IndyCars - Mid-Ohio: An iconic American road course once again hosts a huge crowd

MarkyS · 2021-07-01T01:52:27.033Z

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Support racing…(part 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 10 rounds of racing, the current points leader is sophomore Kiko Porto for DEForce Racing by virtue of 8 TOP FIVEs, including 4 podiums with 2 WINS - the latest at Road America, two weekes ago. He’s being chased by 3rd-year veteran Yuven Sundaramoorthy for Pabst Racing, 15 points back with 5 podiums, including 3 WINS.

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Kiko Porto in his Tatuus USF-17 for DEForce Racing
KikoPortoDEForceRacing300

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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 10 rounds of racing, the current points leader is rookie Christian Rasmussen for Jay Howard Driver Development. The Dane was the 2020 Champion of USF2000. This year he already has 7 podiums including 5 WINS. Christian’s closest pursuer 18 points back is sophomore Braden Eves for Exclusive Autosport with 10 TOP SIXes, with 5 podiums including 2 WINS.
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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 many former champions.

After 10 rounds of racing, the current points leader is sophomore David Malukas for HMD Motorsports due to getting 9 TOP FIVES, with 7 of them podiums, including 4 WINS - the latest being the last race at Road America. David’s on a roll. Tied for 2nd place are David’s quasi-teammate rookie Linus Lundqvist for GRG w/HMD Motorsports and rookie Kyle Kirkwood for Andretti Autosport. Each is 8 points back. Linus has 9 TOP FIVEs and 6 podiums, including 2 WINS, while Kyle has 8 TOP FIVEs, with 5 podiums, including 4 WINS.

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David Malukas in his Dallara IL-15 for HMD Motorsports
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Thursday will be a day of testing for all three Road to Indy series. Let’s GET THIS GOING!!

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MarkyS · 2021-07-01T23:18:17.018Z

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Thursday at Mid-Ohio - USF2000 holds testing…

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Testing is exactly like practice, except that the series pays the track for test time while practice is included in a race weekend as part of the package. The Road to Indy is willing to pay tracks for additional testing so that the ultimate product for the fans is the best possible. Today, USF2000 held three test sessions. The first was in the rain and was much slower than the next two. Many cars didn’t even go out for it. In the third session virtually everyone went faster than in the T-2 session, so we will present the results of T-3 here:

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Here was the order of speed for the USF2000 T-3 test session, with times for the TOP FIVE: [R] denotes rookie

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1 - Michael d’Orlando, Cape Motorsports - time of 01:22.5365s for a speed of 98.487mph
MichaelD'OrlandoCapeMotorsports300-1

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2 - Yuven Sundaramoorthy, Pabst Racing - time of 01:22.8404s for a speed of 98.126mph
YuvenSundaramoorthy150-3

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3 - Jace Denmark [R], Pabst Racing - time of 01:22.9608s for a speed of 97.984mph
JaceDenmark150-2

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4 - Josh Pierson, Pabst Racing - time of 01:23.2025s for a speed of 97.699mph
JoshPierson150-3

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5 - Spike Kohlbecker [R], Ignite Autosport w/ Cape Motorsports - time of 01:23.2177s for a speed of 97.681mph
SpikeKohlbecker150-3

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6 - Christian Brooks, Exclusive Autosport
7 - Myles Rowe [R], Force Indy
8 - Josh Green, Turn 3 Motorsports
9 - Simon Sikes, Legacy Autosport
10 - Bijoy Garg, Jay Howard Driver Development

11 - Nolan Siegel, DEForce Racing
12 - Matt Round-Garrido, Exclusive Autosport
13 - Kiko Porto, DEForce Racing
14 - Dylan Christie [R], Turn 3 Motorsports
15 - Prescott Campbell, DEForce Racing
16 - Michael Myers, Michael Myers Racing
17 - Elysiah Navarro [R], DEForce Racing
18 - Thomas Nepveu [R], Cape Motorsports
19 - Trey Burke [R], Joe Dooling Autosports
20 - Billy Frazer [R], Exclusive Autosport

21 - Erik Evans [R], Velocity Racing Development
22 - Christian Weir [R], Turn 3 Motorsports
23 - Evan Stamer [R], Ignite Autosport w/ Cape Motorsports
24 - Jackson Lee [R], Jay Howard Driver Development
25 - Kent Vaccaro [R], Miller Vinatieri Motorsports
26 - Chase Hyland [R], Jay Howard Driver Development
27 - Peter Vodanovich [R], Jay Howard Driver Development
28 - Nathan Byrd [R], Legacy Autosport

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Notable:

Michael d’Orlando is on a bit of a roll, coming off a P2 at Road America in the last outing. The 19-year-old sophomore is currently 4th in series points.
The TOP FIVE guys are all series fast guys. In fact, the TOP TEN are fast. What’s missing are a few fast guys who kinda fell on their faces, here. Points leader Kiko Porto is in 13th, while Prescott Campbell is in 15th. Both should be better. Thomas Nepveu had a breakthrough WIN at Road America, but is mired in 18th.
Doing well is Bijoy Garg, who splits his time between USF2000 and F4 United States. Bijoy has steadily improved, all year.
Pabst Racing, nicknamed “the Speed Boys”, has to be thrilled, with all three drivers in the TOP FIVE. Yuven Sundaramoorthy is having a title-chasing year, while rookie Jace Denmark is way better than he has a right to be, given this is his first season in formula cars of any kind. Josh Pierson, while a sophomore, is still just 15 years old, but man, the kid can motor.

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Bijoy Garg
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Michael d’Orlando
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Next to test was Indy Pro 2000…

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MarkyS · 2021-07-01T23:57:25.786Z

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Thursday at Mid-Ohio - Indy Pro 2000 holds testing…

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Just like in USF2000, the rain managed to make a lot of running for “IP2K” today much less usefull, the 3rd test session was completely washed out while T-1 was on rain tires. T-2 was the best session for everyone and so we present that here.

