IndyCars - Elkhart Lake: Return to the National Park of Speed

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Every year about this time the IndyCars show up at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin to race on one of the great road courses in the world and a track that every driver loves, as we do…

The Sonsio Grand Prix at Road America

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RoadAmerica

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Road America is one of the oldest and most famous road courses in North America and for good reason: It consistently delivers a great product for the local fan and racing community alike, regardless of what series is racing.

Though built initially for club and sports car racing and actually too narrow by modern track standards, no one has any trouble finding a way and a place to pass at the venue, due to its 3 long straights, connected through big elevation changes by a wide variety of 14 historic turns, well known to racing fans. Turn 5 is the heartbreaker while Turns 9 and 10 are the Carousel. Turn 11 is the Kink and Turn 12 is Canada Corner. The long front straight is an uphill climb that is nearly 1 of the 4 complete miles of the track, (the longest in the continent), dumping out into challenging Turn 1 where many races have been won or lost.

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This weekend, those racing fans lucky enough to wander the track for the days with their beef brats and beers in hand will be treated to no less than 9 races. They include:

  • Blue Marble Radical Cup - 3 races on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
  • USF2000 - 2 races on Saturday
  • Indy Pro 2000 - 2 races on Saturday and Sunday
  • Indy Lights, racing on Sunday

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

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Let’s take a look at that support racing:

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The Blue Marble Radical Cup - utilizes the purpose-built Radical SR3 series of prototypes - small but powerful SportsCars with high-end motorcycle powerplants that propel them very quickly on the cheap. The series was designed to make racing possible for amateur participants who cannot afford to go IMSA or SRO GT racing. Radical classes are not limited to the SR3 anymore as more and more classes keep getting added to the series. As there are no IndyCar guys in this series, we will wish them safe and happy racing and concentrate on the open-wheel stuff, this weekend.

SR3 Radicals
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continued…

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Support Racing… (continued).

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The Road to Indy is the ladder system that develops IndyCar drivers. It is made up of now four series in increasing complexity, performance and cost, each when conquered becomes a step towards entering the IndyCar series. They are USF Juniors, (a new series), USF2000, Indy Pro 2000 and Indy Lights. THREE of the four rungs on the ladder will be racing at Road America this weekend, with the Juniors taking the weekend off.
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USF2000 - What used to be the first step up on the ladder is a bit more complex than USF Juniors and is populated with drivers who have more open-wheel racing experience - even at this lower level. USF2000 uses the all-carbon Tatuus USF-22 car, powered by a 2.0 liter engine made by Elite Engines, with about 175 hp. The cars have racing slicks and adjustable wings. 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 fields are usually very large, very eclectic and very competitive but the talent range is also large - some very good while others are learning. After 8rounds, the current points leader is Michael d’Orlando, driving for Cape Motorsports in his 3rd full season in this series. He has 7 TOP FIVES with 2 podiums and a WIN.

Michael d’Orlando,
MichaelD'Orlando300-1

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Indy Pro 2000 - This is the middle rung of the ladder. “IP2K” uses the PM-22 car from Tatuus, based on the USF-22, 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 bias driver-adjustable, just like in the USF-22. Transmissions are six-speed paddle-shifter sequential jobs. With the bigger tires and more wing, the cars have substantially more downforce and braking than USF2000.

The fields are typically graduates from USF2000 or from European F3 and GP3, all used to more power and grip and all with great racecraft. The level of competition across the board is much more even, though the fields are smaller than USF2000. After 8 rounds, the current points leader in IP2K is England’s Louis Foster for Exclusive Autosport, a rookie with 6 TOP FIVES, including 2 WINS and 5 podiums.

Louis Foster
LouisFosterExclusiveAutosport300-

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Indy Lights - The car is the Dallara IL-15 and is substantially bigger and better than the PM-22. 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 cars have much bigger wheels than the PM-22, 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 most 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 many of the drivers in IndyCars are recent graduates of Indy Lights. The Lights have held 6 races, so far, and the current points leader is Swedish sophomore Linus Lundqvist for HDM Motorsports, with 6 TOP FIVES including 4 WINS.

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Linus Lundqvist
LinusLundqvistHMDMotorsports300-2

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Thursday will be a day of series testing for USF2000 and Indy Pro 2000 with 2 tests each.

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Let’s GET THIS GOING!!!

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Thursday at Road America - USF2000 holds two series tests…

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The difference between a series test and a race-weekend practice session is who pays for the track time. The Road to Indy likes to pay for the extra test time on track in order that the series involved have more competitive race weekends, in order to develop talent - the main point of the exercise.

USF2000 held two test sessions today and we have COMBINED the sessions in order to see who was where by the end of the day.

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Here was the order of speed for USF2000 Test sessions 1 & 2 COMBINED, with times for the TOP FIVE: [R] denotes rookie; the driver’s best session is in ( )

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1 - Nikita Johnson [R], Velocity Racing Development - time of 2:11.0399s for a speed of 110.275mph (2)
NikitaJohnson300-1

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2 - Jace Denmark, Pabst Racing - time of 2:11.1855s for a speed of 110.152mph (1)
JaceDenmark150-3

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3 - Michael D’Orlando, Cape Motorsports - time of 2:11.3416s for a speed of 110.022mph (1)
MichaelD'Orlando150-6

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4 - Billy Frazer, Exclusive Autosport - time of 2:11.3986s for a speed of 109.974mph (2)
BillyFrazer150-4

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5 - Jackson Lee, Cape Motorsports - time of 2:11.4835s for a speed of 109.903mph (1)
JacksonLee150-1

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6 - Dylan Christie, DEForce Racing (2)
7 - Myles Rowe, Pabst Racing (1)
8 - Thomas Nepveu, DEForce Racing (2)
9 - Trey Burke, Joe Dooling Autosports (1)
10 - Evagoras Papasavvas [R], Jay Howard Driver Development (2)

11 - Bijoy Garg, DEForce Racing (2)
12 - Nicky Hays [R], Cape Motorsports (1)
13 - Jagger Jones [R], Cape Motorsports (2)
14 - Joey Brienza [R], Exclusive Autosport (2)
15 - Christian Weir, Turn 3 Motorsports (1)
16 - Danny Dyszelski [R], Jay Howard Driver Development (2)
17 - Spike Kohlbecker, Turn 3 Motorsports (1)
18 - Viktor Andersson [R], Velocity Racing Development (2)
19 - Jacob Douglas [R], Exclusive Autosport (2)
20 - Nicholas d’Orlando [R], Velocity Racing Development (1)
21 - Jorge Garciarce [R], Jay Howard Driver Development (1)

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Notable:

  • Readers of the Off-Season thread will instantly recognize that Nikita Johnson was a USF Juniors pilot just last week in the outstanding race weekend at VIRginia International Raceway but his team, Velocity Racing Development, decided he was already good enough to try USF2000, and it looks at the moment like they were right.

  • Also moving up from the Juniors to USF2000 is Nicolas d’Orlando for VRD, as well, while Evagoras Papasavvas for Jay Howard Driver Development has just turned 14 and so is eligible to run in the series for the first time, and he’s looking good, already.

