Thursday, March 7, 2024

NTT INDYCAR's 2024 International Access Accelerates Visibility of North America’s Premier Open-Wheel Series

#ThermalClub North Palm Circuit front straight at the beginning of the NTT INDYCAR's first run of NTT INDYCAR SERIES 2023 Winter TestRLL's Jack Harvey leads teammate and 2022 Rookie Of The Year Christian Lundgaard, followed by Ed Carpenter Racing's Rinus Veekay, along with MSR's Rolex 24 2-time winner Simon Pagenaud, AJ Foyt Racing's Santino Ferrucci, and ECR's Conor Daly in tow of Session 1 first laps on the "Private Pavement" of The Thermal Club, site of NTT INDYCAR SERIES 2023 Winter Test. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2023)

NTT INDYCAR's 2024 International Access Accelerates Visibility of North America’s Premier Open-Wheel Series

Global accessibility remains a top priority for INDYCAR. A robust list of international broadcast partners and impactful media partnerships ensures fans in more than 220 markets and 140 countries can follow the stars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

For the third consecutive season, INDYCAR LIVE, INDYCAR’s direct-to-consumer streaming service, provides fans with access to practice, qualifying and races in territories not covered by an international partner.

“Our international broadcast partners and offerings mirror the impressive growth and representation we see in the full-time field of drivers,” said Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles. “With drivers representing 15 different nations, it’s more important than ever that the fan base and audiences in those locations and beyond have access to coverage and are able to follow the unmatched action of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.”

Partnerships for the 2024 INDYCAR season include:
  • Canada’s sports leader, TSN, provides fans with comprehensive live streaming of INDYCAR action from all 18 races, including coverage of all practice and qualifying sessions on TSN+ and eight races, including the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and the Honda Indy Toronto, via its TSN linear platform.
  • ESPN across Latin America brings live coverage of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to key markets, including Brazil, Argentina and Mexico, where audiences can follow four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves as he continues his “Drive for Five,” along with Juncos Hollinger Racing’s Agustin Canapino, Arrow McLaren driver Pato O’Ward and Rahal Letterman Lanigan’s Pietro Fittipaldi.
  • Canal+ provides coverage in France for fans of Romain Grosjean.
  • Sky Sports UK, Sky Sport Germany (including Austria and Switzerland) and Sky Sport Italia continue to provide end to end INDYCAR coverage for fans in 2024.
  • Sky Sport in New Zealand continues to be the home for coverage of Kiwis Scott McLaughlin, Marcus Armstrong and six-time INDYCAR SERIES champion Scott Dixon.
  • Australian fans of two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Will Power can follow him on streaming partner STAN Sport, while sister network Nine Network shows race highlights mid-week.
  • Movistar+ partners with INDYCAR for an eighth consecutive season, allowing fans in Spain to follow reigning and two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Alex Palou as he defends his title.
  • Gaora returns to broadcast all races in Japan with special emphasis on Takuma Sato’s attempt to win a third Indianapolis 500.
  • Ziggo Sport provides coverage of countryman Rinus VeeKay to its audience in the Netherlands.
  • Viaplay continues its coverage of INDYCAR in the Nordics allowing fans to follow Indy 500 winner Marcus Ericsson and Felix Rosenqvist as both embark on their first seasons with new teams, as well as the rookie campaign of Linus Lundqvist. INDYCAR fans in Denmark will be able to follow Christian Lundgaard and Christian Rasmussen.
  • Supersport provides coverage in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

“I am very pleased that INDYCAR is reaching all corners of the globe,” said Armstrong, driver of the No. 11 Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing. “It is some of the best racing in the world, and in my opinion, the product is second to none. I’m glad that our racing and name is getting out there as much as possible.

“I’ve raced in Europe for the past 10 years, and I had always found it very enjoyable to tune in to watch INDYCAR races. Being from New Zealand, as well, I was able to tune into Sky Sports over my breaks with it on TV almost every day. This series features drivers from all over the world, and it’s only right that everyone can see how great the racing is, as well.”

The 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season begins Sunday, March 10 at noon ET with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding. The start of the 2024 INDY NXT by Firestone season begins the same day, also on the streets of St. Petersburg, at 10 a.m. ET. A full list of international broadcast partners is available here.

... notes from The EDJE







TAGS: NTT INDYCAR SERIES, 2024, #ThermalClub, #Supersport, #Viaplay, #ZiggoSport, #Moviestar+, #Gaora, #SkySport, #ESPN, #TSN, #TheEDJE 

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Arrow McLaren Taps Callum Ilott To Cover The Malukas No. 6 Chevy For St. Pete INDYCAR Season Opener

Two and one-half year NTT INDYCAR veteran who could not find the right deal for his services after concluding the 2023 season with Juncos Hollinger Racing, found a seat with Jota Sport hypercar in the WEC in Europe then someone got injured. David Malukas needs to heal from an off season injury so Arrow McLaren found the next best temporary shoe. Welcome back UK driver Callum Ilott. Image Credit: ZOOM Call Screengrab Edmund Jenks (2024)

Arrow McLaren Taps Callum Ilott To Cover The Malukas No. 6 Chevy For St. Pete INDYCAR Season Opener

Arrow McLaren announced Tuesday, March 5th, 2024 that Callum Ilott will be taking the wheel for the upcoming Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, stepping in for the injured David Malukas in the No. 6 Dallara-Chevrolet. Malukas, who underwent surgery on his left wrist following a mountain biking accident, is expected to be out of action for approximately six weeks.

In their official statement, Arrow McLaren noted that they are still assessing their options for future tests and races as Malukas recuperates. The team anticipates David's return to coincide with early April, prior to the Grand Prix of Long Beach but following the $1 Million Challenge exhibition race on March 24 at The Thermal Club.

 

NTT INDYCAR SERIES News Conference
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Callum Ilott - Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: The 2024 NTT INDYCAR Series season begins this weekend in the Streets of St. Petersburg for the annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding.

Arrow McLaren just moments ago announcing their driver for the No. 6 NTT Data Chevrolet this weekend as Callum Ilott makes his return to the series. This Sunday will mark Callum's 37th career NTT INDYCAR Series start and a return to the Streets of St. Pete where he finished fifth last year after starting 22nd.

Callum, thanks for hopping on with us quickly after the announcement here today. Your thoughts about returning to St. Pete, now driver of the No. 6 Chevrolet for Arrow McLaren?

CALLUM ILOTT: Thank you for having me. It's great to be back. It's great to the back in the NTT Series and getting on with it with the No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet. Really excited. It's a great race to come in for.