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Here was the order of speed for the Indy Pro 2000 T-2 session, with times for the TOP FIVE: [R] denotes rookie

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1 - Hunter McElrea, Pabst Racing - time of 01:19.0746s for a speed of 102.799mph
HunterMcElreaPabstRacing300-1

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2 - Reece Gold [R], Juncos Racing - time of 01:19.0872s for a speed of 102.783mph
ReeceGold150-6

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3 - Manuel Sulaiman, Juncos Racing - time of 01:19.6203s for a speed of 102.095mph
ManuelSulaiman150-3

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4 - Jack William Miller [R], Miller Vinatieri Motorsports - time of 01:19.6296s for a speed of 102.083mph
JackWilliamMiller150-3

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5 - Hunter Yeany [R], Velocity Racing Development - time of 01:19.6322s for a speed of 102.079mph
Hunteryeany150-1

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6 - Christian Rasmussen [R], Jay Howard Driver Development
7 - Braden Eves, Exclusive Autosport
8 - Wyatt Brichacek [R], Jay Howard Driver Development
9 - James Roe [R], Turn 3 Motorsport
10 - Artem Petrov, Exclusive Autosport

11 - Jacob Abel, Abel Motorsports
12 - Kyffin Simpson [R], Juncos Racing

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Notable:

Hunter McElrea likes Mid-Ohio and pulled in P2 here last year. He also TOPPED the T-1 session, this morning. Reece Gold got a P3, P2 and a WIN out of the place in USF2000, last year. Manuel Sulaiman was TOP SIX in all three races here, last year. We get why they are doing well, but Jack William Miller is improved BIG over last year, while this is easily the best showing for Hunter Yeany in 2021. He was also P2 in the T-1 session.
We also don’t get Christian Rasmussen in P6. Christian WON 4 races here in USF2000 in 2020. He should be better, as should Artem Petrov and Braden Eves. We wait to see how well all three do tomorrow.

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Hunter McElrea - another speedy “Speed Boy” from Pabst Racing.
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Next up, Indy Lights test…

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MarkyS · 2021-07-02T00:27:02.796Z

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Thursday at Mid-Ohio - Indy Lights test…

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Like the other two Road to Indy series, the Lights tested, but only got in 1 session, due to weather. We have it here.

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

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1 - Danial Frost [R], Andretti Autosport - time of 01:12.5725s for a speed of 112.009mph
DanialFrostAndretti Autosport300-

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2 - Kyle Kirkwood [R], Andretti Autosport - time of 01:12.8830s for a speed of 111.532mph
blog1b_zps0crqhwxr

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3 - David Malukas, HMD Motorsports - time of 01:12.9582s for a speed of 111.417mph
DavidMalukas150-5

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4 - Robert Megennis, Andretti Autosport - time of 01:13.1447s for a speed of 111.133mph
Rob_zps9fzfvukt

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5 - Devlin DeFrancesco [R], Andretti Steinbrenner Racing - time of 01:13.2784s for a speed of 110.930mph
DevlinDeFrancesco150-2

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6 - Linus Lundqvist [R], GRG w/HMD Motorsports
7 - Benjamin Pedersen [R], GRG w/HMD Motorsports
8 - Toby Sowery, Juncos Racing
9 - Nikita Lastochkin [R], HMD Motorsports
10 - Sting Ray Robb [R], Juncos Racing

11 - Alex Peroni [R], Carlin / Jay Howard Driver Development
12 - Christian Bogle [R], Carlin / Jay Howard Driver Development
13 - Antonio Serravalle [R], Pserra Racing

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Notable:

Whatever advantage that Global Racing Group and HMD Motorsports enjoyed at the start of the season, it is now gone, as Andretti Autosport resumes its dominance in Indy Lights, if this session is at all representative, and no one is more improved over the season start than Singapore’s Danial Frost.
David Malukas flies the HMD flag and shows why he is the points leader. The sophomore may yet slay the Andretti dragon, while Linus Lundqvist is just out of the TOP FIVE to lend a hand in the doing.
Kyle Kirkwood and Rob Megennis just spent last weekend polishing their resumes as “adds” to the Vasser Sullivan Lexus RCF GT3 team for IMSA’s Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen. Fast all day long, an ill-timed caution spoiled their race in the last hour.

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Danial Frost - at his best, so far
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The Lights will hold a 3rd test session on Friday morning and then all three Road to Indy series will hold 1 official practice session. They will then all qualify for Race 1 of their weekend, with USF2000 holding their Race 1, late in the day. Also on tap for tomorrow, the SSTs will qualify and the IndyCars will hold their own first of 3 practice sessions - a busy day!

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This was the last on-track activity of the day.

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MarkyS · 2021-07-02T23:13:55.931Z

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Friday at Mid-Ohio - Indy Lights practice and qualifying…

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The Lights were the first guys out on track today for their 3rd and final test. They followed that up with a practice and then a qually session for their first race of the weekend.

The TOP THREE in the test session were Kyle Kirkwood for Andretti Autosport, David Malukas for HMD Motorsports and Danial Frost for Andretti. In the practice session it was once again Kyle Kirkwood on top, and by a substantial margin over P2 Devlin DeFrancesco for Andretti Steinbrenner. P3 went to Danial Frost, again. with David Malukas in 4th being the first non-Andretti car.

Late afternoon, the Lights returned to the track after much time for adjustment and put in their qualifying session for Race 1 of the weekend and we have those results, here.

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Here is the way the Indy Lights will grid for Season Round 11, with times for the TOP SIX: [R] denotes rookie

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Row 1

Pole - Kyle Kirkwood [R], Andretti Autosport - time of 01:11.3535s for a speed of 113.923mph
KyleKirkwoodAndrettiAutosport300-

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P2 - David Malukas, HMD Motorsports - time of 01:11.6354s for a speed of 113.475mph
DavidMalukas150-4

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Row 2

P3 - Danial Frost [R], Andretti Autosport - time of 01:11.6528s for a speed of 113.447mph
DanialFrost175-2

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P4 - Linus Lundqvist [R], GRG w/HMD Motorsports - time of 01:11.7295s for a speed of 113.326mph
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Row 3

P5 - Devlin DeFrancesco [R], Andretti Steinbrenner Racing - time of 01:12.0102s for a speed of 112.884mph
DevlinDeFrancesco150-5

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P6 - Benjamin Pedersen [R], GRG w/HMD Motorsports - time of 01:12.0922s for a speed of 112.756mph
BenjaminPedersen150-2

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Row 4

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

Row 5

P9 - Toby Sowery, Juncos Racing
P10 - Alex Peroni [R], Carlin / Jay Howard Driver Development

Row 6

P11 - Nikita Lastochkin [R], HMD Motorsports
P12 - Christian Bogle [R], Carlin / Jay Howard Driver Development

Row 7

P13 - Antonio Serravalle [R], Pserra Racing

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Notable:

This grid kinda reflects the T-3 test session, with three Andretti cars and three HMD cars in the TOP SIX. We now can have a great team rivalry to the end of the season.
Linuis Lundqvist crashed out of the test session and then crashed out of the practice session, putting himself in a precarious position, with little time on track before qualifying, but the Swede was more than up for the challenge and put in a great 16th of 19 laps to make P4.
Points-leader David Malukas started 8th and finished 5th twice here in 2019 in the Indy Lights, while Kyle Kirkwood started P1 and WON both races in 2019, but in an Indy Pro 2000 car. Who then has the advantage? Kyle knows how to WIN here, but David knows what a Lights car can do in a full race, here.

