2020 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg IndyCar Season Opener: Official Souvenir Program

MARCH 13 -15

2020 SOUVENIR PROGRAM PUBLISHED BY

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NTT INDYCAR SERIES ENTRY LIST #

DRIVER

HOMETOWN

CAR NAME

TEAM

ENGINE

1

Josef Newgarden

Nashville, Tennessee

Hitachi Team Penske

Team Penske

Chevrolet

4

Charlie Kimball

Camarillo, California

TRESIBA / AJ FOYT RACING

A.J. Foyt Enterprises

Chevrolet

5

Pato O'Ward

Monterey, Mexico

Arrow McLaren SP

Arrow McLaren SP

Chevrolet

7

Oliver Askew (R)

Jupiter, Florida

Arrow McLaren SP

Arrow McLaren SP

Chevrolet

8

Marcus Ericsson

Kumla, Sweden

Huski Chocolate Chip Ganassi Racing

Chip Ganassi Racing

Honda

9

Scott Dixon

Auckland, New Zealand

PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing

Chip Ganassi Racing

Honda

10

Felix Rosenqvist

Värnamo, Sweden

NTT DATA Chip Ganassi Racing

Chip Ganassi Racing

Honda

12

Will Power

Toowoomba, Australia

Verizon Team Penske

Team Penske

Chevrolet

14

Sebastien Bourdais

Le Mans, France

AJ Foyt Racing

A.J. Foyt Enterprises

Chevrolet

15

Graham Rahal

New Albany, Ohio

United Rentals

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing

Honda

18

Santino Ferrucci

Woodbury, Connecticut

SealMaster

Dale Coyne Racing with Vasser Sullivan Honda

20

Conor Daly

Noblesville, Indiana

U.S. Air Force

Ed Carpenter Racing

Chevrolet

21

Rinus VeeKay (R)

Hoofddorp, Netherlands

Sonax

Ed Carpenter Racing

Chevrolet

22

Simon Pagenaud

Montmorillon, France

Menards Team Penske

Team Penske

Chevrolet

24

Sage Karam

Nazareth, Pennsylvania

DRR Wix Filters

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing

Chevrolet

26

Zach Veach

Stockdale, Ohio

Gainbridge

Andretti Autosport

Honda

27

Alexander Rossi

Nevada City, California

AutoNation / NAPA AUTO PARTS

Andretti Autosport

Honda

28

Ryan Hunter-Reay

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

DHL

Andretti Autosport

Honda

30

Takuma Sato

Tokyo, Japan

Panasonic / Mi-Jack

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing

Honda

31

Felipe Nasr (R)

Brasilia, Brazil

Carlin

Carlin

Chevrolet

55

Alex Palou (R)

Barcelona, Spain

Dale Coyne Racing with Team Goh

Dale Coyne Racing with Team Goh

Honda

59

Max Chilton

Reigate, England

Gallagher Carlin

Carlin

Chevrolet

60

Jack Harvey

Lincoln, England

AutoNation/Sirius XM

Meyer Shank Racing

Honda

81

Ben Hanley (R)

Manchester, England

DragonSpeed FlexBox

DragonSpeed

Chevrolet

88

Colton Herta

Belleair, Florida

Capstone

Andretti Harding Steinbrenner Autosport

Honda

98

Marco Andretti

Nazareth, Pennsylvania

U.S. Concrete / Curb

Andretti Herta with Marco & Curb-Agajanian

Honda

All cars use fourth-generation NTT INDYCAR SERIES chassis (Dallara IR12) with universal IR-18 aerodynamic bodywork, Chevrolet or Honda engines and Firestone tires.

(R) Denotes Rookie of the Year candidate As of March, 6, 2020

NTT INDYCAR SERIES SPOTTERS GUIDE

THE SOUND OF

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome Letters o6 Green Savoree Racing Promotions / City of St. Peterburg o8 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Race Previews and Features 12 Firestone Racing: The Ultimate Proving Ground 14 2020 NTT INDYCAR SERIES preview 18 Ryan Hunter-Reay 21 NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver profiles 68 Ready for Action 70 Proven Talent 71 Strength and Depth 72 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama invades St. Pete for first time 73 Pirelli GT4 America and TC America series preview 74 Under the Hood 75 Tips and Tricks JOSEF NEWGARDEN 76 Charity Spotlight 78 Spot the Differences 80 Map 82 Schedule

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FOCAL POINT The 2019 field of drivers stream past the Dali Museum at last year's Firestone Grand Prix.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GSRP

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WELCOME

LETTERS

Dear Race Fans,

Can you hear that? It’s the roar of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES! On behalf of the entire Green Savoree Racing Promotions team, we welcome you to the 16th annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. There’s no better backdrop to kick off the 2020 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season than on the picturesque waterfront in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida for the 10th straight year. We’re so grateful for all the loyal race fans who come out year after year and make this event one of the City’s biggest annual events.

It all starts here in St. Petersburg! For five of the seven racing series on track this weekend, it’s the season-opening event for these great teams and competitors. We are thrilled the Road to Indy presented by Cooper Tires joins us once again with doubleheaders in all three of its development open-wheel ladder series. Many notable NTT INDYCAR SERIES athletes have made their way through the Road to Indy ranks. We are excited for the newest generation of drivers to follow in their footsteps. Also joining the schedule is the always entertaining sports car action from SRO Motorsports Group Pirelli GT4 America and TC America series, and new this year the IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama. That’s 13 races in all to enjoy!

Off the track, the Firestone Grand Prix provides the ultimate fan experience. The SpeedZone, located near Turn 5 and 6 by the Firestone Bridge, is jam packed with interactive displays and exhibits for both adults and children to enjoy. Also, in the SpeedZone and in Gasoline Alley near pit lane, you can find merchandise vendors stocked with the hottest new race gear for the entire family.

Mayor Kriseman and the City of St. Petersburg have worked closely with our team to shape the event into what it is today and are great hosts for this spring break tradition.

This weekend would not be possible without the support of over 500 volunteers. We can’t thank them enough for their hard work and dedication each year to make this event run smoothly. We are endlessly grateful for our world-class partners, led by our title sponsor Firestone, making the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg a growing, highly anticipated event, year after year.

We hope you have an exceptional weekend here in St. Petersburg. Consider joining the Green Savoree Racing Promotions team again later in the season for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES events we’ll also present on the streets of Toronto, at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, and at Portland International Raceway in Portland, Oregon.

Thank you for joining us!

Dear Fans,

On behalf of the citizens of the Sunshine City, welcome to the Inaugural race of the IndyCar season.

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is one of my favorite events of the year. It is always a pleasure to welcome back the drivers, race teams, sponsors and fans for the world’s fastest sport. We are looking forward to a spectacular season, which will begin on one of the most beautiful downtown circuits in the world.

While you are here, I hope you take time to experience all our city has to offer. Explore our vibrant downtown and beautiful waterfront park system. Our museums, galleries, and restaurants are first class. We take pride in the cultural diversity of our community.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, welcome. If you are returning for another year of great racing, we are glad to have you back.

Enjoy the race!hope to see you again soon!

Sincerely,

Kevin Savoree President and COO Green Savoree Racing Promotions

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Kim Green Chairman and CEO Green Savoree Racing Promotions

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My first pro race was in St. Pete – the first time I came over the Skyway I thought “not too bad!” and I’ve never looked back. Downtown is booming, and our neighborhood is a great environment to raise a family. We can take the kids out on our boat and in 20 minutes feel like we’re in the Caribbean. St. Pete’s family-friendly culture is

Sébastien Bourdais 2017 and 2018 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg winner and St. Petersburg resident

On and off the track, St. Pete shines.

361 days of sunshine every year is only the beginning. St. Pete also shines through its charming, bungalow-lined neighborhoods, original craft brew pubs, world-class restaurants led by award-winning chefs and a cultural fabric as diverse as its offerings.

Come for a weekend. Stay for a lifetime. Your sunshine is here.

#sunshineshere

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WELCOME

LETTERS

Dear Race Fans,

Welcome to this weekend’s Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, a traditional race on the 2020 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule. INDYCAR is committed to delivering a comprehensive fan experience through outstanding entertainment and competition as our athletes compete on this challenging course through the streets of St. Petersburg. We believe this is the most exciting racing on the planet.

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is again the opening race of INDYCAR’s exciting and demanding 17-race schedule highlighted by the 104th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge in May. This marks the 10th consecutive year that Indy cars are kicking off the season roaring down the runway of Albert Whitted Airport.

Whether this is your first St. Petersburg race or you’ve been attending for years, we are excited for you to witness the spectacle that is INDYCAR racing. This weekend has a vibe like few others and is a destination event, so we urge you to take in as much as possible and enjoy it all.

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES car is one of a kind, featuring a sleek look with the most advanced safety components in the sport. Honda and Chevrolet provide the 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 engines, and no tire manufacturer can match Firestone for reliability and competitiveness. You’ll also notice INDYCAR’s revolutionary new driverprotection Aeroscreen debuting on all cars this weekend.

The look of these cars is reminiscent of Indy car favorites of the 1980s and ‘90s, and driver skill is paramount as the low-downforce machines slip and slide on this twisting street course. Trust me when I say you will be able to see how hard the drivers must work to achieve maximum speed.

Competing among the field this weekend are reigning NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Josef Newgarden and longtime St. Petersburg resident Sebastien Bourdais, plus Indianapolis 500 winners Simon Pagenaud, Will Power, five-time series champion Scott Dixon, Alexander Rossi, Ryan Hunter-Reay and Takuma Sato. Watch them battle racing legacies Marco Andretti and Graham Rahal along with young stars such as Colton Herta, Pato O’Ward and Jupiter, Florida’s Oliver Askew.

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES has the most diverse lineup of tracks in motorsports, with superspeedways, short ovals, permanent road courses and temporary street circuits. The collection makes for a true proving ground as elite athletes compete for the most challenging championship in motorsports.

While here, we invite you to tour the interactive INDYCAR Fan Village and meet the partners that help us bring this great event to your city. Be sure to sign up for INDYCAR Nation, our fan community. Wrap up your experience with a photo with our accessible INDYCAR drivers who participate in a full-field autograph session. And don’t forget to download the INDYCAR Mobile app powered by NTT DATA on your smartphone to get behind-the-scenes features, live timing and scoring, in-car cameras and more that help you follow the race action. Also, follow the NTT INDYCAR SERIES online at INDYCAR.com, on Facebook and on Twitter (@INDYCAR).

Thank you for your continued support. INDYCAR appreciates your attendance this weekend. We’re glad you can experience the speed, action, excitement and access that define the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Enjoy the weekend!