First off, I feel really bad for David. I hope he gets a speedy recovery and gets back in the car soon. I think he's coming to the race. We'll get to work together and get him up to speed with the team as quick as possible, and also for me, as well, I need to get up to speed.

But yeah, really grateful for the opportunity, so thanks to Zak, Gavin, Tony, the whole team and NTT Data for letting me in the car. It's going to be exciting.

Also got to give a thanks to Hertz Team Jota for allowing me to do this race. I'm very pumped to get going and give this orange car a go, or papaya.

Q. Just returning from the World Endurance Championship, finished second, so quick flight, quick turnaround, different machinery. Is your head spinning right now or do you think you'll settle in once you get to St. Pete?

CALLUM ILOTT: I don't know what continent I'm on, what time zone, but I'm ready to go, as always. But yeah, we had a great race, finished second. Yeah, solid weekend in the World Endurance Championship, so that was a great start to the year. Really enjoyed it.

Got on a plane, stopped off in the UK, collected some stuff, and flew straight on to Indy where I am now. I'm in the shop getting some last-minute prep, took some photos for you guys this morning, and off we go.

Q. Just curious, we all know that with INDYCAR, it's roughly somewhat of a spec series for the most part, but there is a difference in team size and personnel, et cetera. With that, that experience at Juncos, coming into this opportunity, where is the head space in relation to that? Where do you look at how big of an opportunity this is compared to what you had the past two years, the equipment difference, et cetera?

CALLUM ILOTT: To be honest, it's a bit of a discovery process because obviously I did the hybrid test, but I've only been in the shop for one or two days now.

The size of the team obviously is larger and more years of experience within the series, but I can't really comment on that until during the race weekend and experiencing it on that side of a full scale. Obviously it's great. The preparation is good even though I've kind of had to be in Qatar and full focus on that. But now it's obviously full focus on St. Pete.

That's increasing and ramping up, and I'm excited to see what the full scale of the operation is.

Q. When you're still kind of in, as you say, a discovery process of kind of learning some of those integral parts of the team, do you have personal expectations this weekend that might be different than what you might have had in years past, because as we know, a top 5 in a Juncos car is going to be a mega run. What are you looking at with the scope of this opportunity?

CALLUM ILOTT: It's a brand new year for everyone, so of course you don't know exactly where to start off. But in the history of Arrow McLaren, they've always been very, very strong, and St. Pete last year was also very strong.

Yeah, think there's all the opportunity to do a good job, but my focus at the end of the day is filling in and doing a solid job and leaving the weekend with no complaints. If I can be fast and up there, great. If I can finish the race and get some good points for them, that's also the goal.

Let's see where it goes into FP1, qualifying, and then the race.

Q. First of all, how important is it to you as an opportunity to really prove yourself that you can fit in at a top team with this opportunity? How important is it to just validate the work that you've done at Juncos and prove that it was a really high level that you were showing there?

CALLUM ILOTT: Yeah, I mean, I think it kind of goes without saying that every racing driver wants to prove what they can do, and this is a perfect opportunity to do it. The test at Homestead went really well. So far gearing up to this weekend, it's all going very smoothly.

I fit in quite well in a last-minute situation. Again, I wish David all the best and he gets to be in the car as soon as possible, but I'll try and do the best job that I can within that time.

It's obviously an interesting place to be and an interesting place to see what I can do, but again, I can't really comment until I get on there, but that's the goal, right, to do as well as possible.

Q. You told us that you were going to try and be around the paddock a bit. Have you got any more info as to whether there will be other opportunities later in the year beyond this chance here to deputize at McLaren, or is it still a case of seeing what comes up?

CALLUM ILOTT: Well, I think the plan of being around and maybe jumping in a car came sooner than expected, so obviously that kind of -- I don't want to say wish, but idea has come early.

Yeah, I'll see what happens. I'm obviously quite busy with the World Endurance Championship throughout the year, but if I can make some races, we'll see what happens. But I'm around, and I'll be looking about for sure.

Q. Just a couple questions for you. Obviously in the NTT INDYCAR Series everybody gets to this level fast. They're talented race car drivers. I'm curious from a race car driver's perspective, what are some intangibles that a driver can show the team that maybe isn't reflected on a speed chart or race results, something maybe you can do behind the scenes that maybe the outside world aren't aware of?

CALLUM ILOTT: Yeah, I mean, results are obviously a very global, quick look at what amount of effort goes into the world of sports and motorsports, and that's the thing that at the end of the day everyone wants to see.

I mean, if I look in hindsight -- if I look back at my career in INDYCAR, it was spent in a single-car team which moved to a dual-car team, and we got some amazing results in that environment and built something up from the ground. Sometimes that gets overlooked because at the end of the day results is the most important thing.

But I think that kind of work, you know how much effort you put into get that environment to the place that it is.

But overall, yeah, everyone is working super hard in every environment that they're in. I can't say that what I do or did personally is any more or any less than anyone else, but I know the efforts that I've put in in different places, and I think this is one of those little -- well, quite big rewards to get to fill in for.

Q. What is kind of the mindset or confidence level going into a ride -- obviously this isn't a full-time seat for you. You can't not be aggressive in a series as high as the INDYCAR Series, but I'm sure you don't want to make any enemies because this could be an audition for the entire paddock. How do you balance that behind the wheel this coming weekend?

CALLUM ILOTT: I think in terms of the friends, enemies type of thing, I've done two and a half years almost in this series, and people know what I am. I think in terms of one race, I'm not going to create any problems on that side.

Looking at it, yeah, my full-term commitment this year is in WEC, and that's where my full mind is, and I'm enjoying that a lot so far. We had a great start to the year.

In my books, I've already checked off a podium on that side, and I'm just looking forward to keeping the momentum and the speed with these guys here at Arrow McLaren.

Q. It's kind of a discovery process this weekend, but race rhythm is a thing, and you just raced last weekend. As you mentioned, you got a podium. You finished fifth there last year. McLaren has got good street course cars. What is the immediate goal? Do you feel a podium or top 5 is something that's achievable this weekend? Do you feel like you can use last weekend -- granted, it's a sports car, not an INDYCAR, but you've already been in race rhythm. Is that something you can use to your advantage this weekend?

CALLUM ILOTT: Yeah, honestly, I'm in a very good space this year. I've had a great off-season, and actually kind of -- even though it's been a bit crazy the last couple weeks, a great buildup to my weekend in Qatar.

I think in looking at it, the test at Homestead helped me a lot to get the ball rolling actually in Qatar, and I think vice versa. Coming from there, I had six out of seven days on track -- maybe five out of six days on track coming here to St. Pete.