  • The outlier in the TOP FIVE is Jackson Lee for Cape Motorsports. Jackson was middling at best here last year, so we are impressed with his improvement. Let’s see if it lasts the weekend. We are also impressed with the showing for Trey Burke for Joe Dooling Autosports - rarely in the TOP TEN. Trey has IndyCar driver Sage Karam for a coach so improvement should be in order.

  • NOT racing this weekend is Simon Sikes for Legacy Autosport which is dismaying to us. Simon is tops and needs to be racing.

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left to right, Nicolas d’Orlando, Evagoras Papasavvas and Simon Sikes
NicholasDOrlando150-1EvagorasPapasavvas150-1SimonSikes150-2

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USF2000 will hold practice and qualifying for both races on Friday. Next, Indy Pro 2000 tests…

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Thursday at Road America - Indy Pro 2000 holds testing…

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Just like the kids from USF2000, the IP2K gang were given two series tests today and we have again COMBINED the sessions to look at tops for the day.

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Here was the order of speed for Indy Pro 2000 test sessions 1 & 2 COMBINED, with times for the TOP FIVE: [R] denotes rookie; the driver’s best session is in ( )

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1 - Josh Green [R], Turn 3 Motorsports - time of 2:05.3749s for a speed of 115.258mph (2)
JoshGreenTurn3Motorsports300-1

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2 - Louis Foster [R], Exclusive Autosport - time of 2:05.5023s for a speed of 115.141mph (2)
LouisFoster150-3

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3 - Reece Gold, Juncos Hollinger Racing - time of 2:05.5618s for a speed of 115.086mph (1)
ReeceGold150-3

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4 - Nolan Siegel [R], DEForce Racing - time of 2:05.7432s for a speed of 114.920mph (2)
NolanSiegel150-2

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5 - Jack William Miller, Miller Vinatieri Motorsports - time of 2:05.7578s for a speed of 114.907mph (2)
JackWilliamMiller150-4

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6 - Braden Eves, Jay Howard Driver Development (1)
7 - Colin Kaminsky, Pabst Racing (2)
8 - Kiko Porto [R], DEForce Racing (2)
9 - Enaam Ahmed, Juncos Hollinger Racing (2)
10 - Jordan Missig [R], Pabst Racing (1)

11 - Jonathan Browne [R], Turn 3 Motorsports (2)
12 - Yuven Sundaramoorthy [R], Pabst Racing (1)
13 - Wyatt Brichacek, Exclusive Autosport (2)
14 - Salvador de Alba [R], Jay Howard Driver Development (1)
15 - Lindsay Brewer [R], Exclusive Autosport (1)
16 - Charles Finelli, FatBoy Racing! (2)

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Notable:

  • No surprise in the TOP TEN. These are all the fast guys in the series. Josh Green is a former Team USA Scholarship WINNER and already has 1 WIN this season.

  • Wyatt Brichacek has moved from Jay Howard Driver Development to Exclusive Autosport for the rest of the season.

  • NOT here is Christian Brooks for Exclusive Autosport and we hope this outstanding driver is not done for the season, due to budget.

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Exclusive Autosport boys Wyatt Brichacek (left) and Christian Brooks
Wyatt2_zpsnjmlqysuChristianBrooks150-4

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Josh Green
JoshGreen300-2

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Indy Pro 2000 will hold practice and then qualify for Race 1 of the weekend on Friday. This was the last on-track activity of the day.

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Friday morning at Elkhart Lake - USF2000 hold practice and qualifying for Race 1…

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First thing this morning the kids from USF2000 held a practice to prep for qualifying for Race 1 of the weekend later in the day. The TOP FIVE in practice were, in order of speed:

1 - Billy Frazer, Exclusive Autosport
2 - Thomas Nepveu, DEForce Racing
3 - Myles Rowe, Pabst Racing
4 - Michael D’Orlando, Cape Motorsports
5 - Jace Denmark, Pabst Racing

No surprises in that, these five guys are consistently among the series HOT SHOES, including a WIN each for Michael and Jace and 2 WINS for Myles so far, this season. A little later in the day the kids went out to qualify for Race 1 of the weekend.

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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 - Michael D’Orlando, Cape Motorsports - time of 02:10.7439s for a speed of 110.524mph
MichaelPole1

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P2 - Jace Denmark, Pabst Racing - time of 02:10.8503s for a speed of 110.435mph
JaceDenmark150-5

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Row 2

P3 - Billy Frazer, Exclusive Autosport - time of 02:10.8820s for a speed of 110.408mph
BillyFrazer150-3

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P4 - Jagger Jones [R], Cape Motorsports - time of 02:11.0223s for a speed of 110.290mph
JaggerJones150-3

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Row 3

P5 - Myles Rowe, Pabst Racing - time of 02:11.1617s for a speed of 110.172mph
MylesRowe150-3

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P6 - Dylan Christie, DEForce Racing - time of 02:11.2484s for a speed of 110.100mph
DylanChristie150-1

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Row 4

P7 - Nikita Johnson [R], Velocity Racing Development
P8 - Trey Burke, Joe Dooling Autosports

Row 5

P9 - Bijoy Garg, DEForce Racing
P10 - Joey Brienza [R], Exclusive Autosport

Row 6

P11 - Jackson Lee, Cape Motorsports
P12 - Danny Dyszelski [R], Jay Howard Driver Development

Row 7

P13 - Jorge Garciarce [R], Jay Howard Driver Development
P14 - Thomas Nepveu, DEForce Racing

Row 8

P15 - Christian Weir, Turn 3 Motorsports
P16 - Spike Kohlbecker, Turn 3 Motorsports

Row 9

P17 - Nicky Hays [R], Cape Motorsports
P18 - Nicholas d’Orlando [R], Velocity Racing Development

Row 10

P19 - Jacob Douglas [R], Exclusive Autosport
P20 - Evagoras Papasavvas [R], Jay Howard Driver Development

Row 11

P21 - Viktor Andersson [R], Velocity Racing Development

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Notable:

  • This is Michael d’Orlando’s 2nd pole of the season and 6th Road to Indy career pole. Last year, he started one of the 2 races in P3 and ended in P2, so he likes Road America.

  • Both Cape Motorsports and Pabst Racing have cars in the TOP SIX. These are traditionally the two teams with the fastest cars. In fact, Pabst Racing is collectively known as the “speed boys”.

  • Dylan Christie has been in the faster group half this season but this is especially good for the sophomore.

  • Nikita Johnson is doing well for his first USF2000 race in P7 and Trey Burke is performing well in P8.

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Nikita Johnson (left) and Trey Burke
NikitaJohnson150-2TreyBurke150-1

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USF2000 Race 1 will be held on Saturday, midday. Next, Indy Pro 2000 practice and qualify…

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Friday morning at Elkhart Lake - Indy Pro 2000 practice and qualify for Race 1…

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…of the weekend. Just as with USF2000, the IP2K gang held a practice this morning. the TOP FIVE in that practice were, in order of speed:

1 - Braden Eves, Jay Howard Driver Development
2 - Enaam Ahmed, Juncos Hollinger Racing
3 - Salvador de Alba [R], Jay Howard Driver Development
4 - Reece Gold, Juncos Hollinger Racing
5 - Colin Kaminsky, Pabst Racing

All of these guys are typically fast and Sal has 1 WIN while Reece and Enaam have two WINS each, so far this season. We are also pleased to see Braden Eves on top. Although we expect him to be there, he has been less than fast lately, so this is a return to form. Following that practice the series held qualifying for Race 1 of the weekend.