Mark Miles President and CEO, Penske Entertainment Parent company of INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway

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STAFF LISTING 42 Industrial St. Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4G 1Y9

EXECUTIVE Kim Green Chairman & CEO, Green Savoree Racing Promotions

EXECUTIVE

Tim Rutledge Group Publisher & CEO

Kevin Savoree President & COO, Green Savoree Racing Promotions

EDITORIAL Anna Rutledge Special Projects Editor

Michael Morrisey Executive Vice President & CFO, Green Savoree Racing Promotions

Adam Gordon Associate Editor

Jeff Atkinson Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Green Savoree Racing Promotions

George Webster Motorsport Editor

DESIGN + PRODUCTION Queue Gonzalez Creative Director Patrick Dinglasan Production / Senior Art Director Edward Shintani Senior Art Director

EVENT STAFF Stephen Timms Deven Keady Adam Fisher Operations Jim Tario Randy Trowsse Nate Long Kris Boatwright Track Operations Ryan Cash Giles Dowden Nethu Srikanthan Landon Fama Sales & Client Services Angela Hogeveen Steve Bidlack Scott Morgan Jenna Hood Marketing & Communications

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Mike Raven Andrew Bowman Tammi Griffith Trevor Tinch Karen Jones Box Office & Credential Center Nathan Savoree Accounting Scott Ellsworth Matt Coyne Stew Wood Russ Kimes Richard Muise Race Control Bill Whitmore Event Control

Patrick Beltijar Senior Art Director

SALES + ADMINISTRATION Randi Bentia Audience Development Manager Richard Robles Director, Client Services Jason Redmond Motorsport Marketing Manager Katrina Hopkins Member Services

ADVERTISING sales@ppmghq.com Phone: (416) 922-7526 Toll Free: 1-800-667-7223 www.ppmghq.com Printed in Canada

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EVENT SPONSORS

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FIRESTONE RACING:

THE ULTIMATE PROVING GROUND A DRIVING FORCE WITHIN THE NTT INDYCAR® SERIES Words And Images Provided By Firestone

hampions have relied on Firestone tires for more than a century, creating an unrivaled racing legacy that is set to continue well into the future. Harvey Firestone, founder of the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, was a sports marketing pioneer who saw racing as a powerful proving ground and promotional platform for his tire technology. Through that vision, Firestone tires have been part of worldclass motorsports events across the globe, and racing has become a core part of the brand’s DNA. The Firestone brand's storied heritage in racing began May 30, 1911, when Ray Harroun's Firestone-equipped Marmon Wasp won the inaugural Indianapolis 500® Mile Race. In all, Firestone tires have won "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing®" 70 times – more than double all other tire manufacturers combined.

“Firestone has been a part of openwheel racing for more than a century, and it continues to be the ideal proving ground for new technologies that help us evolve and advance all aspects of our tires,” said Lisa Boggs, director, Bridgestone Americas Motorsports. “Having been the sole tire supplier of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES for the past 21 consecutive seasons, we’ve been able to get fans excited about the Firestone brand and strengthen our relationship with the everyday drivers who rely on our durable, dependable Firestone tires.”

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Firestone is a key innovation and marketing partner for the fastest and most versatile racing series in the world. The relationship was strengthened in February 2019 with the announcement of a five-year partnership extension for the Firestone brand through 2025, as well as the announcement of a new, state-of-the-art race tire manufacturing facility being built in Akron, Ohio. It is expected that the first race tires from the new facility will hit the track for testing later this year.

The Firestone Race Tire Engineering team, along with nearly 50 expert tire builders and manufacturing professionals, will produce approximately 28,000 Firestone Firehawk race tires for the 2020 season. This includes designing, developing and delivering more than 60 different race tire specifications to meet the extensive and varying demands of the 16-unqiue oval, road and street course circuits on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule.

The Firestone Race Tire Engineering team was in high gear during the off-sea-

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ST. PETERSBURGEXTENSION

son with the addition of the aeroscreen.

To get ready for the season, the team had to understand how the car’s new weight distribution would impact the race tires.

Through collaboration with INDYCAR and engine manufactures, modeling and simulation, and tire testing with teams and drivers, the Firestone engineers developed new constructions and compounds that allows the front tires to adapt to the additional dynamic weight created by the aeroscreen where needed.

FIRESTONEGRANDPRIX OF

Firestone is proud to celebrate an extension of its title sponsorship of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. This year’s race marks the Firestone brand’s seventh year as the entitlement sponsor of the season-opening race, and the new multi-year deal will extend that relationship through 2023.

The Firestone brand’s history in the Tampa/St. Petersburg market dates back nearly 90 years to the opening of its first area retail location. The Firestone Complete Auto Care store location on Kennedy Boulevard in downtown Tampa opened in 1933 and continues to be a trusted provider of tire and automotive service for customers in the area.

FIRESTONEFAST FACT

Did you know? If the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg runs a full 110 laps, each front tire of the winning car will have completed more than 154,000 rotations across the 14-turn, 1.8-mile waterfront course.

MAKEAPIT STOP AT THE FIRESTONEFANEXPERIENCE

Race fans at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg can once again have fun at the Firestone Fan Experience on the fan midway. The popular interactive area features unique, hands-on activities that include racing simulators, a show car, airbrushed tattoos, and a chance to snap and share a photo using the #FirestoneMoments prize vending machine to win items that include autographed INDYCAR memorabilia and other prizes. As always, fans also can stock up on Firestone swag like cooler backpacks, sunglasses, t-shirts, and more, plus register to receive coupons to their local Firestone Complete Auto Care location.

FOLLOWUS

Race fans can keep up with Firestone Racing and the 2020 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season all year long by following @FirestoneRacing on Twitter and Instagram.

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INDYCAR SEASON PREVIEW

THE 2020 NTT INDYCAR SERIES SEASON KICKS OFF THIS WEEKEND WITH THE FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG, THE 10TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR AS THE OPENING RACE AND THE 17TH YEAR INDY CARS HAVE ROARED THROUGH THE DOWNTOWN STREETS OF THIS BEAUTIFUL CITY BY THE BAY.

By Curt Calvin // Photography by INDYCAR Media

rom a competition standpoint, the series has a similar look and feel, with drivers from Team Penske, Chip Ganassi Racing and Andretti Autosport expected to be the strongest at each of the 17 races. Add St. Petersburg resident Sebastien Bourdais, who is driving for AJ Foyt Racing this season, to that mix, particularly here in St. Petersburg, where he won in 2017 and ’18.

Behind the scenes, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES is different. Two months ago, Roger Penske purchased all motorsports assets from Hulman & Company, which had owned Indianapolis Motor Speedway since November 1945.

Penske Entertainment now owns the iconic Indianapolis oval track which has staged the Indianapolis 500 since 1911, and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Founded in 1968, Team Penske is the most successful organization in Indy car history, with 212 race victories, 271 poles and 16 season championships. In 2019, the team won nine of the 17 races, including Josef Newgarden’s victory here in St. Petersburg and Simon Pagenaud’s victory in the Indianapolis 500.

Newgarden (No. 1 Hitachi Chevrolet)

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won four races last season en route to his second series title in the past three years.

Pagenaud (No. 22 Menards Chevrolet) won three races, Will Power (No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet) two. Power, who won this St. Petersburg race in 2010 and 2014, is tied with Bourdais for sixth place on the sport’s alltime wins list with 37 race victories. Power won the 2014 season championship and the 2018 Indianapolis 500. Pagenaud won the series title in 2016. Newgarden and Pagenaud each have 14 career race victories.

Team Penske will be bidding for its record-extending 10th victory in St. Petersburg, having won three times with Helio Castroneves (2006, ’07 and ‘12), twice with Power, twice with Juan Pablo Montoya (2015, ’16) and once each with Ryan Briscoe (2009) and Newgarden.

Team Penske figures to have plenty of challengers this weekend. Andretti Autosport’s Alexander Rossi (No. 27 NAPA AUTO PARTS/AutoNation Honda) finished third in last year’s standings with a pair of race wins. He and teammate Ryan Hunter-Reay (No. 28 DHL Honda) are a threat to win each race, and they have added another race-winning teammate, Colton Herta (No. 88 Capstone Honda), who won two races and three poles on a

Harding Steinbrenner Racing team that had a technical alliance with Michael Andretti’s organization. Hunter-Reay has never won here in St. Petersburg, although he has finished second on three occasions with seven top-five finishes.

Last spring, Herta became the youngest race winner in the sport’s history (18 years, 11 months, 25 days) when he won the INDYCAR Classic at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas. Herta later became the youngest pole winner in series history (19 years, 2 months, 24 days) when he was the top qualifier at Road America, a road course in Elkhart Lake, Wis. Andretti Autosport also fields the cars of Marco Andretti (No. 98 U.S. Concrete/Curb Honda) and Zach Veach

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(No. 26 Gainbridge Honda). Andretti and Veach finished 13th and 14th, respectively, in last year’s race here.

Andretti Autosport has added James Hinchcliffe, the St. Petersburg race winner in 2013, to its program for a three-race schedule beginning in May. Hinchcliffe will drive the No. 29 Genesys Honda in the two May races at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the June 6 race at Texas Motor Speedway.

Meyer Shank Racing fields the No. 60 AutoNation/SiriusXM Honda for Jack Harvey, and it should benefit this season from a new alliance with Andretti Tech-

nologies. Harvey’s career includes 19 races in the series, including a 10th-place finish last year here in St. Petersburg.

The Arrow McLaren SP team had the most significant makeover from the 2019 season. Team co-owners Sam Schmidt and Ric Peterson, along with Arrow, joined forces with McLaren Racing to form this new organization. The team also switched from Honda to Chevrolet, and a reworking of the driver lineup followed.

The two most recent Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires champions now drive for Arrow McLaren SP: Pato O’Ward (2018) and Oliver Askew (2019). Askew, the Jupi-

ter, Fla., resident who is 23, and O’Ward, 20, represent one of the youngest pairings in the series, but they will lean on the experience of McLaren’s Gil de Ferran, a two-time Indy car champion and 2003 Indianapolis 500 winner, and Robert Wickens, who was dazzling in his 2018 season in the series. O’Ward will drive the No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet, Askew will drive the No. 7 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet.

Former Formula One driver Marcus Ericsson (No. 8 Huski Chocolate Honda) has moved to Chip Ganassi Racing, where he will team with five-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Scott Dixon

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(No. 9 PNC Bank Honda) and 2019 Rookie of the Year Felix Rosenqvist (No. 10 NTT DATA Honda). This is the first time since 2017 that Chip Ganassi’s team has fielded more than two full-season cars.

Dixon won a pair of races last season, including the July 28 race at the MidOhio Sports Car Course where he held off Rosenqvist in what was the closest 1-2 finish of the season, a separation of 0.0934 seconds. Dixon enters this season with 46 career series race wins, which ranks third on the sport’s all-time list. Six more wins ties him with Mario Andretti for second place; A.J. Foyt holds the record with 67.

Rosenqvist finished sixth in the standings last year with two second-place finishes in the final five races. St. Petersburg was his breakout race, qualifying third and finishing fourth with 31 laps led. Look for him to be stronger in 2020 even though it might be difficult to break into the top five of the standings.

Ahead of him last year were the three Team Penske drivers, Rossi and Dixon.

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing returns two veteran drivers. Takuma Sato (No. 30 Panasonic Honda) won a pair of races last season – at Barber Motorsports Park from the pole and at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway – to continue his streak of seasons with at least one win to three. He and Graham Rahal (No. 15 United Rentals Honda) finished ninth and 10th in the standings, respectively, and figure to be stronger this season. Rahal’s first victory in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES came here in St. Petersburg in 2008.

The race team operated by former driver

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Dale Coyne looks different in 2020. With Bourdais now driving for Foyt, Santino Ferrucci moves to the No. 18 SealMaster Honda for Dale Coyne Racing with VasserSullivan. Ferrucci will be the team leader despite having only one NTT INDYCAR SERIES season under his belt and still being one of the youngest drivers in the series (20). Ferrucci was the series’ top rookie at the Indianapolis 500 after finishing seventh. He also scored the third-most points on the series’ five oval tracks, outscored only by Newgarden and Pagenaud.

Coyne’s other driver will be Alex Palou, a rookie driving the No. 55 Honda for Dale Coyne Racing with Team Goh. Palou, a 23-year-old Spaniard, showed speed at the first open test of the season, held last month at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas. He was ninth among the 27 participating drivers.

