IndyCars - Elkhart Lake: History, challenge and beauty combined

+++

.
Every year at this time the IndyCars come to Road America - usually the favorite track of every driver who has ever had the pleasure to take it on. It’s time for…
.

The Rev Group Grand Prix at Road America

.

.
They’ve been racing at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin since the early '50s, first on the streets of the town but eventually at the beautiful facility built nearby, called Road America. Nestled in the Kettle Hills in the middle of the state, Road America boasts the longest track in the nation, at just over 4 miles. The 14-turn circuit presents great elevation changes and many kinds of turns, including the famous Carousel at Turn 9. History has been made in several sections of the course, such as Canada Corner at Turn 12, the Kink at Turn 11, the infamous Turn 5 - the heartbreaker - and the very long and uphill front straight. Road America actually has 3 long straights, when one includes the Moraine Sweep and Kettle Bottoms, making for fantastic passing opportunities.

.

.
Road America also boasts great camping facilities and the huge crowds always take advantage of them, turning the track into a mini-city during a race weekend. Those crowds will have a great racing weekend ahead, with no less than 12 races to fill the 3 event days. They include:

  • The Blue Marble Radical Cup - 3 races on Saturday and Sunday
  • Mazda Global MX-5 Cup - 2 races on Friday and Saturday
  • USF2000 - 2 races on Saturday and Sunday
  • Indy Pro 2000 - 2 races on Saturday and Sunday
  • Indy Lights - 2 races on Saturday and Sunday

.
…and, of course, the IndyCars will race on Sunday.

.
.
.
Let’s take a look at all that support racing:

.
The Blue Marble Radical Cup, North America - This series is like many multi-class SportsCar series, with several classes racing at the same time, but in this case, all the cars are different versions of the Radical brand of SportsCars - one of the best and most affordable training tools for racing in existence. This weekend, all the open-top classes of Radicals will be raced, including the SR8, the RXC Spyder and the 1500cc and 1340cc variants of the ever popular SR3. As no IndyCar drivers will be involved, we will wish them safe and happy racing and concentrate elsewhere.

Radicals at speed

.
.

Mazda Global MX-5 Cup - Though sanctioned by IndyCars, MX-5 Cup is another great training ground for SportsCar drivers. All driving identically-prepared Mazda Miata race cars, the series has huge fields and lots of action, with the goal ultimately to capture the series Cup and with it a huge scholarship to be applied to a racing career in SportsCars. MX-5 Cup has no IndyCar drivers in it, so we will wish them safe and happy racing and concentrate on the rest…

Mazda MX-5 Cup cars in action

.
.
.
continued…

.
.
.
M

+++

.
Support racing…(part 2)…

.
USF2000 - The bottom rung on the ladder training system known as the Road to Indy, USF2000 uses the all-carbon Tatuus USF-17 car, powered by a 2.0 liter engine made by Elite Engines, with about 175 hp. The cars have racing slicks and adjustable wings. They are often the first such equipped cars the drivers will have driven. The transmissions are a six-speed sequential gearbox, with steering-wheel paddle shifters. The brakes are 4-piston monobloc caliper sets, front and rear.

The drivers are often entering formula cars for the first time, often right out of karting. They will range from 14-years-old to any age above, but youth is prevalent. Some will be rookies and some will be returning veterans and / or champions from other series. The fields are usually very large and competitive. They race hard. The last race for these cars was the Freedom 75 at Lucas Oil Raceway near Indianapolis in late May. The series points leader is Braden Eves, driving for Cape Motorsports, with 4 WINS in 5 outings.

.
Braden Eves in his # 8 USF-17 for Cape Motorsports

.
.
.
Indy Pro 2000 - This is the middle rung of the ladder. IP2000 uses the PM-18 car from Tatuus, based on the USF-17, but with much bigger tires, much more wing, and a much more powerful engine. The Elite Engines 2.0 liter puts out 275 hp. The brakes are 274mm disc, front and rear, and bias is driver-adjustable, just like in the USF-17. Transmissions are six-speed sequential transmissions, controlled by paddle-shifters on the steering wheel. With the bigger tires and more wing, the cars have substantially more downforce than USF2000.

The fields are typically graduates from USF2000 or from European F3 and GP3, all used to more power and grip and with great racecraft. The level of competition across the board is higher and more even, though the fields are smaller than USF2000. The last race for these cars was the Freedom 90 at Lucas Oil Raceway near Indianapolis in late May. The current points leader is Rasmus Lindh, driving for Juncos Racing, with 2 WINS and 4 podiums.

.
Rasmus Lindh in the # 10 PM-18 for Juncos Racing

.
.
.
Indy Lights - The car is the Dallara IL-15 and is substantially bigger and better than the PM-18. It is much closer to an IndyCar in performance and feel - a great training ground to step up to the big cars. The Dallara uses a 450 hp turbo-charged engine from AER. The adjustable brakes are by PFC and are the biggest in the Road to Indy. The transmissions are 6-speed sequentials, with paddle-shifters on the steering wheel. The cars have much bigger wheels than the PM-18, providing much more grip. The IL-15 has one more thing - Push-to-Pass, just like on the big cars. That is, an additional burst of 50 horsepower is available to the driver under certain conditions, with the push of a button on the steering wheel.

The drivers are typically graduates of USF2000 and Indy Pro 2000, but can often come from GP3 or GP2 in Europe. These drivers are ready to make the move to the big cars by season’s end and a huge number of the drivers in IndyCars are recent graduates of Indy Lights - many of them Champions. The last race for the Lights was the outstanding Freedom 100 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in late May. The WIN there gave the series points lead to Oliver Askew for Andretti Autosport.

.
Oliver Askew in the # 28 IL-15 for Andretti Autosport

.
.
.
The action begins Friday morning with practice for all the open-wheel series that will compete this weekend. Let’s get this going!!

.
.
.
M

+++

.
Friday at Road America - USF2000 practice and qualify…

.
The first kids out on the track today were the gang from USF2000, with their one and only practice, followed by qualifying. Practice is that time when the driver and the engineer for that car work together to maximize the performance of the car for the track configuration, the track condition and the expected weather of the race weekend. It is essential to giving the car the best chance to WIN. Following the practice the kids qualified later in the morning for Race 1.