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Kyle Kirkwood
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This race will be the last race of the day on Saturday. Next up, USF2000 hold practice and qualifying…

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MarkyS · 2021-07-03T00:00:38.288Z

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Friday morning at Mid-Ohio - USF2000 holds practice and qualifying…

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After 3 test session yesterday, the kids in USF2000 held yet another practice today and the results reflected a lot of what we saw yesterday. The TOP FIVE in practice were Michael d’Orlando for Cape Motorsports, Christian Brooks for Exclusive Autosport, Jace Denmark for Pabst Racing, Kiko Porto for DEForce Racing and Yuven Sundaramoorthy for Pabst Racing.

Following the morning practice the teams prepped for qualifying in the early afternoon for a race they will run later today.

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Here is the way USF2000 will grid for Season Round 11, with times for the TOP SIX: [R] denotes rookie

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Row 1

Pole - Kiko Porto, DEForce Racing - time of 01:21.4401s for a speed of 99.813mph
KikoPortoDEForceRacing300

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P2 - Michael d’Orlando, Cape Motorsports - time of 01:21.7339s for a speed of 99.454mph
MichaelD'Orlando150-6

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Row 2

P3 - Nolan Siegel, DEForce Racing - time of 01:21.7368s for a speed of 99.451mph
NolanSiegel150-6

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P4 - Simon Sikes, Legacy Autosport - time of 01:21.7673s for a speed of 99.414mph
SimonSikes150-1

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Row 3

P5 - Billy Frazer [R], Exclusive Autosport - time of 01:22.0317s for a speed of 99.093mph
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P6 - Bijoy Garg, Jay Howard Driver Development - time of 01:22.0645s for a speed of 99.054mph
BijoyGarg150-2

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Row 4

P7 - Jace Denmark [R], Pabst Racing
P8 - Josh Pierson, Pabst Racing

Row 5

P9 - Spike Kohlbecker [R], Ignite Autosport w/ Cape Motorsports
P10 - Josh Green, Turn 3 Motorsports

Row 6

P11 - Thomas Nepveu [R], Cape Motorsports
P12 - Matt Round-Garrido, Exclusive Autosport

Row 7

P13 - Yuven Sundaramoorthy, Pabst Racing
P14 - Prescott Campbell, DEForce Racing

Row 8

P15 - Christian Brooks, Exclusive Autosport
P16 - Jackson Lee [R], Jay Howard Driver Development

Row 9

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

Row 10

P19 - Dylan Christie [R], Turn 3 Motorsports
P20 - Michael Myers, Michael Myers Racing

Row 11

P21 - Trey Burke [R], Joe Dooling Autosports
P22 - Kent Vaccaro [R], Miller Vinatieri Motorsports

Row 12

P23 - Christian Weir [R], Turn 3 Motorsports
P24 - Peter Vodanovich [R], Jay Howard Driver Development

Row 13

P25 - Elysiah Navarro [R], DEForce Racing
P26 - Evan Stamer [R], Ignite Autosport w/ Cape Motorsports

Row 14

P27 - Chase Hyland [R], Jay Howard Driver Development
P28 - Nathan Byrd [R], Legacy Autosport

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Notable:

This grid looks right, with points-leader Kiko Porto on pole and Michael d’Orlando, who has dominated the testing and practice, beside him on the front row. But we are delighted to see Row 3, with New Zealander Billy Frazer and Californian Bijoy Garg. Up to now, both have been mid-pack guys, but in this race they have their best starts and best opportunities, so far this season.
We’re a bit perplexed with P13 Yuven Sundaramoorthy, P14 Prescott Campbell and P15 Christian Brooks. All three of those guys should be easily in the TOP TEN and probably TOP FIVE.

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Kiko Porto - on the pole for Race 1
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This race will run later today - last action on track. Next, Indy Pro 2000 hold practice and qualifying…

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MarkyS · 2021-07-03T00:55:59.714Z

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Friday morning at Mid-Ohio - the IP2K gang hold practice and qualifying…

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After three test sessions on Thursday the Indy Pro 2000 series was next to complete their official practice and then qualify for their first race of the weekend.

The practice TOP FIVE were led by Artem Petrov for Exclusive Autosport, followed by Jacob Abel for Abel Motorsports, Christian Rasmussen for Jay Howard Driver Development, Jack William Miller for Miller Vinatieri and Braden Eves for Exclusive Autosport. The outlier here is Jack, who is having an outstanding weekend, so far.

Following practice, the gang took some time to adjust their race cars and went out for qualifying in the afternoon.

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Here is the way Indy Pro 2000 will grid for Season Round 11, with times for the TOP SIX: [R] denotes rookie

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Row 1

Pole - Christian Rasmussen [R], Jay Howard Driver Development - time of 01:17.5084s for a speed of 104.876mph
ChristianRasmussenJayHowardDriverDevelopment300-5

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P2 - Artem Petrov, Exclusive Autosport - time of 01:17.9272s for a speed of 104.313mph
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Row 2

P3 - Hunter McElrea, Pabst Racing - time of 01:17.9937s for a speed of 104.224mph
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P4 - Jacob Abel, Abel Motorsports - time of 01:18.0186s for a speed of 104.191mph
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Row 3

P5 - Braden Eves, Exclusive Autosport - time of 01:18.0277s for a speed of 104.178mph
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P6 - Manuel Sulaiman, Juncos Racing - time of 01:18.1034s for a speed of 104.077mph
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Row 4

P7 - Reece Gold [R], Juncos Racing
P8 - Kyffin Simpson [R], Juncos Racing

Row 5

P9 - Jack William Miller [R], Miller Vinatieri Motorsports
P10 - Wyatt Brichacek [R], Jay Howard Driver Development

Row 6

P11 - James Roe [R], Turn 3 Motorsport
P12 - Hunter Yeany [R], Velocity Racing Development

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Notable:

The TOP TEN Indy Pro 2000 drivers from the practice were separated by less than a half-second. The entire field was covered by 1 second in qualifying. That’s remarkable parity in this highly-competitive series.
Rookie Christian Rasmussen has 5 career WINS at Mid-Ohio in USF2000. Artem Petrov was a 2020 Indy Pro 2000 WINNER at the Mid-Ohio. Jacob Abel was a WINNER in the Formula Regional Americas Championship at Mid-Ohio, last weekend. Hunter McElrea has 2 poles and a WIN from USF2000 at Mid-Ohio. Manuel Sulaiman has a pole and a WIN in IP2K at Mid-Ohio from last year. Reece Gold has a pole, 5 podiums and a WIN from USF2000 at Mid-Ohio. The grid is loaded with successful Mid-Ohio performers.