The Foyt team will have a mix of experience and youth among its drivers. Charlie Kimball is confirmed for a full-time ride in the No. 4 Chevrolet. The No. 14 Chevrolet that Foyt made famous as a driver has announced a ride-sharing program with Bourdais in for four races, including St. Petersburg, Tony Kanaan for the five oval races and rookie Dalton Kellett for eight road course races. Kellett, who spent three seasons in Indy Lights, will join Kanaan and Kimball in the Indianapolis 500 as part of a three-car team entry.

Kanaan, 45, has announced this will be his final season as an NTT INDYCAR SERIES regular. He was the series champion in 2004 and won the Indianapolis 500 in 2013.

Ed Carpenter Racing has two Chevroletpowered cars here in St. Petersburg, the No. 20 driven by Conor Daly and the No. 21 driven by rookie Rinus VeeKay, last year’s Indy Lights runner-up. Daly competed in three races last year for three different teams. He finished 10th in the Indianapolis 500 for Andretti Autosport. Daly will share the car this year with team owner Ed Carpenter, who will compete in the five oval races; Daly will drive the road courses and become a third entry for the Indianapolis 500.

Carlin will field Max Chilton in the No. 59 Gallagher Chevrolet. He has made 62 career starts in the series and in recent years has focused on the road courses. The team had not confirmed its second driver as of this writing.

DragonSpeed has Ben Hanley driving the No. 81 Chevrolet in a part-time schedule. Dreyer & Reinbold Racing is fielding Sage Karam in the No. 24 Chevrolet.

The 17-race schedule is comprised of five temporary street circuits like the 14-turn, 1.8-mile circuit used here in St. Petersburg, five oval tracks and seven permanent road courses. The season ends with the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey (Calif.) held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on Sept. 20.

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MetWest International | 4142 W. Boy Scout Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33607 DavidoffTampa.com | 813-513-7560

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RYAN

HUNTER-REAY

By Bruce Martin // Photography by INDYCAR Media

ong before becoming a champion on race tracks like this one in St. Petersburg, Ryan Hunter-Reay displayed the look of an NTT INDYCAR SERIES superhero.

In 2008, the native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., captured the attention of PhillipsVan Heusen (PVH) executives. When the company’s IZOD brand unveiled a marketing campaign and announced a partnership with INDYCAR on July 4 of that year, Hunter-Reay was its featured driver. A huge billboard featuring Hunter-Reay was about to be unveiled in New York’s Times Square the day after the race at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International.

Hunter-Reay did his part by winning the race, his first victory since returning to the Indianapolis-based series midway through the 2007 season.

Hunter-Reay went on to win the 2012 NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship and the 2014 Indianapolis 500 for Andretti Autosport. In the 500, Hunter-Reay outdueled Team Penske’s Helio Castroneves to become the first driver from the United States to win the world’s biggest race

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since Sam Hornish, Jr. in 2006.

With those two major accomplishments – a series championship and the coveted 500 -- Hunter-Reay was nicknamed “Captain America.” He certainly fit the part, both in his striking personal appearance and in his aggressive racing style on the track.

Hunter-Reay, who drives the No. 28 DHL Honda for Michael Andretti’s team, still carries that title, but he has been challenged for that role by Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden of Nashville, Tenn., and Andretti Autosport’s Alexander Rossi of Nevada City, Calif. Both men are bigtime winners in INDYCAR and in Rossi’s case, he won the 100th Indianapolis 500 in 2016.

Newgarden (No. 1 Hitachi Chevrolet) has captured the NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship twice in the past three years, including last year. Newgarden’s path to last year’s series title began with a win in the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

Rossi drives the No. 27 NAPA AUTO PARTS/ AutoNation Honda.

Another young driver, 19-year-old Colton Herta of Belleair, Fla., has the looks of becoming an American star after win-

FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG

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ning two races during his rookie season in 2019. Herta (No. 88 Capstone Honda) won last year’s INDYCAR Classic at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, and the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Northern California.

Hunter-Reay, Rossi and Herta all are part of the five-driver team at Andretti Autosport. The other two drivers are Americans as well: Marco Andretti (No. 98 U.S. Concrete/Curb Honda) of Nazareth, Pa., and Zach Veach (No. 26 Gainbridge Honda) of Stockdale, Ohio.

Although Hunter-Reay was winless in 2019, he believes he remains on top of his game. He won two races with six podiums and a fourth-place finish in the standings in 2018. He is determined to return to that racing level. “(That year) was one of the best racing seasons ever when you look at top-10s, top-five finishes and podiums,” HunterReay said during the recent open test at Circuit of The Americas. “We had a few triple-bogeys that didn’t work during the season and that really sidelined our 2018 in terms of the championship.

“In 2019, we never hit our stride. It was always something, (and) you’ll have those seasons. For some reason for me, it’s the odd-numbered years never really click.

Hopefully, we can change that in 2020.”

Hunter-Reay has been one of the best drivers in the history of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, although he has never been to victory lane in the event.

He has finished second on three occasions (2009, ’10 and ’14) and added third-place finishes in 2012 and ’16, and he finished fourth in 2017 and fifth in ’18. In the past four years he has three top-five finishes.

Hunter-Reay believes he is as fresh as ever and ready to take on the competition in the 2020 NTT INDYCAR SERIES. “Every year, the competition keeps getting harder and harder,” Hunter-Reay said.

“There is a lot of tight competition in the series and somehow it keeps getting more and more competitive.”

Hunter-Reay’s 18 victories ranks 26th on the sport’s all-time list. He has more wins that some of the biggest names, including 1985 Indianapolis 500 winner Danny Sullivan, two-time Champ Car World Series champion Alex Zanardi and recent NTT INDYCAR SERIES champions Josef Newgarden and Simon Pagenaud.

At age 39, Hunter-Reay has moved into the latest stage in his life. He and his wife, Beccy, the sister of standout racer Robby Gordon, have three young boys. Ryden, Rocsen and Rhodes keep their parents busy not only with the routine aspects of life but also with budding interest in gokarts. There are times when all five of them are on a track.

“It’s wild,” Hunter-Reay said of parenting. “But being a dad is the best thing that’s happened in my life – bar none.”

With all the responsibilities at home, Hunter-Reay is convinced he still has the pace in his NTT INDYCAR SERIES car to live up to his “Captain America” title, and he is ready to prove it in the 2020 season that begins this weekend.

“I have to show it and do what I know how to do,” Hunter-Reay said. “That’s not an issue for me.”

Rossi said Hunter-Reay remains the driver he leans on the most for driving advice.

“I think him and I have kind of been joined at the hip for a lot of years now in a lot of ways,” Rossi said. “We feed off each other really well and work well together. It’s great to have a teammate like that.

“With how competitive this series is, you need to have guys you can rely upon.

The first one I go to at the end of every session is this guy, and hopefully we can put two cars at the front (this weekend).”

While this is the first race of the 2020 season, there are many events ahead where Hunter-Reay has won. He has won on the streets of Long Beach, Calif., Detroit and Toronto, on the short oval at Iowa Speedway (three times) and of course the superspeedway at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

If the upcoming season plays out like those in the past, Hunter-Reay could again have a strong chance to win another season crown. He finished fourth in the 2018 standings.

“We look at every year as a good chance to win the title,” he said. “And this is no different. We have all the resources we need at Andretti Autosport; now it’s a matter of getting the job done.”

Andretti Autosport drivers have combined to win seven races over the past two seasons: five by Rossi and HunterReay’s two. The team has been particularly strong in the Indianapolis 500, winning five times since 2005 with five different drivers (Dan Wheldon in 2005, Dario Franchitti in 2007, Hunter Reay in 2014, Rossi in 2016 and Takuma Sato in 2017).

Marco Andretti lost the 2006 race to Hornish by 0.0635 seconds, one of the closest finishes in event history.

“There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be strong there again this year,” HunterReay said. “That’s always the big prize to the season, something we all shoot for.

That and the championship, of course.”

The 17-race NTT INDYCAR SERIES includes five temporary street circuits, five oval tracks and seven permanent road courses. The season ends Sept. 20 in Monterey, Calif.

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JOSEF 1 NEWGARDEN 20RAC1E9

WINNER

TEAM PENSKE

2019 POINTS

2019 RANK

641 josefnewgarden.com

YEARS IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES

1

8

DATE OF BIRTH

HOMETOWN

RESIDENCE

December 22, 1990

Hendersonville, TN

Nashville, TN

Josef Newgarden

@josefnewgarden

@josefnewgarden

CAR NAME

No. 1 Hitachi Dallara/Chevrolet

FIRST START

March 25, 2012 - Streets of St. Petersburg

CHASSIS

Dallara IR-18

FIRST WIN

April 26, 2015 - Barber Motorsports Park

AERO/ENGINE

Chevrolet

FIRST POLE

July 12, 2015 - The Milwaukee Mile

Josef Newgarden charged to his second NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship in 2019 - after also winning his first championship in 2017 with Team Penske. Last year he won four races (St. Petersburg, Belle Isle #1, Fort Worth and Iowa), and achieved a total of 12 top-five finishes. He also led a career best 490 laps across all 17 races in 2019. This will be his fourth season with Team Penske.

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CHARLIE KIMBALL

4

A. J. FOYT ENTERPRISES

2019 POINTS

2019 RANK

YEARS IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES

117 25 10 charliekimball.com

Charlie Kimball

DATE OF BIRTH

HOMETOWN

RESIDENCE

February 20, 1985

Camarillo, CA

Indianapolis, IN

@RaceWithInsulin

@charliekimball

CAR NAME

No. 4 Tresiba Chevrolet

FIRST START

March 27, 2011 - Streets of St. Petersburg

CHASSIS

Dallara IR-18

FIRST WIN

August 4, 2013 - Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

AERO/ENGINE

Chevrolet

FIRST POLE

June 9, 2017 - Texas Motor Speedway

Joining AJ Foyt Racing this year, Charlie Kimball is competing in his 10th season in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES as the pilot of No. 4 Tresiba/AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet. Global healthcare company Novo Nordisk has sponsored Kimball for his entire career at the premier level of motorsports. In 141 starts, Kimball has secured six podium finishes, 14 top-five (including six podiums) and 57 top-10 finishes.

FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG

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PATRICIO O'WARD

5

ARROW MCLAREN SP

2019 POINTS

2019 RANK

115 26 patriciooward.com

PatricioOWard

YEARS IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES

2

DATE OF BIRTH

HOMETOWN

RESIDENCE

May 6, 1999

Monterrey, Mexico

San Antonio, TX

@patriciooward

@patriciooward

CAR NAME

No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet

FIRST START

September 16, 2018 - Grand Prix of Sonoma

CHASSIS

Dallara IR-18

FIRST WIN

N/A

AERO/ENGINE

Chevrolet

FIRST POLE

N/A

For 2020 Pato O'Ward is joining the newly formed Arrow McLaren SP Team. In 2018 he was crowned Indy Lights Champion and in 2019 O'Ward made seven INDYCAR starts with Carlin. His best finish was eighth at Austin.

FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG

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2020-03-02 5:19 PM

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OLIVER ASKEW

7

ARROW MCLAREN SP

2019 POINTS

2019 RANK

N/A N/A oliveraskew.com

YEARS IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES

ROOKIE YEAR

DATE OF BIRTH

HOMETOWN

RESIDENCE

December 12, 1996

Jupiter, FL

Jupiter, FL

oliveraskewracing

@oliver_askew

@oliveraskew

CAR NAME

No. 7 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet

FIRST START

N/A

CHASSIS

Dallara IR-18

FIRST WIN

N/A

AERO/ENGINE

Chevrolet

FIRST POLE

N/A

Oliver Askew has joined the Arrow McLaren SP team for his rookie INDYCAR season. The Road to Indy graduate finished 2019 with seven Indy Lights victory and the Championship title. Askew moved through Road to Indy quickly and completed his first INDYCAR test in January at Sebring.

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2020-03-02 12:16 PM

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MARCUS 8 ERICSSON CHIP GANASSI RACING

2019 POINTS

2019 RANK

290 17 marcusericsson.com

MarcusEricsson

YEARS IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES

2

DATE OF BIRTH

HOMETOWN

RESIDENCE

September 2, 1990

Kumla, Sweden

Indianapolis, IN

@Ericsson_Marcus

@ericsson_marcus

CAR NAME

No. 8 Huski Chocolate Honda

FIRST START

March 10, 2019 - Streets of St. Petersburg

CHASSIS

Dallara IR-18

FIRST WIN

N/A

AERO/ENGINE

Honda

FIRST POLE

N/A

In 2019 Ericsson moved to INDYCAR from Formula One, where he had competed for five years with 97 starts. He made sixteen starts in the 2019 season, with a best finish of third at Belle Isle #2. For the 2020 season he has joined Chip Ganassi racing, with a new premier partner - Huski Chocolate.

FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG

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9

SCOTT DIXON

CHIP GANASSI RACING

2019 POINTS

2019 RANK

YEARS IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES

578 4 scottdixon.com

ScottDixon

20

DATE OF BIRTH

HOMETOWN

RESIDENCE

July 22, 1980

Auckland, New Zealand

Indianapolis, IN

@scottdixon9

@scottdixon9

CAR NAME

No. 9 PNC Bank Honda

FIRST START

March 11, 2001 - Monterrey, Mexico

CHASSIS

Dallara IR-18

FIRST WIN

May 6, 2001 - Nazareth Speedway

AERO/ENGINE

Honda

FIRST POLE

April 13, 2003 - Twin Ring Motegi

A five-time INDYCAR Champion (2003, 2008, 2013, 2015, 2018), Scott Dixon holds the record for most wins of any active INDYCAR driver (and is third in overall wins, behind Mario Andretti and AJ Foyt). With his 2018 Championship Dixon is only two behind AJ Foyt for championship wins. Dixon had two victories in 2019 (Belle Isle #2 and Mid Ohio.) The 2020 season marks his 19th year with Chip Ganassi Racing, the longest tenure for any driver with the team.

FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG

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FELIX 10 ROSENQVIST CHIP GANASSI RACING

2019 POINTS

2019 RANK

YEARS IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES

425 6 felixracing.se

2

DATE OF BIRTH

HOMETOWN

RESIDENCE

November 7, 1991

Värnamo, Sweden

Indianapolis, IN

FelixRosenqvistOfficial

@FRosenqvist

@frosenqvist

CAR NAME

No. 10 NTT DATA Honda

FIRST START

March 10, 2019 - Streets of St. Petersburg

CHASSIS

Dallara IR-18

FIRST WIN

N/A

AERO/ENGINE

Honda

FIRST POLE

May 10, 2019 - INDYCAR Grand Prix

In 2019, Rosenqvist joined Chip Ganassi Racing after two years in the ABB FIA Formula E Championship. Rosenqvist won the Rookie of the Year award in 2019, beating out Colton Herta by five points. In 2019, he raced to two podium finishes, finishing second at both Mid Ohio and Portland.

FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG

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2020-02-27 10:55 AM

WILL POWER

12 20RACE14

20RACE10

WINNER

WINNER

TEAM PENSKE

2019 POINTS

2019 RANK

YEARS IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES

550 5 willpower12.com

Will-Power12

15

DATE OF BIRTH

HOMETOWN

RESIDENCE

March 1, 1981

Toowoomba, Australia

Charlotte, NC

@12willpower

@12willpower

CAR NAME

No. 12 Verizon Dallara/Chevrolet

FIRST START

October 23, 2005 - Surfers Paradise

CHASSIS

Dallara IR-18

FIRST WIN

April 8, 2007 - Las Vegas Street Circuit

AERO/ENGINE

Chevrolet

FIRST POLE

October 21, 2006 - Surfers Paradise

In 2019, Will Power finished the season fifth in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship standings with two race wins, extending his streak of having at least one race win per season which dates back all the way to 2007. Last season, the 2018 Indianapolis 500 winner and 2014 NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion claimed two wins (Pocono and Portland), three poles, and eight top-five finishes.

FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG

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SÉBASTIAN 14 BOURDAIS 2RA0CE17

WINNER

20RACE18

WINNER

A.J. FOYT ENTERPRISES

2019 POINTS

2019 RANK

YEARS IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES

387 11 sbourdais.com

SBourdais

14

DATE OF BIRTH

HOMETOWN

RESIDENCE

February 28, 1979

Le Mans, France

St. Petersburg, Florida

@Bourdaisontrack

@SBourdais

CAR NAME

No. 14 A.J. Foyt Racing Chevrolet

FIRST START

February 23, 2003 - Streets of St. Petersburg

CHASSIS

Dallara IR-18

FIRST WIN

May 5, 2003 - Brands Hatch, England

AERO/ENGINE

Chevrolet

FIRST POLE

February 22, 2003 - Streets of St. Petersburg

Sebastien Bourdais is the only NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver to win four consecutive championships (2004-2007). He ranks sixth on the all-time win list with 37 victories and seventh in career poles with 34. In his first race back after a severe injury in 2017, he won the 2018 Firestone Grand Prix. In 2020, he will drive four races in the No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet, including the season opener in St. Petersburg.

FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG

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2020-03-02 12:11 PM

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GRAHAM RAHAL

20RA0CE8

15

WINNER

RAHAL LETTERMAN LANIGAN RACING

2019 POINTS

2019 RANK

YEARS IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES

389 10 grahamrahal.com

GrahamRahal

13

DATE OF BIRTH

HOMETOWN

RESIDENCE

January 4, 1989

Columbus, OH

Indianapolis, IN

@grahamrahal

@grahamrahal

CAR NAME

United Rentals Honda

FIRST START

April 8, 2007 - Streets of Las Vegas

CHASSIS

Dallara IR-18

FIRST WIN

April 6, 2008 - Streets of St. Petersburg

AERO/ENGINE

Honda

FIRST POLE

April 5, 2009 - Streets of St. Petersburg

In 2019, Rahal had four top-five finishes and a front row start. He enters the 2020 season looking to make headway in an increasingly difficult field of drivers.

FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG

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SANTINO 18 FERRUCCI DALE COYNE RACING WITH VASSER-SULLIVAN

2019 POINTS

2019 RANK

326 13 santinoferrucci.com

YEARS IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES

2

DATE OF BIRTH

HOMETOWN

RESIDENCE

May 31, 1998

Woodbury, CT

Woodbury, CT

@santinoferrucci

CAR NAME

No. 18 SealMaster-Dale Coyne Racing with Vasser-Sullivan

FIRST START

June 2, 2018 - Chevrolet Dual in Detroit

CHASSIS

Dallara IR-18

FIRST WIN

N/A

AERO/ENGINE

Honda

FIRST POLE

N/A

Ferrucci initially joined Dale Coyne Racing as an injury replacement for Pietro Fittipaldi in 2018. In 2019 he joined the Dale Coyne Racing team for a full season, making all 17 starts. He finished the 2019 season in third place in the Rookie of the Year standings and with three fourth place finishes. For 2020 he has moved to the No. 18 Vasser-Sullivan entry.

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2020-02-28 2/19/19 11:44 11:48AM AM

20

CONOR DALY

ED CARPENTER RACING

2019 POINTS

2019 RANK

YEARS IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES

149 24 conordaly.net

7

DATE OF BIRTH

HOMETOWN

RESIDENCE

December 15, 1991

Noblesville, IN

Indianapolis, IN

ConorDalyOfficial

@ConorDaly22

@conordaly22

CAR NAME

No. 20 U.S. Air Force Chevrolet

FIRST START

May 26, 2013 - Indianapolis 500

CHASSIS

Dallara IR-18

FIRST WIN

N/A

AERO/ENGINE

Chevrolet

FIRST POLE

N/A

Conor Daly has joined Ed Carpenter Racing for the twelve road and street course events and Indianapolis 500, driving the U.S. Air Force Chevrolet. Last season saw Daly make seven starts racing for three different INDYCAR teams: Andretti, Carlin, and Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. His best finish was sixth at the Bommarito Automotive Group 500.

FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG

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2020-03-02 5:21 PM

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RINUS VEEKAY

21

ED CARPENTER RACING

2019 POINTS

2019 RANK

N/A N/A rinusveekay.com

rinusveekay

YEARS IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES

ROOKIE YEAR

DATE OF BIRTH

HOMETOWN

RESIDENCE

September 11, 2000

Hoofddorp, Netherlands

Hoofddorp, Netherlands

@rinusveekay

@rinusveekay

CAR NAME

No. 21 SONAX/Autogeek Chevrolet

FIRST START

N/A

CHASSIS

Dallara IR-18

FIRST WIN

N/A

AERO/ENGINE

Chevrolet

FIRST POLE

N/A

Rinus VeeKay will be the full-time pilot of the No. 21 Chevrolet this season. He is a graduate of the Road to Indy program, with wins at all levels of the program. In 2019, he competed in the Indy Lights series, where he won six races and appeared on the podium at 14 out of 18 races.

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SIMON 22 PAGENAUD TEAM PENSKE

2019 POINTS

2019 RANK

616 2 simon-pagenaud.racing

Simonpagenaud

YEARS IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES

10

DATE OF BIRTH

HOMETOWN

RESIDENCE

May 18, 1984

Montmorillon, France

Charlotte, NC

@simonpagenaud

@simonpagenaud

CAR NAME

No. 22 Menards/DXC Technology Dallara/Chevrolet

FIRST START

April 8, 2007 - Las Vegas Street Circuit

CHASSIS

Dallara IR-18

FIRST WIN

June 2, 2013 - The Raceway at Belle Isle

AERO/ENGINE

Chevrolet

FIRST POLE

June 28, 2014 - NRG Park Stadium Circuit

In 2019, Simon Pagenaud won the Indianapolis 500 for the first time – making him the first Frenchman to win the iconic race in nearly a century. The 2016 NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion won three poles, and also won the IndyCar Grand Prix and Toronto during the 2019 season, allowing him to finish the season second in the championship point standings.

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SAGE KARAM

24

DREYER & REINBOLD RACING

2019 POINTS

2019 RANK

39 27 sagekaram.com

SageKaram

YEARS IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES

6

DATE OF BIRTH

HOMETOWN

RESIDENCE

March 5, 1995

Nazareth, PA

Nazareth, PA

@SageKaram

@sagekaramofficial

CAR NAME

No. 24 WIX Filters Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Chevrolet Dallara

FIRST START

May 25, 2014 - Indianapolis 500

CHASSIS

Dallara IR-18

FIRST WIN

N/A

AERO/ENGINE

Chevrolet

FIRST POLE

N/A

This year the DDR team will be expanding their NTT INDYCAR SERIES season with plans to run in several races, including the Indianapolis 500. Karam has completed six partial seasons, only one of which included more than three races. He was named the Hard Charger of the Race in his first INDYCAR race, the Indianapolis 500 in 2014, and achieved at his best finish, third, at the 2015 Iowa 300.

