IndyCar
7-time NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson Tests Chip Ganassi Racing INDYCAR
SPEEDWAY, IN (Pittsburgh Racing Now) – Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson is spending his Tuesday testing one of Chip Ganassi Racing’s INDYCAR’s on the road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Johnson was supposed to test at the Speedway on July 8 following the INDYCAR/NASCAR doubleheader weekend on the Fourth of July, but Johnson tested positive for COVID-19 forcing him to miss the Brickyard 400. Johnson tested negative for the virus a few days later and only missed that one race, opening the door to reschedule this test.
Third time’s a charm pic.twitter.com/gMeLUUQLXz
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) July 28, 2020
Johnson climbed aboard the No. 10 NTT Data Honda that is usually driven by Felix Rosenqvist and after his initial run he hopped on the team radio. CGR Managing Director Mike Hull shared Johnson’s comment on his Twitter feed.
JJ’s 1st comment after his initial @IMS road track run on the intercom: “It certainly was my dream as a kid to be an #IndyCar Driver, went a different direction which has served me well, this lites my fire.” https://t.co/jlJGu4H3sH
— Mike Hull (@IndyMHull) July 28, 2020
5-Time NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champion Scott Dixon, driver of the No. 9 PNC Bank CGR Honda, was on hand to help Johnson too.
Find this amazing, count the multi-championships of @scottdixon9 & @JimmieJohnson talking #IndyCar drive-style pic.twitter.com/i4JalmIgVG
— Mike Hull (@IndyMHull) July 28, 2020
A lot of racing championships between these two drivers 😳🏆@scottdixon9 | @JimmieJohnson pic.twitter.com/0ciQpU0M4P
— Chip Ganassi Racing (@CGRTeams) July 28, 2020
Seven-time even took a few minutes to thank five-time:
Appreciate having @scottdixon9 come out to the test today to share pointers and give feedback.
Just finished reviewing his in-car footage compared to mine then took a ride on the track together to check brake points and areas to gain a little speed. pic.twitter.com/VjgueGgj3k
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) July 28, 2020
No official speeds were available but if Johnson’s social media posts were any indication it was a productive day.
Posting plenty of IG Stories if you want to follow through the day —> https://t.co/GprdUWlIbZ
Suffice to say, today is already exceeding my expectations 😁 pic.twitter.com/0rI8VVyRps
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) July 28, 2020
Well, that was a fun day! 🤷🏼♂️📸@JimmieJohnson | @CGRindycar pic.twitter.com/R5QJmm1AGA
— Chip Ganassi Racing (@CGRTeams) July 28, 2020
Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles presented Johnson with a gift following the test.
Fun day @IMS as @JimmieJohnson did his @IndyCar debut test! And, we gave him a gift to thank him for his 18 400 starts, 4 wins, 1 Pole, 306 laps led, and mostly for appreciating IMS history! Pylon piece & 4 original bricks. #SevenTime to some, #FourTime to us! pic.twitter.com/XgpchgbsAU
— J. Douglas Boles (@jdouglas4) July 28, 2020
Johnson has expressed an interest in competing in a few INDYCAR races in 2021 since he is retiring from full-time NASCAR competition following the 2020 season and after the day seemed like he’s ready to give it a try.
Today was incredible. Sign me up for more! pic.twitter.com/oz69CimIAp
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) July 28, 2020
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (Pittsburgh Racing Now) – The INDYCAR community is reacting to the news that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has decided to run the Indy 500 on August 23 without fans in attendance. The decision is a reversal of a plan set forth a few weeks ago where the event would be run in front of 25-percent of the capacity of the Speedway.
