IndyCars - Elkhart Lake: It's time for the annual visit to the "National Park of Speed"

[MarkyS]

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The serenity of the Kettle Moraine hills of Wisconsin is once again to be shattered in the most profound way, as the IndyCars do…

The Rev Group Grand Prix at Road America

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The venue is one of the oldest, most beautiful and most beloved natural road courses in North America, Road America, near Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. At just over 4 miles, it is the longest course the IndyCars will circulate on all season. With 14 turns and three straights, it presents the greatest racing opportunities, with possibilities and invitations to drama around the entire circuit. Among those who have been there, it is the favorite track of most race drivers and most spectators, alike. Several features of the track are as famous among racing afficianados as whole venues elsewhere - Canada Corner, the Kink, the Carousel, Road America Straight, Hurry Downs, the Moraine Sweep, the Corvette Bridge and Turn 5, the Heart Breaker.

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There will be tens of thousands of fans both camping and roaming the circuit this weekend, and they will all be treated to a festival of racing, with no less than 10 races. They include:

• The Radical Cup - 3 races, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
• 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.

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Let’s look at that support racing:

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The Radical Cup North America is a prototype sportscar series that uses purpose-built but inexpensive race cars originally utilizing superbike engines, though now using high-powered automobile engines in some classes. Thousands of Radicals in various classes have been sold to weekend warriors who wanted to - and have become -Pro and Pro/Am race drivers. The Radical Cup battles on the very finest tracks in North America, including Laguna Seca, Road Atlanta, Circuit of the Americas and Road America. Sleek, beautiful and very fast, Radicals have been the stepping stone to racing for many, but as no IndyCar drivers will race them this weekend, we will wish them safe and happy racing and conentrate on the open-wheel racing.

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Radical SR3s at speed - Suzuki power and excellent handling

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(continued…)

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M

[MarkyS]

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Support Racing…(pt 2)…

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The Road to Indy is the ladder system that trains drivers to be ready to drive IndyCars. It is made up of three series - USF2000, Indy Pro 2000 and Indy Lights:

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USF2000 is the bottom rung on the ladder - the starting point for most drivers. Most rookies here are coming from karting or from wingless formula cars like formula 1600s. This car will be the first one they drive to have wings and slick tires on it, as they begin to learn what aero downforce and mechanical grip mean to a race car. The carbon-composite / aluminum honeycomb Tatuus USF-17 has a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine with 175 hp built by Elite Engines and a Sadev SL75 six-speed sequential transmission with steering-wheel paddle shifters. Unlike other F4-spec race cars, it is built for the rigors of oval racing, with extra protection for the driver. The drivers in USF2000 come from all over the world to compete and the level of talent can range from extremely high to hopelessly outclassed but willing to learn. The fields are always large.

After 8 rounds of racing the current points leader is 3rd-year driver Yuven Sundaramoorthy for Pabst Racing, with 3 WINS and 5 podiums. The Wisconsin native lives just up the road from Elkhart Lake, so Road America is his home track. Chasing Yuven and just 7 points back is Brazilian sophomore Kiko Porto for DEForce Racing, with 4 podiums, including a WIN.

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Yuven Sundaramoothy in his Tatuus USF-17 for Pabst Racing

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Indy Pro 2000 is the middle rung of the ladder. The car is the Tatuus PM-18 which is essentially a stouter version of the USF-17. The chassis is the same, so teams who compete in USF2000 can easily convert their car to run in Indy Pro 2000 without a huge upcharge for a new car. The MZR-PM18A engine is also 2.0 liters but it puts out more power - 275 hp and almost 200 pounds of torque. The wings and the tires are all bigger, so the downforce, braking and grip is better. The drivers in “IP2K” are usually experienced junior formula drivers from all over the world. As a result, the level of competition is very high, with many drivers capable of podiums and WINS. It is rare for a driver to run away with the title. The fields are smaller than USF2000 but the commitment is higher.

After 8 rounds of racing the current points leader is rookie Christian Rasmussen for Jay Howard Driver Development. Christian was the 2020 USF2000 Champion. He leads now by virtue of 6 podiums, including 4 WINS. 13 points back is sophomore Braden Eves for Exclusive Autosport. Braden has 5 podiums, including 2 WINS, this season.

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Christian Rasmussen for Jay Howard Driver Development in his PM-18

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Indy Lights is the top rung of the ladder and a fitting series to prepare to drive an IndyCar in battle. The car is the all-carbon composite Dallara IL-15. It has a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine, like the other 2 cars, but it is turbo-charged, like the big cars, and produces 450 hp with additional power available with Push-to-Pass, again, just like the big cars. It has more wing and tires than the other two cars and so more downforce, braking and grip. It also has much more downloadable information available for engineers to use, and as such is an important training tool for them, too. The drivers come from all over the world to compete and are usually among the highest level of junior formula drivers anywhere. The value of Indy Lights is evident when looking at the roster in IndyCars, where so many of the drivers are former Lights pilots, including former champions.

After 8 rounds of racing the current points leader is rookie Linus Lundqvist for Global Racing Group w/ HMD Motorsports, with 6 podiums with 2 WINS. Linus is only 1 point ahead of quasi-teammate and sophomore David Malukas for HMD Motorsports, with 3 WINS in 6 podiums. Making it all more interesting is rookie Kyle Kirkwood for Andretti Autosport, who is only 4 points off Linus, due to 3 WINS in his 4 podiums. Kyle is on a roll, coming off a sweep of the Detroit Grand Prix weekend.

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Linus Lundqvist in his Dallara IL-15 for GRG w/ HMD Motorsports

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Thursday was a of testing for all three Road to Indy series. Let’s GET THIS GOING!!

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M

[MarkyS]

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Thursday at Elkhart Lake - USF2000 holds testing at Road America…

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A test is the same as a practice, except that the racing series pays for the track time, while practice is part of the race weekend provided by the track. The Road to Indy is willing to pay for additional testing so that the on-track product on race day is at its best.

USF2000 held two test sessions today and we have COMBINED the results to show you who the fast guys were for the whole day.