I think I'll be ready to go in terms of results. It's very difficult to say. Yes, I was competitive there last year in the race, and you'd hope that that would continue, and that's the goal. In terms of the extent of that, I don't know. We've got to see.

Really, again, like I said on the discovery side, there's a lot to learn and know, and I think a few questions will be answered by the end of the weekend.

Q. The release from the team says it's only specific to St. Pete. Have you been told or have you had any discussions about this going beyond St. Pete if David remains out for say Thermal?

CALLUM ILOTT: I think it all depends on David. Obviously he's got to -- well, you can't really work to get better, but you've got to be in the position to get better, so I hope he recovers as quickly as possible.

I am available for Thermal, but again, that's a later point whether we'll know if that's the case or not. We'll see what happens with David and the team and for the future.

Q. The initial release when Malukas was hurt indicated he could be back right before Long Beach, but I notice the WEC schedule has quite a gap past that. I know this is speculative, but if this goes well this weekend, are you thinking as long as David is out, you could be Arrow McLaren's guy in this car?

CALLUM ILOTT: I don't want to say it at all like that. I think WEC is the priority for me, and it will be for the near future.

Of course if I'm available and what's needed is me, for example, then of course I'm open to doing it.

We'll have to see what happens on that side. But I pray for David that that's not the case because you want to be in the car and you want to work with your team. I hope that he is in the car very soon because it's very tough -- I can understand -- even for me, the one race I did out of the car after the 500 in 2022, it's tough to sit and watch. I don't really wish that on anyone, especially with a new team. It's very tough.

I do feel for David, and again, want him to be in the car as soon as possible.

Q. Presuming he is back for Long Beach but this goes really well this weekend and maybe you turn some heads, I know you said you're committed to WEC this year, but beyond that if there are gaps in the schedule and you get approached by INDYCAR teams, are you treating it as you're kind of available for hire as needed?

CALLUM ILOTT: Yeah, of course it's all up for discussion. There's a limit to what you can do in terms of travel. Of course everything has fit in quite well. I had to miss a Sebring test for the WEC stuff, but in the end the WEC race was quite good. I made the right decision on that side to -- oh, and we had the prologue moved, as well, so it wouldn't have happened anyway.

But of course if there is availability and communication goes that way, there's no reason to say no.

Q. You just mentioned it, the WEC opener obviously went outstanding for you and your team, and I think you were fastest in one of the prologue sessions, as well. I know it's a different discipline, but how much confidence did that give you to be back on the podium, to be fastest in a practice session, coming back here to INDYCAR? We all know you've shown you can contend in INDYCAR, but coming off of that great WEC showing, does that give you more confidence coming into St. Pete?

CALLUM ILOTT: Yeah, I think so. It's been a few years, I said on an Instagram post, that I haven't been on the podium, and I know that that was always possible. I think the prologue, we came out of that P2. Qualifying in Hyper pole P3 and P3, and then the race P2, splitting the Penskes. It was a very impressive first race. The team did an amazing job and was very competitive.

I think we wish we could have got a little more out of there because P1 is always something that you want to get, but I think it was the first Hypercar podium that we had achieved as a team, and yeah, I'm really looking forward to carrying the momentum.

It's been refreshing. It's nice to go into an environment and hit the ground running, and it's also an environment that I kind of grew up in a little bit, a little bit more, so I'm hoping to bring the momentum here and see what I can do.

Q. Was curious to know how this came about. Did Zak reach out to you or was it Gavin?

CALLUM ILOTT: I think it was a bit more mutual in that sense. Obviously I saw the news -- I was actually coming out to Indy anyway for some more admin apartment stuff, and then I was going to drop away quickly, or sooner than I expected. Then I think a day or two later, the seat fit was happening, and then I think we were kind of like moving step by step on that side.

There were some things and logistics that needed to be sorted out, obviously, as it's not an easy one to deal with last minute, especially as I'm now no longer in the U.S. full time, and to be honest, I think it was with Tony that the first contact was made.

But yeah, I reached out, and it was kind of like, let's see what we can do and how we can make this work.

Q. I'm pretty sure you got to do the test. How did you feel after that?

CALLUM ILOTT: Yeah, it was good. It was great to be back in a car. Been two or three months since I --

Q. Just physically how did it feel?

CALLUM ILOTT: Yeah, it was good. Honestly, I did I think like 139 laps, then got straight on a plane to the UK, stopped off, got my helmet for the WEC stuff and flew to Qatar. Pretty busy, but I felt good, straight on the pace. It was like I had kind of never jumped out.

I've been driving constantly since, so I should be ready for St. Pete, no issues.

Q. Do you still have your apartment in Indianapolis?

CALLUM ILOTT: I do. I kind of extended it two weeks before I kind of knew my fate at the end of last year, so it cost me a bit more to get rid of it early, so it was actually quite convenient because I get to use it now.

Q. Having worked with the team, albeit very briefly, how beneficial is that to you going to St. Pete knowing that it's not completely brand new for you this weekend?

CALLUM ILOTT: Yeah, it was really important to do the test, even though, yeah, I felt like I kind of hit the ground running. There's always stuff that you need to learn and how the environment works together. At the end of the day, it's such a competitive series, so any little edge you can get is good.

Yeah, it really worked out well in the timing. Of course I would have loved to do Sebring, as well, to get some more info, especially in the non-hybrid car. But yeah, it worked out super well. I'm excited to get going, and obviously they have a great history within INDYCAR, so it can only be easier with that, I would say.

Q. Have you had an opportunity to talk with Ryan-Hunter about this opportunity, and if you have, what kind of advice did he give you?

CALLUM ILOTT: No, I haven't. No, I haven't been able to speak to him.


Motorsports Journal Edmund Jenks
Q. It strikes me you were the experienced person on the previous team you were at, and now you're going to be joining a paddock that's chock full of experience. How do you feel that that's going to be come St. Pete, working with the people in the paddock, the other drivers that are easily equal? What do you expect?

CALLUM ILOTT: Yeah, I think coming into the environment at Arrow McLaren is going to be interesting for me. It's a lot to learn. It's a bigger environment to what I was used to previously. Also to be next to Alex and to Pato is going to be cool to compare. I have a lot of respect for both of them. They're both very fast.

It's going to be good. There's going to be lots to learn. Hopefully my progress through the weekend should improve, and hopefully I can join them for a good result and good points.

Q. You've raced against these guys before, a good solid season plus. What do you think you'll be marching into in terms of learning more from them?