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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 - Reece Gold, Juncos Hollinger Racing - time of 02:04.3105s for a speed of 116.244mph
reecePole

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P2 - Enaam Ahmed, Juncos Hollinger Racing - time of 02:04.8012s for a speed of 115.787mph
EnaamAhmed150-3

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Row 2

P3 - Louis Foster [R], Exclusive Autosport - time of 02:04.8318s for a speed of 115.759mph
LouisFoster150-1

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P4 - Braden Eves, Jay Howard Driver Development - time of 02:04.9098s for a speed of 115.687mph
BradenEves150-6

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Row 3

P5 - Josh Green [R], Turn 3 Motorsports - time of 02:04.9844s for a speed of 115.618mph
JoshGreen150-

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P6 - Salvador de Alba [R], Jay Howard Driver Development - time of 02:05.0707s for a speed of 115.538mph
SalvadorDeAlba150-2

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Row 4

P7 - Colin Kaminsky, Pabst Racing
P8 - Wyatt Brichacek, Exclusive Autosport

Row 5

P9 - Jordan Missig [R], Pabst Racing
P10 - Jack William Miller, Miller Vinatieri Motorsports

Row 6

P11 - Jonathan Browne [R], Turn 3 Motorsports
P12 - Nolan Siegel [R], DEForce Racing

Row 7

P13 - Kiko Porto [R], DEForce Racing
P14 - Yuven Sundaramoorthy [R], Pabst Racing

Row 8

P15 - Lindsay Brewer [R], Exclusive Autosport
P16 - Charles Finelli, FatBoy Racing!

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Notable:

  • No surprises here, this is Reece’s 2nd pole of the season and the 7th pole in his Indy Pro 2000 career.

  • We are a bit surprised that rookies Nolan Siegel and Kiko Porto didn’t qualify a bit better, but in this series a few tenths of a second will sink you. The competition is that good.

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Nolan Siegel (left) and Kiko Porto
NolanSiegel150-1KikoPorto150-2

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Indy Pro 2000 will hold Race 1 on Saturday afternoon. Next up, USF2000 qualifies for Race 2 of the weekend…

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

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Whenever the schedule allows, the Road to Indy likes to give each separate race its own qually session, so that teams have a chance to adjust their cars. This weekend, the schedule permits them to do so, so USF2000 held a 2nd qually for Race 2.

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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 - Michael D’Orlando, Cape Motorsports - time of 02:11.1192s for a speed of 110.208mph
MichaelPole2

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P2 - Jace Denmark, Pabst Racing - time of 02:11.3486s for a speed of 110.016mph
JaceDenmark150-4

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Row 2

P3 - Billy Frazer, Exclusive Autosport - time of 02:11.4272s for a speed of 109.950mph
BillyFrazer150-2

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P4 - Nikita Johnson [R], Velocity Racing Development - time of 02:11.4507s for a speed of 109.930mph
NikitaJohnson150-1

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Row 3

P5 - Myles Rowe, Pabst Racing - time of 02:11.4835s for a speed of 109.903mph
MylesRowe150-1

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P6 - Jagger Jones [R], Cape Motorsports - time of 02:11.5140s for a speed of 109.877mph
JaggerJones150-1

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Row 4

P7 - Bijoy Garg, DEForce Racing
P8 - Joey Brienza [R], Exclusive Autosport

Row 5

P9 - Thomas Nepveu, DEForce Racing
P10 - Danny Dyszelski [R], Jay Howard Driver Development

Row 6

P11 - Jorge Garciarce [R], Jay Howard Driver Development
P12 - Dylan Christie, DEForce Racing

Row 7

P13 - Nicky Hays [R], Cape Motorsports
P14 - Jackson Lee, Cape Motorsports

Row 8

P15 - Trey Burke, Joe Dooling Autosports
P16 - Evagoras Papasavvas [R], Jay Howard Driver Development

Row 9

P17 - Spike Kohlbecker, Turn 3 Motorsports
P18 - Christian Weir, Turn 3 Motorsports

Row 10

P19 - Viktor Andersson [R], Velocity Racing Development
P20 - Nicholas d’Orlando [R], Velocity Racing Development

Row 11

P21 - Jacob Douglas [R], Exclusive Autosport

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Notable:

  • Points-leader Michael d’Orlando gets a second pole and the poles added 2 extra points to his lead.

  • Nikita Johnson gets into the TOP FOUR in his first USF2000 race. We knew this kid was good, watching him in the Juniors, and he’s proving it.

  • Both Joey Brienza and Danny Dyszelski make the TOP TEN as two of the newer entrants in this field.

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Joey Brienza (left) and Danny Dyszelski
JoeyBrienza150-1DannyDyszelski150-1

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This race will come off on Saturday afternoon. Next up, the Indy Lights get their practice session in…

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Friday afternoon at Road America - The Indy Lights hold their first practice session…

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The Lights will have this practice to establish either their qualification set-up or their race set-up, or possibly both and a 2nd practice Saturday morning to get whatever set-up they didn’t have time for today.

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

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1 - Linus Lundqvist, HMD Motorsports - time of 01:55.0306s for a speed of 125.622mph
Linus LundqvistInCar

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2 - Danial Frost, HMD Motorsports - time of 01:55.2449s for a speed of 125.389mph
DanialFrost150-5

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3 - Benjamin Pedersen, GRG w/HMD Motorsports - time of 01:55.3901s for a speed of 125.231mph
BenjaminPedersen150-5

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4 - Christian Rasmussen [R], Andretti Steinbrenner Racing - time of 01:55.4179s for a speed of 125.201mph
ChristianRasmussen150-3

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5 - Hunter McElrea [R], Andretti Autosport - time of 01:55.4354s for a speed of 125.182mph
HunterMcElrea150-2

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6 - Sting Ray Robb, Andretti Autosport
7 - Matthew Brabham, Andretti Autosport
8 - Jacob Abel [R], Abel Motorsports
9 - Antonio Serravalle, HMD Motorsports
10 - Christian Bogle, HMD Motorsports

11 - Ernie Francis, Jr. [R], Force Indy
12 - James Roe [R], TJ Speed Motorsports
13 - Kyffin Simpson [R], TJ Speed Motorsports

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Notable:

  • Linus has 5 poles already, this season, so if this speed holds, he will be adding yet another pole to his collection. Road America was not one of Lundqvist’s better tracks, last year. It was Danial Frost who took pole for both races in 2021, but the WINNERS - David Malukas and Kyle Kirkwood - are both in IndyCars right now.

  • HMD Motorsports gets the TOP THREE and then Andretti Autosport gets the next four.

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Linus Lundqvist - still rolling fast
LinusLundqvist300-3

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Andretti’s Hunter McElrea and Christian Rasmussen report on their practice:

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The Lights will get 1 more practice in the morning and then qualify for their 1 race this year on Saturday, midday. Next, the IndyCars hold the P-1 practice session…

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Friday at Elkhart Lake - The IndyCars hold the P-1 practice session…

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The first practice typically doesn’t include the red alternate tires, but this session did and everyone ran on them at one point or the other. As a result, the cars ran less time than they might have otherwise, so as not to run out of their fresh reds too early in the weekend.