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ZACH VEACH

26

ANDRETTI AUTOSPORT

2019 POINTS

2019 RANK

271 18 zachveach.com

YEARS IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES

3

DATE OF BIRTH

HOMETOWN

RESIDENCE

December 9, 1994

Stockdale, OH

Indianapolis, IN

ZachVeachRacing

@ZachVeach

@ZachVeach

CAR NAME

No. 26 Gainbridge Honda

FIRST START

April 23, 2017 - Barber

CHASSIS

Dallara IR-18

FIRST WIN

N/A

AERO/ENGINE

Honda

FIRST POLE

N/A

Zach Veach made his INDYCAR debut in 2017 as an injury replacement for JR Hildebrand at Barber. In 2018, he completed his first full season, achieving two top-five finishes (Grand Prix of Long Beach and Gateway Grand Prix). His best finishes in 2019 were eighth at Belle Isle #1 and #2. Veach is a graduate of the Road to Indy program and the first driver to race on all levels with the same team.

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ALEXANDER 27 ROSSI ANDRETTI AUTOSPORT

2019 POINTS

2019 RANK

YEARS IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES

608 3 alexanderrossi.com

4

DATE OF BIRTH

HOMETOWN

RESIDENCE

September 25, 1991

Nevada City, CA

Indianapolis, IN

AlexanderRossi

@alexanderrossi

@alexanderrossi

CAR NAME

No. 27 AutoNation / NAPA AUTO PARTS Honda

FIRST START

March 13, 2016 - Streets of St. Petersburg

CHASSIS

Dallara IR-18

FIRST WIN

Indianapolis 500 (2016)

AERO/ENGINE

Honda

FIRST POLE

September 2, 2017 - Watkins Glen

Rossi finished the 2019 season in third place, making it the second year in a row he was in championship contention until the final flag. In 2019, he had two victories and eleven top-five finishes.

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RYAN 28 HUNTER-REAY ANDRETTI AUTOSPORT

2019 POINTS

2019 RANK

YEARS IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES

420 8 ryanracing.com

RyanHunter-Reay

17

DATE OF BIRTH

HOMETOWN

RESIDENCE

December 17, 1980

Dallas, TX

Ft. Lauderdale, FL

@ryanhunterreay

@ryanhunterreay

CAR NAME

No. 28 DHL Honda

FIRST START

February 23, 2003 - Streets of St. Petersburg

CHASSIS

Dallara IR-18

FIRST WIN

October 26, 2003 - Surfers Paradise

AERO/ENGINE

Honda

FIRST POLE

June 4, 2004 - The Milwaukee Mile

Hunter-Reay won the INDYCAR Championship in 2012 and he is the only American driver to record wins in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, CART, Champ Car, American Le Mans Series and Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series. In 2019, he had two podiums (Austin and Mid Ohio) and led 90 laps.

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TAKUMA SATO

30

RAHAL LETTERMAN LANIGAN RACING

2019 POINTS

2019 RANK

415 9 takumasato.com

YEARS IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES

10

DATE OF BIRTH

HOMETOWN

RESIDENCE

January 28, 1977

Toyko, Japan

Indianapolis, IN

@takumasatoracer

CAR NAME

Mi-Jack / Panasonic Honda

FIRST START

March 14, 2010 - Streets of Sao Paulo

CHASSIS

Dallara IR-18

FIRST WIN

April 21, 2013 - Streets of Long Beach

AERO/ENGINE

Honda

FIRST POLE

June 24, 2011 - Iowa Speedway

In 2018, Sato returned to Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing - he had last raced with them in 2012. In 2019, he had two wins (Alabama, Gateway), two poles (Alabama, Texas) and led 200 laps.

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ALEX PALOU

55

DALE COYNE RACING WITH TEAM GOH

2019 POINTS

2019 RANK

N/A N/A alexpalou.com

YEARS IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES

ROOKIE YEAR

DATE OF BIRTH

HOMETOWN

RESIDENCE

April 1, 1997

Barcelona, Spain

Austin, Texas

alexpaloumontalbo

@AlexPalou

@alexpalou

CAR NAME

#55 Dale Coyne Racing with Team Goh

FIRST START

N/A

CHASSIS

Dallara IR-18

FIRST WIN

N/A

AERO/ENGINE

Honda

FIRST POLE

N/A

Alex Palou is making his NTT INDYCAR SERIES debut this weekend with Dale Coyne Racing with Team Goh. In 2019, Palou was the top rookie in Japan’s Super Formula after finishing third in the championship with a win in the wet at Fuji. He also won the pole position at Fuji, Motegi and Suzuka-2 and set the fastest lap at Suzuka-1 and Fuji. Prior to racing in Asia, he competed in Formula 3 in Europe.

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MAX 59 CHILTON CARLIN

2019 POINTS

2019 RANK

131 22 maxchilton.com

MaxChiltonOfficial

YEARS IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES

4

DATE OF BIRTH

HOMETOWN

RESIDENCE

April 24, 1991

Reigate, England

Reigate, England

@maxchilton

@maxchilton

CAR NAME

Gallagher Carlin Chevrolet

FIRST START

March 13, 2016 - Streets of St. Petersburg

CHASSIS

Dallara IR-18

FIRST WIN

N/A

AERO/ENGINE

Chevrolet

FIRST POLE

N/A

In 2018 Chilton joined the newly formed Carlin team, after spending his first two seasons in the series with another team. His best result to date came at the 2017 Indianapolis 500 where he finished 4th, after leading a race-high 50 laps. Chilton is the first British driver in more than a decade and just the fourth in the last 24 years (Nigel Mansell - 1994, Mark Blundell - 1996, Justin Wilson - 2004) to have driven full-time in Formula 1 prior to joining the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

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JACK HARVEY

60

MEYER SHANK RACING

2019 POINTS

2019 RANK

YEARS IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES

186 21 jackharvey.com

JackHarveyRacing

3

DATE OF BIRTH

HOMETOWN

RESIDENCE

April 15, 1993

Lincoln, England

Indianapolis, IN

@jack_harvey42

@jack_harvey42

CAR NAME

AutoNation / SiriusXM Honda

FIRST START

May 28, 2017 - Indianapolis 500

CHASSIS

Dallara IR-18

FIRST WIN

N/A

AERO/ENGINE

Honda

FIRST POLE

N/A

2020 marks the first year the Meyer Shank Racing will contest a complete NTT INDYCAR SERIES season and with a new technical partnership with Andretti Technologies. MSR began their journey in 2017 with an Indianapolis 500 start and grew to six starts in 2018. In 2019 the team expanded their season and raced in ten events. Harvey earned his first podium at the 2019 INDYCAR Grand Prix, where he finished third.

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BEN HANLEY

81

DRAGONSPEED

2019 POINTS

2019 RANK

31 30 CAR IMAGE Jan 22,HERE Manchester, DATE OF BIRTH

1985

benhanley.com

benhanleyofficial

YEARS IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES

1

HOMETOWN

RESIDENCE

England

Manchester, England

@benhanley85

CAR NAME

No. 81 DragonSpeed

FIRST START

March 10, 2018 - Streets of St. Petersburg

CHASSIS

Dallara IR-18

FIRST WIN

N/A

AERO/ENGINE

Chevrolet

FIRST POLE

N/A

2019 saw Ben Hanley drive for DragonSpeed in three NTT INDYCAR SERIES events, making his Indianapolis 500 debut with the team and scoring his best qualifying and race results at St Petersburg. After early success in karting and the Formula Renault ladder, Hanley’s progress stalled in GP2. Going back to karts, he claimed numerous podiums at World and European level through 2015. An immediate frontrunner on his return to cars in 2016, Ben cemented his comeback and star status with DragonSpeed in ELMS, IMSA, and WEC LMP2 competition.

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COLTON HERTA

88

ANDRETTI HARDING STEINBRENNER AUTOSPORT

2019 POINTS

2019 RANK

420 7 andrettiautosport.com

YEARS IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES

2

DATE OF BIRTH

HOMETOWN

RESIDENCE

March 30, 2000

Valencia, CA

Belleair, FL

ColtonHertaRacing

@ColtonHerta

@coltonherta

CAR NAME

No. 88 Capstone Turbine Honda

FIRST START

September 16, 2018 - Sonoma

CHASSIS

Dallara IR-18

FIRST WIN

March 24, 2019 - Circuit of The Americas

AERO/ENGINE

Honda

FIRST POLE

June 23, 2019 - Road America

Colton Herta took INDYCAR by storm in 2019, setting two impressive records -- the youngest winner in series history and the youngest pole sitter. While he finished five points behind Rosenqvist in the Rookie of the Year standings, he was the only rookie who stood atop the podium in 2019 -- twice.

66

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MARCO 98 ANDRETTI ANDRETTI HERTA AUTOSPORT W/ MARCO ANDRETTI & CURB-AGAJANIAN

2019 POINTS

2019 RANK

YEARS IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES

303 16 marcoandretti.com

14

DATE OF BIRTH

HOMETOWN

RESIDENCE

March 13, 1997

Nazareth, PA

Nazareth, PA

@marcoandretti

@marcoandretti

CAR NAME

No. 98 U.S. Concrete / Curb Honda

FIRST START

March 26, 2006 - Homestead-Miami Speedway

CHASSIS

Dallara IR-18

FIRST WIN

March 27, 2006 - Sonoma Raceway

AERO/ENGINE

Honda

FIRST POLE

June 1, 2008 - The Milwaukee Mile

In 2019, Andretti had five top-ten finishes, with sixth place finishes at Belle Isle #2 and Austin. In 2020, he will pilot the No. 98 entry for a second year.

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READY FOR

ACTION

INDY LIGHTS PREVIEW

By Jeremy Shaw // Photography Chris Bucher/Road to Indy

old onto your hats. More than five months have gone by since an exciting 2019 North American open-wheel season wrapped up at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in California, but finally it’s time to go racing again. As has become a tradition, the NTT IndyCar Series will spring into action this weekend on the Streets of St. Petersburg. And it almost goes without saying that a fresh batch of aspiring future IndyCar stars also will be on display as all three rungs of the Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires openwheel development ladder kick off their new seasons.

Ten years have passed since the advent of the Road to Indy. Former team owner Dan Andersen and his Andersen Promotions group began their involvement by reforming the popular Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship in 2010 following a four-year hiatus, and took over promotion of Indy Pro 2000 (or Star Mazda as it was then, and later Pro Mazda) in 2013.

Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires joined the fold one year later and continues to provide the final stepping stone into the “big cars,” just as it has since its introduction – when it was known as the American Racing Series – in 1986.

Almost all of the champions since then have gone on to forge successful careers in Indy cars, and indeed no fewer than 23 of the starters in last year’s Indianapolis 500 were graduates of Indy Lights and the Road to Indy.

For 2020, the top two finishers in last year’s title-chase, Oliver Askew and Rinus VeeKay, will be on the grid for this weekend’s IndyCar series opener, and there seems little doubt that both young men are destined for future stardom.

So, let’s take a look at some of the

H

68

contenders who are likely to follow in their footsteps.

The field for this weekend's Indy Lights Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Presented by Andersen Interior Contracting and Cooper Tires was still being finalized as we went to press but will include several potential winners.