CALLUM ILOTT: Well, Pato is known for his speed, so that's always something that you're going to be chasing and trying to find. Alex has a lot of experience within the series. His race craft and race pace is always very strong.

I hope to learn on the racing side before we come to the race, see what little things I can find. But even afterwards, it's probably good to compare and see where you gain, where you lose, and even if it's before the weekend or after the weekend, there's a lot as a driver that you can bring with you for the future.

Q. Do you think you might get softer elbows out on the track?

CALLUM ILOTT: Well, we'll see. To be fair, I love the INDYCAR racing. It's hard but fair. St. Pete is always one that is where people get their elbows out. But at the end of the day, I proved last year that sometimes being a bit more careful in situations brings you a better finish?

So we'll have to see. It depends on the situation.
ENDS

Q. Obviously being a reserve driver you're in a situation where it's essentially an audition for other part-time rides. Do you see yourself being able to secure any other part-time gigs throughout the season, whether it's in the Indy 500 or anything else that may arise in 2024, or is this solely for 2023 at this point in terms of looking for other deals?

CALLUM ILOTT: To be honest, I'm not really thinking about it. Like I said, it kind of came a bit earlier than I expected. I did think about turning up to St. Pete and then the 500 and a couple of other little ones and see what happens. But of course I'm jumping in a car in the first race of the season, and a very competitive car as it is. Yeah, I would say after this, I don't know. I might take a little break as I've got some WEC stuff coming up, and then we gear up for Le Mans. I think I can make the 500, as well.

We'll have to see. I think in terms of a -- not full-time, but a for-sure ride for the 500, it's going to be tough. I think those filled up quite quickly.

No, I'm just focusing on WEC, and if I'm available for anything else that seems convenient or I might try some other different cars and range my experience within the world of motorsports.

Q. Obviously you said earlier you're enjoying your time in the World Endurance Championship. In INDYCAR, if no opportunities arise, is your goal to stay in the INDYCAR Series or would you be content with other endeavors, just hypothetically?

CALLUM ILOTT: I mean, I've already kind of -- how would I say? I took a step away from INDYCAR to go and do the World Endurance Championship, and again, it's a professional series ride. To be honest, I just want to do what I enjoy. I enjoy it a lot. I enjoy INDYCAR a lot. Just have to see where that takes me.

But I'm not forcing anything because it just doesn't feel right. I'm kind of going with the flow.

Again, the fact that I can make all of this happen and I think so far start the year in a very nice way after the end of last year, it's great, so I'm just going to continue that momentum and keep enjoying it and keep getting results in everything I can do.

Q. Obviously you're missed because we keep bugging you about future opportunities and next year and everything like that. Clearly we want you around the paddock. I guess to touch on something that was asked earlier, I don't want to put the wagon before the horse, so to speak, but if you were to ballpark it, because you obviously made it clear that WEC is the priority, that's the program that you're putting the most emphasis on this year, and rightfully so, but if you could ballpark it, what do you think is maybe a comfortable number of races that you'd be willing to do on the INDYCAR side this year without sacrificing or feeling like you're sacrificing that program?

CALLUM ILOTT: You know, I don't want to get in the way of anything. There's a lot of preparation up until Le Mans, and I think we have some other tests maybe before COTA later on in the year.

Of course, it's convenient that the series only has seven or eight races, so it's not too strenuous on that side. It's just a lot of travel. I think the calculation I did at the beginning of the year was the possibility to make 11 or 12 INDYCAR races if I had to. Of course that's a lot of traveling for me to do.

I'm just going to see what's convenient on that side. If I have to do 11, 12, that's what I'll have to do. If I can manage with three, four, five, that's what I'll do, as well. I'm just playing it by ear. I don't think I expected to go to St. Pete about a month ago, so now that's happening, and I can't complain.

Q. Obviously Arrow McLaren announced there was going to be this strategic alliance with Juncos. Were you already in discussions with McLaren back then?

CALLUM ILOTT: Yeah, so when there is, shall we say, some shifts in the market, obviously I had some contact with Zak to see what was going on. There was the understood kind of development of a partnership between Juncos, and at that point it seemed quite sensible to keep things as it was. So I had that communication established, which is why I think it was quite easy to get the ball rolling to do St. Pete a couple of weeks ago.

Q. Clearly INDYCAR feels like home to you, I can tell. Smile, expressions. I remember a couple of years ago in the media center I remember you talking about how it felt right to you to stay with Juncos. Why do you keep wanting to go back to INDYCAR? What about this series do you like that even with WEC and full-time abilities over there, you still want to come back? What about the INDYCAR Series feels like home for you and makes you want to keep coming back for more?

CALLUM ILOTT: You're putting a lot of plurals on there. This isn't like I had to come back.

No, to put it simply, I felt that maybe it was slightly premature, what happened end of last year. It's life, and you have to find the best situation for yourself and work with that, and to be fair, I'm very fortunate to be in a super competitive seat with Hertz Team Jota and hit the ground running on that, and we're second in the championship, World Endurance Championship, straight away, which is great, and then to get the ball rolling in the first weekend of INDYCAR with Arrow McLaren, I can't complain.

It's pretty exciting on that side.

This opportunity just felt right, I think, for me, and for the team, it was very convenient to kind of get it working. I think we're in for a good exciting weekend in St. Pete.

From my side, yeah, again, maybe it was premature. I obviously did try and stay in the NTT INDYCAR Series for this year, and I was kind of unsuccessful at making that happen. I very quickly found another seat which just felt right in the World Endurance Championship.

I think in some ways, it's a shame that I didn't quite make a full-time ride work. If things would have happened maybe a bit earlier, I wouldn't have had a problem. But again, I made something work, so I can't complain about it at all, and I'm super happy to do.

It's a good place, and again, I can't have wished for more at the moment. I'm getting to do some exciting things this year.

Q. More so on competition, is there just something about the competition levels of the NTT INDYCAR Series that just brings the best out of you, brings the most out of a race car driver that it's hard to find and replicate that in other areas of the world? Competition-wise, is it just something that suits you that you just want more of, per se?

CALLUM ILOTT: I mean, yes, it suits me. If I'm going to summarize it, I think it's been a tough two and a half years to really show what I want to show. I've showed potential in a lot of areas, but it hasn't quite paid off in the way that I wanted it to.

I think there's something about that that keeps making me want to come in and just go like, this is what I've been talking about, and hopefully that can happen sooner rather than later.

Yes, of course the championship is super competitive, and there's a lot of variability, and the range of tracks that we go to as a series is tough to stay on top of. But yeah, I think as soon as I move away, I seem to get the ball rolling again and get some results, and I come back here and I want to keep proving what I can show in my history of racing.