Here were the TOP FIVE from the practice session:

1 - Hunter McElrea [R], Pabst Racing
2 - Colin Kaminsky, Pabst Racing
3 - Darren Keane, Cape Motorsports
4 - Alex Baron, Legacy Autosport
5 - Bruna Tomaselli, Pabst Racing

.
Here is the way USF2000 will grid for Race 1, with times for the TOP SIX: [R] denotes rookie

.
Row 1

Pole - Colin Kaminsky, Pabst Racing - time of 02:10.2675s for a speed of 110.929mph
KamPole300

.
P2 - Alex Baron, Legacy Autosport - time of 02:10.2922s for a speed of 110.908mph

.
Row 2

P3 - Hunter McElrea [R], Pabst Racing - time of 02:10.2975s for a speed of 110.903mph

.
P4 - Darren Keane, Cape Motorsports - time of 02:10.6860s for a speed of 110.573mph

.
Row 3

P5 - Manuel Sulaiman [R], DEForce Racing - time of 02:10.7738s for a speed of 110.499mph

.
P6 - Cameron Shields [R], Newman Wachs Racing - time of 02:10.8538s for a speed of 110.432mph

.
Row 4

P7 - Christian Rasmussen [R], Jay Howard Driver Development
P8 - Braden Eves [R], Cape Motorsports

Row 5

P9 - Eduardo Barrichello [R], Miller Vinatieri Motorsports
P10 - Yuven Sundaramoorthy [R], Pabst Racing

Row 6

P11 - Bruna Tomaselli, Pabst Racing
P12 - Jak Crawford [R], DEForce Racing

Row 7

P13 - Matthew Round-Garrido [R], Jay Howard Driver Development
P14 - Nolan Siegel [R], Newman Wachs Racing

Row 8

P15 - Reece Gold [R], Cape Motorsports
P16 - Jack William Miller [R], Miller Vinatieri Motorsports

Row 9

P17 - Anthony Famularo [R], BN Racing
P18 - Christian Bogle [R], Jay Howard Driver Development

.
.
.
Notable:

  • All of the TOP SIX qualifiers are no surprise and title contenders, though points-leader Braden Eves in not among them.

  • Colin Kaminsky is having his best year in USF2000 and this is his 2nd pole, this year, but he will be brutally attacked by fellow veteran Alex Baron at the start. Baron is equally hungry and perhaps more talented.

  • Look for Braden Eves to charge hard, once the green flag falls.

  • Bruna Tomaselli will often show flashes of brilliance and her TOP FIVE in practice is one such, proving she does deserve to be among the “Speed Boys” at Pabst Racing.

.
Bruna Tomaselli (left) and Braden Eves

.
.
.
Race 1 for USF2000 is scheduled for Noon on Saturday. Next up were the guys from Indy Pro 2000…

.
.
.
M

+++

.
Friday morning at Road America - Indy Pro 2000 practice and qualify…

.
Following the kids from USF2000 were the guys in the next rung up the ladder Indy Pro 2000. They came out for their only practice of the weekend andthen qualified for Race 1 of their weekend.

.
Here were the TOP FIVE from the P-1 practice session:

.
1 - Kyle Kirkwood [R], RP Motorsport Racing
2 - Nikita Lastochkin, Exclusive Autosport
3 - Danial Frost [R], Exclusive Autosport
4 - Ian Rodriguez [R], RP Motorsport Racing
5 - Sting Ray Robb, Juncos Racing

.
Here is the way Indy Pro 2000 will grid for Race 1, with times for the TOP SIX: [R] denotes rookie

.
Row 1

Pole - Parker Thompson, Abel Motorsports - time of 02:01.124802s for a speed of 119.302mph

.
P2 - Sting Ray Robb, Juncos Racing - time of 02:01.1886s for a speed of 119.239mph

.
Row 2

P3 - Kyle Kirkwood [R], RP Motorsport Racing - time of 02:01.2771s for a speed of 119.152mph

.
P4 - Danial Frost [R], Exclusive Autosport - time of 02:01.4415s for a speed of 118.991mph

.
Row 3

P5 - Rasmus Lindh [R], Juncos Racing - time of 02:01.6414s for a speed of 118.795mph

.
P6 - Ian Rodriguez [R], RP Motorsport Racing - time of 02:01.7151s for a speed of 118.723mph

.
Row 4

P7 - Phillippe Denes, FatBoy Racing!
P8 - Nikita Lastochkin, Exclusive Autosport

Row 5

P9 - Jacob Loomis [R], JDL Racing
P10 - Moises de la Vara [R], DEForce Racing

Row 6

P11 - Kory Enders [R], DEForce Racing
P12 - Antonio Serravalle, Pserra Racing w/Jay Howard Driver Development

Row 7

P13 - Charles Finelli, FatBoy Racing!

.
.
.
Notable:

  • Practice was dominated by Exclusive Autosport, RP Motorsport Racing and Juncos Racing, and all three teams showed up for qualifying, but all were also eclipsed by little Abel Motorsports, thanks to Parker Thompson.

  • Thompson is on a roll at the moment. While only 4th in Indy Pro 2000 standings, he is ALSO 2nd in two different Porsche Cup series standings and leading the title chase in Canadian Touring Car. This is his 3rd pole of the year.

  • The newest competitor to the series in this group is Ian Rodriguez, with only two races done, but he is already proving he is fast. Now, he needs some luck to finish better.

.
.
.
This race will be run on Saturday, in the early afternoon. Next up, the Indy Lights hold their practice and qualifying sessions…

.
.
.
M

+++

.
Friday morning at Road America - The Indy Lights come out for their practice and qually…

.
Following the Indy Pro 2000 gang, the Indy Lights got their first turns on the track as they held their one and only practice session, followed by their qualifying for Race 1 of the weekend.

.
Here were the TOP FIVE from the P-1 practice session:

.
1 - Rinus VeeKay [R], Juncos Racing
2 - Aaron Telitz, Belardi Auto Racing
3 - Robert Megennis [R], Andretti Autosport
4 - Lucas Kohl [R], Belardi Auto Racing
5 - Dalton Kellett, Juncos Racing

.
Here is the way the Indy Lights will grid for Race 1, with times for the TOP SIX: [R] denotes rookie

.
Row 1

Pole - Rinus VeeKay [R], Juncos Racing - time of 01:54.0541s for a speed of 126.698mph
RinusPole300

.
P2 - Ryan Norman, Andretti Autosport - time of 01:54.3094s for a speed of 126.415mph

.
Row 2

P3 - Oliver Askew [R], Andretti Autosport - time of 01:54.6985s for a speed of 125.986mph

.
P4 - Robert Megennis [R], Andretti Autosport - time of 01:54.7114s for a speed of 125.972mph

.
Row 3

P5 - Dalton Kellett, Juncos Racing - time of 01:54.8734s for a speed of 125.794mph

.
P6 - Aaron Telitz, Belardi Auto Racing - time of 01:55.070s for a speed of 4 125.579mph

.
Row 4

P7 - Lucas Kohl [R], Belardi Auto Racing
P8 - Toby Sowery [R], BN Racing / Team Pelfrey

Row 5

P9 - David Malukas [R], BN Racing

.
.
.
Notable:

  • Despite being a Lights rookie, Rinus knows Road America, having raced there well in both USF2000 and Indy Pro 2000, where he collected two P5s and 2 WINS. This is his 2nd pole there, too.