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Here was the order of speed for USF2000 test sessions COMBINED, with times for the TOP FIVE: [R] denotes rookie; the driver’s best session is in ( )

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1 - Kiko Porto, DEForce Racing - time of 02:10.5190s for a speed of 110.715mph (1)

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2 - Nolan Siegel, DEForce Racing - time of 02:10.7775s for a speed of 110.496mph (1)

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3 - Yuven Sundaramoorthy, Pabst Racing - time of 02:10.8491s for a speed of 110.436mph (1)

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4 - Christian Brooks, Exclusive Autosport - time of 02:11.0803s for a speed of 110.241mph (1)

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5 - Prescott Campbell, DEForce Racing - time of 02:11.2505s for a speed of 110.098mph (1)

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6 - Spike Kohlbecker [R], Ignite Autosport w/ Cape Motorsports (1)
7 - Michael d’Orlando, Cape Motorsports (1)
8 - Jace Denmark [R], Pabst Racing (1)
9 - Josh Pierson, Pabst Racing (1)
10 - Simon Sikes, Marotti Autosport / Legacy Autosport (1)

11 - Josh Green, Turn 3 Motorsports (1)
12 - Elysiah Navarro [R], DEForce Racing (1)
13 - Jackson Lee [R], Jay Howard Driver Development (1)
14 - Thomas Nepveu [R], Cape Motorsports (1)
15 - Dylan Christie [R], Turn 3 Motorsports (2)
16 - Bijoy Garg, Jay Howard Driver Development (2)
17 - Erik Evans [R], Velocity Racing Development (1)
18 - Myles Rowe [R], Force Indy (2)
19 - Peter Vodanovich [R], Jay Howard Driver Development (1)
20 - Matt Round-Garrido, Exclusive Autosport (1)

21 - Billy Frazer [R], Exclusive Autosport (1)
22 - Evan Stamer [R], Ignite Autosport w/ Cape Motorsports (1)
23 - Christian Weir [R], Turn 3 Motorsports (1)
24 - Michael Myers, Michael Myers Racing (1)
25 - Kent Vaccaro [R], Miller Vinatieri Motorsports (1)
26 - Trey Burke [R], Joe Dooling Autosports (1)

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Notable:

• The TOP FIVE guys by this time of the season are also the TOP FIVE guys in the title hunt, as the also-rans are weeded out. Some in the next five have also shown talent but have not been as consistently good.

• Road America is a good track for 16-year-old Nolan Siegel. Don’t be surprised if he podiums this weekend. He was TOPS in the T-2 session, while Kiko was P2.

• Almost everyone was at their best in the T-1 session, when track temps were a bit lower. It’s going to be a hot weekend.

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Kiko Porto - TOPS for the day

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Next, Indy Pro 2000 tests…

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M

[MarkyS]

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Thursday at Elkhart Lake - Indy Pro 2000 holds testing at Road America…

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Just like the kids in USF2000, the Indy Pro 2000 gang held two test sessions today and we have the results, here.

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Here was the order of speed for Indy Pro 2000 test sessions COMBINED, with times for the TOP FIVE: [R] denotes rookie; the driver’s best session is in ( )

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1 - Artem Petrov, Exclusive Autosport - time of 02:04.7921s for a speed of 115.796mph (1)

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2 - Hunter McElrea, Pabst Racing - time of 02:04.9278s for a speed of 115.670mph (1)

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3 - Manuel Sulaiman, Juncos Racing - time of 02:04.9556s for a speed of 115.644mph (2)

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4 - Reece Gold [R], Juncos Racing - time of 02:05.1456s for a speed of 115.469mph (2)

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5 - Christian Rasmussen [R], Jay Howard Driver Development - time of 02:05.2760s for a speed of 115.349mph (2)

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6 - Braden Eves, Exclusive Autosport (2)
7 - Kyffin Simpson [R], Juncos Racing (1)
8 - Jacob Abel, Abel Motorsports (1)
9 - Hunter Yeany [R], Velocity Racing Development (2)
10 - Wyatt Brichacek [R], Jay Howard Driver Development (1)

11 - Jack William Miller [R], Miller Vinatieri Motorsports (1)
12 - James Roe [R], Turn 3 Motorsport (2)

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Notable:

• Anyone of the TOP SIX here is capable of a WIN on any given day. Like USF2000, by this time of the season the most talented guys consistently show up in the top and we get a clearer picture of where this is going.

• As they started later in the day, the two test sessions had roughly the same weather, and thus the best results for each guy varied much more.

• Not racing this weekend are Ahmad Enaam for RP Motorsport USA, Colin Kaminsky for Pabst Racing and Cameron Shields for DEForce Racing - all very talented. They will be missed.

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Artem Petrov

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Next up, the Indy Lights do their testing…

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M

[MarkyS]

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Thursday at Elkhart Lake - The Indy Lights test…

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Rounding out the day, the Lights were the last series to finish both of their test sessions.

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Here was the order of speed for the Indy LIghts test sessions COMBINED, with times for the TOP FIVE: [R] denotes rookie; the driver’s best session is in ( )

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1 - Kyle Kirkwood [R], Andretti Autosport - time of 01:55.2861s for a speed of 125.344mph (2)

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2 - David Malukas, HMD Motorsports - time of 01:55.5080s for a speed of 125.103mph (2)

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3 - Devlin DeFrancesco [R], Andretti Steinbrenner Racing - time of 01:55.6462s for a speed of 124.954mph (2)

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4 - Linus Lundqvist [R], GRG w/HMD Motorsports - time of 01:55.6505s for a speed of 124.949mph (2)

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5 - Danial Frost [R], Andretti Autosport - time of 01:55.6828s for a speed of 124.914mph (2)

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6 - Toby Sowery, Juncos Racing (2)
7 - Alex Peroni [R], Carlin / Jay Howard Driver Development (1)
8 - Benjamin Pedersen [R], GRG w/HMD Motorsports (2)
9 - Robert Megennis, Andretti Autosport (1)
10 - Sting Ray Robb [R], Juncos Racing (1)

11 - Nikita Lastochkin [R], HMD Motorsports (2)
12 - Christian Bogle [R], Carlin / Jay Howard Driver Development (1)
13 - Antonio Serravalle [R], Pserra Racing (2)

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Notable:

• There are at least 8 guys here who can WIN races, but on a roll at the moment is Kyle Kirkwood, coming off a sweep of the double-header at Detroit. Linus Lundqvist (TOPS in the T-1 session), and David Malukas (P2 in both sessions), will be fighting hard all the way, but as we have said many times, Kirkwood is a MONSTER. If he has a great weekend here at Road America and takes the title lead, he will be hard to reign in.

• Malukas and Lundqvist both have experience at Road America and both are great road racers. They will have to excell this weekend to keep this hunt all the way through to the end.

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Kyle Kirkwood - the monster may be waking up.

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This was the last on-track activity of the day. On Friday, all three Road to Indy series will have their official race weekend practices in the morning, followed by qualifying in the afternoon. The IndyCars will also hold their first of 3 practice sessions late in the day.

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M

[MarkyS]

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Friday morning at Elkhart Lake - USF2000 holds final practice…

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…before qualifying for Race 1 later today. There were more than a few surprises in the practice, including the lead driver.