THE MODERATOR: We'll go ahead and leave it there for now. Callum, thank you so much for your time here today.
[ht: FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports]

... notes from The EDJE

FEATURED ARTICLE >>>







TAGS: NTT INDYCAR SERIES, #ThermalClub, Callum Ilott, Arrow McLaren, St. Pete, 2024 Season, David Malukas, No. 6 Chevy, The EDJE

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Driver Reactions: NTT INDYCAR SERIES Sebring International Raceway Group Test Day One & Two

Josef Newgarden - INDYCAR Testing - Sebring International Raceway - By: Joe Skibinski


Driver Reactions: NTT INDYCAR SERIES Sebring International Raceway Group Test Day One

Let's get this 18 Race season party started!


Day One SHOT LIST - NTT INDYCAR SERIES Driver Reactions

0:05-0:12 No. 3 Scott McLaughlin getting in car

0:12-0:20 No. 6 Arrow McLaren driver Pato O'Ward in car

0:20-0:26 No. 41 Sting Ray Robb in car

0:27-0:33 No. 26 Colton Herta in car

0:34-0:39 Meyer Shank Racing minority partner, four-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves

0:39-0:43 No. 45 Christian Lundgaard putting on helmet

0:43-0:47 No. 41 Sting Ray Robb in car

0:48-0:50 No. 6 Arrow McLaren driver Pato O'Ward on track

0:50-0:54 No. 7 Alexander Rossi on track

0:54-1:10 Multiple cars on track

1:10-1:12 No. 18 Jack Harvey on track

1:13-1:17 No. 41 Sting Ray Robb on track

1:26-2:55 No. 10 Alex Palou on track and interview

3:00-5:05 No. 2 Josef Newgarden on track and interview

5:11-7:01 No. 27 Kyle Kirkwood (resident of Jupiter, Florida) on track and interview
ENDS


Driver Reactions: NTT INDYCAR SERIES Sebring International Raceway Group Test Day Two

2024 season rookie racing for Chip Ganassi Racing, Kyffin Simpson - INDYCAR Testing - Sebring International Raceway - By: Joe Skibinski




Day Two SHOT LIST - NTT INDYCAR SERIES Driver Reactions

0:05-0:12 No. 12 Will Power gets in car

0:13-0:23 Cars in pit lane

0:23-0:28 No. 8 Linus Lundqvist gets in car

0:29-0:34 No. 11 Marcus Armstrong on track

0:34-0:38 No. 20 Christian Rasmussen on track

0:39-0:43 No. 12 Will Power back of car

0:43-0:54 No. 15 Graham Rahal on track, two angles

0:54-1:00 No. 11 Marcus Armstrong on track

1:05-1:06 No. 5 Pato O'Ward on track and interview

2:52-3:57 No. 28 Marcus Ericsson on track and interview

4:02-5:36 No. 15 Graham Rahal on track and interview
ENDS

DAY Two Results

DAY One & Two Results Combined

Locked, Loaded, & Ready To Go - reality hits hard in St. Pete!
[ht: NICS]

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Sebring, 2024, Motorsports Journal, reactions, The EDJE

Monday, February 26, 2024

Supernal: AAM eVTOL Air Taxi Concept Reveal at CES 2024

Supernal vertiport pavilion at CES 2024, located in the Diamond parking lot next to the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, where the Hyundai S-A2 concept was on display. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - EVHNews (2024)

Supernal: AAM eVTOL Air Taxi Concept Reveal at CES 2024

At CES 2024, Supernal showcased its ambitious efforts in human passenger air transportation. The standalone pavilion highlighted the company's substantial financial backing and its goal of revolutionizing short-hop air travel within metropolitan areas. Plans were in motion to replicate the display at the Hyundai Motor Group campus in Southern California to attract additional partnerships and promotional support.

The direction of this venture became clearer amid escalating investments in the advanced air mobility (AAM) sector. Forecasts suggested that by 2030, urban air transport could rival the largest airlines in some aspects. Flights would be notably shorter, averaging just 18 minutes, and accommodate fewer passengers—typically one to six individuals alongside a pilot. AAM operations could potentially dwarf conventional airlines, with projections indicating around 20,000 flights per day for AAM operators compared to 2,200 for the largest airlines.

Supernal, Hyundai Motor Group's AAM company, has unveiled S-A2, its eVTOL vehicle product concept at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024, taking place in Las Vegas, 9-12 January, 2024. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - EVHNews (2024)

Supernal's latest innovation, the S-A2, marked a significant milestone in its journey towards commercializing safe, efficient, and affordable everyday passenger air travel. Building upon the S-A1 concept introduced at CES 2020, the S-A2 seamlessly merged cutting-edge aerospace engineering with Hyundai Motor Group's automotive design ethos. The aim was to redefine urban transportation, promising swift and seamless journeys from point A to point B.


With plans to enter the market by 2028, Supernal was diligently working towards achieving commercial aviation safety standards while also streamlining the manufacturing process to ensure affordability and scalability of its vehicles. This concerted effort underscored the company's commitment to reshaping the future of urban mobility through innovative aerial solutions.

“Supernal’s product concept vehicle is the result of the creativity and hard work of our world-class team. S-A2 is designed to take full advantage of emerging electric powertrain advancements that will define the next generation of aviation,” commented Ben Diachun, Chief Technology Officer, Supernal (pictured). “From here, we will develop this concept into a revolutionary commercial product.” Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - EVHNews (2024)

S-A2, the V-tail aircraft, is meticulously engineered with a distributed electric propulsion system, boasting eight all-tilting rotors to ensure efficient flight. It's tailored for urban operations, cruising at 120 miles-per-hour at a 1,500-foot altitude, catering to trips ranging from 25 to 40 miles. With noise levels comparable to a dishwasher during take-off and landing (65 dB) and even quieter during horizontal cruising (45 dB), it prioritizes passenger comfort and environmental impact.

Safety is paramount in its design, adhering to global aviation standards with redundant components in critical systems like powertrain, flight controls, and avionics. Hyundai's mass production expertise ensures quality and cost-effectiveness without compromising safety. Additionally, the vehicle is designed for modularity and upgradability, particularly concerning battery technology, to stay aligned with evolving advancements.

