IndyCar
Pitt’s Colin Kaminsky juggling Graduating and Racing
ST. PETERSBURG, FL (Pittsburgh Racing Now) – The final semester for any college student is one of the most hectic times of their lives. Immense discipline and time management is needed to balance classes, studying, group projects, playing hockey and fast approaching finals. Imagine adding a full-time racing career on top of all of that.
The University of Pittsburgh’s Colin Kaminsky is finishing up his undergraduate studies this week while competing for Pabst Racing in the Indy Pro 2000 Series presented by Cooper Tires, a development series that is part of The ‘Road To Indy’ ladder system.
Most students spend the weekend before finals studying their curriculum. Kaminsky is not only doing that, he’s studying data sheets and working with his engineers trying to figure out how to extract maximum performance out of his race car.
Kaminsky started his 2021 season off with a seventh place in the season opener at Barber Motorsports Park. This past weekend at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on Saturday Kaminsky finished ninth in the first race.
“I was probably a little too tentative probably on the opening lap trying not crash with a couple of ballsy kids, but we finished where we started and kept the nose clean,” said Kaminsky, who returned on Sunday to post a Top 5.
“I think we had a car to get to the podium,” explained Kaminsky. “I think we were the fastest car out of the top three or four. We just got stuck behind a couple guys and almost got into fourth. Fifth at the end of the day I’m pretty happy with.”
To give you an idea on how Kaminsky is balancing the demands of finishing school along with his racing, following Saturday’s race Kaminsky was hitting the books. Sunday morning it was race two followed by starting the trip home with a stop at a hotel so he could have WiFi to attend a virtual class Monday morning. Monday afternoon it was back on the road to finish the trip home, just in time to get ready for a final on Wednesday.
Kaminsky is looking forward to graduating so he can devote all of his time to advancing his racing career.
“The University of Pittsburgh has been a great home for the last couple of years,” said Kaminsky. “Now to put those hours that you have to spend outside the classroom and spend those hours getting to know people and putting together the best proposals.”
Those proposals is where Kaminsky will be putting his marketing degree to good use as he searches for additional sponsorship to move up the ‘Road To Indy’ ladder.
“Short term I want to find the backing to either move up to Indy Lights or continue in Indy Pro 2000,” said Kaminsky, who was a goaltender for the Pitt Hockey team. “Ultimately the goal is the Indy 500.” 
To get to the Indianapolis 500 requires success on-track and off-track, especially in that search for funding.
“It’s tough,” explained Kaminsky about the search. “We’ve been a little successful in the past but nothing too substantial. You just have to chip away at it. The worst thing they (business owners) can say is ‘no’ and at the end of the day you’re in the same boat where you started.”
To help the search for sponsorship and to build his brand along with increasing his profile, Kaminsky launched his own website, www.ckaminsky.com. In addition to his website Kaminsky, as he mentioned earlier, is putting together packages for potential partners.
“It’s a brochure, essentially, of who you are, what you do, what you can offer and what you need,” said Kaminsky, who currently sits sixth in the Championship standing following St. Petersburg.
Kaminsky is thankful for the support of Slick Locks Corporation. Slick Locks is a drill-free line of puck locks, Spinner 360’s™, Weather Shield™ covers and blade brackets for all hinged and sliding door vehicles in all makes and models available. Slick Locks cutting edge bracket designs have made them the number one choice of large fleet managers worldwide.
“They’ve been my biggest backer since we started,” said Kaminsky. “(They) Got me into racing and kept me here. They’ve been my biggest supporter.”
Pitt graduates who are business owners have a golden opportunity to support a fellow Panther who has a unique platform for companies to grow their brand. Kaminsky is encouraging Pitt alumni to reach out to him to learn how to use racing to help their business and entertain clients.
“If you ever get out to a race track you are going to be hooked,” explained Kaminsky. “I think it’s an exhilarating experience to be a part of, surely it’s nothing like what maybe Pitt graduates have seen before.”
Kaminsky also thinks that the University of Pittsburgh, in general, could take advantage of the platform that racing provides both from a marketing and educational standpoint, especially since the garage area is full of engineers.