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Here was the order of speed for the USF2000 P-1 practice session, with times for the TOP FIVE: [R] denotes rookie

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1 - Matt Round-Garrido, Exclusive Autosport - time of 02:11.4794s for a speed of 109.906mph

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2 - Prescott Campbell, DEForce Racing - time of 02:11.4888s for a speed of 109.898mph

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3 - Spike Kohlbecker [R], Ignite Autosport w/ Cape Motorsports - time of 02:11.4974s for a speed of 109.891mph

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4 - Kiko Porto, DEForce Racing - time of 02:11.5092s for a speed of 109.881mph

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5 - Michael d’Orlando, Cape Motorsports - time of 02:11.5577s for a speed of 109.841mph

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6 - Nolan Siegel, DEForce Racing
7 - Thomas Nepveu [R], Cape Motorsports
8 - Yuven Sundaramoorthy, Pabst Racing
9 - Erik Evans [R], Velocity Racing Development
10 - Josh Green, Turn 3 Motorsports

11 - Josh Pierson, Pabst Racing
12 - Bijoy Garg, Jay Howard Driver Development
13 - Dylan Christie [R], Turn 3 Motorsports
14 - Jace Denmark [R], Pabst Racing
15 - Elysiah Navarro [R], DEForce Racing
16 - Myles Rowe [R], Force Indy
17 - Simon Sikes, Marotti Autosport / Legacy Autosport
18 - Billy Frazer [R], Exclusive Autosport
19 - Jackson Lee [R], Jay Howard Driver Development
20 - Peter Vodanovich [R], Jay Howard Driver Development

21 - Evan Stamer [R], Ignite Autosport w/ Cape Motorsports
22 - Christian Brooks, Exclusive Autosport
23 - Kent Vaccaro [R], Miller Vinatieri Motorsports
24 - Trey Burke [R], Joe Dooling Autosports
25 - Michael Myers, Michael Myers Racing

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Notable:

• Speed leader Matt Round-Garrido drives us nuts. At times, the Englishman shows flashes of brilliance - like this. But, at other times he languishes mid-pack. His inconsistency is hurting him. Let’s see how well he qualifies.

• Also showing uncommon speed here are Erik Evans for Velocity Racing Development, Thomas Nepveu for Cape Motorsports and Bijoy Garg for Jay Howard Driver Development. All are a bit better here than they normally are.

• At the same time Christian Brooks for Exclusive Autosport is WAY off his normal pace. We suspect a mechanical of some sort, as the Californian is usually TOP FIVE. Jace Denmark for Pabst Racing and Simon Sikes for Legacy Autosport are both off pace a bit, too.

• Rookie Spike Kohlbecker has improved with every race, this season. He is now a legitimate contender for podiums and may eke out a WIN, soon.

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Matt Round-Garrido

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Next up, Indy Pro 2000 hold their one and only practice session…

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M

[MarkyS]

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Friday mornng at Elkhart Lake - Indy Pro 2000 hold their final practice…

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Before they qualify for Race 1 later today, the middle series on the Road to Indy ladder also had one more shot at getting their set-ups right.

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Here was the order of speed for the Indy Pro 2000 practice session, with times for the TOP FIVE: [R] denotes rookie

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1 - Artem Petrov, Exclusive Autosport - time of 02:05.3626s for a speed of 115.269mph

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2 - Braden Eves, Exclusive Autosport - time of 02:05.3959s for a speed of 115.238mph

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3 - Reece Gold [R], Juncos Racing - time of 02:05.4019s for a speed of 115.233mph

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4 - Manuel Sulaiman, Juncos Racing - time of 02:05.4268s for a speed of 115.210mph

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5 - Christian Rasmussen [R], Jay Howard Driver Development - time of 02:05.4475s for a speed of 115.191mph

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6 - Jack William Miller [R], Miller Vinatieri Motorsports
7 - Kyffin Simpson [R], Juncos Racing
8 - Jacob Abel, Abel Motorsports
9 - James Roe [R], Turn 3 Motorsport
10 - Hunter McElrea, Pabst Racing

11 - Wyatt Brichacek [R], Jay Howard Driver Development
12 - Hunter Yeany [R], Velocity Racing Development

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Notable:

• The depth of talent here is astounding. The TOP FIVE over a 14-turn, 4 mile course are covered by 0.086 seconds. Incredible! The entire field, save Hunter Yeany, is covered by 0.83 seconds.

• Exclusive Autosport holds the TOP TWO spots with Juncos Racing holding the next two. Jay Howard Driver Development has only Christian Rasmussen in the TOP FIVE but hey, that’s enough to be leading the title hunt, at the moment.

• This is a great showing for Jack William Miller. We wish JWM was more consistently good, but he’s better now than ever.

Jack William Miller

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Artem Petrov

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Next up, the Indy Lights hold a final practice…

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M

[MarkyS]

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Friday at Elkhart Lake - The Indy Lights hold a final practice…

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The Lights had the longest final practice of all three Road to Indy series but they probably used it the least, as most cars went out on used tires, saving their new primaries for qualifying. The times are the indicator, as they are well off the best test session from yesterday.

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Here was the order of speed for the Indy Lights practice session with times for the TOP FIVE: [R] denotes rookie

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1 - Robert Megennis, Andretti Autosport - time of 01:56.0097s for a speed of 124.562mph

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2 - Alex Peroni [R], Carlin / Jay Howard Driver Development - time of 01:56.2950s for a speed of 124.256mph

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3 - Toby Sowery, Juncos Racing - time of 01:56.7138s for a speed of 123.811mph

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4 - Kyle Kirkwood [R], Andretti Autosport - time of 01:57.0261s for a speed of 123.480mph

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5 - Christian Bogle [R], Carlin / Jay Howard Driver Development - time of 01:57.1973s for a speed of 123.300mph

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6 - Devlin DeFrancesco [R], Andretti Steinbrenner Racing
7 - Linus Lundqvist [R], GRG w/HMD Motorsports
8 - Danial Frost [R], Andretti Autosport
9 - David Malukas, HMD Motorsports
10 - Sting Ray Robb [R], Juncos Racing

11 - Nikita Lastochkin [R], HMD Motorsports
12 - Benjamin Pedersen [R], GRG w/HMD Motorsports
13 - Antonio Serravalle [R], Pserra Racing

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Notable:

• It’s not that no one was pushing at all. In fact, some were pushing hard to try to look for advantages in qualifying. But the TOP guys weren’t pushing, so don’t look at this session as any indicator of what will happen in qually, later today.

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Rob Megennis

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Next up, USF2000 holds their first qualifying session…

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M

[MarkyS]

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Friday at Elkhart Lake - USF2000 qualifies for Race 1 of the weekend…

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In the Road to Indy on a double-header weekend, the series holds a separate qualifying session fo each race. That allows the teams to make adjustments to their cars before each race, instead of trying to throw it all into one session. It takes more time but the teams know it’s worth it.

