Category — All Shows – SidePods

This is your Race sherpa™ – Derek Ross and our 2019 IndyCar Championship Finale Event Report – from WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

… can you believe it … this must be the longest IndyCar off season – EVER !

We thought as the first race of 2020 IndyCar season is about to happen in Texas ..
… no not the event at The Circuit of Americas – COTA as was expected to be the first event for IndyCar this year in Texas.

Instead the first event for IndyCars in Texas this year is at Texas Motor Speedway in the Dallas – Fort Worth area .

It is also as a matter of fact ending up to be the very first event for IndyCar this year in 2020 – the inaugural event can you believe it ?

What happened to the Saint Petersburg Grand Prix ?  Well that’s another story – actually at this point … what was supposed to be the first race of the year the Saint Pete Grand Prix – is now looking like it will be the finale event of the 2020 IndyCar series as it has been rescheduled for October of 2020.

We thought we would take a quick look back at the last time we heard that great sound of IndyCars on track on a racing weekend …  Enjoy

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We explore the Question of Why We Race – We are onsite for the 99th running of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway 500 Mile Race – but we look at all aspects of Why We Race

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What is it that makes a Racer a Champion ?

No matter what type of Racing, Champions always stand out. Not just because they are the Champ, but for a number of factors not usually seen by Auto Racing fans.

This Sidepods Podcast audio episode here on RaceRemote is from our audio vault.

This was recorded just before the Championship contenders headed to Auto Club Speedway in Southern California to battle it out, for the 2013 Championships.

We strive to do interviews that are timeless. So regardless of when you might listen to this – we think you will find some great words of wisdom for all involved in Motorsports.

Scott Dixon and Helio Castroneves were the two contenders for the 2013 IndyCar Championship

Sage Karam and Gabby Chavez were the two contenders for the 2013 IndyLights Championship

Gabby Chavez

Sage Karam

We were able to spend some time with all four contenders.

We first asked the Mazda Road to Indy Veterans – what advice – if given the chance – they might seek from Scott Dixon and Helio Castroneves.

Then we asked both Scott and Helio what advice they might offer to both Chavez and Karam –  both from the perspective as racers themselves, but also as past IndyLights competitors.

We hope you enjoy this episode of the SidePods Podcast here on RaceRemote.

Congratulations Champs – Scott Dixon and Sage Karam.

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The Sifter – That’s what I call Turn One at the St. Petersburg Street Circuit.

The Sifter will be the first real true test for the dawn of a brand new era in IndyCar competition.

This upcoming race is the most highly anticipated IndyCar Season Opener in modern Open Wheel Racing history.

There are numerous variables that have not been part of IndyCar competition for some time, or ever before.

This race will be a real game changer for both experienced and brand new drivers to IndyCar Racing.

But first they must make it through the Sifter.

Why do I call it the Sifter ? Because in last season’s Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Turn One, aka the Sifter, gave us a six-car pile-up of very expensive machinery, including Marco Andretti’s car upside down on the very first lap of the race.

I hope you will enjoy my personal perspective as a Race sherpa ™ on the dawn of this new era in IndyCar Competition.

I love that I get to share my passion of Motorsports with others and thanks for listening to what I have to say.

As a Racing Subject Matter Expert, I have the pleasure of taking V.I.P. Guests behind the scenes at Automobile Racing Events and turning them into passionate insiders of the sport that I love so much.

I look forward to seeing you at the track.

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Show Notes:

Follow @Racesherpa on Twitter

Follow @RaceRemote on Twitter

Follow @DerekRoss on Twitter

St. Petersburg Grand Prix Track Map

St Petersburg Grand Prix Schedule

Hello I’m Derek Ross and I am a Race sherpa ™

I love that I get to share my passion of Motorsports with others.

As a Racing Subject Matter Expert, I have the pleasure of taking V.I.P. Guests behind the scenes at Automobile Racing Events and turning them into passionate insiders of the sport that I love so much.

I hope you will enjoy my perspective on the recent events of the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg IndyCar Race.