  • Ryan Norman usually doesn’t qualify better than teammates Rob Megennis and Oliver Askew, but they are rookies at Road America and he is the team veteran, here.

  • Aaron Telitz is the hometown boy, being a native Wisconsinite, and we expect him to make a great effort to do well, with friends, family and local sponsors all in attendance.

  • Both Dalton Kellett and Lucas Kohl are doing better than usual, while Toby Sowery and David Malukas are not doing as well as usual. The race will be interesting to see if that all holds.

.
Left to right, David Malukas, Lucas Kohl and Toby Sowery

.
.
.
This race is scheduled for Saturday afternoon. Next up, the big cars hold their first of three practices for the weekend…

.
.
.
M

+++

.
Friday morning at Road America - the IndyCars hold their first practice…

.
In good weather, the IndyCars held their first of three scheduled practice sessions of the weekend, and the guy on top of the charts was the guy who came home P2 in the Road America race, last season, so no surprise he was fast.

.
Here was the order of speed for the IndyCars P-1 session, with times for the TOP FIVE: [R] denotes rookie

.
1 - Ryan Hunter-Reay, Andretti Autosport - time of 01:43.7556s for a speed of 139.273mph
RHRRA

.
2 - Takuma Sato, Rahal Letterman Lanigan - time of 01:43.8244s for a speed of 139.181mph

.
[3 - Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing - time of 01:43.9842s for a speed of 138.967mph

.
4 - Will Power, Team Penske - time of 01:44.0394s for a speed of 138.894mph

.
5 - Josef Newgarden, Team Penske - time of 01:44.0706s for a speed of 138.852mph

.
6 - Alexander Rossi, Andretti Autosport
7 - Simon Pagenaud, Team Penske
8 - Spencer Pigot, Ed Carpenter Racing
9 - James Hinchcliffe, Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports
10 - Marco Andretti, Andretti Autosport

11 - Sebastien Bourdais, Dale Coyne Racing w/ Vasser Sullivan
12 - Tony Kanaan, A.J. Foyt Enterprises
13 - Patricio O’Ward [R], Carlin
14 - Ed Jones, Ed Carpenter Racing
15 - Felix Rosenqvist [R], Chip Ganassi Racing
16 - Colton Herta [R], Harding Steinbrenner Racing
17 - Zach Veach, Andretti Autosport
18 - Matheus Leist, A.J. Foyt Enterprises
19 - Santino Ferrucci [R], Dale Coyne Racing
20 - Marcus Ericsson [R], Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports

21 - Graham Rahal, Rahal Letterman Lanigan
22 - Jack Harvey, Meyer Shank Racing w/ Arrow SPM
23 - Max Chilton, Carlin

.
.
.
Notable:

  • As noted, Ryan is just very good at Road America, as are all the top guys, here. Notably absent from the TOP TEN are the super-rookies of the season. They are all learning, but expect them to show up, soon. Pato O’Ward in the under-funded Carlin # 31 entry is the best rookie, at P13.

  • Six Hondas and four Chevys in the TOP TEN - a good mix.

  • Best team is Team Penske, with all three drivers in the TOP TEN and two in the TOP FIVE. Andretti Autosport also has three drivers in the TOP TEN, but Zach Veach is struggling and spoiling their average.

  • While Takuma Sato is having a great year teammate Graham Rahal is playing catch-up at almost every track and Road America is no exception.

  • Jack Harvey had a mechanical in Canada Corner and ground to a halt, bringing out a red flag. No word yet on what is hampering the Brit.

.
left to right, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Jack Havey and Patricio O’Ward

.
.
.
The IndyCars will hold another practice in the afternoon, after the teams have digested what they learned,here.

.
.
.
M

+++

.
Friday afternoon at Road America - The IndyCars ramp it up with the afternoon practice…

.
As expected, times were faster at the top of the heap and the series rookies got better in the afternoon, as the IndyCar held the P-2 practice and then a “warm up” session, which is closer to race set-up and which included the pit stop practice for the teams. We have combined the results of both practices and the warm up, here.

.
Here was the order of speed for the IndyCars, all runs COMBINED, with times for the TOP FIVE: [R] denotes rookie; the driver’s best session is in ( )

.
1 - Alexander Rossi, Andretti Autosport - time of 01:43.1206s for a speed of 140.131mph (2)
AlRA

.
2 - Will Power, Team Penske - time of 01:43.4089s for a speed of 139.740mph (2)

.
3 - Josef Newgarden, Team Penske - time of 01:43.4758s for a speed of 139.650mph (2)

.
4 - Colton Herta [R], Harding Steinbrenner Racing - time of 01:43.7415s for a speed of 139.292mph (2)

.
5 - Felix Rosenqvist [R], Chip Ganassi Racing - time of 01:43.7464s for a speed of 139.286mph (2)

.
6 - Ryan Hunter-Reay, Andretti Autosport (1)
7 - Takuma Sato, Rahal Letterman Lanigan (1)
8 - Graham Rahal, Rahal Letterman Lanigan (2)
9 - Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing (1)
10 - James Hinchcliffe, Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports (2)

11 - Patricio O’Ward [R], Carlin (2)
12 - Marco Andretti, Andretti Autosport (2)
13 - Zach Veach, Andretti Autosport (2)
14 - Spencer Pigot, Ed Carpenter Racing (2)
15 - Sebastien Bourdais, Dale Coyne Racing w/ Vasser Sullivan (2)
16 - Simon Pagenaud, Team Penske (1)
17 - Matheus Leist, A.J. Foyt Enterprises (2)
18 - Tony Kanaan, A.J. Foyt Enterprises (2)
19 - Ed Jones, Ed Carpenter Racing (2)
20 - Santino Ferrucci [R], Dale Coyne Racing (2)

21 - Max Chilton, Carlin (2)
22 - Marcus Ericsson [R], Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports (2)
23 - Jack Harvey, Meyer Shank Racing w/ Arrow SPM (2)

.
.
.
Notable:

  • Rossi put in the fastest lap of the day in the P-2 session and the only lap above 140 miles per hour. He was Not happy with the way he had to do it, however, saying the car was hard to get to go fast. Will Power, conversely, was happy with his car and believes he has a pole-winning car.