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Here is the way USF2000 will grid for Season Round 9, with times for the TOP SIX: [R] denotes rookie

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Row 1

Pole - Kiko Porto, DEForce Racing - time of 02:10.7892s for a speed of 110.486mph

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P2 - Nolan Siegel, DEForce Racing - time of 02:11.0411s for a speed of 110.274mph

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Row 2

P3 - Michael d’Orlando, Cape Motorsports - time of 02:11.2916s for a speed of 110.063 mph

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P4 - Spike Kohlbecker [R], Ignite Autosport w/ Cape Motorsports - time of 02:11.3259s for a speed of 110.035mph

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Row 3

P5 - Yuven Sundaramoorthy, Pabst Racing - time of 02:11.3968s for a speed of 109.975mph

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P6 - Prescott Campbell, DEForce Racing - time of 02:11.4094s for a speed of 109.965mph

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Row 4

P7 - Josh Pierson, Pabst Racing
P8 - Josh Green, Turn 3 Motorsports

Row 5

P9 - Jace Denmark [R], Pabst Racing
P10 - Matt Round-Garrido, Exclusive Autosport

Row 6

P11 - Bijoy Garg, Jay Howard Driver Development
P12 - Christian Brooks, Exclusive Autosport

Row 7

P13 - Thomas Nepveu [R], Cape Motorsports
P14 - Dylan Christie [R], Turn 3 Motorsports

Row 8

P15 - Elysiah Navarro [R], DEForce Racing
P16 - Simon Sikes, Marotti Autosport / Legacy Autosport

Row 9

P17 - Jackson Lee [R], Jay Howard Driver Development
P18 - Erik Evans [R], Velocity Racing Development

Row 10

P19 - Myles Rowe [R], Force Indy
P20 - Trey Burke [R], Joe Dooling Autosports

Row 11

P21 - Peter Vodanovich [R], Jay Howard Driver Development
P22 - Billy Frazer [R], Exclusive Autosport

Row 12

P23 - Evan Stamer [R], Ignite Autosport w/ Cape Motorsports
P24 - Kent Vaccaro [R], Miller Vinatieri Motorsports

Row 13

P25 - Michael Myers, Michael Myers Racing

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Notable:

• Kiko Porto has looked like a pole-sitter all weekend and he made it happen, with the 1 extra point that goes with it, but teammate Nolan Siegel will be hard on him from the jump. This is his kind of track.

• The TOP TEN looks about right, but Bijoy Garg has his best qually of the year in P11, while Christian Brooks looks struggling in P12. He should be TOP FIVE.

• Trey Burke has also put in his best qually of the year, in P20. The 17-year-old is a Sprint Car dirt oval star who had his first year on pavement and on road courses of any kind in 2020. He is learning every race.

• Michael Myers brought out a red flag just as the session was ending by going off in Turn 13, the Billy Mitchell Bend. He hit the ARMCO barrier and so did damage that has to be repaired before this afternoon, when a 2nd qually will happen.

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Bijoy Garg - good day; Christian Brooks, (right) not so much

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Trey Burke - good day; Michael Myers, (right), not so much

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Kiko Porto - on pole

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This race is scheduled for just after Noon, local time, on Satruday. Next up, Indy Pro 2000 qualifies for Race 1 of the weekend…

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M

[MarkyS]

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Friday at Elkhart Lake - Indy Pro 2000 qualifies for Race 1 of the weekend…

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Just like their smaller bretheren, Indy Pro 2000 held their first qually of the weekend, for a race that will happen tomorrow. A few of the fastest guys kinda fell on their faces, while others excelled.

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Here is the way Indy Pro 2000 will grid for Season Round 9, with times for the TOP SIX: [R] denotes rookie

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Row 1

Pole - Manuel Sulaiman, Juncos Racing - time of 02:04.5236s for a speed of 116.045mph

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P2 - Artem Petrov, Exclusive Autosport - time of 02:04.6584s for a speed of 115.920mph

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Row 2

P3 - Jacob Abel, Abel Motorsports - time of 02:04.6594s for a speed of 115.919mph

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P4 - Reece Gold [R], Juncos Racing - time of 02:04.6616s for a speed of 115.917mph

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Row 3

P5 - Jack William Miller [R], Miller Vinatieri Motorsports - time of 02:04.7960s for a speed of 115.792mph

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P6 - Christian Rasmussen [R], Jay Howard Driver Development - time of 02:04.8871s for a speed of 115.708mph

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Row 4

P7 - James Roe [R], Turn 3 Motorsport
P8 - Kyffin Simpson [R], Juncos Racing

Row 5

P9 - Braden Eves, Exclusive Autosport
P10 - Hunter McElrea, Pabst Racing

Row 6

P11 - Wyatt Brichacek [R], Jay Howard Driver Development
P12 - Hunter Yeany [R], Velocity Racing Development

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Notable:

• Manuel Sulaiman on the pole is no surprise at all. Manny took pole here last year, too. Artem Petrov looks correct on the front row, too. He has been quick all weekend, so far.

• NOT expected in Row 2 is Jacob Abel for Abel Motorsports in P3. This is the best qualifying effort for Jacob in his IP2K career. Before this, his best start was a P5 in 2019 and his best this year before today is a P7. Jacob’s 2021 driving coach is Road to Indy ace Parker Thompson, and it’s clear he is making a difference.

• Jack William Miller also put in his best IP2K lap so far, with a P9 the best he could do, before today.

• Going the wrong way is points-leader Christian Rasmussen who matched his WORST start this year. Also missing it was 2nd-in-points Braden Eves who also matched his worst IP2K start ever, from 2020.

• Also not doing nearly as well as expected is Hunter McElrea for Pabst Racing. Maybe it’s something in the water?

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Manuel Sulaiman - all is right with the world

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Race 1 for IP2K will be just after 1:00pm on Saturday. Next up, the Indy Lights hold qualifying…

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M

[MarkyS]

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Friday at Elkhart Lake - Indy Lights qualifies for Race 1 of the weekend…

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The Lights were the 3rd series to run qualifying for Race 1 and Danial Frost for Andretti Autosport collected his first pole as a Lights driver.

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Here is the way the Indy Lights will grid for Season Round 9, with times for the TOP SIX: [R] denotes rookie

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Row 1

Pole - Danial Frost [R], Andretti Autosport - time of 01:55.5938s for a speed of 125.010mph

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P2 - David Malukas, HMD Motorsports - time of 01:56.0704s for a speed of 124.497mph

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Row 2

P3 - Devlin DeFrancesco [R], Andretti Steinbrenner Racing - time of 01:56.0995s for a speed of 124.466mph

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P4 - Kyle Kirkwood [R], Andretti Autosport - time of 01:56.1233s for a speed of 124.440mph

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Row 3

P5 - Linus Lundqvist [R], GRG w/HMD Motorsports - time of 01:56.1691s for a speed of 124.391mph

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P6 - Toby Sowery, Juncos Racing - time of 01:56.1974s for a speed of 124.361mph

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Row 4

P7 - Sting Ray Robb [R], Juncos Racing
P8 - Robert Megennis, Andretti Autosport

Row 5

P9 - Benjamin Pedersen [R], GRG w/HMD Motorsports
P10 - Alex Peroni [R], Carlin / Jay Howard Driver Development

Row 6

P11 - Nikita Lastochkin [R], HMD Motorsports
P12 - Antonio Serravalle [R], Pserra Racing

Row 7

P13 - Christian Bogle [R], Carlin / Jay Howard Driver Development

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Notable:

• Danial Frost collected his first WIN in Indy Pro 2000 in 2020 at this track, coming from a P16 start. He beat pole-sitter Devlin DeFrancesco who came home P2. David Malukas WON both races here in 2018 in Indy Pro 2000. Now, it’s easy to see why these guys are P1, P2 and P3 today in qualifying.