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Show Notes:
St. Petersburg Grand Prix Track Map
2011 St Petersburg IndyCar Race Results

IndyCar’s New CEO Randy Bernard has gone from riding a wild bull to being the lead driver in a race to get Open Wheel Racing back into the Winner’s Circle.

Randy has set himself some performance markers in his journey to regain the hearts and minds of the North American Motorsport fan.

“If I can’t make big changes in two years, they should fire me” says Randy Bernard.

Randy is often shown smiling with IndyCar drivers and one can easily read about his recent posting to the helm of the Izod IndyCar Series in many places.

We have a different goal here on the SidePods Podcast. We wanted to go beyond the typical PR quotes and pull back the curtain to reveal Randy’s passion for life and the challenges ahead of him.

You may already know that Randy Bernard’s past includes being a big part of the PBR. But what is it that really drives him forward ?  And where is it that he and the ship he steers known as the Izod IndyCar Series is really heading to ?

Listen in as Randy and I discuss bulls, broccoli, barley and the big changes that lay ahead for the Izod IndyCar Series.

We hope you enjoy our exclusive one on one interview with Randy Bernard on the SidePods Podcast.

Thank you for joining us.

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Arie Luyendyk Jr. talks of growing up in and around racing as well as what it was like growing up in a racing family.

Arie gives some good advice for those who are working to move up the ladder in Motorsports.

He talks about driving different kinds of Formula Cars, A1GP Racing Cars, Indy Lights and Endurance Road Racing.

Arie discusses some of the influences in addition to his father as he followed others in Auto Racing such as Juan Pablo Montoya and Alex Zanardi. He also discusses getting advice from his father, a two time Indy 500 winner and Daytona 24 Hours winner as well as Pancho Carter and Rick Mears.

When this interview with Arie Luyendyk Jr. took place he was still working on some racing deals for the 2010 Motorsport season.

It was just recently announced that he has signed with Andersen Racing for the 2010 Firestone Freedom 100 Firestone Indy Lights at the famous yard of Bricks just prior to the running of this years Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.

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Roger Bailey is the Executive Director for the Firestone Indy Lights Series and someone known to many a young driver who have worked to make their living behind the wheel of a single-seater racing car.

Since we’ve had the pleasure of knowing Roger since the early 1990’s, we figured it was high time we sat Roger Bailey down to find out more about him personally, as well as the recently announced Road to Indy Program.

We were fortunate to sit Roger down, literally on the front tire of a race car at the recent PRI Show in Orlando.

There was a great deal of excitement around the launch of the Road to Indy Program. This upcoming Memorial Day weekend will be especially busy with all four series conducting racing events in Indianapolis during the course of the weekend.

The Cooper Tires Presents the USF2000 National Championship powered by Mazda and Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear will be racing at O’Reilly Raceway Park at the Night Before the 500 event while the Firestone Indy Lights (Firestone Freedom 100) and IZOD IndyCar Series (Indianapolis 500) will race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

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Dan Wheldon spoke with the SidePods Podcast at the recent PRI Show in Orlando.

Dan, who resides in St. Petersburg, Florida is often best known for his win in 2005 of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.  He not only won the Indy 500 in 2005 but also the IndyCar Series Championship.

We wanted to dig a little deeper and find out what makes Dan Wheldon, Dan Wheldon.

We learned of his huge passion for karting as well as a few surprises.  We also learned that Dan Wheldon has an appreciation for historic racing.  Maybe not the way you might think.  It seems the Indy 500 is not the only historically famous race that Dan would like to win.

Believe it or not the Pikes Peak Hillclimb just may have a new competitor.

Listen in as we chat with Dan, we think you will enjoy it.

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Jeff Andretti tells us about himself – and growing up in arguably the most famous name in Auto Racing and some of his experiences.

Jeff also talks of his new venture – the Jeff Andretti Coaching Group and their partnership with the New Jersey Motorsports Park

As well Jeff talk to us of races around the world including the Indy 500 – Le Mans 24 Hour Race – Daytona 24 Hours Races and the knowledge of Canadian Racing Fans.

