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Chevy Racing–INDYCAR–media day–Christian Lundgaard

CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval Speedway, Indiana Media Day May 21, 2026
Row 6 – Christian Lundgaard

THE MODERATOR: Joined by row 6 on the big white couch, changing up the vibe a little bit. Christian Lundgaard starts 18th.  How is your Media Day so far?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: This is my beginning. I’ve done a bunch of signatures so far.
THE MODERATOR: A light start.CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yep.
THE MODERATOR: How much work do you have for tomorrow? Ready for Sunday.CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yeah, I mean, it’s an interesting day ’cause you want to go out and learn the last bit of piece, but you also want to keep your race car safe, right? Last practice. There’s more to lose than there is to gain.Last year it worked out for Ryan Hunter-Reay. His car burnt down at Carb Day, they had to get his pit stop car and it ended up being a great race car.For the 5 car, they’re going to go out and figure out how the new car is.
Q. Christian, after finishing seventh last year, what did you have to work on to make this year better than last year?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Going faster is really the easy answer.
Q. Was it a traffic thing?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: I think we were a little slower this year than we anticipated to be in qualifying trim. I think if you speak to any driver, everyone is going to echo that. Pretty much the conditions were pretty tough on qualifying day.I think we just seemed to lack more pace than we thought we had. In race pace, I think we were better than we were last year. I think we are in a better position.I feel a lot more comfortable this year. I think we gained something very early in the week Tuesday and Wednesday just from a comfort level of being happier with the rear of the car moving a lot more than usual. If that’s the tires this year, if it’s just the track condition, not really sure.Again, I think what Marcus said, one of the Marcuses, obviously Monday the track felt pretty good, but obviously very gusty and windy.I think it all comes down to what the conditions are going to be on Sunday, yeah.
Q. You started to struggle about number 29 the other day.THE MODERATOR: Wow, calling you out.CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Post qualifying.
Q. Christian, with most of your success coming on street and road courses, what are you looking to try to figure out on ovals and specifically here?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Well, survive, first of all. I mean, what am I going to try to figure out? Obviously road courses and street courses comes more natural. I think we’ve had some decent results. How we get there is what we need to get better at in many ways.I think I’ve had so many good results on street courses or road courses where I didn’t really feel like I deserved them, then I’ve had some where I feel like I deserved more. I think that’s the same for ovals.At the end of the day around here you have to be in the race and many things can happen. But for sure we do need to find some more speed, some more natural speed.
Q. Christian, how much did you learn last year? The first few times you were here, maybe you struggled in the machine you were in. With McLaren, how much did you learn competing more towards the front?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Definitely had to unlearn a lot of things, undo many things. I think last year was kind of not a year but at Indy specifically just a learning process of trying to figure some stuff out.Interestingly enough, I think Ryan verified a lot of things that not necessarily I was complaining about last year, but trying to figure out that was different between the Rahal car and the McLaren car. I think we’re working a lot closer together now. I think it’s very good that we have Ryan for all of us to really verify some of the things. He has a tremendous amount of credibility but also just experience. He knows what’s car is supposed to feel like.We all know Pato can drive whatever. You can probably take a wheel off and he’s still going to wheel the thing. We’re not really in that mindset.Obviously the team is pretty much built around that, which makes a lot of sense. Pato has been there for, what, seven years now. We’re obviously trying to improve as a team. I think we’re a lot better this year. Obviously Ryan coming in is a great addition for us, and a great addition for me, as well. Q. You all come from European racing backgrounds. Ovals aren’t too big. What were your impressions of this when you were racing in Europe? What were the surprises or differences you learned when you came over?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: I think we all probably share knowing what speed feels like, but I think there is a different level to qualifying boost around here. When I moved over here, the way that I always explained it to other European drivers is it’s driving at Monza at the end of the straight, just turn hard left but don’t lift.Obviously the feel is very different in the car. I think we all know what the Indy 500 was before we came here. I knew how big of an event it is, how incredibly hard and tough it is to win. I think we all enjoy that challenge and we want to be a part of that history.
THE MODERATOR: Guys, thanks for coming up. Have a great day tomorrow, even better day on Sunday.
Indianapolis 500 Monday Practice Results
CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway ovalSpeedway, IndianaMedia DayMay 21, 2026
Row 6 – Christian Lundgaard

THE MODERATOR: Joined by row 6 on the big white couch, changing up the vibe a little bit. Christian Lundgaard starts 18th.  How is your Media Day so far?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: This is my beginning. I’ve done a bunch of signatures so far.
THE MODERATOR: A light start.CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yep.
THE MODERATOR: How much work do you have for tomorrow? Ready for Sunday.CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yeah, I mean, it’s an interesting day ’cause you want to go out and learn the last bit of piece, but you also want to keep your race car safe, right? Last practice. There’s more to lose than there is to gain.Last year it worked out for Ryan Hunter-Reay. His car burnt down at Carb Day, they had to get his pit stop car and it ended up being a great race car.For the 5 car, they’re going to go out and figure out how the new car is.
Q. Christian, after finishing seventh last year, what did you have to work on to make this year better than last year?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Going faster is really the easy answer.
Q. Was it a traffic thing?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: I think we were a little slower this year than we anticipated to be in qualifying trim. I think if you speak to any driver, everyone is going to echo that. Pretty much the conditions were pretty tough on qualifying day.I think we just seemed to lack more pace than we thought we had. In race pace, I think we were better than we were last year. I think we are in a better position.I feel a lot more comfortable this year. I think we gained something very early in the week Tuesday and Wednesday just from a comfort level of being happier with the rear of the car moving a lot more than usual. If that’s the tires this year, if it’s just the track condition, not really sure.Again, I think what Marcus said, one of the Marcuses, obviously Monday the track felt pretty good, but obviously very gusty and windy.I think it all comes down to what the conditions are going to be on Sunday, yeah.
Q. You started to struggle about number 29 the other day.THE MODERATOR: Wow, calling you out.CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Post qualifying.
Q. Christian, with most of your success coming on street and road courses, what are you looking to try to figure out on ovals and specifically here?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Well, survive, first of all. I mean, what am I going to try to figure out? Obviously road courses and street courses comes more natural. I think we’ve had some decent results. How we get there is what we need to get better at in many ways.I think I’ve had so many good results on street courses or road courses where I didn’t really feel like I deserved them, then I’ve had some where I feel like I deserved more. I think that’s the same for ovals.At the end of the day around here you have to be in the race and many things can happen. But for sure we do need to find some more speed, some more natural speed.
Q. Christian, how much did you learn last year? The first few times you were here, maybe you struggled in the machine you were in. With McLaren, how much did you learn competing more towards the front?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Definitely had to unlearn a lot of things, undo many things. I think last year was kind of not a year but at Indy specifically just a learning process of trying to figure some stuff out.Interestingly enough, I think Ryan verified a lot of things that not necessarily I was complaining about last year, but trying to figure out that was different between the Rahal car and the McLaren car. I think we’re working a lot closer together now. I think it’s very good that we have Ryan for all of us to really verify some of the things. He has a tremendous amount of credibility but also just experience. He knows what’s car is supposed to feel like.We all know Pato can drive whatever. You can probably take a wheel off and he’s still going to wheel the thing. We’re not really in that mindset.Obviously the team is pretty much built around that, which makes a lot of sense. Pato has been there for, what, seven years now. We’re obviously trying to improve as a team. I think we’re a lot better this year. Obviously Ryan coming in is a great addition for us, and a great addition for me, as well. Q. You all come from European racing backgrounds. Ovals aren’t too big. What were your impressions of this when you were racing in Europe? What were the surprises or differences you learned when you came over?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: I think we all probably share knowing what speed feels like, but I think there is a different level to qualifying boost around here. When I moved over here, the way that I always explained it to other European drivers is it’s driving at Monza at the end of the straight, just turn hard left but don’t lift.Obviously the feel is very different in the car. I think we all know what the Indy 500 was before we came here. I knew how big of an event it is, how incredibly hard and tough it is to win. I think we all enjoy that challenge and we want to be a part of that history.
THE MODERATOR: Guys, thanks for coming up. Have a great day tomorrow, even better day on Sunday.
Indianapolis 500 Monday Practice Results
Chevrolet History at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval General Motors Wins – 18 Chevrolet Wins – 13 2024 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2023 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2019 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske2018 – Will Power – Team Penske2015 – Juan Montoya – Team Penske2013 – Tony Kanaan – KV Racing Technology-SH Racing2002 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske1993 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske1992 – Al Unser, Jr. – Galles/Kraco1991 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1990 – Arie Luyendyk – Doug Shierson Racing1989 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Patrick Racing1988 – Rick Mears – Team Penske Oldsmobile Wins – 5  2001 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske2000 – Juan Montoya – Chip Ganassi Racing1999 – Kenny Brack – A.J. Foyt Racing1998 – Eddie Cheever, Jr. – Team Cheever1997 – Arie Luyendyk – Treadway Racing General Motors Poles – 20 Chevrolet Poles – 14 2025 – Robert Shwartzman – PREMA Racing2024 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2019 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske2018 – Ed Carpenter – Ed Carpenter Racing2015 – Scott Dixon – Chip Ganassi Racing2014 – Ed Carpenter – Ed Carpenter Racing2013 – Ed Carpenter – Ed Carpenter Racing2012 – Ryan Briscoe – Team Penske2002 – Bruno Junqueira – Chip Ganassi Racing1991 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1990 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske1989 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1988 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1987 – Mario Andretti – Newman Haas Racing Oldsmobile Poles – 5 2001 – Scott Sharp – Kelley Racing2000 – Greg Ray – Team Menard1999 – Arie Luyendyk – Treadway Racing1998 – Billy Boat – A.J. Foyt Racing1997 – Arie Luyendyk – Treadway Racing Buick Poles – 1 1992 – Roberto Guerrero – King Motorsports General Motors Podiums – 54 Chevrolet Podiums – 38 Chevrolet Driver Podiums – Emerson Fittipaldi (4), Helio Castroneves (3), Josef Newgarden (3), Pato O’Ward (3), Tony Kanaan (2), Arie Luyendyk (2), Rick Mears (2), Simon Pagenaud (2), Will Power (2), Al Unser Jr. (2), Michael Andretti (1), Ed Carpenter (1), Santino Ferrucci (1),Felipe Giaffone (1), Scott Goodyear (1), Ryan Hunter-Reay (1), Charlie Kimball (1), David Malukas (1), Juan Montoya (1), Carlos Munoz (1), Bob Rahal (1), Paul Tracy (1), Al Unser (1) Chevrolet Team Podiums –  Team Penske (15), Arrow McLaren (3), A.J. Foyt Racing (2), Andretti Global (2), ECR (2), Galles Racing (2), KV Racing Technology (2), Patrick Racing (2), Chip Ganassi Racing (1), Doug Shierson Racing (1), Granatelli Racing (1), Kraco Enterprises (1), Mo Nunn Racing (1), Newman Haas Racing (1), Team Green (1), Walker Racing (1) Oldsmobile – 15  Oldsmobile Driver Podiums – Buddy Lazier (2), Jeff Ward (2), Michael Andretti (1), Billy Boat (1), Kenny Brack (1), Helio Castroneves (1), Eddie Cheever, Jr. (1), Gil de Ferran (1), Scott Goodyear (1), Steve Knapp (1), Arie Luyendyk (1), Juan Montoya (1), Eliseo Salazar (1) Oldsmobile Team Podiums – A.J. Foyt (3), Hemelgarn Racing (2), Team Cheever (2), Team Penske (2), Treadway Racing (2), Chip Ganassi Racing (1), ISM Racing (1), Team Green (1), Pagan Racing (1) Buick – 1 Buick Driver Podiums – Al Unser (1) Buick Team Podiums – Team Menard (1) General Motors Laps Led – 3709 Chevrolet Laps Led – 2699 Chevrolet Driver Laps Led – Emerson Fittipaldi (348), Mario Andretti (193), Simon Pagenaud (169), Ed Carpenter (144), Will Power (140), Tony Kanaan (133), Michael Andretti (132), Rick Mears (119), Helio Castroneves (98), Pato O’Ward (96), Danny Sullivan (95), Marco Andretti (90), Scott Dixon (87), Conor Daly (82), Josef Newgarden (69), Rinus VeeKay (65), Scott McLaughlin (64), Al Unser Jr. (52), Felix Rosenqvist (47), Arie Luyendyk (37), Bob Rahal (36), Bruno Junqueira (32), Alexander Rossi (30), Al Unser (27), Juan Montoya (26), A.J. Allmendinger (23), Sting Ray Robb (23), Ryan Briscoe (15), Gil de Ferran (13), Santino Ferrucci (12), Felipe Giaffone (12), James Hinchcliffe (12), Carlos Munoz (12), Alex Barron (10), Charlie Kimball (10), Christian Rasmussen (9), Robert Shwartzman (8), Spencer Pigot (7), JR Hildebrand (6), Callum Ilott (6), Oliver Askew (4), Kevin Cogan (4), Sage Karam (4), Kyle Larson (4), Jack Harvey (3), Scott Sharp (3), Rubens Barrichello (2), David Malukas (2) Chevrolet Team Laps Led – Team Penske (1019), Newman Haas Racing (325), ECR (306), Chip Ganassi Racing (179), Arrow McLaren (168), Patrick Racing (158), Andretti Global (140), Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (85), A.J. Foyt Racing (56), Galles Racing (56), KV Racing Technology (43), Doug Shierson Racing (37), Kraco Enterprises (35), Mo Nunn Racing (35), Juncos Hollinger Racing (18), King Motorsports (15), Prema Racing (8), Blair Racing (7), Kelley Racing (4), Team Cheever (3) Oldsmobile Laps Led – 996 Oldsmobile Driver Laps Led: Juan Montoya (167), Arie Luyendyk (129), Greg Ray (116), Kenny Brack (89), Tony Stewart (78), Eddie Cheever, Jr. (76), Helio Castroneves (52), Jeff Ward (52), Robby Gordon (50), John Paul, Jr. (39), Mark Dismore (29), Gil de Ferran (27), Buddy Lazier (27), Michael Andretti (16), Robbie Buhl (16), Billy Boat (13), Jimmy Vasser (5), Buzz Calkins (4), Sam Schmidt (4), Davey Hamilton (3), Scott Goodyear (2), Robbie McGehee (2) Oldsmobile Team Laps Led : Team Menard (207), Chip Ganassi Racing (185), Treadway Racing (137), Team Cheever (125), A.J. Foyt Racing (124), Team Penske (79), Team Pelfrey (39), Kelley Racing (29), Hemelgarn Racing (27), Genoa Racing (18), Team Green (16), Bradley Racing (4), Nienhouse Motorsports (3), Pagan Racing (3) Buick Laps Led – 14 Buick Driver Laps Led: Jim Crawford (8), Al Unser (4), Scott Brayton (1), Stephane Gregoire (1) Buick Team Laps Led: King Motorsports (8), Team Menard (4), Brayton Engineering (1), Formula Project (1) Manufacturer History at the Indianapolis 500 Wins (with competition)  27 – Offenhauser (1976, 1975, 1974, 1973, 1972, 1968, 1964, 1963, 1962, 1961, 1960, 1959, 1958, 1957, 1956, 1955, 1954, 1953, 1952, 1951, 1950, 1949, 1948, 1947, 1941, 1937, 1935)18 – General Motors 13 – Chevrolet (2024, 2023, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2013, 2002, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988)12 – Miller (1938, 1936, 1934, 1933, 1932, 1931, 1930, 1929, 1928, 1926, 1923, 1922)10 – Honda (2025, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2005, 2004)10 – Cosworth (1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978)8 – Ford (1996, 1995, 1971, 1970, 1969, 1967, 1965)5 – Oldsmobile (2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997)3 – Duesenberg (1927, 1925, 19243 – Peugeot (1919, 1918, 1913)2 – Mercedes (1994, 19152 – Maserati (1940, 1939)2 – Frontenac (1921, 1920)1 – Toyota (2003)1 – Foyt (19771 – Sparks (1946)1 – Delage (1914)1 – National (1912)1 – Marmon (1911)  Earned Poles (with competition) 23 – General Motors18 – Offenhauser (1976, 1973, 1972, 1971, 1963, 1962, 1961, 1960, 1959, 1958, 1957, 1956, 1955, 1954, 1953, 1950, 1946, 1937)14 – Miller (1938, 1935, 1934, 1933, 1932, 1930, 1929, 1928, 1927, 1926, 1925, 1924, 1923, 1922)14 – Chevrolet (2025, 2024, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2002, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987)9 – Cosworth (1986, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978, 1977)9 – Honda (2026, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2016, 2005, 2004)7 – Ford (1993, 1970, 1969, 1967, 1966, 1965, 1964)5 – Oldsmobile (2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997)4 – Buick (1996, 1995, 1992, 1985)3 – Ballot (1921, 1920, 1919)2 – Foyt (1975, 1974)2 – Novi (1951, 1949)2 – Winfield (1948, 1940)2 – Maserati (1947, 1941)2 – Sparks (1939, 1936)2 – Wisconsin (1912, 1911)1 – Toyota (2003)1 – Mercedes (1994)1 – Pratt & Whitney (1968)1 – Cummins (1952)1 – Studebaker (1931)1 – Peugeot (1916)1 – Stutz (1915)1 – Sunbeam (1914)1 – Mercer (1913)
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Chevy Racing–INDYCAR–Media Day–Nolan Siegel

CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval Speedway, Indiana Media DayMay 21, 2026
Row 7 – Nolan Siegel
THE MODERATOR: We’ll go ahead and continue on with row 7 here at Indy 500 media day. Starting 20th back in his second start in the 500, finished the season in 10th at the Sonsio Grand Prix, driving the No. 6 NTT DATA Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, we welcome in Nolan Siegel.
THE MODERATOR: .Tell me about your preparation the last couple weeks, what’s it been like, and how anxious are you to hop in a car, hopefully, weather permitting, for two hours tomorrow?NOLAN SIEGEL: I’m very excited. We’ve had a very smooth month so far. Happy with our race car, happy in traffic, a lot more comfortable than last year. Looking forward to getting back in. Hopefully the rain holds off tomorrow. We’ll see.Honestly, I left Monday kind of saying, if I was to just jump into the race in that car, I would be happy. I think we’re in a really good spot and looking forward to getting back at it.
THE MODERATOR: Honestly, Sunday’s conditions, a little cooler than what you experienced in practice group running prior. Certainly got all the notes for that when it comes to that.Open it up for questions.Q. We already have heard that maybe there’s a lot of people with confidence in their cars. Do you feel like you already have the car, or still have any doubts of little things in order to go to the race?NOLAN SIEGEL: I think the doubts for me come with condition changes. I think there are a lot of people that have felt very strong in one set of conditions and then they change and it has kind of flipped the grid around, which is what we saw in qualifying.A lot of people that felt strong, including us, like Friday felt super strong, and then come out on Sunday when it was 10 degrees hotter or whatever it was and kind of completely flipped the script.We’ll see what the conditions are on Sunday, and I think that that will kind of dictate who’s strong and who’s weak, and I think there will be some surprises if the conditions do change compared to tomorrow or Monday.
Q. Nolan, last year you had Kyle Larson as the fourth Arrow McLaren and now you’ve got Ryan Hunter-Reay, series champion, Indy 500 winner. How much have you been able to learn from him to help increase your program this year?NOLAN SIEGEL: Yeah, a huge amount. Ryan’s been involved with the team the whole season leading up to now as well. It’s been nice to get a chance to get to know him before he jumped in as a driver this month at the 500. Having him and TK together as well is just a huge wealth of experience for me to pull from I think for the whole team, it’s not just me — obviously I’m the least experienced, but for Pato and Christian and for all of the engineers, just having people like Ryan that have been successful in INDYCAR, been successful at the 500 with different teams in different situations, I think is super, super valuable, and it’s pushed the whole team forward.
Q. Looking at the speeds over here, the only difference is 4/10,000 of a second. Is it crazy to think about two different teams and you’re so close on the speed chart here?NOLAN SIEGEL: That’s what makes this place so difficult. The margins are extremely small. Like Louis said, you can make small changes that takes you from a very happy car to a very unhappy car or an unhappy car to a happy car, I think. Yeah, you miss it by a little bit, and that’s what makes the difference, and that’s what makes it so difficult.
Q. Nolan, just a quick one for you. We spoke to different members of the Arrow McLaren after qualifying, and there was a fair bit of head scratching going on. With the hot temperatures, one car went one way and the other car went the other way. As a team collectively, do you feel like through that experience you’re more prepared for the changing weather conditions that could come on Sunday?NOLAN SIEGEL: For sure. With the condition change, we all sort of missed it a little bit in qualifying, which was frustrating because we’ve been very happy in general all month, and I think again much stronger than last year as a team.So to miss it in qualifying was a little bit of a disappointment, but it definitely taught us a lot. I think we’re better prepared for the condition change that’s coming this weekend.I don’t think we knew how big a difference it was going to be given that we’ve kind of been running in cool, cloudy conditions all month and just underestimated that change a little bit, I think.Looking forward to Sunday now having had that experience, but at the same time, I think a lot of other people have the same story and are going to be a lot stronger as well. It’s not just us that are learning. We’ll see. Hopefully we’ve learned more than others.
Q. Nolan, you actually said you’re doing something wrong if you don’t get at least two in a season.NOLAN SIEGEL: Yeah, I feel like I’ve had a very under the radar, chill season so far, and I have not been flipped off yet. I think I need to up the aggression a little bit.
Q. Today is actually Global Accessibility Awareness Day. I’m blind. So if I were to express to my friends that are blind, what do you hear in the car? Is it the comms that keeps you focused, or is it the feeling of the road and the car?NOLAN SIEGEL: I think it’s a mixture of everything, to be honest. It’s kind of such an all-consuming experience driving the race car, and I think that’s part of what makes it enjoyable is there’s the sound, the feel, the focus that’s required.It’s very difficult to think about anything else in that moment, and I think that’s kind of what makes it enjoyable and almost like calming and zen at times. It’s like a full sensory experience, which is quite cool.It’s nice to have a time where you can’t think about anything else.
THE MODERATOR: Thanks so much for coming up on the big white couch today. Have a great rest of your Media Day. Good luck tomorrow. Have a great day tomorrow.
Indianapolis 500 Monday Practice Results
CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway ovalSpeedway, IndianaMedia DayMay 21, 2026
Row 7 – Nolan Siegel
THE MODERATOR: We’ll go ahead and continue on with row 7 here at Indy 500 media day. Starting 20th back in his second start in the 500, finished the season in 10th at the Sonsio Grand Prix, driving the No. 6 NTT DATA Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, we welcome in Nolan Siegel.
THE MODERATOR: .Tell me about your preparation the last couple weeks, what’s it been like, and how anxious are you to hop in a car, hopefully, weather permitting, for two hours tomorrow?NOLAN SIEGEL: I’m very excited. We’ve had a very smooth month so far. Happy with our race car, happy in traffic, a lot more comfortable than last year. Looking forward to getting back in. Hopefully the rain holds off tomorrow. We’ll see.Honestly, I left Monday kind of saying, if I was to just jump into the race in that car, I would be happy. I think we’re in a really good spot and looking forward to getting back at it.
THE MODERATOR: Honestly, Sunday’s conditions, a little cooler than what you experienced in practice group running prior. Certainly got all the notes for that when it comes to that.Open it up for questions.Q. We already have heard that maybe there’s a lot of people with confidence in their cars. Do you feel like you already have the car, or still have any doubts of little things in order to go to the race?NOLAN SIEGEL: I think the doubts for me come with condition changes. I think there are a lot of people that have felt very strong in one set of conditions and then they change and it has kind of flipped the grid around, which is what we saw in qualifying.A lot of people that felt strong, including us, like Friday felt super strong, and then come out on Sunday when it was 10 degrees hotter or whatever it was and kind of completely flipped the script.We’ll see what the conditions are on Sunday, and I think that that will kind of dictate who’s strong and who’s weak, and I think there will be some surprises if the conditions do change compared to tomorrow or Monday.
Q. Nolan, last year you had Kyle Larson as the fourth Arrow McLaren and now you’ve got Ryan Hunter-Reay, series champion, Indy 500 winner. How much have you been able to learn from him to help increase your program this year?NOLAN SIEGEL: Yeah, a huge amount. Ryan’s been involved with the team the whole season leading up to now as well. It’s been nice to get a chance to get to know him before he jumped in as a driver this month at the 500. Having him and TK together as well is just a huge wealth of experience for me to pull from I think for the whole team, it’s not just me — obviously I’m the least experienced, but for Pato and Christian and for all of the engineers, just having people like Ryan that have been successful in INDYCAR, been successful at the 500 with different teams in different situations, I think is super, super valuable, and it’s pushed the whole team forward.
Q. Looking at the speeds over here, the only difference is 4/10,000 of a second. Is it crazy to think about two different teams and you’re so close on the speed chart here?NOLAN SIEGEL: That’s what makes this place so difficult. The margins are extremely small. Like Louis said, you can make small changes that takes you from a very happy car to a very unhappy car or an unhappy car to a happy car, I think. Yeah, you miss it by a little bit, and that’s what makes the difference, and that’s what makes it so difficult.
Q. Nolan, just a quick one for you. We spoke to different members of the Arrow McLaren after qualifying, and there was a fair bit of head scratching going on. With the hot temperatures, one car went one way and the other car went the other way. As a team collectively, do you feel like through that experience you’re more prepared for the changing weather conditions that could come on Sunday?NOLAN SIEGEL: For sure. With the condition change, we all sort of missed it a little bit in qualifying, which was frustrating because we’ve been very happy in general all month, and I think again much stronger than last year as a team.So to miss it in qualifying was a little bit of a disappointment, but it definitely taught us a lot. I think we’re better prepared for the condition change that’s coming this weekend.I don’t think we knew how big a difference it was going to be given that we’ve kind of been running in cool, cloudy conditions all month and just underestimated that change a little bit, I think.Looking forward to Sunday now having had that experience, but at the same time, I think a lot of other people have the same story and are going to be a lot stronger as well. It’s not just us that are learning. We’ll see. Hopefully we’ve learned more than others.
Q. Nolan, you actually said you’re doing something wrong if you don’t get at least two in a season.NOLAN SIEGEL: Yeah, I feel like I’ve had a very under the radar, chill season so far, and I have not been flipped off yet. I think I need to up the aggression a little bit.
Q. Today is actually Global Accessibility Awareness Day. I’m blind. So if I were to express to my friends that are blind, what do you hear in the car? Is it the comms that keeps you focused, or is it the feeling of the road and the car?NOLAN SIEGEL: I think it’s a mixture of everything, to be honest. It’s kind of such an all-consuming experience driving the race car, and I think that’s part of what makes it enjoyable is there’s the sound, the feel, the focus that’s required.It’s very difficult to think about anything else in that moment, and I think that’s kind of what makes it enjoyable and almost like calming and zen at times. It’s like a full sensory experience, which is quite cool.It’s nice to have a time where you can’t think about anything else.
THE MODERATOR: Thanks so much for coming up on the big white couch today. Have a great rest of your Media Day. Good luck tomorrow. Have a great day tomorrow.

Indianapolis 500 Monday Practice Results
Chevrolet History at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval General Motors Wins – 18 Chevrolet Wins – 13 2024 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2023 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2019 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske2018 – Will Power – Team Penske2015 – Juan Montoya – Team Penske2013 – Tony Kanaan – KV Racing Technology-SH Racing2002 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske1993 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske1992 – Al Unser, Jr. – Galles/Kraco1991 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1990 – Arie Luyendyk – Doug Shierson Racing1989 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Patrick Racing1988 – Rick Mears – Team Penske Oldsmobile Wins – 5  2001 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske2000 – Juan Montoya – Chip Ganassi Racing1999 – Kenny Brack – A.J. Foyt Racing1998 – Eddie Cheever, Jr. – Team Cheever1997 – Arie Luyendyk – Treadway Racing General Motors Poles – 20 Chevrolet Poles – 14 2025 – Robert Shwartzman – PREMA Racing2024 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2019 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske2018 – Ed Carpenter – Ed Carpenter Racing2015 – Scott Dixon – Chip Ganassi Racing2014 – Ed Carpenter – Ed Carpenter Racing2013 – Ed Carpenter – Ed Carpenter Racing2012 – Ryan Briscoe – Team Penske2002 – Bruno Junqueira – Chip Ganassi Racing1991 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1990 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske1989 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1988 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1987 – Mario Andretti – Newman Haas Racing Oldsmobile Poles – 5 2001 – Scott Sharp – Kelley Racing2000 – Greg Ray – Team Menard1999 – Arie Luyendyk – Treadway Racing1998 – Billy Boat – A.J. Foyt Racing1997 – Arie Luyendyk – Treadway Racing Buick Poles – 1 1992 – Roberto Guerrero – King Motorsports General Motors Podiums – 54 Chevrolet Podiums – 38 Chevrolet Driver Podiums – Emerson Fittipaldi (4), Helio Castroneves (3), Josef Newgarden (3), Pato O’Ward (3), Tony Kanaan (2), Arie Luyendyk (2), Rick Mears (2), Simon Pagenaud (2), Will Power (2), Al Unser Jr. (2), Michael Andretti (1), Ed Carpenter (1), Santino Ferrucci (1),Felipe Giaffone (1), Scott Goodyear (1), Ryan Hunter-Reay (1), Charlie Kimball (1), David Malukas (1), Juan Montoya (1), Carlos Munoz (1), Bob Rahal (1), Paul Tracy (1), Al Unser (1) Chevrolet Team Podiums –  Team Penske (15), Arrow McLaren (3), A.J. Foyt Racing (2), Andretti Global (2), ECR (2), Galles Racing (2), KV Racing Technology (2), Patrick Racing (2), Chip Ganassi Racing (1), Doug Shierson Racing (1), Granatelli Racing (1), Kraco Enterprises (1), Mo Nunn Racing (1), Newman Haas Racing (1), Team Green (1), Walker Racing (1) Oldsmobile – 15  Oldsmobile Driver Podiums – Buddy Lazier (2), Jeff Ward (2), Michael Andretti (1), Billy Boat (1), Kenny Brack (1), Helio Castroneves (1), Eddie Cheever, Jr. (1), Gil de Ferran (1), Scott Goodyear (1), Steve Knapp (1), Arie Luyendyk (1), Juan Montoya (1), Eliseo Salazar (1) Oldsmobile Team Podiums – A.J. Foyt (3), Hemelgarn Racing (2), Team Cheever (2), Team Penske (2), Treadway Racing (2), Chip Ganassi Racing (1), ISM Racing (1), Team Green (1), Pagan Racing (1) Buick – 1 Buick Driver Podiums – Al Unser (1) Buick Team Podiums – Team Menard (1) General Motors Laps Led – 3709 Chevrolet Laps Led – 2699 Chevrolet Driver Laps Led – Emerson Fittipaldi (348), Mario Andretti (193), Simon Pagenaud (169), Ed Carpenter (144), Will Power (140), Tony Kanaan (133), Michael Andretti (132), Rick Mears (119), Helio Castroneves (98), Pato O’Ward (96), Danny Sullivan (95), Marco Andretti (90), Scott Dixon (87), Conor Daly (82), Josef Newgarden (69), Rinus VeeKay (65), Scott McLaughlin (64), Al Unser Jr. (52), Felix Rosenqvist (47), Arie Luyendyk (37), Bob Rahal (36), Bruno Junqueira (32), Alexander Rossi (30), Al Unser (27), Juan Montoya (26), A.J. Allmendinger (23), Sting Ray Robb (23), Ryan Briscoe (15), Gil de Ferran (13), Santino Ferrucci (12), Felipe Giaffone (12), James Hinchcliffe (12), Carlos Munoz (12), Alex Barron (10), Charlie Kimball (10), Christian Rasmussen (9), Robert Shwartzman (8), Spencer Pigot (7), JR Hildebrand (6), Callum Ilott (6), Oliver Askew (4), Kevin Cogan (4), Sage Karam (4), Kyle Larson (4), Jack Harvey (3), Scott Sharp (3), Rubens Barrichello (2), David Malukas (2) Chevrolet Team Laps Led – Team Penske (1019), Newman Haas Racing (325), ECR (306), Chip Ganassi Racing (179), Arrow McLaren (168), Patrick Racing (158), Andretti Global (140), Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (85), A.J. Foyt Racing (56), Galles Racing (56), KV Racing Technology (43), Doug Shierson Racing (37), Kraco Enterprises (35), Mo Nunn Racing (35), Juncos Hollinger Racing (18), King Motorsports (15), Prema Racing (8), Blair Racing (7), Kelley Racing (4), Team Cheever (3) Oldsmobile Laps Led – 996 Oldsmobile Driver Laps Led: Juan Montoya (167), Arie Luyendyk (129), Greg Ray (116), Kenny Brack (89), Tony Stewart (78), Eddie Cheever, Jr. (76), Helio Castroneves (52), Jeff Ward (52), Robby Gordon (50), John Paul, Jr. (39), Mark Dismore (29), Gil de Ferran (27), Buddy Lazier (27), Michael Andretti (16), Robbie Buhl (16), Billy Boat (13), Jimmy Vasser (5), Buzz Calkins (4), Sam Schmidt (4), Davey Hamilton (3), Scott Goodyear (2), Robbie McGehee (2) Oldsmobile Team Laps Led : Team Menard (207), Chip Ganassi Racing (185), Treadway Racing (137), Team Cheever (125), A.J. Foyt Racing (124), Team Penske (79), Team Pelfrey (39), Kelley Racing (29), Hemelgarn Racing (27), Genoa Racing (18), Team Green (16), Bradley Racing (4), Nienhouse Motorsports (3), Pagan Racing (3) Buick Laps Led – 14 Buick Driver Laps Led: Jim Crawford (8), Al Unser (4), Scott Brayton (1), Stephane Gregoire (1) Buick Team Laps Led: King Motorsports (8), Team Menard (4), Brayton Engineering (1), Formula Project (1) Manufacturer History at the Indianapolis 500 Wins (with competition)  27 – Offenhauser (1976, 1975, 1974, 1973, 1972, 1968, 1964, 1963, 1962, 1961, 1960, 1959, 1958, 1957, 1956, 1955, 1954, 1953, 1952, 1951, 1950, 1949, 1948, 1947, 1941, 1937, 1935)18 – General Motors 13 – Chevrolet (2024, 2023, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2013, 2002, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988)12 – Miller (1938, 1936, 1934, 1933, 1932, 1931, 1930, 1929, 1928, 1926, 1923, 1922)10 – Honda (2025, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2005, 2004)10 – Cosworth (1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978)8 – Ford (1996, 1995, 1971, 1970, 1969, 1967, 1965)5 – Oldsmobile (2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997)3 – Duesenberg (1927, 1925, 19243 – Peugeot (1919, 1918, 1913)2 – Mercedes (1994, 19152 – Maserati (1940, 1939)2 – Frontenac (1921, 1920)1 – Toyota (2003)1 – Foyt (19771 – Sparks (1946)1 – Delage (1914)1 – National (1912)1 – Marmon (1911)  Earned Poles (with competition) 23 – General Motors18 – Offenhauser (1976, 1973, 1972, 1971, 1963, 1962, 1961, 1960, 1959, 1958, 1957, 1956, 1955, 1954, 1953, 1950, 1946, 1937)14 – Miller (1938, 1935, 1934, 1933, 1932, 1930, 1929, 1928, 1927, 1926, 1925, 1924, 1923, 1922)14 – Chevrolet (2025, 2024, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2002, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987)9 – Cosworth (1986, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978, 1977)9 – Honda (2026, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2016, 2005, 2004)7 – Ford (1993, 1970, 1969, 1967, 1966, 1965, 1964)5 – Oldsmobile (2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997)4 – Buick (1996, 1995, 1992, 1985)3 – Ballot (1921, 1920, 1919)2 – Foyt (1975, 1974)2 – Novi (1951, 1949)2 – Winfield (1948, 1940)2 – Maserati (1947, 1941)2 – Sparks (1939, 1936)2 – Wisconsin (1912, 1911)1 – Toyota (2003)1 – Mercedes (1994)1 – Pratt & Whitney (1968)1 – Cummins (1952)1 – Studebaker (1931)1 – Peugeot (1916)1 – Stutz (1915)1 – Sunbeam (1914)1 – Mercer (1913)
Uncategorized