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

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1 - Alexander Rossi, Andretti Autosport - time of 01:45.6027s for a speed of 136.837mph
AlexanderRossiAndrettiAutosport300-

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2 - Colton Herta, Andretti Autosport - time of 01:45.7361s for a speed of 136.665mph
ColtonHerta150-7

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3 - Marcus Ericsson, Chip Ganassi Racing - time of 01:45.8050s for a speed of 136.576mph
10-31-Ericsson-At-SPM-Shop_zpsr6nlg7ap

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4 - Will Power, Team Penske - time of 01:45.8592s for a speed of 136.506mph
WillPower150-10

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5 - Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing - time of 01:45.9140s for a speed of 136.435mph
AlexPalou150

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6 - Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske
7 - Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing
8 - Josef Newgarden, Team Penske
9 - Simon Pagenaud, Meyer Shank Racing
10 - Pato O’Ward, Arrow McLaren SP

11 - Devlin DeFrancesco [R], Andretti Steinbrenner
12 - Felix Rosenqvist, Arrow McLaren SP
13 - Christian Lundegaard [R], Rahal Letterman Lanigan
14 - Romain Grosjean, Andretti Autosport
15 - Callum Ilott [R], Juncos Hollinger Racing
16 - Jack Harvey, Rahal Letterman Lanigan
17 - Conor Daly, Ed Carpenter Racing
18 - Graham Rahal, Rahal Letterman Lanigan
19 - Takuma Sato, Dale Coyne Racing w/ Rick Ware Racing
20 - David Malukas [R], Dale Coyne Racing w/ HMD Motorsports

21 - Kyle Kirkwood [R], AJ Foyt Enterprises
22 - Rinus VeeKay, Ed Carpenter Racing
23 - Jimmie Johnson, Chip Ganassi Racing
24 - Dalton Kellett, AJ Foyt Enterprises
25 - Helio Castroneves, Meyer Shank Racing
26 - Tatiana Calderon [R], AJ Foyt Enterprises
27 - Simona De Silvestro, Paretta Autosport

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Notable:

  • In 2019 Alexander Rossi completely dominated the field to WIN here, so he knows and likes this track. He and Colton Herta exchanged the TOP SPOT on the charts near the end of the session, when both were on reds.

  • It’s two Andretti cars on top, then it’s Ganassi, Penske, Ganassi, Penske, Ganassi, Penske, with a Meyer Shank and an Arrow McLaren SP car to finish out the TOP TEN - a good mix of Hondas and Chevys.

  • Top rookie was Devlin DeFrancesco for Andretti in P11.

  • Helio Castroneves spun in Canada Corner, bringing out a red flag near the end of the session.

  • This is Simona De Silvestro’s first road course IndyCar race since her P4 result at NOLA Motorsports Park in 2015, so she is knocking off a lot of rust. Her car is in partnership with Ed Carpenter Racing and she is only about a second off the pace of Conor Daly and Rinus VeeKay but in this field that puts you way down on the list.

Simona De Silvestro
SimonaDeSilvestro150-9

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Alexander Rossi, a pilot himself, observes a fighter jet fly-over
AlexanderRossi

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Helio spins in Canada Corner:

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The IndyCars will next practice on Saturday mid-morning, in anticipation of qualifying later in the day. This was the last on-track activity of the day.
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Saturday morning at Elkhart Lake - Indy Pro 2000 holds their 2nd qualifying session…

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As with USF2000 earlier today,the IP2K series got a separate qually session to grid the 2nd race of the weekend, allowing teams to make adjustments that can and will affect their speed. On top was rookie Josh Green for Turn 3 Motorsports.

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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 - Josh Green [R], Turn 3 Motorsports - time of 02:04.4308s for a speed of 116.132mph
JoshPole

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P2 - Reece Gold, Juncos Hollinger Racing - time of 02:04.5603s for a speed of 116.011mph
ReeceGold150-

Row 2

P3 - Wyatt Brichacek, Exclusive Autosport - time of 02:04.6382s for a speed of 115.939mph
WyattBrichacek150-3

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P4 - Enaam Ahmed, Juncos Hollinger Racing - time of 02:04.6693s for a speed of 115.910mph
EnaamAhmed150-4

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Row 3

P5 - Braden Eves, Jay Howard Driver Development - time of 02:04.7412s for a speed of 115.843mph
BradenEves150-5

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P6 - Yuven Sundaramoorthy [R], Pabst Racing - time of 02:04.7545s for a speed of 115.831mph
yuven150_zpslpfrygjj

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Row 4

P7 - Salvador de Alba [R], Jay Howard Driver Development
P8 - Jack William Miller, Miller Vinatieri Motorsports

Row 5

P9 - Colin Kaminsky, Pabst Racing
P10 - Jonathan Browne [R], Turn 3 Motorsports

Row 6

P11 - Kiko Porto [R], DEForce Racing
P12 - Jordan Missig [R], Pabst Racing

Row 7

P13 - Louis Foster [R], Exclusive Autosport
P14 - Lindsay Brewer [R], Exclusive Autosport

Row 8

P15 - Nolan Siegel [R], DEForce Racing
P16 - Charles Finelli, FatBoy Racing!

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Notable:

  • Josh collected his pole in the final seconds of the session. This is his 2nd career pole in the Road to Indy. His first was at the start of the season at St. Petersburg. He went on to WIN that race.

  • Wyatt Brichacek held pole for most of the session. The move to Exclusive Autosport seems to be doing the 21-year-old a lot of good. This is his best-ever Road to Indy start.

  • Nolan Siegel who has led the points at times, had a mechanical on track that brought out a red flag to retrieve him. He lost his best lap as a result. Current points leader Louis Foster seems also to have had problems after leading the qually early but we don’t yet know why he is mired in the back.

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Nolan Siegel (left) and Louis Foster
NolanSiegel150-1LouisFoster150-1

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Josh Green
JoshGreenTurn3Motorsports300-2

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Next for Indy Pro 2000 will be Race 1 of the weekend in the mid-afternoon, today. Next up, the Indy Lights hold their 2nd practice session of the weekend…

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Saturday morning at Elkhart Lake - The Indy Lights hold their last practice…

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…before qualifying, later today, and we have a surprise at the top.

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Here was the order of speed for the Indy Lights P-2 session, with times for the TOP FIVE: [R] denotes rookie

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1 - Christian Bogle, HMD Motorsports - time of 01:54.7706s for a speed of 125.907mph
ChristianBogleHMDMotorsports300-1

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2 - Antonio Serravalle, HMD Motorsports - time of 01:54.9198s for a speed of 125.743mph
antonio_zpsm1qo0na9

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3 - Hunter McElrea [R], Andretti Autosport - time of 01:55.1136s for a speed of 125.532mph
HunterMcElrea150-5

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4 - Linus Lundqvist, HMD Motorsports - time of 01:55.3357s for a speed of 125.290mph
LinusLundqvist150-

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5 - Danial Frost, HMD Motorsports - time of 01:55.6128s for a speed of 124.990mph
DanialFrost175-2

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6 - Matthew Brabham, Andretti Autosport
7 - Ernie Francis, Jr. [R], Force Indy
8 - Sting Ray Robb, Andretti Autosport
9 - Christian Rasmussen [R], Andretti Steinbrenner Racing
10 - Kyffin Simpson [R], TJ Speed Motorsports

11 - Jacob Abel [R], Abel Motorsports
12 - James Roe [R], TJ Speed Motorsports
13 - Benjamin Pedersen, GRG w/HMD Motorsports
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Notable:

  • Christian set the fastest lap so far, this weekend, and this may be the first time the sophomore has ever done that in Indy Lights. Antonio is also very fast at the moment in P2 and that too is a bit different. It’s good to see for both of them.