Listen in as we chat with Jeff Andretti.

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The 93rd Running of the Indianapolis 500 on Memorial Day Weekend is
almost here.

With the third day of qualifying for the Indy 500 Saturday and bump
day this coming Sunday – before you know it there will be 33 Racing
Drivers all wanting to drink milk in Victory Lane.

No matter what type of Motorsport is your favorite – there is
nothing like the Indianapolis 500 !

This is our way way of saying “Thanks” for following what we do here:

We thought we would share with you a number of ways to get a little bit closer to all the action at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway – [ That not everyone knows about ]

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Be warned ! – Get Ready – Lots of “Insider Information Below”

Pre-Race:

1] Social Media Online:

If you use Twitter – We have produced a Video over at
www.RaceDriveTV.com on the IndyCar Teams and Drivers that you can
follow on Twitter.

Direct Links to all the Twitter Accounts
can be found here: http://racedrive.com/dir/indytwitter.php

If you don’t know what Twitter is: No Problem – We also have an
intro Video on Twitter there as well.

2] The Indy Star – the local Paper in Indianapolis does some great
coverage of the Race:

Not only that – they have a really easy to manage/navigate Online
Chat Application – Called RaceTracker:

Their RaceTracker is live whenever the cars are on track.

We will be there a good portion of today [Friday and part of
Saturday ] – so come on over and join us.

3] Traditional TV Broadcast:
If you have access to the Versus TV Network: – They are again
showing six and half hours of coverage both days this weekend.

Unfortunately those of you in Canada and elsewhere – as far as I
know – you will have to wait until Race Day and ABC will then do their
broadcast.

4] The always entertaining Mike King and the IMS Radio Network
Broadcasts:  They will have pre-race and full race coverage as well.

5 ] Online Coverage – Updates and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Press Conferences Live: at: www.IndyCar.com “Watch Live Button” as
well as at www.Indy500.com

The “Watch Live Buttons” only appear when cars are on track
– then you have your choice of Camera 1 – or Camera 2

Check both to see which works best for you …

6 ] Realtime Timing and Scoring are also available at
www.IndyCar.com and www.Indy500.com

RaceDay:

7 ] Online: More Options:

There is a new feature called “Race Control” over at www.IndyCar.com
– you do need to sign up for it – but does not cost anything.

It includes in-car cameras and a customizable viewer – and side by
side comparisons.

It still is a “bit buggy” – but definitely worth a look at. It only
becomes live during actual races.

I have been fortunate to sit down with the “man in charge” of it –
and it is more than a novelty.

8 ] Go to the Indianapolis 500 Race in person – What a concept !
The ticket prices for the Indy 500 are ridiculously low – even with just a general admission ticket there are acres to explore.

[ Nine Holes of the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course are inside the track don’t forget !]

I’ll be there – So give a wave if you go

I should be easy to spot – I will be the guy on the top deck – by
the big A/C Unit – Above the Hulman-George Suite inside of the
track just at the entry to turn #1

I’ll be wearing a headset/microphone and attempting [?] to keep all
my papers from flying away.

Hope this helps – have a great weekend – and we will see you at
track.

Derek Ross

Other References:

Here is a link to the official schedule for this year’s Indianapolis
500:

The first 22 Starting Positions have already been set:

Here is Saturday’s Qualifying Order for the determining the remaining
spots 23 – 33.

All IndyCar Racing “Teams” Websites on RaceDrive.com

All “IndyCar Racing Online” Websites on RaceDrive.com

Don’t forget we are always open to feedback: email us – or call us
at our Feedback line at (206) 888-4301

Townsend Bell has just announced that he will participate in the 93rd Running of the Indianapolis 500 . Townsend will be piloting an IndyCar entered by KV Racing Technology.

We had a chance to stop the ever speedy – Townsend Bell for a few moments – to learn more about what makes him tick as a person and as a RaceCar Driver.

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Jay Howard like many race car drivers, is never at a loss for words.

In 2008, Jay with numerous past championships including – Indy Pro Series – U.S. Formula Ford 2000 and Formula Renault 2000 – competed in IndyCar competition.