Chevy Racing–INDYCAR–Media Day–Josef Newgarden & ryan Hunter-Reay

CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway ovalSpeedway, IndianaMedia DayMay 21, 2026
Row 8 – Josef Newgarden & Ryan Hunter-Reay
THE MODERATOR: Starting 24th, it wasn’t that long ago he was competing on his first oval, now Sunday will be his fourth Indy 500, driver of the No. 18 BMAX.IO Honda for Dale Coyne Racing, it’s Romain Grosjean.Starting 23rd, two-time NTT INDYCAR Series champion, two-time Indy 500 champion as well, a race winner earlier this season on his first oval of the season, 2026, at Phoenix Raceway, driver of the No. 2 Shell Fuel Rewards Team Penske Chevrolet, it’s Josef Newgarden.Starting 22nd, 2014 Indy 500 winner, 2012 INDYCAR Series champion, making his 18th start in the Indy 500, driver of the No. 31 PrizePicks Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, it’s Ryan Hunter-Reay.
THE MODERATOR: You felt pretty good about Monday, didn’t you?RYAN HUNTER-REAY: I did until I saw his speed. You were rapid, yeah, on Monday.I was happy with the car. That was kind of our first real solid race running day. We just had some issues on the other days, had some electrical issues, hybrid failure, this, that, and the other. We had a front wing issue. Yeah, it went straight forward, and the car was good. We worked on it through the day, yeah. There we are.
THE MODERATOR: Fastest Monday, does that — just hanging out.JOSEF NEWGARDEN: I just love you, Dave. It’s so nice to see you, especially in the couch setup. It’s relaxed.RYAN HUNTER-REAY: Very relaxed. No laces even, we’re so relaxed.
THE MODERATOR: Anyway, fastest Monday, will it translate into a great race day for you, Josef?JOSEF NEWGARDEN: Hard to say. It’s always hard to say. I think we’re in a similar position that we’ve been in the last couple of years here. We’ve got a great team as always. We’ve got a good car underneath us.I’m in good spirits, and I feel really positive about what we’re doing and what we have, but that only gets you so much and so far. Race day is its own thing.That’s when the car’s got to be its best is on that day. So we’ll see what the weather does. But we’ve been pretty flexible as far as having a good range on the car, different weather conditions. We just — like I said, we’ve got to get it right on Sunday. That’s the day that’s going to count.We’ll see. None of us know what’s going to happen, but we’ve got to be prepared to ebb and flow with the race as it transpires and give ourselves an opportunity. I think that’s what the Indianapolis 500 is always about. It’s about giving yourself a chance.
THE MODERATOR: With that, open it up for questions.Q. For both Josef and Ryan, you were in a similar position last year, Josef, you were even further back, but what is the key to making that move, and what is your confidence level you can do that again?RYAN HUNTER-REAY: I miss starting up higher, just making the day a little easier.JOSEF NEWGARDEN: The preference is to start up front, but you saw with Ryan, I think Ryan’s a master of this too. He just knows — he knows how to put a great race together.At the end of the day, it’s what matters here. You can kind of pound the drum on that all day, but until you really understand it, it’s just about — you don’t even have to have the fastest car on the day necessarily. You’ve got to be pretty good. You can’t be bad.You can just have a good, decent car, have a good team underneath you, and make the right moves at the right time, which is really what these guys did. They gave themselves an opportunity to win the race, and that’s 90 percent of the battle is doing that, is getting yourself in position and then trying to close the deal.That’s the last little bit is closing the deal, but you’ve got to be in the fight first.
Q. Is that something we’re understanding, like how to get yourself in position and get in the fight, as you said, does that just come with experience here?RYAN HUNTER-REAY: Yeah, it just comes with experience, I think. He’s one of the best at doing it as well. Like you have to know when to go, you have to know when to pull back a bit.You can start the race and feel like you’re doomed, the car’s not right, whatever, you’ve got some understeer, and you don’t like it. Well, as you go through those stops, you tune it. You’ve always got to keep yourself in a positive state and always charging hard.Yeah, you get used to it through years of doing it here for sure. Q. Josef, you talked about having the car ready on race day is the most important thing, but with the limitations you’ve had, everyone has had going into that — and no one knows better having crossed the bricks first twice — what the challenges are going to bring. How hard is it to have that confidence if you don’t have time to get the car where you want and need it?JOSEF NEWGARDEN: Yeah, it can be tough. If you don’t have a good cadence to the month and you’ve never had — or you haven’t had many good sessions, it’s hard to feel confident about what’s going on. That’s kind of 360. You want to instill confidence in the mechanics and what they’re doing and you want them to be in good spirits. You want the driver certainly to feel confident in the car underneath them.For us, I think we’re in a good spot. It’s hard to speak for everybody. I will say I think everyone looks pretty good this year, more so than I’ve ever seen. I see a lot of good cars in the pack. It seems like there could be a lot of confident people out there on Sunday.
Q. Josef, with where your teammates are starting, did the team tell you if there was anything they found on the car after qualifying that was wrong with the run?JOSEF NEWGARDEN: I’m not sure, just that’s what she had. That’s what she had on Sunday. It’s a different story going into the race now. I feel really good about where we’re at.I wish we could have been — you know, it’s got nothing to do with the race. I just hate losing out the points. That’s the toughest thing to me is it’s 12 points up for grabs that we just let wash away. Other than that, I think the race car is in a good spot.
Q. Ryan, the team dynamic, you with Pato and Christian and Nolan, what has that been like over the course of the last several days here on track?RYAN HUNTER-REAY: It’s been a lot of fun working with them. I’ve worked with the team and embedded with the team since the beginning of the season, even preseason testing, so I’ve been at every race. I have a really good relationship with them. I have a really good relationship with the engineers as well.Our whole mentality coming into this month was to work together as a team, and we’ve done that. So it’s crazy how quickly that week can go by, though, because you’ve got Tuesday, Wednesday, you’re kind of doing the race running stuff. Thursday already time to start prepping for fast Friday, going to qual sims and all that.Yeah, it’s been great. Had a great time with them personally as well, just getting to know them as people and drivers and looking forward to working with them in the future.
THE MODERATOR: To that point, Tony Kanaan was that conversation after the race last year to start the process. An opportunity to work with TK again. Has it been as much fun as you thought?RYAN HUNTER-REAY: Absolutely. TK was a good friend, and ended up coming around, now he’s my boss. Just got to get him on the right day. It’s all good. He’s great. In the short amount of time he’s been there, the team has gone through a lot of transitional phases. It was Schmidt, and then it was Arrow McLaren partnership and then the acquisition.It’s gone through many phases, and he’s done a great job with it. I look forward to seeing where this project, this team, this group is going in the future.
Q. Ryan, last year you had to go to the backup car in your race, and now you’ve got Pato and Alex, just from a (audio interruption)?RYAN HUNTER-REAY: Well, I started the race in a pit stop practice car. So it wasn’t really a backup. It literally had an electric motor in it 48 hours prior. It’s wild because you have to kind of — if he gets Carb Day, that’s all right. He’s going to know what he has. You just get on with it, right?Like Josef said, you have a well-balanced car. If your car is good in traffic, it doesn’t need to be the fastest thing out there. You get a good driver behind the wheel of a car that’s in the window, and you’re going to be all right.Yeah, I went into turn 1, lap 1 of the race without having driven a lap in it. Hopefully they won’t be in that scenario, same with Romain.
Q. One for Josef as well if I may. Just the challenge of going back to back here, you know what that’s like. Alex is going into this week chasing that. How big of an achievement is that, and how much did it take out of you to win it twice in a row?JOSEF NEWGARDEN: You know, I just — I don’t know. I feel a little different about it now. The answer that I would give you is when we won the first one in ’23, I was kind of at peace with the fact that we might never win this race. It just kind of comes back to what we were talking about.You can be excellent on the day, you can be the best driver, you can be the best team, and that does not guarantee a victory. It’s just there’s so much that has to go right to win this race. You know that, when you win it one time, you’re really appreciative. That’s how I was. It was unexpected to win it and certainly very unexpected to win it twice.I don’t think anything really changes when you win the race and then you’re trying to go back to back. You’re going through the same process. You’re putting in the same sort of effort. You just hope that you can get the cards two times in a row, and the likelihood of it is pretty low. Doesn’t mean it can’t happen.We have a lot of future ahead of this race, so we’ll see what the future brings for the results. But it is, it’s hard to have everything go your way on the day at this race. That’s what makes it so incredible to win it. There’s a lot that has to go right.
Q. Josef and Ryan, you both have so much experience around this place. You’ve both driven through the traffic around this place. I know you’re on opposing teams, but is there a sense of sort of you know the guy that you’re near, if you’re working through the pack together, would you do it together to get towards the front and then gloves off on that last stint?RYAN HUNTER-REAY: Yeah, Josef and I have been racing each other for a very long time, so we’ve got a lot of respect for one another and in how we conduct ourselves on the racetrack. If I could throw a jab or a hook on the back of your car, I would definitely do that, if that’s available. I don’t think it is.Yeah, we’ll get through it as we need to. Like I said before, experience certainly does help in that regard here at Indy.JOSEF NEWGARDEN: Yeah, it’s tough. The nice thing is you have to have a good kind of book in place. What I mean is you kind of compile your notes on everybody in the field, and you sort of at least get a couple passes by hopefully most cars during practice, and you sort of know what you’re working with.It’s nice when you’re racing people that you feel like you can race a certain way and you can trust. It’s almost impossible to help each other work through the field. We’re going to run our own races. It’s just nice to be next to some people that you trust is probably the only thing about it.Certainly when it comes down to the end, it’s every man for himself. We’re all trying to win this race. It would be fun if it’s Ryan and me and we can have a shootout, but we’re both going to be going for it. That’s the way it is. You’re going to try and win the race as best you can.THE MODERATOR: It’s going to be fascinating to watch you on race day come from row 8. Good luck. Have a great day tomorrow and see you on Sunday.
Indianapolis 500 Monday Practice Results
CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway ovalSpeedway, IndianaMedia DayMay 21, 2026
Row 8 – Josef Newgarden & Ryan Hunter-Reay
THE MODERATOR: Starting 24th, it wasn’t that long ago he was competing on his first oval, now Sunday will be his fourth Indy 500, driver of the No. 18 BMAX.IO Honda for Dale Coyne Racing, it’s Romain Grosjean.Starting 23rd, two-time NTT INDYCAR Series champion, two-time Indy 500 champion as well, a race winner earlier this season on his first oval of the season, 2026, at Phoenix Raceway, driver of the No. 2 Shell Fuel Rewards Team Penske Chevrolet, it’s Josef Newgarden.Starting 22nd, 2014 Indy 500 winner, 2012 INDYCAR Series champion, making his 18th start in the Indy 500, driver of the No. 31 PrizePicks Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, it’s Ryan Hunter-Reay.
THE MODERATOR: You felt pretty good about Monday, didn’t you?RYAN HUNTER-REAY: I did until I saw his speed. You were rapid, yeah, on Monday.I was happy with the car. That was kind of our first real solid race running day. We just had some issues on the other days, had some electrical issues, hybrid failure, this, that, and the other. We had a front wing issue. Yeah, it went straight forward, and the car was good. We worked on it through the day, yeah. There we are.
THE MODERATOR: Fastest Monday, does that — just hanging out.JOSEF NEWGARDEN: I just love you, Dave. It’s so nice to see you, especially in the couch setup. It’s relaxed.RYAN HUNTER-REAY: Very relaxed. No laces even, we’re so relaxed.
THE MODERATOR: Anyway, fastest Monday, will it translate into a great race day for you, Josef?JOSEF NEWGARDEN: Hard to say. It’s always hard to say. I think we’re in a similar position that we’ve been in the last couple of years here. We’ve got a great team as always. We’ve got a good car underneath us.I’m in good spirits, and I feel really positive about what we’re doing and what we have, but that only gets you so much and so far. Race day is its own thing.That’s when the car’s got to be its best is on that day. So we’ll see what the weather does. But we’ve been pretty flexible as far as having a good range on the car, different weather conditions. We just — like I said, we’ve got to get it right on Sunday. That’s the day that’s going to count.We’ll see. None of us know what’s going to happen, but we’ve got to be prepared to ebb and flow with the race as it transpires and give ourselves an opportunity. I think that’s what the Indianapolis 500 is always about. It’s about giving yourself a chance.
THE MODERATOR: With that, open it up for questions.Q. For both Josef and Ryan, you were in a similar position last year, Josef, you were even further back, but what is the key to making that move, and what is your confidence level you can do that again?RYAN HUNTER-REAY: I miss starting up higher, just making the day a little easier.JOSEF NEWGARDEN: The preference is to start up front, but you saw with Ryan, I think Ryan’s a master of this too. He just knows — he knows how to put a great race together.At the end of the day, it’s what matters here. You can kind of pound the drum on that all day, but until you really understand it, it’s just about — you don’t even have to have the fastest car on the day necessarily. You’ve got to be pretty good. You can’t be bad.You can just have a good, decent car, have a good team underneath you, and make the right moves at the right time, which is really what these guys did. They gave themselves an opportunity to win the race, and that’s 90 percent of the battle is doing that, is getting yourself in position and then trying to close the deal.That’s the last little bit is closing the deal, but you’ve got to be in the fight first.
Q. Is that something we’re understanding, like how to get yourself in position and get in the fight, as you said, does that just come with experience here?RYAN HUNTER-REAY: Yeah, it just comes with experience, I think. He’s one of the best at doing it as well. Like you have to know when to go, you have to know when to pull back a bit.You can start the race and feel like you’re doomed, the car’s not right, whatever, you’ve got some understeer, and you don’t like it. Well, as you go through those stops, you tune it. You’ve always got to keep yourself in a positive state and always charging hard.Yeah, you get used to it through years of doing it here for sure. Q. Josef, you talked about having the car ready on race day is the most important thing, but with the limitations you’ve had, everyone has had going into that — and no one knows better having crossed the bricks first twice — what the challenges are going to bring. How hard is it to have that confidence if you don’t have time to get the car where you want and need it?JOSEF NEWGARDEN: Yeah, it can be tough. If you don’t have a good cadence to the month and you’ve never had — or you haven’t had many good sessions, it’s hard to feel confident about what’s going on. That’s kind of 360. You want to instill confidence in the mechanics and what they’re doing and you want them to be in good spirits. You want the driver certainly to feel confident in the car underneath them.For us, I think we’re in a good spot. It’s hard to speak for everybody. I will say I think everyone looks pretty good this year, more so than I’ve ever seen. I see a lot of good cars in the pack. It seems like there could be a lot of confident people out there on Sunday.
Q. Josef, with where your teammates are starting, did the team tell you if there was anything they found on the car after qualifying that was wrong with the run?JOSEF NEWGARDEN: I’m not sure, just that’s what she had. That’s what she had on Sunday. It’s a different story going into the race now. I feel really good about where we’re at.I wish we could have been — you know, it’s got nothing to do with the race. I just hate losing out the points. That’s the toughest thing to me is it’s 12 points up for grabs that we just let wash away. Other than that, I think the race car is in a good spot.
Q. Ryan, the team dynamic, you with Pato and Christian and Nolan, what has that been like over the course of the last several days here on track?RYAN HUNTER-REAY: It’s been a lot of fun working with them. I’ve worked with the team and embedded with the team since the beginning of the season, even preseason testing, so I’ve been at every race. I have a really good relationship with them. I have a really good relationship with the engineers as well.Our whole mentality coming into this month was to work together as a team, and we’ve done that. So it’s crazy how quickly that week can go by, though, because you’ve got Tuesday, Wednesday, you’re kind of doing the race running stuff. Thursday already time to start prepping for fast Friday, going to qual sims and all that.Yeah, it’s been great. Had a great time with them personally as well, just getting to know them as people and drivers and looking forward to working with them in the future.
THE MODERATOR: To that point, Tony Kanaan was that conversation after the race last year to start the process. An opportunity to work with TK again. Has it been as much fun as you thought?RYAN HUNTER-REAY: Absolutely. TK was a good friend, and ended up coming around, now he’s my boss. Just got to get him on the right day. It’s all good. He’s great. In the short amount of time he’s been there, the team has gone through a lot of transitional phases. It was Schmidt, and then it was Arrow McLaren partnership and then the acquisition.It’s gone through many phases, and he’s done a great job with it. I look forward to seeing where this project, this team, this group is going in the future.
Q. Ryan, last year you had to go to the backup car in your race, and now you’ve got Pato and Alex, just from a (audio interruption)?RYAN HUNTER-REAY: Well, I started the race in a pit stop practice car. So it wasn’t really a backup. It literally had an electric motor in it 48 hours prior. It’s wild because you have to kind of — if he gets Carb Day, that’s all right. He’s going to know what he has. You just get on with it, right?Like Josef said, you have a well-balanced car. If your car is good in traffic, it doesn’t need to be the fastest thing out there. You get a good driver behind the wheel of a car that’s in the window, and you’re going to be all right.Yeah, I went into turn 1, lap 1 of the race without having driven a lap in it. Hopefully they won’t be in that scenario, same with Romain.
Q. One for Josef as well if I may. Just the challenge of going back to back here, you know what that’s like. Alex is going into this week chasing that. How big of an achievement is that, and how much did it take out of you to win it twice in a row?JOSEF NEWGARDEN: You know, I just — I don’t know. I feel a little different about it now. The answer that I would give you is when we won the first one in ’23, I was kind of at peace with the fact that we might never win this race. It just kind of comes back to what we were talking about.You can be excellent on the day, you can be the best driver, you can be the best team, and that does not guarantee a victory. It’s just there’s so much that has to go right to win this race. You know that, when you win it one time, you’re really appreciative. That’s how I was. It was unexpected to win it and certainly very unexpected to win it twice.I don’t think anything really changes when you win the race and then you’re trying to go back to back. You’re going through the same process. You’re putting in the same sort of effort. You just hope that you can get the cards two times in a row, and the likelihood of it is pretty low. Doesn’t mean it can’t happen.We have a lot of future ahead of this race, so we’ll see what the future brings for the results. But it is, it’s hard to have everything go your way on the day at this race. That’s what makes it so incredible to win it. There’s a lot that has to go right.
Q. Josef and Ryan, you both have so much experience around this place. You’ve both driven through the traffic around this place. I know you’re on opposing teams, but is there a sense of sort of you know the guy that you’re near, if you’re working through the pack together, would you do it together to get towards the front and then gloves off on that last stint?RYAN HUNTER-REAY: Yeah, Josef and I have been racing each other for a very long time, so we’ve got a lot of respect for one another and in how we conduct ourselves on the racetrack. If I could throw a jab or a hook on the back of your car, I would definitely do that, if that’s available. I don’t think it is.Yeah, we’ll get through it as we need to. Like I said before, experience certainly does help in that regard here at Indy.JOSEF NEWGARDEN: Yeah, it’s tough. The nice thing is you have to have a good kind of book in place. What I mean is you kind of compile your notes on everybody in the field, and you sort of at least get a couple passes by hopefully most cars during practice, and you sort of know what you’re working with.It’s nice when you’re racing people that you feel like you can race a certain way and you can trust. It’s almost impossible to help each other work through the field. We’re going to run our own races. It’s just nice to be next to some people that you trust is probably the only thing about it.Certainly when it comes down to the end, it’s every man for himself. We’re all trying to win this race. It would be fun if it’s Ryan and me and we can have a shootout, but we’re both going to be going for it. That’s the way it is. You’re going to try and win the race as best you can.THE MODERATOR: It’s going to be fascinating to watch you on race day come from row 8. Good luck. Have a great day tomorrow and see you on Sunday.
Indianapolis 500 Monday Practice Results
Chevrolet History at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval General Motors Wins – 18 Chevrolet Wins – 13 2024 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2023 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2019 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske2018 – Will Power – Team Penske2015 – Juan Montoya – Team Penske2013 – Tony Kanaan – KV Racing Technology-SH Racing2002 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske1993 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske1992 – Al Unser, Jr. – Galles/Kraco1991 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1990 – Arie Luyendyk – Doug Shierson Racing1989 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Patrick Racing1988 – Rick Mears – Team Penske Oldsmobile Wins – 5  2001 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske2000 – Juan Montoya – Chip Ganassi Racing1999 – Kenny Brack – A.J. Foyt Racing1998 – Eddie Cheever, Jr. – Team Cheever1997 – Arie Luyendyk – Treadway Racing General Motors Poles – 20 Chevrolet Poles – 14 2025 – Robert Shwartzman – PREMA Racing2024 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2019 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske2018 – Ed Carpenter – Ed Carpenter Racing2015 – Scott Dixon – Chip Ganassi Racing2014 – Ed Carpenter – Ed Carpenter Racing2013 – Ed Carpenter – Ed Carpenter Racing2012 – Ryan Briscoe – Team Penske2002 – Bruno Junqueira – Chip Ganassi Racing1991 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1990 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske1989 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1988 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1987 – Mario Andretti – Newman Haas Racing Oldsmobile Poles – 5 2001 – Scott Sharp – Kelley Racing2000 – Greg Ray – Team Menard1999 – Arie Luyendyk – Treadway Racing1998 – Billy Boat – A.J. Foyt Racing1997 – Arie Luyendyk – Treadway Racing Buick Poles – 1 1992 – Roberto Guerrero – King Motorsports General Motors Podiums – 54 Chevrolet Podiums – 38 Chevrolet Driver Podiums – Emerson Fittipaldi (4), Helio Castroneves (3), Josef Newgarden (3), Pato O’Ward (3), Tony Kanaan (2), Arie Luyendyk (2), Rick Mears (2), Simon Pagenaud (2), Will Power (2), Al Unser Jr. (2), Michael Andretti (1), Ed Carpenter (1), Santino Ferrucci (1),Felipe Giaffone (1), Scott Goodyear (1), Ryan Hunter-Reay (1), Charlie Kimball (1), David Malukas (1), Juan Montoya (1), Carlos Munoz (1), Bob Rahal (1), Paul Tracy (1), Al Unser (1) Chevrolet Team Podiums –  Team Penske (15), Arrow McLaren (3), A.J. Foyt Racing (2), Andretti Global (2), ECR (2), Galles Racing (2), KV Racing Technology (2), Patrick Racing (2), Chip Ganassi Racing (1), Doug Shierson Racing (1), Granatelli Racing (1), Kraco Enterprises (1), Mo Nunn Racing (1), Newman Haas Racing (1), Team Green (1), Walker Racing (1) Oldsmobile – 15  Oldsmobile Driver Podiums – Buddy Lazier (2), Jeff Ward (2), Michael Andretti (1), Billy Boat (1), Kenny Brack (1), Helio Castroneves (1), Eddie Cheever, Jr. (1), Gil de Ferran (1), Scott Goodyear (1), Steve Knapp (1), Arie Luyendyk (1), Juan Montoya (1), Eliseo Salazar (1) Oldsmobile Team Podiums – A.J. Foyt (3), Hemelgarn Racing (2), Team Cheever (2), Team Penske (2), Treadway Racing (2), Chip Ganassi Racing (1), ISM Racing (1), Team Green (1), Pagan Racing (1) Buick – 1 Buick Driver Podiums – Al Unser (1) Buick Team Podiums – Team Menard (1) General Motors Laps Led – 3709 Chevrolet Laps Led – 2699 Chevrolet Driver Laps Led – Emerson Fittipaldi (348), Mario Andretti (193), Simon Pagenaud (169), Ed Carpenter (144), Will Power (140), Tony Kanaan (133), Michael Andretti (132), Rick Mears (119), Helio Castroneves (98), Pato O’Ward (96), Danny Sullivan (95), Marco Andretti (90), Scott Dixon (87), Conor Daly (82), Josef Newgarden (69), Rinus VeeKay (65), Scott McLaughlin (64), Al Unser Jr. (52), Felix Rosenqvist (47), Arie Luyendyk (37), Bob Rahal (36), Bruno Junqueira (32), Alexander Rossi (30), Al Unser (27), Juan Montoya (26), A.J. Allmendinger (23), Sting Ray Robb (23), Ryan Briscoe (15), Gil de Ferran (13), Santino Ferrucci (12), Felipe Giaffone (12), James Hinchcliffe (12), Carlos Munoz (12), Alex Barron (10), Charlie Kimball (10), Christian Rasmussen (9), Robert Shwartzman (8), Spencer Pigot (7), JR Hildebrand (6), Callum Ilott (6), Oliver Askew (4), Kevin Cogan (4), Sage Karam (4), Kyle Larson (4), Jack Harvey (3), Scott Sharp (3), Rubens Barrichello (2), David Malukas (2) Chevrolet Team Laps Led – Team Penske (1019), Newman Haas Racing (325), ECR (306), Chip Ganassi Racing (179), Arrow McLaren (168), Patrick Racing (158), Andretti Global (140), Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (85), A.J. Foyt Racing (56), Galles Racing (56), KV Racing Technology (43), Doug Shierson Racing (37), Kraco Enterprises (35), Mo Nunn Racing (35), Juncos Hollinger Racing (18), King Motorsports (15), Prema Racing (8), Blair Racing (7), Kelley Racing (4), Team Cheever (3) Oldsmobile Laps Led – 996 Oldsmobile Driver Laps Led: Juan Montoya (167), Arie Luyendyk (129), Greg Ray (116), Kenny Brack (89), Tony Stewart (78), Eddie Cheever, Jr. (76), Helio Castroneves (52), Jeff Ward (52), Robby Gordon (50), John Paul, Jr. (39), Mark Dismore (29), Gil de Ferran (27), Buddy Lazier (27), Michael Andretti (16), Robbie Buhl (16), Billy Boat (13), Jimmy Vasser (5), Buzz Calkins (4), Sam Schmidt (4), Davey Hamilton (3), Scott Goodyear (2), Robbie McGehee (2) Oldsmobile Team Laps Led : Team Menard (207), Chip Ganassi Racing (185), Treadway Racing (137), Team Cheever (125), A.J. Foyt Racing (124), Team Penske (79), Team Pelfrey (39), Kelley Racing (29), Hemelgarn Racing (27), Genoa Racing (18), Team Green (16), Bradley Racing (4), Nienhouse Motorsports (3), Pagan Racing (3) Buick Laps Led – 14 Buick Driver Laps Led: Jim Crawford (8), Al Unser (4), Scott Brayton (1), Stephane Gregoire (1) Buick Team Laps Led: King Motorsports (8), Team Menard (4), Brayton Engineering (1), Formula Project (1) Manufacturer History at the Indianapolis 500 Wins (with competition)  27 – Offenhauser (1976, 1975, 1974, 1973, 1972, 1968, 1964, 1963, 1962, 1961, 1960, 1959, 1958, 1957, 1956, 1955, 1954, 1953, 1952, 1951, 1950, 1949, 1948, 1947, 1941, 1937, 1935)18 – General Motors 13 – Chevrolet (2024, 2023, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2013, 2002, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988)12 – Miller (1938, 1936, 1934, 1933, 1932, 1931, 1930, 1929, 1928, 1926, 1923, 1922)10 – Honda (2025, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2005, 2004)10 – Cosworth (1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978)8 – Ford (1996, 1995, 1971, 1970, 1969, 1967, 1965)5 – Oldsmobile (2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997)3 – Duesenberg (1927, 1925, 19243 – Peugeot (1919, 1918, 1913)2 – Mercedes (1994, 19152 – Maserati (1940, 1939)2 – Frontenac (1921, 1920)1 – Toyota (2003)1 – Foyt (19771 – Sparks (1946)1 – Delage (1914)1 – National (1912)1 – Marmon (1911)  Earned Poles (with competition) 23 – General Motors18 – Offenhauser (1976, 1973, 1972, 1971, 1963, 1962, 1961, 1960, 1959, 1958, 1957, 1956, 1955, 1954, 1953, 1950, 1946, 1937)14 – Miller (1938, 1935, 1934, 1933, 1932, 1930, 1929, 1928, 1927, 1926, 1925, 1924, 1923, 1922)14 – Chevrolet (2025, 2024, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2002, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987)9 – Cosworth (1986, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978, 1977)9 – Honda (2026, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2016, 2005, 2004)7 – Ford (1993, 1970, 1969, 1967, 1966, 1965, 1964)5 – Oldsmobile (2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997)4 – Buick (1996, 1995, 1992, 1985)3 – Ballot (1921, 1920, 1919)2 – Foyt (1975, 1974)2 – Novi (1951, 1949)2 – Winfield (1948, 1940)2 – Maserati (1947, 1941)2 – Sparks (1939, 1936)2 – Wisconsin (1912, 1911)1 – Toyota (2003)1 – Mercedes (1994)1 – Pratt & Whitney (1968)1 – Cummins (1952)1 – Studebaker (1931)1 – Peugeot (1916)1 – Stutz (1915)1 – Sunbeam (1914)1 – Mercer (1913)
Uncategorized

