Category: Sport

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IndyCar Sport

P7 Was What I Expected

Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon, driver of the No.9 PNC Bank Honda says that P7 on the grid for Sunday’s Firestone Grand Prix presented by RP Funding was what he expected but that obviously the wanted more.

The Iceman revealed he hit the wall hard and bent the rear tow link. Dixon hopes that the team will be in a position to challenge at the front of the field to claim that elusive victory on the streets of St Pete.

Marcus Ericsson in the No.8 Huski Chocolate Honda starts the race from eighth place.

Defending NTT IndyCar Series champion Alex Palou in the No.10 NTT DATA Honda starts the race from tenth place just behind Josef Newgarden and just ahead of Graham Rahal.

Jimmie Johnson starts the race from the back of the grid in 26th place.

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News Sport

Foyt Happy With The Progress Of The Team Following Day 1 In St Pete

AJ Foyt Racing team president Larry Foyt says that he is happy with the progress that the team made over the course of the opening practice session on Friday for Sunday’s Firestone Grand Prix presented by RP Funding on the streets of St Petersburg.

Speaking to Paddock Eye following practice, Foyt said that he was happy with the progress that Kyle Kirkwood made over the course of the session as he was inside the top ten throughout the session and finished in 12th place.

Foyt said he hadn’t spoken to Dalton Kellett at the time of our interview and he believes that the Canadian brushed the wall.

As for Tatiana Calderon, Foyt said that the team just wants to see her continue her steady progress and get used to racing a car with power steering.

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News Sport

The Continuity Is Massive

Ed Carpenter Racing’s Conor Daly says that the continuity of competing full-time with the team in 2022 is massive after jumping between Carlin and ECR last season.

Speaking to Paddock Eye on Friday at St Pete, Daly said that just being able to test saying ok cool we are at Texas or at Indy.

Daly said that the team did a lot over the off-season to address what he and Rinus had wanted.

It’s about progress and how the team can grow as a group. When it comes this season and his transition to a full-time drive, Daly said that the big thing for him will be the ovals and that he has some notes from Carlin.

Daly said that Carlin gave him a great car on ovals and he can’t wait to try some of the things with ECR that he learned at Carlin.

When it comes to this weekend, Conor Daly says that he is hoping that the team can be in a position to score a top ten finish.

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Motorsport News Sport

Elliott Signs Hendrick Motorsports Contract Extension

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 05: NASCAR driver Chase Elliott (L) and Eric Warren, Director of NASCAR Programs, GM speak at the unveiling of the seventh generation of the NASCAR Cup Series Chevrolet during the NASCAR Next Gen Car Announcement on May 05, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Hendrick Motorsports announced on Sunday ahead of the 2022 Daytona 500 that Chase Elliott, driver of the No.9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet has signed a five-year contract extension with the team.

Speaking about the news, Elliott said:

I feel so fortunate to be in this position. “I have a great team with leadership from Alan (Gustafson, crew chief) and the support of the best car owner and racing organization in the world. For me, there’s a lot of pride in driving for Hendrick Motorsports and having the opportunity to win races and compete for championships. We are capable of accomplishing a lot more and it starts today.

Rick Hendrick, team owner of Hendrick Motorsports said:

“Chase is a champion on and off the track. “His talent inside the race car is undeniable, and he’s just scratching the surface of what he can do. This is a young man who is mature beyond his years, comes from an incredible family, and is humble, hardworking and never takes anything for granted. As long as Chase is driving, we want him right here with Hendrick Motorsports. This is an exciting way to start the season, and we look forward to many, many more together.”

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IndyCar News Sport

Introducing The Firestone Grand Prix By RP Funding

The Firestone Grand Prix presented by RP Funding is the new name for the Firestone Grand Prix of St Petersburg.

The Firestone Grand Prix presented by RP Funding takes place in exactly two weeks time.

For this year’s race, there is an incredible 26 car grid which is the most the NTT IndyCar Series has had in recent memory.

Team Penske has three cars with Josef Newgarden, Scott McLaughlin and Will Power. 3

Meyer Shank Racing have two cars with Simon Pagenaud and Helio Castroneves. 2

Chip Ganassi Racing has four cars with Jimmie Johnson driving the No.48 Carvana American Legion Honda full-time alongside defending champion Alex Palou, six-time champion Scott Dixon and Marcus Ericsson. 4

Andretti Autosport has four cars with Colton Herta, Alexander Rossi, Romain Grosjean and Delvin DeFrancesco. 4

Ed Carpenter Racing has Rinus VeeKay and Conor Daly. 2

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing has Graham Rahal, Christian Lundgaard and Jack Harvey. 3

Arrow McLaren SP has two drivers with Pato O’Ward and Felix Rosenqvist. 2

AJ Foyt Racing has three drivers with Dalton Kellett, Tatiana Calderon and Kyle Kirkword. 3

Dale Coyne Racing has two drivers with Takuma Sato and David Malukas. 2

Juncos Hollinger Racing has Callum Ilott. 1

The Firestone GP presented by RP Funding takes place from February 25-27.

For further information visit the Firestone Grand Prix presented by RP Funding website.

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IndyCar Sport

The Firestone Grand Prix of St Petersburg Is Just Two Weeks Away

The excitement and anticipation is building as the start of the 2022 NTT IndyCar Series season is just two weeks away with the Firestone Grand Prix of St Petersburg presented by RP Funding taking place from February 25-27.

The 2021 race was won by Andretti Autosport’s Colton Herta who will be hoping for a repeat performance this year.

