opener, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.”

The robust new app debuts just before the 2023 season opener, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding on March 3-5 at St. Petersburg, Florida. Fans can download it at Google Play for Android devices and the App Store for iOS devices. The app automatically will update for existing users who have automatic updates turned on their devices.

This new app launch comes after the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA reached more fans than ever in the 2022 season. Growth increased to 68,000+ users on race weekends, and over 110,000+ users during the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, both all-time records. There were more than 188,000 new app downloads in 2022, the most in a single racing season.

Partnership with season-opening NTT INDYCAR SERIES event began in 2014 and will continue through 2025; Multiyear extension signed between INDYCAR and Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (March 2, 2023) – Bridgestone Americas, Inc. today announced a two-year extension for the Firestone brand’s title sponsorship of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding through 2025. Firestone has been a partner with the event since 2005, then elevated its commitment to become the naming rights partner of this NTT INDYCAR® SERIES event in 2014.

This is Firestone’s 24th consecutive year as the sole tire supplier of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES as the season gets underway this weekend for the 13th time on the downtown streets of St. Petersburg. The race continues to be an ideal setting for the brand to engage race fans and consumers while showcasing its best-in-class tire technology. In 2023, starting with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding, NTT INDYCAR SERIES cars will race on guayule natural rubber, featuring a green sidewall, as the alternate tire on all street circuits.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Green Savoree Racing Promotions to support a marquee event in a community that shares our passion for INDYCAR racing,” said Lisa Boggs, Director of Motorsports at Bridgestone Americas. “This year’s race marks the Firestone brand’s tenth year as entitlement sponsor, and we’re honored to extend this relationship through 2025.”

“It’s an honor for our team to host this event in the City of St. Petersburg each year and to do so with the unparalleled support of an iconic brand like Firestone spanning 19 years now. Lisa (Boggs) and her team continue to help us grow the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding and to elevate the stature of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES as a world-class sport,” said Kim Green, co-owner, chairman and CEO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding. “Year-after-year Firestone delivers a great racing compound to the drivers producing awesome competition on the track for our fans to enjoy!”

Additionally, INDYCAR and Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC, the company which owns and operates the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding, have signed a multiyear extension. This ensures the continuation of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES racing on the streets of St. Petersburg.

“The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding has proven to be an exceptional season opener for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season,” Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles said. “We are pleased to agree to a multiyear extension as we commit to what has become a pillar event on our calendar. The growing crowds and TV audience and continued support from Firestone are important signs of the event’s strength and future. We look forward to the city of St. Petersburg providing the perfect showcase for the stars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES for years to come.”

Firestone is a time-tested brand whose roots run deep in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area. For nearly 100 years, Firestone Complete Auto Care (FCAC) has been a trusted provider of tire and automotive services for drivers in the region. Its location on Kennedy Boulevard in downtown Tampa, which is just a few miles from where the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding will be held, first opened in 1933 and stands as the longest still-operating FCAC location in the U.S. FCAC is part of Bridgestone Retail Operations, which owns and operates more than 2,200 tire and vehicle service locations across the country.

Firestone is the official tire of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES currently through the 2025 season. The Firestone Race Tire Engineering team develops race tire specifications to meet the demands of each unique oval, road and street course circuits on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule. These efforts to support the most versatile racing series in the world continue to serve as the ultimate proving ground for the tire technology that everyday drivers can find in the Firestone passenger tires on their personal vehicles.

The 2023 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding runs March 3-5. Tickets start as low as $25. For complete pricing, schedule and festival information, visit gpstpete.com. Follow the event on social media using @gpstpete and #FirestoneGP for the latest updates. Joining the E-Club also provides insider access to the latest news and offers.

About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.:

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is the U.S.-based subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tires and rubber, building on its expertise to provide solutions for safe and sustainable mobility. Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Bridgestone Americas employs more than 45,000 people across its worldwide operations. Bridgestone offers a diverse product portfolio of premium tires and advanced solutions backed by innovative technologies, improving the way people around the world move, live, work and play.

