IndyCar
Racing Notebook – Wednesday, March 18: Long Beach GP Cancelled and more

PITTSBURGH, PA (Pittsburgh Racing Now) – The Long Beach Grand Prix and season opener at Mid-Ohio fall victim to the coronavirus; Race teams reach out to kids at home and more in Wednesday’s Racing Notebook.
Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach Cancelled:
- The Grand Prix Association of Long Beach has cancelled the 46th annual Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach after trying to move the date to later this year. The Grand Prix Association also announced a ticket credit/refund policy for 2020 Acura Grand Prix ticket holders. The first option allows ticket holders to receive a credit for tickets purchased which will apply to the same level of admission to the 2021 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach event. The credit will come with a Price Protection Plan which will not only protect them against any price increase for the 2021 Acura Grand Prix but also guarantee they can purchase the same level of ticket for the 2022 event at the 2020 price. The second option gives ticket holders a full refund (less the processing fee) by April 30, 2020. The 2021 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will take place April 16-18.
The Grand Prix Association of Long Beach today announced that the 2020 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is cancelled. All 2020 ticket holders will be receiving an e-mail today with instructions on how to apply for a credit for 2021 or a full refund. https://t.co/gokXIolGkS
— AcuraGPLB (@GPLongBeach) March 18, 2020
Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio Postponed:
- The coronavirus pandemic is forcing the postponement of The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course season opening Acura Sports Car Challenge. The event was scheduled to take place May 1-3 but fans should hold onto their tickets because the track and the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) are looking at alternative dates later in the year. Read the complete statement from the track below.
Official Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio Update: https://t.co/XdKovXA3VF pic.twitter.com/zw3Xk69tAA
— Mid-Ohio (@Mid_Ohio) March 17, 2020
24-Hours of Le Mans Postponed:
- One of the most historic endurance races is being postponed due to COVID-19. The 24-Hours of Le Mans is being postponed from its usual mid-June date until the weekend of September 19-20. Le Mans is typically the last race in the WEC Season so its effect on the start of the 2020-2021 season is being determined.
Race Teams Come Up With Colorful Idea To Reach Kids:
- A couple of race teams came up with a colorful idea to reach kids stuck at home because of the coronavirus. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing tweeted out a link to black & white pictures of Graham Rahal’s No. 15 United Rentals INDYCAR and Takuma Sato’s No. 30 Mi-Jack Honda for kids to color and then show the team their designs. NASCAR teams got in on the act too with Hooters tweeting out a picture of Chase Elliott’s No. 9 Camaro and Front Row Motorsports also did the same thing with their NASCAR fleet.
In search of an art project for your kids? Or maybe you’re looking for something relaxing to do?
Download this coloring page of @GrahamRahal’s @UnitedRentals @indycar from our website and let us see your artwork. 🏎🖍
🔗 https://t.co/o3a1sqALZ3 pic.twitter.com/M5cnDcGysH
— Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (@RLLracing) March 18, 2020
Show us your best work. 🏎🖍
Download this coloring page of @TakumaSatoRacer’s @panasonic @HondaRacing_HPD #IndyCar from our website and have your kids (or yourself!) design a version of his race car. 👇🏼
🔗 https://t.co/NcJ4F65aki@IndyCar @IMS #IsItMayYet pic.twitter.com/p6J6YXwczg
— Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (@RLLracing) March 18, 2020
Looking for an activity to do with your kiddos while they’re home? 🖍
Print this image & design your dream @chaseelliott @Hendrick9Team paint scheme! #di9 pic.twitter.com/xkF3OMbqgc
— Hooters Racing (@HootersRacing) March 18, 2020
PARENTS:
We know that your kids will be spending more time at home over the next few weeks and we're here to help you combat boredom!
Print off these 3 coloring pages and give your kids something fun to do. Once finished, snap a pic and post it in the comments for us to share! pic.twitter.com/MIOuL2GIe1
— Front Row Motorsports (@Team_FRM) March 18, 2020
IndyCar
Doug Boles named President of INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

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

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

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