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Scott Dixon 2nd Fastest In Only IndyCar Practice At Pocono Raceway

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Chris Owens-IndyCar Series

LONG POND, PA (Pittsburgh Racing Now) – AJ Foyt Racing’s Tony Kanaan sits atop the speed charts after the one and only NTT IndyCar Series practice at Pocono Raceway in preparation for Sunday’s ABC Supply 500.

Kanaan’s fast lap of 216.354 MPH set the pace in the No. 14 ABC Supply Chevrolet.

“I think we have a pretty decent car,” said Kanaan.  “Our biggest challenge is that we will be starting in the back and this track is not an easy track to overtake on, especially in traffic.”

PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon was 2nd fastest at 215.761 MPH.  Dixon also had the best “non-tow” speed of 214.438 MPH.

The first practice session in the morning was rained out and qualifying, which was set for mid-day, was cancelled because of the rain and track drying efforts.

“I think losing qualifying today due to weather definitely simplifies it,” said Dixon, the five-time and defending series Champion.  “We came here with a pretty different kind of outlook and approach than we had year in the PNC Bank car just because it was not so good.  I think we have a good car but it’s a long 500 miles.”

The cancellation forced the series to set the field by entrant points, which puts Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden on the pole position and Andretti Autosports Alexander Rossi on the outside of the front row.

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“It would’ve been nicer if we could’ve had a normal day,” said Newgarden.  “We’re not dissatisfied with where we’re going to start.  We’re all starting in a good spot, the top 5 guys in points, obviously we’re right next to each other.  It could be worse.  We could’ve qualified in a worse position.  We’ll take it.”

“Obviously, we’re starting in a good spot on the front row,” said Rossi, the defending race winner.  “But it’s a shame that a track such as Pocono has become one of our more predominant track position races.  These cars do not perform well in traffic in superspeedway trim.”

Simon Pagenaud of Team Penske will start third and Dixon will start on the outside of row two.

“I love this time of year because it’s ‘crunch time’ so it’s time to go for it with four races remaining,” said Pagneaud.

Penske’s Will Power will start fifth with Andretti’s Ryan Hunter-Reay starting on the outside of row three.

Tickets are available for the ABC Supply 500.  Tickets start at just $45 and Kids are Free!  In addition to the race there is a Carnival behind the frontstretch grandstand, the IndyCar Fan Village and the Pocono Welcome Center with live music inside the Fan Fair, all of which are free for ticket holders.  Fans with a Paddock Pass will be treated to IndyCar garage access, vintage IndyCars and a Classic Car Show.  For more information visit www.poconoraceway.com.

The green flag drops at 2:45 p.m. and will be televised by the NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) beginning at 2:00 p.m. and can be heard on the Advance Auto Parts IndyCar Radio Network affiliates, Sirius Satellite Radio Channel 98 and XM Channel 209.

Pocono Starting Lineup

IndyCar

Doug Boles named President of INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

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Penske Entertainment: Karl Zemlin

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (February, 11, 2024) – Doug Boles, the President of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is replacing Jay Frye as INDYCAR President, as Penske Entertainment makes several key organizational changes 17-days before the season opener.

“Doug is the ideal choice to lead both INDYCAR and IMS as we enter a new era of opportunity and visibility,” said Mark Miles, Penske Entertainment President & CEO. “He’s an exceptional leader and motivator who is appreciated by our fans and respected by our owners, drivers, partners and additional key stakeholders.”

“Racing is in my DNA, and no form of racing resonates more personally and strongly with me than the NTT INDYCAR SERIES,” said Boles. “I’m honored to lead the amazing team at INDYCAR, and I truly believe the future is bigger and brighter than ever for our sport and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.”

Boles extensive resume includes serving as IMS President since 2013 after serving as the speedway’s Chief Operating Officer in January of that same year while Vice President of Communications for Hulman & Company.  Boles joined IMS in November of 2010 as Director of Public Relations.  Boles has more than 15-years of executive-level motorsports experience in team operations, marketing, sponsorship and public relations.

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In addition to Boles serving the dual roles of IMS and INDYCAR President, Penske Entertainment is making these changes:

  • Mark Sibla will be promoted to Senior Vice President, INDYCAR Competition & Operations.
  • Kyle Novak will become INDYCAR’s Vice President of Officiating and Race Control.
  • Alex Damron has been named Chief Marketing Officer, INDYCAR, while also continuing as Vice President of Corporate Communications for Penske Entertainment.
  • Louis Kissinger will be promoted to General Manager, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Operations.