About Firestone Racing:

The Firestone brand has participated in world-class motorsports events for more than a century, and racing has played an integral role in building and shaping Firestone into the time-tested, iconic brand it is today. Harvey Firestone, the brand’s founder and a pioneer of sports marketing, was one of the first to use racing as the ultimate proving ground for his tires. Ever since Ray Harroun’s Firestone-equipped Marmon Wasp won the inaugural Indianapolis 500® in 1911, Firestone has worked to constantly evolve and advance race tire technology. Overall, Firestone tires have carried the winner of the Indy 500 to victory circle 73 times – more than double all other tire manufacturers combined. Firestone has served as INDYCAR’s sole tire supplier since 2000, and the brand’s on-track success translates to durable, dependable performance and uncompromising quality on the open road.

About Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding:

The 19th annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding is a race event held during Florida’s spring break season. Traditionally the site of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ season-opening race, St. Pete is a destination city hosting this annual motorsports tradition and offering a festival atmosphere with its downtown location. The temporary circuit is a 1.8-mile, 14-turn configuration using the streets circling Pioneer Park, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts, The Dali Museum and extending onto the runways at Albert Whitted Airport, which overlooks the waterfront of Tampa Bay and picturesque St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina. Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding is owned and operated by Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC. Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC is owned by Green Savoree Racing Promotions 2, LLC whose other subsidiaries also promote three additional INDYCAR SERIES races, The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio (June 30-July 2, 2023), Honda Indy Toronto (July 14-16, 2023), and Grand Prix of Portland (Sept. 1-3, 2023).

For more information, visit gpstpete.com, ‘like’ its Facebook page at @GPSTPETE or follow the event on Twitter @GPSTPETE and Instagram @GPSTPETE using #FirestoneGP.

About NTT INDYCAR SERIES:

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is North America’s premier open-wheel auto racing series. It features an international field of the world’s most versatile drivers – including two-time and reigning series champion Will Power, six-time series champion Scott Dixon, two-time series champion Josef Newgarden, four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves and reigning “500” winner Marcus Ericsson – who compete on superspeedways, short ovals, street circuits and permanent road courses. The 2023 season consists of 17 races in the United States and Canada and is highlighted by the historic Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES, INDYCAR, INDY NXT by Firestone, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IMS Productions are owned by Penske Corporation, a global transportation, automotive and motorsports leader. For more information on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, please visit www.indycar.com.

McLaughlin Puts Viewers in Driver’s Seat before Season Debut with ‘ZERO’

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, March 1, 2023) – The NTT INDYCAR SERIES offers the most competitive and challenging racing in motorsports, and its new promotional campaign will bring all the action, drama and intrigue to new audiences as the season gets ready to launch this weekend.

The first INDYCAR campaign spot of the year – “ZERO” – focuses on the fierce race for victory at the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding at St. Petersburg, Florida, where exactly ZERO mistakes can be made by the driver hoping to stand atop the podium Sunday, March 5.

“ZERO” is narrated by 2022 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg race winner Scott McLaughlin of Team Penske.

SEE: ‘ZERO’ Campaign Spot

In the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, every track and every race is different – but the one thing they have in common is their combination of breakneck speed, harrowing turns, epic crashes and unbeatable competition. As the season progresses, INDYCAR will introduce a new spot, tailored to various stops on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES calendar and narrated by a driver with a special tie to that event.

“We know our racing is the best on the planet, and we know there’s no greater challenge in motorsport than winning an NTT INDYCAR SERIES race,” said Penske Entertainment President & CEO Mark Miles. “From a very personal and engaging perspective, our drivers are going to tell everyone what makes our sport unique and what it takes to win at each specific venue.”

Spots will run from Wednesday to Sunday of Race Week and are part of a larger multichannel, national media plan.

INDYCAR partnered with creative agency Motive to develop the spots and with local Indianapolis agency EchoPoint Media as a paid media partner. The next spot will be unveiled ahead of the PPG 375 on Sunday, April 2 at Texas Motor Speedway.

Live coverage of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding starts at noon ET Sunday, March 5 on NBC, Peacock, Telemundo Deportes on Universo and the INDYCAR Radio Network.

INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023) – Dallara, the exclusive chassis manufacturer for INDY NXT by Firestone since 2002, will continue its strong support of INDYCAR’s development series with a robust contingency awards package for the 2023 season.