• Linus Lundqvist is not as comfortable as they are. He brought out a red flag in practice this morning and he sat in P9 for most of this session, but he finally pulled out a P5 in the last lap.

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Danial Frost - on pole

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The Lights will run Race 1 late in the day on Saturday. Next, the kids from USF2000 hold their 2nd qually of the weekend…

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M

[MarkyS]

+++

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Friday at Elkhart Lake - USF2000 qualifies for Race 2 of the weekend…

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The kids from USF2000 came out late today for a qually session for Race 2 of the weekend, to be run on Sunday.

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Here is the way USF2000 will grid for Season Round 10, with times for the TOP SIX: [R] denotes rookie

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Row 1

Pole - Kiko Porto, DEForce Racing - time of 02:10.8258s for a speed of 110.455 mph

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P2 - Nolan Siegel, DEForce Racing - time of 02:11.0489s for a speed of 110.267mph

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Row 2

P3 - Prescott Campbell, DEForce Racing - time of 02:11.1961s for a speed of 110.144mph

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P4 - Michael d’Orlando, Cape Motorsports - time of 02:11.2097s for a speed of 110.132mph

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Row 3

P5 - Josh Pierson, Pabst Racing - time of 02:11.3603s for a speed of 110.006mph

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P6 - Josh Green, Turn 3 Motorsports - time of 02:11.5109s for a speed of 109.880mph

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Row 4

P7 - Thomas Nepveu [R], Cape Motorsports
P8 - Spike Kohlbecker [R], Ignite Autosport w/ Cape Motorsports

Row 5

P9 - Yuven Sundaramoorthy, Pabst Racing
P10 - Simon Sikes, Marotti Autosport / Legacy Autosport

Row 6

P11 - Elysiah Navarro [R], DEForce Racing
P12 - Bijoy Garg, Jay Howard Driver Development

Row 7

P13 - Matt Round-Garrido, Exclusive Autosport
P14 - Jace Denmark [R], Pabst Racing

Row 8

P15 - Christian Brooks, Exclusive Autosport
P16 - Dylan Christie [R], Turn 3 Motorsports

Row 9

P17 - Erik Evans [R], Velocity Racing Development
P18 - Myles Rowe [R], Force Indy

Row 10

P19 - Evan Stamer [R], Ignite Autosport w/ Cape Motorsports
P20 - Jackson Lee [R], Jay Howard Driver Development

Row 11

P21 - Peter Vodanovich [R], Jay Howard Driver Development
P22 - Billy Frazer [R], Exclusive Autosport

Row 12

P23 - Trey Burke [R], Joe Dooling Autosports
P24 - Kent Vaccaro [R], Miller Vinatieri Motorsports

Row 13

P25 - Michael Myers, Michael Myers Racing

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Notable:

• Kiko Porto grabs another pole and greatly improves his chances of taking over the lead in points. Yuven Sundaramoorthy stated the weekend with a 7 point lead. Now, it’s only a 5 point lead.

• Yuven didn’t do himself any favors by qualifying so far out of the TOP SIX. Similarly, Christian Brooks, 3rd in the points, is going the wrong way.

• Going the right way are rookie Thomas Nepveu for Cape Motorsports and Bijoy Garg for Jay Howard Driver Development, both improved from previous outings.

• Michael Myers put in no time, as the car was still being repaired from the Q1-shunt.

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Kiko Porto - not tired of this, yet

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This race is scheduled as the first thing for Sunday morning. Next up, the IndyCars finally take to the track for the P-1 practice session!..

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M

[MarkyS]

+++

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Friday at Elkhart Lake - The IndyCars come out for their first practice…

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…of the weekend - one of three to be. The 45 minute session seemed shorter than that, but at the end, rookie Romain Grosjean for Dale Coyne took advantage of a 2nd set of tires to throw down a flier and top the session.

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

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1 - Romain Grosjean [R], Dale Coyne Racing w/ Rick Ware Racing - time of 01:47.6781s for a speed of 134.200mph

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2 - Ryan Hunter-Reay, Andretti Autosport - time of 01:47.8024s for a speed of 134.045mph

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3 - Josef Newgarden, Team Penske - time of 01:47.8417s for a speed of 133.996mph

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4 - Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing - time of 01:47.8515s for a speed of 133.984mph

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5 - Graham Rahal, Rahal Letterman Lanigan - time of 01:48.0938s for a speed of 133.684mph

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6 - Colton Herta, Andretti Autosport
7 - Sebastien Bourdais, AJ Foyt Enterprises
8 - Scott McLaughlin [R], Team Penske
9 - Oliver Askew, Ed Carpenter Racing
10 - Will Power, Team Penske

11 - Pato O’Ward, Arrow McLaren SP
12 - Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing
13 - Takuma Sato, Rahal Letterman Lanigan
14 - Conor Daly, Ed Carpenter Racing
15 - Jack Harvey, Meyer Shank Racing
16 - Alexander Rossi, Andretti Autosport
17 - Simon Pagenaud, Team Penske
18 - Marcus Ericsson, Chip Ganassi Racing
19 - Max Chilton, Carlin
20 - James Hinchcliffe, Andretti Autosport

21 - Jimmie Johnson [R], Chip Ganassi Racing
22 - Cody Ware [R], Dale Coyne Racing w/ Rick Ware Racing
23 - Kevin Magnussen [R], Arrow McLaren SP
24 - Dalton Kellett, AJ Foyt Enterprises
25 - Ed Jones, Dale Coyne Racing w/ Vasser Sullivan

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Notable:

• Romain was mid-pack for most of the session but the team gave him a clean set of tires to lay down a flier and that he did, near the end of the session. Scott McLaughlin for Team Penske also was given a new set of tires to make a nice lap and build confidence after an off-track excursion.

• Making his IndyCar debut is IMSA WeatherTech driver Kevin Magnussen - another Formula One ex-patriot - who was called to sub for wounded Felix Rosenqvist at Arrow McLaren SP. Kevin drove for McLaren at one point in Formula One.

• NASCAR driver Cody Ware is also making his IndyCar debut this weekend for Dale Coyne w/Rick Ware Racing. Cody has tested in an IndyCar at Sebring, but this will be his first race, though probably not his last.

• Ed Jones’ car had a small fire - probably electrical - and Ed put in no time as a result of needed repairs.

• Oliver Askew was asked to sub for Ed Carpenter Racing’s Rinus VeeKay, who broke his collar bone in a bicycling accident, early this week. Oliver immediately proved the wisdom of that decision by putting in the 9th quickest lap in practice. When asked how he could be so fast, Oliver quipped, “Well, it’s just like riding a bike, right?”, then realized what he said and this happened:

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NTT INDYCAR SERIES

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Romain Grosjean

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The IndyCars will hold another practice session on Saturday, late morning, and yet a 3rd session after qualifying, late Saturday afternoon. This was the last on-track activity of the day.