We were glad that Jay was able to spend some time with the SidePods Podcast – prior to the running of the PRI All-Stars Karting Classic that is run in conjunction with the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show in Orlando each December.

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Johan Schwartz of Endurance Karting – talks with the SidePods Podcast.

Yes – Johan is all about Karting – but his passion runs deep for all kinds of Motorsports.

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Michael Lewis – an up and coming Race Car Driver talks the SidePods Podcast.

We had the pleasure of catching up with this young man just prior to competing later that day in the third Annual Performance Racing Industry All-Stars Karting Classic.

This always fun Go Kart special event is run during the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show.

We think you will enjoy – as we did – meeting Michael and hearing from this young racer.

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Leonardo Maia tells of the challenges facing open wheel drivers as they move through the different levels of North American Open Wheel Motorsports

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Leo Maia discusses:

– Leo behind the wheel in the Atlantic Championship
– Open Wheel Racing
– Skip Barber Championship
– Indy Pro Series – Indy Lights
– IndyCar
– Champ Car
– Brian Stewart Racing
– Forsythe Racing
– Atlantic Championship
– The Feeder Series – reality
– Alex Smith
– NFL
– Sponsorship
– Testing for Teams
– Graham Rahal
– Simon Pagenaud Two Million Dollar Prize Winner
– Homestead Miami Speedway
– Indy Pro Series versus Formula Atlantics
– Swift DB4
– Swift Engineering
– Downforce
– Aerodynamics
– Ground effects

Update:
– Leo is now racing with Grahovec Racing

Note:
This interview is from the “Sidepods Vault” – as it was originally recorded just prior to the 2007 Long Beach Grand Prix

John Andretti discusses the focus that is required to run at the Brickyard – His racing heritage and the Andretti family in racing.

Some personal thoughts from John Andretti discussing trying “moments” in motorsport.

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Taking time from his busy pre-race schedule we catch up with Jaques Lazier – of Playa Del Racing in Gasoline Alley prior to the start of the 2007 Indianapolis 500

Jaques Lazier discusses:

– the history of the Indy 500
– challenges facing a “second week” team at Indy
– those less fortunate than ourselves
– the Lazier Racing Heritage
– and the future of Racing in his family
– Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
– Colorado Motorsport
– Playa Del Racing

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For 2007 Mike Potekhen looks forward to being behind the wheel with Apex Racing as they make their bid for the Indy Pro Series Championship.

The season opener of the sixteen race Indy Pro Series schedule – the Miami 100 – will be Saturday 12:30 PM EST at the Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead Florida.

In 2006 Potekhen ran full time with Apex Racing and recorded two victories and nine top-five finishes in the Star Mazda Series. Potekhen found himself atop the victory podium in first place – Winning at both a Road Course event – Portland International Raceway and an oval event – The Milwaukee Mile.

The Indy Pro Series did see Potekhen make a limited schedule of five starts in 2006. But 2007 will be the first time he is able to run the complete season.

Returning from the official Indy Pro Series pre-season testing sessions at Homestead Miami Speedway on both the oval and the road courses – Mike Potekhen gives us his perspective on his team’s upcoming assault on the 2007 Indy Pro Series Championship

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For 2007 Mike Potekhen looks forward to being behind the wheel with Apex Racing as they make their bid for the Indy Pro Series Championship.

The season opener of the sixteen race Indy Pro Series schedule – the Miami 100 – will be Saturday 12:30 PM EST at the Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead Florida.

In 2006 Potekhen ran full time with Apex Racing and recorded two victories and nine top-five finishes in the Star Mazda Series. Potekhen found himself atop the victory podium in first place – Winning at both a Road Course event – Portland International Raceway and an oval event – The Milwaukee Mile.

The Indy Pro Series did see Potekhen make a limited schedule of five starts in 2006. But 2007 will be the first time he is able to run the complete season.

We got a chance to chat with Mike Potekhen prior to preseason testing and just as his team was taking delivery of their new Dallara Chassis for their run at the 2007 Indy Pro Series Championship

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