The 2023 INDY NXT by Firestone season starts March 3-5 at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding in St. Petersburg, Florida. The race starts at 9:50 a.m. ET Sunday, March 5, with live coverage on Peacock and the INDYCAR Radio Network.

“Dallara has been a steadfast partner of INDYCAR’s top development series for more than two decades, and we’re grateful for this meaningful enhancement package for our teams and drivers,” INDY NXT Director Levi Jones said. “This unique program is tailored toward promoting continued skills growth for the future stars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, which matches the goal of the series perfectly.”

The 2023 prize package blends parts support and skills development for INDY NXT drivers and teams, including:

•A $10,000 credit for parts and services to the highest-finishing INDY NXT by Firestone championship driver participating in the Dallara contingency program.

•A full-day simulator session for the highest-finishing driver in the INDY NXT by Firestone season standings participating in the program.

•A half-day simulator session for the second- and third-place finishing drivers in the season standings participating in the program.

Dallara is developing a social media program to promote its INDY NXT by Firestone contingency award program and the Italian manufacturer’s partnership with the series.

Drivers become eligible for the Dallara contingency awards package by promoting Dallara’s involvement in the sport a number of times per season on their social media channels, including Dallara social tags.

This program deepens Dallara’s commitment to INDYCAR as the exclusive chassis manufacturer and supplier for INDY NXT by Firestone and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

“We are thrilled to offer this INDY NXT award to the series,” Dallara CEO Stefano dePonti said. “There are only three Dallara professional driving simulators in the world, and one of them is located at our U.S. headquarters in Speedway. This award aims to provide a great resource and training tools for INDYCAR’s developmental series.

“Thank you to INDY NXT by Firestone for this opportunity. Best of luck to all the drivers as they kick off their season this weekend.”

CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
STREETS OF ST. PETERSBURG GRAND PRIX
ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA
TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE
FEBRUARY 28, 2023

QUEST FOR EIGHTH NTT INDYCAR SERIES MANUFACTURER TITLE BEGINS ON THE STREETS OF ST. PETERSBURG

SETTING THE SEASON’S STAGE IN ST. PETE

Entering the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, Chevrolet looks to defend capturing the coveted 2022 Manufacturer Championship, in addition to the driver’s title with Will Power and owner’s title with Roger Penske. Both the Manufacturer and driver/owner titles were the seventh for Chevrolet since rejoining INDYCAR competition in 2012 with the 2.2 liter V6 twin turbo direct injected engine.

In seeking its eighth title, it all starts for Chevrolet on the 1.8-mile, 14-turn temporary street circuit in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. On the intricate street course, Chevrolet drivers have raced to victory eight times since 2012. The season-opening event holds a special place in Scott McLaughlin’s heart, who earned his first career win in INDYCAR last year in St. Pete driving the No. 3 Chevrolet for Team Penske.

“I know that we made a massive step personally for me last year,” noted McLaughlin. “That was due to a number of things clicking, working out really good. But now what we know of INDYCAR racing, you just need to continue stepping up a little. We need to continue to build as a team, and for myself. I’ve certainly looked at negatives that I can improve on. Hopefully that bodes well to repeat our win at the season opening race at St. Petersburg, and for the rest of the season.”

“There is a great vibe for all of us at Team Chevy heading into the NTT INDYCAR Series season-opening race on the Streets of St. Petersburg,” said Rob Buckner, Engineering Program Manager for Chevrolet in NTT INDYCAR SERIES. “Although 2022 is in our rear view mirror, there is positivity and momentum coming off our successful season for all of our teams and drivers. We are looking forward to working with new drivers, engineers, and other team members to get 2023 off to a great start. The fans at St Petersburg are awesome and have a great appreciation for INDYCAR.

“Every year the INDYCAR Series gets more and more competitive. We will have the largest grid we’ve had for many seasons, which ups the level of importance of getting the cars as close as possible right off the truck to ensure qualifying success. On some tracks, where you start plays a huge part in how well a race will play-out for a team and driver. Our teams powered by the Chevrolet 2.2 liter V6 engine have worked tirelessly throughout the off-season to gain performance out of every inch of the car. St. Petersburg is a challenge with changing surfaces and limited passing zones so maximizing tire and throttle management is critical. St. Pete has been good to Chevy over the past 11 years, so we want to continue to add to those statistics.”