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Starting the day on Saturday will be Indy Pro 2000, holding their 2nd qually session of the weekend.

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M

[MarkyS]

+++

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Saturday morning at Elkhart Lake - Indy Pro 2000 holds a 2nd qually session…

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This one was for Race 2, which will be held on Sunday, right before the IndyCar race. This session was 20 minutes long with a cool temperature - about 20 degrees less than yesterday. It takes longer to get tires up to temperature, but the engines and the wings love the cooler, denser air.

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Here is the way Indy Pro 2000 will grid for Season Round 10, with times for the TOP SIX: [R] denotes rookie

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Row 1

Pole - Manuel Sulaiman, Juncos Racing - time of 02:03.4545s for a speed of 117.050mph

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P2 - Reece Gold [R], Juncos Racing - time of 02:03.6954s for a speed of 116.822mph

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Row 2

P3 - Christian Rasmussen [R], Jay Howard Driver Development - time of 02:03.7714s for a speed of 116.751mph

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P4 - Jacob Abel, Abel Motorsports - time of 02:04.0287s for a speed of 116.509mph

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Row 3

P5 - Braden Eves, Exclusive Autosport - time of 02:04.0587s for a speed of 116.480mph

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P6 - Artem Petrov, Exclusive Autosport - time of 02:04.0959s for a speed of 116.445mph

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Row 4

P7 - Wyatt Brichacek [R], Jay Howard Driver Development
P8 - Kyffin Simpson [R], Juncos Racing

Row 5

P9 - Hunter McElrea, Pabst Racing
P10 - Hunter Yeany [R], Velocity Racing Development

Row 6

P11 - Jack William Miller [R], Miller Vinatieri Motorsports
P12 - James Roe [R], Turn 3 Motorsport

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Notable:

• A fantastic session! At the end, when everyone took on a second set of tires, the TOP SPOT changed many times, with Christian Rasmussen the first to break into the 2:03s. After the checkered flag fell, Manuel stole pole by completing his final lap.

• With two poles in hand, Sulaiman stands a good chance of WINNING both races this weekend and putting himself back into the title hunt for Juncos. He and Kiko Porto for DEForce Racing in USF2000 become double pole WINNERS, this weekend.

• Jacob Abel continues to have the best weekend of his Road to Indy career. When you can eclipse guys like Artem Petrov and Braden Eves, it’s a good week.

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Manuel Sulaiman - second pole of the weekend

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Indy Pro 2000 will do Race 1 just after 1:00pm today, CENTRAL time. Next up, the Indy Lights hold their 2nd qually of the weekend…

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M

[MarkyS]

+++

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Saturday morning at Elkhart Lake - Indy Lights hold qually 2 for Race 2…

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The pole for Indy Lights turned out just like the pole-sitters for USF2000 and Indy Pro 2000, as Danial Frost for Andretti Autosport takes the TOP SPOT for Races 1 and 2.

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Here is the way the Indy Lights will grid for Season Round 10, with times for the TOP SIX: [R] denotes rookie

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Row 1

Pole - Danial Frost [R], Andretti Autosport - time of 01:54.3044s for a speed of 126.420mph

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P2 - David Malukas, HMD Motorsports - time of 01:54.3999s for a speed of 126.315mph

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Row 2

P3 - Kyle Kirkwood [R], Andretti Autosport - time of 01:54.7010s for a speed of 125.983mph

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P4 - Devlin DeFrancesco [R], Andretti Steinbrenner Racing - time of 01:54.7574s for a speed of 125.921mph

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Row 3

P5 - Robert Megennis, Andretti Autosport - time of 01:54.9785s for a speed of 125.679mph

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P6 - Alex Peroni [R], Carlin / Jay Howard Driver Development - time of 01:55.1142s for a speed of 125.531mph

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Row 4

P7 - Linus Lundqvist [R], GRG w/HMD Motorsports
P8 - Toby Sowery, Juncos Racing

Row 5

P9 - Benjamin Pedersen [R], GRG w/HMD Motorsports
P10 - Sting Ray Robb [R], Juncos Racing

Row 6

P11 - Nikita Lastochkin [R], HMD Motorsports
P12 - Antonio Serravalle [R], Pserra Racing

Row 7

P13 - Christian Bogle [R], Carlin / Jay Howard Driver Development

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Notable:

• Sting Ray Robb held pole late in the session when Christian Bogle spun in Turn 7, bringing out a red flag. By the time they got him going again there was only about 5 minutes left for everyone to put in their final fliers. The pole changed hands many times between many drivers in the final 2 minutes before Danial pulled it out as the last guy to cross the line.

• Danial joins Kiko Porto for DEForce Racing in USF2000 and Manuel Sulaiman for Juncos Racing in Indy Pro 2000 as 2-for-2 in poles this weekend.

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Danial Frost is 2-for-2 poles for 2021 at Road America

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Indy Lights Race 2 will come off on Sunday morning, 2nd race of the day. Next up, the big cars do their second practice, in prep for qualifying, later today…

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M

[MarkyS]

+++

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Saturday morning at Elkhart Lake - The IndyCars hold their 2nd practice…

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…of the weekend, in preparation for knock-out qualifying, later today. As a result, the teams used alternate red tires at one point or another, to see how they compare to the primaries.

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This was the order of speed for the IndyCars P-2 practice, with times for the TOP FIVE: [R] denotes rookie

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1 - Josef Newgarden, Team Penske - time of 01:45.3399s for a speed of 137.179mph

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2 - Colton Herta, Andretti Autosport - time of 01:45.4730s for a speed of 137.006mph

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3 - Graham Rahal, Rahal Letterman Lanigan - time of 01:45.6515s for a speed of 136.774mph

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4 - Romain Grosjean [R], Dale Coyne Racing w/ Rick Ware Racing - time of 01:45.7700s for a speed of 136.621mph

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5 - Oliver Askew, Ed Carpenter Racing - time of 01:45.7953s for a speed of 136.588mph

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6 - Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing
7 - Pato O’Ward, Arrow McLaren SP
8 - Sebastien Bourdais, AJ Foyt Enterprises
9 - Will Power, Team Penske
10 - Ryan Hunter-Reay, Andretti Autosport

11 - Marcus Ericsson, Chip Ganassi Racing
12 - Conor Daly, Ed Carpenter Racing
13 - Jack Harvey, Meyer Shank Racing
14 - Simon Pagenaud, Team Penske
15 - Alexander Rossi, Andretti Autosport
16 - Scott McLaughlin [R], Team Penske
17 - Ed Jones, Dale Coyne Racing w/ Vasser Sullivan
18 - James Hinchcliffe, Andretti Autosport
19 - Takuma Sato, Rahal Letterman Lanigan
20 - Kevin Magnussen [R], Arrow McLaren SP

21 - Max Chilton, Carlin
22 - Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing
23 - Dalton Kellett, AJ Foyt Enterprises
24 - Jimmie Johnson [R], Chip Ganassi Racing
25 - Cody Ware [R], Dale Coyne Racing w/ Rick Ware Racing

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Notable:

• Scott Dixon for Chip Ganassi hit some debris on the track that damaged the undertray on his car early on, while he was on primary tires. The team repaired it, but in time to give him only 1 lap to see what the car will do on reds. That puts them in a hole for qualifying. He will have to rely on his teammates for data.