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Christian Rasmussen
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The race is scheduled for first thing, Saturday morning. Up next, the SSts qualify for Race 1…

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MarkyS · 2021-07-03T01:26:54.198Z

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Friday at Mid-Ohio - the Stadium Super Trucks qualify for Race 1 of the weekend…

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The SSTs got their first shot at the track today and it was the IndyCar guys who dominated the qualifying.

Here is the way the Stadium Super Trucks qualified for Race 1:

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Row 1

Pole - Matthew Brabham
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P2 - Robby Gordon
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Row 2

P3 - Jerret Brooks
P4 - Robert Stout

Row 3

P5 - Aaron Bambach
P6 - Max Gordon

Row 4

P7 - Bill Hynes
P8 - Jeff Noland

Row 5

P9 - Bo LeMastus

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In SST racing the qualifying grid is reversed and the last guy starts on pole with the first guy starting last, so Bo LeMastus will be on pole for the race, while Matthew and Robby will be starting from the back.

The trucks were at Mid-Ohio in ealry June to support XFinity and ARCA racing and we have some video from that event:

twitter.com

Stadium SUPER Trucks

@SSuperTrucks

Race 1 results from @mid_ohio 1. Sheldon Creed 2. Matt Brabham 3. Robby Gordon 4. Greg Biffle 5. Robert Stout 6. Aaron Bambach 7. Max Gordon https://t.co/oT9fcmNuaf

4:31 PM - 5 Jun 2021 57 18

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…and more:

twitter.com

Stadium SUPER Trucks

@SSuperTrucks

2021 Mid Ohio Race 1 final lap battle between @sheldoncreed & @mattybrabs from the @robbygordon roof cam No Pass In The Grass https://t.co/ZpdrzgIn47

2:58 AM - 9 Jun 2021 140 30

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The SSTs will hold Race 1 on Saturday in the early afternoon. Next, the IndyCars finally take to the track for first practice…

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MarkyS · 2021-07-03T02:06:05.604Z

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Friday at Mid-Ohio - the IndyCars hold their first of three practices…

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The big cars got their shot at the track late in the day and just managed to complete the P-1 session before rains came. Josef Newgarden for Team Penske took the TOP SPOT 1/3 of the way through the session and never relenquished it.

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

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1 - Josef Newgarden, Team Penske - time of 01:07.2524s for a speed of 120.870mph
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2 - Pato O’Ward, Arrow McLaren SP - time of 01:07.5050s for a speed of 120.418mph
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3 - Jack Harvey, Meyer Shank Racing - time of 01:07.5840s for a speed of 120.277mph
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4 - Alexander Rossi, Andretti Autosport - time of 01:07.7245s for a speed of 120.027mph
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5 - Graham Rahal, Rahal Letterman Lanigan - time of 01:07.7561s for a speed of 119.971mph
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6 - Romain Grosjean [R], Dale Coyne Racing w/ Rick Ware Racing
7 - Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing
8 - Sebastien Bourdais, AJ Foyt Enterprises
9 - Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing
10 - James Hinchcliffe, Andretti Steinbrenner

11 - Will Power, Team Penske
12 - Simon Pagenaud, Team Penske
13 - Felix Rosenqvist, Arrow McLaren SP
14 - Colton Herta, Andretti Autosport
15 - Ryan Hunter-Reay, Andretti Autosport
16 - Scott McLaughlin [R], Team Penske
17 - Conor Daly, Ed Carpenter Racing
18 - Rinus VeeKay, Ed Carpenter Racing
19 - Max Chilton, Carlin
20 - Ed Jones, Dale Coyne Racing w/ Vasser Sullivan

21 - Marcus Ericsson, Chip Ganassi Racing
22 - Ryan Norman [R], Dale Coyne Racing w/ Rick Ware Racing
23 - Dalton Kellett, AJ Foyt Enterprises
24 - Santino Ferrucci, Rahal Letterman Lanigan
25 - Takuma Sato, Rahal Letterman Lanigan
26 - Jimmie Johnson [R], Chip Ganassi Racing

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Notable:

Returning to racing after injuries are Felix Rosenqvist for Arrow McLaren SP and Rinus VeeKay for Ed Carpenter Racing.
Three cars went off the island in practice, with Colton Herta and Felix Rosenqvist escaping damage, but Takuma Sato damaged some suspension.
Mid-Ohio is the home track for Meyer Shank Racing, which is based in Pataskala, Ohio.
Making his IndyCar debut is Indy Lights race WINNER and 2020 Michelin Pilot Challenge TCR class champ Ryan Norman, driving the # 52 Honda for Dale Coyne Racing w/ Rick Ware Racing.

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Ryan Norman
RyanNorman

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Josef Newgarden
C40JT9LUkAEzqu7_zpsl27xb7tk

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The IndyCars will practice a second time on Saturday morning, in preparation for qualifying later in the day. next up, the first race of the weekend, as USF2000 do Season Round 11. The grid for this is in post # 7…

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M

MarkyS · 2021-07-03T03:08:55.845Z

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Friday afternoon at Mid-Ohio - USF2000 races, and taking his 2nd WIN…

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…of the season was Michael d’Orlando for Cape Motorsports from his P2 start, while P2 went to pole-sitter Kiko Porto for DEForce Racing and P3 went to P4 starter Simon Sikes for Legacy Autosport.

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MichaelD'orlandoCapeMotorsports300-2

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On the opening lap Simon Sikes got past Nolan Siegel for DEForce racing to take P3 while Josh Pierson for Pabst Racing passed teammate Jace Denmark for the P6 spot. Pole-sitter Porto’s DEForce teammate Prescott Campbell and Myles Rowe for Force Indy came together on the run up to the Keyhole and spun each other off, resulting in a full-course caution. Dylan Christie for Turn 3 Motorsports also needed a new front wing, as a result of the field checking up to avoid the spinning cars.

On the lap 4 restart Porto maintained P1 but was never able to shake off d’Orlando, who was still shadowing him very closely when the caution flag waved again after 11 laps due to contact between Erik Evans for Velocity Autosport and Michael Myers for Michael Myers Racing. The race restart with 6 laps remaining was the key for d’Orlando who pulled an over-under on Porto in Turns 4 and 5 to take the lead.