PETERSON RACING PARTNERS WITH PURPLE HEART HOMES AT CHARLOTTE


May 21, 2026 (Sanford, North Carolina) – Peterson Racing is proud to announce a partnership with Purple Heart Homes for the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Austin Green will pilot the No. 87 Purple Heart Homes Chevrolet in the running of the Charbroil 300 at the 1.5-mile speed plant in Concord, North Carolina this Saturday, May 23, 2026.
Co-founded by two combat-wounded veterans, Purple Heart Homes has been bringing communities together to provide safe, barrier-free housing solutions for qualified veterans since its founding in 2008. A nonprofit organization based in Statesville, North Carolina, Purple Heart Homes supports service-connected disabled and senior veterans from all eras across all 50 states and Puerto Rico through a growing network of local chapters. Programs include critical home repairs and renovations to help veterans live independently in their homes, homeownership programs and transitional housing through partnerships with other nonprofit organizations. Learn more at purplehearthomesusa.org.”
PETERSON RACING PARTNERS WITH PURPLE HEART HOMES AT CHARLOTTE
May 21, 2026 (Sanford, North Carolina) – Peterson Racing is proud to announce a partnership with Purple Heart Homes for the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Austin Green will pilot the No. 87 Purple Heart Homes Chevrolet in the running of the Charbroil 300 at the 1.5-mile speed plant in Concord, North Carolina this Saturday, May 23, 2026.
Co-founded by two combat-wounded veterans, Purple Heart Homes has been bringing communities together to provide safe, barrier-free housing solutions for qualified veterans since its founding in 2008. A nonprofit organization based in Statesville, North Carolina, Purple Heart Homes supports service-connected disabled and senior veterans from all eras across all 50 states and Puerto Rico through a growing network of local chapters. Programs include critical home repairs and renovations to help veterans live independently in their homes, homeownership programs and transitional housing through partnerships with other nonprofit organizations. Learn more at purplehearthomesusa.org.”
“Purple Heart Homes is honored to partner with Peterson Racing and Austin Green for the Charbroil 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway”, stated Jennifer Gipp, Vice President of Philanthropy & Marketing.  “There’s no weekend more fitting than Memorial Day weekend to share our mission with race fans across the country. Seeing the No. 87 Chevrolet wrapped in Purple Heart Homes branding is a powerful tribute to the service-connected disabled and aging Veterans we serve every day. We’re grateful to Peterson Racing for this platform to honor those who have sacrificed so much for our nation.”
Austin and the Peterson Racing team are coming off two strong performances with their No. 87 Chevrolet at Watkins Glen and Dover. The group looks to continue the strong showing at a home race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Austin has a strong background at the 1.5-mile facility featured by leading 53 of 100 laps on his way to a victory in last year’s ARCA Menards Series event at the track as well as a runner up in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event on the Roval course.
“I’m excited to represent Purple Heart Homes and 3Dimensional Services on Memorial Day weekend at my home track,” stated Austin. “I’m looking forward to building on the momentum we’ve had from the past couple of weeks. Thank you to Mr. Peterson and our entire team.”The running of the Charbroil 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway will be held on Saturday May 23, 2026, at 5:00 pm ET.  The race will be televised LIVE on the CW and can be heard on Performance Racing Network (PRN).
Uncategorized

Chevy Racing–Indycar–Media Day–Jacob Abel

CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway ovalSpeedway, IndianaMedia DayMay 21, 2026
Row 10 – Jacob AbelTHE MODERATOR: We continue on with row 10 this morning. Starting 30th, it’s been a long journey, so happy to see him in the Indianapolis 500, driver of the No. 51 Abel Construction Chevrolet for Abel Motorsports, Jacob Abel. – We’ve got Carb Day tomorrow. Ideally, weather permitting, two hours of practice, and then we look ahead to Sunday. How much work do you still have to do on your car that you feel like before you get ready for Sunday’s race? Before you really feel ready for Sunday’s race?JACOB ABEL: I think for us it’s going to be a lot of procedural stuff. We haven’t done an INDYCAR race as a team together ever really. We did this race three years ago, some of the same guys, and we’ve got a bunch of people that have some experience, but for us it’s all working together on pit stops, strategy things, all sorts of stuff like that is probably the most important for us.Still need to work a little bit in traffic. Feel pretty good about our car, though. We’ve kind of spent the most work on that definitely throughout the month.Yeah, I think for us it’s kind of going to be getting the nerves out of our crew and all of that for pit stops and kind of getting me a little bit more up to speed here too.Dennis can speak to this too, but the pit lane entry here is kind of unlike anything else. The braking and all of that is really tricky. So trying to maximize that and working up to it as much as possible.
THE MODERATOR: Just generally speaking for you, I know last year there was a lot of heartbreak involved in that. How much do you allow yourself now to look ahead to what trying to figure going to be like going into turn 1 and the opening lap and all the ceremonial things that you missed out on that you long for, but now you have the opportunity to be a part of?JACOB ABEL: Yeah, it’s still surreal. Last year was surreal, to be honest, getting up to that point, and then obviously I wasn’t able to take part of it.So I’ve been trying to really enjoy every single step of the week and really soak it all in. I’m excited for everything. I wish the weather was a little bit better, a little bit warmer, but yes, this is stuff I’ve been looking forward to my entire life. Still doesn’t feel real at all. I don’t know when it will.Sunday morning is still going to be pretty emotional, but I’m excited and full focus on the task at hand.
THE MODERATOR: Let’s open it up for questions.Q. Couple questions for Jacob. With what happened last year and then coming back this year, how did that maybe change your appreciation for this place or deepen your appreciation for this place?JACOB ABEL: Yeah, it’s humbling for sure. Just when I thought I didn’t need to appreciate it any more, I’ve been a huge fan of this event my whole, entire life. My first race was the 98th running back in, I think it was 2014 then. So I’ve been to pretty much every single one since as a fan and then slowly working more and more closer to being a driver.Then obviously last year getting super close, basically as close as you can possibly get to it. Yeah, it’s made me respect it even more.Like I said, I’ve always looked up to this race, but you don’t truly understand it until it gets so close and then you can’t have it. Yeah, it’s just making me enjoy everything that much more, just getting here at the start of practice the beginning of last week, it’s so exciting.As a young driver, you never know how many chances you’re going to have at this. I don’t know how many chances I’m going to have at this. I would love to do this race every year for the rest of my life, but the reality of that is tough, and up until about a month and a half ago or maybe close to two months ago, I didn’t know if I was ever going to get to experience it again.Just to be here and enjoy it, I think is probably the biggest thing. Sunday is certainly going to be pretty special.
Q. It’s like a flashback to our conversation at Daytona. I wanted to also ask, one of the cooler things with your team, with this program, in 2023 the guys that were part of the INDY NXT program were the guys that built that car that came here, but they didn’t get a chance to run it obviously. This year they do. This year a lot of those guys on this crew are all from the INDY NXT program. So the opportunity to just kind of see a little bit of a dream fulfilled for them to be part of this program with you?JACOB ABEL: Yeah, I think it speaks so much to our INDY NXT team’s skill set and experience because it basically is our whole, entire INDY NXT program has kind of gathered around this one car and building it and making it as fast as possible.On a personal note, it’s also just super special to me because these are people that they were all a part of my INDY NXT career, and basically every step of the ladder up until that point. So it’s very rewarding as just an overall experience for me to be able to share that with them.We’re all new to it. It’s kind of new to all of us, but it’s cool because we’re not new to each other at all. So we don’t have to build those levels of communication or anything like that or trust. I know my engineer trusts my feedback, and I trust that he is going to make good changes. That’s, I think, one of the biggest parts about that relationship in the first place.It’s been more just about implementing it into an INDYCAR at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway — because that’s not a super big deal or anything.Yeah, it’s been super fun, super special, super rewarding experience, and it makes it all that much more emotional for sure.
THE MODERATOR: Some of those guys are real daredevils, go back to roadsters and whatnot.Q. For both of you, when you have so little experience of this place, how do you judge when you’ve got the car as good as you can get it? As rookies, it must be incredibly difficult to say, well, it’s handling like this, and then Dale or your dad say, no, that’s as good as it gets, you need to expect that. How do you judge when enough is enough?JACOB ABEL: Yeah, I think it’s tricky for sure. You saw it on Monday, it’s hard to say when it’s too much until it’s like really too much. Yeah, it bites for sure.You have to respect this place. I think for me personally, I’m just taking what experience I do have from ovals and stuff, but I think even still, this place is so much different than any other oval we ever race at.Then you add in how extended the practice is and all of that, you have so much time to work up to it. Like Dennis said, we’re so used to these very quick weekends, and you have to be up to speed on lap 2 and just be maximizing everything fully to the limit.Here you do need to be exceptionally patient because these cars, the teams work year-round on making these cars as good as they possibly can, and you don’t want to hurt that. It’s really their baby, especially with qualifying and all of that. So you just need to take care of everything.For me it’s leaning on everyone around me, leaning on the data, times, and all of that a little bit, but I think more so it’s just kind of how you feel in traffic, how you’re able to kind of suck up to the people in front of you, passing people, or people passing you easily or not. I think it’s a lot of feel for sure.But yeah, it’s a good point. It definitely is hard to know when is too much without fully going over the limit.
Q. Jacob, question for you. You said you’re working with INDY NXT team, and I know last year you were with an INDYCAR team. Are you working with someone for your own driving ability, like a coach or someone?JACOB ABEL: Yeah, I always have. I’ve always worked with Spencer Pigot. He’s spotting for me this weekend as well. He’s spotted for me the past four or five years. I have him to help on the driving side of things and share a little of that experience, because I obviously don’t have a teammate. Then Charlie Kimball is also on my radio calling strategy. He obviously has a lot of experience around here too.While I don’t have a teammate that’s out there, and I think that definitely hurts us a little bit for sure, I do have a lot of experienced minds in my corner, and I think that definitely helps a lot.
Indianapolis 500 Monday Practice Results
CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway ovalSpeedway, IndianaMedia DayMay 21, 2026
Row 10 – Jacob AbelTHE MODERATOR: We continue on with row 10 this morning. Starting 30th, it’s been a long journey, so happy to see him in the Indianapolis 500, driver of the No. 51 Abel Construction Chevrolet for Abel Motorsports, Jacob Abel. – We’ve got Carb Day tomorrow. Ideally, weather permitting, two hours of practice, and then we look ahead to Sunday. How much work do you still have to do on your car that you feel like before you get ready for Sunday’s race? Before you really feel ready for Sunday’s race?JACOB ABEL: I think for us it’s going to be a lot of procedural stuff. We haven’t done an INDYCAR race as a team together ever really. We did this race three years ago, some of the same guys, and we’ve got a bunch of people that have some experience, but for us it’s all working together on pit stops, strategy things, all sorts of stuff like that is probably the most important for us.Still need to work a little bit in traffic. Feel pretty good about our car, though. We’ve kind of spent the most work on that definitely throughout the month.Yeah, I think for us it’s kind of going to be getting the nerves out of our crew and all of that for pit stops and kind of getting me a little bit more up to speed here too.Dennis can speak to this too, but the pit lane entry here is kind of unlike anything else. The braking and all of that is really tricky. So trying to maximize that and working up to it as much as possible.
THE MODERATOR: Just generally speaking for you, I know last year there was a lot of heartbreak involved in that. How much do you allow yourself now to look ahead to what trying to figure going to be like going into turn 1 and the opening lap and all the ceremonial things that you missed out on that you long for, but now you have the opportunity to be a part of?JACOB ABEL: Yeah, it’s still surreal. Last year was surreal, to be honest, getting up to that point, and then obviously I wasn’t able to take part of it.So I’ve been trying to really enjoy every single step of the week and really soak it all in. I’m excited for everything. I wish the weather was a little bit better, a little bit warmer, but yes, this is stuff I’ve been looking forward to my entire life. Still doesn’t feel real at all. I don’t know when it will.Sunday morning is still going to be pretty emotional, but I’m excited and full focus on the task at hand.
THE MODERATOR: Let’s open it up for questions.Q. Couple questions for Jacob. With what happened last year and then coming back this year, how did that maybe change your appreciation for this place or deepen your appreciation for this place?JACOB ABEL: Yeah, it’s humbling for sure. Just when I thought I didn’t need to appreciate it any more, I’ve been a huge fan of this event my whole, entire life. My first race was the 98th running back in, I think it was 2014 then. So I’ve been to pretty much every single one since as a fan and then slowly working more and more closer to being a driver.Then obviously last year getting super close, basically as close as you can possibly get to it. Yeah, it’s made me respect it even more.Like I said, I’ve always looked up to this race, but you don’t truly understand it until it gets so close and then you can’t have it. Yeah, it’s just making me enjoy everything that much more, just getting here at the start of practice the beginning of last week, it’s so exciting.As a young driver, you never know how many chances you’re going to have at this. I don’t know how many chances I’m going to have at this. I would love to do this race every year for the rest of my life, but the reality of that is tough, and up until about a month and a half ago or maybe close to two months ago, I didn’t know if I was ever going to get to experience it again.Just to be here and enjoy it, I think is probably the biggest thing. Sunday is certainly going to be pretty special.
Q. It’s like a flashback to our conversation at Daytona. I wanted to also ask, one of the cooler things with your team, with this program, in 2023 the guys that were part of the INDY NXT program were the guys that built that car that came here, but they didn’t get a chance to run it obviously. This year they do. This year a lot of those guys on this crew are all from the INDY NXT program. So the opportunity to just kind of see a little bit of a dream fulfilled for them to be part of this program with you?JACOB ABEL: Yeah, I think it speaks so much to our INDY NXT team’s skill set and experience because it basically is our whole, entire INDY NXT program has kind of gathered around this one car and building it and making it as fast as possible.On a personal note, it’s also just super special to me because these are people that they were all a part of my INDY NXT career, and basically every step of the ladder up until that point. So it’s very rewarding as just an overall experience for me to be able to share that with them.We’re all new to it. It’s kind of new to all of us, but it’s cool because we’re not new to each other at all. So we don’t have to build those levels of communication or anything like that or trust. I know my engineer trusts my feedback, and I trust that he is going to make good changes. That’s, I think, one of the biggest parts about that relationship in the first place.It’s been more just about implementing it into an INDYCAR at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway — because that’s not a super big deal or anything.Yeah, it’s been super fun, super special, super rewarding experience, and it makes it all that much more emotional for sure.
THE MODERATOR: Some of those guys are real daredevils, go back to roadsters and whatnot.Q. For both of you, when you have so little experience of this place, how do you judge when you’ve got the car as good as you can get it? As rookies, it must be incredibly difficult to say, well, it’s handling like this, and then Dale or your dad say, no, that’s as good as it gets, you need to expect that. How do you judge when enough is enough?JACOB ABEL: Yeah, I think it’s tricky for sure. You saw it on Monday, it’s hard to say when it’s too much until it’s like really too much. Yeah, it bites for sure.You have to respect this place. I think for me personally, I’m just taking what experience I do have from ovals and stuff, but I think even still, this place is so much different than any other oval we ever race at.Then you add in how extended the practice is and all of that, you have so much time to work up to it. Like Dennis said, we’re so used to these very quick weekends, and you have to be up to speed on lap 2 and just be maximizing everything fully to the limit.Here you do need to be exceptionally patient because these cars, the teams work year-round on making these cars as good as they possibly can, and you don’t want to hurt that. It’s really their baby, especially with qualifying and all of that. So you just need to take care of everything.For me it’s leaning on everyone around me, leaning on the data, times, and all of that a little bit, but I think more so it’s just kind of how you feel in traffic, how you’re able to kind of suck up to the people in front of you, passing people, or people passing you easily or not. I think it’s a lot of feel for sure.But yeah, it’s a good point. It definitely is hard to know when is too much without fully going over the limit.
Q. Jacob, question for you. You said you’re working with INDY NXT team, and I know last year you were with an INDYCAR team. Are you working with someone for your own driving ability, like a coach or someone?JACOB ABEL: Yeah, I always have. I’ve always worked with Spencer Pigot. He’s spotting for me this weekend as well. He’s spotted for me the past four or five years. I have him to help on the driving side of things and share a little of that experience, because I obviously don’t have a teammate. Then Charlie Kimball is also on my radio calling strategy. He obviously has a lot of experience around here too.While I don’t have a teammate that’s out there, and I think that definitely hurts us a little bit for sure, I do have a lot of experienced minds in my corner, and I think that definitely helps a lot.
Indianapolis 500 Monday Practice Results
Chevrolet History at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval General Motors Wins – 18 Chevrolet Wins – 13 2024 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2023 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2019 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske2018 – Will Power – Team Penske2015 – Juan Montoya – Team Penske2013 – Tony Kanaan – KV Racing Technology-SH Racing2002 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske1993 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske1992 – Al Unser, Jr. – Galles/Kraco1991 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1990 – Arie Luyendyk – Doug Shierson Racing1989 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Patrick Racing1988 – Rick Mears – Team Penske Oldsmobile Wins – 5  2001 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske2000 – Juan Montoya – Chip Ganassi Racing1999 – Kenny Brack – A.J. Foyt Racing1998 – Eddie Cheever, Jr. – Team Cheever1997 – Arie Luyendyk – Treadway Racing General Motors Poles – 20 Chevrolet Poles – 14 2025 – Robert Shwartzman – PREMA Racing2024 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2019 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske2018 – Ed Carpenter – Ed Carpenter Racing2015 – Scott Dixon – Chip Ganassi Racing2014 – Ed Carpenter – Ed Carpenter Racing2013 – Ed Carpenter – Ed Carpenter Racing2012 – Ryan Briscoe – Team Penske2002 – Bruno Junqueira – Chip Ganassi Racing1991 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1990 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske1989 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1988 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1987 – Mario Andretti – Newman Haas Racing Oldsmobile Poles – 5 2001 – Scott Sharp – Kelley Racing2000 – Greg Ray – Team Menard1999 – Arie Luyendyk – Treadway Racing1998 – Billy Boat – A.J. Foyt Racing1997 – Arie Luyendyk – Treadway Racing Buick Poles – 1 1992 – Roberto Guerrero – King Motorsports General Motors Podiums – 54 Chevrolet Podiums – 38 Chevrolet Driver Podiums – Emerson Fittipaldi (4), Helio Castroneves (3), Josef Newgarden (3), Pato O’Ward (3), Tony Kanaan (2), Arie Luyendyk (2), Rick Mears (2), Simon Pagenaud (2), Will Power (2), Al Unser Jr. (2), Michael Andretti (1), Ed Carpenter (1), Santino Ferrucci (1),Felipe Giaffone (1), Scott Goodyear (1), Ryan Hunter-Reay (1), Charlie Kimball (1), David Malukas (1), Juan Montoya (1), Carlos Munoz (1), Bob Rahal (1), Paul Tracy (1), Al Unser (1) Chevrolet Team Podiums –  Team Penske (15), Arrow McLaren (3), A.J. Foyt Racing (2), Andretti Global (2), ECR (2), Galles Racing (2), KV Racing Technology (2), Patrick Racing (2), Chip Ganassi Racing (1), Doug Shierson Racing (1), Granatelli Racing (1), Kraco Enterprises (1), Mo Nunn Racing (1), Newman Haas Racing (1), Team Green (1), Walker Racing (1) Oldsmobile – 15  Oldsmobile Driver Podiums – Buddy Lazier (2), Jeff Ward (2), Michael Andretti (1), Billy Boat (1), Kenny Brack (1), Helio Castroneves (1), Eddie Cheever, Jr. (1), Gil de Ferran (1), Scott Goodyear (1), Steve Knapp (1), Arie Luyendyk (1), Juan Montoya (1), Eliseo Salazar (1) Oldsmobile Team Podiums – A.J. Foyt (3), Hemelgarn Racing (2), Team Cheever (2), Team Penske (2), Treadway Racing (2), Chip Ganassi Racing (1), ISM Racing (1), Team Green (1), Pagan Racing (1) Buick – 1 Buick Driver Podiums – Al Unser (1) Buick Team Podiums – Team Menard (1) General Motors Laps Led – 3709 Chevrolet Laps Led – 2699 Chevrolet Driver Laps Led – Emerson Fittipaldi (348), Mario Andretti (193), Simon Pagenaud (169), Ed Carpenter (144), Will Power (140), Tony Kanaan (133), Michael Andretti (132), Rick Mears (119), Helio Castroneves (98), Pato O’Ward (96), Danny Sullivan (95), Marco Andretti (90), Scott Dixon (87), Conor Daly (82), Josef Newgarden (69), Rinus VeeKay (65), Scott McLaughlin (64), Al Unser Jr. (52), Felix Rosenqvist (47), Arie Luyendyk (37), Bob Rahal (36), Bruno Junqueira (32), Alexander Rossi (30), Al Unser (27), Juan Montoya (26), A.J. Allmendinger (23), Sting Ray Robb (23), Ryan Briscoe (15), Gil de Ferran (13), Santino Ferrucci (12), Felipe Giaffone (12), James Hinchcliffe (12), Carlos Munoz (12), Alex Barron (10), Charlie Kimball (10), Christian Rasmussen (9), Robert Shwartzman (8), Spencer Pigot (7), JR Hildebrand (6), Callum Ilott (6), Oliver Askew (4), Kevin Cogan (4), Sage Karam (4), Kyle Larson (4), Jack Harvey (3), Scott Sharp (3), Rubens Barrichello (2), David Malukas (2) Chevrolet Team Laps Led – Team Penske (1019), Newman Haas Racing (325), ECR (306), Chip Ganassi Racing (179), Arrow McLaren (168), Patrick Racing (158), Andretti Global (140), Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (85), A.J. Foyt Racing (56), Galles Racing (56), KV Racing Technology (43), Doug Shierson Racing (37), Kraco Enterprises (35), Mo Nunn Racing (35), Juncos Hollinger Racing (18), King Motorsports (15), Prema Racing (8), Blair Racing (7), Kelley Racing (4), Team Cheever (3) Oldsmobile Laps Led – 996 Oldsmobile Driver Laps Led: Juan Montoya (167), Arie Luyendyk (129), Greg Ray (116), Kenny Brack (89), Tony Stewart (78), Eddie Cheever, Jr. (76), Helio Castroneves (52), Jeff Ward (52), Robby Gordon (50), John Paul, Jr. (39), Mark Dismore (29), Gil de Ferran (27), Buddy Lazier (27), Michael Andretti (16), Robbie Buhl (16), Billy Boat (13), Jimmy Vasser (5), Buzz Calkins (4), Sam Schmidt (4), Davey Hamilton (3), Scott Goodyear (2), Robbie McGehee (2) Oldsmobile Team Laps Led : Team Menard (207), Chip Ganassi Racing (185), Treadway Racing (137), Team Cheever (125), A.J. Foyt Racing (124), Team Penske (79), Team Pelfrey (39), Kelley Racing (29), Hemelgarn Racing (27), Genoa Racing (18), Team Green (16), Bradley Racing (4), Nienhouse Motorsports (3), Pagan Racing (3) Buick Laps Led – 14 Buick Driver Laps Led: Jim Crawford (8), Al Unser (4), Scott Brayton (1), Stephane Gregoire (1) Buick Team Laps Led: King Motorsports (8), Team Menard (4), Brayton Engineering (1), Formula Project (1) Manufacturer History at the Indianapolis 500 Wins (with competition)  27 – Offenhauser (1976, 1975, 1974, 1973, 1972, 1968, 1964, 1963, 1962, 1961, 1960, 1959, 1958, 1957, 1956, 1955, 1954, 1953, 1952, 1951, 1950, 1949, 1948, 1947, 1941, 1937, 1935)18 – General Motors 13 – Chevrolet (2024, 2023, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2013, 2002, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988)12 – Miller (1938, 1936, 1934, 1933, 1932, 1931, 1930, 1929, 1928, 1926, 1923, 1922)10 – Honda (2025, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2005, 2004)10 – Cosworth (1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978)8 – Ford (1996, 1995, 1971, 1970, 1969, 1967, 1965)5 – Oldsmobile (2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997)3 – Duesenberg (1927, 1925, 19243 – Peugeot (1919, 1918, 1913)2 – Mercedes (1994, 19152 – Maserati (1940, 1939)2 – Frontenac (1921, 1920)1 – Toyota (2003)1 – Foyt (19771 – Sparks (1946)1 – Delage (1914)1 – National (1912)1 – Marmon (1911)  Earned Poles (with competition) 23 – General Motors18 – Offenhauser (1976, 1973, 1972, 1971, 1963, 1962, 1961, 1960, 1959, 1958, 1957, 1956, 1955, 1954, 1953, 1950, 1946, 1937)14 – Miller (1938, 1935, 1934, 1933, 1932, 1930, 1929, 1928, 1927, 1926, 1925, 1924, 1923, 1922)14 – Chevrolet (2025, 2024, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2002, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987)9 – Cosworth (1986, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978, 1977)9 – Honda (2026, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2016, 2005, 2004)7 – Ford (1993, 1970, 1969, 1967, 1966, 1965, 1964)5 – Oldsmobile (2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997)4 – Buick (1996, 1995, 1992, 1985)3 – Ballot (1921, 1920, 1919)2 – Foyt (1975, 1974)2 – Novi (1951, 1949)2 – Winfield (1948, 1940)2 – Maserati (1947, 1941)2 – Sparks (1939, 1936)2 – Wisconsin (1912, 1911)1 – Toyota (2003)1 – Mercedes (1994)1 – Pratt & Whitney (1968)1 – Cummins (1952)1 – Studebaker (1931)1 – Peugeot (1916)1 – Stutz (1915)1 – Sunbeam (1914)1 – Mercer (1913)
Uncategorized