“We could go to Mid-Ohio (Sports Car Complex), that’s the closest one,” said Kaminsky of the track located in Lexington, Ohio, just 167-miles from the Cathedral of Learning. “We could get Pitt alums, the board (of trustees), we could get everybody there. We could throw a nice big ‘PITT’ sticker and an ‘H2P’ on the car, get a Blue and Gold (drivers) suit, that would be very cool”.
Spoken like someone who is already figuring out how to put his education to work for him post-graduation.
The next three races for the Indy Pro 2000 Series presented by Cooper Tires is May 13-15 on the road course at The Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (September 16, 2025) – The NTT IndyCar Series announced at 17-race schedule for the 2026 season, adding a race in Arlington, TX, (previously announced), returning to Phoenix, AZ as part of a NASCAR/IndyCar Weekend. Additional changes include Laguna Seca replacing Nashville as the season finale and Milwaukee goes back to being a double-header. Nashville moves to mid-season and will be a night race that Fox Sports will air following the soccer World Cup finale.
“Our growth is industry-leading and will only accelerate faster as we continue our powerful partnership with FOX Sports and increase investment in our events,” Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles said. “The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule provides a dynamic showcase for our sport and its stars, blending fan-favorite race weekends with incredible showcases at exciting new venues. We cannot wait for 2026.”
“We’re going to kickstart the season in fitting fashion, with four races in five weeks,” INDYCAR President J. Douglas Boles said. “Our joint weekend in partnership with NASCAR and FOX at Phoenix Raceway will be a can’t-miss for motorsport fans across the country and a truly special celebration of fast, fearless racing across the motorsport landscape.”
| Date | Venue | Television |
| Sunday, March 1 | Streets of St. Petersburg | FOX |
| Saturday, March 7 | Phoenix Raceway | FOX |
| Sunday, March 15 | Streets of Arlington | FOX |
| Sunday, March 29 | Barber Motorsports Park | FOX |
| Sunday, April 19 | Streets of Long Beach | FOX |
| Saturday, May 9 | Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course | FOX |
| Sunday, May 24 | The 110th Indianapolis 500 | FOX |
| Sunday, May 31 | Streets of Detroit | FOX |
| Sunday, June 7 | World Wide Technology Raceway | FOX |
| Sunday, June 21 | Road America | FOX |
| Sunday, July 5 | Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course | FOX |
| Sunday, July 19 | Nashville Superspeedway | FOX |
| Sunday, Aug. 9 | Portland International Raceway | FOX |
| Sunday, Aug. 16 | Streets of Markham | FOX |
| Saturday, Aug. 29 | Milwaukee Mile Race 1 | FOX |
| Sunday, Aug. 30 | Milwaukee Mile Race 2 | FOX |
| Sunday, Sept. 6 | WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca | FOX |
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is barely into the off-season and the dominos are starting to fall in regard to driver movement within the paddock. Check back between now and the 2026 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg to keep track of all the changes.
David Malukas to drive the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet for Team Penske beginning in 2026
(September 18, 2025 10:00 a.m.) – Team Penske announced today that it has signed David Malukas to a multiyear agreement to drive the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet for the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season and beyond. The 23-year-old becomes just the second driver to race the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet made famous by two-time Series Champion (2014, 2022) and 2018 Indianapolis 500 winner Will Power.
“We are excited to add David Malukas as the next driver of the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet,” said team owner Roger Penske. “We feel that Team Penske will provide David everything needed to take the next step in his career, and we are confident that he will continue the great legacy of the Verizon Chevrolet.”
“Racing for Team Penske is the goal for every young racecar driver, and I am honored to be one that gets to live out that dream,” said Malukas. “Will Power is one of the legends of our sport and the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet is one of the most-recognized cars on the grid. These are big shoes to fill, but I look at it as an opportunity because I know that it is one of the best teams in the paddock.”
Andretti Global signs Will Power to 2026 IndyCar Lineup
(September 3, 2025 12:30 p.m.) – Two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champion and 2018 Indianapolis 500 winner Will Power is joining Andretti Global for the 2026 INDYCAR Season. Power is moving into the No. 26 Honda seat that was vacated by Colton Herta (see below).