• Great run for Oliver Askew, subbing for Rinus VeeKay. The car is set up for VeeKay, who likes to slide it, while Oliver likes a tighter car, but the team is adjusting it for Oliver on the fly. It’s working, in any case.

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Josef Newgarden

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The IndyCars are scheduled to qualify this afternoon. Next, the first race of the weekend, as USF2000 goes for Race 1. The grid for this is in post # 9…

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M

[MarkyS]

+++

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Saturday afternoon at Elkhart Lake - USF2000 hold Race 1…

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…of their weekend, and the WINNER was pole-sitter Kiko Porto for DEForce Racing, after a spirited battle with P2 Michael d’Orlando for Cape Motorsports, from his P4 start. P3 was Spike Kohlbecker for Ignite Autosport w/ Cape Motorsports from P4.

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Kiko’s fans in Brazil are paying attention…

Blog da Indy

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The first lap was the most frenetic, as it all began to happen down in Turn 5, with cars going off and on. Nolan Siegel for DEForce Racing dropped from P2 to P4, while Micheal d’Orlando took Spike to take over P2. Josh Green for Turn 3 Motorsports went from P8 to P5, Christian Brooks for Exclusive Autosport from P12 to P7, and Simon Sikes for Marotti Autosport / Legacy Autosport from P16 to P8. On lap 2 as the cars climbed under the Corvette Bridge near Turn 6 Prescott Campbell for DEForce Racing and Jace Denmark for Pabst Racing collided, with Jace losing his front wing. Unhappily, Billy Frazer for Exclusive Autosport ran over the wing, losing all steering and slid into the wall at Turn 6, bringing out a full-course caution to collect him, as Jace pitted for a new wing.

On the lap 5 restart d’Orlando and Porto started an epic battle for the lead. Micheal got aside Kiko in Turn 3 and incredibly the two STAYED beside each other all the way to Canada Corner, Turn 12, where Michael took the lead. Simon Sikes took over P6 from Yuven Sundaramoorthy for Pabst Racing, while Josh Pierson for Pabst passed Thomas Nepveu for Cape Motorsports for P9. On lap 6 Kiko recovered the P1 spot from Michael in Turn 1. Christian Brooks took P4 from Nolan in Canada Corner and Josh Green followed him through for P5.

On lap 8 Jackson Lee for Jay Howard Driver Development spun in Turn 8, but rejoined. (He may have been tapped from behind). Nolan Siegel retook P5 from Simon Sikes while Josh Pierson passed Yuven for P7. On lap 9 Nolan moved again, taking back P4 from Christian Brooks. Lap 10 saw Josh Pierson take P6 from Simon Sikes. Lap 11 saw Simon return the favor and reclaim P6. Then, Yuven rode in to put Josh into P7. One lap later Kiko crossed the line 0 .88 seconds ahead of Michael, who was over 5 seconds ahead of Spike in 3rd.

A great race, with passing everywhere, including up front.

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Notable:

• This was Kiko’s 4th podium and 2nd WIN of the season and he now is in the points lead over Yuven Sundaramoorthy.

• This was Spike Kohlbecker’s first Road to Indy podium. We suspect it won’t be his last.

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Your happy podium - That’s Michael d’Orlando in P2 on the left, Kiko Porto in P1 in the middle and Spike Kohlbecker in P3 on the right:

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USF2000 will hold Race 2 of the weekend on Sunday, first race of the day. Next, Indy Pro 2000 holds Race 1. The grid for this is in post # 10…

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M

[MarkyS]

+++

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Saturday afternoon at Elkhart Lake - Indy Pro 2000 hold Race 1…

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…and it started with a huge bang and ended with Manuel Sulaiman for DEForce Racing WINNING from pole. Making it hard the whole way was P2 Artem Petrov for Exclusive Autosport from his P2 start. P3 went to Jacob Abel for Abel Motorsports from his P3 start.

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As the field came around to Turn 3 on the opening lap there was a huge schlemozzle involving Jack William Miller for Miller Vinatierri, Christian Rasmussen for Jay Howard Driver Development, Kyffin Simpson for Juncos Racing and Wyatt Brichacek, also for JHDD. No TV camera caught it, but we have private video here:

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Nick Yeoman

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The word is that all four drivers were released without injury from Infield Care. They had occupied P5, P6, P8 and P11 respectively. When the race restarted on lap 5 Manuel Sulaiman charged away and had opened up a gap by the time he was at the Carousel. On lap 6 Braden Eves for Exclusive Autosport passed Hunter McElrea for Pabst Racing, taking P6. On lap 7 Braden pounced again and took P5 from James Roe for Turn 3 Motorsports, while Reece Gold for Juncos passed Jacob Abel for Abel Motorsports to slip into P3. On lap 8 Artem Petrov set the Fastest Lap trying to chase down Manuel, but on lap 9 Jacob Abel reset Fastest Lap trying to recover 3rd place.

Both drivers accomplished their goals, as by lap 12 Artem was running side-by-side with Manuel and Jacob was side-by-side with Reece. While Manuel survived the assault, Reece succumbed to Jacob on the front straight as Lap 13 began, and fell to P4. By the time the pair were in Turn 5 Reece was beside Jacob again, all the way past Turn 6, but unable to reclaim P3. Artem again went after Manuel and by the time they were in Turn 12 at Canada Corner they were again battling for the lead. Manuel held Artem off again.

On lap 14 Artem made another try for the lead in Turn 5 but once again could not make it stick. Now, Braden Eves finally came into the picture and went after Reece in P4. He took the spot by the time they were in Canada Corner. On the final lap Manuel was holding off Artem still and now Jacob was after Artem. Abel was aside the Russian through Turn 5 but Artem held onto P2. The trio finished the race a half a second apart from each other.

A thriller to the end, with the lead always in jeopardy!

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Notable:

• The WIN brings Manuel into 5th place in the points, and while Christian Rasmussen retains the points lead the DNF hurt him a lot.

• This was Jacob Abel’s first Road to Indy podium this year, 2nd in his career and a triumph for small Abel Motorsports. It will also be popular in the paddock as Abel has many friends in the field.

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Your happy podium - That’s Artem Petrov in P2 on the left, Manuel Sulaiman in P1 in the middle and Jacob Abel in P3 on the right:

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Indy Pro 2000 will race again on Sunday, last race before the IndyCar race. Next up, the IndyCars qualify…

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M

[MarkyS]

+++

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Saturday afternoon at Elkhart Lake - The IndyCars are qualified…

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Josef Newgarden for Team Penske takes pole with a singular tire strategy, running the Fireston Fast Six on black primary tires, while everyone else was on alternate reds.