D’Orlando then set a series of Fastest Laps in order to ensure his WIN while Billy Frazer for Exclusive Autosport passed Nolan Siegel to take over P4. D’Orlando was 1.6 seconds ahead of Porto at the line, with Sikes 1.6 seconds back of Kiko.

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Notable:

This was Michael’s 2nd WIN at Mid-Ohio in two years and also his 2nd WIN this season. With it he moved from 4th place in the point to 2nd place.
Yuven Sundaramoorthy made up three places in the race, passing from P13 to P10, but still lost ground in the title chase, as a result of the race, falling to 3rd in points.
Simon Sikes is a Team USA Scholarship WINNER who has improved with every race weekend, this season, after 8 starts in 2020. This is his first Road to Indy podium.
This was Billy Frazer’s best result this year and the same was true for Bijoy Garg for Jay Howard Driver Development who both started and finished in P6.

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

USF2000PodiumRace1

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USF2000 will hold Race 2 of the weekend on Saturday afternoon, right before the IndyCar’s final practice. This was the last on-track activity of the day.

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M

MarkyS · 2021-07-03T15:11:46.026Z

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Saturday morning at Mid-Ohio - IP2K qualifies for Race 2 of the weekend…

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In the Road to Indy, on a double header weekend the series will give each race its own qualifying session, to allow teams to adjust their cars between qualifying. This morning, Indy Pro 2000 did their Q-2 for Race 2.

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Here is the way Indy Pro 2000 will grid for Season Round 12, with times for the TOP SIX: [R] denotes rookie

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Row 1

Pole - Hunter McElrea, Pabst Racing - time of 01:18.1600s for a speed of 104.002mph
Hunterpole2

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P2 - Artem Petrov, Exclusive Autosport - time of 01:18.1717s for a speed of 103.986mph
ArtemPetrov150-3

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Row 2

P3 - Christian Rasmussen [R], Jay Howard Driver Development - time of 01:18.3328s for a speed of 103.773mph
ChristianRasmussen150-5

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P4 - Reece Gold [R], Juncos Racing - time of 01:18.4060s for a speed of 103.676mph
ReeceGold150-4

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Row 3

P5 - Kyffin Simpson [R], Juncos Racing - time of 01:18.4967s for a speed of 103.556mph
KyffinSimpson150-3

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P6 - Jacob Abel, Abel Motorsports - time of 01:18.5123s for a speed of 103.535mph
JacobAbel175-4

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Row 4

P7 - Manuel Sulaiman, Juncos Racing
P8 - Braden Eves, Exclusive Autosport

Row 5

P9 - Jack William Miller [R], Miller Vinatieri Motorsports
P10 - James Roe [R], Turn 3 Motorsport

Row 6

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

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Notable:

The TOP THREE of this field were the TOP THREE in the Q-1 qually, too, but in a different order.
The improved drivers here in Q-2 are Kyffin Simpson and Reece Gold

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Hunter McElrea
HunterPole

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This race is scheduled for Sunday Morning. Next up, the IndyCars hold their final practice before qualifying…

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M

MarkyS · 2021-07-03T15:50:24.803Z

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Saturday morning at Mid-Ohio - The IndyCars hold theor P-2 session…

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This is the last chance for the big cars to get their qualifying set-up squared away, while also looking for a great race set-up, if they have the time. Look for the fast guys here to qualify well.

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

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1 - Pato O’Ward, Arrow McLaren SP - time of 01:06.0911s for a speed of 122.994mph
Pato

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2 - Josef Newgarden, Team Penske - time of 01:06.0993s for a speed of 122.979mph
JosefNewgarden150-7

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3 - Colton Herta, Andretti Autosport - time of 01:06.1839s for a speed of 122.821mph
ColtonHerta150-

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4 - Graham Rahal, Rahal Letterman Lanigan - time of 01:06.3348s for a speed of 122.542mph
GrahamRahal150_zpsxkm9ewqd

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5 - Ryan Hunter-Reay, Andretti Autosport - time of 01:06.3657s for a speed of 122.485mph
JDC-LB-14_0878-A_zpsae354e99

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6 - Will Power, Team Penske
7 - Scott McLaughlin [R], Team Penske
8 - Jack Harvey, Meyer Shank Racing
9 - Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing
10 - Felix Rosenqvist, Arrow McLaren SP

11 - Romain Grosjean [R], Dale Coyne Racing w/ Rick Ware Racing
12 - Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing
13 - Rinus VeeKay, Ed Carpenter Racing
14 - Alexander Rossi, Andretti Autosport
15 - Marcus Ericsson, Chip Ganassi Racing
16 - Sebastien Bourdais, AJ Foyt Enterprises
17 - James Hinchcliffe, Andretti Steinbrenner
18 - Simon Pagenaud, Team Penske
19 - Ed Jones, Dale Coyne Racing w/ Vasser Sullivan
20 - Max Chilton, Carlin

21 - Santino Ferrucci, Rahal Letterman Lanigan
22 - Takuma Sato, Rahal Letterman Lanigan
23 - Conor Daly, Ed Carpenter Racing
24 - Dalton Kellett, AJ Foyt Enterprises
25 - Ryan Norman [R], Dale Coyne Racing w/ Rick Ware Racing
26 - Jimmie Johnson [R], Chip Ganassi Racing

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Notable:

Improving a lot from yesterday was rookie Scott McLaughlin for Team Penske. Also improving was Rinus VeeKay, knocking off the rust from being gone for a few weeks with his broken collar bone.
Conversely, dropping off a bit or a lot are Jack Harvey, Romain Grosjean, Simon Pagenaud and Alexander Rossi. They will all try harder in qualifying, but that can often lead to over-driving the car.
No one will be hungier in qualifying than Josef Newgarden who believes the racing gods owe him one…or maybe more than one.

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Pato O’Ward
PatoResting

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The IndyCars will qualify for the race later today. Next up, the Indy Lights qualify for Race 2…

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M

MarkyS · 2021-07-03T16:30:44.522Z

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Saturday morning at Mid-Ohio - the Indy Lights qualify for Race 2 of their weekend…

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The Lights, with their Cooper tires, held their 2nd qually session of the weekend in the mid-morning, with IndyCar Firestone tire rubber just laid down on the track from their P-1 practice, and finding that least objectionable was Andretti’s Danial Frost.