No reason was given for Frye’s departure.  Frye was named INDYCAR President of Competition and Operations in 2015 and just INDYCAR President in 2018.

“It has been an absolute honor and privilege to be the President of INDYCAR and work alongside the dedicated and talented men and women at INDYCAR and in the INDYCAR paddock,” said Frye in a statement.  “The growth and success the series has had over the last 10-years would not be possible without the commitment and collaboration of the owners, drivers and teams.”

The 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season opens February 28 – March 2, 2025 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding.

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Chip Ganassi Racing unveils new look for Scott Dixon’s No. 9 PNC Bank Honda

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PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (February 5, 2025) – Scott Dixon’s No. 9 PNC Bank Honda is sporting a new look for the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Season.

The familiar Orange, Blue and White PNC colors return with the biggest change along the sidepods of the No. 9 Honda, which are now orange and then the colors transition to blue over the rear wheel arches and rear wing.

“I’m excited. It was a long off-season,” said Dixon, who is second only to INDYCAR legend A.J. Foyt in wins (Dixon – 58; Foyt – 67.) and Series Championships (Dixon – 6; Foyt – 7). “We definitely have some big areas and some low-hanging fruit where I think we can make some big shifts and some big changes for a positive effect for the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda. I’m looking forward to that.”

Dixon is on-track to break Mario Andretti’s all-time starts record with his 407th start at the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 25, 2025.

PNC Bank returns to the No. 9, amassing 2-Championships, 17-Wins and 46-Podiums, as primary sponsor for seven seasons, after serving as an associate sponsor of CGR for decades.

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“Being shoulder-to-shoulder in an INDYCAR partnership with PNC has been extraordinary because the things that make them a great bank are also what makes Scott and the team so consistent,” said Mike Hull, Managing Director CGR.  “They all do the little things brilliantly, which is why the partnership with PNC is so perfect. We are happy to return with the orange and blue once again of PNC Bank on the No. 9.”

PNC’s community commitment will continue in 2025 in multiple ways.  Dixon again this season will appear at early childhood education centers to demonstrate the importance of reading to inspire a love of learning as part of PNC’s ‘Grow Up Great’ – it’s signature philanthropic initiative focused on improving high-quality early childhood education across the country.

PNC Bank’s ‘Day at the Track’ program will again provide STEM students with the opportunity to get an up-close look at the high-performance operations of CGR’s NTT INDYCAR SERIES team.

Dixon is facing some stiff competition for his seventh title and it is coming from inside the same building as teammate Alex Palou will be battling for his third-straight title.  Together CGR will attempt to score the team’s sixth Championship in the last eight years and its 17th INDYCAR Championship, which would tie it for most all-time.

Dixon and his PNC Bank CGR Honda team will start the season February 28 – March 2, 2025 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding.

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DHL Chip Ganassi Racing unveils Alex Palou’s 2025 Honda livery

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DHL Chip Ganassi Racing

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (January 29, 2025) – Three-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champion Alex Palou’s DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda will have a bit of a different look as he goes for his third straight Championship in 2025.

The No. 10’s updated livery feature’s the famous Postyellow and DHL Red, with additional yellow areas and larger DHL branding further cementing an already iconic look for DHL, CGR and Palou.

“Our first season with Chip Ganassi Racing and the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Honda was nothing short of spectacular,” said Mike Parra, Head of Global Sponsorship DHL. “We take immense pride in seeing our vibrant colors emblazoned on the car, symbolizing our commitment to delivering with speed and passion around the world. As Alex Palou defends his title, we are excited to inspire our fans, customers, and employees to reach new heights with us in what promises to be another thrilling chapter of our partnership.”

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Palou is itching to get back behind the wheel and continue his impressive performance of three Championships in five seasons, four with CGR.

“I’m looking forward to the 2025 season with the No. 10 DHL Honda team. The competition will be tough. We won the last championship with only two wins, so that shows how competitive it is in INDYCAR. The goal is to try and repeat that, improve a bit, and try to win the Indianapolis 500.”

The green flag drops on the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding weekend, February 28 – March 2, 2025.   Tickets are available at gpstpete.com

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