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IndyCar Motorsport News Sport

McLaren Racing Launch Day

Video courtesy of McLaren Racing via youtube.com)

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Motorsport News Sport

PPG Return For Select Races With Newgarden

Two-time NTT IndyCar Series champion, Josef Newgarden has confirmed that PPG will return to his car for a number of races during the 2022 NTT IndyCar Series season which gets underway on February 27.

Newgarden tweeted on Monday:

Team Penske will field three cars full-time this season with Josef Newgarden in the No.2 Chevrolet alongside Scott McLaughlin who is back for his second full-time season in the No.3 Team Penske Chevrolet while Will Power returns to the No.12 Verizon 5G Chevrolet.

The Firestone Grand Prix of St Petersburg kicks off the new season from February 25-27.

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Motorsport News Sport

ROKiT Venturi Racing Win In Saudi Arabia

portrait, people Lucas Di Grassi (BRA), ROKiT Venturi Racing Edoardo Mortara (CHE), ROKiT Venturi Racing celebrate winning Diriyah FE race, Podium, trophy Team members

ROKiT Venturi Racing took victory in race 2 of Diriyah ePrix in Saudi Arabia on Saturday with Edoardo Mortara taking victory by 0.500s from Andre Lotterer and his team-mate Lucas Di Grassi.

Speaking following the victory, Mortara commented:

What a day and what a result! The first part of the race was quite calm and I settled into a nice rhythm following Nyck [de Vries]. I think he was trying to pull away from us but he didn’t manage to so at that stage, it was quite clear that we had good pace. Our strategy was conservative but the race on a whole was very difficult for my nerves because of the constant pressure from behind! Fortunately, I kept cool and our strategy worked perfectly and I’m very glad to take my first win of the season. After taking eight points yesterday and then scoring 25 today it’s been a great start to the season – from here, we will be hoping to be just as consistent in Mexico. I’m so proud of everyone in the team and I can’t wait to go racing again next month.

Lucas Di Grassi commented following the race saying:

I’m very happy to score my first podium for ROKiT Venturi Racing. Starting from fourth we deployed our Attack Mode very well and with the strategy I was able to move all the way up to first position. I’m not sure what Nyck [de Vries] tried to achieve by fighting me so hard at such an early stage because it cost both of us energy but after that and letting Edo through, I was trying to save more energy. Robin [Frijns] overtook me just before the Safety Car came out but because the race didn’t resume, I wasn’t able to fight him for second. Sometimes things go your way and sometimes they don’t but in the end, this is motorsport. At this stage we know that the car is extremely competitive and the more experience I get behind the wheel, the more confident I know I’m going to feel. Starting the season with a double podium is a great achievement and from here, we need to be consistent and score in every single race. I’m confident that we can win in Mexico.

Team Principal Jerome D’Ambosio commented saying:

After yesterday’s performance it was clear that we had the pace to threaten for a place on the podium and by working hard overnight, we came back even stronger today. Taking not only the win but also a double podium and the lead in both World Championships is an incredible achievement and it’s one that we can be extremely happy with at this stage. From our side the race was quite challenging strategically but both drivers delivered near flawless drives and it was great to see Edo joined on the podium by Lucas in only his second start with the team. A lot of work has been going on behind the scenes during the winter and I’m incredibly proud of everyone in the garage and back at base. A result like this is a testament to their hard work and it will only add to our high morale and motivation moving forward. From here, we need to ensure that we continue to operate at this level on a consistent basis but it’s only the first race weekend and now, our full focus is on Mexico City.

Podium, Portrait, eprix, people Edoardo Mortara (CHE), ROKiT Venturi Racing, Silver Arrow 02, 1st position, and Lucas Di Grassi (BRA), ROKiT Venturi Racing, Silver Arrow 02, 3rd position, arrive at the podium
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IndyCar Motorsport News Sport

Francis To Compete In Indy Lights With Force Indy

Force Indy which launched last year announced on Thursday that Ernie Francis will compete in Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires driving their No.99 car.

Speaking at the Indianapolis Motor Speedeay, Francis said:

This is an incredible opportunity. “After getting a taste last year and beginning to learn what open-wheel racing is all about, I found myself wanting more. Open-wheel cars are incredible to drive. To know that I’ll continue my education with Force Indy and only one step away from the NTT INDYCAR SERIES makes this unbelievably special. I cannot wait to get started

Rod Reid, the founder of Force Indy said:

Being able to finish our first season with a win showed what this team is capable of doing. “We want to thank Myles, who will always be a member of the Force Indy race team, and will continue to offer assistance and mentorship as he pursues another season in USF2000.

“I could not be more thrilled to promote our group to the Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires championship with Ernie Francis Jr. His work ethic and history of success speak for itself.”

Team Penske will continue to provide mentorships to Force Indy and speaking about today’s announcement, Team Penske owner Roger Penske said:

I was pleased to learn that Ernie would be driving for Force Indy in 2022. “As someone who has a history in Trans Am, I know the type of skillset that comes from that series. Ernie will be a wonderful addition to Indy Lights.

“It was inspiring to see the growth of Force Indy during their first season, and we will continue to support their progress and mission as the team continues on a path to compete in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

Rod Reid concluded saying:

We remain very fortunate to have Team Penske offer its guidance and mentorship. “I have been in and around the sport for 40 years. Force Indy remains a labor of love, and our goals are unchanged: focusing on diversity with an eye toward competing in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and, in honor of Rajo Jack, the Indianapolis 500