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Here is the way the Indy Lights will grid for Season Round 12, with times for the TOP SIX: [R] denotes rookie

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Row 1

Pole - Danial Frost [R], Andretti Autosport - time of 01:11.2465s for a speed of 114.094mph
Danpole

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P2 - Kyle Kirkwood [R], Andretti Autosport - time of 01:11.3756s for a speed of 113.888mph
KyleKirkwood150-5

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Row 2

P3 - Linus Lundqvist [R], GRG w/HMD Motorsports - time of 01:11.6289s for a speed of 113.485mph
LinusLundqvist150-4

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P4 - David Malukas, HMD Motorsports - time of 01:11.6631s for a speed of 113.431mph
DJdCaOvV4AA1QDa_zpsq3rdxkaa

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Row 3

P5 - Devlin DeFrancesco [R], Andretti Steinbrenner Racing - time of 01:11.8699s for a speed of 113.104mph
DevlinDeFrancesco150-3

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P6 - Robert Megennis, Andretti Autosport - time of 01:11.9880s for a speed of 112.919mph
RobMegennis150-6

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Row 4

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

Row 5

P9 - Sting Ray Robb [R], Juncos Racing
P10 - Alex Peroni [R], Carlin / Jay Howard Driver Development

Row 6

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

Row 7

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

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Notable:

This is Danial Frost’s 3rd pole in 4 races. He was almost 3/10ths of a second faster than Kyle Kirkwood, which is a huge gap for Indy Lights. Danial has found his mojo in the Lights car.
The way this qually finish sets up at least three inter-team battles on the first lap, as Danial and Kyle battle, David and Linus battle and Devlin and Rob battle for position at the drop of the green flag. Should be fun.

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Danial Frost
DanPole2

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This race is scheduled to run on Sunday, right before the IndyCar race. Next up, Indy Pro 2000 hold their first race of the weekend. The grid for this is in post # 8…

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M

MarkyS · 2021-07-03T17:59:33.974Z

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Saturday at Mid-Ohio - Indy Pro 2000 Race 1 was WON in convincing fashion…

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…by series points-leader Christian Rasmussen for Jay Howard Driver Development, from pole. Taking P2 from P2 was Artem Petrov for Exclusive Autosport while Jacob Abel for Abel Motorsports grabbed P3 from his P4 start.

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RasmussenWIN

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On the opening lap Jacob Abel got by P3 starter Hunter McElrea for Pabst Racing on the run up to the Keyhole. P5 starter Manuel Sulaiman for Juncos Racing then made a stab at Hunter in Turn 4 but didn’t have enough room to execute and spun off. As he tried to rejoin he got beached on the curbing and stuck, bringing out the full course caution to unbeach him. He was able to get going before losing a lap but was very far behind the field when the race went green on lap 2.

On lap 2 Hunter McElrea was able to retake P3 in the Turn4 / 5 complex from Jacob, while James Roe for Turn 3 Motorsports took P8 from Wyatt Brichacek for Jay Howard Driver Development. Rasmussen and Artem Petrov now started to escape the rest of the field, with Raz setting Fastest Lap in the process. On lap 4 Jack William Miller for Miller Vinatieri passed Hunter Yeany for Velocity Racing Development for the P10 spot.

A spirited battle for P6 developed between Juncos Racing teammates Kyffin Simpson and Reece Gold, with the pair running nose-to-tail almost to the end of the race, Reece leading. On lap 23 the fight for P3 heated up again as Jacob and Hunter McElrea entered Turn 4 beside each other, with McElrea putting a wheel off, allowing Abel to sneak by and retake the position. Two laps later, Raz crossed the line for the WIN, 0.9675 seconds ahead of Petrov, who was over ten seconds ahead of Jacob Abel.

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Notable:

The “Great Dane” now has 6 Road to Indy WINS at Mid-Ohio, counting his 5 in 2 seasons of USF2000. He also now has 6 WINS in 2021 in IP2K. With his pole, Fastest Lap and most laps led, he earned the maximum 33 points for today, adding to his lead over 2nd place Braden Eves for Exclusive Autosport, who started P6 and finished P5 today.
Rasmussen now has 18 Road to Indy WINS in three seasons of racing in the ladder. The all-time career WIN holder for the Road to Indy is current Indy Lights driver Kyle Kirkwood, with 25 WINS.

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Your happy podium - except for Artem Petrov, who is only happy when he WINS - That’s Artem on the left in P2, Chrisitan Rasmussen in the middle in P1 and Jacob Abel in P3 on the right:

IP2KRace1Podium

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IP2K will race again on Sunday to close the weekend. Next up, the IndyCars qualify!

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M

MarkyS · 2021-07-03T19:42:38.597Z

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Saturday afternoon at Mid-Ohio - the IndyCars are qualified for the Honda Indy 200…

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…and grabbing his 3rd pole in the last three races was Josef Newgarden for Team Penske, with a last-lap flier that took pole after the clock had expired on the Fireston Fast Six.

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Here is the way the IndyCars will grid for the Honda Indy 200, with times for the TOP SIX: [R] denoted rookie

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Row 1

Pole - Josef Newgarden, Team Penske - time of 01:06.6739s for a speed of 121.919mph
JoPole

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P2 - Colton Herta, Andretti Autosport - time of 01:06.6770s for a speed of 121.913mph
ColtonHerta150-1

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Row 2

P3 - Marcus Ericsson, Chip Ganassi Racing - time of 01:07.0723s for a speed of 121.195 mph
MarcusEricsson150-5

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P4 - Will Power, Team Penske - time of 01:07.1161s for a speed of 121.115mph
WillPower150-7
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Row 3

P5 - Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing - time of 01:07.1358s for a speed of 121.080mph
scott_zpsncwaq3y5

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P6 - Alexander Rossi, Andretti Autosport - time of 01:07.2181s for a speed of 120.932mph
AlexanderRossi150-8

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Row 4

P7 - Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing
P8 - Graham Rahal, Rahal Letterman Lanigan

Row 5

P9 - James Hinchcliffe, Andretti Steinbrenner
P10 - Ryan Hunter-Reay, Andretti Autosport

Row 6

P11 - Rinus VeeKay, Ed Carpenter Racing
P12 - Sebastien Bourdais, AJ Foyt Enterprises

Row 7

P13 - Felix Rosenqvist, Arrow McLaren SP
P14 - Scott McLaughlin [R], Team Penske

Row 8

P15 - Simon Pagenaud, Team Penske
P16 - Ed Jones, Dale Coyne Racing w/ Vasser Sullivan

Row 9

P17 - Max Chilton, Carlin
P18 - Romain Grosjean [R], Dale Coyne Racing w/ Rick Ware Racing

Row 10

P19 - Takuma Sato, Rahal Letterman Lanigan
P20 - Pato O’Ward, Arrow McLaren SP

Row 11

P21 - Dalton Kellett, AJ Foyt Enterprises
P22 - Santino Ferrucci, Rahal Letterman Lanigan