  • Some of the rookies are showing up and showing up well, while others are still struggling

  • While Takuma Sato was unable to improve, Graham Rahal was, and virtually caught up to his teammate.

  • Following the P-2 session the warm-up TOP FIVE were Ryan Hunter-Reay, Ed Jones, Colton Herta, Zach Veach and Sebastien Bourdais, in order. Look for these cars to do well in race trim.

.
Left to right, Alexander Rossi, Graham Rahal and Zach Veach

.
.
.
The IndyCars will have a final practice late Saturday morning and then do knock-out qualifying Saturday afternoon. This was the last on-track activity of the day.

.
.
.
M

+++

.
Saturday morning at Road America - USF2000 qualify for Race 2…

.
In the Road to Indy each race gets its own qualifying session, rather than using the 2nd fastest lap of a single session. It takes more time to do, but it properly gives teams the chance to adjust their cars between sessions.

First guys on the track today were the kids from USF2000, to qualify for Race 2 of the weekend - even before they do Race 1, later this morning.

.
Here is the way that USF2000 will grid for Race 2, with times for the TOP SIX: [R] denotes rookie

.
Row 1

Pole - Hunter McElrea [R], Pabst Racing - time of 02:09.4266s for a speed of 111.649mph

.
P2 - Braden Eves [R], Cape Motorsports - time of 02:09.6550s for a speed of 111.453mph

.
Row 2

P3 - Christian Rasmussen [R], Jay Howard Driver Development - time of 02:09.7607s for a speed of 111.362mph

.
P4 - Colin Kaminsky, Pabst Racing - time of 02:09.7692s for a speed of 111.355mph

.
Row 3

P5 - Darren Keane, Cape Motorsports - time of 02:09.7755s for a speed of 111.349mph

.
P6 - Manuel Sulaiman [R], DEForce Racing - time of 02:09.8947s for a speed of 111.247mph

.
Row 4

P7 - Jak Crawford [R], DEForce Racing
P8 - Matthew Round-Garrido [R], Jay Howard Driver Development

Row 5

P9 - Alex Baron, Legacy Autosport
P10 - Cameron Shields [R], Newman Wachs Racing

Row 6

P11 - Bruna Tomaselli, Pabst Racing
P12 - Reece Gold [R], Cape Motorsports

Row 7

P13 - Eduardo Barrichello [R], Miller Vinatieri Motorsports
P14 - Nolan Siegel [R], Newman Wachs Racing

Row 8

P15 - Yuven Sundaramoorthy [R], Pabst Racing
P16 - Anthony Famularo [R], BN Racing

Row 9

P17 - Jack William Miller [R], Miller Vinatieri Motorsports
P18 - Christian Bogle [R], Jay Howard Driver Development

.
.
.
Notable:

  • No surprises in the TOP SIX. Every one of these guys is capable of a WIN on any weekend.

  • This is Hunter’s first pole of the season. (With Augie Pabst in the pic above). His best prior start was a P2 at St. Pete.

  • We are surprised to see Matt Round-Garrrido in P8, That’s good for him in this rookie season. Matt is an F1600 ace from Ireland and the UK but this is his first season in winged cars with slicks.

  • We are also surprised to see Alex Baron not qualify better than his P9, but there are just so many spots at the top. The French / English driver should be close to the top, every weekend.

.
Left to right, Matt Round Garrido and Alexandre Baron

.
.
.
This race will be run on Sunday. Next up, the Indy Pro 2000 guys qualify for Race 2…


.
.
M

+++

.
Saturday morning at Road America - Indy Pro 2000 qualify for Race 2…

.
Following the kids from USF2000 the guys in Indy Pro 2000 put in a qually session for their Race 2 of the weekend.

.
Here is the way that Indy Pro 2000 will grid for Race 2, with times for the TOP SIX: [R] denotes rookie

.
Row 1

Pole - Rasmus Lindh [R], Juncos Racing - time of - time of 02:00.3697s for a speed of 120.050mph

.
P2 - Sting Ray Robb, Juncos Racing - time of - time of 02:00.4105s for a speed of 120.009mph

.
Row 2

P3 - Kyle Kirkwood [R], RP Motorsport Racing - time of 02:00.4137s for a speed of 120.006mph

.
P4 - Parker Thompson, Abel Motorsports - time of 02:00.4612s for a speed of 119.959mph

.
Row 3

P5 - Nikita Lastochkin, Exclusive Autosport - time of 02:01.0234s for a speed of 119.402mph

.
P6 - Ian Rodriguez [R], RP Motorsport Racing - time of 02:01.2943s for a speed of 119.135mph

.
Row 4

P7 - Danial Frost [R], Exclusive Autosport
P8 - Phillippe Denes, FatBoy Racing!

Row 5

P9 - Kory Enders [R], DEForce Racing
P10 - Jacob Loomis [R], JDL Racing

Row 6

P11 - Moises de la Vara [R], DEForce Racing
P12 - Antonio Serravalle, Pserra Racing w/Jay Howard Driver Development

Row 7

P13 - Charles Finelli, FatBoy Racing!

.
.
.
Notable:

  • Pole came down to a battle between teammates, veteran Sting Ray Robb and rookie Rasmus Lindh, the current series points leader, and Ras got the cake. Juncos is the team to beat in Indy Pro 2000, with multiple title trophies in their case.

  • P3 Kyle Kirkwood is the 2018 Champion from both USF2000 and F3 Americas, the USAC pro series similar to Indy Pro 2000, so watch him smoke.

  • RP Motorsport Racing is new to Indy Pro 2000, at only their 2nd year in the series, but the Italy-based team is a European powerhouse and always produces talented drivers and great cars. They have been contenders from the day they showed up.

.
.
.
This race is scheduled to be run on Sunday morning, right before the IndyCar race. Next up, the Indy Lights qualify for their Race 2…

.
.
.
M

+++

.
Saturday morning at Road America - Indy Lights qualify for Race 2…

.
Following the Indy Pro group the guys from Indy Lights also qualified for their Sunday Race 2.