Chevy Racing–Indycar–Media Day–Sting Ray Robb, Caio Collet and Jack Harvey

CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway ovalSpeedway, IndianaMedia DayMay 21, 2026
Row 11 – Sting Ray Robb, Caio Collet and Jack Harvey
THE MODERATOR: Good morning, everyone. Welcome to Indianapolis 500 Media Day. Changing up the vibe a little bit up here. Maybe loosening things up a little bit. We’ll see what kind of conversations we get out of all this as we roll through the 11 rows of three.One exception. Graham Rahal’s golf outing is happening. So Graham and Mick Schumacher will join us at the end of the day today.We’ll work our way up through the field. Starting with row 11, starting 33rd, making his ninth appearance in the 500, a rising star in American Motorsports, driving the No. 24 DRR INVST Chevrolet for Dreyer & Reinbold, please welcome Jack Harvey.Starting 32nd, a rookie making big waves this month driving the No. 4 — you pronounce it. Combitrans Amazonian Chevrolet, for AJ Foyt Enterprises, Caio Collet.Starting 31st, making his fourth Indy 500 appearance, driver of the No. 77 Juncos Hollinger Goodheart Chevrolet, it’s Sting Ray Robb.It’s Media Day today. You’ve got a lot of interviews in front of you. At what point do you get talked out of the Indy 500?
STING RAY ROBB: I don’t think Jack’s ever going to get talked out.
THE MODERATOR: That’s a good point. This is a special race, right? Hopefully the weather holds off. See how it all plays out. All of you looking forward to getting going tomorrow and then on Sunday?
JACK HARVEY: Absolutely. It’s the biggest race in the world, certainly one of. It’s the only one I’m scheduled to do really. I mean, it’s not that funny — it’s funny, but it’s not that funny. I think what it gives me is I don’t mind doing all of the media stuff actually. Every sponsor event, every media event, interview — I’ve been milking this day for as long as I can.I’m trying to extend the Indy 500 into the week of Detroit as long as I can.STING RAY ROBB: Careful what you wish for. The weather is not quite –JACK HARVEY: I’ll do it on Thursday, I don’t care. We have to extend this month as long as we can.
THE MODERATOR: I understand. Before you get back to your real life or your real job or whatever.JACK HARVEY: I was just talking about that. That’s fun too.
THE MODERATOR: Caio, your car is really fast. I know you’re looking forward to Sunday.CAIO COLLET: Of course. We have a really fast car. I think we had a good month. My team worked really hard this month for me, and I was comfortable with the first laps. It was a little bit of a setback qualifying, but I think we have a fast car and a long race ahead.
THE MODERATOR: Sting Ray, qualifying, just watching you throttle and up, it was kind of a handful on qualifying. You only had one shot at it, but you made it through cleanly, right?STING RAY ROBB: Yeah, I mean, clean is a — yeah –
THE MODERATOR: A couple of squirrely moments out there?STING RAY ROBB: Yeah, it was disappointing. With the car setup we have, we know we have a fast race car. We had to take a risk in qualifying, running no strakes like the rest of the field it seemed like. That was a bit of a mistake, hindsight. I think that Rinus, it really paid out for him, just with the conditions being right and the time of day and being one of the first cars to go out. The track temp went up, ambient temp went up. We just didn’t have it.It’s frustrating. I know we have a good race car. Where we’re starting is not indicative where we’re going to finish by any means.
THE MODERATOR: You give it a “Whew” when he talked about no strakes?JACK HARVEY: I did. Sting Ray is crazy. I felt bad for everyone in the 24, but I thought Caio has done an amazing job from the open test to the way he qualified.I was bummed for us, but I was bummed for you too. I think you’ve done awesome this month.CAIO COLLET: Thank you.JACK HARVEY: And Sting Ray, I love this guy. He’s growing a mustache. I don’t know if you guys can see it where you are.
THE MODERATOR: Are you growing a mustache?STING RAY ROBB: It’s a little dirt on my lip. I apologize to anyone who had to see it. The whole 77 crew decided to do it for the month of May. I tried to join the vibe. I should have started in January.
THE MODERATOR: Nice of you to admit that. We’ll open it up for questions.Q. Jack, this one is sort of for you, looking at the conditions we’ve had so far this past week, like Thursday when we got here last week, it was hot. Sunday was very hot. We complained of being sunburnt. Now almost like an English summer’s day out here.JACK HARVEY: It’s beautiful outside.
Q. Absolutely freezing. How much is that going to impact how you set the car up for Carb Day knowing it could be different again come race day?JACK HARVEY: Our plan right now is to go out how we finished on Monday, truthfully. It’s so difficult to try and predict where the track might be just from a temperature stance, but also now with so much rain, how much grip may or may not be on the track as well.We’re going to limit those variables, go with what we know at least what works on Monday. I thought we were pretty quick, and we could dice a decent amount. So that’s good.I think we tried to not be too smart in this moment and go with what we knew and adapt on Carb Day if we get it in.
Q. I’ve been going on and on about this, but this goes for one of you guys. How much does the tailwind impact getting into the corners?CAIO COLLET: It’s a different car when you have wind. When you have back wind, it’s completely different. Like qualifying, for example, 1 and 4 felt really, really good, like you’re driving with 100 kilos more of force. Then you go to 2 and 3 with the back wind, it’s like the rear wing is off. It’s completely different. It’s really nice to adapt for the teams with the conditions. You need to nail what you have and especially with the tools, you need to be proactive. So it’s cool.
Q. Caio, as a rookie, is this month what you expected it to be, or have there been some big surprises you weren’t expecting coming into this month with all the different activities, festivities, and different things you’ve had to do as first timer here?CAIO COLLET: I don’t think you can understand how big is the race until you actually do it and until you actually start to be a part of it.Last year was my first time watching and being here during the month, but when you’re actually driving, like the atmosphere of the team, it’s really impressive, the fans that you get in front of the garage. Then when you go and drive your car up to pit lane like on fast Friday and qualifying, they start to cheer you on, the fans. It’s really awesome to be part of this.I don’t think you understand how big is the race until you are actually in it. It’s really impressive.
THE MODERATOR: Sting Ray, you want to add to that?STING RAY ROBB: Yeah, as a rookie, it’s intimidating. 2023 is where it was back to full capacity. I’d been there in 2021 and 2022, and as a fan, seeing the half full stands, it was like, oh, yeah, it’s a big event, right? Show up in 2023, and I had to put my blockers on because I was like this is overwhelming.Especially when you do the driver introductions on race day. I remember looking up at the crowd and seeing everyone there, and the track seems smaller on race day. Going down to turn 1 when the first race starts, it’s like a half width track it feels like. And you’re three wide, so it definitely doesn’t help things. It’s definitely a fun month to be a rookie at.
Q. Jack, you lost, what, two rows worth of spots, I think, with the penalty and all. Does that change your attitude towards the start at all or the strategy at the start of the race at all or not?JACK HARVEY: I was pretty bummed with that qualifying run. We had an issue with our fifth gear. Down the back straight, we were hitting the top speed we wanted to. Going into turn 1, we were missing like 5 miles an hour.Generally I was bummed, realistically going from 29th to 33rd, more so as a pride thing. I was really trying to avoid the last row party, in all fairness, done that disco dance a couple times. Really more so bummed because I thought we had a car capable of being in the top 12.To answer your actual question, no, doesn’t change anything about our strategy, how we’re going to be at the start. I know we’re going to go forward. To be honest, I think it hurts me the most, when I said it to Caio, you couldn’t even write the speeds down here, Dave? No time, no speed. That’s savage.
THE MODERATOR: It was late at night when we did it. We ran out of time.STING RAY ROBB: Unfortunately for Jack here, the last time we were at a last row party was together. We’ve got to agree to not do this again.JACK HARVEY: Here we are doing it again. I don’t know if I’m the problem or you’re the problem.STING RAY ROBB: Yes, team effort here.
THE MODERATOR: You brought a plus one. It’s good. Last row party is tonight, by the way.Q. I’ve got one for Sting Ray. You spoke after qualifying the potential that the run had to perhaps dent the confidence in the race car as well. Did you manage to find anything back on Monday and help you get more comfortable with the car?STING RAY ROBB: Monday was great. I felt like we could race pretty well. Felt like we had a decent pace. We put the strakes back on like a normal person would. The car has natural speed, sucks up well on the straights. Trying to find the balance in the turn was good once we had the downforce back in the car.We were out of that window on qualifying day. We were too trimmed for the conditions. When you have that, the car is going to do everything you don’t want it to. It’s going to understeer, it’s going to oversteer. Like Caio said with the wind, it’s different every turn.You have to be proactive on your tools, and even when I was proactive with the tools, you get both things in the same turn. It’s pretty frustrating to have a qualifying like that because it does dent your confidence. Only having one shot really screws with your head because you don’t have the chance to go redo it.
Q. You’ve had a lot of experience here. You’ve experienced leading the race, but then also having to fight to make the race in 2023. How do you feel about those experiences of dealing with multiple different cars will help you race your way forward?STING RAY ROBB: 2023, I was happy to be inside the 33. When we were in the last row, Bump Day with Jack and Graham, I remember just thinking like, please, Lord, let this happen. I just want to be in the race. I don’t care where I start. We snuck it in.Obviously the race didn’t go to plan because we just really lacked speed, and our balance was really bad.2024 was the exact contrast. We started mid-pack, but I had a great car, great strategy, led laps. I’ve seen both ends of the field, it seems like here, and I know that we have the potential to do well. So I know that in order to get to the front with those experience that’s I’ve had, it’s going to take kind of a long day and a lot of effort and a lot of risk to do that. It’s unfortunate we’re starting in the last row, but it’s not impossible to have a decent day.
Q. This one’s for Caio. Sorry about the disqualification, but now that you’re starting in the back row and your car’s really, really good, have you had a lot of practice doing passing out there?CAIO COLLET: I think on Monday, last week as well, we had a little bit of practice. But Monday was when everyone started to drive only with race cars, a lot of fuel and a lot of laps. I think I felt quite comfortable. When you’re behind the pack, it changes a bit, the approach as well, and what we’re doing with the car changes a little bit and the strategy as well with the team.We had to adapt a bit, but hopefully we can do some good strategies, good pit stops, and move forward.
Q. Sting Ray, I heard you were one of three drivers who got to coach the Weinermobile driver. Can you talk to me about that experience?STING RAY ROBB: We did that on media day earlier this year, which was a lot of fun. I think there were several drivers that got to do it. I think I’ll be crew chiefing one of the wieniemobiles this year for the Wienie 500. Is that tomorrow?
THE MODERATOR: It is tomorrow, yes.JACK HARVEY: Which wienie are you on?STING RAY ROBB: Great question.
THE MODERATOR: Are you going to ride along with them?STING RAY ROBB: I wish. Actually, I don’t know how that works. I think I’ll be getting a radio and calling the shots for them. I’ll tell them when to pass. I’ll be their spotter, eyes in the sky or something.JACK HARVEY: Have you got a good reference for how you’re going to do this? Wienie jokes, I’m clearly talking about.STING RAY ROBB: I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about it.JACK HARVEY: Could you give us one?STING RAY ROBB: No.JACK HARVEY: Please.STING RAY ROBB: I think the jokes write themselves. You’ve just got to watch how it plays out, and then it’s great.
THE MODERATOR: You want to “relish” that opportunity, I guess.JACK HARVEY: That was good, Dave. Nice. You’re good at this stuff.
Q. It’s good that you “mustard” the courage to get that pun out. For Sting Ray and Jack, you all had the last row party a couple years ago. They gave you a check for the amount of money for the starting positions. Did you keep those checks? Did you cash them? What did you do with them?STING RAY ROBB: I don’t think we get any cash, unfortunately.THE MODERATOR: You get 32 cents, 31 cents, actually. There’s like a big check.JACK HARVEY: I’ve never cashed it. I would feel ridiculous, cashing for 33 cents.Q. I imagine you take the picture on your phone with the big check.JACK HARVEY: I keep the sign and everything. Actually, I think I’ve got the checks somewhere.STING RAY ROBB: I think I do as well. They’re stored away deep in a locker at the very bottom, never to be looked at again hopefully.JACK HARVEY: I was hoping we were going to keep the 3-for-3 jokes going on from the “relish” to the “mustard.”
THE MODERATOR: Nothing?STING RAY ROBB: Can’t “catch up,” can you?JACK HARVEY: (Indiscernible) I don’t know.STING RAY ROBB: It was a ketchup joke, I’m sorry.JACK HARVEY: Did I miss that one then?STING RAY ROBB: I’ll work on it. This is practice for tomorrow.
THE MODERATOR: Guys, thanks a lot. We’ll get you back on your way.Once again, Jack Harvey, Caio Collet, Sting Ray Robb. Good luck tomorrow and certainly on Sunday.
Chevrolet History at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval General Motors Wins – 18 Chevrolet Wins – 13 2024 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2023 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2019 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske2018 – Will Power – Team Penske2015 – Juan Montoya – Team Penske2013 – Tony Kanaan – KV Racing Technology-SH Racing2002 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske1993 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske1992 – Al Unser, Jr. – Galles/Kraco1991 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1990 – Arie Luyendyk – Doug Shierson Racing1989 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Patrick Racing1988 – Rick Mears – Team Penske Oldsmobile Wins – 5  2001 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske2000 – Juan Montoya – Chip Ganassi Racing1999 – Kenny Brack – A.J. Foyt Racing1998 – Eddie Cheever, Jr. – Team Cheever1997 – Arie Luyendyk – Treadway Racing General Motors Poles – 20 Chevrolet Poles – 14 2025 – Robert Shwartzman – PREMA Racing2024 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2019 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske2018 – Ed Carpenter – Ed Carpenter Racing2015 – Scott Dixon – Chip Ganassi Racing2014 – Ed Carpenter – Ed Carpenter Racing2013 – Ed Carpenter – Ed Carpenter Racing2012 – Ryan Briscoe – Team Penske2002 – Bruno Junqueira – Chip Ganassi Racing1991 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1990 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske1989 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1988 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1987 – Mario Andretti – Newman Haas Racing Oldsmobile Poles – 5 2001 – Scott Sharp – Kelley Racing2000 – Greg Ray – Team Menard1999 – Arie Luyendyk – Treadway Racing1998 – Billy Boat – A.J. Foyt Racing1997 – Arie Luyendyk – Treadway Racing Buick Poles – 1 1992 – Roberto Guerrero – King Motorsports General Motors Podiums – 54 Chevrolet Podiums – 38 Chevrolet Driver Podiums – Emerson Fittipaldi (4), Helio Castroneves (3), Josef Newgarden (3), Pato O’Ward (3), Tony Kanaan (2), Arie Luyendyk (2), Rick Mears (2), Simon Pagenaud (2), Will Power (2), Al Unser Jr. (2), Michael Andretti (1), Ed Carpenter (1), Santino Ferrucci (1),Felipe Giaffone (1), Scott Goodyear (1), Ryan Hunter-Reay (1), Charlie Kimball (1), David Malukas (1), Juan Montoya (1), Carlos Munoz (1), Bob Rahal (1), Paul Tracy (1), Al Unser (1) Chevrolet Team Podiums –  Team Penske (15), Arrow McLaren (3), A.J. Foyt Racing (2), Andretti Global (2), ECR (2), Galles Racing (2), KV Racing Technology (2), Patrick Racing (2), Chip Ganassi Racing (1), Doug Shierson Racing (1), Granatelli Racing (1), Kraco Enterprises (1), Mo Nunn Racing (1), Newman Haas Racing (1), Team Green (1), Walker Racing (1) Oldsmobile – 15  Oldsmobile Driver Podiums – Buddy Lazier (2), Jeff Ward (2), Michael Andretti (1), Billy Boat (1), Kenny Brack (1), Helio Castroneves (1), Eddie Cheever, Jr. (1), Gil de Ferran (1), Scott Goodyear (1), Steve Knapp (1), Arie Luyendyk (1), Juan Montoya (1), Eliseo Salazar (1) Oldsmobile Team Podiums – A.J. Foyt (3), Hemelgarn Racing (2), Team Cheever (2), Team Penske (2), Treadway Racing (2), Chip Ganassi Racing (1), ISM Racing (1), Team Green (1), Pagan Racing (1) Buick – 1 Buick Driver Podiums – Al Unser (1) Buick Team Podiums – Team Menard (1) General Motors Laps Led – 3709 Chevrolet Laps Led – 2699 Chevrolet Driver Laps Led – Emerson Fittipaldi (348), Mario Andretti (193), Simon Pagenaud (169), Ed Carpenter (144), Will Power (140), Tony Kanaan (133), Michael Andretti (132), Rick Mears (119), Helio Castroneves (98), Pato O’Ward (96), Danny Sullivan (95), Marco Andretti (90), Scott Dixon (87), Conor Daly (82), Josef Newgarden (69), Rinus VeeKay (65), Scott McLaughlin (64), Al Unser Jr. (52), Felix Rosenqvist (47), Arie Luyendyk (37), Bob Rahal (36), Bruno Junqueira (32), Alexander Rossi (30), Al Unser (27), Juan Montoya (26), A.J. Allmendinger (23), Sting Ray Robb (23), Ryan Briscoe (15), Gil de Ferran (13), Santino Ferrucci (12), Felipe Giaffone (12), James Hinchcliffe (12), Carlos Munoz (12), Alex Barron (10), Charlie Kimball (10), Christian Rasmussen (9), Robert Shwartzman (8), Spencer Pigot (7), JR Hildebrand (6), Callum Ilott (6), Oliver Askew (4), Kevin Cogan (4), Sage Karam (4), Kyle Larson (4), Jack Harvey (3), Scott Sharp (3), Rubens Barrichello (2), David Malukas (2) Chevrolet Team Laps Led – Team Penske (1019), Newman Haas Racing (325), ECR (306), Chip Ganassi Racing (179), Arrow McLaren (168), Patrick Racing (158), Andretti Global (140), Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (85), A.J. Foyt Racing (56), Galles Racing (56), KV Racing Technology (43), Doug Shierson Racing (37), Kraco Enterprises (35), Mo Nunn Racing (35), Juncos Hollinger Racing (18), King Motorsports (15), Prema Racing (8), Blair Racing (7), Kelley Racing (4), Team Cheever (3) Oldsmobile Laps Led – 996 Oldsmobile Driver Laps Led: Juan Montoya (167), Arie Luyendyk (129), Greg Ray (116), Kenny Brack (89), Tony Stewart (78), Eddie Cheever, Jr. (76), Helio Castroneves (52), Jeff Ward (52), Robby Gordon (50), John Paul, Jr. (39), Mark Dismore (29), Gil de Ferran (27), Buddy Lazier (27), Michael Andretti (16), Robbie Buhl (16), Billy Boat (13), Jimmy Vasser (5), Buzz Calkins (4), Sam Schmidt (4), Davey Hamilton (3), Scott Goodyear (2), Robbie McGehee (2) Oldsmobile Team Laps Led : Team Menard (207), Chip Ganassi Racing (185), Treadway Racing (137), Team Cheever (125), A.J. Foyt Racing (124), Team Penske (79), Team Pelfrey (39), Kelley Racing (29), Hemelgarn Racing (27), Genoa Racing (18), Team Green (16), Bradley Racing (4), Nienhouse Motorsports (3), Pagan Racing (3) Buick Laps Led – 14 Buick Driver Laps Led: Jim Crawford (8), Al Unser (4), Scott Brayton (1), Stephane Gregoire (1) Buick Team Laps Led: King Motorsports (8), Team Menard (4), Brayton Engineering (1), Formula Project (1) Manufacturer History at the Indianapolis 500 Wins (with competition)  27 – Offenhauser (1976, 1975, 1974, 1973, 1972, 1968, 1964, 1963, 1962, 1961, 1960, 1959, 1958, 1957, 1956, 1955, 1954, 1953, 1952, 1951, 1950, 1949, 1948, 1947, 1941, 1937, 1935)18 – General Motors 13 – Chevrolet (2024, 2023, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2013, 2002, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988)12 – Miller (1938, 1936, 1934, 1933, 1932, 1931, 1930, 1929, 1928, 1926, 1923, 1922)10 – Honda (2025, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2005, 2004)10 – Cosworth (1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978)8 – Ford (1996, 1995, 1971, 1970, 1969, 1967, 1965)5 – Oldsmobile (2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997)3 – Duesenberg (1927, 1925, 19243 – Peugeot (1919, 1918, 1913)2 – Mercedes (1994, 19152 – Maserati (1940, 1939)2 – Frontenac (1921, 1920)1 – Toyota (2003)1 – Foyt (19771 – Sparks (1946)1 – Delage (1914)1 – National (1912)1 – Marmon (1911)  Earned Poles (with competition) 23 – General Motors18 – Offenhauser (1976, 1973, 1972, 1971, 1963, 1962, 1961, 1960, 1959, 1958, 1957, 1956, 1955, 1954, 1953, 1950, 1946, 1937)14 – Miller (1938, 1935, 1934, 1933, 1932, 1930, 1929, 1928, 1927, 1926, 1925, 1924, 1923, 1922)14 – Chevrolet (2025, 2024, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2002, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987)9 – Cosworth (1986, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978, 1977)9 – Honda (2026, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2016, 2005, 2004)7 – Ford (1993, 1970, 1969, 1967, 1966, 1965, 1964)5 – Oldsmobile (2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997)4 – Buick (1996, 1995, 1992, 1985)3 – Ballot (1921, 1920, 1919)2 – Foyt (1975, 1974)2 – Novi (1951, 1949)2 – Winfield (1948, 1940)2 – Maserati (1947, 1941)2 – Sparks (1939, 1936)2 – Wisconsin (1912, 1911)1 – Toyota (2003)1 – Mercedes (1994)1 – Pratt & Whitney (1968)1 – Cummins (1952)1 – Studebaker (1931)1 – Peugeot (1916)1 – Stutz (1915)1 – Sunbeam (1914)1 – Mercer (1913)
CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway ovalSpeedway, IndianaMedia DayMay 21, 2026
Row 11 – Sting Ray Robb, Caio Collet and Jack Harvey
THE MODERATOR: Good morning, everyone. Welcome to Indianapolis 500 Media Day. Changing up the vibe a little bit up here. Maybe loosening things up a little bit. We’ll see what kind of conversations we get out of all this as we roll through the 11 rows of three.One exception. Graham Rahal’s golf outing is happening. So Graham and Mick Schumacher will join us at the end of the day today.We’ll work our way up through the field. Starting with row 11, starting 33rd, making his ninth appearance in the 500, a rising star in American Motorsports, driving the No. 24 DRR INVST Chevrolet for Dreyer & Reinbold, please welcome Jack Harvey.Starting 32nd, a rookie making big waves this month driving the No. 4 — you pronounce it. Combitrans Amazonian Chevrolet, for AJ Foyt Enterprises, Caio Collet.Starting 31st, making his fourth Indy 500 appearance, driver of the No. 77 Juncos Hollinger Goodheart Chevrolet, it’s Sting Ray Robb.It’s Media Day today. You’ve got a lot of interviews in front of you. At what point do you get talked out of the Indy 500?
STING RAY ROBB: I don’t think Jack’s ever going to get talked out.
THE MODERATOR: That’s a good point. This is a special race, right? Hopefully the weather holds off. See how it all plays out. All of you looking forward to getting going tomorrow and then on Sunday?
JACK HARVEY: Absolutely. It’s the biggest race in the world, certainly one of. It’s the only one I’m scheduled to do really. I mean, it’s not that funny — it’s funny, but it’s not that funny. I think what it gives me is I don’t mind doing all of the media stuff actually. Every sponsor event, every media event, interview — I’ve been milking this day for as long as I can.I’m trying to extend the Indy 500 into the week of Detroit as long as I can.STING RAY ROBB: Careful what you wish for. The weather is not quite –JACK HARVEY: I’ll do it on Thursday, I don’t care. We have to extend this month as long as we can.
THE MODERATOR: I understand. Before you get back to your real life or your real job or whatever.JACK HARVEY: I was just talking about that. That’s fun too.
THE MODERATOR: Caio, your car is really fast. I know you’re looking forward to Sunday.CAIO COLLET: Of course. We have a really fast car. I think we had a good month. My team worked really hard this month for me, and I was comfortable with the first laps. It was a little bit of a setback qualifying, but I think we have a fast car and a long race ahead.
THE MODERATOR: Sting Ray, qualifying, just watching you throttle and up, it was kind of a handful on qualifying. You only had one shot at it, but you made it through cleanly, right?STING RAY ROBB: Yeah, I mean, clean is a — yeah –
THE MODERATOR: A couple of squirrely moments out there?STING RAY ROBB: Yeah, it was disappointing. With the car setup we have, we know we have a fast race car. We had to take a risk in qualifying, running no strakes like the rest of the field it seemed like. That was a bit of a mistake, hindsight. I think that Rinus, it really paid out for him, just with the conditions being right and the time of day and being one of the first cars to go out. The track temp went up, ambient temp went up. We just didn’t have it.It’s frustrating. I know we have a good race car. Where we’re starting is not indicative where we’re going to finish by any means.
THE MODERATOR: You give it a “Whew” when he talked about no strakes?JACK HARVEY: I did. Sting Ray is crazy. I felt bad for everyone in the 24, but I thought Caio has done an amazing job from the open test to the way he qualified.I was bummed for us, but I was bummed for you too. I think you’ve done awesome this month.CAIO COLLET: Thank you.JACK HARVEY: And Sting Ray, I love this guy. He’s growing a mustache. I don’t know if you guys can see it where you are.
THE MODERATOR: Are you growing a mustache?STING RAY ROBB: It’s a little dirt on my lip. I apologize to anyone who had to see it. The whole 77 crew decided to do it for the month of May. I tried to join the vibe. I should have started in January.
THE MODERATOR: Nice of you to admit that. We’ll open it up for questions.Q. Jack, this one is sort of for you, looking at the conditions we’ve had so far this past week, like Thursday when we got here last week, it was hot. Sunday was very hot. We complained of being sunburnt. Now almost like an English summer’s day out here.JACK HARVEY: It’s beautiful outside.
Q. Absolutely freezing. How much is that going to impact how you set the car up for Carb Day knowing it could be different again come race day?JACK HARVEY: Our plan right now is to go out how we finished on Monday, truthfully. It’s so difficult to try and predict where the track might be just from a temperature stance, but also now with so much rain, how much grip may or may not be on the track as well.We’re going to limit those variables, go with what we know at least what works on Monday. I thought we were pretty quick, and we could dice a decent amount. So that’s good.I think we tried to not be too smart in this moment and go with what we knew and adapt on Carb Day if we get it in.
Q. I’ve been going on and on about this, but this goes for one of you guys. How much does the tailwind impact getting into the corners?CAIO COLLET: It’s a different car when you have wind. When you have back wind, it’s completely different. Like qualifying, for example, 1 and 4 felt really, really good, like you’re driving with 100 kilos more of force. Then you go to 2 and 3 with the back wind, it’s like the rear wing is off. It’s completely different. It’s really nice to adapt for the teams with the conditions. You need to nail what you have and especially with the tools, you need to be proactive. So it’s cool.
Q. Caio, as a rookie, is this month what you expected it to be, or have there been some big surprises you weren’t expecting coming into this month with all the different activities, festivities, and different things you’ve had to do as first timer here?CAIO COLLET: I don’t think you can understand how big is the race until you actually do it and until you actually start to be a part of it.Last year was my first time watching and being here during the month, but when you’re actually driving, like the atmosphere of the team, it’s really impressive, the fans that you get in front of the garage. Then when you go and drive your car up to pit lane like on fast Friday and qualifying, they start to cheer you on, the fans. It’s really awesome to be part of this.I don’t think you understand how big is the race until you are actually in it. It’s really impressive.
THE MODERATOR: Sting Ray, you want to add to that?STING RAY ROBB: Yeah, as a rookie, it’s intimidating. 2023 is where it was back to full capacity. I’d been there in 2021 and 2022, and as a fan, seeing the half full stands, it was like, oh, yeah, it’s a big event, right? Show up in 2023, and I had to put my blockers on because I was like this is overwhelming.Especially when you do the driver introductions on race day. I remember looking up at the crowd and seeing everyone there, and the track seems smaller on race day. Going down to turn 1 when the first race starts, it’s like a half width track it feels like. And you’re three wide, so it definitely doesn’t help things. It’s definitely a fun month to be a rookie at.
Q. Jack, you lost, what, two rows worth of spots, I think, with the penalty and all. Does that change your attitude towards the start at all or the strategy at the start of the race at all or not?JACK HARVEY: I was pretty bummed with that qualifying run. We had an issue with our fifth gear. Down the back straight, we were hitting the top speed we wanted to. Going into turn 1, we were missing like 5 miles an hour.Generally I was bummed, realistically going from 29th to 33rd, more so as a pride thing. I was really trying to avoid the last row party, in all fairness, done that disco dance a couple times. Really more so bummed because I thought we had a car capable of being in the top 12.To answer your actual question, no, doesn’t change anything about our strategy, how we’re going to be at the start. I know we’re going to go forward. To be honest, I think it hurts me the most, when I said it to Caio, you couldn’t even write the speeds down here, Dave? No time, no speed. That’s savage.
THE MODERATOR: It was late at night when we did it. We ran out of time.STING RAY ROBB: Unfortunately for Jack here, the last time we were at a last row party was together. We’ve got to agree to not do this again.JACK HARVEY: Here we are doing it again. I don’t know if I’m the problem or you’re the problem.STING RAY ROBB: Yes, team effort here.
THE MODERATOR: You brought a plus one. It’s good. Last row party is tonight, by the way.Q. I’ve got one for Sting Ray. You spoke after qualifying the potential that the run had to perhaps dent the confidence in the race car as well. Did you manage to find anything back on Monday and help you get more comfortable with the car?STING RAY ROBB: Monday was great. I felt like we could race pretty well. Felt like we had a decent pace. We put the strakes back on like a normal person would. The car has natural speed, sucks up well on the straights. Trying to find the balance in the turn was good once we had the downforce back in the car.We were out of that window on qualifying day. We were too trimmed for the conditions. When you have that, the car is going to do everything you don’t want it to. It’s going to understeer, it’s going to oversteer. Like Caio said with the wind, it’s different every turn.You have to be proactive on your tools, and even when I was proactive with the tools, you get both things in the same turn. It’s pretty frustrating to have a qualifying like that because it does dent your confidence. Only having one shot really screws with your head because you don’t have the chance to go redo it.
Q. You’ve had a lot of experience here. You’ve experienced leading the race, but then also having to fight to make the race in 2023. How do you feel about those experiences of dealing with multiple different cars will help you race your way forward?STING RAY ROBB: 2023, I was happy to be inside the 33. When we were in the last row, Bump Day with Jack and Graham, I remember just thinking like, please, Lord, let this happen. I just want to be in the race. I don’t care where I start. We snuck it in.Obviously the race didn’t go to plan because we just really lacked speed, and our balance was really bad.2024 was the exact contrast. We started mid-pack, but I had a great car, great strategy, led laps. I’ve seen both ends of the field, it seems like here, and I know that we have the potential to do well. So I know that in order to get to the front with those experience that’s I’ve had, it’s going to take kind of a long day and a lot of effort and a lot of risk to do that. It’s unfortunate we’re starting in the last row, but it’s not impossible to have a decent day.
Q. This one’s for Caio. Sorry about the disqualification, but now that you’re starting in the back row and your car’s really, really good, have you had a lot of practice doing passing out there?CAIO COLLET: I think on Monday, last week as well, we had a little bit of practice. But Monday was when everyone started to drive only with race cars, a lot of fuel and a lot of laps. I think I felt quite comfortable. When you’re behind the pack, it changes a bit, the approach as well, and what we’re doing with the car changes a little bit and the strategy as well with the team.We had to adapt a bit, but hopefully we can do some good strategies, good pit stops, and move forward.
Q. Sting Ray, I heard you were one of three drivers who got to coach the Weinermobile driver. Can you talk to me about that experience?STING RAY ROBB: We did that on media day earlier this year, which was a lot of fun. I think there were several drivers that got to do it. I think I’ll be crew chiefing one of the wieniemobiles this year for the Wienie 500. Is that tomorrow?
THE MODERATOR: It is tomorrow, yes.JACK HARVEY: Which wienie are you on?STING RAY ROBB: Great question.
THE MODERATOR: Are you going to ride along with them?STING RAY ROBB: I wish. Actually, I don’t know how that works. I think I’ll be getting a radio and calling the shots for them. I’ll tell them when to pass. I’ll be their spotter, eyes in the sky or something.JACK HARVEY: Have you got a good reference for how you’re going to do this? Wienie jokes, I’m clearly talking about.STING RAY ROBB: I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about it.JACK HARVEY: Could you give us one?STING RAY ROBB: No.JACK HARVEY: Please.STING RAY ROBB: I think the jokes write themselves. You’ve just got to watch how it plays out, and then it’s great.
THE MODERATOR: You want to “relish” that opportunity, I guess.JACK HARVEY: That was good, Dave. Nice. You’re good at this stuff.
Q. It’s good that you “mustard” the courage to get that pun out. For Sting Ray and Jack, you all had the last row party a couple years ago. They gave you a check for the amount of money for the starting positions. Did you keep those checks? Did you cash them? What did you do with them?STING RAY ROBB: I don’t think we get any cash, unfortunately.THE MODERATOR: You get 32 cents, 31 cents, actually. There’s like a big check.JACK HARVEY: I’ve never cashed it. I would feel ridiculous, cashing for 33 cents.Q. I imagine you take the picture on your phone with the big check.JACK HARVEY: I keep the sign and everything. Actually, I think I’ve got the checks somewhere.STING RAY ROBB: I think I do as well. They’re stored away deep in a locker at the very bottom, never to be looked at again hopefully.JACK HARVEY: I was hoping we were going to keep the 3-for-3 jokes going on from the “relish” to the “mustard.”
THE MODERATOR: Nothing?STING RAY ROBB: Can’t “catch up,” can you?JACK HARVEY: (Indiscernible) I don’t know.STING RAY ROBB: It was a ketchup joke, I’m sorry.JACK HARVEY: Did I miss that one then?STING RAY ROBB: I’ll work on it. This is practice for tomorrow.
THE MODERATOR: Guys, thanks a lot. We’ll get you back on your way.Once again, Jack Harvey, Caio Collet, Sting Ray Robb. Good luck tomorrow and certainly on Sunday.
Chevrolet History at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval General Motors Wins – 18 Chevrolet Wins – 13 2024 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2023 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2019 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske2018 – Will Power – Team Penske2015 – Juan Montoya – Team Penske2013 – Tony Kanaan – KV Racing Technology-SH Racing2002 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske1993 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske1992 – Al Unser, Jr. – Galles/Kraco1991 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1990 – Arie Luyendyk – Doug Shierson Racing1989 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Patrick Racing1988 – Rick Mears – Team Penske Oldsmobile Wins – 5  2001 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske2000 – Juan Montoya – Chip Ganassi Racing1999 – Kenny Brack – A.J. Foyt Racing1998 – Eddie Cheever, Jr. – Team Cheever1997 – Arie Luyendyk – Treadway Racing General Motors Poles – 20 Chevrolet Poles – 14 2025 – Robert Shwartzman – PREMA Racing2024 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2019 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske2018 – Ed Carpenter – Ed Carpenter Racing2015 – Scott Dixon – Chip Ganassi Racing2014 – Ed Carpenter – Ed Carpenter Racing2013 – Ed Carpenter – Ed Carpenter Racing2012 – Ryan Briscoe – Team Penske2002 – Bruno Junqueira – Chip Ganassi Racing1991 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1990 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske1989 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1988 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1987 – Mario Andretti – Newman Haas Racing Oldsmobile Poles – 5 2001 – Scott Sharp – Kelley Racing2000 – Greg Ray – Team Menard1999 – Arie Luyendyk – Treadway Racing1998 – Billy Boat – A.J. Foyt Racing1997 – Arie Luyendyk – Treadway Racing Buick Poles – 1 1992 – Roberto Guerrero – King Motorsports General Motors Podiums – 54 Chevrolet Podiums – 38 Chevrolet Driver Podiums – Emerson Fittipaldi (4), Helio Castroneves (3), Josef Newgarden (3), Pato O’Ward (3), Tony Kanaan (2), Arie Luyendyk (2), Rick Mears (2), Simon Pagenaud (2), Will Power (2), Al Unser Jr. (2), Michael Andretti (1), Ed Carpenter (1), Santino Ferrucci (1),Felipe Giaffone (1), Scott Goodyear (1), Ryan Hunter-Reay (1), Charlie Kimball (1), David Malukas (1), Juan Montoya (1), Carlos Munoz (1), Bob Rahal (1), Paul Tracy (1), Al Unser (1) Chevrolet Team Podiums –  Team Penske (15), Arrow McLaren (3), A.J. Foyt Racing (2), Andretti Global (2), ECR (2), Galles Racing (2), KV Racing Technology (2), Patrick Racing (2), Chip Ganassi Racing (1), Doug Shierson Racing (1), Granatelli Racing (1), Kraco Enterprises (1), Mo Nunn Racing (1), Newman Haas Racing (1), Team Green (1), Walker Racing (1) Oldsmobile – 15  Oldsmobile Driver Podiums – Buddy Lazier (2), Jeff Ward (2), Michael Andretti (1), Billy Boat (1), Kenny Brack (1), Helio Castroneves (1), Eddie Cheever, Jr. (1), Gil de Ferran (1), Scott Goodyear (1), Steve Knapp (1), Arie Luyendyk (1), Juan Montoya (1), Eliseo Salazar (1) Oldsmobile Team Podiums – A.J. Foyt (3), Hemelgarn Racing (2), Team Cheever (2), Team Penske (2), Treadway Racing (2), Chip Ganassi Racing (1), ISM Racing (1), Team Green (1), Pagan Racing (1) Buick – 1 Buick Driver Podiums – Al Unser (1) Buick Team Podiums – Team Menard (1) General Motors Laps Led – 3709 Chevrolet Laps Led – 2699 Chevrolet Driver Laps Led – Emerson Fittipaldi (348), Mario Andretti (193), Simon Pagenaud (169), Ed Carpenter (144), Will Power (140), Tony Kanaan (133), Michael Andretti (132), Rick Mears (119), Helio Castroneves (98), Pato O’Ward (96), Danny Sullivan (95), Marco Andretti (90), Scott Dixon (87), Conor Daly (82), Josef Newgarden (69), Rinus VeeKay (65), Scott McLaughlin (64), Al Unser Jr. (52), Felix Rosenqvist (47), Arie Luyendyk (37), Bob Rahal (36), Bruno Junqueira (32), Alexander Rossi (30), Al Unser (27), Juan Montoya (26), A.J. Allmendinger (23), Sting Ray Robb (23), Ryan Briscoe (15), Gil de Ferran (13), Santino Ferrucci (12), Felipe Giaffone (12), James Hinchcliffe (12), Carlos Munoz (12), Alex Barron (10), Charlie Kimball (10), Christian Rasmussen (9), Robert Shwartzman (8), Spencer Pigot (7), JR Hildebrand (6), Callum Ilott (6), Oliver Askew (4), Kevin Cogan (4), Sage Karam (4), Kyle Larson (4), Jack Harvey (3), Scott Sharp (3), Rubens Barrichello (2), David Malukas (2) Chevrolet Team Laps Led – Team Penske (1019), Newman Haas Racing (325), ECR (306), Chip Ganassi Racing (179), Arrow McLaren (168), Patrick Racing (158), Andretti Global (140), Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (85), A.J. Foyt Racing (56), Galles Racing (56), KV Racing Technology (43), Doug Shierson Racing (37), Kraco Enterprises (35), Mo Nunn Racing (35), Juncos Hollinger Racing (18), King Motorsports (15), Prema Racing (8), Blair Racing (7), Kelley Racing (4), Team Cheever (3) Oldsmobile Laps Led – 996 Oldsmobile Driver Laps Led: Juan Montoya (167), Arie Luyendyk (129), Greg Ray (116), Kenny Brack (89), Tony Stewart (78), Eddie Cheever, Jr. (76), Helio Castroneves (52), Jeff Ward (52), Robby Gordon (50), John Paul, Jr. (39), Mark Dismore (29), Gil de Ferran (27), Buddy Lazier (27), Michael Andretti (16), Robbie Buhl (16), Billy Boat (13), Jimmy Vasser (5), Buzz Calkins (4), Sam Schmidt (4), Davey Hamilton (3), Scott Goodyear (2), Robbie McGehee (2) Oldsmobile Team Laps Led : Team Menard (207), Chip Ganassi Racing (185), Treadway Racing (137), Team Cheever (125), A.J. Foyt Racing (124), Team Penske (79), Team Pelfrey (39), Kelley Racing (29), Hemelgarn Racing (27), Genoa Racing (18), Team Green (16), Bradley Racing (4), Nienhouse Motorsports (3), Pagan Racing (3) Buick Laps Led – 14 Buick Driver Laps Led: Jim Crawford (8), Al Unser (4), Scott Brayton (1), Stephane Gregoire (1) Buick Team Laps Led: King Motorsports (8), Team Menard (4), Brayton Engineering (1), Formula Project (1) Manufacturer History at the Indianapolis 500 Wins (with competition)  27 – Offenhauser (1976, 1975, 1974, 1973, 1972, 1968, 1964, 1963, 1962, 1961, 1960, 1959, 1958, 1957, 1956, 1955, 1954, 1953, 1952, 1951, 1950, 1949, 1948, 1947, 1941, 1937, 1935)18 – General Motors 13 – Chevrolet (2024, 2023, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2013, 2002, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988)12 – Miller (1938, 1936, 1934, 1933, 1932, 1931, 1930, 1929, 1928, 1926, 1923, 1922)10 – Honda (2025, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2005, 2004)10 – Cosworth (1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978)8 – Ford (1996, 1995, 1971, 1970, 1969, 1967, 1965)5 – Oldsmobile (2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997)3 – Duesenberg (1927, 1925, 19243 – Peugeot (1919, 1918, 1913)2 – Mercedes (1994, 19152 – Maserati (1940, 1939)2 – Frontenac (1921, 1920)1 – Toyota (2003)1 – Foyt (19771 – Sparks (1946)1 – Delage (1914)1 – National (1912)1 – Marmon (1911)  Earned Poles (with competition) 23 – General Motors18 – Offenhauser (1976, 1973, 1972, 1971, 1963, 1962, 1961, 1960, 1959, 1958, 1957, 1956, 1955, 1954, 1953, 1950, 1946, 1937)14 – Miller (1938, 1935, 1934, 1933, 1932, 1930, 1929, 1928, 1927, 1926, 1925, 1924, 1923, 1922)14 – Chevrolet (2025, 2024, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2002, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987)9 – Cosworth (1986, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978, 1977)9 – Honda (2026, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2016, 2005, 2004)7 – Ford (1993, 1970, 1969, 1967, 1966, 1965, 1964)5 – Oldsmobile (2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997)4 – Buick (1996, 1995, 1992, 1985)3 – Ballot (1921, 1920, 1919)2 – Foyt (1975, 1974)2 – Novi (1951, 1949)2 – Winfield (1948, 1940)2 – Maserati (1947, 1941)2 – Sparks (1939, 1936)2 – Wisconsin (1912, 1911)1 – Toyota (2003)1 – Mercedes (1994)1 – Pratt & Whitney (1968)1 – Cummins (1952)1 – Studebaker (1931)1 – Peugeot (1916)1 – Stutz (1915)1 – Sunbeam (1914)1 – Mercer (1913)
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STAMPEDE OF SPEED TAKES OFF WITH BLOCKBUSTER STARS OF TEXAS MUSIC FESTIVAL LINE-UP AND CHAMPIONSHIP DRAG RACING

ENNIS, TX (May 21, 2026) — Tickets for the Stampede of Speed including the Stars of Texas Music Festival and the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals are on sale now. The sixth annual Stampede of Speed, the 10-day family-friendly Texas themed country music festival and NHRA Countdown event, will bring some of the biggest names in music and racing to the Texas Motorplex, October 9-18. Opening weekend will feature the Stars of Texas Music Festival, October 9-11, with a three-day headliner line-up including Aaron Watson (Friday), Brad Paisley (Saturday) and Travis Tritt (Sunday). Beginning on Wednesday, October 14, the biggest names in sportsman and professional NHRA drag racing will begin closing in on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series world championship and celebrating the 75th anniversary of the NHRA, with qualifying sessions through Saturday before tens of thousands of fans will be thrilled by final eliminations on Sunday, October 18. Single day and weekend tickets are available now at www.stampedeofspeed.com and there is even a ten-day ticket option that allows fans to join us for all the unforgettable moments of this historic event. 