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Christian Bogle
ChristianBogle

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Ernie Francis pushing it

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The Indy Lights hold qualifying today at Noon, local time. Next up, The IndyCars hold their 2nd practice session of the weekend…
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Saturday at Elkhart Lake - The IndyCars hold their 2nd practice session of the weekend…

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…and this is the last chance to confirm a great race set-up… or seek one…OR confirm a great qualifying set-up…or find one. This session was for primary tires only, as P-1 had the alternate reds, yesterday.

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

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1 - Pato O’Ward, Arrow McLaren SP - time of 01:45.2681s for a speed of 137.272mph
PatoOWardArrowMcLarenSP300-

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2 - Will Power, Team Penske - time of 01:45.3849s for a speed of 137.120mph
WillPower150-2

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3 - Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing - time of 01:45.4062s for a speed of 137.093mph
AlexPalou150-5

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4 - Alexander Rossi, Andretti Autosport - time of 01:45.5576s for a speed of 136.896mph
AlexanderRossi150-10

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5 - Josef Newgarden, Team Penske - time of 01:45.5744s for a speed of 136.874mph
AU1300405_zpsz0cvp0gw

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6 - Colton Herta, Andretti Autosport
7 - Marcus Ericsson, Chip Ganassi Racing
8 - Romain Grosjean, Andretti Autosport
9 - Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske
10 - Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing

11 - Felix Rosenqvist, Arrow McLaren SP
12 - Christian Lundegaard [R], Rahal Letterman Lanigan
13 - Helio Castroneves, Meyer Shank Racing
14 - Simon Pagenaud, Meyer Shank Racing
15 - David Malukas [R], Dale Coyne Racing w/ HMD Motorsports
16 - Callum Ilott [R], Juncos Hollinger Racing
17 - Conor Daly, Ed Carpenter Racing
18 - Devlin DeFrancesco [R], Andretti Steinbrenner
19 - Graham Rahal, Rahal Letterman Lanigan
20 - Rinus VeeKay, Ed Carpenter Racing

21 - Jack Harvey, Rahal Letterman Lanigan
22 - Takuma Sato, Dale Coyne Racing w/ Rick Ware Racing
23 - Jimmie Johnson, Chip Ganassi Racing
24 - Dalton Kellett, AJ Foyt Enterprises
25 - Kyle Kirkwood [R], AJ Foyt Enterprises
26 - Tatiana Calderon [R], AJ Foyt Enterprises
27 - Simona De Silvestro, Paretta Autosport

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Notable:

  • The Arrow McLaren crew did a lot of work following the P-1 session and it paid off with a big improvement for Pato.

  • Alexander Rossi experienced clutch problems all through the session, though it only affected his launch out of the pits.

  • Best rookie was Christian Lundgaard who continues to be the best Rahal Letterman Lanigan driver, as well.

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Pato O’Ward on his improvement

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The IndyCars will qualify this afternoon, starting at 12:45pm CENTRAL time, broadcast on Peacock Premium. Next up, USF2000 holds Race 1 of the weekend. The grid for this race is in post # 5…
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Saturday at Elkhart Lake - USF2000 holds Race 1 of the weekend…

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…and Jace Denmark for Pabst Racing makes a last-lap pass to WIN from his P2 start. P2 at the end was teammate Myles Rowe from his P5 start while P3 went to Kiwi Billy Frazer for Exclusive Autosport from a P3 start

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JaceDenmarkPabstRacing300-

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The race started with pole-sitter Micheal d’Orlando for Cape Motorsports leading the way up the front straight. As the cars entered Turn 1 Billy Frazer leapt into P1 while Myles Rowe took over P2., relegating Michael to P3 as Jace fell to P4. Jagger Jones for Cape Motorsports dropped from P4 to P20. By lap 2 Nicky Hays for Cape Motorsports had moved from his P17 start all the way to P11 while Jackson Lee for the Capes moved past Bijoy Garg for DEForce Racing to take P8. At the end of the lap Evagoras Papasavvas for Jay Howard Driver Development spun in Canada Corner and required a tow, bringing ot a full-course caution.

On the lap 5 restart Thomas Nepveu for DEForce passed Jackson Lee to take P6 and Bijoy followed through to claim P7. As the cars careened into Turn 5 Nikita Johnson for Velocity Racing Development and Trey Burke for Joe Dooling Autosports collided, clipping off Joe’s front wing and beaching Nikita, bringing out another full-course caution. On the lap 7 restart Myles was able to take P1 in Turn 1 from Billy in Turn 1 while Jace took P3 from d’Orlando in Turn 5. Myles set Fastest Lap as he tried to put a gap on Billy. Christian Weir for Turn 3 Motorsports took P9 from Nicky Hays.

On lap 8 Jacob Douglas for Exclusive Autosport, who had started in P19, moved past Hays to take over P10. On lap 10 the TOP FOUR were virtually nose-to-tail as they entered Turns 5 and 6. On exit, Denmark was in P2 past Billy. In Turn 8 Michael spun out trying to pass Billy and rejoined in P11, while Dylan Christie for DEForce was able to get Jackson Lee for P4 as Thomas Nepveu fell to P6. As final lap 12 started Jace took Myles in Turn 1 and despite all efforts to regain the spot, all the way around the circuit Myles was 0.3 seconds off Denmark’s tail at the finish line, with Billy Frazer 1.7 seconds back from him.

Great racing!

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Notable:

  • This is Denmark’s 2nd WIN of the season, having WON at St. Pete from his P2 start. It is also his 6th TOP FIVE of the season, so the kid is always at the pointy end.

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Your happy podium - That’s Myles Rowe in P2 on the left, Jace Denmark in P1 in the middle and Billy Frazer in P3 on the right:

USFPodimRace1

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USF2000 will finish out their weekend with Race 2 later this afternoon. Next up, the Indy Lights qualify for their Sunday race…

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Saturday at Elkhart Lake - The Indy Lights qualify for their Sunday race…

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…and on the pole is Sting Ray Robb for Andretti Autosport, as the team sweeps the TOP FOUR spots

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Here is the way Indy Lights will grid for Season Round 7, with times for the TOP SIX: [D] denotes rookie

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Row 1

Pole - Sting Ray Robb, Andretti Autosport - time of 01:53.9743s for a speed of 126.786mph
StingRayPole

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P2 - Hunter McElrea [R], Andretti Autosport - time of 01:54.1981s for a speed of 126.538mph
HunterMcElrea150-4

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Row 2

P3 - Christian Rasmussen [R], Andretti Steinbrenner Racing - time of 01:54.2714s for a speed of 126.457mph
ChristianRasmussen150-6

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P4 - Matthew Brabham, Andretti Autosport - time of 01:54.3889s for a speed of 126.327mph
MatthewBrabham150-4

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Row 3

P5 - Danial Frost, HMD Motorsports - time of 01:54.4251s for a speed of 126.287mph
DanialFrost150-7

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P6 - Linus Lundqvist, HMD Motorsports - time of 01:54.6060s for a speed of 126.088mph
LinusLundqvist150-4

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Row 4

P7 - Benjamin Pedersen, GRG w/HMD Motorsports
P8 - Kyffin Simpson [R], TJ Speed Motorsports

Row 5

P9 - Jacob Abel [R], Abel Motorsports
P10 - Ernie Francis, Jr. [R], Force Indy

Row 6

P11 - Christian Bogle, HMD Motorsports
P12 - Antonio Serravalle, HMD Motorsports

Row 7

P13 - James Roe [R], TJ Speed Motorsports
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Notable:

  • Sting Ray was the only guy to bust into the 1:53s on time.