.
Here is the way that Indy Lights will grid for Race 2, with times for the TOP SIX: [R] denotes rookie

.
Row 1

Pole - Rinus VeeKay [R], Juncos Racing - time of 01:53.5625s for a speed of 127.246mph

.
P2 - Ryan Norman, Andretti Autosport - time of 01:53.7747s for a speed of 127.009mph

.
Row 2

P3 - Aaron Telitz, Belardi Auto Racing - time of 01:53.7797s for a speed of 127.003mph

.
P4 - Oliver Askew [R], Andretti Autosport - time of 01:53.9786s for a speed of 126.782mph

.
Row 3

P5 - Robert Megennis [R], Andretti Autosport - time of 01:54.3239s for a speed of 126.399mph

.
P6 - Dalton Kellett, Juncos Racing - time of 01:54.5596s for a speed of 126.139mph

.
Row 4

P7 - David Malukas [R], BN Racing
P8 - Toby Sowery [R], BN Racing / Team Pelfrey

Row 5

P9 - Lucas Kohl [R], Belardi Auto Racing

.
.
.
Notable:

  • Counting yesterday, this makes 3 poles on the season for Nederlander Rinus VeeKay - aka Rinus Van Kalmthout. Rinus is the 2018 Champion of Indy Pro 2000, driving again for Juncos Racing.

  • Ohio’s veteran Ryan Norman continues to better his teammates Oliver Askew and Rob Megennis. They are usually the superior road racers, but Norman has them beat, again. Ryan will be testing one of Andretti’s big cars in the near future, so this is a good time to be hot.

.
.
.
This race will be run on Sunday morning. Next, the big cars hold their final practice before qualifying, later today…

.
.
.
M

.

+++

.
Saturday morning at Road America - The IndyCars hold a final practice before qualifying…

.
The big cars came out in the beautiful weather to set up their cars for the qualifying which will happen later this afternoon, and the fastest lap of the weekend was turned in by defending race WINNER and series points-leader Josef Newgarden for Team Penske.

.
Here was the order of speed for the IndyCars P-3 session, with times for the TOP FIVE: [R] denotes rookie

.
1 - Josef Newgarden, Team Penske - time of 01:42.8825s for a speed of 140.455mph
newgy

.
2 - Colton Herta [R], Harding Steinbrenner Racing - time of 01:43.1697s for a speed of 140.064mph

.
3 - Will Power, Team Penske - time of 01:43.1838s for a speed of 140.045mph

.
4 - Ryan Hunter-Reay, Andretti Autosport - time of 01:43.2023s for a speed of 140.020mph

.
5 - Alexander Rossi, Andretti Autosport - time of 01:43.3341s for a speed of 139.842mph

.
6 - Spencer Pigot, Ed Carpenter Racing
7 - Felix Rosenqvist [R], Chip Ganassi Racing
8 - Santino Ferrucci [R], Dale Coyne Racing
9 - James Hinchcliffe, Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports
10 - Patricio O’Ward [R], Carlin

11 - Zach Veach, Andretti Autosport
12 - Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing
13 - Takuma Sato, Rahal Letterman Lanigan
14 - Simon Pagenaud, Team Penske
15 - Sebastien Bourdais, Dale Coyne Racing w/ Vasser Sullivan
16 - Marco Andretti, Andretti Autosport
17 - Graham Rahal, Rahal Letterman Lanigan
18 - Ed Jones, Ed Carpenter Racing
19 - Tony Kanaan, A.J. Foyt Enterprises
20 - Marcus Ericsson [R], Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports

21 - Max Chilton, Carlin
22 - Matheus Leist, A.J. Foyt Enterprises
23 - Jack Harvey, Meyer Shank Racing w/ Arrow SPM

.
.
.
Notable:

  • Newgarden is the only guy to dip into the 1:42s on time, this weekend. Alexander Rossi’s P-2 session time of Friday is the 2nd best time of the weekend, with a 1:431206 seconds.

  • Any one of the TOP FIVE could easily take pole, but one mistake in the wrong place could just as easily eliminate someone, and with 4 miles of track at these speeds, mistakes will come. It’s a question of how many - not if they will happen.

Josef Newgarden

.
.
.
Qualifying will be this afternoon. Next, USF2000 do Race 1 of the weekend. The grid for this race is in post # 3…

.
.
.
M

+++

.
Saturday afternoon at Road America - USF2000 hold race 1 of the weekend…

.
…amd coming home for his first series WIN was American-born New Zealander and rookie Hunter McElrea for Pabst Racing. P2 was Hunter’s veteran teammate, pole-sitter Colin Kaminsky, while P3 went to another lad from Down Under, rookie Cameron Shields for Newman Wachs Racing.

.
HunterWin

.
.
.
As the field came to the green flag, P2 starter Alexandre Baron for Legacy Autosport seemed to bog down on the uphill front straight and by the time the cars were in Turn 1 he had been passed by P3 starter McElrea and was being assaulted by Darren Keane for Cape Motorsports. The two cars hit each other, causing a schlemozzle in the turn, sending cars off the track and both Keane and Baron to the tail of the field. Baron would have to pit with damage, out of the race, while Keane would survive. Benefitting was Christian Rasmussen for Jay Howard Driver Development who went from P7 to P3.

By lap 3 McElrea had caught his teammate, Kaminsky, on the front straight and took him for the lead. On lap 5 Rasmussen fell from P3 to P6, as he was passed by Manuel Suliaman for DEForce racing, Cameron Shields and Braden Eves for Cape Motorsports, in order. By the time the trio got to Turn 5 Shields was able to take Suliaman for P3 and the podium was set. On lap 6 Sulaiman fell to Eves in Turn 1.

With three laps to go Rasmussen, Bruna Tomaselli for Pabst Racing and Jak Crawford for DEForce were all battling for the P6 spot. Jak was able to get by Bruna for P7 and went after Rasmussen. A lap later Crawford made contact with Christian in Canada Corner, sending the Dane into a barrier and out of the race. Jak would be penalized for avoidable contact and fall from P6 to P14. Bruna would then inherit P6.

Hunter was able to extend his lead and came across the line some 3 seconds plus over Colin, who was about a second ahead of Cameron.

.
.
.
Notable:

  • This is Hunter’s 5th podium in 6 races, with two P3s and two P2s to add to this WIN.

  • While disappointed in losing to McElrea, Colin was nevertheless buoyed by his best-ever series finish.

  • This was Cam Shields’ 2nd podium, following his WIN at Lucas Oil Raceway.

  • Bruna Tomaselli’s P6 matches her best finish of the year, at St. Pete.

  • Wisconsin-born Yuven Sundaramoorthy for Pabst Racing came home in P7 which means all 4 of Augie Pabst’s “speed boys” were in the TOP SEVEN - a great hometown showing, as Pabst Racing is based in Oconomowoc, just up the road from Road America.