The 19th Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg kicks off with practice on Friday, March 3, at 3 p.m. ET. On Saturday, practice will start at 10 a.m. ET; Firestone Fast Six qualifying will start at 2:15 p.m. ET. The morning warmup on Sunday is at 9 a.m. ET. All practice and qualifying will be live on Peacock, INDYCAR Radio and SiriusXM Channel 160. The 100-lap race Sunday, March 5 will take the green flag at 12 p.m. ET live on NBC.

TEAM PENSKE PREVIEW

Kicking off their 12th year of partnership with Team Chevy with the V6 engine, Team Penske looks to capitalize on Will Power’s 2022 INDYCAR championship and Scott McLaughlin’s St. Petersburg win, along with their nine victories last season. With eyes forward on the new year, Team Penske added to their strategic powerhouse on Josef Newgarden’s No. 2 Chevrolet, with Luke Mason moving to be Newgarden’s race engineer. Scott McLaughlin will continue to build on the momentum made in 2022 with race engineer Ben Bretzman on the No. 3 Chevrolet, while Will Power will continue to be supported by his long-time race engineer Dave Faustino on the No. 12 Chevrolet.

ED CARPENTER RACING PREVIEW

With a year of upcoming team and driver milestones, Ed Carpenter Racing enters 2023 looking to grace the podium with drivers Rinus VeeKay and Conor Daly. Milestones the team hopes to celebrate with on-track success will be Conor Daly’s 100th INDYCAR start at Long Beach, VeeKay’s 50th start at Barber Motorsports Park, and team owner/driver Ed Carpenter’s 200th start in the second race at Iowa Speedway’s doubleheader in July.

Heading into the first event of the season, the team sees Matt Barnes continuing oversight as Chief Engineer, while also serving as race engineer to Rinus VeeKay on the No. 21 Chevrolet. Pete Craik will lead Conor Daly on the No. 20 Chevrolet, while Brent Harvey serves as race engineer for Ed Carpenter and the No. 33 Chevrolet on ovals this season.

ARROW MCLAREN INDYCAR PREVIEW

Heading into the 2023 INDYCAR season, Arrow McLaren has shifted from two-full time entries to three. Joining drivers Pato O’Ward in the No. 5 Chevrolet and Felix Rosenqvist in the No. 6 Chevrolet, will be Alexander Rossi in the No. 7 Chevrolet.

O’Ward looks to continue his quest for more podium finishes and wins starting at St. Peter. As the 2022 season wound down, Rosenqvist’s performances were on the upswing, and he and the No. 6 team look to continue their climb in the season opener. Bringing his seven years of INDYCAR competition experience, and 114 starts with eight wins, Rossi seeks to notch not only his first win on the Streets of St. Petersburg, but also his first win for Chevrolet as well. O’Ward will be led by race engineer Will Andersen, with race engineer Chris Lawrence guiding Rosenqvist, and Craig Hampson leading Rossi and the No. 7 team.

AJ FOYT RACING PREVIEW

AJ Foyt Racing welcomes two new full-time drivers for the 2023 season. Santino Ferrucci will drive the famed-No. 14 Chevrolet, with INDYCAR rookie Benjamin Pedersen behind the wheel of the No. 55 Chevrolet. Heading into St. Petersburg, Pedersen will be paired with Daniele Cucchiaroni as race engineer, while Ferrucci will be led from the timing stand by Roberto Garcia as race engineer.

JUNCOS HOLLINGER RACING PREVIEW

Returning to the No. 77 Chevrolet for Juncos Hollinger Racing is Callum Ilott. Joining Ilott will be Argentina’s Agustin Canapino in the No. 78 Chevrolet. Building on last year’s improving qualifying efforts as well as his two top-10 career INDYCAR finishes, Ilott looks to the new season as an opportunity to continue the team’s momentum. Moving from Argentina to the United States to start his INDYCAR career at the beginning of 2023, Agustin Canapino kicked off his rookie campaign with preseason testing at Thermal Club in February.