“We couldn’t think of a better driver than Will Power to fill Colton’s shoes here at Andretti and take the wheel of the No. 26 Honda,” said Jill Gregory, COO, TWG Motorsports and President, Andretti Global. “Will is a fierce competitor whose record speaks for itself. Additionally, he’s a great personality and we feel he’ll be a strong fit for the team culturally as well.”
“I just want to say how excited I am to be joining Andretti Global,” said Power in a statement. “I can’t thank Dan [Towriss], Jill [Gregory] and the team enough for this opportunity. Colton is someone that I’ve been massively impressed with for a while. He has a lot of natural ability, and I think he’s going to do a great job over in Europe. I’m excited to watch him and will work to step in and do everyone on the 26 team proud.”
Cadillac F1 Team names Colton Herta as Test Driver
(September 3, 2025 11:30 a.m.) – Colton Herta is joining the Cadillac F1 team as a test driver it was announced on Wednesday. Herta will serve as a test driver as the team prepares to join the F1 grid for the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team as a Test Driver,” Herta said in a statement. “This is a dream opportunity, and one I’ve been working towards for a long time. To be part of Cadillac F1’s entry at such a pivotal time is something I couldn’t pass up.”
“We are delighted to welcome Colton Herta as a Test Driver,” said Graeme London, Team Principal, Cadillac Formula 1 Team, in a statement. “Colton is an exceptionally talented racer with proven speed, race craft, and maturity well beyond his years. His experience in top-level American motorsport as part of the TWG Motorsport family makes him an ideal fit for this role, and he will bring valuable and fresh insight, perspective, and energy to our team as we continue to build for the future.
“Having an American driver join an American Formula 1 team is a hugely significant moment, not only for our Team, but for American motorsport as a whole. Colton represents the passion, ambition, and competitive spirit that define the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, and we are proud to have him carry the American flag with us on the world stage.”
Penske Confirms Power Is Out
(September 2, 2025) – Will Power’s tenure at Team Penske is over after being speculated for most of the year and finally confirmed in a statement released by the team Tuesday morning.
“As we sat down to talk about our future together, Will felt that it was time for him to make a change beginning with next season,” Roger Penske said in the statement. “He has been an outstanding driver and teammate for our organization. His results speak for themselves, and we wish him the very best in the next phase of his career.”
Power, Team Penske’s winningest and most successful driver, scored 42 of his 45-IndyCar wins with Penske capturing two Championships and one Indianapolis 500 victory.
Power was not offered a contract extension entering this season despite three wins and fourth place in the 2024 Championship standings.
“It’s been the honor of my life to drive for Roger and the Penske organization,” said Power in a statement. “We have accomplished so much together, and I will always be grateful for my time with the team and my teammates who have supported me along the way. After much consideration, I felt like a change for me was the right move at this time.”
Power is reportedly joining Andretti Global to replace Colton Herta, who is reportedly going to race in F2 in an attempt to secure enough Super License points to qualify for an F1 seat in 2027.
VeeKay departs Dale Coyne Racing
(September 2, 2025) – One of the best pairings in 2025 is coming to an end as Rinus VeeKay announced that he is departing Dale Coyne Racing after one season.
VeeKay posted his thanks on his Social Media feeds on Tuesday.
“I want to thank Dale Coyne Racing and in particular Dale and Gail for the opportunity they gave me to re-establish myself in 2025. This year was genuinely the most enjoyable year in my career as an IndyCar driver. Especially big thanks to Renato, JC, Nico, Carlo, Brennan, John, Ryan, Matthew, Conner, Ed and Michael, Carrie and Michele for giving your best effort every single session as the 18 crew. This season and its lessons will stay with me forever.”
Coyne is expected to name VeeKay’s replacement and the rest of his lineup by the end of October.
By INDYCAR Communications
LEBANON, TN (August 31, 2025) – Sweet relief finally arrived at home, sweet home after the most frustrating of seasons for Josef Newgarden.