“From the beginning, Supernal has been on a mission to create the right product and the right market at the right time,” said Jaiwon Shin, President of Hyundai Motor Group and CEO of Supernal. “The unveiling of S-A2 demonstrates our unwavering commitment to deliver on that mission with a safe, efficient vehicle design that provides a clear path to market entry. By leveraging our talented 600-person team, the vast technical and business capabilities of Hyundai Motor Group and trusted aviation suppliers around the world, Supernal is ready to deliver a new era of flight.” Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - EVHNews (2024)

In terms of aesthetics, Supernal collaborated with Hyundai's automotive designers to merge functionality with captivating design. The cabin features distinct sections for pilots and passengers, delineated by color palettes and materials. Aviation-grade, energy-absorbing components integrated into the seat frames enhance both safety and design. Dynamic lighting enhances the spatial perception of the cabin and provides essential visual cues throughout the flight phases.

Luc Donckerwolke, President, Chief Design Officer, and Chief Creative Officer at Hyundai Motor Group, describes S-A2 as the epitome of blending automotive and aerospace expertise to create a human-centric design prioritizing passenger experience and safety. Leveraging Hyundai's experience in designing efficient vehicles and award-winning electric cars, the S-A2 integrates cutting-edge passenger experience and automotive design principles.

... notes from The EDJE








TAGS: #Supernal, #CES2024, #Hyundai, #eVTOL, #AAM, #vertiport, #EVHnews, The EDJE



Sunday, February 18, 2024

Yamaha, Regulator Marine, and Roush: Miami International Boat Show Host's First Unveiling Of Hydrogen-Powered Outboard Engine

Yamaha unveils the world’s first hydrogen-powered outboard for recreational boats in collaboration with Regulator Marine and Roush at the Miami International Boat Show. Image Credit: Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (2024)

Yamaha, Regulator Marine, and Roush: Miami International Boat Show Host's First Unveiling Of Hydrogen-Powered Outboard Engine

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. on February 14, 2024, at the Miami International Boat Show, unveiled the world’s first hydrogen-powered outboard for recreational boats along with a prototype fuel system integrated into a vessel that the company plans to further refine for testing later this year. The effort is part of Yamaha’s strategy to achieve carbon neutrality: deploying multiple technology solutions.

Yamaha joined forces with Roush to develop the fuel system to power the new outboard and collaborated with long-time boat builder partner Regulator Marine to build a boat suitable for testing the prototype outboard. Together, the companies plan to begin testing the protype for viability on the water in the summer of 2024.

“Yamaha is exploring all possibilities to achieve carbon neutrality, and we’ve made commitments for our operations to be carbon neutral by 2035 and our products to become carbon neutral by 2050. That goal within the marine market can only be reached through an approach that leverages multiple solutions. We believe hydrogen is a viable method of achieving these goals,” said Ben Speciale, President, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “Yamaha wants to be a leader in this space, and we encourage others in the marine industry to become involved as we look for ways to build infrastructure and new policy around innovations.”


The information in the above plates is based on currently available data and may not be entirely accurate. Specific details might change as the engine development progresses. Images: My Electric Sparks (2024)

By working with Roush on the fuel system engineering, Yamaha gains the benefit of more than two decades of hydrogen systems integration and research.

“When you look at Roush’s history with hydrogen, it ranges from land speed record vehicles to spacecraft. A lot of that knowledge we’ve acquired over the years we are now applying directly to this Yamaha project,” said Matt Van Benschoten, Vice President, Advance Engineering, Roush. “We are the fuel systems integrator, responsible for fuel systems designs, all of the specifications development, physical integration, safety system analysis as well as testing and development. Yamaha is trying to determine if hydrogen can successfully be used in this market, and I think we will find out the answer is ‘yes.’”

Regulator Marine built a hull based on the 26XO and modified it to accommodate the hydrogen tanks necessary to power the new outboard. Together, Yamaha, Regulator and Roush displayed the boat hull, fuel system and outboard to demonstrate how hydrogen could work as a possible fuel source in a marine environment. Also, the effort allows engineers to begin the process of determining marine standards for the use of hydrogen in vessels.

“If we don’t look for a new source, we won’t find a new source. Innovation starts by asking questions. It creates a little angst, but at the end of the day good stuff comes out of innovation,” said Joan Maxwell, President, Regulator Marine. “In the future, as we design boats, if this proves what we think it will, it could be very possible that we are designing hulls around these hydrogen fuel tanks.”

“Through our relationship with Regulator Marine, we have the ability to test our prototype in a premium boating environment that reflects Yamaha’s brand position, and we have the ability to lead the way in the development of hydrogen as a fuel source in marine environments,” continued Speciale. “We’re excited to watch this project develop and look forward to taking the next steps.”

Yamaha announced the hydrogen outboard project last December. Further demonstrating the company’s commitment to a multi-technology approach to carbon neutrality, Yamaha recently announced plans to acquire all shares of electric outboard company Torqeedo.® In addition, Yamaha continues to promote the use of sustainable fuels within internal combustion outboard engines as another alternative.  

Please visit yamahamarinemedia.com for images and more information about the new hydrogen-powered outboard and fuel system.

... notes from The EDJE

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Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Long Time Coming Pays Dividends To UIM E1 World Championship’s Team Brady In Inaugural E1 Race Round

 

Cityscape of the Gulf bordering city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Image Credit: Image Credit: E1 Series (2024)

Long Time Coming Pays Dividends To UIM E1 World Championship's Team Brady In Inaugural E1 Race Round

All racing competition series begin with an idea, a form of a racing template or platform, and eventually place their calculations on the field of play and have at it. The E1 Electric Boat Racing League is no different.

After over two years (Racebird displayed at CES 2022) of development, concept evolution, formation of both the nature of the competition and the the team structure/formation, and setting of a schedule (that had delays) that includes seven event weekends throughout 2024.

Event weekend one - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - happened this last February 2-3, 2024 with qualifications on Friday February 2nd, and the race on Saturday February 3rd. An announcement was issued that the event was to be televised by both CBS Sports (North America) and ITV (UK/EU) as its latest television partners for this inaugural season. Sadly, after a quick search, no proof exists that LIVE or delayed broadcasts were made available. Any video that was posted in articles originating in Europe and the Middle East, at the time of this article development, was blocked from being shown in North America.

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The balance UIM E1 Series 2024 season race calendar:

11th - 12th May - Venice, Italy

1st - 2nd June - Puerto Banús, Marbella, Spain

29th - 30th June - Geneva, Switzerland

26th - 27th July - Monaco

7th - 8th September - Rotterdam, Netherlands

9th - 10th November - Hong Kong, China

First, and only, time winners of the new E1 Series Racebird series. Image Credit: Image Credit: E1 Series (2024)

Inaugural race report - 3rd - 4th - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - Tom Brady’s Racebird powerboat team claim inaugural UIM E1 World Championship race in Jeddah - Emma Kimilainen of Finland and Sam Coleman of Britain, pilots of the Team Brady entrant, on Saturday clinched the first round of the UIM E1 World Championship with a convincing victory in Jeddah in front of thousands of fans on the Red Sea.

