IndyCar
Scott Dixon And Josef Newgarden Test IndyCar Aeroscreen On Short Oval At Richmond Raceway
RICHMOND, Virginia (Pittsburgh Racing Now) – PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon and Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden put IndyCars Aeroscreen cockpit protection device though its latest test, on the 0.75-mile short oval at Richmond Raceway.
IndyCar is returning to Richmond in June of 2020 for the first time since 2009 so the test was a chance to not only evaluate the Aeroscreen but to also test some different Firestone tire compounds to find out what might work best for the race.
This is the second on-track test with the Aeroscreen for Dixon, who tested it earlier this month at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“A little different look with the Aeroscreen,” said Dixon. “It seems like everything is going well with all the testing (INDYCAR has) done. For sure (here), the car’s fine.”
The Aeroscreen test was Newgarden’s first chance to try it out since he was crowned the 2019 IndyCar Champion.
“When I first went out my perception of how much grip the car and how much control I had was slightly different, but I think that’s because it felt foreign,” said Newgarden. “You’re not used to having a screen over your head, but after 20 or 30 laps after you got used to it the car feels very similar in terms of how I drive the car or how the car feels compared to a place like Iowa or Gateway — it feels very similar.”
The Aeroscreen was developed by Red Bull Advanced Technologies to reduce the risk of driver injury from flying debris or other objects striking the cockpit area. The titanium framework mounts in three areas around the cockpit: the chassis centerline, two rear side mounts and roll hoop integration to provide enhanced load-bearing capabilities. The load-bearing is expected to be 150 kilonewtons (kN), which equals the FIA load for the Halo design currently used in Formula One. A kilonewton is equal to approximately 225 pounds.
The additional weight of the Aeroscreen didn’t really affect the car as much as one would think said Newgarden.
“From a tuning standpoint, it didn’t take that much to get it back into the correct window as far as the balance – the balance is very good even with the screen on. From that point, I don’t think the cars are going to change that much going into next year.”
The visit to Richmond Raceway was the third consecutive week of on-track testing of the Aeroscreen, with each coming on a different type of layout. Previously, INDYCAR staged an Aeroscreen test at a superspeedway – Indianapolis Motor Speedway – and followed with the second at the Barber Motorsports Park permanent road course in Birmingham, Ala. on Oct. 7.
A focus of this test was to make driving the car a more comfortable experience by redirecting the airflow inside the cockpit through the use of interior inlets.
“That was an improvement,” said Dixon, “especially around the legs and body.”
IndyCar President Jay Frye continues to be pleased with the ongoing development of the Aeroscreen.
“We’ve learned something every time we’ve tested,” said Frye. “It’s about checking the boxes and once the teams get a hold of it they’ll make it even better. They’ll take it to a whole other level.”
The fourth scheduled test will be Nov. 5 at Sebring (Fla.) International Raceway, a track that simulates street circuits. Four-time Indy car champion Sebastien Bourdais of Dale Coyne Racing with Vasser-Sullivan and James Hinchcliffe of Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports will be the drivers taking part in that test.
The Aeroscreen is scheduled to make its race debut March 13-15, 2020 at the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.”
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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