.
The 'Speed Boys" - left to right, Colin Kaminsky, Yuven Sundaramoorthy, Hunter McElrea and Bruna Tomaselli - hometown heroes:

.
.
.
Here is your happy podium - that’s Colin Kaminsky on the left in P2, Hunter McElrea in P1 in the middle and Cameron Shields in P3 on the right:

USF%20podium

.
.
.
USF2000 will hold Race 2 early Sunday morning - first race of the day - and on the pole will be Hunter McElrea - could be a great weekend for the Kiwi. Next up, Indy Pro 2000 hold Race 1 of the weekend. The grid for this race is in Post # 4…

.
.
.
M

+++

.
Saturday afternoon at Road America - Indy Pro 2000 hold race 1 of the weekend…

.
…and crossing the line first was Kyle Kirkwood for RP Motorsport Racing, as the 2018 USF2000 Champion took his 3rd podium and 1st WIN in Indy Pro 2000. P2 was Kirkwood’s fellow teammate and fellow rookie, Ian Rodriguez, while P3 went to pole-sitter Parker Thompson for Abel Motorsports.

.
KyleWin

.
.
.
At the start Parker got a good jump on P2-starter Sting Ray Robb for Juncos Racing and Kirkwood, who started P3 right behind Parker, followed him past Robb to take P2. Behind them, Robb, Danial Frost for Exclusive Autosport and Rasmus Lindh for Juncos went three-wide into the first corner. Frost would high-side on the curbing, damaging his car, as the other two fell back, allowing Ian Rodriguez to go from a P6 start to P3 and Moises de la Vara for DEForce Racing to go from P10 to P4. A full-course caution was called to retrieve the stricken Frost.

On the Lap 3 restart Kirkwood was able to get the jump on Thompson and take the lead on the front straight. On lap 5 Rasmus was able to get by Moises to take over P4. Soon after, Nikita Lastochkin for Exclusive Autosport also nipped the Mexican to take over P5. On Lap 8, the yellow flag came out again when de la Vara’s car skipped across the gravel trap and into the tire barriers on the outside of Turn 1.

On the lap 10 restart Parker was again steam-rollered on the front straight and lost P2 to Ian Rodriguez, while Lindh followed through, putting Thompson back to P4. As Kirkwood slipped away the battle for 2nd was heavy between Ian and Rasmus, allowing Parker to get up to them, again. On the final lap of the race Parker got a great exit to Turn 3 which then allowed him to slip into Lindh’s inside in Turn 5 to take back the final podium spot.

Kirkwood would WIN by almost 5 seconds over Ian, who was only a half-second ahead of Thompson at the line.

.
.
.
Notable:

  • This is Kirkwood’s 3rd WIN at Road America in a row, as he WON both USF2000 races there in 2018.

  • This is Guatemalan Ian Rodriguez’ 1st podium in only 3 series starts.

  • This was Parker Thompson’s 9th Indy Pro 2000 career podium and 3rd of the year, with his two WINS at St. Pete.

  • Points-leader Rasmus LIndh finished the race in P4.

.
.
.
Here is your happy podium - That’s Ian Rodriguez in P2 on the left, Kyle Kirkwood in P1 in the middle and Parker Thompson in P3 on the right:

.

.
.
.
The Race 2 for Indy Pro 2000 will be held on Sunday morning, right before the IndyCar race. Next, the Indy Lights hold their first race of the weekend. The grid for this race is in post # 5…

.
.
.
M

+++

.
Saturday afternoon at Road America - Indy LIghts hold Race 1 of their weekend…

.
…And it was “Flyin’ Ryan” Norman who dominated the proceedings to take his first road course WIN for Andretti Autosport. P2 was teammate Rob Megennis while P3 went to hometown hero Aaron Telitz for Belardi Auto Racing.

.
NormanWin

.
.
.
The opening few laps of the race were incredible. On lap 1 as the field came down to Turn 1 Rob Megennis had already jumped from his P4 spot past Ryan Norman to take P2 behind pole-sitter Rinus VeeKay for Juncos Racing, while Toby Sowery for BN racing / Team Pelfrey had gone from his P8 start all the way to P4, and on now-P3 Ryan Norman’s tail. By the time they were to Turn 5 Sowery was inside Norman to take P3 from him, while P3 starter Oliver Askew for Andretti dropped off the radar in P6.

As the field approached Turn 7 Rinus over-cooked the turn and went off course. He was able to get back on, just in front of Megennis, and moved over to block the New Yorker from getting past him. That caught the eye of Race Control and they called the Nederlander in for a drive through penalty, handing the lead to Rob. It was now Rob P1, Ryan P2 and Aaron Telitz in P3 as lap 2 started.

As the trio went down the Moraine Sweep past Turn 3 Telitz got a great run and went inside both Norman and Megennis in Turn 5 to take the lead, while Norman slipped into P2 and Rob fell back to P3. As lap 3 started Norman drafted off Telitz to take the lead in Turn 1, while Sowery blasted in to take P2 past Aaron and Rob in Turn 5. Aaron slowly crept back up to Sowery and by lap 9 he was in the 1.5-second window to use his Push to Pass and got Toby on the long front straight, to retake P2 from him, while Ryan Norman was escaping anyone’s challenge at the front.

Lap 25 saw Rob Megennis also collect Sowery on the front straight to take back P3. One lap Later Rob was able to get by Aaron in Turn 5 to set the podium. Ryan crossed the line 4 laps later with a 4.6 second lead on Rob who was now 3 seconds ahead of Aaron.

A great show!

.
.
.
Notable:

  • This was Ryan’s 2nd WIN in the Lights as he WON at Gateway in 2018. It helped to sooth his very close loss to Oliver Askew in the 2019 Freedom 100 at Indianapolis, last May. He was in complete control, today.

  • Sowery settled for P4 today and might have done better, but he ran out of Push to Pass and was only on defense for much of the race. He was coming back from a crash in practice this morning, making his showing even more impressive.

  • Points-leader Oliver Askew finished P5.

.
.
.
Here is your happy podium - That’s Rob Megennis in P2 on the left, Ryan Norman in P1 in the middle and Aaron Telitz in P3 on the right:

.

.
.
.
The Lights will hold Race 2 on Sunday morning, right after USF 2000 race and right before Indy Pro 2000 race. Next, the IndyCars qualify!

.
.
.
M

+++

.
It’s time for the IndyCars to qualify!..

.
…and that means it’s time to drag out the IndyCar qualifying explanation page. This is our attempt to explain the complicated way that IndyCar qualifies on road and street courses, designed to add intense interest - a show worthy of your attention, all on its own. While they certainly add interest we add confusion and consternation, but we must try! If you know this stuff, move on! If not, buckle up…

.
+++
.