Speedway President J. Douglas Boles, who has been a guest on The Pittsburgh Racing Now Podcast, is appreciative of his team and the fans:
Heartbroken for my fellow fans. Proud of the @IMS team that has worked thousands of hours to make the race happen with spectators. Even through end of yesterday we were working on setting up to open the gates. Thankful for Roger’s passion, commitment & leadership in these times. https://t.co/I7TadsP2sd
— J. Douglas Boles (@jdouglas4) August 4, 2020
Rahal Letterman Lanigan’s Graham Rahal took to social media to make some great points:
Today’s news brought lots of mixed emotions, but we’ve got to do what is necessary for our fans & community’s health & safety now in order to keep this sport & race alive for generations to come. It won’t be the same without you all on 8/23, but we’ll be back strong in 2021.(2/2) pic.twitter.com/hL2ITFB27W
— Graham Rahal (@GrahamRahal) August 4, 2020
Spencer Pigot who drives for Steelers minority owner Rob Citrone and Robbie Buhl’s team Citrone Buhl Autosport with RLL also took to Twitter to express his feelings:
It's going to look and feel a lot different this year but it's still the Indy 500 and we will be giving it our all to entertain the fans watching from home! Looking forward to seeing you all back at the track next year. #Indy500 https://t.co/MPy4X1RsSK
— Spencer Pigot (@SpencerPigot) August 4, 2020
Chip Ganassi Racing’s Marcus Ericsson also weighed in:
Regarding the #Indy500 news, it’s a shame we cannot race in front of all you amazing fans! But I trust and believe @IndyCar have made the right call, safety always comes first. We will do everything to make it a great show for you all watching on the TVs back home #INDYCAR #ME8
— Marcus Ericsson (@Ericsson_Marcus) August 4, 2020
Andretti Autosport’s Ryan Hunter-Real and Alexander Rossi, two former 500 winners had this to say:
This is disappointing to say the least. Our sport, especially the Indy 500, is based on our fans. No doubt these are unprecedented times. With that said, Roger Penske & his team @IndyCar are simply doing what is necessary for the well being of our fans. https://t.co/o55xeCvVqy
— Ryan Hunter-Reay (@RyanHunterReay) August 4, 2020
Will be weird without you guys there, but we also want you healthy and safe. For sure we’ll hear you yelling through your TV screens on Aug 23 🙏 #indy500 pic.twitter.com/v4TVquRZBP
— Alexander Rossi (@AlexanderRossi) August 4, 2020
Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden, who’s boss owns the Speedway has a great idea:
Can’t imagine how tough this decision must have been. It won’t be the same without everyone at @IMS , but it’s still the Greatest Spectacle In Racing. Tell your friends to tune in, post on social & tell the world to tune in. Let’s make this the most watched race ever. #Indy500 pic.twitter.com/a0ZadLYyuP
— Josef Newgarden (@josefnewgarden) August 4, 2020
Not the news we all wanted to hear and can’t imagine how tough it was to make. Gutted for every single fan. Now, let’s all work together and get EVERYONE tuned into this race on August 23rd! #Indy500 pic.twitter.com/kChEZMMO82
— Jack Harvey (@jack_harvey42) August 4, 2020
Super bummed to hear we won’t be seeing all of the amazing fans in these seats this year. Hoping to make you all proud on the big screen on Aug. 23rd at the greatest spectacle in racing. Let’s make this one to remember. #WIXIndy #INDYCAR @DRRIndyCar @WIXFilters @JusticeBrosInc pic.twitter.com/6ywkkz85Ag
— Sage Karam (@SageKaram) August 4, 2020
Very tough news to digest today, we will miss our fans greatly. @ECRIndy will do it’s best to keep you informed each day and cannot wait to welcome fans back ASAP! https://t.co/Xyd1tTh0do
— Ed Carpenter (@edcarpenter20) August 4, 2020
Stay tuned to Pittsburgh Racing Now for updated comments from the INDYCAR Community
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (Pittsburgh Racing Now) – The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is cancelling plans to have fans at the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500 mile race.
“It is with great regret that we announce the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500 will take place on Aug. 23 without fans. This tough decision was made following careful consideration and extensive consultation with state and city leadership” the Speedway said in a statement.
“As dedicated as we were to running the race this year with 25 percent attendance at our large outdoor facility, even with meaningful and careful precautions implemented by the city and state, the COVID-19 trends in Marion County and Indiana have worsened. Since our June 26 announcement, the number of cases in Marion County has tripled while the positivity rate has doubled. We said from the beginning of the pandemic we would put the health and safety of our community first, and while hosting spectators at a limited capacity with our robust plan in place was appropriate in late June, it is not the right path forward based on the current environment.”
The Speedway is closing all on-track activity to the general public, including practice and qualifications. Ticket holders will be credited for the 2021 Indianapolis 500 and will retain their seniority and their originally assigned seats.
News from #IMS:
It is with great regret that we announce the Indianapolis 500 will take place on August 23 without fans. This tough decision was made following careful consideration and extensive consultation with state and city leadership.
Full Details: https://t.co/mlC19YG6Ng pic.twitter.com/YryckwCjJ1
— Indianapolis Motor Speedway (@IMS) August 4, 2020
IndyCar
The Pittsburgh Racing Now Podcast – Episode 15 – Aaron Reutzel, Matthew Dillner, Chip Ganassi and more!
PITTSBURGH, PA (Pittsburgh Racing Now) – The latest edition of The Pittsburgh Racing Now Podcast features the 2-time and defending Champion of the Ollie’s Bargain Outlet All Star Circuit of Champions presented by Mobil 1 Aaron Reutzel. We also talk to Matthew Dillner of Dirty Mo Media about the new show he co-hosts with Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chip Ganassi takes his own trip down memory lane and we hear from Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials about safety protocols in place at this year’s Indy 500.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:10:50 — 64.9MB)
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