Prime among them, perhaps, will be popular Uruguayan Santi Urrutia, who returns to Indy Lights after a one-year hiatus during which he finished third in the TCR Europe touring cars series. Urrutia has joined HMD Motorsports, which notched an impressive Indy Lights debut one year ago when English rookie Toby Sowery finished on the podium here in both races.

Urrutia, too, has enjoyed success in St. Petersburg, commencing his championship-winning Indy Pro 2000 campaign as a rookie by finishing on the podium and winning an Indy Lights race in 2018.

“I’m super happy to be back in Indy Lights,” said Urrutia, who placed second in the Indy Lights title-chase in both 2016 (when he lost out to Ed Jones by just two points) and 2017, and finished third in 2018. “When I was in Europe, I missed so many things: the people, the spirit, the speed, the ovals, the fans. I’ve been working hard, because I know it will be difficult to be back in a single-seater after a season with front-wheel traction. So many things are different, like braking and G-forces, so these past few weeks of testing have been very important to get me ready for St. Pete. It won’t be easy to start back on a street course, you have to be very careful of the walls, but I have experience now at age 23 and I’ll be ready.”

David Malukas, from Chicago, Ill., will remain with the team for his second season in Indy Lights aafter recording two podium finishes last year.

David Malukas is looking to build on a promising rookie season.

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Robert Megennis is a former USF2000 winner in St. Petersburg

Toby Sowery stood on the podium after both Indy Lights races in 2019.

If HMD is to break through to be a true championship contender, it will first have to beat the acknowledged power house, Andretti Autosport, which has guided Patricio O’Ward and Oliver Askew to championship honors in each of the past two seasons.

Robert Megennis, from New York, N.Y., a winner last year for Andretti at Circuit of The Americas and polesitter for the Freedom 100 Presented by Cooper Tires at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, will spearhead the team’s challenge.

“I’m super excited to join Andretti Autosport for another year in Indy Lights,” said Megennis, who also won the opening race of the USF2000 season in 2017 at St. Petersburg. “We had a great 2019 season and 2020 will be even better. I’m confident that we’re only going to grow and get stronger together as a team.”

Megennis will be joined at the Indianapolis-based team by a pair of talented youngsters, Kyle Kirkwood and Danial Nielsen Frost, both of whom are making the step up from Indy Pro 2000.

Frost, 18, from Singapore, proved his credentials last year in Indy Pro 2000, winning twice, while Kirkwood, 21, from Jupiter, Fla., will surely have a target on his back as he attempts to become the first driver ever to win consecutive championships in USF2000, Indy Pro and Indy Lights. He has been a dominant force in

each of the two formative categories, so will begin the season with high expectations and every intention of following in the footsteps of lifelong friend and former karting rival Askew.

“I am ecstatic that I can say I am competing in Indy Lights with Andretti Autosport this season,” said Kirkwood. “They have established a winning program in Indy Lights and we plan on carrying that reputation throughout 2020.”

Los Angeles-based Russian Nikita Lastochkin, Sweden’s Rasmus Lindh and Canadian Antonio Serravalle also are seeking to graduate from Indy Pro 2000.

Lastochkin has already been confirmed with the new-to-Lights Exclusive Autosport team, while Lindh, who won three Indy Pro 2000 races last year and finished second in the championship, and Serravalle, also are expected to be on the grid after shining in some winter test outings.

Coincidentally, neither of the teams which emerged victorious here last year, Belardi Auto Racing (with Zachary Claman) and Juncos Racing (VeeKay), were able to confirm any drivers before we closed for press but their cars are sure to be competitive on the unforgiving streets.

As usual, there are plenty of questions that require answers at the start of a new campaign, but Urrutia summed it up perfectly: “It’s the first race and you’ve waited all off season to get back into the car. Everyone – you, your sponsors, your team – is excited to be back at the racetrack. When you roll into St. Pete, you just want to get going, and go fast.”

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DEForce pair Moises de la Vara and Kory Enders proved closely matched in 2019.

PROVEN

TALENT

By Jeremy Shaw // Photography by Chris Bucher/Road to Indy

ndy Pro 2000 Presented by Cooper Tires is the second, middle step on the Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires, which offers scholarships and prizes valued at over $2.7 million for successful drivers to graduate all the way from the grassroots of the sport to the NTT IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis 500. Several contenders for this weekend’s IndyCar season opener cemented their reputations in Indy Pro 2000, including 2010 champion Conor Daly, 2018 champion Rinus VeeKay and Florida’s very own Oliver Askew, who lost out to VeeKay at this level before rebounding to claim top honors last year in Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires.

The ascension of four of the top six 2019 finishers, including dominant champion Kyle Kirkwood, to Indy Lights has left the door open for a couple of veterans to continue their own progression up the Road to Indy ladder. In particular, Parker Thompson and Sting Ray Robb must start among the favorites for this weekend’s Indy Pro 2000 Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Presented by Cooper Tires and Allied Building Products.

I

70

The popular Thompson, from Red Deer, Alb., Canada, is still only 22 years old but is already one of the most experienced Road to Indy racers. He currently lies second (equal with Spencer Pigot) on the all-time list of top-five finishes, only a handful behind Aaron Telitz’s record tally of 58.

Thompson has finished second and third in the Indy Pro 2000 points table over the past two years (mirroring his USF2000 championship placings from 2016 and 2017), and for 2020 has joined the ambitious DEForce Racing squad as he chases an elusive first championship title.

“After a strong season in 2019 I think that DEForce Racing provides me a great opportunity to advance to another level,” says Thompson, who swept both races – from pole position – at St. Petersburg last year. “The goal is nothing less than a championship win.”

Robb, from Payette, Idaho, also has title aspirations after a breakthrough campaign in 2019 which netted two pole positions and six podium finishes, helping Juncos Racing to claim yet another Team Championship. Despite still being only 18 years of age, Robb is now entering his fourth season of Indy Pro 2000.

“Our team believes that if we remain focused on our goal, we will be successful,” says Robb, who finished third in St. Pete last year and whose fastest lap from the year before still stands as the race lap record. “We know that consistent performance will produce success, and I am going to do everything within my power to be both mentally and physically prepared for every race.”

Other returning drivers include DEForce regulars Moises de la Vara, from San Antonio, Texas, and Kory Enders, from Sugar Land, Texas, who claimed a brace of podium finishes last year. In addition, Mexico’s Manuel Sulaiman, who finished second last year on the St. Petersburg streets while making his USF2000 debut, is set to drive a fourth DEForce Tatuus. All will undoubtedly benefit from the additional knowledge Thompson will bring to the team.

Artem Petrov, who hails from “the other” St. Petersburg, in Russia, will build upon his partial campaign in 2019 by joining Juncos Racing, while Canadian Antoine Comeau, from Joliet, Ill., returns with Turn 3 Motorsport, run by former Indy Pro 2000 championship runner-up Peter Dempsey. Young American Jacob Loomis, from Corinth, Texas, also is expected back after showing well in several races last year with his family-run car, and veteran Charles Finelli, from Locust Valley, N.Y., will continue with FatBoy Racing.

Several rapid rookies will challenge the establishment, including three of the top four finishers in the 2019 USF2000 Championship: Braden Eves, Hunter McElrea and Colin Kaminsky.

After securing the Road to Indy Scholarship prize, worth just over $300,000, Eves, 20, from New Albany, Ohio, has joined Exclusive Autosport for his next step up the ladder. Fellow rookie McElrea narrowly missed out on the title, agonizingly hindered by a mechanical problem in qualifying for the season finale, but the New Zealander already had made his mark during a three-race win streak. McElrea and Kaminsky, who claimed three pole positions, formed a tremendously effective partnership at Pabst Racing, which looks set to continue as they both graduate together into Indy Pro 2000.

Two other rookies have interesting pedigrees. Lucas Petersson, who carries joint Swedish and French citizenship, has joined RP Motorsport USA, which guided Kirkwood to the title last year, while Sabre Cook, from Grand Junction, Colo., will line up with Team Benik. Petersson has gained experience around the globe after competing in the 2017/2018 FIA F4 United Arab Emirates series, last year’s BRDC British F3 Championship and then the Toyota Racing Series in New Zealand this past January and February. Cook, meanwhile, undertook a partial campaign in USF2000 in 2018 before switching her attention to the fledgling W Series last year.

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STRENGTH AND DEPTH

By Jeremy Shaw // Photography by Chris Bucher/Road to Indy

nother strong field of talented youngsters is set to compete in this weekend’s USF2000 Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Presented by Andersen RacePark and Cooper Tires. The entry list for the opening two rounds of the 2020 Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship includes the usual blend of veterans and rookies, all of whom hope to capitalize on the fact that three of the top four point scorers from last year have graduated into the Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires, the next step on the highly acclaimed Road to Indy.

Christian Rasmussen is the glaring exception. The likable 19-year-old from Copenhagen, Denmark, made an immediate impression as a rookie last year with the Jay Howard Driver Development team. After finishing fourth in Round One at St. Petersburg, Rasmussen came on strong late in the season, winning three times and finishing third in the final standings.

“I am 100 percent focused on winning the championship,” notes Rasmussen, “and I know that the team is as well. I think we have a good shot at it and I can’t wait for the season to start!”

Rasmussen knows he will face plenty of opposition, including from within his own team with Wyatt Brichacek, from Johnstown, Colo., Christian Bogle, from Covington, La., and Nolan Siegel, from Palo Alto, Calif., lining up alongside him.

Jay Howard’s organization emerged during 2019 as a serious challenger to the traditional hegemony that has been enjoyed

by Cape Motorsports and Pabst Racing. The Cape brothers, Dominic and Nicholas, who recently relocated from St. Petersburg to Brownsburg, Ind., have guided drivers to the USF2000 crown for an astonishing nine consecutive years, while Wisconsin-based Pabst Racing is on a streak of three straight Team Championships.

That rivalry will continue unabated in 2020, with both teams attracting strong lineups.

Florida-born, Puerto Rico-based Reece Gold is the Capes’ only holdover from last year, but the 15-year-old former Lucas

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Jack William Miller in action last year on the St. Petersburg streets.

Oil School Formula Car champion will be looking to build upon his tally of eight top-10 finishes. Michael d’Orlando, 19, from Hartsdale, N.Y., has joined the team after posting several promising performances during a partial campaign in 2018, while Kyle Dupell, from Portland, Ore., also is set to return to USF2000 on a full-time basis after contesting the final four races in 2019. Most eyes, though, will be focused on 17-year-old Josh Green, from Mount Kisco, N.Y., who finished a close second in last year’s hard-fought F1600 Championship Series and also impressed in some British Formula Ford races after winning a prestigious Team USA Scholarship.

Augie Pabst, meanwhile, has assembled another group of title hopefuls to carry on the good work from last year by Hunter McElrea, who missed out by just a handful of points, and Colin Kaminsky, both of whom will step up to Indy Pro 2000 this year. Yuven Sundaramoorthy, who was born in the same town, Oconomowoc, Wis., that the team calls home, will continue to build on the promise he showed last year.

Sundaramoorthy also picked up some extra experience over the winter by contesting the MRF Challenge series in Asia, claiming a couple of race wins.

Second-generation racer Eduardo Barrichello, from Sao Paulo, Brazil, has joined Pabst after posting some solid performances in 2019, including a couple of top-five finishes. He will be joined by Matt Round-Garrido, from Stourbridge, England,

who contested partial campaigns in both USF2000 and Indy Pro 2000 last year.