Row 12

P23 - Jack Harvey, Meyer Shank Racing
P24 - Conor Daly, Ed Carpenter Racing

Row 13

P25 - Jimmie Johnson [R], Chip Ganassi Racing
P26 - Ryan Norman [R], Dale Coyne Racing w/ Rick Ware Racing

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Notable:

Josef grabbed the pole from Colton Herta as the final driver to complete his final lap, after the checkered flag had flown on the Q-3 session. This is his 3rd series pole in a row and his best chance to get a WIN this season, because it is so difficult to pass at Mid-Ohio.
The difference between the morning practice and the afternoon qually session was some 35 degrees in temperature, and that difference caught out a lot of the fast guys in the morning - especially Pato O’Ward for Arrow McLaren SP, who topped the morning session but could not even transfer to the Firestone Fast Twelve.
In the Q-1 session Jack Harvey had completed a lap good enough to transfer in 3rd place but beached his car near Turn 9. That ruined the final lap of Simon Pagenaud and Alexander Rossi. As a result, Harvey lost his fastest lap of the session and did not transfer. Pagenaud and Rossi each lost their final lap. Rossi still transferred but Pagenaud did not.

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Simon Pagenaud (left), Jack Harvey and Pato O’Ward - bad day
Simon-150_zpsmhbbbosk JackHarvey150-1 PatoO'Ward150-7

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The race is scheduled for broadcast on NBC at 12:00 Noon EASTERN time on Sunday. Next up, the Stadium Super Trucks hold Race 1 of the weekend. The grid for that is in post # 9…

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M

MarkyS · 2021-07-03T21:54:40.723Z

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Saturday afternoon at Mid-Ohio - The SSTs hold a wild one…

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…with lots of lead changes. We have the entire Stadium Super Trucks Race 1 here, and so will not reveal the WINNER.

See for yourself:

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The trucks are even more fun in person, where the 600 horsepower mills in them can really holler at you, as they go by. Race 2 for the trucks will be on Sunday, right after the IndyCar race, as the final event of the weekend for the fans. Next up, USF2000 hold Race 2 of the weekend. The grid for this race follows…

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M

MarkyS · 2021-07-03T22:04:52.529Z

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Saturday afternoon at Mid-Ohio - The grid for USF2000 Race 2…

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When the Road to Indy has a triple-header weekend, as they do with USF2000, this weekend, they only have the one Race 1 qually session, in order to compress the schedule. Race 2 will use the driver’s 2nd fastest qually lap or their fastest lap from Race 1 - whichever is better for them.

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Here is the way USF2000 will grid for Season Round 12: [R] denotes rookie

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Row 1

Pole - Kiko Porto, DEForce Racing
KikoPortoDEForceRacing300-2

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P2 - Michael d’Orlando, Cape Motorsports
Michaeld'Orlando150-5

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Row 2

P3 - Nolan Siegel, DEForce Racing
NolanSiegel150-2

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P4 - Simon Sikes, Legacy Autosport
SimonSikes150-2

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Row 3

P5 - Billy Frazer [R], Exclusive Autosport
BillyFrazer150-1

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P6 - Bijoy Garg, Jay Howard Driver Development
BijoyGarg150-1

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Row 4

P7 - Jace Denmark [R], Pabst Racing
P8 - Josh Pierson, Pabst Racing

Row 5

P9 - Spike Kohlbecker [R], Ignite Autosport w/ Cape Motorsports
P10 - Josh Green, Turn 3 Motorsports

Row 6

P11 - Thomas Nepveu [R], Cape Motorsports
P12 - Matt Round-Garrido, Exclusive Autosport

Row 7

P13 - Yuven Sundaramoorthy, Pabst Racing
P14 - Prescott Campbell, DEForce Racing

Row 8

P15 - Christian Brooks, Exclusive Autosport
P16 - Jackson Lee [R], Jay Howard Driver Development

Row 9

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

Row 10

P19 - Dylan Christie [R], Turn 3 Motorsports
P20 - Michael Myers, Michael Myers Racing

Row 11

P21 - Trey Burke [R], Joe Dooling Autosports
P22 - Kent Vaccaro [R], Miller Vinatieri Motorsports

Row 12

P23 - Christian Weir [R], Turn 3 Motorsports
P24 - Peter Vodanovich [R], Jay Howard Driver Development

Row 13

P25 - Elysiah Navarro [R], DEForce Racing
P26 - Evan Stamer [R], Ignite Autosport w/ Cape Motorsports

Row 14

P27 - Chase Hyland [R], Jay Howard Driver Development
P28 - Nathan Byrd [R], Legacy Autosport

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Kiko Porto - on pole
KikoPorto300-1

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Next, the race for this grid…

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M

MarkyS · 2021-07-03T23:02:10.932Z

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Saturday afternoon at Mid-Ohio - USF2000 Race 2 of the weekend…

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…turned out to be an almost perfect race for pole-sitter Kiko Porto for DEForce Racing, leading all laps and taking the WIN. P2 was yesterday’s WINNER Michael d’Orlando for Cape Motorsports from his P2 start while P3 went to P4 starter Simon Sikes for Legacy Autosport for the 3rd podium in 3 races.

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KikoWIN

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The huge field got away at the start pretty cleanly, but there was a lot of shuffling in the pack to avoid contact, starting with P3 starter Nolan Siegel for DEForce, who had to drop to P6 in order to avoid contact. Simon Sikes took over P3 and the podium was already set before Turn 2. Christian Brooks for Exclusive Autosport made the leap from P13 to P8 while teammate Matt Round-Garrido improved from P8 to P4, and Evan Stamer for Ignite Autosport moved from P26 all the way to P15.

Yuven Sundaramoorthy for Pabst Racing had to drop from P13 to P21 and teammate Josh Pierson dropped from P8 to P16. On lap 2 Billy Frazer for Exclusive moved past Nolan to take over P6 as Spike Kohlbecker for Ignite Autosport put Christian Brooks back to P9. The biggest forward mover was Yuven, who recovered to P16. By Lap 6 Pierson had also recovered to P12. Those guys are passers.

On lap 7 Yuven moved into P7 past Evan Stamer. Meanwhile, Kiko Porto and Michael d’Orlando were beginning to detach from the pack, but not from each other. On lap 9 Michael set Fastest Lap to stay with Kiko, while Yuven passed Myles Rowe for Force Indy to take P14. On lap 10 Kiko set his own Fastest Lap while Myles returned the favor on Yuven and reclaimed P14. On lap 13 Jackson Lee for Jay Howard Driver Development pitted from P27 for fresh tires, with the intent of setting Fastest Lap to ensure a better start in Race 3. He then did exactly that, setting Fastest Lap after rejoining on Lap 13. He reset it on Lap 16.