 
“Our three-day line-up of acts will be a real barnburner for country music fans. You add in the 75th anniversary of the NHRA with racing legends events and the Countdown and it will be nearly two weeks of incredible entertainment,” said Christie Meyer Johnson, Texas Motorplex co-owner. “The entire family will be able to enjoy multiple days of music or racing. When you look at the value of our full day tickets, we are excited to be offering families a chance to come to Texas Motorplex and not break the bank. When my family built the Texas Motorplex over 40 years ago, we knew we wanted to have a facility that could provide a great entertainment value and that is what we are looking to build on this year.”
 
Last year the Texas Motorplex celebrated 40 years of racing and entertainment and in 2026 the facility is looking to build on its amazing legacy. Fans will be thrilled by the biggest names in drag racing competing for the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series world championships as well as the JEGS All-Star Race and the JEGS Friday Night Live event, October 16. Plans are in the works through the racing events to celebrate and highlight the NHRA’s 75 years of professional drag racing including celebrating Hall of Fame driver and Texas Motorplex track owner Billy Meyer. During the Stampede of Speed fans from across the country will be treated to country music, drag racing, bull riding, a massive beer expo, BBQ contests, vendors and this year’s ten days of speed and music will continue to raise the bar.
 
“Starting with the free cattle drive through downtown Waxahachie on Friday at high noon the Stars of Texas Music Festival will be a true cavalcade of Texas-themed entertainment with bull riding, a beer expo, BBQ contests, drag racing and so much family fun entertainment,” said Meyer Johnson. “Saturday’s and Sunday’s concerts will be capped off with magical lantern releases which is always an emotional moment. Our goal is to make sure that the fans that come from across the country leave with a Texas-size smile on their faces.”
 
Tickets for the Stars of Texas Music Festival and the entire NHRA Texas Fall Nationals Stampede of Speed are on sale now at www.texasmotorplex.com and www.stampedeofspeed.com. 

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Wood Brothers racing–Charlotte Preview

Event: Coca-Cola 600Date/Time: Sunday, May 24, 2026, 6 p.m. ETLocation: Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord, North CarolinaLayout: 1.5-Mile OvalTV/Radio: Prime Video, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Charlotte Motor Speedway’s 600 Miles of Remembrance has become a Memorial Day weekend tradition for the NASCAR Cup Series, with each car in the Coca-Cola 600 carrying the name of a fallen service member on its windshield.This year, Josh Berry and the No. 21 eero Ford Mustang Dark Horse team will honor John Calvin Morgan of Fayette County, Georgia, who lost his life on Nov. 29, 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Island, one of the pivotal campaigns in the Pacific during World War II.Morgan grew up in a family of sharecroppers and enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 29. He served with the 184th Infantry, 2nd Battalion Medical Department, where he worked as a medic.In one of his final letters home, Morgan expressed hope that the war would soon end so he could return home to help his family with the harvest. In February 1945, the Morgan family received word that he had been posthumously awarded the Purple Heart in recognition of his service and sacrifice.Five years later, Morgan’s remains were returned home and laid to rest in the family cemetery. While an early monument honoring fallen service members in Fayette County unintentionally omitted his name and several others who served in World War II, a later memorial in a county park corrected those oversights.Now, more than 80 years later, Morgan’s legacy will be recognized at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where his sister, niece and several members of his family are expected to attend the race weekend.For Berry and the No. 21 eero team, NASCAR’s longest race also presents an opportunity to regain momentum after a challenging stretch on intermediate tracks.“We’ve certainly had our troubles,” Berry said in a recent interview. “Intermediate tracks have been our biggest disappointment.”Ironically, it wasn’t that long ago that intermediate tracks were among the team’s stronger tracks.“The focus is to get back to that performance level as quickly as possible,” Berry said. “I feel good about the relationship with [crew chief] Miles [Stanley]. We’re working hard to get performance back where we want.“It’s tough in this sport. It’s all about learning and moving forward.”Practice for the Coca-Cola 600 is scheduled for Saturday at 1:30 p.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 2:40 p.m. ET.Sunday’s 400-lap, 600-mile race is scheduled to begin shortly after 6 p.m. ET, with Stage 1 concluding at Lap 100, Stage 2 at Lap 200 and Stage 3 at Lap 300.Prime Video will carry television coverage throughout the weekend.
Josh BerryAge: 35 (Oct. 22, 1990)Hometown: Hendersonville, TennesseeCrew Chief: Miles StanleyIG: @joshberry88X: @joshberry
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Sunoco Road to Wheatland Concludes This Weekend at Lucas Oil Speedway

Sunoco Road to Wheatland Concludes This Weekend at Lucas Oil Speedway
BATAVIA, Ohio (May 20, 2026) — The 2026 Sunoco Race Fuels “Road to Wheatland” campaign reaches its conclusion this weekend at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri, as the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing takes center stage for the 34th annual Lucas Oil Show-Me 100 presented by Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging. The long-standing Sunoco incentive program has once again rewarded the dedication and commitment of the nation’s top dirt late model teams throughout the early portion of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series season. Drivers maintaining perfect attendance leading into the Show-Me 100 have competed for their share of a lucrative $16,000 bonus fund provided by Sunoco Race Fuels. The series points leader entering Wheatland will earn a $2,500 bonus, while competitors finishing second through 15th in the standings will also receive bonus payouts as part of the program. The battle for the championship remains incredibly tight entering the marquee Memorial Day weekend event at “The Diamond of Dirt Tracks.” Since its inception, the Sunoco “Road to Wheatland” program has become one of the most recognized loyalty incentives in dirt late model racing, rewarding teams that support the tour full-time while building momentum toward one of the sport’s crown jewel events. “This program continues to showcase the strength of our partnership with Sunoco Race Fuels and the commitment of the teams that follow the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series all season long,” said Wayne Castleberry of FloRacing. “The Show-Me 100 weekend is the perfect stage to celebrate those drivers and teams.” The Show-Me 100 weekend runs May 21-23 at Lucas Oil Speedway and serves as one of the premier events on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series schedule, attracting many of the top dirt late model competitors in the country. Sunoco Race Fuels has expanded its global reach, supplying premium racing fuels to a wide range of professional motorsports and performance applications. Products like DXP 116 continue to set the standard for performance, making Sunoco the preferred choice for engine builders, racers, tracks, and sanctioning bodies worldwide. With more than 40 years of proven success, Sunoco remains the largest manufacturer of racing gasoline in the world. To learn more about DXP 116, visit:https://www.sunocoracefuels.com/fuels/fuel/dxp For the latest news, results, and championship standings from the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing, visit: LucasDirt.com Sunoco Road to Wheatland Bonus: 1. $2,500, 2. $1,500, 3. $1,500, 4. $1,500, 5. $1,500, 6. $1,000, 7. $1,000, 8. $1,000, 9. $1,000, 10. $1,000, 11. $500, 12. $500, 13. $500, 14. $500, 15. $500 = $16,000
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SANCTUARY: Schuchart’s Eldora Connection Adds Meaning to Victory

CONCORD, NC (May 20, 2026) – Everyone has their own sanctuary.

It might be a park. It might just be a cozy chair in a favorite room at home. Wherever it is in the world, it’s a place with a personal connection that brings comfort like nowhere else can.

For Logan Schuchart, it’s one of the fastest dirt ovals on the planet, Eldora Speedway. The historic 1/2 mile has always been one of his best tracks. It’s home to many major moments in his career including in 2023 when he won the first Sprint Car race with a million-dollar winner’s share.

“If I said I loved Eldora, it would be an understatement,” Schuchart said. “It’s been so good to me. I always look forward to coming here every year, especially if we’re struggling a little bit. I feel like it’s a place that can kind of get us back on track.”

Eldora did exactly that over the weekend. The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series invaded Rossburg, OH for #LetsRaceTwo presented by LGMG. Schuchart and his Shark Racing crew entered the weekend on a slump of five finishes outside the top 10 in the last six races, but they turned things around in a big way at “The Big E.”

The Hanover, PA native brought the No. 1S home fifth on Friday. Schuchart followed that by besting Brady Bacon for his first victory of 2026 and snapped a 64-race winless streak on Saturday.

But the meaning behind this triumph extends beyond his own connection and history at Eldora. Last fall, Schuchart and his entire family and team were struck by the sudden loss of Schuchart’s grandfather and Shark Racing’s leader, Bobby Allen. With heavy hearts, they’ve continued to compete at the highest level just like “Scruffy” would want.

This was the tour’s first visit to Eldora since Allen passed, and it just so happens that Allen won the first World of Outlaws race ever at Eldora in 1978. The first trip to a track where Allen got one of his most legacy-defining trophies and Schuchart gets to Victory Lane for him? It’s a story that couldn’t believably be scripted in fiction. Schuchart made it clear on a big stage that he’s going to carry on the legacy of his “Pappy.”

“It’s a lot different obviously,” an emotional Schuchart said. “Growing up, every race of mine, he never missed. Whether it was go-karts, Sprint Cars, whatever, up until a couple years ago I don’t think he ever missed one of my races. So, it’s definitely a different feeling to get the thing in Victory Lane. But like we said when it happened, we want to build on the legacy he built.”

Schuchart’s sanctuary of Eldora Speedway allowed him to shake off a slump. It gave him a firm reminder that he’s still among this sport’s elite. He can and will continue to compete and win with the best in honor of his grandfather. There’s more work to be done. Schuchart is enjoying this moment but also already thinking of one event that’s eluded him at Eldora, the Kings Royal.

“I feel like we learned what to do no matter what they throw at us in July,” Schuchart said. “I’m super happy for my team that we could get it in Victory Lane and then also learn a lot for the notebook.”

Schuchart and Shark Racing continue the 2026 campaign with three races in four days at Jacksonville Speedway (May 21), Knoxville Raceway (May 23) and Huset’s Speedway (May 24). For tickets, CLICK HERE.

The World of Outlaws return to Eldora for the 43rd Kings Royal on July 17-18. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

Where can you watch every World of Outlaws race? Live on DIRTVision.

Where can you see the World of Outlaws in 2026? Click to see the full schedule.

SANCTUARY: Schuchart’s Eldora Connection Adds Meaning to Victory

CONCORD, NC (May 20, 2026) – Everyone has their own sanctuary.

It might be a park. It might just be a cozy chair in a favorite room at home. Wherever it is in the world, it’s a place with a personal connection that brings comfort like nowhere else can.

For Logan Schuchart, it’s one of the fastest dirt ovals on the planet, Eldora Speedway. The historic 1/2 mile has always been one of his best tracks. It’s home to many major moments in his career including in 2023 when he won the first Sprint Car race with a million-dollar winner’s share.

“If I said I loved Eldora, it would be an understatement,” Schuchart said. “It’s been so good to me. I always look forward to coming here every year, especially if we’re struggling a little bit. I feel like it’s a place that can kind of get us back on track.”

Eldora did exactly that over the weekend. The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series invaded Rossburg, OH for #LetsRaceTwo presented by LGMG. Schuchart and his Shark Racing crew entered the weekend on a slump of five finishes outside the top 10 in the last six races, but they turned things around in a big way at “The Big E.”

The Hanover, PA native brought the No. 1S home fifth on Friday. Schuchart followed that by besting Brady Bacon for his first victory of 2026 and snapped a 64-race winless streak on Saturday.

But the meaning behind this triumph extends beyond his own connection and history at Eldora. Last fall, Schuchart and his entire family and team were struck by the sudden loss of Schuchart’s grandfather and Shark Racing’s leader, Bobby Allen. With heavy hearts, they’ve continued to compete at the highest level just like “Scruffy” would want.

This was the tour’s first visit to Eldora since Allen passed, and it just so happens that Allen won the first World of Outlaws race ever at Eldora in 1978. The first trip to a track where Allen got one of his most legacy-defining trophies and Schuchart gets to Victory Lane for him? It’s a story that couldn’t believably be scripted in fiction. Schuchart made it clear on a big stage that he’s going to carry on the legacy of his “Pappy.”

“It’s a lot different obviously,” an emotional Schuchart said. “Growing up, every race of mine, he never missed. Whether it was go-karts, Sprint Cars, whatever, up until a couple years ago I don’t think he ever missed one of my races. So, it’s definitely a different feeling to get the thing in Victory Lane. But like we said when it happened, we want to build on the legacy he built.”

Schuchart’s sanctuary of Eldora Speedway allowed him to shake off a slump. It gave him a firm reminder that he’s still among this sport’s elite. He can and will continue to compete and win with the best in honor of his grandfather. There’s more work to be done. Schuchart is enjoying this moment but also already thinking of one event that’s eluded him at Eldora, the Kings Royal.

“I feel like we learned what to do no matter what they throw at us in July,” Schuchart said. “I’m super happy for my team that we could get it in Victory Lane and then also learn a lot for the notebook.”

Schuchart and Shark Racing continue the 2026 campaign with three races in four days at Jacksonville Speedway (May 21), Knoxville Raceway (May 23) and Huset’s Speedway (May 24). For tickets, CLICK HERE.

The World of Outlaws return to Eldora for the 43rd Kings Royal on July 17-18. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

Where can you watch every World of Outlaws race? Live on DIRTVision.

Where can you see the World of Outlaws in 2026? Click to see the full schedule.

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/sprintcars/sanctuary-schucharts-eldora-connection-adds-meaning-to-victory/

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CORVETTE RACING AT DETROIT: Antonio Garcia Q&A

Defending GTD PRO champion on flying the flag for Chevrolet on streets of Detroit
Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports driver Antonio Garcia met with members of the media via Zoom on Wednesday afternoon to discuss next week’s Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic on the downtown Detroit street circuit. The Corvette Racing factory driver finished second in GTD PRO last year at Detroit alongside Alexander Sims on the way to sharing the GTD PRO Drivers Championship – Garcia’s sixth title in IMSA. He also was the 2024 GTD PRO pole-winner at Detroit. ANTONIO GARCIA, NO. 3 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.RYou’ve been part of Chevrolet and Corvette Racing for many years. Is there extra pressure and what do you and Alex expect once you get there next week?“We’re looking forward to getting back there, for sure. And it’s time to win. Obviously in the last two years we raced there we only came away with a pole and a second last year, which coming from the back was a really good result for us. And I’m looking forward to getting back to Detroit underneath our headquarters and giving GM and Chevrolet the win for sure.”
With Detroit being one of the most manufacturer-driven events of the season, does racing in Detroit add extra pressure or motivation compared to any of the other weekends of the season?“It’s not that it brings a little bit more pressure, but you have all the big guys for all the companies there and our brand for sure. So everybody’s looking forward to that race. It’s just underneath the GM offices and everybody is keen to see their car winning there. So far, Corvette hasn’t managed to win here yet on this new racetrack or street circuit. We came close last year. We were really strong both of the years. So I see no reason to be somewhere else. I’m sure we will be fighting for a win, either the 3 or 4. That’s the target for sure.”Corvette Racing Media Resources Documents | Statistics | Photos | Factory Driver Bios | Chevrolet Newsroom
CORVETTE RACING AT DETROIT: Antonio Garcia Q&ADefending GTD PRO champion on flying the flag for Chevrolet on streets of Detroit
Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports driver Antonio Garcia met with members of the media via Zoom on Wednesday afternoon to discuss next week’s Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic on the downtown Detroit street circuit. The Corvette Racing factory driver finished second in GTD PRO last year at Detroit alongside Alexander Sims on the way to sharing the GTD PRO Drivers Championship – Garcia’s sixth title in IMSA. He also was the 2024 GTD PRO pole-winner at Detroit. ANTONIO GARCIA, NO. 3 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.RYou’ve been part of Chevrolet and Corvette Racing for many years. Is there extra pressure and what do you and Alex expect once you get there next week?“We’re looking forward to getting back there, for sure. And it’s time to win. Obviously in the last two years we raced there we only came away with a pole and a second last year, which coming from the back was a really good result for us. And I’m looking forward to getting back to Detroit underneath our headquarters and giving GM and Chevrolet the win for sure.”
With Detroit being one of the most manufacturer-driven events of the season, does racing in Detroit add extra pressure or motivation compared to any of the other weekends of the season?“It’s not that it brings a little bit more pressure, but you have all the big guys for all the companies there and our brand for sure. So everybody’s looking forward to that race. It’s just underneath the GM offices and everybody is keen to see their car winning there. So far, Corvette hasn’t managed to win here yet on this new racetrack or street circuit. We came close last year. We were really strong both of the years. So I see no reason to be somewhere else. I’m sure we will be fighting for a win, either the 3 or 4. That’s the target for sure.”Corvette Racing Media Resources Documents | Statistics | Photos | Factory Driver Bios | Chevrolet Newsroom
In addition to the obvious stuff of racing in front of the bosses, are there more distractions on the weekend than at many other races where there may be public appearances and things like that? “I don’t think it brings more attention in a way of more people coming. For sure you can see some other people that usually don’t come to the races, but they are able to come to these ones. For instance, all the Pratt Miller personnel usually come here and they set up a big tent to invite most of their workers. It’s nice to see them, it’s nice to get them to see what they built. And for sure, it doesn’t bring any more pressure. For me it’s just that Detroit is somewhere that I never won at, and I want to take that away.“I’m really looking forward to that. And I love street circuits. I feel it’s very unique and just the way the track is settled and how bumpy it is. But I usually like them. I think Alex loves street circuits too. So it’s just a whole nice combination and I think it works. So I’m looking forward to racing again there and let’s see if this year is the year.”We’ve talked about how important it is to win in Detroit for the American manufacturers. Let me be a little more specific about that and turn the question around a little bit. How important is it for you guys at GM to beat Ford in Detroit?“If you come up with a win, that means you won against everyone. So for sure it is important to beat everybody out there. I mean, it’s obviously something that is more on everybody’s mind. Obviously every manufacturer wants theirs to be up front. It probably feels more like a good football match where you have the biggest teams out there competing against each other. Let’s put it that way. It feels more like a big match or Super Bowl… big teams fighting against each other, so it is important for sure.”
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Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Charlotte Advance


TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE Charlotte Motor Speedway May 22-24, 2026
MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom
It’s a homecoming weekend for much of NASCAR’s drivers and teams as “America’s Home for Racing”, Charlotte Motor Speedway, will once again welcome all three national series for its traditional Memorial Day weekend event. The highly anticipated weekend will kick off Friday evening with the Craftsman Truck Series, a race that will feature a star-studded lineup including Team Chevy’s Ross Chastain and Connor Zilisch, both of which are slated for a triple duty weekend and an attempt at logging 1,101 miles around the historic 1.5-mile oval. The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will take center stage on Saturday with Chevrolet looking to make its fifth-straight trip to victory lane at the track in the second-level series. On Sunday, NASCAR’s premier series will wrap up one of the biggest days in motorsports with its longest and most grueling races of the season – the 67th running of the Coca-Cola 600. 
 
Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway: In June 1960, Charlotte Motor Speedway welcomed NASCAR for the first time with the inaugural World 600 – kickstarting a 127-race and counting tenure for the sport’s top division. Within that time span, Chevrolet has built a legacy at “America’s Home for Racing” that features a series-leading 48 all-time Cup Series wins with 26 of those triumphs coming in the Coca-Cola 600. One year ago, it was Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain that earned the victory and his first career crown jewel event at NASCAR’s highest level. The Alva, Florida, native is one of just eight active Coca-Cola 600 winners with the elite list also featuring Kyle Larson’s crown in his first championship-earning season (2021); Austin Dillon’s win in 2017 that made him a first-time Cup Series winner; and Kyle Busch’s win in 2018. 
 
DILLON, NO. 3 TEAM HEADING HOME WITH CONFIDENCEAustin Dillon and the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet team put together the ultimate rebound at Dover Motor Speedway to lead the Bowtie brigade with a fourth-place finish in last weekend’s NASCAR All-Star Race. The result marked Dillon’s second-consecutive top-six finish of the season, giving the North Carolina native a welcomed boost of confidence he will carry into the Charlotte race weekend. While it’s a true hometown race for the veteran driver, “America’s Home for Racing” has made a lasting impression in his NASCAR career. In his fourth full-time Cup Series season, Dillon conquered the sport’s most challenging crown jewel event, the Coca-Cola 600, to earn his first career win in NASCAR’s premier series. The feat made Dillon the 10th, and most recent, driver in history to become a first-time Cup Series winner at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Dillon’s resume at his home track also features two O’Reilly Series wins, which were earned during a 2015 season sweep. 
 
RACKING UP THE MILES Just two drivers will attempt to log 1,101 miles around Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend, both of which come from the Chevrolet camp.  The reigning Coca-Cola 600 winner, Ross Chastain, will look to not only defend his title in the 67th running of the crown jewel event but reunite with JR Motorsports and Niece Motorsports to run his third-straight triple duty weekend. One year ago, Chastain and the No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet team executed the ultimate rebound, going from backup car and a last-place starting position to becoming first-time crown jewel winners in NASCAR’s premier series. Chastain’s tripleheader weekend will kick off behind the wheel of the No. 45 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet in Friday’s Truck Series event – a pairing that already owns one trip to victory lane at the track (2022). On Saturday, Chastain will return to the No. 9 JR Motorsports Chevrolet team for their third outing together of the season. The pair is coming off their best qualifying effort this season, capturing the pole position at Dover Motor Speedway last weekend. 
Chastain’s teammate, Connor Zilisch, will also face a full slate of racing at his home track this weekend – pairing back up with JR Motorsports and Spire Motorsports to complete his tripleheader effort. While points weren’t up for grabs last weekend, Zilisch is coming off his season-best result when the 19-year-old turned his first NASCAR All-Star Race appearance into a top-five finish. Despite competing in his rookie Cup Series campaign, Zilisch already has one previous start in the 600-mile crown jewel event, which came one year ago under the Trackhouse Racing banner. Zilisch will make his sixth O’Reilly Series start of the season this weekend, all of which have come alongside veteran crew chief, Rodney Childers, and the No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet team. The combination has already translated into success this season, earning two trips to victory lane (Bristol and Watkins Glen) and one pole position (Circuit of The Americas). Zilisch has just one Truck Series start under his belt this season (Watkins Glen), but it was an effort that saw the young driver earn a top-five qualifying position and 28 laps led en route to a runner-up finish. 
 
LEGGE SETTING UP FOR HISTORIC WEEKENDChevrolet holds the prestige as the only manufacturer that competes in two of motorsports biggest events – the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600. Katherine Legge will look to make a historic run this weekend as the only female in history to attempt the Memorial Day “Double” and complete 1,100 miles behind the wheel of a Chevrolet-powered machine. Her racing resume expands across a variety of racing disciplines, including 19 starts in the NTT INDYCAR Series – four of which have come in the Indianapolis 500. She has also made 92 starts in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship – earning four wins, 11 podium finishes and two poles. Legge will join an elite list of now six drivers who have attempted the challenging feat, coming off the heels of fellow Team Chevy driver Kyle Larson’s back-to-back efforts during the 2024-2025 seasons. 
 
 
BOWTIE BULLETS:·        Victories by active Chevrolet drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Ross Chastain – one win (2025)Kyle Larson – one win (2021)Chase Elliott – one win (2020)Kyle Busch – one win (2018)Austin Dillon – one win (2017)

·        Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 26 all-time Coca-Cola 600 victories, most recently by Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain in last season’s race where he earned his first career crown jewel event in NASCAR’s premier series. 

·        There have been 10 drivers in history that recorded their first career NASCAR Cup Series win at Charlotte Motor Speedway, most recently by Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Dillon in the 2017 Coca-Cola 600.

·        Shane van Gisbergen’s Watkins Glen win marked Chevrolet’s third consecutive trip to victory lane in NASCAR’s premier series – an effort that matches the longest points-paying win streak by a single manufacturer thus far this season. 

·        The Bowtie brand is on a four-race streak of owning at least half of the top-10 finishing positions, with five drivers from four different Chevrolet organizations earning top-10 results in the NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway. 

·        At Talladega Superspeedway, Chevrolet tallied six top-10 finishes, marking the second time this season a manufacturer has placed six cars in the top-10 of a Cup Series event. The Bowtie brand took it one step further by achieving the highest representation of different organizations within those results with five Chevrolet organizations placing drivers in the top-10. 

·        With seven-straight victories to start the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season, Chevrolet set the record for the longest season-opening streak by a single manufacturer in the division’s history. 

·        In 156 points-paying races in the NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen era, Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 71 victories – a winning percentage of 45.5%.

·        Chevrolet is coming off its 29th all-time sweep of the NASCAR Cup Series championship titles – capturing its 34th driver championship and 44th, and fifth consecutive, manufacturer championship in 2025. 

·        With its 44 NASCAR Cup Series manufacturer championships, 34 NASCAR Cup Series driver championships, and 885 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title as the winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history.
 
TUNE-IN:NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600Sunday, May 24, at 6 p.m. ETAmazon Prime, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90  NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts SeriesCharbroil 300Saturday, May 23, at 5 p.m. ETCW, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90  NASCAR Craftsman Truck SeriesNorth Carolina Education Lottery 200Friday, May 22, at 7:30 p.m. ETFS1, NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90
 
QUOTABLE QUOTES:Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletLet’s go back to your first NASCAR Cup Series win. It was the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. You’re battling the great Jimmie Johnson. Describe that feeling coming off Turn 4 knowing that you’ve got enough fuel and you’re about to win your first race and it’s a Crown Jewel – the Coca-Cola 600… “I just remember the sense of relief, and thinking ‘wow, we won a race at the highest level of NASCAR. I remember tracking Jimmie Johnson and just knowing what we were battling, the chess game that we were playing on fuel. I had watched so many laps of Jimmie around Charlotte Motor Speedway, and how, you know, precise he was with his line in Turns 1 and 2. I just remember arching Turn 1 as late as possible, and coming off the corner, and Jimmy pulling to the side, out of gas. It was like ‘okay, here we go. Now, we just need to get to the checkered flag,’ and then we were able to do it.”  You have won at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the Coca-Cola 600, going back to a track where you’ve had success, does that give you a little extra confidence? “I sure hope so, you know. Charlotte’s been really good to me, I’ve won a couple times there in the O’Reilly Series, along with the Coke 600. Being from North Carolina, always trying to put a little bit more into that weekend. 600 miles, the longer races have been good to me, so yeah let’s go have some fun.”   Talk about the pre-race ceremonies at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Memorial Day Weekend and how that sets the tone for one of the toughest and longest races of the year… “It gets the adrenaline flowing, for sure. There’s no more patriotic scene than the Coca-Cola 600 pre-race ceremonies. The National Anthem, the prayer, everything that goes into that race is very special to be a part of.”  With America celebrating its 250th birthday this year, how does the Coca-Cola 600 reflect on the bigger story of the weekend? “I think that with America celebrating its 250th year, the Coke 600 has to land in some of the most patriotic moments for our country. It’s so cool to see all the military branches represented at that race. It’s Americana.”  With you carrying the name of a fallen hero on your car, how does that amplify the weekend for you when you’re meeting their families before the race starts? “Those families have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and to have a hero on your car and to be out on the track representing them, it means a lot. You want to get them to Victory Lane. It just puts a little bit more emphasis on the race weekend.”  When you go and do Mission 600 trips and cultivate relationships from each of those visits, then get to the racetrack and see some of the servicemembers that you met at the bases, does that amplify the race weekend for you? “We’ve gotten to do some very cool Mission 600 trips and have been able to meet service members from all the different branches of the military. I come away from every trip thankful for the military, and all the men and women we have in this country that allow us to do what we love to do on the weekends. That moment that we get to share with them and celebrate them at the Coca-Cola 600 is awesome.”    Daniel Suarez, No. 7 Spire Motorsports ChevroletWhat does the Coca-Cola 600 mean to you?“When it comes to traditions, my favorite is the Coca-Cola 600. It’s more than just a race because it happens on Memorial Day weekend, honoring the sacrifice of the men and women who served our country. The moment of silence in the middle of the race and hearing the crowd afterward gives me chills every time. This race is really exciting, fun, and something I truly enjoy. The Coca-Cola 600 is more than just a race to me — it’s a test of focus, endurance, and mentality. Fans see the speed and excitement, but they don’t always see the pressure that comes with competing for 600 miles under the lights. Racing is just as mental as it is physical, and every decision matters. Once my helmet goes on, fear disappears. It becomes all about staying locked.”   Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletWhat makes the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway such a challenging and meaningful race?“It’s one of the most grueling races of the season. 600 miles, sometimes four and a half hours behind the wheel inside a racecar. Hot temperatures, you start the day and go to night; a lot of change happens at Charlotte Motor Speedway. It’s probably one of the most temperature-sensitive racetracks that we have on the circuit, so sometimes when you’re not very good in the daytime, you can be really good at night, and vice versa. It’s very hard to be good there for the whole 600 miles with how long the event is. It’s a great race, a lot of fun. Memorial Day weekend, having the opportunity to give honor and thanks to those that have been able to go out there, make the ultimate sacrifice for the rest of us to enjoy our freedom and for us to go out there and enjoy a 600-mile race to cap off our Memorial Day weekend.”    AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing ChevroletYou qualified fifth and finished fourth in the 600 last season, how do you feel about Charlotte this time around?“Charlotte Motor Speedway is a great track, and we had a strong race there last year. I feel like our mile-and-a-half program this season has been focused on learning the new body and more. We’ve still been confident heading to those types of tracks that aero-wise and package-wise hasn’t changed too much. Hopefully, we can unload with good speed right away and keep ourselves in the mix. It’s 600 miles and the racetrack changes a lot over the course of the race. I think we have a good shot to keep us in the game there and at least run inside the top 15.” It’s Memorial Day weekend, what does that mean to you?“It is the 600 at Charlotte, but most importantly, it’s 600 Miles of Remembrance on Memorial Day weekend. NASCAR does a great job of celebrating our U.S. Armed Forces throughout the season, and it’s especially meaningful to honor our fallen heroes every Memorial Day weekend. It’s special to see all of the drivers and teams honoring the military members on the windshield of their cars who made the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy our freedom. We’ll be carrying the name of Army Sgt. Zainah Caye Creamer along with us.”   Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet“Anytime you head into the Coca-Cola 600, you know you’re in for a challenge. It’s one of the biggest races of the year and a race that really tests everyone from start to finish. We’re excited to have Three Finger Jack on board the No. 47 Chevrolet for the first time this weekend. Having a new partner join us for a race this big makes it even more special. Hopefully we can put together a strong run, be there when it counts, and at the end of the night have a reason to toast a glass of wine in Victory Lane.”   Cody Ware, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet“The Coke 600 is always blazing hot to start, and while it does get a little cooler as the sun goes down, it’s still a test of your car, your body, and your mind.  The biggest thing is just keeping up with the track because it’s going to change a lot. You might have a great car on Saturday in practice and in qualifying, and you might even have a great car when you fire off on Sunday, but what your balance needs to be in the heat, in the daylight, with the sun beating down on the racetrack, versus when the lights come on and the sun goes down, and those track temps start going down, the grip starts going up and the lap times get faster. You have to be on. You have to be one step ahead on your adjustments. You want to be proactive versus reactive in how you work on your car and work on yourself in regard to the lines you want to run. Charlotte’s still a very tricky mile-and-a-half track. It has a very nasty bump over in turns three and four. The track has seen a lot of wear over the years. It’s definitely a driver’s track. If you make a mistake, you’re probably ending up in the wall. So it’s 600 miles of perfection.”   Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports ChevroletWith four stages this weekend, there is an opportunity for some extra stage points. How do you look at Charlotte when it comes to points?“With four stages this weekend you look at the extra stage points for sure. You have to have the speed to do that and run up front. So I think qualifying well, being up front, and getting stage points is a really important thing for us, especially coming off of a rough stretch last month. We had some good speed during the (Coca-Cola) 600 last year and made a top-10 day out of it. I am hoping we can unload well and pick up some stage points in all three stages, but more than anything it is important to have a shot at it at the end. Stage points are important every weekend. It’s not just Charlotte, but if we can pick up some extra points this weekend with one more stage this weekend, it can be the difference to making “The Chase” this year.”   Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports ChevroletYou’ve shown speed on the 1.5-mile tracks and were knocking on the door in last year’s Coca-Cola 600. What are your thoughts heading into the weekend?“Our team has been looking forward to this one. Last year we had to start in the back, but worked forward pretty quickly. When we lined up on the front row I was ready to go for it and race it out, but a mechanical issue ended our night right after we took the green. I am just excited to have another shot at it. We have been really fast on the mile-and-a-halves, especially when you look at what we did at Texas a couple weeks back – winning the pole and running up front all day. I think we are in for a really good weekend.”   Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletHow does the track change as the day progresses into night?  “The 600 at Charlotte is one of the coolest races of the year and it’s a crown jewel event of our sport. You start the race during the day and you end well into the night. All the fans are there, it’s Memorial Day and such a cool event, such a cool weekend and getting to race in front of so many awesome NASCAR fans. The track changes a lot as the race goes on as you go into the night and that’s something that you and the team must keep up with during the race. I’m really excited for that one and looking forward to getting into my second 600 at Charlotte.” How do you prepare mentally and physically for the longer Cup races like the 600?“That’s one of the toughest parts of racing on Sundays and the jump to the Cup Series is the length of races and just how long you must stay in the zone and stay locked in. Mental is a lot of it honestly. I think the physical aspect; a lot of drivers can get through the physical aspect of those long races but the mental aspect of having to stay focused three and half to four hours can be tough. I’m looking forward to the challenge and having to figure it out this season. The 600 is the longest race of the year and mentally taxing by the end of it.” What does it mean to race at Charlotte since it’s your home track?“I grew up in Charlotte so getting to race in Charlotte is really cool for me. My family and friends get to come and watch what I do each weekend. It’s cool to race where almost all the drivers and teams are based. It’s always special for the teams and drivers to have a bunch of friends and family to come watch them and Charlotte is a great place to be able to host a bunch of people.” The 600 at Charlotte is a crown jewel race. What does that mean to young driver like yourself?  “The crown jewel races are certainly the ones you want to win, the big races that everyone wants to get throughout their career. The 600 is probably second biggest race of the year behind the Daytona 500 that we have all year long. To win that one would be pretty surreal. My teammate Ross Chastain won it last year. We’ve got a lot of good notes going into it. The crown jewels are definitely ones that we circle on the calendar saying that we want to win these.”   Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletAre you looking forward to 600 miles at Charlotte on Sunday?“Yeah, it’s a really cool race. I was competitive there last year and then obviously Ross (Chastain) won. So, should have some good stuff to build off of and apply for this year’s race. Just going to keep trying to score and maximize as many points as possible and not make mistakes. Then, running the Truck again on Friday night. It should be a fun weekend!” What do you think has been your biggest struggle on the ovals?“Getting up to speed on lap one or two. These guys do it on lap one or two, it’s really difficult for me. In practice sessions, it takes me a bit and then by the end of the session I’m decent. But I’ve been used to having a couple sets of tires a lot of times. I still struggle to just switch on and do those crazy laps at the start. The longer practice sessions help me because I’m able to practice techniques and learn a lot.”  It’s been really neat to see the way fans have embraced you here in America. What has that been like for you to already have an allegiance of fan support here in NASCAR?“It’s overwhelming but it’s awesome at the same time (laughs)! Everyone is really nice and friendly, it’s really cool to have so much support here in America. Especially, I’ve noticed at tracks I’ve won at before and people coming back the next year. How many models they want signed and how stoked they are. It’s cool for them to share their memories that they’ve had from my wins with me. It’s really special! It’s cool the amount of people who take days off work on a Monday at home and watch the races, it’s epic!”
 