DEForce Racing will field a pair of cars for another Brazilian, Kiko Porto, who moves up to USF2000 after finishing second in the F4 United States Championship Powered

by Honda, and highly rated former shifter kart racer Mathias Ramirez, from nearby Bradenton, Fla. Exclusive Autosport, which has expanded its sphere of influence into Indy Lights for the first time in 2020 – and will run reigning USF2000 champion Braden Eves in Indy Pro 2000 – also plans to field a pair of Tatuus USF-17s, including one for highly rated Prescott Campbell, the winner of last year’s Lucas Oil Formula Car Series. Campbell, from Newport Beach, Calif., has a busy year ahead of him as he dovetails his racing with his motorsport engineering studies at Oxford Brookes University in England.

Another pair of Indianapolis-based teams also are expected to feature strongly.

Legacy Autosport will field cars for Orlando, Fla., native Ayrton Ori, who dipped his toe in the water by competing in four races last fall, and Cameron Shields, from Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, whose promising rookie campaign included an emphatic victory for Newman Wachs Racing at Lucas Oil Raceway before running out of funds.

Jack William Miller, from Carmel, Ind., will remain with his family run Miller Vinatieri Motorsports team alongside rookie Max Kaeser, from Keystone, Colo., who has previously earned success as an accomplished ski racer and in the karting ranks.

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Start of a GT3 Cup Challenge USA race at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

PORSCHE GT3 CUP CHALLENGE USA BY YOKOHAMA INVADES ST. PETE FOR FIRST TIME hat do you get when you mix iconic, Porsche 911 race cars, legendary racing circuits, upand-coming racing stars and accomplished sportsman race car drivers?

You get the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama. Sanctioned by the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), the series opens its 16th season of competition this weekend with its inaugural visit to the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. As is the case at all eight stops on the 2020 GT3 Cup Challenge USA schedule, the series will contest a pair of frantic, 45-minute, singledriver sprint races this weekend.

After practice and qualifying sessions Thursday and Friday, the first race of the weekend – and the season – rolls off the grid at 9:45 a.m. Saturday morning. The second half of the weekend doubleheader starts at 11:10 a.m. Sunday.

The series consists two classes of Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars – Platinum Cup, for current-generation models, and Gold Cup, which were race cars built between 2014 and 2016. All cars ride on Yokohama racing slicks.

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Within Platinum Cup is a subclass for drivers 45 years of age and older called “Platinum Masters.” The class uses the same 911 GT3 Cup machinery as standard Platinum class, but all Masters cars are required to use an Antilock Braking System (ABS).

Piloting all cars is a terrific mix of nextgeneration sports car driving stars and sportsman drivers who have enjoyed success in other walks of life and are following their own passion for motorsport. For some, the GT3 Cup Challenge USA is a destination series.

For others – like recent series graduatesturned-IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship competitors Roman De Angelis, Zacharie Robichon, Trenton Estep, Daniel Morad, Michael De Quesada and Christina Nielsen – the GT3 Cup Challenge USA is something of a “finishing school” prior to the big show.

So… who should you be watching for this weekend?

Seventeen-year-old Riley Dickinson certainly fits the profile. The teenager from New Braunfels, Texas is returning to the

No. 53 Moorespeed Porsche after a scintillating rookie season in the Platinum Cup class in 2019.

Dickinson finished third in the season championship standings, buoyed by seven podium results in the 16-race season, including his first career victory in the penultimate round of the season at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

However, Dickinson undoubtedly will have his hands full this weekend and throughout the season with some stiff competition. For that, one needs to look no further than Kelly-Moss Road and Race, which fielded champions in both Platinum Cup and Platinum Masters.

Alan Metni scored his second consecutive Platinum Masters championship in the No. 99 AM Motorsports/Kelly-Moss Porsche with eight class victories last year. He also scored a career-best second-place overall result at Road America and finished fifth in the 2019 Platinum Cup standings. He could be tough to beat in his fourth season of GT3 Cup Challenge competition.

There also is the four-car armada from JDX Racing, which won the 2018 Platinum Cup title. Shaun McAlister will drive the team’s No. 11 Porsche, with Canadian Ethan Simioni in the No. 3 machine, Irishman Reece Barr in the No. 33 and Preston Calvert in the No. 77.

Another one to watch in Platinum Cup will be Puerto Rico’s Sebastian Carazo, who is moving up after dominating the 2019 Gold Cup class with 12 victories and podiums in all 16 races. He’s driving the No. 27 NGT Motorsport entry.

In Platinum Masters, look for Metni to be challenged by the likes of Charlie Luck in the No. 45 Wright Motorsports Porsche, David Brule in the No. 48 Kelly-Moss entry, Vernon McClure and Tampa’s own Tom Kerr with TPC Racing, Michael Mennella with MCR Racing and David Baker and Bill Smith with Topp Racing.

The Gold Cup class will be up for grabs with Carazo out of the picture. Top competitors in that class include ACI Motorsports drivers Curt Swearingin and Richard Edge, TPC’s Efrin Castro and MCR’s Bart Collins.

All GT3 Cup Challenge USA races are streamed live with IMSA Radio commentary on IMSA.tv. Television coverage is provided by NBCSN, with the St. Petersburg round slated to air at 1 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 26.

For more on GT3 Cup Challenge USA and all things IMSA, please visit IMSA.com or download the IMSA Mobile App.

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PIRELLI GT4 AMERICA AND TC AMERICA

SERIES PREVIEW

ack in 2010, SRO Motorsports led the development of GT4 spec racing in North America and now entering its 11th year the Pirelli GT4 America series continues to grow. An impressive lineup of teams and drivers piloting a sleek, ground pounding array of machinery will continue their quest for the 2020 national championships as the Sprint series takes to the streets of St. Petersburg.

Touring Car class competition has always garnered a strong, global fan following.

Throw a bunch of hungry, up-and-coming drivers looking to make a name for themselves on track alongside savvy veterans ready to test their mettle and you get entertaining, door-to-door, all out, unpredictable racing. The TC America driver lineup that will compete at St. Petersburg features that exact mix of young up-and-coming drivers and experienced, crafty veterans. Here are some drivers from both series that should be in the thick of things this weekend.

Perennial GT4 championship contenders and series veterans Blackdog Speed Shop return with the strong driver duo of Michael Cooper and team owner/principal

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Tony Gaples piloting the team’s McLaren 570S GT4s. Cooper, a three-time driver’s champion, will look to avenge just missing out on last year’s overall Sprint Pro class driver’s title, while Gaples, who sits in the top five in overall series starts looks to break through and get on the top step in the Sprint Am class. The team will also look to help McLaren repeat as manufacturer’s champions this season.

One team that rivals Blackdog in terms of series starts and victories is GMG Racing.

The James Sofronas led Southern California based crew will have Jason Bell running the team’s Porsche 718 Cayman CS. Another sports car racing team juggernaut known primarily for their Porsche efforts will be running the new Aston Martin Vantage GT4 in 2020. Flying Lizard’s Michael Dinan made an impressive rookie debut in the series in 2019 earning three podiums and 10 top-five finishes and he looks to carry that momentum throughout this season.

The name Andretti is synonymous with racing and Jarett Andretti, son of the late John Andretti and nephew to team principal Michael Andretti, continued to blaze his own path last season first dominating in the Sprint Am division before moving up to the Pro Division after winning the overall race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. He finished last year 5th overall in the driver’s championship and will most certainly be in pursuit of the top 2020 honors in the Andretti Autosport McLaren 570S GT4.

Another championship winning sports car racing team that requires no introduction, The Racer’s Group (TRG), returns with championship contender Spencer Pumpelly behind the wheel of the team’s Porsche 718 Cayman CS MR. Pumpelly

finished third in the Pro Division Sprint championship in 2019.

Looking to put the grunt of American iron in victory circle is the Ian Lacy team returning to compete for a Sprint championship with a pair of Ford Mustangs for Frank Gannett and 2019 Am Driver’s Champion Drew Staveley. Staveley won the championship by more than 100 points and will look to repeat his impressive 2019 performance this season.

In the TC America series, 2019 TCR driver’s champion Michael Hurczyn along with teammate Nate Vincent, who finished second overall, return in their FCP Euro Golf GTI machines ready to defend the manufacturer’s championship for Volkswagen.

Both had dominating 2019 campaigns and essentially lapped the field in their pursuit of top honors last season. It won’t be easy for the FCP Euro duo to repeat though if 2019 TCA champ Tyler Maxson has his way.

Last year’s TCA Rookie of the Year moves up into the class to pilot the new Hyundai Veloster N TCR for Copeland Motorsports.

The Georgia-based driver persevered and held off challenges for numerous competitors last year to win the TCA title, and it’s that experience from 2019 that could have him challenging Hurczyn and Vincent for top honors.

Honda Civic Type-R pilot Victor Gonzalez could also play a factor in the class championship picture. The VGMC Racing pilot won twice in 2019 and in a partially run season managed to finish 5th overall in the championship.

With Maxson moving up to the TCR class, 2020 will see a new TCA champion crowned. Three teams that fielded strong efforts in 2019 will again be on the grid vying for the championships. Kevin Anderson’s Virginia based TechSport Racing crew will have P.J. Groenke, Damon Surzyshyn, and Joey Essma running the team’s Subaru BRZ’s. Groenke, the 2017 Pirelli World Challenge TCB Driver’s Champion, brings the most experience and will look to help lead the team to victory circle.

They will also have Joseph Federl competing in TC with the team’s Nissan 370Z. The always formidable MINI JCW Team returns to help defend the Manufacturer’s Championship secured for MINI last season. Their Mini Cooper effort will be led by veteran Mark Pombo. Another strong multiple class team, Copeland Motorsports will grid a new Hyundai Veloster Turbo TCA for driver Tyler Gonzalez.

For more information on the Pirelli GT4 America and TC America series, visit www.sro-america.com/

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UNDER THE

HOOD

THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES IS LUCKY TO HAVE LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIPS WITH OUTSTANDING INNOVATORS. ave you ever wondered what goes into making an INDYCAR? The fast-paced world of INDYCAR Racing couldn't happen without the support of dozens of dedicated companies providing the latest advancements in technology to ensure drivers have everything they need to compete at each race. Many use the INDYCAR series as a testing ground for new products that will eventually appear in production vehicles.

The rearview mirror is most often cited as an example of technology transfer from motorsport to production, but many more advancements have been proven first on the track. From brakes to turbos to the fuel that powers it all, we've profiled a few of the partners that make INDYCAR go.

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PFC Brakes has been the exclusive supplier of brake system components for all INDYCAR entries since the start of the 2018 season. In the 2017 season, the brand’s carbon disc and pads were used in conjunction with Brembo calipers, as teams gradually moved to the new components. With the release of the new INDYCAR areokit in 2018, PFC took responsibility for all braking components on the IR-12 chassis. PFC is currently the brake supplier to all three levels of the Road to Indy development series sanctioned by INDYCAR. In 2017, PFC became the first brake company ever to be awarded with the Louis Schwitzer Award, which is presented annually for innovative technology concepts.

In November 2018, Speedway signed a multiyear agreement making it the Official Fuel and Official Convenience Store of INDYCAR, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500 beginning in 2019.

With nearly 4,000 stores across the United States, Speedway is the nation’s secondlargest chain and has locations in most of the states where IndyCars race.

As the Official Fuel for INDYCAR, Speedway will provide the fuel powering every car at every race in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

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United Rentals has been the official equipment rental company for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since 2016. In addition, United Rentals launched their Turns for Troops initiative in 2016, with the goal of raising one million dollars to support U.S. Service members. With over $810,000 raised to date, United Rentals gives $50 for each lap completed by No. 15 Graham Rahal to SoldierStrong.