So, how does this work? Around ovals qualifying is simple: One car at a time runs the fastest they can for 2 hot laps (after a warm-up lap) and the fastest average speed is the pole sitter, but…

On road and street courses it gets complicated…

The Firestone Fast Six


Qualifying at Road America is done in three segments of TWELVE MINUTES for the first two and EIGHT MINUTES for the last. Today, there are 23 cars attempting to qualify. In Segment One, the first 11 cars will be sent out for twelve minutes. During that time they will run as fast as they can, being timed. The fastest SIX advance to Segment Two. Then, the 12 remaining cars are sent out for twelve minutes to do the same. The fastest SIX from that group also advance to Segment Two. The 11 cars that did NOT advance line up in grid spots P13 through P23, based on their times.

In Segment Two, the 12 that advanced once again run as fast as possible for twelve minutes. The fastest 6 of this group advance to Segment Three. The other 6 line up on the grid on spots P7 through P12, based on their times.

Segment Three is also known as The Firestone Fast Six. These cars go out and run as fast as they can for only eight minutes and then line up P1 through P6 on the grid, based on their times, and that is how pole is set.

Don’t screw it up! - You have to go as fast as you can but you CANNOT afford to over-cook it: If a car causes a red or full course yellow condition in any segment, the car’s best two timed laps of the segment will be disallowed and that car will not be allowed to advance to the next segment. If a car causes two red or full course yellow conditions in any segment, all segment times shall be voided and the car shall not be permitted to participate in the remainder of qualifying.

Qualifying can be very exciting to watch, as it looks like a very fast race going on, but the cars try to stay separated from each other, so as to get the best possible time without someone mucking up their hot laps. You will see the pole switch SEVERAL TIMES from car to car, as the time runs down.

The pole winner not only gets to start on pole but wins the NTT P1 Award and a valuable series point that goes with it.

.
.
.
In 2018 the pole was taken by Josef Newgarden for Team Penske, with a time of 01:43.2026 seconds for a speed of 140.020 miles per hour. Josef went on to WIN the race.

.

.
.
.
M

+++

.
The IndyCars are qualified!..

.
Here is the way the IndyCars will grid for the Rev Group Grand Prix at Road America, with times for the TOP SIX: [R]denotes rookie

.
Row 1

Pole - Colton Herta [R], Harding Steinbrenner Racing - time of 01:42.9920s for a speed of 140.306mph

.
P2 - Alexander Rossi, Andretti Autosport - time of 01:43.1693s for a speed of 140.065mph

.
Row 2

P3 - Will Power, Team Penske - time of 01:43.3749s for a speed of 139.786mph

.
P4 - Josef Newgarden, Team Penske - time of 01:43.6036s for a speed of 139.478mph

.
Row 3

P5 - Graham Rahal, Rahal Letterman Lanigan - time of 01:43.8076s for a speed of 139.204mph

.
P6 - Takuma Sato, Rahal Letterman Lanigan - time of 01:43.8790s for a speed of 139.108mph

.
Row 4

P7 - Sebastien Bourdais, Dale Coyne Racing w/ Vasser Sullivan
P8 - Spencer Pigot, Ed Carpenter Racing

Row 5

P9 - James Hinchcliffe, Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports
P10 - Marco Andretti, Andretti Autosport

Row 6

P11 - Ed Jones, Ed Carpenter Racing
P12 - Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing

Row 7

P13 - Patricio O’Ward [R], Carlin
P14 - Zach Veach, Andretti Autosport

Row 8

P15 - Ryan Hunter-Reay, Andretti Autosport
P16 - Simon Pagenaud, Team Penske

Row 9

P17 - Marcus Ericsson [R], Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports
P18 - Felix Rosenqvist [R], Chip Ganassi Racing

Row 10

P19 - Jack Harvey, Meyer Shank Racing w/ Arrow SPM
P20 - Matheus Leist, A.J. Foyt Enterprises

Row 11

P21 - Santino Ferrucci [R], Dale Coyne Racing
P22 - Max Chilton, Carlin

Row 12

P23 - Tony Kanaan, A.J. Foyt Enterprises

.
.
.
Notable:

  • This was a battle between Herta and Rossi, all the way through the qualifying. They were one and/or two in every session, sometimes separated by thousandths of a second, but Colton took the pole by 0.177 seconds - almost 2/10ths of a second. This is Herta’s first IndyCar pole.

  • Scott Dixon’s engine blew right at the end of his Q1, Group 1 session. He had advanced to Q2 but he could not answer the bell.

  • Ryan Hunter-Reay had a very good lap going in his Q1 session but had to back off to gap for traffic and he made a mistake in his next lap which was his last lap, and thus failed to advance, despite his speed all weekend.

.
Sad boys Ryan Hunter-Reay (left) and Scott Dixon

.
.
.
The race is schedule for broadcast on NBC, starting at 12 Noon EASTERN time. The weather MAY turn bad, making it a rain race.
.
.
.
M

+++

.
IndyCar has released qualifying highlights…

.
.
.

.
.
.
M

+++

.
Spotter’s Guide - Changes in livery since Texas…

.
A number of cars changed livery since the race at Texas Motor Speedway and a few driver changes will occur, also.

.
Josef Newgarden was in the all black with green trim Fitzgerald car at Texas but is in the black and white Rev car for the race sponsor, this weekend:

.

.
.
Graham Rahal was in the black and white with blue trim Fleet Cost & Care car for TMS, but brings a gorgeous black and gold GEHL sponsored car to Road America. This is a tribute car to Bobby Rahal’s equally gorgeous Miller Genuine Draft Champ Car.

.
Tribute

.
.
Spencer Pigot was driving his usual black and silver Autogeek car at Texas but is in a blue and silver Direct Supply car at Elkhart Lake:

.

.
.
Simon Pagenaud drove the race sponsor DXC Technology’s white and black car at TMS but is driving Wisconsinite John Menard’s car of screaming yellow at Road America:

.
SimonCar

.
.
Alexander Rossi drove green and white Capstone sponsored car at Texas but is back in the familiar NAPA car of blue and yellow for Elkhart Lake:

.

.
.
Takuma Sato drove the two-tone blue and white ABeam car for TMS. At Road America he is in another two-tone blue and white car for Mi-Jack:

.

.
.
Conor Daly was the driver in the two-tone blue and white Gallagher # 59 at Texas but for Road America the car is driven by Carlin regular Max Chilton:

.

.
.
Pato O’Ward wasn’t at Texas but he’s in the dark blue # 31 Gallagher car for Road America:

.

.
.
Jack Harvey was not at Texas but he’s back in the AutoNation / XM Sirius car of pink and black for Road America:

.