For the remainder of the race it was a close battle for the lead between Porto and d’Orlando and a similar battle between Siegel and Frazer for P6. On lap 19 Nolan took Frazer for P6 in Turn 4 while Brooks, Jace Denmark for Pabst and Josh Green for Turn 3 Motorsports all passed Spike Kohlbecker for P8, P9 and P10, respectively. On the final lap, Yuven retook P14 with Evan Stamer following through past Myles Rowe.

Kiko WON by 0.4 seconds over Michael, who was 3.99 seconds ahead of Simon. For a race with the podium set after the first turn of the first lap, this one had tons of action going on!

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Notable:

This was Kiko’s 3rd WIN of the seaon and it secures his lead in the points over Michael d’Orlando. Race 3 will also have Porto on pole with d’Orlando in P2.
Jackson Lee’s bid to improve his starting position worked perfectly. Instead of starting somewhere near the tail of the field he will start Race 3 from P5. JHDD Teammate Peter Vodanovich did the same thing and was similarly rewarded with a race lap much better than his qualifying 2nd lap. He will start Race 3 from P6. These are the best career starts for both drivers.

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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 Simon Sikes in P3 on the right:

USF2000PodiumRace2

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The final race for USF2000 will be on Sunday morning - first race of the day. Next up, the IndyCars hold their final practice…

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M

MarkyS · 2021-07-03T23:38:40.372Z

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Saturday at Mid-Ohio - the IndyCar hold final practice…

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A post-qualifying practice session is always hard to read because no one knows for sure which program each team or each car within a team are going for. Are they still looking for outright speed? Are they checking the duration of the red alternate tires? Are they experimenting with race set-up? It’s even worse when it’s not a morning warm-up, as the weather can change so much overnight as to make data useless. So, make of this what you will.

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

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1 - Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing - time of 01:08.0256s for a speed of 119.496mph
ScottCar

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2 - Colton Herta, Andretti Autosport - time of 01:08.0745s for a speed of 119.410mph
ColtonHerta150-

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3 - Romain Grosjean [R], Dale Coyne Racing w/ Rick Ware Racing - time of 01:08.1490s for a speed of 119.280mph
RomainGrosjean150-3

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4 - Max Chilton, Carlin - time of 01:08.1640s for a speed of 119.254mph
Max-Chilton_zpsppwu2riu

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5 - James Hinchcliffe, Andretti Steinbrenner - time of 01:08.2429s for a speed of 119.116mph
JamesHinchcliffe150-3

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6 - Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing
7 - Josef Newgarden, Team Penske
8 - Marcus Ericsson, Chip Ganassi Racing
9 - Scott McLaughlin [R], Team Penske
10 - Ed Jones, Dale Coyne Racing w/ Vasser Sullivan

11 - Pato O’Ward, Arrow McLaren SP
12 - Jack Harvey, Meyer Shank Racing
13 - Ryan Hunter-Reay, Andretti Autosport
14 - Takuma Sato, Rahal Letterman Lanigan
15 - Sebastien Bourdais, AJ Foyt Enterprises
16 - Simon Pagenaud, Team Penske
17 - Graham Rahal, Rahal Letterman Lanigan
18 - Alexander Rossi, Andretti Autosport
19 - Rinus VeeKay, Ed Carpenter Racing
20 - Will Power, Team Penske

21 - Ryan Norman [R], Dale Coyne Racing w/ Rick Ware Racing
22 - Felix Rosenqvist, Arrow McLaren SP
23 - Conor Daly, Ed Carpenter Racing
24 - Santino Ferrucci, Rahal Letterman Lanigan
25 - Dalton Kellett, AJ Foyt Enterprises
26 - Jimmie Johnson [R], Chip Ganassi Racing

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Scott Dixon
ScottDixon300-4

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Next up, the Indy Lights hold Race 1 of the weekend. The grid for this is in post # 6…

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M

MarkyS · 2021-07-04T00:21:20.865Z

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Saturday at Mid-Ohio - The Indy Lights hold Race 1 of the weekend…

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…and taking his 5th WIN in 2021 was Kyle Kirkwood for Andretti Autosport from pole. P2 went to teammate Danial Frost from his P3 start while P3 went to P2 starter David Malukas for HMD Motorsports.

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KirkwoodWIN

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On the opening lap Kirkwood got away cleanly with David Malukas in tow. On the run up towards the Keyhole Sting Ray Robb for Juncos Racing put a wheel off course and dropped from P7 to P10, while teammate Toby Sowery improved from P9 to P7, Rob Megennis for Andretti Autosport took P8 and Alex Peroni for Carlin took P9. On lap 3 David set Fastest Lap as he chased down Kirkwood. On lap 5 Christian Bogle for Carlin got around Sting Ray to take P10 while up front Kirkwood reset Fastest Lap.

On lap 6 Malukas again took Fastest Lap but by lap 9 Kirkwood set what was the ultimate Fastest Lap and the series point that goes with it. On lap 17 Malukas charged Kirkwood going into Turn 9 but slipped off the track at speed. He was able to gather it up and keep it off the wall, rejoining down the track, but by then Danial Frost had passed him for the P2 spot. On lap 26 Toby Sowery was able to pass Benjamin Pedersen for Global Racing Group w/ HMD Motorsports in Turn 4 and secured P6. This was the last pass of the race, as the field stretched out.

Kirkwood sailed to the WIN on lap 35 with an 8.374-second lead over Frost, who was 12 seconds ahead of David Malukas.

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Notable:

This is Kyle’s 26 WIN in his Road to Indy career - the most of any driver, ever. He earned maximum points - 30 for the WIN, and 1 each for Fastest Lap, pole and most laps led.
Going into the race Malukas held an 8-point lead over Kirkwood and Linus Lundqvist for GRG w/ HMD Motorsports. Kirkwood now leads the series by 2 points over David and 13 points over Lundqvist, who started and ended the day in P4. Race 2 will mean a lot, with the points this tight.
Danial Frost will start from pole on Sunday, with Kirkwood beside him and Lundqvist and Malukas in Row 2.

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Your happy podium - That’s Danial Frost in P2 on the left, Kyle Kirkwood in P1 in the middle and David Malukas in P3 on the right:

ILPodiumRace1.2

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The Indy Lights will hold Race 2 in the mid-morning on Sunday, right before the IndyCar race. This was the last on-track activity of the day. On Sunday, we will start the day with USF2000, Race 3…

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