  • Danial Frost took pole in both races here last year, so it’s surprising he couldn’t do better today, though he was the best of the HMD guys.

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Sting Ray Robb
StingRayRobbAndrettiAutosport300-

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The Lights race is on Sunday morning, just before the IndyCar race. Next up, the IndyCars qualify for Sunday’s race…

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Saturday at Elkhart Lake - The IndyCars are qualified!

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As usual, the IndyCar qualifying format was a great show in itself and after the Fast Six finished, Alexander Rossi is on the pole for Sunday’s race.

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Here is the way the IndyCars will grid for Season Round 8, with times for the TOP SIX: [R] denotes rookie

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Row 1

Pole - Alexander Rossi, Andretti Autosport - time of 01:44.8656s for a speed of 137.799mph
AlexanderRossiAndrettiAutosport300-2

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P2 - Josef Newgarden, Team Penske - time of 01:44.9371s for a speed of 137.705mph
JosefNewgarden150-2

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Row 2

P3 - Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing - time of 01:45.3822s for a speed of 137.124mph
AlexPalou150-4

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P4 - Marcus Ericsson, Chip Ganassi Racing - time of 01:45.4240s for a speed of 137.069mph
Marcus_zpsqocx5qun

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Row 3

P5 - Colton Herta, Andretti Autosport - time of 01:45.5388s for a speed of 136.920mph
ColtonHerta150-

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P6 - Pato O’Ward, Arrow McLaren SP - time of 01:45.6826s for a speed of 136.734mph
PatoOward150-10

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Row 4

P7 - Romain Grosjean, Andretti Autosport
P8 - Felix Rosenqvist, Arrow McLaren SP

Row 5

P9 - Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske
P10 - Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing

Row 6

P11 - Simon Pagenaud, Meyer Shank Racing
P12 - Callum Ilott [R], Juncos Hollinger Racing

Row 7

P13 - Christian Lundegaard [R], Rahal Letterman Lanigan
P14 - David Malukas [R], Dale Coyne Racing w/ HMD Motorsports

Row 8

P15 - Will Power, Team Penske
P16 - Helio Castroneves, Meyer Shank Racing

Row 9

P17 - Rinus VeeKay, Ed Carpenter Racing
P18 - Conor Daly, Ed Carpenter Racing

Row 10

P19 - Takuma Sato, Dale Coyne Racing w/ Rick Ware Racing
P20 - Jack Harvey, Rahal Letterman Lanigan

Row 11

P21 - Devlin DeFrancesco [R], Andretti Steinbrenner
P22 - Graham Rahal, Rahal Letterman Lanigan

Row 12

P23 - Dalton Kellett, AJ Foyt Enterprises
P24 - Kyle Kirkwood [R], AJ Foyt Enterprises

Row 13

P25 - Tatiana Calderon [R], AJ Foyt Enterprises
P26 - Jimmie Johnson, Chip Ganassi Racing

Row 14

P27 - Simona De Silvestro, Paretta Autosport

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Notable:

  • Alexander made his Fast Six runs entirely on the primary black tires, whereas Josef Newgarden was on reds.

  • Rossi makes the 8th different pole-sitter in the 8 races so far, this season.

  • There were sprinkles of rain on the track which may have affected the proceedings. Callum Ilott indeed slipped off track in Turn 14, slamming the tire barriers hard, but the car hit so flat that it did almost no damage - mostly cosmetics. Ilott Red Flagged the session and lost his two laps, as a result. He still ended up P12.

Callum Ilott
CallumIllott150-3

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Alexander Rossi
AlexanderRossi300-3

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The IndyCars race will be broadcast on Sunday LIVE on NBC and on Peacock Premium. Next up, Indy Pro 2000 holds Race 1 of the weekend. The grid for this is on post # 6…

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Saturday at Elkhart Lake - Indy Pro 2000 holds Race 1 of the weekend…

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…and in a wild one, Louis Foster for Exclusive Autosport goes from a P3 start to the WIN. P2 went to Josh Green for Turn 3 Motorsports from his P5 start, while P3 went to Enaam Ahmed for Juncos Racing from his P2 start.

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LouisWIN

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The race started with sprinkles falling on the track. As pole-sitter Reece Gold for Juncos Racing took the field into Turn 1 Salvador de Alba for Jay Howard Driver Development took P5 from Josh Green. As the field entered Turn 5 all hell broke loose as cars began to slide on the wet corner. Several went into the run-off but no one hit anything or anyone except for Lindsay Brewer for Exclusive, who spun against the wall and lost her front wing, bringing out a full-course caution. Leaders Gold and Enaam Ahmed dropped from P1 and P2 to P7 and P8, while Louis slotted into P1, Sal into P2 and Braden Eves for JHDD into P3. On the lap 3 restart Enaam passed Reece for P7 and Jonathan Browne for Turn 3 Motorsports followed through. Then, the pair passed Kiko Porto for DEForce Racing, putting Kiko in P8 and Reece in P9. On lap 4 Louie set Fastest Lap while Josh Green took P3 from Braden Eves. On lap 5 Josh passed Salvador to take P2 and Braden followed through into P3. Reece set a new Fastest Lap.

Lap 6 saw Enaam pass Jack William Miller for Miller Vinatieri for P5 while Reece took over P8 from Colin Kaminsky for Pabst Racing. On lap 7 Louie reset Fastest Lap. Jack fell on his own with a problem to P12. On lap 8 Reece passed Jonathan Browne for P6 while Jack fell more, to P13. On lap 9 Reece reset Fastest Lap while Jack fell to P14.

On lap 10 Sal recovered P3 from Braden and Enaam followed through into P4. One lap later Enaam took P3 from de Alba and the podium was set while Colin Kaminsky took P7 from Jonathan Browne. On lap 12 Louie took off to make a gap, as did Josh. Louie set another Fastest Lap. On lap 14 whatever had been plaguing Jack William Miller was resolved, as he reset Fastest Lap for the race from P13. On the final lap 15, Louie WON by a comfortable 3.76 seconds over Josh, who was 4.54 seconds ahead of Enaam.

A sane finish to a crazy start.

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Notable:

  • This is Louie Foster’s 3rd WIN in a row and reinforces his points lead.

  • The great recovery by Enaam helped to keep him in the TOP FIVE on points.