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCECharlotte Motor SpeedwayMay 22-24, 2026
MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom
It’s a homecoming weekend for much of NASCAR’s drivers and teams as “America’s Home for Racing”, Charlotte Motor Speedway, will once again welcome all three national series for its traditional Memorial Day weekend event. The highly anticipated weekend will kick off Friday evening with the Craftsman Truck Series, a race that will feature a star-studded lineup including Team Chevy’s Ross Chastain and Connor Zilisch, both of which are slated for a triple duty weekend and an attempt at logging 1,101 miles around the historic 1.5-mile oval. The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will take center stage on Saturday with Chevrolet looking to make its fifth-straight trip to victory lane at the track in the second-level series. On Sunday, NASCAR’s premier series will wrap up one of the biggest days in motorsports with its longest and most grueling races of the season – the 67th running of the Coca-Cola 600. 
 
Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway: In June 1960, Charlotte Motor Speedway welcomed NASCAR for the first time with the inaugural World 600 – kickstarting a 127-race and counting tenure for the sport’s top division. Within that time span, Chevrolet has built a legacy at “America’s Home for Racing” that features a series-leading 48 all-time Cup Series wins with 26 of those triumphs coming in the Coca-Cola 600. One year ago, it was Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain that earned the victory and his first career crown jewel event at NASCAR’s highest level. The Alva, Florida, native is one of just eight active Coca-Cola 600 winners with the elite list also featuring Kyle Larson’s crown in his first championship-earning season (2021); Austin Dillon’s win in 2017 that made him a first-time Cup Series winner; and Kyle Busch’s win in 2018. 
 
DILLON, NO. 3 TEAM HEADING HOME WITH CONFIDENCEAustin Dillon and the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet team put together the ultimate rebound at Dover Motor Speedway to lead the Bowtie brigade with a fourth-place finish in last weekend’s NASCAR All-Star Race. The result marked Dillon’s second-consecutive top-six finish of the season, giving the North Carolina native a welcomed boost of confidence he will carry into the Charlotte race weekend. While it’s a true hometown race for the veteran driver, “America’s Home for Racing” has made a lasting impression in his NASCAR career. In his fourth full-time Cup Series season, Dillon conquered the sport’s most challenging crown jewel event, the Coca-Cola 600, to earn his first career win in NASCAR’s premier series. The feat made Dillon the 10th, and most recent, driver in history to become a first-time Cup Series winner at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Dillon’s resume at his home track also features two O’Reilly Series wins, which were earned during a 2015 season sweep. 
 
RACKING UP THE MILES Just two drivers will attempt to log 1,101 miles around Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend, both of which come from the Chevrolet camp.  The reigning Coca-Cola 600 winner, Ross Chastain, will look to not only defend his title in the 67th running of the crown jewel event but reunite with JR Motorsports and Niece Motorsports to run his third-straight triple duty weekend. One year ago, Chastain and the No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet team executed the ultimate rebound, going from backup car and a last-place starting position to becoming first-time crown jewel winners in NASCAR’s premier series. Chastain’s tripleheader weekend will kick off behind the wheel of the No. 45 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet in Friday’s Truck Series event – a pairing that already owns one trip to victory lane at the track (2022). On Saturday, Chastain will return to the No. 9 JR Motorsports Chevrolet team for their third outing together of the season. The pair is coming off their best qualifying effort this season, capturing the pole position at Dover Motor Speedway last weekend. 
Chastain’s teammate, Connor Zilisch, will also face a full slate of racing at his home track this weekend – pairing back up with JR Motorsports and Spire Motorsports to complete his tripleheader effort. While points weren’t up for grabs last weekend, Zilisch is coming off his season-best result when the 19-year-old turned his first NASCAR All-Star Race appearance into a top-five finish. Despite competing in his rookie Cup Series campaign, Zilisch already has one previous start in the 600-mile crown jewel event, which came one year ago under the Trackhouse Racing banner. Zilisch will make his sixth O’Reilly Series start of the season this weekend, all of which have come alongside veteran crew chief, Rodney Childers, and the No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet team. The combination has already translated into success this season, earning two trips to victory lane (Bristol and Watkins Glen) and one pole position (Circuit of The Americas). Zilisch has just one Truck Series start under his belt this season (Watkins Glen), but it was an effort that saw the young driver earn a top-five qualifying position and 28 laps led en route to a runner-up finish. 
 
LEGGE SETTING UP FOR HISTORIC WEEKENDChevrolet holds the prestige as the only manufacturer that competes in two of motorsports biggest events – the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600. Katherine Legge will look to make a historic run this weekend as the only female in history to attempt the Memorial Day “Double” and complete 1,100 miles behind the wheel of a Chevrolet-powered machine. Her racing resume expands across a variety of racing disciplines, including 19 starts in the NTT INDYCAR Series – four of which have come in the Indianapolis 500. She has also made 92 starts in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship – earning four wins, 11 podium finishes and two poles. Legge will join an elite list of now six drivers who have attempted the challenging feat, coming off the heels of fellow Team Chevy driver Kyle Larson’s back-to-back efforts during the 2024-2025 seasons. 
 
 
BOWTIE BULLETS:·        Victories by active Chevrolet drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Ross Chastain – one win (2025)Kyle Larson – one win (2021)Chase Elliott – one win (2020)Kyle Busch – one win (2018)Austin Dillon – one win (2017)

·        Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 26 all-time Coca-Cola 600 victories, most recently by Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain in last season’s race where he earned his first career crown jewel event in NASCAR’s premier series. 

·        There have been 10 drivers in history that recorded their first career NASCAR Cup Series win at Charlotte Motor Speedway, most recently by Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Dillon in the 2017 Coca-Cola 600.

·        Shane van Gisbergen’s Watkins Glen win marked Chevrolet’s third consecutive trip to victory lane in NASCAR’s premier series – an effort that matches the longest points-paying win streak by a single manufacturer thus far this season. 

·        The Bowtie brand is on a four-race streak of owning at least half of the top-10 finishing positions, with five drivers from four different Chevrolet organizations earning top-10 results in the NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway. 

·        At Talladega Superspeedway, Chevrolet tallied six top-10 finishes, marking the second time this season a manufacturer has placed six cars in the top-10 of a Cup Series event. The Bowtie brand took it one step further by achieving the highest representation of different organizations within those results with five Chevrolet organizations placing drivers in the top-10. 

·        With seven-straight victories to start the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season, Chevrolet set the record for the longest season-opening streak by a single manufacturer in the division’s history. 

·        In 156 points-paying races in the NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen era, Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 71 victories – a winning percentage of 45.5%.

·        Chevrolet is coming off its 29th all-time sweep of the NASCAR Cup Series championship titles – capturing its 34th driver championship and 44th, and fifth consecutive, manufacturer championship in 2025. 

·        With its 44 NASCAR Cup Series manufacturer championships, 34 NASCAR Cup Series driver championships, and 885 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title as the winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history.
 
TUNE-IN:NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600Sunday, May 24, at 6 p.m. ETAmazon Prime, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90  NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts SeriesCharbroil 300Saturday, May 23, at 5 p.m. ETCW, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90  NASCAR Craftsman Truck SeriesNorth Carolina Education Lottery 200Friday, May 22, at 7:30 p.m. ETFS1, NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90
 
QUOTABLE QUOTES:Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletLet’s go back to your first NASCAR Cup Series win. It was the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. You’re battling the great Jimmie Johnson. Describe that feeling coming off Turn 4 knowing that you’ve got enough fuel and you’re about to win your first race and it’s a Crown Jewel – the Coca-Cola 600… “I just remember the sense of relief, and thinking ‘wow, we won a race at the highest level of NASCAR. I remember tracking Jimmie Johnson and just knowing what we were battling, the chess game that we were playing on fuel. I had watched so many laps of Jimmie around Charlotte Motor Speedway, and how, you know, precise he was with his line in Turns 1 and 2. I just remember arching Turn 1 as late as possible, and coming off the corner, and Jimmy pulling to the side, out of gas. It was like ‘okay, here we go. Now, we just need to get to the checkered flag,’ and then we were able to do it.”  You have won at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the Coca-Cola 600, going back to a track where you’ve had success, does that give you a little extra confidence? “I sure hope so, you know. Charlotte’s been really good to me, I’ve won a couple times there in the O’Reilly Series, along with the Coke 600. Being from North Carolina, always trying to put a little bit more into that weekend. 600 miles, the longer races have been good to me, so yeah let’s go have some fun.”   Talk about the pre-race ceremonies at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Memorial Day Weekend and how that sets the tone for one of the toughest and longest races of the year… “It gets the adrenaline flowing, for sure. There’s no more patriotic scene than the Coca-Cola 600 pre-race ceremonies. The National Anthem, the prayer, everything that goes into that race is very special to be a part of.”  With America celebrating its 250th birthday this year, how does the Coca-Cola 600 reflect on the bigger story of the weekend? “I think that with America celebrating its 250th year, the Coke 600 has to land in some of the most patriotic moments for our country. It’s so cool to see all the military branches represented at that race. It’s Americana.”  With you carrying the name of a fallen hero on your car, how does that amplify the weekend for you when you’re meeting their families before the race starts? “Those families have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and to have a hero on your car and to be out on the track representing them, it means a lot. You want to get them to Victory Lane. It just puts a little bit more emphasis on the race weekend.”  When you go and do Mission 600 trips and cultivate relationships from each of those visits, then get to the racetrack and see some of the servicemembers that you met at the bases, does that amplify the race weekend for you? “We’ve gotten to do some very cool Mission 600 trips and have been able to meet service members from all the different branches of the military. I come away from every trip thankful for the military, and all the men and women we have in this country that allow us to do what we love to do on the weekends. That moment that we get to share with them and celebrate them at the Coca-Cola 600 is awesome.”    Daniel Suarez, No. 7 Spire Motorsports ChevroletWhat does the Coca-Cola 600 mean to you?“When it comes to traditions, my favorite is the Coca-Cola 600. It’s more than just a race because it happens on Memorial Day weekend, honoring the sacrifice of the men and women who served our country. The moment of silence in the middle of the race and hearing the crowd afterward gives me chills every time. This race is really exciting, fun, and something I truly enjoy. The Coca-Cola 600 is more than just a race to me — it’s a test of focus, endurance, and mentality. Fans see the speed and excitement, but they don’t always see the pressure that comes with competing for 600 miles under the lights. Racing is just as mental as it is physical, and every decision matters. Once my helmet goes on, fear disappears. It becomes all about staying locked.”   Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletWhat makes the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway such a challenging and meaningful race?“It’s one of the most grueling races of the season. 600 miles, sometimes four and a half hours behind the wheel inside a racecar. Hot temperatures, you start the day and go to night; a lot of change happens at Charlotte Motor Speedway. It’s probably one of the most temperature-sensitive racetracks that we have on the circuit, so sometimes when you’re not very good in the daytime, you can be really good at night, and vice versa. It’s very hard to be good there for the whole 600 miles with how long the event is. It’s a great race, a lot of fun. Memorial Day weekend, having the opportunity to give honor and thanks to those that have been able to go out there, make the ultimate sacrifice for the rest of us to enjoy our freedom and for us to go out there and enjoy a 600-mile race to cap off our Memorial Day weekend.”    AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing ChevroletYou qualified fifth and finished fourth in the 600 last season, how do you feel about Charlotte this time around?“Charlotte Motor Speedway is a great track, and we had a strong race there last year. I feel like our mile-and-a-half program this season has been focused on learning the new body and more. We’ve still been confident heading to those types of tracks that aero-wise and package-wise hasn’t changed too much. Hopefully, we can unload with good speed right away and keep ourselves in the mix. It’s 600 miles and the racetrack changes a lot over the course of the race. I think we have a good shot to keep us in the game there and at least run inside the top 15.” It’s Memorial Day weekend, what does that mean to you?“It is the 600 at Charlotte, but most importantly, it’s 600 Miles of Remembrance on Memorial Day weekend. NASCAR does a great job of celebrating our U.S. Armed Forces throughout the season, and it’s especially meaningful to honor our fallen heroes every Memorial Day weekend. It’s special to see all of the drivers and teams honoring the military members on the windshield of their cars who made the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy our freedom. We’ll be carrying the name of Army Sgt. Zainah Caye Creamer along with us.”   Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet“Anytime you head into the Coca-Cola 600, you know you’re in for a challenge. It’s one of the biggest races of the year and a race that really tests everyone from start to finish. We’re excited to have Three Finger Jack on board the No. 47 Chevrolet for the first time this weekend. Having a new partner join us for a race this big makes it even more special. Hopefully we can put together a strong run, be there when it counts, and at the end of the night have a reason to toast a glass of wine in Victory Lane.”   Cody Ware, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet“The Coke 600 is always blazing hot to start, and while it does get a little cooler as the sun goes down, it’s still a test of your car, your body, and your mind.  The biggest thing is just keeping up with the track because it’s going to change a lot. You might have a great car on Saturday in practice and in qualifying, and you might even have a great car when you fire off on Sunday, but what your balance needs to be in the heat, in the daylight, with the sun beating down on the racetrack, versus when the lights come on and the sun goes down, and those track temps start going down, the grip starts going up and the lap times get faster. You have to be on. You have to be one step ahead on your adjustments. You want to be proactive versus reactive in how you work on your car and work on yourself in regard to the lines you want to run. Charlotte’s still a very tricky mile-and-a-half track. It has a very nasty bump over in turns three and four. The track has seen a lot of wear over the years. It’s definitely a driver’s track. If you make a mistake, you’re probably ending up in the wall. So it’s 600 miles of perfection.”   Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports ChevroletWith four stages this weekend, there is an opportunity for some extra stage points. How do you look at Charlotte when it comes to points?“With four stages this weekend you look at the extra stage points for sure. You have to have the speed to do that and run up front. So I think qualifying well, being up front, and getting stage points is a really important thing for us, especially coming off of a rough stretch last month. We had some good speed during the (Coca-Cola) 600 last year and made a top-10 day out of it. I am hoping we can unload well and pick up some stage points in all three stages, but more than anything it is important to have a shot at it at the end. Stage points are important every weekend. It’s not just Charlotte, but if we can pick up some extra points this weekend with one more stage this weekend, it can be the difference to making “The Chase” this year.”   Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports ChevroletYou’ve shown speed on the 1.5-mile tracks and were knocking on the door in last year’s Coca-Cola 600. What are your thoughts heading into the weekend?“Our team has been looking forward to this one. Last year we had to start in the back, but worked forward pretty quickly. When we lined up on the front row I was ready to go for it and race it out, but a mechanical issue ended our night right after we took the green. I am just excited to have another shot at it. We have been really fast on the mile-and-a-halves, especially when you look at what we did at Texas a couple weeks back – winning the pole and running up front all day. I think we are in for a really good weekend.”   Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletHow does the track change as the day progresses into night?  “The 600 at Charlotte is one of the coolest races of the year and it’s a crown jewel event of our sport. You start the race during the day and you end well into the night. All the fans are there, it’s Memorial Day and such a cool event, such a cool weekend and getting to race in front of so many awesome NASCAR fans. The track changes a lot as the race goes on as you go into the night and that’s something that you and the team must keep up with during the race. I’m really excited for that one and looking forward to getting into my second 600 at Charlotte.” How do you prepare mentally and physically for the longer Cup races like the 600?“That’s one of the toughest parts of racing on Sundays and the jump to the Cup Series is the length of races and just how long you must stay in the zone and stay locked in. Mental is a lot of it honestly. I think the physical aspect; a lot of drivers can get through the physical aspect of those long races but the mental aspect of having to stay focused three and half to four hours can be tough. I’m looking forward to the challenge and having to figure it out this season. The 600 is the longest race of the year and mentally taxing by the end of it.” What does it mean to race at Charlotte since it’s your home track?“I grew up in Charlotte so getting to race in Charlotte is really cool for me. My family and friends get to come and watch what I do each weekend. It’s cool to race where almost all the drivers and teams are based. It’s always special for the teams and drivers to have a bunch of friends and family to come watch them and Charlotte is a great place to be able to host a bunch of people.” The 600 at Charlotte is a crown jewel race. What does that mean to young driver like yourself?  “The crown jewel races are certainly the ones you want to win, the big races that everyone wants to get throughout their career. The 600 is probably second biggest race of the year behind the Daytona 500 that we have all year long. To win that one would be pretty surreal. My teammate Ross Chastain won it last year. We’ve got a lot of good notes going into it. The crown jewels are definitely ones that we circle on the calendar saying that we want to win these.”   Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletAre you looking forward to 600 miles at Charlotte on Sunday?“Yeah, it’s a really cool race. I was competitive there last year and then obviously Ross (Chastain) won. So, should have some good stuff to build off of and apply for this year’s race. Just going to keep trying to score and maximize as many points as possible and not make mistakes. Then, running the Truck again on Friday night. It should be a fun weekend!” What do you think has been your biggest struggle on the ovals?“Getting up to speed on lap one or two. These guys do it on lap one or two, it’s really difficult for me. In practice sessions, it takes me a bit and then by the end of the session I’m decent. But I’ve been used to having a couple sets of tires a lot of times. I still struggle to just switch on and do those crazy laps at the start. The longer practice sessions help me because I’m able to practice techniques and learn a lot.”  It’s been really neat to see the way fans have embraced you here in America. What has that been like for you to already have an allegiance of fan support here in NASCAR?“It’s overwhelming but it’s awesome at the same time (laughs)! Everyone is really nice and friendly, it’s really cool to have so much support here in America. Especially, I’ve noticed at tracks I’ve won at before and people coming back the next year. How many models they want signed and how stoked they are. It’s cool for them to share their memories that they’ve had from my wins with me. It’s really special! It’s cool the amount of people who take days off work on a Monday at home and watch the races, it’s epic!”
 
Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series StatisticsManufacturer Championships:Total (1949-2025): 44First title for Chevrolet: 1958Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15)Most recent: 2025 Years Won: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 Driver Championships:Total (1949-2025): 34First Chevrolet champion: Buck Baker (1957)Highest number of consecutive titles: 7 (2005-11)Most recent: Kyle Larson (2025)Driver and Manufacturer Championship Sweeps: 29 Years Won: 1957, 1960, 1961, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2025 Event Victories:Record for total race wins in single season: 26 (2007)                2026 STATISTICS:                                                                                                    Wins: 4Poles: 3Laps Led: 999Top-Fives: 22Top-10s: 44Stage Wins: 9 CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:Total Chevrolet race wins: 885 (1949 to date)Poles won to date: 769Laps led to date: 257,733Top-fives to date: 4,458Top-10s to date: 9,195                                                                                                          Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date:                    General Motors: 1,219           Chevrolet: 885           Pontiac: 154           Oldsmobile: 115           Buick: 65            Ford: 848                                                                                          Ford: 748           Mercury: 96           Lincoln: 4            Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467           Dodge: 217           Plymouth: 191           Chrysler: 59            Toyota: 210
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34th Annual Lucas Oil Show-Me 100 Set for Memorial Day Weekend at Lucas Oil Speedway

34th Annual Lucas Oil Show-Me 100 Set for Memorial Day Weekend at Lucas Oil Speedway
WHEATLAND, MO (May 20, 2026) – The stars of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Presented by FloRacing will converge in Wheatland, Missouri, for one of dirt racing’s most prestigious crown jewel events when the 34th annual Lucas Oil Show-Me 100 Presented by Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging takes place at Lucas Oil Speedway on Memorial Day weekend, May 21-23. The marquee weekend culminates Saturday night with the 100-lap Lucas Oil Show-Me 100 finale paying $75,000 to the winner and featuring a total purse exceeding $200,000. The event annually attracts many of the top dirt late model competitors in the nation to the “Diamond of Dirt Tracks.” The three-day Memorial Day weekend schedule opens Thursday, May 21, with the 13th annual Cowboy Classic featuring the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series in a complete program paying $10,000 to the winner. Pit and spectator gates are scheduled to open at 4 p.m., with hot laps at 6:30 p.m. and racing to follow. Racing continues Friday, May 22, with the Tribute to Don and Billie Gibson preliminary event, once again featuring the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and another $10,000 winner’s payout. Pit and spectator gates again open at 4 p.m., with hot laps at 6:30 p.m. and racing to follow. Saturday, May 23, concludes the weekend with the 34th annual Lucas Oil Show-Me 100 Presented by Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging. Pit gates open at 2 p.m. and spectator gates open at 4 p.m. Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 6:45 p.m., with racing action immediately following as drivers battle in the 100-lap main event paying $75,000 to win. Support divisions throughout the weekend include Hickamo Super Stocks and O’Reilly Auto Parts USRA Stock Cars.In the event of inclement weather, Sunday, May 24, will serve as the rain date for Saturday’s 34th annual Lucas Oil Show-Me 100 Presented by Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging. For more than three decades, the Lucas Oil Show-Me 100 has stood as one of the signature events in dirt late model racing, delivering elite competition, unforgettable moments, and championship-caliber racing at one of America’s premier dirt tracks. Fans attending the Memorial Day weekend showcase can enjoy three nights of racing action, driver appearances, camping, midway activities, and family entertainment throughout the facility. Lucas Oil Speedway is located in Wheatland, Missouri, and hosts premier dirt track and off-road racing events throughout the season. For tickets, camping information, and a complete schedule of events, visit LucasOilSpeedway.com. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series championship battle enters the Lucas Oil Show-Me 100 weekend with Hudson O’Neal leading the Big River Steel Championship Standings Presented by ARP. O’Neal carries a 90-point advantage over Devin Moran, while Brandon Sheppard sits third in the standings entering one of the season’s premier crown jewel events. Ricky Thornton Jr. and Brandon Overton round out the top five, with Max Blair tied with Overton in points as the championship chase continues to tighten heading into Memorial Day weekend. For the latest news, results, and championship standings from the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing, please visit LucasDirt.com. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Purses:13th annual Cowboy Classic: 1. $10,000, 2. $5,500, 3. $3,500, 4. $2,700, 5. $2,500, 6. $2,300, 7. $2,200, 8. $2,100, 9. $2,050, 10. $2,000, 11. $1,600, 12. $1,400, 13. $1,200, 14. $1,000, 15. $950, 16. $925, 17. $900, 18. $875, 19. $850, 20. $825, 21. $800, 22. $800, 23. $800, 24. $800 = $48,575 Tribute to Don and Billie Gibson: 1. $10,000, 2. $5,500, 3. $3,500, 4. $2,700, 5. $2,500, 6. $2,300, 7. $2,200, 8. $2,100, 9. $2,050, 10. $2,000, 11. $1,600, 12. $1,400, 13. $1,200, 14. $1,000, 15. $950, 16. $925, 17. $900, 18. $875, 19. $850, 20. $825, 21. $800, 22. $800, 23. $800, 24. $800 = $48,575 Midwest Sheet Metal Show-Me Challenge Non-Qualifiers Race:1. $2,500, 2. $1,250, 3. $750, 4. $600, 5. $500, 6. $475, 7. $450, 8. $425, 9. $400, 10. $375, 11. $350, 12. $325, 13. $300, 14. $275, 15. $250, 16. $250, 17. $250, 18. $250, 19. $250, 20. $250, 21. $250, 22. $250, 23. $250, 24. $250 = $11,475 34th Annual Lucas Oil Show-Me 100 Presented by Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging:1. $75,000, 2. $25,000, 3. $10,000, 4. $9,000, 5. $8,000, 6. $7,000, 7. $6,000, 8. $5,000, 9. $4,500, 10. $4,000, 11. $3,800, 12. $3,700, 13. $3,600, 14. $3,500, 15. $3,400, 16. $3,300, 17. $3,200,18. $3,100, 19. $3,000, 20. $2,900, 21. $2,800, 22. $2,700, 23. $2,600, 24. $2,500, 25. $2,500, 26. $2,500, 27. $2,500 = $205,100 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Tire Rule:Left Rear/Fronts – Hoosier (90) NLMT2, (90) NLMT3Right Rear – Hoosier (92) NRM NLMT3, (92) NRM NLMT4
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DRAG RACE BRACKET BONANZA OPEN PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE ‘MAJOR MOMENTS’ BRACKET, THE THIRD BRACKET IN THE SERIES


Fans now voting on the greatest moments in Pro Stock Motorcycle history as DRBB’s season-long celebration of NHRA history continues DALLAS (May 19, 2026) — Drag Race Bracket Bonanza (DRBB), the free fantasy game built for NHRA drag racing fans, has officially opened voting for the Pro Stock Motorcycle edition of its popular Major Moments brackets, the latest chapter in a season-long fan experience celebrating 75 years of NHRA history.
 
The Major Moments initiative features seeded 64-moment brackets in each professional NHRA category: Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle, highlighting the most iconic wins, rivalries, records, championships and unforgettable moments the sport has ever seen.
 
Fans can now vote in the Pro Stock Motorcycle bracket, which will remain open through May 29, during the stretch between the Route 66 Nationals and Potomac Nationals. 
Throughout the 2026 season, DRBB is unveiling each class-specific bracket one at a time before culminating in an Overall Bracket featuring the Top 16 moments from every category. Fans will ultimately determine the single greatest moment in NHRA drag racing history.
 
“This has become something fans genuinely look forward to every few weeks,” said Elon Werner, creator of Drag Race Bracket Bonanza. “The Major Moments program has added another layer of excitement to DRBB because it keeps fans engaged all season long. Everyone remembers these moments differently, and watching people debate, defend and relive them has been incredible. That’s exactly what we hoped this would become.”
 
After each bracket closes, DRBB publicly releases the fan-completed results, creating even more discussion among racers, longtime followers and newer fans discovering the sport’s history for the first time. 
Six-time Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Matt Smith said the bracket is a reminder of how much the category has evolved over the years.
 
“I’m very proud to represent this class,” said Smith. “I set my life ambition to be a world championship in Pro Stock Motorcycle, and I’ve got six of them, and of course I want to get seven and be the all-time leader in our class, so hopefully we can accomplish that this year. And the big moments I have, some are good, some are bad, but we keep striving, and I’m just glad to help support the class and keep new people coming in.”
 
Two-time world champion Gaige Herrera believes the category’s next generation is already creating moments that could someday become part of future brackets.
 
“I just focus on what I’m doing as far as when the big moments are happening,” said Herrera. “This class is only continuing to get better, so I feel like we’re going to see a lot of people who are already in the class step up, or new people come in, to continue to set records and create major moments.”
 
By combining fan voting, NHRA history and friendly debate, DRBB’s Major Moments brackets have quickly become one of the most interactive additions to the 2026 fantasy season.
 
DRBB hopes the program continues sparking passionate conversations among fans about the defining moments, biggest upsets and most legendary performances in NHRA history, all while adding another fun, free and interactive element to the game throughout the season. 
Remaining Major Moments schedule for 2026:Pro Stock Motorcycle Bracket: May 18 – May 29 (between the Route 66 Nationals and the Potomac Nationals)Funny Car Bracket: June 29 – July 17 (between the Norwalk Nationals and the Sonoma Nationals)Overall Bracket: August 24 – September 5 (between the Brainerd Nationals and the U.S. Nationals) 
Completed brackets:Top Fuel Bracket: February 23 – March 6 (leading into the Gatornationals)Pro Stock Bracket: March 30 – April 10 (between the Arizona Nationals and the Winternationals) 
Fans can vote now in the Pro Stock Motorcycle Major Moments bracket at DragRaceBracketBonanza.com. They can find an example video for how to fill out a Major Moments bracket on the DRBB YouTube channel.
 
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TOP FIVE STORYLINES: Jacksonville, New Look Memorial Day Weekend Ahead for World of Outlaws

JACKSONVILLE, IL (May 19, 2026) – A big Midwestern week awaits the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.

Three races. Three tracks. Three states. Four days.

First up, the Series sets course for a midweek battle in Illinois at Jacksonville Speedway for the Hy-Vee Perks 40 on Thursday, May 21.

Then, a freshened Memorial Day weekend trip takes center stage as the Stars and Stripes Salute sends The Greatest Show on Dirt to a pair of the country’s most famed facilities. First up is Iowa’s Knoxville Raceway on Saturday, May 23. Then comes the first visit of 2026 to Brandon, SD’s Huset’s Speedway on Sunday, May 24. Both nights will send the winner home with $20,000.