Nashville-area native Newgarden broke a 20-race drought dating back to August 2024 to earn his first victory of 2025 and 32nd of his illustrious NTT INDYCAR SERIES career at his home track Sunday, winning the season-ending Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix presented by WillScot at Nashville Superspeedway.
SEE: Race Results
“Glad we got one without anything going wrong,” Newgarden said. “Happy to celebrate this team. They deserve it. It’s rewarding for our team. Tough, tough year, but good to get a win at the end.”
Two-time series champion Newgarden drove his No. 2 Astemo Team Penske Chevrolet to victory by .5021 of a second over the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda of four-time and reigning series champion Alex Palou, who celebrated with the Astor Challenge Cup for the third straight year in post-race ceremonies.
“It’s been an amazing season for us,” Palou said. “I just had the pleasure to be the driver of that No. 10 DHL Honda car, to get so many wins and so many podiums this year.”
Scott McLaughlin finished third in the No. 3 DEX Imaging Team Penske Chevrolet after prevailing in a stirring duel down the stretch of the 225-lap race with Kyffin Simpson in the No. 8 Journie Rewards Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. It’s just the second time this season that Team Penske – the most winning team in INDYCAR SERIES history – put two drivers on the podium.
Simpson capped a strong second season in the series by holding on to fourth for his best career oval result. Conor Daly rounded out the top five in the No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Chevrolet after starting 24th, gaining more spots than any driver in the race.
Louis Foster of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing hung on to clinch the series Rookie of the Year honors by just two points over Robert Shwartzman of PREMA Racing. Foster finished 20th in the No. 45 Desnuda Tequila Honda, while Shwartzman was 14th in the No. 83 PREMA Racing Chevrolet.
Newgarden took the lead for good on Lap 205 when he passed McLaughlin when McLaughlin’s car drifted off the racing line and brushed the SAFER Barrier in Turn 2, triggering the fourth and final caution period of the frenetic race.
On the restart on Lap 214, Newgarden rocketed away while Palou – who remarkably clawed back to the front despite a flat right front tire early in the race – dove under McLaughlin for second place in Turn 1.
But Palou never could catch Newgarden over the final 11 laps, as the reigning series champion admitted he lacked the confidence to put his car in the higher groove where Newgarden, McLaughlin, Daly and others did some of their best, most breathtaking passing of the race.
The joyous relief was palpable for Newgarden after the race when he stopped his car on the front straightaway and climbed into the grandstands to exult with fans, reminiscent of his celebrations at Indianapolis Motor Speedway after winning the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge in 2023 and 2024.
“I think we should be racing in Nashville to end the championship all the time,” Newgarden said. “We don’t need to need to go anywhere else. It’s great to be home. Pumped, just pumped.”
It was a fitting ending to a race that featured so many twists, turns and heartbreak that nearly everyone who watched it probably needed a moment to exhale after the checkered flag. There were 284 passes for position, including 130 in the top 10 and 74 in the top five – all series records for Nashville Superspeedway.
McLaughlin wasn’t the only driver to lose the lead due to hitting the SAFER Barrier. NTT P1 Award winner Pato O’Ward led a race-high 116 laps from the pole in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, but his race ended in heartbreak when a flat right front tire pushed him into the SAFER Barrier in Turn 2 on Lap 127.
David Malukas was running in second on Lap 83 in the No. 4 Clarience Technologies Chevrolet of A.J. Foyt Enterprises when he backed hard into the SAFER Barrier in Turn 2 after side-by-side contact from Foster, who was penalized for blocking. Malukas was awake and alert after the incident, according to INDYCAR Medical Director Dr. Julia Vaizer, and was released from a local hospital following precautionary evaluation and advanced imaging.
Christian Rasmussen, who earned his first career victory last Sunday at the Milwaukee Mile, saw his chance for a repeat end on Lap 1 when his No. 21 ECR Splenda Stevia Chevrolet wiggled in traffic and hit the SAFER Barrier in Turn 2.
The varying pit and tire strategies spawned by these accidents and caution periods resulted in 12 of the 27 drivers leading at least one lap and 20 lead changes, both series records at this track.
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