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

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Row 1

Pole - Josef Newgarden, Team Penske - time of 01:46.0186s for a speed of 136.301mph

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P2 - Colton Herta, Andretti Autosport - time of 01:46.2616s for a speed of 135.989mph

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Row 2

P3 - Jack Harvey, Meyer Shank Racing - time of 01:46.7206s for a speed of 135.404mph

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P4 - Will Power, Team Penske - time of 01:46.8237s for a speed of 135.273mph

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Row 3

P5 - Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing - time of 01:46.8633s for a speed of 135.223mph

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P6 - Simon Pagenaud, Team Penske - time of 01:47.1274s for a speed of 134.890mph

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Row 4

P7 - Romain Grosjean [R], Dale Coyne Racing w/ Rick Ware Racing
P8 - Ryan Hunter-Reay, Andretti Autosport

Row 5

P9 - Alexander Rossi, Andretti Autosport
P10 - Pato O’Ward, Arrow McLaren SP

Row 6

P11 - Sebastien Bourdais, AJ Foyt Enterprises
P12 - Ed Jones, Dale Coyne Racing w/ Vasser Sullivan

Row 7

P13 - Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing
P14 - Graham Rahal, Rahal Letterman Lanigan

Row 8

P15 - Conor Daly, Ed Carpenter Racing
P16 - Oliver Askew, Ed Carpenter Racing

Row 9

P17 - Scott McLaughlin [R], Team Penske
P18 - Marcus Ericsson, Chip Ganassi Racing

Row 10

P19 - James Hinchcliffe, Andretti Autosport
P20 - Takuma Sato, Rahal Letterman Lanigan

Row 11

P21 - Kevin Magnussen [R], Arrow McLaren SP
P22 - Max Chilton, Carlin

Row 12

P23 - Jimmie Johnson [R], Chip Ganassi Racing
P24 - Dalton Kellett, AJ Foyt Enterprises

Row 13

P25 - Cody Ware [R], Dale Coyne Racing w/ Rick Ware Racing

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Notable:

• This is Josef’s 13th career pole, his 3rd ever at Road America and his 2nd for the year.

• To make it work, Josef’s engineer had also to make him believe that the car would perform to qualifying standards on the blacks. That he was able to do, though Josef was stil incredulous after qualifying.

• Team Penske has to be happy, as they have been beating themselves up for failing to live up to their own standards, this season. With three cars in the Fast Six, they have set themselves up for a good race start. Now, they just have to execute.

• Jack Harvey turns in another great qually session. The Englishman needs to get it done and WIN a race. Is this the weekend?

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The race is scheduled for Sunday broadcast on NBC-SN, starting at 12:00 Noon EASTERN time. Next up, the Indy Lights hold Race 1 of the weekend. The grid for this race is in post # 11…

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M

[MarkyS]

+++

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Saturday afternoon at Elkhart Lake - The Indy Lights hold Race 1 of the weekend…

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…and a 1st lap shunt changes everything, as Kyle Kirkwood for Andretti Autosport WINS his 3rd Indy Lights race in a row, this one from his P4 start. P2 was Benjamin Pederson for Global Racing Group w/ HMD Motorsports from P10, while P3 went to Rob Megennis for Andretti Autosport from his P8 start.

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Andretti Autosport

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As the field dropped down the front straight and went into Turn 1 on the opening lap P2 starter David Malukas for HMD Motorsports poked out from behind pole-sitter Danial Frost for Andretti Autosport and was beside him in the Turn. The two cars collected each other and swept up P3 Devlin DeFrancesco for Andretti Steinbrenner, all sliding off the track to the left. As Kyle Kirkwood and P5 starter Linus Lundqvist for GRG w/ HMD Motorsports jinked to avoid the spinning cars, Toby Sowery for Juncos Racing made the jump from P6 to P1, with Linus following in P2 and Kyle in P3. Malukas, DeFrancesco and Frost all kept running and fell to the rear of the field, with Devlin needing to pit for a new front wing.

On lap 3 Linus got by Toby on the front straight. By Turn 5 Kyle was by the Englishman, as well. On lap 4 Alex Peroni for Carlin / Jay Howard Driver Development was passing Toby for the P3 spot in Turn 5. It was on lap 5 that Kyle took the lead from Linus in Turn 5. On lap 6 Alex used the over/under to pass Linus in Turns 5 and 6 to take over P2, and set sail after Kyle. At the same time Rob Megennis moved past Antonio Serravalle for Pserra Racing to move into P7. On the next lap Benjamin used the same over/under in Turn 5 to move into P4 past Toby, while Rob passed Sting Ray Robb for Juncos and secured P6. Chrisitan Bogle for Carlin / JHDD passed Nikita Lastochkin for HMD Motorsports for P8.

As Alex was trying to run down Kyle up front, David Malukas was also past Nikita to take over P10 by lap 9. On lap 11 Christian Bogle was into P8 past Sting Ray. One lap later, Rob was passing Toby for P5 in Turn 1, while Sting Ray reclaimed P8 in Turn 5 from Bogle. Lap 13 saw Alex slow to almost a halt and then pit with a broken transmission, ending his day and his chance to catch Kyle, who motored off on his own. David Malukas was now up to P7. By lap 15 Benjamin was beside Linus, trying to get P2. It took him 4 more laps of stalking him, but by lap 19 Benjamin took Linus in Turn 5, driving around him on the outside. On the final lap Rob also got by Linus in Turn 5 and the podium was finally set. Kyle WON by 11 seconds over Benjamin who was just over a second in front of Rob.

Lots of passes and lots of drama!

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Notable:

• This was not only Kirkwood’s 3rd WIN in a row but also his 5th WIN at Road America in a row - none of them from pole. Kirkwood is now the all-time WIN leader in the Road to Indy.

• Kirkwood has now amassed 51 wins in 100 starts in junior open wheel racing in North America. That includes Indy Lights, Indy Pro 2000, USF2000, Formula Regional Americas, the F4 United States Championship and the F1600 Championship Series. There is a reason we call him “The Monster.”

• This was Rob Megennis’ first podium for 2021 and Antonio Serravalle’s best 2021 finish, in P6. Benjamin Pedersen’s matched his best Lights finish, at Barber in Round 1.

• David Malukas recovered to P7 from his spin at the start, and that helps him stay in the TOP THREE in points. Kirkwood takes over the points lead, with Linus Lundqvist in second. Separated by 14 points, it’s looking like one of these three for the title.

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Your happy podium - That’s Bejamin Pedersen in P2 on the left, Kyle Kirkwood in P1 in the middle and Rob Megennis in P3 on the right:

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The Lights will hold Race 2 on Sunday, right after USF2000 and right before Indy Pro 2000. Next, the IndyCar hold their final practice of the weekend…

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M