The E1’s first Super Final featured eight team-owned sports and entertainment celebrities taking part in the waters of the Red Sea, among them Team Brady, Team Rafa, Team Miami, and Blue Rising, owned by Indian cricket star Virat Kohli.

Graphic of race central yacht harbor for the Racebird pits and support happens. Image Credit: E1 Series (2024)

Race circuit as laid out in the Red Sea at Jeddah coastline.  Image Credit: E1 Series (2024)

On the final day of racing, the team owned by American Football legend Tom Brady staged an impressive comeback to beat day-one leaders Team Miami, owned by singer-songwriter Marc Anthony.

After the first Super Final race, Team Rafa had the lead, followed by Team Miami and Team Brady. The second Super Final race saw a lot more back and forth, as some spray blocked Team Rafa pilot Cris Lazarraga’s view, causing her to cut a corner, which resulted in a penalty in which the team had to choose between a 30-second penalty, or an additional “long lap,” (usually only one per race required).

With the top team penalized, Team Brady took the lead and didn’t let it go in race two. Combined with pilot Emma Kimilainen’s third place in race one, Sam Coleman led Tom Brady’s team to first place in the first E1 GP.

The winning margin was almost 20 seconds with Team Brady clocking in a time of 6.58.51.

Team Miami finished in second, while Kohli’s Blue Rising took third place.

Kimilainen and Coleman revealed their delight at the victory in the first round and looked forward to continuing their winning spirit in the upcoming round.

Asked by Arab News how Tom Brady reacted to their victory, Kimilainen said: “We’ve already had a message through from Tom and he’s super happy with the win. Both Sam and I are so incredibly proud to represent Tom and we’re pleased we were able to make history at E1’s inaugural race.”

Prince Sultan bin Fahd bin Salman Al-Saud, chairman of the Saudi Water Sports and Diving Federation, said at the end of the race: “We are very happy to host the first round of the E1 series, and believe me it is a success.”

Meanwhile, Saudi rally driver Masahel Al-Obaidan, the lead pilot of Aoki Racing — which came in at seventh place — was happy to get her first experience of racing on water under her belt.

“It is been a great experience and I am so glad to represent my country,” she said.

Rodi Basso, co-founder and CEO of E1, said: “It is been a fantastic two days here in Jeddah and has surpassed our expectations.”

Meanwhile, Alejandro Agag, co-founder and chair of E1 said: “We have had an incredible weekend here on the Red Sea. It was a great race and hope the thousands who attended the race enjoyed the powerboat race.”

The UIM E1 World Championship will take place this May in Venice.

Image Credit: CBS Sports Network via electrek (2024)

Championship standings following the Round 1 Jeddah GP results:

Team Brady – 20 points

Team Miami – 17 points

Team Rafa – 14 points

Blue Rising – 10 points

Sergio Perez E1 Team – 8 points

Team Drogba – 5 points

Aoki Racing Team – 3 points

Team Brazil – 1 point
[ht: Arab News - Saleh Fareed]

Watch a replay of the #E1JeddahGP on YouTube👇


... notes from The EDJE



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TAGS: #E1, $Jeddah, #Racebird, #UIM, #TeamBrady, #TeamMiami, #TeamRafa, ##BlueRising, #SergioPerez, #TeamDrogba, #AokiRacingTeam, #TeamBrazil, #EVHN, TheEDJE

Friday, January 26, 2024

Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup At Daytona - First Two Races In USA Based Motorsports 2024 Season

The first professional race cars of the season to hit the Daytona road course track in anger for 2024. Image Credit: IMSA Video (2024)

Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup At Daytona - First Two Races In USA Based Motorsports 2024 Season

Well. here we go, and leave it to the newly Whelen sponsored Mazda MX-5 Cup entry ladder into the higher levels of IMSA Sportscar series season racing, to open up the season in typical, exciting, door to door, close quarters action.


IMSA Report #1:

Wagner Leads Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Train Of Cars Across Daytona Finish Line

The absolute first race of the professional racing series was held on Thursday, January 25th and after a very tussled 45 minutes of green flag racing, 11 cars approached the finish line at Daytona International Speedway with a shot at winning the first event of the 2024 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin series season. When the pack crossed the line and the timing screens updated, it was Gresham Wagner (No. 5 McCumbee McAleer Racing) with the win, 0.060-second ahead of Tyler Gonzalez (No. 57 Saito Motorsports).
 
In true Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup fashion, even in the final moments of the race, nobody could predict who the winner would be.

 
It took a few laps, but the pack of 28 cars that took the green flag eventually broke into two groups, one of them an 11-car train at the front. Six different drivers led laps during the race, and that’s only as they crossed start-finish, the strong draft on Daytona’s high banks caused the order to change numerous times between turns.
 
Wagner, who won the very first Mazda MX-5 Cup race at Daytona in 2021, qualified outside the top 10. His experience at the 3.56-mile roval told him that would not be a disadvantage.
 
“It would have before, but you do this enough times and you end up starting from every spot on the grid,” Wagner said. “I felt like 12th was at least in the hunt.”
 
The same could be said for Gonzalez who qualified 14th but was up to fourth by lap six.
 
“Last year I won from 18th, so qualifying wasn't an issue. I’d like to say it’s all skill, but it’s not really here at Daytona,” Gonzalez said. “You all have to work together.” 

In the early stages, BSI Racing teammates Connor Zilisch (No. 72 BSI Racing) and Selin Rollan (No. 87 BSI Racing/Rollan Racing) worked well together and held the front two spots, but it was only a matter of time before JTR Motorsports Engineering swooped in with Jared Thomas (No. 96 JTR Motorsports Engineering) and Aaron Jeansonne (No. 24 JTR Motorsports Engineering).
 
BSI team member and Mazda Shootout Scholarship winner Westin Workman (No. 13 BSI Racing) came along to support Zilisch and Rollan, but it all allowed McCumbee McAleer Racing teammates Jeremy Fletcher (No. 22 McCumbee McAleer Racing) and Wagner to squeeze their way to the front.
 
The teamwork happening amongst the pack made for thrilling racing but left several cars with damaged rear bumpers from all the drafting. Rollan, Workman and Wagner all had loose bodywork potentially hurting their aerodynamic performance.

Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup on the Daytona banking, in full song and cooperation during Race 1 of a scheduled 14 race season over seven race weekends. Image Credit: IMSA (2024)

Exiting the Le Mans Chicane on the final lap, it was rookie Julian DaCosta (No. 78 BSI Racing) who led, but MX-5 Cup veterans know that is the last place you want to be to take the win. Two trains of cars split DaCosta as they headed toward the checkered flag.
 
With a nice push from Gonzalez, Wagner crossed the line first with Gonzalez second and Fletcher third.
 
“It is tough, because you don’t want to go too early, and you also don't want to get hung out if you go out too late,” Wagner said. “I think I did it with just the right amount of patience. We went two-wide in the bus stop! It was really hard to stay back and know you had the run coming to the line. You almost see the race disappear in front of you, and then all of a sudden coming out of (turn) four it comes back to you. It's an art to race here. Especially at the front coming to the line.”
 
Twice a MX-5 Cup winner at Daytona, Gonzalez couldn’t complain about a runner-up finish this time around.
 
“Gresham [Wagner] and I worked great for the race, but honestly congrats to him and his team,” said Gonzalez. “Thank you to my parents and thank you to Saito Motorsports. I couldn’t lose to a better person honestly, he’s one of the fastest guys out there.

“All I know is it was a mad dash and I just couldn’t get unhooked from Gresham’s bumper to pop out and I didn’t want to risk spinning and taking out the whole field,” Gonzalez said of the finish. “It was a great race, 12th to second—I can't be too mad about that.” 
 
Now in his sophomore season of MX-5 Cup, Fletcher was thrilled to get his first podium at the storied Daytona International Speedway, even if he spun after the finish line.
 
“It’s definitely an amazing feeling,” Fletcher said. “I can’t thank the MMR guys enough for the car they supplied me. After a tough rookie season, it is great to accomplish this. It is amazing to have teammates like I do. I ended up crossing the line backwards, but during the race I felt more secure and it was good to be in that lead pack. I was in a good spot and waited through the bus stop and then just shot my shot.” 
 
Jeansonne just barely held on to fourth place, crossing the finish line 0.003-second head of Zilisch.
 
There’s sure to be more of the same in the second half of the MX-5 Cup doubleheader at Daytona. Friday’s Round Two race will go green at 10:15am ET with live coverage on RACER.com.

IMSA Report #2:

Different day, same task for Race 2 of the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup at Daytona race weekend. Image Credit: IMSA (2024)

Nate Cicero Wins Second Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Race At Daytona After Explosive Last Lap

Reigning Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin Rookie of the Year and former MX-5 Cup Shootout winner Nate Cicero (No. 83 McCumbee McAleer) survived a last lap frenzy to win at Daytona International Speedway on Friday. He was closely followed across the finish line by his teammate Jeremy Fletcher (No. 22 McCumbee McAleer Racing) making it a McCumbee McAleer Racing 1-2.
 
The second Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup race at Daytona played out much like the first, as the draft was key once again ahead of a scrappy final lap.
 
Connor Zilisch (No. 72 BSI Racing) had an incredible opening lap, going from 11th to fourth. Two laps later, he was in the lead, at the front of an eight-car pack.
 
Not long after, the dangers of Daytona’s high banks were on display. Preston Pardus (No. 52 Rick Ware Racing), got loose in the draft and hit the wall exiting NASCAR Turn Four. He bounced back down the track to the infield and eventually came to a rest near Turn One. Nathan Nicholson (No. 56 JTR Motorsports Engineering) moved to avoid hitting Pardus, but that turned the car and sent him into the wall at start/finish.
 
The first and only full-course caution of the race was issued with Zilisch still leading the field.
 
After four laps behind the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup safety car, the green flag was back on display.

Zilisch continued to lead for several laps afterwards, but his strong defense came to a sad end when his car’s ABS failed. He locked up his brakes several times on a single lap before making his way to pit lane.

 
At the front, Tyler Gonzalez (No. 57 Saito Motorsport), Cicero and Jared Thomas (No. 96 JTR Motorsports Engineering) were working together to stay up front.
 
On the final lap, Cicero led the field into Turn One followed by Thomas and Westin Workman (No. 13 BSI Racing). Entering Turn Five a chain reaction that started at the back of the pack ended with Thomas and Workman spinning into the grass.
 
Cicero now had a healthy lead going into the Le Mans Chicane, a spot history says you do not want to be in on the final lap of a Mazda MX-5 race at Daytona. However, Cicero managed to build enough of a gap to prevent Gonzalez, Fletcher and Rollan from drafting by him before the checkered flag.

“I was just watching the mirror the whole time,” Cicero said. “They had a whole train coming but my spotter was saying I had a 10- or 12-car gap. I was just hoping we had enough. The MMR car was absolutely on wheels and the team swept the weekend.  To have the DNF yesterday after having such a strong start, we needed redemption today. It never gets old winning races, so I’m so happy to do this today. 
 
“I think there was a small crash behind me and so I ended up with a huge lead and just held on.”
 
Gonzalez crossed the line in second but was issued a 10-second penalty for an incident early in the race, bumping him to ninth in the final results.
 
That gave the runner-up spot to Fletcher, who got his second podium finish of the weekend.
 
“It is definitely nice to be consistent here with two podiums,” Fletcher said. “The car was on fire. I can’t thank the whole McCumbee McAleer team enough, all my sponsors: The Holster Store, Home Decor and More. It has been great. On the last lap, going into the Horseshoe I got hit from behind. Everyone kind of got plowed out of the way. Not sure who it was, but I felt it! For the rest of the season, hopefully I can stay up front and stay consistent and start making new drafting buddies.”

Finishing third, Rollan is still waiting to get that elusive Daytona win, but was happy with third after starting the final lap in 11th place.
 
“It seemed to be similar to yesterday,” Rollan said. “I tried to get as many positions as I could. I saw Jared [Thomas] spinning up top, so I just stayed tight. I got some pushes and I’m happy to be here getting the first podium for Rollan Racing and BSI.”
 
Thursday race winner Gresham Wagner (No. 5 McCumbee McAleer Racing) finished fourth and rookie Noah Harmon (No. 99 Spark Performance) completed the top five.
 
Both MX-5 Cup races at Daytona are available to re-watch on the RACER YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TheRacerChannel). 
 
Teams have plenty of time to regroup before Rounds 3 and 4 at Sebring International Raceway, March 13 – 16. For more information visit www.mx-5cup.com. 
[overall ht: #SundayGroupManagement]

... notes from The EDJE


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