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Your happy podium - That’s Josh Green in P2 on the left, Louis Foster in P1 in the middle and Enaam Ahmed in P3 on the right:

IP2KRace1Podium

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Indy Pro 2000 Race 2 of the weekend will be the first order of business in the morning on Sunday. Next up, USF2000 will hold Race 2 and close out their weekend. The grid for this is in post # 7…

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Saturday at Elkhart Lake - USF2000 holds Race 2 of the weekend…

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…and taking his 2nd WIN of the season was Cape Motorsports’ Michael d’Orlando, from pole. P2 went to Pabst Racing’s Myles Rowe from his P5 start while P3 went to Canadian Thomas Nepveu for DEForce Racing from his P9 start.

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Michaeld'OrlandoCapeMotorsports300-

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The race started with the threat of rain as Michael led the field cleanly through the first several corners. Myles Rowe got a great start and jumped from P5 to P2 past Nikita Johnson for Velocity Racing Development, Billy Frazer for Exclusive Autosport and Jace Denmark for Pabst Racing. Bijoy Garg for DEForce went from P7 to P5, while Thomas Nepveu went from P9 to P6. Billy Frazer went way outside in Turn 1 and dropped from his P3 start to P18. In Turn 9, Viktor Andersson for Velocity Racing Development and Danny Dyszelski for Jay Howard Driver Development came together, with Danny spinning off to bring out a full-course caution. On the lap 5 restart Myles jumped off well and took P1 from Michael, going outside in Turn 1, but in Turn 5 d’Orlando recovered the lead. Bijoy now passed Jace Denmark to take P3 while Thomas Nepveu followed through, leaving Denmark in P5. As the mid pack entered the Carousel, Billy Frazer and Jorge Garciarce for JHDD collided, sending Jorge off the island and into the gravel. He was able to get restarted, but the incident brought out another caution, with Billy going back to P17 and Jorge in P18.

As the caution began, so did the rain in earnest on the back half of the track. After a lap, Trey Burke for Joe Dooling Autosports pitted for rain tires, but after two laps under caution the race was Red Flagged and all cars were sent to the pits for a possible rain-tire change. Eventually, it was decided that the race could resume without a change of tires.

Two laps were run under yellow flags and then the race went green on lap 10, with only two laps to go. On lap 10 Thomas Nepveu passed Bijoy Garg for P3 while Nikita Johnson passed Jace Denmark for P5. Dylan Christie for DEForce took P7 from Jagger Joners for Cape Motorsports. On the final lap 11 Denmark, Christie and Jones all passed Nikita who was left in P8. d’Orlando and Myles raced hard to the finish, with Rowe setting Fastest Lap in the effort to pass Micheal, but d’Orlando crossed the finish line a scant 0.30 seconds ahead of Rowe, who was 1.8 seconds ahead of Nepveu.

A crazy race with a tone of action, encompassing a big calm.

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Notable:

  • The WIN just barely keeps Michael d’Orlando in the points lead over Myles Rowe.

  • Billy Frazer ended the day in P12 and that was enough to keep him in the TOP FIVE on points.

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Your happy podium - That’s Myles Rowe in P2 on the left, Michael d’Orlando in P1 in the middle and Thomas Nepveu in P3 on the right:

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With these results, here are the TOP FIVE in points leaving Elkhart Lake:

1 - Michael d’Orlando, 215
2 - Myles Rowe, 211
3 - Jace Denmark, 192
4 - Billy Frazer, 184
5 - Jagger Jones, 179
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The next outings for USF2000 will be at Mid-Ohio SportsCar Course for a triple-header weekend, June 30-July 3 in support of the IndyCars. Next up, The IndyCars hold their final practice before the race on Sunday…
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Saturday at Elkhart Lake - The IndyCars hold their Warm-up…

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The P-3 practice is a post-qualifying practice, so no one is working on qualifying set-ups, but we cannot tell you what they ARE working on. It might be their race set-ups - either confirming it or still seeking one that works. They may also be looking at tire wear, fuel mileage or some other variable that will affect their race and their strategies. The fact is, the fastest drivers in a warm -up are certainly going to be fast in the race. We just know they will not be the ONLY fast drivers in the race.

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

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1 - Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing - time of 01:46.2291s for a speed of 136.031mph
AlexPalouChipGanassiRacing300-1

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2 - Josef Newgarden, Team Penske - time of 01:46.5337s for a speed of 135.642mph
JosefNewgarden150-5

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3 - Simon Pagenaud, Meyer Shank Racing - time of 01:46.5752s for a speed of 135.589mph
SimonPagenaud150_zpsvu6pbq4w

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4 - David Malukas [R], Dale Coyne Racing w/ HMD Motorsports - time of 01:46.7581s for a speed of 135.356mph
DavidMalukas150-3

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5 - Felix Rosenqvist, Arrow McLaren SP - time of 01:47.0441s for a speed of 134.995mph
Felix150_zps5xmnguks

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6 - Romain Grosjean, Andretti Autosport
7 - Alexander Rossi, Andretti Autosport
8 - Pato O’Ward, Arrow McLaren SP
9 - Will Power, Team Penske
10 - Christian Lundegaard [R], Rahal Letterman Lanigan

11 - Kyle Kirkwood [R], AJ Foyt Enterprises
12 - Rinus VeeKay, Ed Carpenter Racing
13 - Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske
14 - Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing
15 - Conor Daly, Ed Carpenter Racing
16 - Colton Herta, Andretti Autosport
17 - Devlin DeFrancesco [R], Andretti Steinbrenner
18 - Graham Rahal, Rahal Letterman Lanigan
19 - Takuma Sato, Dale Coyne Racing w/ Rick Ware Racing
20 - Marcus Ericsson, Chip Ganassi Racing

21 - Helio Castroneves, Meyer Shank Racing
22 - Jack Harvey, Rahal Letterman Lanigan
23 - Jimmie Johnson, Chip Ganassi Racing
24 - Dalton Kellett, AJ Foyt Enterprises
25 - Tatiana Calderon [R], AJ Foyt Enterprises
26 - Simona De Silvestro, Paretta Autosport
27 - Callum Ilott [R], Juncos Hollinger Racing

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Notable:

  • The Warm-up happened under the threat of rain and indeed the rain came late in the session as the cars sat in the pits for a red flag brought out by a spin by Tatiana Calderon. Once the rain started, that was it as the session ran out of time and willing takers.

  • Good mix of Hondas and Chevys in the TOP TEN, with David Malukas as the best rookie

  • We are getting a vibe of desperation from Josef Newgarden who seems almost maniacal in his pursuit of another WIN. He is trying to get that elusive road course WIN that will earn him 1 million dollars for WINNING on an oval, a street course and a road course all in one season. He has the first two. He NEEDS a road course.

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Alex Palou
AlexPalou300-6

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The IndyCar race will be broadcast on NBC and on Peacock Premium on Sunday, starting at 11:30am CENTRAL time. This was the last on-track activity of the day. Tomorrow will start with the Indy Pro 2000 Race 2 and the grid for that is in post # 10…
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Sunday at Elkhart Lake - Indy Pro 2000 holds Race 2 of the weekend…

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…and what a slugfest it was, as Braden Eves for Jay Howard Driver Development gets his first WIN of the season from a P4 start. P2 was Jack William Miller in his best result for Miller Vinatieri Motorsports from his P7 start. Mexico’sSalvador de Alba collects yet another podium for JHDD in 3rd from his P6 start.