.
.
.
M

+++

.
Sunday morning at Road America - USF2000 close out their weekend with Race 2…

.
…and the WINNER of this contest was points-leader Braden Eves for Cape Motorsports. P2 was Braden’s teammate, Darren Keane while P3 went to yesterday’s WINNER, Hunter McElrea for Pabst Racing.

.
BradenWin

.
.
.
From pole, Hunter McElrea led the first lap of the race, with a little mayhem behind him, as Matt Round-Garrido for Jay Howard Driver Development went off course in Turn 7 and fell from his P8 start to the rear, while Alex Baron for Legacy Autosport took P7 from Jak Crawford for DEForce Racing. As the field went up the front straight to start lap 2 Braden drafted past Hunter to take the lead, never to be challenged, while Alex took P6 from Manuel Sulaiman for DEForce. On lap 3 Christian Rasmussen for JHDD blew by Hunter McElrea to take P2 in Canada Corner.

On lap 4 Manuel Suliaman returned the earlier favor and reclaimed P6 from Alex Baron in Turn 5, but not without contact which had Baron’s front wing go sailing off. Rather than pit for a new wing, Baron soldiered on without one, but was dropping down the order. Meanwhile, Eduardo Barrichello for Miller Vinatieri Motorsports took over P9 from Cameron Shields for Newman Wachs. On lap 5 Colin Kaminsky for Pabst took the P3 spot from teammate McElrea. A lap later Race Control called Sulaiman in for a drive-thru penalty for avoidable contact.

On lap 7 Colin passed Rasmussen for the P2 spot, but before the lap was over the Danish driver recovered P2. On lap 8 Cameron Shields passed Eduardo to regain P7 and a hard-charging Matt Round-Garrido, recovering well from his lap 1 off, followed him through, getting P8 as Eduardo slipped to P9. Lap 9 saw Colin again go for the P2 spot and take it from Christian in Turn 5. Hunter followed him through, relegating Rasmussen to P4. On lap 10 Hunter then went after Colin and took over P2, but coming in fast was Darren Keane, who had been following the battling trio in P5. Darren blew by Rasmussen and then Kaminsky to take over P3.

On lap 11 Keane slipped by McElrea to take P2 and one lap later finished some 4.5 seconds behind Eves. and a half second ahead of Hunter.

.
.
.
Notable:

  • This was Braden’s 5th WIN in the 6 starts of the season, after the round at Lucas Oil Raceway, where he was out of contention. When Darren went from P5 to P2 in two laps that helped him with his bad-luck season, too, as well as help Eves to the title. It looks like the Cape Brothers are getting back on track.

  • Fastest Lap was Darren Keane on that important lap 10.

  • The closest driver to Eves inthe points is McElrea, though quite a ways back. Braden will have to have bad luck at this point, to fall out of a probable title.

.
.
.
Here is your happy podium - That’s Darren Keane in P2 on the left, Braden Eves in P1 in the middle and Hunter McElrea in P3 on the right:

.
UsfPod

.
.
.
With these results, here are the TOP FIVE in points, leaving Road America:

1 - Braden Eves 204
2 - Hunter McElrea 163
3 - Colin Kaminsky 131
4 - Darren Keane 121
5 - Cameron Shields 118

.
.
.
The next two outings for USF2000 will be at Toronto in mid-July in support of the IndyCar race. There will also be a series test at Mid-Ohio next week, mid-week. Next, the Indy Lights hold Race 2 of their weekend. The grid for this race is in post # 10…

.
.
.
M

+++

Sunday morning at Road America - The Indy Lights hold Race 2 of the weekend…

.
…and the guy on the top step of the podium was rookie Rinus VeeKay for Juncos Racing, redeeming himself for yesterday’s misstep. P2 went to yesterday’s WINNER, veteran Ryan Norman for Andretti Autosport, while P3 went to Ryan’s rookie teammate Oliver Askew.

.
RinusWin

.
.
.
Starting from pole VeeKay got a good jump on P2-starter Ryan Norman and took off, with authority. He was a full second ahead by the end of the lap and by the end of the race he was in a whole 'nuther zipcode. On lap 1 P3 starter Aaron Telitz for Belardi Auto Racing muffed Turn 5 as he battled with Oliver Askew for Andtretti Autosport and ended up in the run-off and dead last. On lap 2 David Malukas for BN Racing would get by Dalton Kellett for Juncos Racing for P6 on the long front straight.

Lap 4 saw Oliver get Ryan for P2 as they approached Turn 5 but Norman pulled off a perfect over-under and took the spot back as they scrambled up the hill for Turn 6. On lap 9 Rob Megennis for Andretti took Oliver in Turn 5 for the P3 spot, but by lap 12 Oliver had used the Push to Pass to draft Megennis up the Moraine Sweep to reclaim the spot in Turn 5 and soon behind, a recovering Aaron Telitz was by David Malukas and into P6.

On lap 13 Telitz battled with Toby Sowery for BN Racing / Team Pelfrey in Turn 5 for the P5 spot. Sowery won, and Aaron then quickly lost P6 to David Malukas, who followed Toby through. As the trio took to the front straight to start lap14 David got by Toby for the P5 spot. By the end of the lap Aaron was also by the Englishman in Canada Corner to take over P6.

On lap 17 David drafted Rob Megennis down the Moraine Sweep and took away the P4 spot in Turn 5. One lap later Aaron was also by Rob in the same place to take P5 - a nice recovery from his Lap 1 error. The race ended two laps later with VeeKay a full 12 seconds up the road from Norman, who was 1 second ahead of Askew.

.
.
.
Notable:

  • This was the 3rd WIN for Rinus at Road America as he swept the place in USF2000 in 2017. His team was having to tell him to back off late in the race, as he was pushing so hard to make a statement, following Saturday’s penalty.

  • VeeKay posted the Fastest Lap, of course.

  • Toby Sowery had to run a mixed pair of tires for the race, as he had flat-spotted his last good set during qualifying. He was game until late in the race, when the tires let him down. He finished in P8.

.
.
.Here is your happy podium - That’s Ryan Norman in P2 on the left, Rinus VeeKay in P1 in the middle and Oliver Askew in P3 on the right:

.
ILPodium

.
.
.
With these results, here are the TOP FIVE in points, leaving Road America:

1 - Oliver Askew 229
2 - Rinus VeeKay 226
3 - Rob Megennis 186
4 - Ryan Norman 184
5 - Toby Sowery 171

.
.
.
The next two outings for the Indy Lights will be at Toronto in mid-July as they support the IndyCar race. Next, Indy Pro 2000 close out their weekend with Race 2. The grid for this race is in post # 9…

.
.
.
M