BUY JACKSONVILLE TICKETS HERE
BUY KNOXVILLE TICKETS HERE
BUY HUSET’S TICKETS HERE

WATCH LIVE ON DIRTVision

Let’s look at the top stories to watch this week:

BULLRING BOYS

Only two current full-time Series competitors have been able to conquer a Jacksonville World of Outlaws race.

The first was Lemoore, CA’s Carson Macedo. He topped the 2019 visit in the Kyle Larson Racing No. 2 but is still after one with his current Jason Johnson Racing team. Together, they’ve collected finishes of fourth, fourth, and third at Jacksonville.

David Gravel emerged victorious from the 2024 race of the year at Jacksonville after a race-long war for the top spot. Since climbing aboard the Big Game Motorsports No. 2, the Watertown, CT native hasn’t been outside the top five at Jacksonville in three tries.

While Macedo and Gravel may be the only two with World of Outlaws scores at Jacksonville, they’re not the only two full-timers to have won at the 1/4 mile in some fashion. Both Michael “Buddy” Kofoid and Spencer Bayston have visited Victory Lane in POWRi Midget action.

CONQUERING THE CAPITAL

Knoxville Raceway is unanimously viewed as one of the toughest tracks to learn in the sport, but David Gravel and his Big Game Motorsports team have something figured out.

Gravel has made 25 Feature starts at Knoxville in the Cody Jacobs-wrenched car and finished on the podium 14 times, including his last four appearances. The two-time and defending champion enters the week as the most recent Series winner in Knoxville, IA, thanks to topping the finale of the Premier Chevy Dealers Clash opening leg last month. “The Sprint Car Capital of the World” always brings a stacked field, and Gravel almost always rises to the occasion.

The 33-year-old heads into the trio of races amid somewhat of a slump by his standards. Gravel finished 11th from 22nd on Friday before moving from 11th to sixth Saturday at Eldora. You don’t often see the No. 2 outside the top five in consecutive races these days, and Gravel is sure to be hungry to get back up front where he’s grown accustomed to competing.

BUDDY AND BILL’S BANK

There is no driver and team combination looking forward to getting back to Huset’s Sunday more than Buddy Kofoid and Roth Motorsports.

After suffering through the lowest of lows at the 2023 BillionAuto.com Huset’s High Bank Nationals, they’ve risen to the highest of highs. Huset’s has hosted a trio of six-figure payday races since then, and Kofoid and the No. 83 crew won all of them. They also added a $25,000 score at last fall’s Huset’s Shootout for good measure. The South Dakota oval might as well be Kofoid’s personal bank. He’s been on the podium in 10 of his last 13 races there, including a current streak of six in a row. Kofoid enters this week needing a boost with two results outside the top 10 in the last three races this season.

He may have not made as big of a withdrawal as Kofoid, but Bill Balog had a lucrative week of his own last summer at Huset’s. The “North Pole Nightmare” collected a win, a pair of runner-ups, and a seventh during the High Bank Nationals. Add it all up, and he wound up with a nearly $100,000 trip. Balog hasn’t finished outside the top 10 in his eight most recent Huset’s races. The 46-year-old is still after his first checkered flag of 2026.

NEW LOOK, NEW KNOWLEDGE

There’s no doubt that the World of Outlaws teams are grateful for the new look Memorial Day weekend. Not only does it present the chance to chase a pair of $20,000 paydays, but the Stars and Stripes Salute also gives teams extra laps at two of the most important tracks on the schedule.

Hands will be furiously taking notes this weekend at Knoxville and Huset’s. The two ovals are home to some of the most prestigious events on the calendar. Knoxville is the site of the NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s (Aug. 12-15). It’s the race atop every Sprint Car driver’s bucket list and is set to pay a record $200,000 to the champion at the top of the most generous purse in the sport that awards $15,000 for just making the show. Huset’s is upping the ante once again with the BillionAuto.com Huset’s High Bank Nationals (June 17-20). The four nights pack two events into one with the Hefty Seed Huset’s Hustle (June 17-18) handing out $150,000 to the winner. Then teams will contend for the highest winner’s share in World of Outlaws history ($300,000) to wrap up High Bank Nationals week on June 19-20.

This weekend is an extra night at both tracks that teams aren’t accustomed to having, and you can never get enough laps at the dirt ovals that serve up life-changing money and legacy-cementing opportunities. If a team wants to try something outside the box, the Stars and Stripes Salute may be the time to do so.

FLYIN’ RYAN

Among the region’s regulars to watch over the weekend at Knoxville and Huset’s, there’s no doubt that Ryan Timms stands out as a favorite to contend for victory.

The Oklahoma City, OK native put the Liebig Motorsports No. 10 on the podium both nights of April’s portion of the Premier Chevy Dealers Clash with the World of Outlaws. Timms then won the track’s first weekly program and came home runner-up the following week. And of course, he’s the defending Knoxville Nationals champion. The combination of Timms and Liebig may have cemented themselves as the crew to beat at the Marion County Fairgrounds.

Timms was also poised to win the Huset’s season opener on May 10 before an incident while leading in lapped traffic. The 19-year-old won six times at the Brandon, SD oval last year on the way to the track title.

While Timms may stand out, he’s far from the only regular to keep an eye on over the weekend. Names like Austin McCarl (Altoona, IA), Kaleb Johnson (Sioux Falls, SD), Brian Brown (Higginsville, MO), Kelby Watt (Adel, IA), Christopher Thram (Sanborn, MN), and plenty more are also expected to be in action.

THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE

WHEN AND WHERE 
Thursday, May 21 at Jacksonville Speedway in Jacksonville, IL
Saturday, May 23 at Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, IA
Sunday, May 24 at Huset’s Speedway in Brandon, SD

AROUND THE TURN
Friday, May 29 at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, ND (TICKETS)
Sunday May 31 at Nodak Speedway in Minot, ND (TICKETS)

CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (21/84 Races):
1. David Gravel – Big Game Motorsports No. 2 (2940 PTS)
2. Carson Macedo – Jason Johnson Racing No. 41 (-104 PTS)
3. Michael Kofoid – Roth Motorsports No. 83 (-116 PTS)
4. Donny Schatz – CJB Motorsports No. 15 (-186 PTS)
5. Sheldon Haudenschild – KCP Racing No. 18 (-188 PTS)
6. Logan Schuchart – Shark Racing No. 1S (-210 PTS)
7. Garet Williamson – Fischer Motorsports No. 23 (-374 PTS)
8. Cole Macedo – TwoC Racing No. 2C (-410 PTS)
9. Chris Windom – Sides Motorsports No. 7S (-448 PTS)
10. Spencer Bayston – Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing No. 17 (-470 PTS)

NOS ENERGY DRINK FEATURE WINNERS (12 Drivers):
5 Wins – Michael Kofoid, David Gravel
2 Wins – Anthony Macri
1 Win – Spencer Bayston, Sheldon Haudenschild, Donny Schatz, Carson Macedo, Tyler Courtney, Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne, Rico Abreu, Logan Schuchart

FEATURE LAPS LED (21 Drivers):
126 Laps Led – David Gravel
114 Laps Led – Michael Kofoid
44 Laps Led – Bill Balog
40 Laps Led – Anthony Macri
37 Laps Led – Tyler Courtney
35 Laps Led – Donny Schatz
33 Laps Led – Brady Bacon
32 Laps Led – Carson Macedo
28 Laps Led – Ryan Timms
26 Laps Led – Sheldon Haudenschild
25 Laps Led – Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne
20 Laps Led – Logan Schuchart
15 Laps Led – Rico Abreu
11 Laps Led – Giovanni Scelzi
10 Laps Led – Spencer Bayston, Cole Macedo
7 Laps Led – Kasey Jedrzejek, Brian Brown
6 Laps Led – Brock Zearfoss
1 Lap Led – Christopher ThramPODIUM FINISHES (23 Drivers):
13 Podiums – David Gravel
9 Podiums – Carson Macedo, Michael Kofoid
4 Podiums – Sheldon Haudenschild
3 Podiums – Anthony Macri, Donny Schatz, Ryan Timms
2 Podiums – Spencer Bayston, Rico Abreu, Brady Bacon
1 Podium – Ashton Torgerson, Bill Balog, Scott Bogucki, Cole Macedo, Tyler Courtney, Emerson Axsom, Brad Sweet, Chase Dietz, Kasey Kahne, Justin Whittall, Troy Wagaman Jr., Giovanni Scelzi, Logan Schuchart

SIMPSON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS QUICKTIME AWARDS (12 Drivers):
8 Quick Times – David Gravel
2 Quick Times – Sheldon Haudenschild, Logan Schuchart
1 Quick Time – Ashton Torgerson, Kasey Jedrzejek, Brady Bacon, Will Armitage, Michael Kofoid, J.J. Hickle, Brian Brown, Danny Dietrich, Rico Abreu

HEAT RACE WINNERS (28 Drivers):
16 Heat Wins – David Gravel
9 Heat Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild
6 Heat Wins – Carson Macedo
5 Heat Wins – Logan Schuchart
4 Heat Wins – Michael Kofoid, Bill Balog
3 Heat Wins – Ashton Torgerson, Emerson Axsom, Donny Schatz, Rico Abreu
2 Heat Wins – Anthony Macri, Cole Macedo, Chase Dietz, Kasey Kahne
1 Heat Win – Chase Dietz, Justin Peck, Tanner Holmes, Scotty Thiel, Kasey Jedrzejek, Will Armitage, Rees Moran, Tyler Courtney, Brent Marks, Aaron Reutzel, Brian Brown, Danny Dietrich, Justin Whittall, Chad Trout, Giovanni Scelzi

TOYOTA DASH APPEARANCES (49 Drivers):
17 Dashes – David Gravel
16 Dashes – Sheldon Haudenschild
13 Dashes – Michael Kofoid
8 Dashes – Carson Macedo
6 Dashes – Ashton Torgerson, Bill Balog, Emerson Axsom, Logan Schuchart
4 Dashes – Anthony Macri, Kasey Jedrzejek, Cole Macedo, Ryan Timms, Donny Schatz, Garet Williamson
3 Dashes – Brent Marks, Kerry Madsen, Chase Dietz, Tanner Holmes, Brian Brown, Rico Abreu
2 Dashes – Scotty Thiel, Spencer Bayston, Chris Windom, Aaron Reutzel, Kasey Kahne, Troy Wagaman Jr., Brady Bacon
1 Dash – Justin Peck, Parker Price-Miller, Brock Zearfoss, Bryce Lucius, Christopher Thram, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Will Armitage, Rees Moran, Bryce Norris, Tyler Courtney, Brad Sweet, Justin Henderson, J.J. Hickle, Danny Dietrich, Logan Rumsey, Daryn Pittman, Kody Hartlaub, Freddie Rahmer, Justin Whittall, Chad Trout, Brenham Crouch, Giovanni Scelzi

MICRO-LITE LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (15 Drivers):
3 LCS Wins – Donny Schatz
2 LCS Wins – Michael Kofoid, Chris Windom, Garet Williamson
1 LCS Wins – Cameron Martin, Bill Balog, Blake Hahn, Landon Crawley, Bryce Norris, Giovanni Scelzi, Logan Schuchart, Doug Hammaker, Daryn Pittman, Kerry Madsen, Spencer Bayston

KSE HARD CHARGER AWARDS (14 Drivers):
3 Hard Chargers – Donny Schatz, Carson Macedo
2 Hard Chargers – Garet Williamson, Michael Kofoid, Spencer Bayston
1 Hard Charger – Chris Windom, Giovanni Scelzi, Ryan Timms, Logan Schuchart, Brady Bacon, Sheldon Haudenschild, Tyler Ross, Cameron Smith, David Gravel

ACME FASTEST LAP AWARDS (15 Drivers):
4 Fastest Laps – Michael Kofoid
2 Fastest Laps – Bill Balog, David Gravel, Brady Bacon
1 Fastest Lap – Anthony Macri, Brock Zearfoss, Sheldon Haudenschild, Carson Macedo, Cole Macedo, Ryan Timms, Kasey Jedrzejek, Brad Sweet, Kelby Watt, Kasey Kahne, Giovanni Scelzi

RACE READY CLOTHING HOTTEST LAP OF THE NIGHT AWARDS (12 Drivers):
7 Hottest Laps – David Gravel
3 Hottest Laps – Michael Kofoid
2 Hottest Laps – Logan Schuchart
1 Hottest Lap – Austin McCarl, Brent Marks, Cole Macedo, Emerson Axsom, Tyler Courtney, Ryan Timms, Daryn Pittman, Giovanni Scelzi, Garet Williamson

2026 WORLD OF OUTLAWS SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE & WINNERS:
Day, Date / Track / Location / Winner
Wed, Feb 4 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Spencer Bayston (1)
Fri, Feb 6 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Michael Kofoid (1)
Sat, Feb 7 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Anthony Macri (1)
Sun, March 1 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Sheldon Haudenschild (1)
Mon, March 2 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Anthony Macri (2)
Fri, March 6 / Talladega Short Track / Eastaboga, AL / Donny Schatz (1)
Fri, March 13 / Kennedale Speedway Park / Kennedale, TX / David Gravel (1)
Fri, March 20 / Lawton Speedway / Lawton, OK / David Gravel (2)
Sat, March 21 / Creek County Speedway / Sapulpa, OK / David Gravel (3)
Fri, March 27 / US 36 Raceway / Osborn, MO / Carson Macedo (1)
Sat, March 28 / 81 Speedway / Park City, KS / Michael Kofoid (2)
Fri, April 10 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO / Michael Kofoid (3)
Sat, April 11 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO / Michael Kofoid (4)
Sun, April 19 / Tri-State Speedway / Haubstadt, IN / Tyler Courtney (1)
Fri, April 24 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Brad Sweet (1)
Sat, April 25 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / David Gravel (4)
Tues, May 5 / Lincoln Speedway / Abbottstown, PA / Michael Kofoid (5)
Fri, May 8 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Kasey Kahne (1)
Sat, May 9 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / David Gravel (5)
Fri, May 15 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Rico Abreu (1)
Sat, May 16 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Logan Schuchart (1)
Tues, May 19 / Jacksonville Speedway / Jacksonville, IL
Sat, May 23 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Sun, May 24 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, May 29 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND
Sun, May 31 / Nodak Speedway / Minot, ND
Fri, June 5 / Hartford Speedway / Hartford, MI
Sat, June 6 / Plymouth Dirt Track / Plymouth, WI
Sun, June 7 / Angell Park Speedway / Sun Prairie, WI
Fri, June 12 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Sat, June 13 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Wed, June 17 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Thurs, June 18 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, June 19 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Sat, June 20 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, June 26 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI
Sat, June 27 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI
Fri, July 10 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI
Sat, July 11 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI
Tues, July 14 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH
Fri, July 17 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH
Sat, July 18 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH
Tues, July 21 / Ohsweken Speedway / Ohsweken, ON, Canada
Wed, July 22 / Ohsweken Speedway / Ohsweken, ON, Canada
Sat, July 25 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY
Sun, July 26 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY
Wed, July 29 / BAPS Motor Speedway / York Haven, PA
Fri, July 31 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Sat, Aug 1 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Fri, Aug 7 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Sat, Aug 8 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Wed, Aug 12 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Thurs, Aug 13 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Fri, Aug 14 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Sat, Aug 15 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Fri, Aug 21 / Ogilvie Raceway / Ogilvie, MN
Sat, Aug 22 / Jackson Motorplex / Jackson, MN
Fri, Aug 28 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND
Sat, Aug 29 / Red River Valley Speedway / West Fargo, ND
Fri, Sept 4 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Sat, Sept 5 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Sun, Sept 6 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, Sept 11 / Belleville High Banks / Belleville, KS
Sat, Sept 12 / Dodge City Raceway Park / Dodge City, KS
Mon, Sept 14 / El Paso County Raceway / Calhan, CO
Fri, Sept 18 / Stockton Dirt Track / Stockton, CA
Sat, Sept 19 / Stockton Dirt Track / Stockton, CA
Tues, Sept 22 / Kings Speedway / Hanford, CA
Fri, Sept 25 / Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway / Bakersfield, CA
Sat, Sept 26 / Ventura Raceway / Ventura, CA
Fri, Oct 2 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Sat, Oct 3 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Thurs, Oct 8 / Millstream Speedway / Findlay, OH
Fri, Oct 9 / Mansfield Speedway / Mansfield, OH
Sat, Oct 10 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH
Fri, Oct 16 / Lincoln Park Speedway / Putnamville, IN
Sat, Oct 17 / TBA
Fri, Oct 23 / Texarkana 67 Speedway / Texarkana, AR
Sat, Oct 24 / Texarkana 67 Speedway / Texarkana, AR
Wed, Nov 4 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Thurs, Nov 5 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Fri, Nov 6 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Sat, Nov 7 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC

*denotes unofficial split-field prelim race.

TOP FIVE STORYLINES: Jacksonville, New Look Memorial Day Weekend Ahead for World of Outlaws

JACKSONVILLE, IL (May 19, 2026) – A big Midwestern week awaits the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.

Three races. Three tracks. Three states. Four days.

First up, the Series sets course for a midweek battle in Illinois at Jacksonville Speedway for the Hy-Vee Perks 40 on Thursday, May 21.

Then, a freshened Memorial Day weekend trip takes center stage as the Stars and Stripes Salute sends The Greatest Show on Dirt to a pair of the country’s most famed facilities. First up is Iowa’s Knoxville Raceway on Saturday, May 23. Then comes the first visit of 2026 to Brandon, SD’s Huset’s Speedway on Sunday, May 24. Both nights will send the winner home with $20,000.

BUY JACKSONVILLE TICKETS HERE
BUY KNOXVILLE TICKETS HERE
BUY HUSET’S TICKETS HERE

WATCH LIVE ON DIRTVision

Let’s look at the top stories to watch this week:

BULLRING BOYS

Only two current full-time Series competitors have been able to conquer a Jacksonville World of Outlaws race.

The first was Lemoore, CA’s Carson Macedo. He topped the 2019 visit in the Kyle Larson Racing No. 2 but is still after one with his current Jason Johnson Racing team. Together, they’ve collected finishes of fourth, fourth, and third at Jacksonville.

David Gravel emerged victorious from the 2024 race of the year at Jacksonville after a race-long war for the top spot. Since climbing aboard the Big Game Motorsports No. 2, the Watertown, CT native hasn’t been outside the top five at Jacksonville in three tries.

While Macedo and Gravel may be the only two with World of Outlaws scores at Jacksonville, they’re not the only two full-timers to have won at the 1/4 mile in some fashion. Both Michael “Buddy” Kofoid and Spencer Bayston have visited Victory Lane in POWRi Midget action.

CONQUERING THE CAPITAL

Knoxville Raceway is unanimously viewed as one of the toughest tracks to learn in the sport, but David Gravel and his Big Game Motorsports team have something figured out.

Gravel has made 25 Feature starts at Knoxville in the Cody Jacobs-wrenched car and finished on the podium 14 times, including his last four appearances. The two-time and defending champion enters the week as the most recent Series winner in Knoxville, IA, thanks to topping the finale of the Premier Chevy Dealers Clash opening leg last month. “The Sprint Car Capital of the World” always brings a stacked field, and Gravel almost always rises to the occasion.

The 33-year-old heads into the trio of races amid somewhat of a slump by his standards. Gravel finished 11th from 22nd on Friday before moving from 11th to sixth Saturday at Eldora. You don’t often see the No. 2 outside the top five in consecutive races these days, and Gravel is sure to be hungry to get back up front where he’s grown accustomed to competing.

BUDDY AND BILL’S BANK

There is no driver and team combination looking forward to getting back to Huset’s Sunday more than Buddy Kofoid and Roth Motorsports.

After suffering through the lowest of lows at the 2023 BillionAuto.com Huset’s High Bank Nationals, they’ve risen to the highest of highs. Huset’s has hosted a trio of six-figure payday races since then, and Kofoid and the No. 83 crew won all of them. They also added a $25,000 score at last fall’s Huset’s Shootout for good measure. The South Dakota oval might as well be Kofoid’s personal bank. He’s been on the podium in 10 of his last 13 races there, including a current streak of six in a row. Kofoid enters this week needing a boost with two results outside the top 10 in the last three races this season.

He may have not made as big of a withdrawal as Kofoid, but Bill Balog had a lucrative week of his own last summer at Huset’s. The “North Pole Nightmare” collected a win, a pair of runner-ups, and a seventh during the High Bank Nationals. Add it all up, and he wound up with a nearly $100,000 trip. Balog hasn’t finished outside the top 10 in his eight most recent Huset’s races. The 46-year-old is still after his first checkered flag of 2026.

NEW LOOK, NEW KNOWLEDGE

There’s no doubt that the World of Outlaws teams are grateful for the new look Memorial Day weekend. Not only does it present the chance to chase a pair of $20,000 paydays, but the Stars and Stripes Salute also gives teams extra laps at two of the most important tracks on the schedule.

Hands will be furiously taking notes this weekend at Knoxville and Huset’s. The two ovals are home to some of the most prestigious events on the calendar. Knoxville is the site of the NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s (Aug. 12-15). It’s the race atop every Sprint Car driver’s bucket list and is set to pay a record $200,000 to the champion at the top of the most generous purse in the sport that awards $15,000 for just making the show. Huset’s is upping the ante once again with the BillionAuto.com Huset’s High Bank Nationals (June 17-20). The four nights pack two events into one with the Hefty Seed Huset’s Hustle (June 17-18) handing out $150,000 to the winner. Then teams will contend for the highest winner’s share in World of Outlaws history ($300,000) to wrap up High Bank Nationals week on June 19-20.

This weekend is an extra night at both tracks that teams aren’t accustomed to having, and you can never get enough laps at the dirt ovals that serve up life-changing money and legacy-cementing opportunities. If a team wants to try something outside the box, the Stars and Stripes Salute may be the time to do so.

FLYIN’ RYAN

Among the region’s regulars to watch over the weekend at Knoxville and Huset’s, there’s no doubt that Ryan Timms stands out as a favorite to contend for victory.

The Oklahoma City, OK native put the Liebig Motorsports No. 10 on the podium both nights of April’s portion of the Premier Chevy Dealers Clash with the World of Outlaws. Timms then won the track’s first weekly program and came home runner-up the following week. And of course, he’s the defending Knoxville Nationals champion. The combination of Timms and Liebig may have cemented themselves as the crew to beat at the Marion County Fairgrounds.

Timms was also poised to win the Huset’s season opener on May 10 before an incident while leading in lapped traffic. The 19-year-old won six times at the Brandon, SD oval last year on the way to the track title.

While Timms may stand out, he’s far from the only regular to keep an eye on over the weekend. Names like Austin McCarl (Altoona, IA), Kaleb Johnson (Sioux Falls, SD), Brian Brown (Higginsville, MO), Kelby Watt (Adel, IA), Christopher Thram (Sanborn, MN), and plenty more are also expected to be in action.

THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE

WHEN AND WHERE 
Thursday, May 21 at Jacksonville Speedway in Jacksonville, IL
Saturday, May 23 at Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, IA
Sunday, May 24 at Huset’s Speedway in Brandon, SD

AROUND THE TURN
Friday, May 29 at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, ND (TICKETS)
Sunday May 31 at Nodak Speedway in Minot, ND (TICKETS)

CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (21/84 Races):
1. David Gravel – Big Game Motorsports No. 2 (2940 PTS)
2. Carson Macedo – Jason Johnson Racing No. 41 (-104 PTS)
3. Michael Kofoid – Roth Motorsports No. 83 (-116 PTS)
4. Donny Schatz – CJB Motorsports No. 15 (-186 PTS)
5. Sheldon Haudenschild – KCP Racing No. 18 (-188 PTS)
6. Logan Schuchart – Shark Racing No. 1S (-210 PTS)
7. Garet Williamson – Fischer Motorsports No. 23 (-374 PTS)
8. Cole Macedo – TwoC Racing No. 2C (-410 PTS)
9. Chris Windom – Sides Motorsports No. 7S (-448 PTS)
10. Spencer Bayston – Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing No. 17 (-470 PTS)

NOS ENERGY DRINK FEATURE WINNERS (12 Drivers):
5 Wins – Michael Kofoid, David Gravel
2 Wins – Anthony Macri
1 Win – Spencer Bayston, Sheldon Haudenschild, Donny Schatz, Carson Macedo, Tyler Courtney, Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne, Rico Abreu, Logan Schuchart

FEATURE LAPS LED (21 Drivers):
126 Laps Led – David Gravel
114 Laps Led – Michael Kofoid
44 Laps Led – Bill Balog
40 Laps Led – Anthony Macri
37 Laps Led – Tyler Courtney
35 Laps Led – Donny Schatz
33 Laps Led – Brady Bacon
32 Laps Led – Carson Macedo
28 Laps Led – Ryan Timms
26 Laps Led – Sheldon Haudenschild
25 Laps Led – Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne
20 Laps Led – Logan Schuchart
15 Laps Led – Rico Abreu
11 Laps Led – Giovanni Scelzi
10 Laps Led – Spencer Bayston, Cole Macedo
7 Laps Led – Kasey Jedrzejek, Brian Brown
6 Laps Led – Brock Zearfoss
1 Lap Led – Christopher ThramPODIUM FINISHES (23 Drivers):
13 Podiums – David Gravel
9 Podiums – Carson Macedo, Michael Kofoid
4 Podiums – Sheldon Haudenschild
3 Podiums – Anthony Macri, Donny Schatz, Ryan Timms
2 Podiums – Spencer Bayston, Rico Abreu, Brady Bacon
1 Podium – Ashton Torgerson, Bill Balog, Scott Bogucki, Cole Macedo, Tyler Courtney, Emerson Axsom, Brad Sweet, Chase Dietz, Kasey Kahne, Justin Whittall, Troy Wagaman Jr., Giovanni Scelzi, Logan Schuchart

SIMPSON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS QUICKTIME AWARDS (12 Drivers):
8 Quick Times – David Gravel
2 Quick Times – Sheldon Haudenschild, Logan Schuchart
1 Quick Time – Ashton Torgerson, Kasey Jedrzejek, Brady Bacon, Will Armitage, Michael Kofoid, J.J. Hickle, Brian Brown, Danny Dietrich, Rico Abreu

HEAT RACE WINNERS (28 Drivers):
16 Heat Wins – David Gravel
9 Heat Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild
6 Heat Wins – Carson Macedo
5 Heat Wins – Logan Schuchart
4 Heat Wins – Michael Kofoid, Bill Balog
3 Heat Wins – Ashton Torgerson, Emerson Axsom, Donny Schatz, Rico Abreu
2 Heat Wins – Anthony Macri, Cole Macedo, Chase Dietz, Kasey Kahne
1 Heat Win – Chase Dietz, Justin Peck, Tanner Holmes, Scotty Thiel, Kasey Jedrzejek, Will Armitage, Rees Moran, Tyler Courtney, Brent Marks, Aaron Reutzel, Brian Brown, Danny Dietrich, Justin Whittall, Chad Trout, Giovanni Scelzi

TOYOTA DASH APPEARANCES (49 Drivers):
17 Dashes – David Gravel
16 Dashes – Sheldon Haudenschild
13 Dashes – Michael Kofoid
8 Dashes – Carson Macedo
6 Dashes – Ashton Torgerson, Bill Balog, Emerson Axsom, Logan Schuchart
4 Dashes – Anthony Macri, Kasey Jedrzejek, Cole Macedo, Ryan Timms, Donny Schatz, Garet Williamson
3 Dashes – Brent Marks, Kerry Madsen, Chase Dietz, Tanner Holmes, Brian Brown, Rico Abreu
2 Dashes – Scotty Thiel, Spencer Bayston, Chris Windom, Aaron Reutzel, Kasey Kahne, Troy Wagaman Jr., Brady Bacon
1 Dash – Justin Peck, Parker Price-Miller, Brock Zearfoss, Bryce Lucius, Christopher Thram, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Will Armitage, Rees Moran, Bryce Norris, Tyler Courtney, Brad Sweet, Justin Henderson, J.J. Hickle, Danny Dietrich, Logan Rumsey, Daryn Pittman, Kody Hartlaub, Freddie Rahmer, Justin Whittall, Chad Trout, Brenham Crouch, Giovanni Scelzi

MICRO-LITE LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (15 Drivers):
3 LCS Wins – Donny Schatz
2 LCS Wins – Michael Kofoid, Chris Windom, Garet Williamson
1 LCS Wins – Cameron Martin, Bill Balog, Blake Hahn, Landon Crawley, Bryce Norris, Giovanni Scelzi, Logan Schuchart, Doug Hammaker, Daryn Pittman, Kerry Madsen, Spencer Bayston

KSE HARD CHARGER AWARDS (14 Drivers):
3 Hard Chargers – Donny Schatz, Carson Macedo
2 Hard Chargers – Garet Williamson, Michael Kofoid, Spencer Bayston
1 Hard Charger – Chris Windom, Giovanni Scelzi, Ryan Timms, Logan Schuchart, Brady Bacon, Sheldon Haudenschild, Tyler Ross, Cameron Smith, David Gravel

ACME FASTEST LAP AWARDS (15 Drivers):
4 Fastest Laps – Michael Kofoid
2 Fastest Laps – Bill Balog, David Gravel, Brady Bacon
1 Fastest Lap – Anthony Macri, Brock Zearfoss, Sheldon Haudenschild, Carson Macedo, Cole Macedo, Ryan Timms, Kasey Jedrzejek, Brad Sweet, Kelby Watt, Kasey Kahne, Giovanni Scelzi

RACE READY CLOTHING HOTTEST LAP OF THE NIGHT AWARDS (12 Drivers):
7 Hottest Laps – David Gravel
3 Hottest Laps – Michael Kofoid
2 Hottest Laps – Logan Schuchart
1 Hottest Lap – Austin McCarl, Brent Marks, Cole Macedo, Emerson Axsom, Tyler Courtney, Ryan Timms, Daryn Pittman, Giovanni Scelzi, Garet Williamson

2026 WORLD OF OUTLAWS SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE & WINNERS:
Day, Date / Track / Location / Winner
Wed, Feb 4 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Spencer Bayston (1)
Fri, Feb 6 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Michael Kofoid (1)
Sat, Feb 7 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Anthony Macri (1)
Sun, March 1 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Sheldon Haudenschild (1)
Mon, March 2 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Anthony Macri (2)
Fri, March 6 / Talladega Short Track / Eastaboga, AL / Donny Schatz (1)
Fri, March 13 / Kennedale Speedway Park / Kennedale, TX / David Gravel (1)
Fri, March 20 / Lawton Speedway / Lawton, OK / David Gravel (2)
Sat, March 21 / Creek County Speedway / Sapulpa, OK / David Gravel (3)
Fri, March 27 / US 36 Raceway / Osborn, MO / Carson Macedo (1)
Sat, March 28 / 81 Speedway / Park City, KS / Michael Kofoid (2)
Fri, April 10 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO / Michael Kofoid (3)
Sat, April 11 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO / Michael Kofoid (4)
Sun, April 19 / Tri-State Speedway / Haubstadt, IN / Tyler Courtney (1)
Fri, April 24 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Brad Sweet (1)
Sat, April 25 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / David Gravel (4)
Tues, May 5 / Lincoln Speedway / Abbottstown, PA / Michael Kofoid (5)
Fri, May 8 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Kasey Kahne (1)
Sat, May 9 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / David Gravel (5)
Fri, May 15 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Rico Abreu (1)
Sat, May 16 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Logan Schuchart (1)
Tues, May 19 / Jacksonville Speedway / Jacksonville, IL
Sat, May 23 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Sun, May 24 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, May 29 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND
Sun, May 31 / Nodak Speedway / Minot, ND
Fri, June 5 / Hartford Speedway / Hartford, MI
Sat, June 6 / Plymouth Dirt Track / Plymouth, WI
Sun, June 7 / Angell Park Speedway / Sun Prairie, WI
Fri, June 12 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Sat, June 13 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Wed, June 17 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Thurs, June 18 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, June 19 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Sat, June 20 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, June 26 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI
Sat, June 27 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI
Fri, July 10 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI
Sat, July 11 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI
Tues, July 14 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH
Fri, July 17 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH
Sat, July 18 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH
Tues, July 21 / Ohsweken Speedway / Ohsweken, ON, Canada
Wed, July 22 / Ohsweken Speedway / Ohsweken, ON, Canada
Sat, July 25 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY
Sun, July 26 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY
Wed, July 29 / BAPS Motor Speedway / York Haven, PA
Fri, July 31 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Sat, Aug 1 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Fri, Aug 7 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Sat, Aug 8 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Wed, Aug 12 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Thurs, Aug 13 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Fri, Aug 14 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Sat, Aug 15 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Fri, Aug 21 / Ogilvie Raceway / Ogilvie, MN
Sat, Aug 22 / Jackson Motorplex / Jackson, MN
Fri, Aug 28 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND
Sat, Aug 29 / Red River Valley Speedway / West Fargo, ND
Fri, Sept 4 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Sat, Sept 5 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Sun, Sept 6 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, Sept 11 / Belleville High Banks / Belleville, KS
Sat, Sept 12 / Dodge City Raceway Park / Dodge City, KS
Mon, Sept 14 / El Paso County Raceway / Calhan, CO
Fri, Sept 18 / Stockton Dirt Track / Stockton, CA
Sat, Sept 19 / Stockton Dirt Track / Stockton, CA
Tues, Sept 22 / Kings Speedway / Hanford, CA
Fri, Sept 25 / Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway / Bakersfield, CA
Sat, Sept 26 / Ventura Raceway / Ventura, CA
Fri, Oct 2 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Sat, Oct 3 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Thurs, Oct 8 / Millstream Speedway / Findlay, OH
Fri, Oct 9 / Mansfield Speedway / Mansfield, OH
Sat, Oct 10 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH
Fri, Oct 16 / Lincoln Park Speedway / Putnamville, IN
Sat, Oct 17 / TBA
Fri, Oct 23 / Texarkana 67 Speedway / Texarkana, AR
Sat, Oct 24 / Texarkana 67 Speedway / Texarkana, AR
Wed, Nov 4 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Thurs, Nov 5 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Fri, Nov 6 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Sat, Nov 7 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC

*denotes unofficial split-field prelim race.