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BradenWIN

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Josh Green for Turn 3 Motorsports led the field to the green flag as Braden Eves jumped into P2, followed by Yuven Sundaramoorthy for Pabst Racing into P3 and Reece Gold for Juncos Hollinger into P4 as P3 starter Wyatt Brichacek for Exclusive Autosport fell from his P3 start all the way back to P13. On lap 2 Jack William Miller took P4 from Reece Gold. Salvador de Alba also got Gold and took P5. Colin Kaminsky for Pabst took P7 from teammate Jordan Missig while Nolan Siegel for DEForce moved into P9 past teammate Kiko Porto. On lap 3 Braden moved into P1 past Josh Green as Nolan passed Jordan, who dropped wheels off and fell to P16. Nolan set Fastest Lap. On lap 4 Jack passed Yuven for P3 and Sal quickly followed through for P4. Then, Reece also got Yuven to take over P5.

On lap 5 Jack ate Josh Green and took over P2. Sal quickly followed through and took over P3. At that point the podium was set. Lap 6 saw cars P3 to P10 running nose-to-tail. Nolan took P6 from Yuven and P12 starter Louis Foster for Exclusive Autosport took P8 from Colin. P16 starter Enaam Ahmed for Juncos moved into P10. On lap 7 Reece took over P4 from Josh while Enaam got a great run in Turn 1 and moved into P6 past Nolan. Braden Eves set Fastest Lap in his effort to gap Jack, who was also leaving Salvador. Lap 8 saw Louie get P8 from Yuven while Jonathan Browne for Turn 3 took P11 from Kiko.

On lap 9 Enaam took over P4 from Reece as Colin took over P8 from Yuven. Jack set Fastest Lap trying to catch Braden. On lap 10 Jonathan, Wyatt and Kiko all passed Louis who dropped to P13. Jack reset Fastest Lap as Braden was 1.6 seconds out front. On lap 11 Yuven recovered P8 from Colin. A lap later Kiko passed Wyatt for P11. Braden’s lead was down to 0.9 seconds. On lap 13 Josh Green recovered P5 from Reece Gold, but a lap later Gold was back into P5. Colin went off and on in Turn 8 allowing Jonathan Brown to pass into P9. Lap 15 saw Braden cross the finsih line 1.25 seconds ahead of Jack, who was a few seconds ahead of Salvador.

A great race, with the podium secured rather early but intense battles throughout the rest of the field, to the end.

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Notable:

  • This was Braden’s first WIN of 2022 and one we have been waiting for.

  • Another podium for Salvador de Alba, as the tin-top oval-meister becomes an excellent twisty-circuit formula car driver.

  • Jack William Miller is among the most aggressive drivers on the circuit and he is bound to catch a WIN this season, sooner of later

  • Biggest mover by far was Enaam Ahmed who started in P16 and ended the day in P4 for a stirling display of tenacity and talent.

  • Points leader Louie Foster started in P12 and finished in P13, but he still holds the TOP SPOT in the points, due to his 3 WINS, including the oval at Indianapolis Raceway Park…

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Your happy podium - That’s Jack William Miller in P2 on the left, Braden Eves in P1 in the middle and Salvador de Alba in P3 on the right:

IP2KPodiumRace2

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With these results, here are the TOP FIVE in points leaving Elkhart Lake:

1 - Louis Foster, 223
2 - Reece Gold, 204
3 - Nolan Siegel, 191
4 - Enaam Ahmed, 184
5 - Braden Eves, 183

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Indy Pro 2000 will next race at Mid-Ohio SportsCar Course, June 30-July 3, in support of the IndyCar race weekend. Next up, the Indy Lights will hold their race and close out their weekend. The grid for this is in post # 14. The race will be broadcast on Peacock Premium starting at 9:35am CENTRAL time…

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Sunday at Elkhart Lake - Indy Lights holds their race and close out the weekend…

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…and the race was schizophrenic, with two distinct halves and two different characters, as the race was red-flagged midway through to repair catch fencing and resumed only after the IndyCar race was completed. When it was done the WINNER was rookie Christian Rasmussen for Andretti Autosport from his P3 start. P2 went to pole-sitter Sting Ray Robb, also for Andretti, while P3 went to Hunter McElrea from his P2 start, completing the podium sweep for Andretti.

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The first half of the race was action-filled from the start, as Sting Ray led the field to the green flag. In Turn 1 Rasmussen got by Hunter McElrea and Sting Ray Robb to take P1, while Benjamin Pedersen for GRG w/HMD Motorsports passed Linus Lundqvist for HMD to take over P6. Jacob Abel for Abel Motorsports went from P9 to P5, behind Matt Brabham for Andretti. Ben then passed Jacob for P5 as Christian Bogle for HMD passed teammate Antonio Serravalle for P9. As the cars entered Turn 5 Linus made a move on Jacob, but came up short and lost spots back to P8 behind teammate Danial Frost. Then, as the cars passed Turn 8 Ernie Francis for Force Indy went straight off and into the kitty litter, bringing out a full-course caution to retrieve him. He would rejoin a lap down.

On the lap 4 restart Matty passed Hunter for P3 and then Ben collected Hunter to take P4. On lap 6 Antonio pulled off course with a blown engine, bringing out another full-course caution. The lap 10 restart saw three-wide in Turn 1 as Robb went left of Rasmussen and Brabham went right of him. Robb emerged as the leader, with Rasmussen in 2nd and Brabham in 3rd. Hunter got back into P4 as Benjamin went off and on in Turn 2 and fell to P7, behind Danial and Jacob. As the cars came through Turn 5 Chrisitan went off track to his right, hit the rumble strips before the turn and went airborne into the catch-fencing, ripping it to shreds and bringing out yet another caution. Bogle was unharmed.

At this point the cars were sent to the pits as the race was red-flagged to repair the catch-fencing. Eventually, race control decided the race 2nd half had to be postponed until the IndyCar race was over.

When the race resumed on lap 11 Rasmussen passed Robb to take the lead in Turn 1 while Matty dropped from P3 to P6 and Danial from P5 to P8. Jacob went from P6 to P4, Linus went from P8 to P5 and James Roe for TJ Speed Motorsports went from P10 to P7. Benjamin pitted for a mechanical and rejoined a lap down. In Turn 5 Linus took P4 from Jacob. From that point on for the remaining 9 laps the field stretched out and no one else was able to advance, though Linus was a car length away from Hunter for the rest of the race, and once or twice beside him. Christian beat Robb to the line on lap 20 by 2.35 seconds. Robb beat Hunter by 3.77 seconds, but Hunter was 3rd by just 0.68 seconds.

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Notable:

  • This is Christian’s first Indy Lights WIN in this his rookie season.

  • This is Sting Ray Robb’s best Indy Lights finish, though he has a number of P3s on his resume.

  • The drive from P8 to P4 help Lundqvist maintain a healthy lead in the points.

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Danish race WINNER Christian Rasmussen speaks:

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With this result, here are the TOP FIVE in points leaving Elkhart Lake:

1 - Linus Lundqvist, 315
2 - Sting Ray Robb, 233
3 - Benjamin Pedersen, 218
4 - Danial Frost, 215
5 - Matthew Brabham, 214

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Indy Lights will next race at Mid-Ohio SportsCar Course, June 30-July 3, in support of the IndyCar race weekend. Next up, the IndyCar race. The grid for this is in post # 15.
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