SoldierStrong transforms the lives of U.S. service members by empowering them to regain their mobility, freedom, and overall sense of identity.

In December 2018, Borg Warner and INDYCAR reached an agreement that will see the Michigan-based company continue as the official turbocharger supplier of INDYCAR through the 2020 season.

Since partnering with INDYCAR in 2012, BorgWarner turbochargers have accumulated more than 1.25 million trouble-free miles on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ demanding array of racetracks that include temporary street circuits, permanent road courses, short ovals and superspeedways. Assembled in Asheville, North Carolina, the EFR turbos provide an unprecedented combination of advanced technologies.

“BorgWarner is honored to continue its partnership with INDYCAR and the IndyCar Series, America’s premier open-wheel racing series,” said Scott Gallett, vice president of marketing, public relations, government affairs and internal communications, BorgWarner Inc. “Our EFR turbochargers are the perfect match for INDYCAR, with their advanced engineering, low weight and proven durability, they truly are engineered for racing.”

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TIPS AND TRICKS

THERE'S LOTS TO SEE AND DO AT THE 2020 FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX! HERE ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF WHAT YOU CAN FIND IN THE FAN EXPERIENCE ZONES. Thinking about adding to your fan gear collection? Interested in meeting some of this weekend's drivers? Here are some ways to get closer to the action:

• 5 Hour Energy returns to Albert Whitted Park with tons of interactive games, samples and giveaways.

• Visit the Moffitt Cancer Center’s Mole Patrol bus for free mole screenings. Saturday and Sunday 10AM - 2PM in Albert Whitted Park

• Firestone Fan Experience will be back in Albert Whitted Park this year for Autograph Sessions all weekend long.

Note, the Porsche GT3 and SRO Autograph sessions will be held in their respective series' paddocks.

• Friday - get free paddock access with a donation to Moffitt Cancer Center. Like being a part of the action? Upgrade to a Paddock Pass at the Box Office.

• Champions Club members get exclusive opportunities to take part in a track block signing, Sunday’s INDYCAR Drivers Meeting and a Q&A session with Josef Newgarden.

• SpeedZone will once again be filled with great kids activities and booths.

• Check out the new Shadow Strike exhibit from the U.S. Air Force, where you can take part in an immersive 4D experience. The exhibit is located at the north end of the track by the Al Lang Stadium.

Looking to enjoy a party atmosphere during the race? Here are some locations where you can join your fellow race fans in celebrating the excitement!

• The Waterside Club, located between turns 11 and 12, allows you to view the race from the water while enjoying a cold beverage. If you want to stay on dry land, check out the Budweiser Party Pit located at Pit In right next to the grandstands. Have a seat and enjoy all the sights and sounds.

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8TH ANNUAL MBA 5K RUN DRIVES COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PAL WILL BE GIVEN AN 80 PERCENT SHARE AND AMERICAN STAGE 20 PERCENT OF THE PROCEEDS RESULTING FROM ALL 5K RUN REGISTRATIONS AND DONATIONS. he Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is making an impact on the local community again through its 8th Annual MBA 5K Run happening on the racetrack Friday evening. Over 1,000 runners and walkers will directly support this important work with all proceeds going to the Police Athletic League (PAL) of St. Petersburg and

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KART 4 KIDS A SPECIAL PRO-AM RACE

UNLIKE ANY OTHER

efore the drivers take their first practice lap, there’s a special pro-am race that takes place on Wednesday night. The track is a bit smaller, so are the cars, but the stakes have never been higher.

This race is for the kids at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in need of critical care equipment.

For almost a decade, Kart4Kids has paired some of the greatest car racing legends with amateur enthusiasts to raise money for Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital. Last year, Kart4Kids set a record for raising $185,000 that went directly toward the purchase of NICU equipment. Since its inception, more than $600,000 has been raised to support the hospital’s mission.

“Every penny donated goes directly to the kids,” said Sébastien Bourdais, twotime winner of the Firestone Grand Prix and St. Petersburg resident. “From the professional drivers to the kart pit crews, everyone

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American Stage Theatre.

“Modern Business Associates was founded in St. Petersburg in 1997. As one of the largest employers in Pinellas County, it’s our pleasure and responsibility to serve our community.

We’re excited to sponsor the Firestone Grand Prix 5K for the seventh consecutive year,” said Sean McConnell, CEO of MBA. “The Police Athletic League of St. involved donates their time to make this event a success.”

Kart4Kids Pro-Am race was started in 2012 to honor the memory of INDYCAR driver and St. Petersburg resident Dan Wheldon, who had tragically perished in a racing accident. Bourdais, and Porsche factory driver, Patrick Long, headline the event. Previous participants also include Scott Dixon, Helio Castroneves, Tony Kanaan, Ricky and Jordan Taylor. The race also features up-and-coming drivers from the NTT INDYCAR Series, IMSA, SRO America and other racing series.

"We are so grateful for the support of the drivers, sponsors, spectators and planning committee that make Kart4Kids the largest

Petersburg is extremely grateful to our partners for their support and belief that all children, even the most at-risk living in our community, can grow to be healthy, productive adults,” said Heather Robb, director, Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg. “Since 2016, contributions from the Firestone Grand Prix and proceeds from the Modern Business Associates 5K race have reached $190,000 enabling PAL to continue to provide enriching activities and eye-opening experiences to the hundreds of young people who come through our doors. We are excited for another great race weekend.”

New for 2020, American Stage, the Tampa Bay area’s longest-running, most critically-acclaimed professional theatre company, will also receive a donation from the event.

"This support is so meaningful to American Stage in empowering our mission to present world-class, professional live theatre and arts education programs, that connect and unite our community, produced right here in downtown St Pete,” said Stephanie Gularte, American Stage CEO/Producing Artistic Director. “It is an honor to be connected with the exciting St. Petersburg tradition of the Firestone Grand Prix.”

community fundraiser for the Foundation," said Janine Rabin, Executive Vice President, Johns Hopkins All Children's Foundation.

The karts, donated by Andersen RacePark located in Palmetto, speed through a temporary karting track nestled in turn 1 on the Albert Whitted Airport runway. Other donations include pro driver memorabilia, signed race-worn helmets, fire suits, shoes, and gloves, along with autographed merchandise and other non-racing items. All of these are available during a silent and live auction held before the race.

The success of this event also depends upon the continued sponsorship from the following businesses: Firestone, Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, INDYCAR, Andersen RacePark, Cardio Access, CSI, Rally Stores, Bert Smith Porsche, Reeves Porsche, The Dikman Company, Pinstripe Marketing, and C&D Printing.

From its small start, the Kart4Kids Pro-Am hosted by Andersen RacePark, featuring Sébastian Bourdais and Patrick Long has become Johns Hopkins All Children’s largest third-party fundraiser. For more information, visit www.Kart4Kids.org, ‘like’ its Facebook page at Kart4Kids Pro-Am Kart Race, or follow the race on Twitter and Instagram at @kart4kidsproam.

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Teaming up with our community is a

win-win.

We’re in the business of creating bright futures.

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MBA proudly supports our local heroes.

Presented by

Since 2014, MBA has proudly sponsored the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg 5K. All proceeds benefit the Police Athletic League (PAL) in their efforts to prevent crime among our youth through recreation, education and athletics.

• HR Consultants

• Loss Control (OSHA-Certified)

• APA-Certified Payroll Specialists

• Tax Accounting Expertise

• Experienced Account Management Team

• Business Analytics & Reporting

M B A h r o . c o m / M B A 4 PA L | 8 8 8 - 6 2 2 - 6 4 6 0 | The IRS does not endorse any particular certified professional organization. For more information on certified professional employer organizations go to www.IRS.gov.

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SP T THE DIFFERENCES

CAN YOU SPOT THE 10 DIFFERENCES IN THESE TWO IMAGES? Send us the 10 CORRECT answers to this puzzle at letters@ignitionmag.ca for a chance to win a Fan Pack!

ORIGINAL

ALTERED

Image courtesy of IndyCar

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#kickeraudio #livinloud @kickeraudio kicker.com Shop at your nearest Authorized KICKER Dealer, in-store or online.

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2020 FESTIVAL MAP

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2020 FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE FRIDAY, MARCH 13 TIME

8:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:45 AM 11:30 AM 11:45 AM 12:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:25 PM 2:30 PM 3:00 PM 3:45 PM 4:00 PM 4:20 PM 4:45 PM 5:30 PM

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8:45 AM 9:45 AM 10:30 AM 11:30 AM 12:00 PM 12:15 PM 1:10 PM 2:00 PM 2:15 PM 2:45 PM 3:45 PM 4:15 PM 4:30 PM 4:50 PM 5:15 PM 5:50 PM

SERIES

SESSION

Porsche GT3 Cup Indy Lights SRO GT4 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Porsche GT3 Cup SRO TCR/TCA USF2000 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Indy Pro 2000 Porsche GT3 Cup NTT INDYCAR SERIES Indy Lights/ Indy Pro 2000 SRO GT4 USF2000 SRO TCR/TCA Indy Pro 2000

Practice 2 Practice 1 Practice 1 Practice 1 Autograph Session Practice 1 Race 1 Autograph Session Race 1 Qualifying Practice 2 Autograph Session Practice 2 Autograph Session Practice 2 Qualifying 2

SATURDAY, MARCH 14 TIME

8:00 AM 8:45 AM 9:15 AM 9:45 AM 10:45 AM 11:45 AM 12:40 PM 1:35 PM 2:40 PM 4:10 PM 5:20 PM

-

8:30 AM 9:00 AM 9:30 AM 10:30 AM 11:30 AM 12:25 PM 1:20 PM 2:25 PM 3:55 PM 5:05 PM 6:15 PM

SERIES

SESSION

Indy Lights SRO GT4 SRO TCR/TCA Porsche GT3 Cup NTT INDYCAR SERIES Indy Pro 2000 USF2000 Indy Lights NTT INDYCAR SERIES SRO GT4 SRO TCR/TCA

Qualifying 1 Qualifying Qualifying Race 1 Practice 3 Race 2 Race Race 1 Qualifying Race 1 Race 1

SUNDAY, MARCH 15 TIME

8:35 AM 9:20 AM 10:25 AM 11:10 AM 12:10 PM 1:15 PM 2:55 PM 3:30 PM

- 9:05 AM - 10:10 AM - 10:55 AM - 11:55 AM - 1:00 PM - 2:10 PM

SERIES

SESSION

Indy Lights SRO TCR/TCA NTT INDYCAR SERIES Porsche GT3 Cup SRO GT4 Indy Lights NTT INDYCAR SERIES NTT INDYCAR SERIES

Qualifying 2 Race 2 Warm-up Race 2 Race 2 Race 2 Pre-Race Ceremonies Race

LOCATION

Porsche GT3 Cup Paddock Firestone Fan Experience Firestone Fan Experience

Firestone Fan Experience Firestone Fan Experience

LOCATION

Firestone Fan Experience

LOCATION

Firestone Fan Experience

*Schedule subject to change without notice

82

FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG

SPGP2020_Schedule.indd 1

2020-03-02 10:15 AM

AAC-Oracle_GPSP20.indd 1

2020-03-02 9:56 AM

Take on the roads and weather with Destination AT2 or Destination XT tires from Firestone. Built tough for dependable traction, these 3 Peak Mountain Snowake CertiďŹ ed tires give you enhanced performance in rain and snow.

Firestone_GPSP20.indd 1

2020-02-20 10:08 AM