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/sprintcars/top-five-storylines-jacksonville-new-look-memorial-day-weekend-ahead-for-world-of-outlaws/

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BRABHAM AIMS FOR 5TH STRAIGHT TRANS AM WIN AT LIME ROCK PARK; DYSON RETURNS TO COMPETITION IN SECOND CD RACING ENTRY

BRABHAM AIMS FOR 5TH STRAIGHT TRANS AM WIN AT LIME ROCK PARK; DYSON RETURNS TO COMPETITION IN SECOND CD RACING ENTRY
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (May 19, 2026) – Hot on the heels of a sweep of the first four races on the Trans Am by Pirelli schedule, Matthew Brabham and his #16 GYM WEED Ford Mustang this weekend look for a fifth consecutive win as the series visits Connecticut’s historic Lime Rock Park, home track for Brabham’s CD Racing team. Team owner and three-time series champion Chris Dyson returns for his first race of the year in the #20 Ford Mustang, which will have a RACER-branded livery, also featuring GYM SODA, a new clear protein beverage from Alternative Biologics, maker of GYM WEED.

“Every weekend so far the team has given me a car that’s fast straight off the trailer and clearly a potential race winner,” Brabham said. “Lime Rock is the team’s home track and I expect I’ll have a very fast car.”

For Brabham, who so far this season has started every race from the pole, led every competitive lap, while setting the fastest race lap, Lime Rock Park will provide a fresh challenge. In his three previous Lime Rock Trans Am starts Brabham once won the pole, but his best race result has been a second-place finish on his Trans Am track debut in 2022.

But Brabham cautioned that it will take more than a fast car to win this weekend at the short but very fast New England circuit. “First there’s Chris; we don’t have team orders and he’ll have car that’s fast enough to win. Then there’s Tomy (Drissi) and Paul (Menard), who won at Lime Rock last year after Chris got knocked out of the lead while lapping a slower car. So yeah, you always have to be careful with lapped traffic, particularly when there’s such a big speed differential between classes.”

For Dyson, the return to competition carries a different rhythm. His last start came late in the 2025 season, and after stepping away from the opening rounds of 2026, this weekend marks a deliberate re-entry rather than a full-season campaign. Not chasing the championship, but never far from it, the Hall of Fame driver sits second on the all-time Trans Am wins list and remains a constant factor whenever he straps in.

“I’m thrilled to get back in the #20 car again,” Dyson said. “About a six weeks ago, I saw an opening in my schedule where doing this looked possible, and I immediately resumed my training. It was pretty demanding going from where I was, but it had to be. It’s especially challenging after more than seven months away. I’m not putting a lot of pressure on myself; but we had a very good test last week at Lime Rock and another scheduled for today. I know I’ll have a strong car – I won a lot of races here with this Meissen chassis– and that’s a big plus.”

Dyson Lime Rock Park History

Lime Rock Park figures prominently in the Dyson family’s motorsport history. As an amateur racer Rob Dyson made his first Lime Rock SCCA club racing start in 1974. Nine years later he made his first professional racing appearance there in the in a Pontiac while in 1985 Dyson Racing scored its first professional win in the team’s debut in the International Motor Sports Association’s Camel GT Series.

Chris attended the Skip Barber Racing School at Lime Rock Park in the summer of 1995 and the track figured prominently in his SCCA Club Racing career.

In the 2011 Lime Rock Park round of the IMSA American Le Mans Series, Dyson won the pole and the race, which proved a key factor in securing the series championship for the team and for Mazda.

Of the six times America’s longest-running road-racing series has visited the beautiful New England facility in the modern era, Dyson has won three times. And in two of the three times he didn’t win, Dyson finished second. (As Brabham noted, Dyson was leading last year’s Lime Rock race until he was taken out while lapping an inexperienced back marker.)

Bacon’s Big Eldora USAC Sprint Win

This past Saturday open-wheel star Brady Bacon wheeled the #20 CD Racing / Concord American Flagpole / RACER sprint car to a dominating win at Ohio’s half-mile dirt Eldora Speedway. Bacon started on the pole and led the 30-lap feature from green to checker, crossing the finish line more than three seconds ahead of his closest rival. It was the Oklahoman’s 62nd career USAC National Sprint Car feature victory, tying him for second place on the series’ career win list.

Rob Dyson to Be Inducted to Motorsports Hall of Fame

In late April, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA) announced Dyson Racing founder Rob Dyson as one of the ten members of its 2027 induction class. Other notables on the list include Dale Earnhardt Jr., Ron Capps, Gary Bettenhausen, and Lyn St. James. The class spans various disciplines—from drag racing to aviation—and will be honored in March 2027 at Daytona Beach, Florida.

Click here for more on Chris Dyson Racing.

Lime Rock Park Schedule

Qualifying takes place Friday, May 22, 3:40 p.m. – 3:55 p.m. ET

The 100-mile race takes the green flag Saturday, May 23, at 12:10 p.m. ET

Broadcast Schedule

All Trans Am races are live-streamed on the Trans Am YouTube channel.
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Lucas Oil Show-Me 100 Adds New Presenting Sponsor for 2026

Lucas Oil Show-Me 100 Adds New Presenting Sponsor for 2026
Lucas Oil Show-Me 100 Adds New Presenting Sponsor for 2026
BATAVIA, OH (May 19, 2026) – The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series is excited to announce that Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging has signed on as the presenting sponsor of the 34th Annual Lucas Oil Show-Me 100 in 2026. Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging also serves as the title sponsor of the Series’ Start/Restart Zone and is an official partner of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. Ace Doran is a trusted transportation and logistics company with more than 100 years of experience. The company’s history dates back to the early 1900s in Cincinnati, Ohio, when John Doran hauled ice and coal by horse-drawn carriage. That commitment to reliability and hard work laid the foundation for the company that officially became Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging in 1941. From its beginnings as a small local operation, Ace Doran has grown into a leading flatbed, heavy haul, and specialized transportation provider serving customers throughout the United States and Canada. The company’s network includes experienced owner-operators, company drivers, and agents working together to transport project cargo, wind energy components, steel freight, and other specialized shipments critical to industries across North America. In 2013, Ace Doran joined the Bennett Family of Companies, expanding its capabilities through Bennett’s global logistics network while continuing its commitment to service, safety, and efficiency. To learn more about Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging, visit AceDoran.com. The 34th Annual Lucas Oil Show-Me 100 presented by Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging will feature complete Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series programs on Thursday and Friday, May 21-22, each paying $10,000 to win. Saturday’s finale will include B-Mains, the Midwest Sheet Metal Show-Me Challenge, and the 100-lap main event paying $75,000 to the winner. Bobby Pierce of Oakwood, Illinois enters the weekend as the defending Show-Me 100 champion. For ticket and camping information for Lucas Oil Speedway events in 2026, contact the speedway at (417) 295-6043 or visit LucasOilSpeedway.com.
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Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Announces Dates for 2027 Speedweeks

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Announces Dates for 2027 Speedweeks
BATAVIA, Ohio (May 18, 2026) — The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing is excited to announce the official dates and purses for the 2027 Speedweeks schedule, featuring 15 nights of action across three premier facilities in Florida and Georgia. The 2027 Speedweeks campaign will begin at All-Tech Raceway in Lake City, Florida, from February 24-27 before continuing at Ocala Speedway in Ocala, Florida, from March 1-6. The tour will conclude at Golden Isles Speedway in Brunswick, Georgia, from March 9-13. All-Tech Raceway will once again serve as the season-opening venue for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. The Lake City facility is known for its unique layout, excellent sightlines for fans, and welcoming atmosphere throughout the pit area and grandstands. All-Tech Raceway has become a favorite destination for teams and fans making the annual trip south to begin the season. Fans can expect three lucrative nights of racing following an opening practice night, highlighted by a $15,000-to-win finale on February 27. Ocala Speedway returns as one of the most historic and tradition-rich stops during Speedweeks. Located in the heart of Florida dirt racing, the facility has hosted countless memorable moments over the years and continues to deliver exciting side-by-side racing. The six-night program at Ocala Speedway will feature five complete racing programs following a practice night, culminating with a $25,000-to-win finale on March 6. The 2027 Speedweeks schedule will conclude at Golden Isles Speedway in Brunswick, Georgia. Since becoming a regular stop on the national dirt racing calendar, Golden Isles Speedway has earned a reputation for producing thrilling racing and dramatic finishes. The Georgia facility will host four nights of racing following a practice night, highlighted by a $25,000-to-win finale on March 13. “We’re excited to officially announce the 2027 Speedweeks dates and purses,” said Rick Schwallie, Series Director. “All-Tech Raceway, Ocala Speedway, and Golden Isles Speedway have become tremendous hosts for our teams and fans during the early portion of the season. With outstanding facilities, strong purses, and passionate race fans, we’re looking forward to another exciting start to the year.” 2027 Speedweeks ScheduleAll-Tech Raceway – Lake City, Florida• February 24 – Practice Night• February 25 – $10,000 to Win / $48,575 Purse• February 26 – $12,000 to Win / $52,800 Purse• February 27 – $15,000 to Win / $63,400 Purse Ocala Speedway – Ocala, Florida• March 1 – Practice Night• March 2 – $7,000 to Win / $30,775 Purse *• March 3 – $7,000 to Win / $30,775 Purse *• March 4 – $10,000 to Win / $48,575 Purse• March 5 – $12,000 to Win / $52,800 Purse• March 6 – $25,000 to Win / $82,800 Purse Golden Isles Speedway – Brunswick, Georgia• March 9 – Practice Night• March 10 – $7,000 to Win / $30,775 Purse *• March 11 – $10,000 to Win / $48,575 Purse• March 12 – $12,000 to Win / $52,800 Purse• March 13 – $25,000 to Win / $82,800 Purse *Non-Championship Points Events Additional event details, including support divisions, ticket information, camping availability, and nightly schedules, will be announced at a later date. For the latest news, results, and championship standings from the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing, please visit LucasDirt.com. 2027 Speedweeks Purses:$7,000 To Win: 1. $7,000, 2. $3,500, 3. $2,000, 4. $1,500, 5. $1,400, 6. $1,300, 7. $1,200, 8. $1,100, 9. $1,000, 10. $950, 11. $900, 12. $850, 13. $800, 14. $750, 15. $725, 16. $700, 17. $700, 18. $700, 19. $650, 20. $625, 21. $625, 22. $600, 23. $600, 24. $600 = $30,775 $10,000 To Win: 1. $10,000, 2. $5,500, 3. $3,500, 4. $2,700, 5. $2,500, 6. $2,300, 7. $2,200, 8. $2,100, 9. $2,050, 10. $2,000, 11. $1,600, 12. $1,400, 13. $1,200, 14. $1,000, 15. $950, 16. $925, 17. $900, 18. $875, 19. $850, 20. $825, 21. $800, 22. $800, 23. $800, 24. $800 = $48,575 $12,000 To Win: 1. $12,000, 2. $6,000, 3. $3,500, 4. $2,800, 5. $2,500, 6. $2,300, 7. $2,200, 8. $2,100, 9. $2,050, 10. $2,000, 11. $1,600, 12. $1,400, 13. $1,200, 14. $1,100, 15. $1,050, 16. $1,000, 17. $1,000, 18. $1,000, 19. $1,000, 20. $1,000, 21. $1,000, 22. $1,000, 23. $1,000, 24. $1,000 = $52,800 $15,000 To Win: 1. $15,000, 2. $7,000, 3. $5,000, 4. $4,000, 5. $3,000, 6. $2,500, 7. $2,400, 8. $2,300, 9. $2,200, 10. $2,100, 11. $2,000, 12. $1,800, 13. $1,600, 14. $1,500, 15. $1,400, 16. $1,300, 17. $1,200, 18. $1,100, 19. $1,000, 20. $1,000, 21. $1,000, 22. $1,000, 23. $1,000, 24. $1,000. = $63,400 $25,000 To Win: 1. $25,000, 2. $10,000, 3. $6,000, 4. $4,000, 5. $3,500, 6. $2,700, 7. $2,500, 8. $2,300, 9. $2,200, 10. $2,100, 11. $2,000, 12. $1,900, 13. $1,800, 14. $1,700, 15. $1,600, 16. $1,500, 17. $1,500, 18. $1,500, 19. $1,500, 20. $1,500, 21. $1,500, 22. $1,500, 23. $1,500, 24. $1,500 = $82,800
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BAGGSY TAKES ON TUNING WORLD BODENSEE

From the ST Suspensions road trip to live drift demos in front of thousands of fans.
This year marked our very first time attending Tuning World Bodensee, one of Europe’s biggest automotive events, with over 100,000 visitors and more than 700 traders across the weekend. The show also featured some of the biggest automotive brands in the world, making it an incredible event to be part of.
The trip started with Baggsy taking part in the ST Suspensions Road to Tuning World Bodensee road trip before heading to the show itself. Along the journey, several German influencers joined the road trip to create content, making for an incredible experience from start to finish. The roads were amazing, the cars were great and it was fantastic to support our partner ST Suspensions as part of the road trip experience.The BMW E92 M3 ran flawlessly throughout the entire trip and was displayed on the ST Suspensions stand for the full four-day show, drawing plenty of attention from fans attending the event.
Meanwhile, the rest of the SB Motorsport team travelled directly to Tuning World Bodensee with the GT86 in our brand new Brian James RT7 trailer. Once at the show, the GT86 was displayed on the Baggsy stand throughout the weekend.Alongside the show displays, Baggsy and the team also took part in multiple drift demos alongside the German Drift Championship, performing in front of thousands of fans across the event. Baggsy was also invited into the judging tower to judge the Top 32 competition alongside the German Drift Championship judging team.
BAGGSY TAKES ON TUNING WORLD BODENSEE
From the ST Suspensions road trip to live drift demos in front of thousands of fans.
This year marked our very first time attending Tuning World Bodensee, one of Europe’s biggest automotive events, with over 100,000 visitors and more than 700 traders across the weekend. The show also featured some of the biggest automotive brands in the world, making it an incredible event to be part of.
The trip started with Baggsy taking part in the ST Suspensions Road to Tuning World Bodensee road trip before heading to the show itself. Along the journey, several German influencers joined the road trip to create content, making for an incredible experience from start to finish. The roads were amazing, the cars were great and it was fantastic to support our partner ST Suspensions as part of the road trip experience.The BMW E92 M3 ran flawlessly throughout the entire trip and was displayed on the ST Suspensions stand for the full four-day show, drawing plenty of attention from fans attending the event.
Meanwhile, the rest of the SB Motorsport team travelled directly to Tuning World Bodensee with the GT86 in our brand new Brian James RT7 trailer. Once at the show, the GT86 was displayed on the Baggsy stand throughout the weekend.Alongside the show displays, Baggsy and the team also took part in multiple drift demos alongside the German Drift Championship, performing in front of thousands of fans across the event. Baggsy was also invited into the judging tower to judge the Top 32 competition alongside the German Drift Championship judging team.
A huge thank you goes out to all of our partners and sponsors for helping make the trip and event possible. A special shout-out also goes to Monster Energy, ST Suspensions and SONAX for hosting and supporting us at Tuning World Bodensee and making the event such a success. We’re already looking forward to coming back in the future.
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Chevy Racing–INDYCAR–Monday Practice

Media Resources: Images | Media Advances | Chevrolet NewsroomCHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval Speedway, Indiana Practice Day (Monday) Report May 18, 2026
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana (May 18, 2026) – A two-hour post-Indianapolis 500 qualifying practice came to an early end due to the threat of incoming severe weather. Josef Newgarden, in the No. 2 Shell Fuel Rewards Team Penske Chevrolet, was the quickest driver, turning a lap at 226.198mph on his 16th of 34 laps. Ryan Hunter-Reay in the No. 31 Prize Picks Arrow McLaren Chevrolet was fourth quickest with Jack Harvey, in the No. 24 DRR INVST Chevrolet, Pato O’Ward in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, Caio Collet in the No. 4 Combitrans Amazonia Chevrolet and Christian Rasmussen in the No. 21 Splenda Chevrolet all finishing in the top ten. 
“Very happy to get some practice in before the weather got here, said the 2023 and 2024 Indianapolis 500 winner. “The Shell Fuel Rewards Chevy was very strong today in race trim. These next few days will be very important to come up with a good plan for Carb Day practice because we still have a few things to improve on. Obviously wish we had a better starting position, but we can move forward on Sunday.”
Before the storms hit, practice was interrupted by a three-car incident in Turn 2 that involved Chevrolet-powered drivers and top six qualifiers Alexander Rossi in the No. 20 Java House Chevrolet and O’Ward, along with Romain Grosjean.
Indianapolis 500 Monday Practice ResultsNTT INDYCAR SERIES News ConferenceMonday, May 18, 2026Indianapolis, Indiana, USARyan Hunter-ReayPress Conference
THE MODERATOR: Ryan Hunter-Reay joins in the No. 31 PrizePicks Arrow McLaren Chevrolet. He’s a 2014 winner, three top-5s in the 500. Sunday will be his 18th 500. He starts 22nd on the inside of row eight. Again, top 5 in that practice session today. What did you learn in the time you had out there, Ryan?
RYAN HUNTER-REAY: Well, it was great that we got it in or at least some of it, because the 31 team is a day and a half behind. So it was good to get into race running. We found some things that we needed to go into Carb Day.Yeah, thankful for the time on track and that Mother Nature kind of held off for us to sort the front grip out on the car.
THE MODERATOR: Good stuff. We’ll open it up for questions.
Q.  Kind of just to follow up off of that, obviously some issues early last week. Going through qualifying obviously probably not as eventful as you were hoping it might be, but I mean, how is the race car itself?
RYAN HUNTER-REAY: Yeah, the race car is pretty good. You know, it’s funny. You come into this thinking, man, we got all the time in the world, let’s just be patient, and all this. A couple hiccups here and there, and you find yourself starting to do Q-sims before Fast Friday comes in, and we’re a bit behind on the race car.
But I was happy with it. I was happy with the balance. We’re within the operating window that I need to be in when it comes to racing in traffic. So I’m happy about that, and we still will make the most of the hour that we have on Carb Day coming up.
It is an hour, correct?
THE MODERATOR: Two, actually.
RYAN HUNTER-REAY: Oh, bonus. Look at this. I’m looking forward as I’m sitting still.
THE MODERATOR: Things are looking up.
RYAN HUNTER-REAY: Yeah, things are looking up.
Q.  Were you anywhere in the vicinity of Rossi’s crash?RYAN HUNTER-REAY: No, I wasn’t. I haven’t seen it. I’m eager to see the video, but no, I haven’t. That’s the thing with running in those big packs. One thing goes wrong, right, and there’s not really a place to go sometimes, so…Q.  Have you had much of a chance to see what Pato’s car looks like?
RYAN HUNTER-REAY: No, what happened with Rossi’s crash? Did he hit the curb on the Apex or anything? No?
Q.  Defer that to —
THE MODERATOR: Yeah, again, I’m not a professional driver, but it looked like he lost it coming out of two at the Apex, and then same thing happened to Pato. Tried to get on the brakes.
RYAN HUNTER-REAY: Yeah, that’s unfortunate. I mean, it’s late, right? It’s late, late in the big picture to start putting race cars back together, but glad that everybody was all right.
Yeah, it just comes with the territory when running in a big pack like that. There’s not really anywhere to go sometimes.
Q.  Is this going as well as you had hoped, or is there room for –RYAN HUNTER-REAY: I’ve had such a great time with this team and getting to know everybody and really put a lot of effort into being a regular within the team prior to coming here as a one-off. You know, these things happen. It’s racing.
Day one, electrical issues. You know, these cars are — they’re complex to run. You really have a — you get a greater appreciation for that every time, if the computer won’t talk to the car and vice versa, telemetry, and all this other stuff. They have to see what is going on. Especially Chevy has to see what’s going on with the engine at all times in order to run.
When you have a hiccup on that, we spent a lot of time on Tuesday sitting in the pit box trying to sort that. So good news is we have all that sorted. Unfortunately on Thursday we had a hybrid issue, had to change that out, had to split the car in half. Then Friday gear box issue.
So not ideal. We’ve definitely faced our challenges, but they’ve been very resilient, and the crew has been working so hard.
So it’s great to get into race running, because I’ve always said, like I told them before the week started, for me the number one goal is always just focusing on the race car.
Q.  With the potential for the weather that’s coming and we lost 60-ish minutes of practice today, and there was potential that we might lose weather on Carb Day, does that change your approach at all? As a follow-up to that, do you think it changes other teams’ approaches, and does it mean that the track running that we saw today was particularly intense?RYAN HUNTER-REAY: No, I think a lot of teams are 90% to 95% of the way there on the race car after running so much and the week prior. For situations that we’ve been in, we need every bit of track time that we can, because we are, like I said, a day and a half behind.
So, no, it doesn’t really change anything. Yeah, I would have preferred to continue to run for another 45 minutes or 50 minutes, whatever it is, but it is what it is. Same for everybody.
Q.  Can we read anything into the speed that you turned today, Ryan? Can we expect you to be coming through the pack like Newgarden did last year?
RYAN HUNTER-REAY: I have every intention of doing that, for sure. I don’t know. No, the speeds — so it’s funny, because people have been here for so long. Even my family, like, my dad watches, and he’s concerned about — or asking about where you end up at the end of the day in practice.
Really it all comes down — if you intentionally go out and look for a big tow, it can happen. If you don’t, you have to kind of fall into it out of luck. That’s just what happened.It was the first time this week, week and a half that I just had an uninterrupted lap pulling up to two cars in front, and yeah, it’s there.
Like I said, unless you go out with intent to find a tow right on new tires, light fuel, which I know some teams do and tow up to a big group, you can put a big number up, yeah. But, no, it has zero relevance really to Sunday.
Q.  Ryan, I know this was the first day your pit crew was here with you since the open test. Were you able to get the hot stops in?
RYAN HUNTER-REAY: We prioritized that just trying to get it in, right, so we could talk about it this week, and they can work on it. Yeah, we had great stops. We had one issue with the air jack, but we got in those stops.
That’s so important, right, for a one-off. All these other teams that we’re up against are in mid-season form. So are the pit crews. As a one-off, you have to prioritize some of the things that maybe some of the other full-timers don’t.
Q.  Going into Friday, is that going to be the main priority?RYAN HUNTER-REAY: No, Friday I just have to continue to run in traffic. Every day is different around here with the wind shifting with the temperatures, everything, so you just have to continue to work through it, because you don’t know what race day is, right?Once you get to race day, then you have to go back and look at the week and a half that you have data from and try and apply those conditions to the balance that you had on that day and put your best foot forward.


Tune-In Guide
Friday, May 22 (Carb Day)·      NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice – 11am (ET)/10am (CT)/9am (MT)/8am (PT) – FS1/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218·      Wienie 500/NTT INDYCAR SERIES Pit Stop Competition  – 2pm (ET)/1pm (CT)/noon (MT)/11am (PT) – FOX/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218Sunday, May 24·      110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbrdige Pre-Race Show – 10am (ET)/9am (CT)/8am (MT)/7am (PT) – FOX/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218·      110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbrdige – 12:30pm (ET)/11:30am (CT)/10:30am (MT)/9:30am (PT) – FOX/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218Chevrolet History at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval General Motors Wins – 18 Chevrolet Wins – 13 2024 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2023 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2019 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske2018 – Will Power – Team Penske2015 – Juan Montoya – Team Penske2013 – Tony Kanaan – KV Racing Technology-SH Racing2002 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske1993 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske1992 – Al Unser, Jr. – Galles/Kraco1991 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1990 – Arie Luyendyk – Doug Shierson Racing1989 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Patrick Racing1988 – Rick Mears – Team Penske Oldsmobile Wins – 5  2001 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske2000 – Juan Montoya – Chip Ganassi Racing1999 – Kenny Brack – A.J. Foyt Racing1998 – Eddie Cheever, Jr. – Team Cheever1997 – Arie Luyendyk – Treadway Racing General Motors Poles – 20 Chevrolet Poles – 14 2025 – Robert Shwartzman – PREMA Racing2024 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2019 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske2018 – Ed Carpenter – Ed Carpenter Racing2015 – Scott Dixon – Chip Ganassi Racing2014 – Ed Carpenter – Ed Carpenter Racing2013 – Ed Carpenter – Ed Carpenter Racing2012 – Ryan Briscoe – Team Penske2002 – Bruno Junqueira – Chip Ganassi Racing1991 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1990 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske1989 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1988 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1987 – Mario Andretti – Newman Haas Racing Oldsmobile Poles – 5 2001 – Scott Sharp – Kelley Racing2000 – Greg Ray – Team Menard1999 – Arie Luyendyk – Treadway Racing1998 – Billy Boat – A.J. Foyt Racing1997 – Arie Luyendyk – Treadway Racing Buick Poles – 1 1992 – Roberto Guerrero – King Motorsports General Motors Podiums – 54 Chevrolet Podiums – 38 Chevrolet Driver Podiums – Emerson Fittipaldi (4), Helio Castroneves (3), Josef Newgarden (3), Pato O’Ward (3), Tony Kanaan (2), Arie Luyendyk (2), Rick Mears (2), Simon Pagenaud (2), Will Power (2), Al Unser Jr. (2), Michael Andretti (1), Ed Carpenter (1), Santino Ferrucci (1),Felipe Giaffone (1), Scott Goodyear (1), Ryan Hunter-Reay (1), Charlie Kimball (1), David Malukas (1), Juan Montoya (1), Carlos Munoz (1), Bob Rahal (1), Paul Tracy (1), Al Unser (1) Chevrolet Team Podiums –  Team Penske (15), Arrow McLaren (3), A.J. Foyt Racing (2), Andretti Global (2), ECR (2), Galles Racing (2), KV Racing Technology (2), Patrick Racing (2), Chip Ganassi Racing (1), Doug Shierson Racing (1), Granatelli Racing (1), Kraco Enterprises (1), Mo Nunn Racing (1), Newman Haas Racing (1), Team Green (1), Walker Racing (1) Oldsmobile – 15  Oldsmobile Driver Podiums – Buddy Lazier (2), Jeff Ward (2), Michael Andretti (1), Billy Boat (1), Kenny Brack (1), Helio Castroneves (1), Eddie Cheever, Jr. (1), Gil de Ferran (1), Scott Goodyear (1), Steve Knapp (1), Arie Luyendyk (1), Juan Montoya (1), Eliseo Salazar (1) Oldsmobile Team Podiums – A.J. Foyt (3), Hemelgarn Racing (2), Team Cheever (2), Team Penske (2), Treadway Racing (2), Chip Ganassi Racing (1), ISM Racing (1), Team Green (1), Pagan Racing (1) Buick – 1 Buick Driver Podiums – Al Unser (1) Buick Team Podiums – Team Menard (1) General Motors Laps Led – 3709 Chevrolet Laps Led – 2699 Chevrolet Driver Laps Led – Emerson Fittipaldi (348), Mario Andretti (193), Simon Pagenaud (169), Ed Carpenter (144), Will Power (140), Tony Kanaan (133), Michael Andretti (132), Rick Mears (119), Helio Castroneves (98), Pato O’Ward (96), Danny Sullivan (95), Marco Andretti (90), Scott Dixon (87), Conor Daly (82), Josef Newgarden (69), Rinus VeeKay (65), Scott McLaughlin (64), Al Unser Jr. (52), Felix Rosenqvist (47), Arie Luyendyk (37), Bob Rahal (36), Bruno Junqueira (32), Alexander Rossi (30), Al Unser (27), Juan Montoya (26), A.J. Allmendinger (23), Sting Ray Robb (23), Ryan Briscoe (15), Gil de Ferran (13), Santino Ferrucci (12), Felipe Giaffone (12), James Hinchcliffe (12), Carlos Munoz (12), Alex Barron (10), Charlie Kimball (10), Christian Rasmussen (9), Robert Shwartzman (8), Spencer Pigot (7), JR Hildebrand (6), Callum Ilott (6), Oliver Askew (4), Kevin Cogan (4), Sage Karam (4), Kyle Larson (4), Jack Harvey (3), Scott Sharp (3), Rubens Barrichello (2), David Malukas (2) Chevrolet Team Laps Led – Team Penske (1019), Newman Haas Racing (325), ECR (306), Chip Ganassi Racing (179), Arrow McLaren (168), Patrick Racing (158), Andretti Global (140), Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (85), A.J. Foyt Racing (56), Galles Racing (56), KV Racing Technology (43), Doug Shierson Racing (37), Kraco Enterprises (35), Mo Nunn Racing (35), Juncos Hollinger Racing (18), King Motorsports (15), Prema Racing (8), Blair Racing (7), Kelley Racing (4), Team Cheever (3) Oldsmobile Laps Led – 996 Oldsmobile Driver Laps Led: Juan Montoya (167), Arie Luyendyk (129), Greg Ray (116), Kenny Brack (89), Tony Stewart (78), Eddie Cheever, Jr. (76), Helio Castroneves (52), Jeff Ward (52), Robby Gordon (50), John Paul, Jr. (39), Mark Dismore (29), Gil de Ferran (27), Buddy Lazier (27), Michael Andretti (16), Robbie Buhl (16), Billy Boat (13), Jimmy Vasser (5), Buzz Calkins (4), Sam Schmidt (4), Davey Hamilton (3), Scott Goodyear (2), Robbie McGehee (2) Oldsmobile Team Laps Led : Team Menard (207), Chip Ganassi Racing (185), Treadway Racing (137), Team Cheever (125), A.J. Foyt Racing (124), Team Penske (79), Team Pelfrey (39), Kelley Racing (29), Hemelgarn Racing (27), Genoa Racing (18), Team Green (16), Bradley Racing (4), Nienhouse Motorsports (3), Pagan Racing (3) Buick Laps Led – 14 Buick Driver Laps Led: Jim Crawford (8), Al Unser (4), Scott Brayton (1), Stephane Gregoire (1) Buick Team Laps Led: King Motorsports (8), Team Menard (4), Brayton Engineering (1), Formula Project (1) Manufacturer History at the Indianapolis 500 Wins (with competition)  27 – Offenhauser (1976, 1975, 1974, 1973, 1972, 1968, 1964, 1963, 1962, 1961, 1960, 1959, 1958, 1957, 1956, 1955, 1954, 1953, 1952, 1951, 1950, 1949, 1948, 1947, 1941, 1937, 1935)18 – General Motors 13 – Chevrolet (2024, 2023, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2013, 2002, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988)12 – Miller (1938, 1936, 1934, 1933, 1932, 1931, 1930, 1929, 1928, 1926, 1923, 1922)10 – Honda (2025, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2005, 2004)10 – Cosworth (1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978)8 – Ford (1996, 1995, 1971, 1970, 1969, 1967, 1965)5 – Oldsmobile (2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997)3 – Duesenberg (1927, 1925, 19243 – Peugeot (1919, 1918, 1913)2 – Mercedes (1994, 19152 – Maserati (1940, 1939)2 – Frontenac (1921, 1920)1 – Toyota (2003)1 – Foyt (19771 – Sparks (1946)1 – Delage (1914)1 – National (1912)1 – Marmon (1911)  Earned Poles (with competition) 23 – General Motors18 – Offenhauser (1976, 1973, 1972, 1971, 1963, 1962, 1961, 1960, 1959, 1958, 1957, 1956, 1955, 1954, 1953, 1950, 1946, 1937)14 – Miller (1938, 1935, 1934, 1933, 1932, 1930, 1929, 1928, 1927, 1926, 1925, 1924, 1923, 1922)14 – Chevrolet (2025, 2024, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2002, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987)9 – Cosworth (1986, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978, 1977)9 – Honda (2025, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2016, 2005, 2004)7 – Ford (1993, 1970, 1969, 1967, 1966, 1965, 1964)5 – Oldsmobile (2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997)4 – Buick (1996, 1995, 1992, 1985)3 – Ballot (1921, 1920, 1919)2 – Foyt (1975, 1974)2 – Novi (1951, 1949)2 – Winfield (1948, 1940)2 – Maserati (1947, 1941)2 – Sparks (1939, 1936)2 – Wisconsin (1912, 1911)1 – Toyota (2003)1 – Mercedes (1994)1 – Pratt & Whitney (1968)1 – Cummins (1952)1 – Studebaker (1931)1 – Peugeot (1916)1 – Stutz (1915)1 – Sunbeam (1914)1 – Mercer (1913)


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