Ilott is supported by Steve Barker as race engineer for the No. 77 team this season, while rookie Canapino will be led by Charlie Ping as race engineer in the No. 78.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING (QUOTES)

Josef Newgarden, No. 2 Chevrolet at Team Penske:

“During our test, I felt really good with our package. The progress we made in 2022 was very evident here, very useful because of (…) first-gear corners, very big premium on traction, traction capability. I thought our drivability was fantastic. It’s good to have this type of environment [at Thermal Club] to get ready for St. Pete. I left the test feeling really confident that we’ve got a team that can build together and try and push from the very beginning of the season. I thought the performance on the 100% renewable fuel was fantastic. It’s a huge step that we’re making as a series with Shell to run 100% renewable fuel. The first series in the United States to be able to do that. I didn’t notice any performance loss from the engine. I can’t speak highly enough about that step. We should be shouting that from mountaintops. It’s very cool what Shell has been able to provide us. I think the Chevrolet engine has adapted quite well to it. The drivability has been excellent.”

Will Power, No. 12 Chevrolet at Team Penske:

“I think it’s the whole off-season of preparation. You’ve got simulators that you can go through setup items and somewhat keep sharp. It’s never the same as the real car. There’s no substitute for being in the real car. But everyone is in the same boat, and you’ve got to make the most of these very limited days. Then we turn up at St. Pete and it’s a track that suits me. It’s pretty tight, technical, got to brush walls to get it. Yeah, everything I like about qualifying is that track, and there’s not much time to think so you’re always in a corner. Yeah, always look forward to going to St. Pete.”

Conor Daly, No. 20 Chevrolet at Ed Carpenter Racing:

“It’s been cool to be around for nine seasons, but I’m just excited to be here again. This level of continuity is super important, right? We have a great off-season to work together with the team, to work with all of our partners, to really market what we want to market really well this year with BITNILE.COM. We want to be faster at certain places. We’ve been able to look at all those places all during the off-season, which is really cool. We got to do a lot of simulating days in the end of last season, the beginning of this season. There’s a lot of really cool stuff. I can hardly wait for St. Petersburg.”

Rinus VeeKay, No. 21 Chevrolet at Ed Carpenter Racing:

“Starting at race one, my goals for the 2023 season are getting back to the top step of the podium, winning a race again, hopefully more than one. But ideally just to be more consistent and be closer to top-fives and top-10s all the time so we can be high up in the championship standings at the end of the season. I’m really excited to get to St. Petersburg; first race of the season. I’m excited for that.”

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

“In terms of personnel, this year has been a very big one for Arrow McLaren. One reason being probably because of the third car, and the team is growing. It’s great to see everyone’s enthusiasm. Everybody’s here for that one goal. We all put so much time and sacrifice and energy into making these racecars go quicker. We, as drivers, put it into how we can maximize it. Really excited to get this season underway.”

Felix Rosenqvist, No. 6 Chevrolet at Arrow McLaren INDYCAR:

“I think it’s a massive opportunity to be back for a third year. I feel like I have all the tools I need to perform. I’m feeling pretty good with everyone at the car. There were so many things happening on and off the track, and as a team we really learned a lot from that we can bring into this season, so I think we will be tough this year. We have a lot of things in the bag to try early this season. I’m in a great spot. I’m in a well-performing team, not only at Arrow McLaren but my No. 6 car will be strong this year. I feel well with everyone around me. I feel like I have good support from the team to go and perform. I just try to do what I can do which is go fast forward and races.”

Alexander Rossi, No. 7 Chevrolet at Arrow McLaren INDYCAR:

“Arrow McLaren is a fantastic organization whose results speak for themselves. I think that what they’ve done in the past couple of years is very impressive. They’re a great organization with great partners and great people and getting to work now with GM and Chevy has been pretty cool as well; to see what they’re doing and to push the program forward. Like Is aid, it’s been a lot of conversations and things in theory, and we don’t really know anything until we get on track, but from where we sit, we’re very, very excited for what’s to come.”

Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 Chevrolet at AJ Foyt Racing:

“I actually haven’t driven on a street course in INDYCAR in quite some time. Hopefully it’s like riding a bike and just comes right back to us. It’s been nice though to be with the team since September, so I kind of already feel like I’ve had a season before the season, so we’ll see what we can do. Getting the opportunity to work with AJ [Foyt] and the team to take this team from where it is and to build something with Michael [Cannon] and Larry [Foyt] is going to be nothing short of a challenge. But I’m really looking forward to that. I really think I’m up to that challenge now. It will be a reflection on all of us how we do this year because it’s not just on me, it’s not just on Michael Cannon, it’s not just on our leadership. It’s on everybody coming together as a team and making this effort, making a really good effort.”

Benjamin Pedersen, No. 55 Chevrolet at AJ Foyt Racing:

“I felt like last year I was a part of the team. The only thing I wasn’t doing was driving the car; every team meeting I was a part of. Being on the timing stand, seeing strategy come into play, it was a really big help. It made me feel like I got a season’s worth of experience without driving the car, and now the only difference is, I’ll be driving the car. The strategy meetings, everything like that, will feel similar and I’m grateful to the team for letting me be a part of that last year. I can’t wait to do it now for real, and as an official driver for them and working together.”

Callum Ilott, No. 77 Chevrolet at Juncos Hollinger Racing:

“What sets INDYCAR apart from Formula 2 or whatever, you are constantly competing with the best. If you look at the grid this year, it’s incredible. I thought last year was good, and this year is going to be a touch better. Going into St. Pete, Long Beach, the ovals, for me, that will be really where the performance gain is. To be able to really compare what the performance gain that we had across the season to last year compared to now this year, that will be important to see. St. Pete will be a tough one, but a good one to see where we’re really at.”

Agustin Canapino, No. 78 Chevrolet at Juncos Hollinger Racing:

“I chose to take the opportunity to come to America because it’s INDYCAR. INDYCAR, in my opinion, is the most demanding and competitive category in the world. For me, it’s a big opportunity to try something at an international level. We’re here with some of the best drivers in the world. It’s a big opportunity. I don’t know the cars, the tracks, the ovals, but I love the challenge. I love the situation. I know it will be difficult to me, but I have confidence. I need time. I need to learn day by day, test by test. t’s awesome. In my country, Chevy fans are a lot. You can see a lot of people with tattoos of with the Chevy logo, my car, my signature. The Chevy brand in my country is very popular so for me, it’s a good thing.”

CHEVROLET ON THE STREETS OF ST. PETE (STATS)

Wins at St. Petersburg (since 2012): 8

2012 – Helio Castroneves (Team Penske)

2013 – James Hinchcliffe (Andretti Autosport)

2014 – Will Power (Team Penske)

2015 – Juan Pablo Montoya (Team Penske)

2016 – Juan Pablo Montoya (Team Penske)

2019 – Josef Newgarden (Team Penske)

2020 – Josef Newgarden (Team Penske)

2022 – Scott McLaughlin (Team Penske)

Number of Team Chevy Pole Awards at St. Petersburg (since 2012): 8 (2022, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2012)

Chevrolet Driver with the Most St. Petersburg Pole Awards (since 2012): Will Power, 6 (2020, 2019, 2017, 2015, 2013, 2012)

Number of Team Chevy Podiums at St. Petersburg (since 2012): 21

Number of laps led by Team Chevy at St. Petersburg (since 2012): 624

2023 CHEVROLET BY THE NUMBERS

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

106: Wins in NTT INDYCAR SERIES since 2012.

120: Earned poles since 2012.

8: Chevrolet drivers have won eight of the 12 races since 2012 on the 1.8-mile, 14-turn temporary street circuit in St. Petersburg, Fla., that opens the 2023 season, including three of the past four years by Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin (2022) and Josef Newgarden (2022, 2020, 2019).

21: Chevrolet drivers have corralled 21 of the 33 podium finishes at St. Petersburg since 2012.

7: Manufacturer Championships since 2012.

7: Driver/entrant champions since 2012.

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

14: Consecutive seasons with at least one win by Will Power, including past 11 with Chevrolet power.

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

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

*Will Power’s career total of 68 poles makes him the all-time pole winner in INDYCAR.

Team Chevy high-resolution racing photos are available for editorial use.

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. 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.