IndyCar Season Preview: Presenting the 2026 Bowtie Boyz’

Finally, we’re going racing again Hurrah!

 

Otay Kiddoes, another stupendous Off-season has finally ended! Being over a Gory Half year since the Nashville Super speedway’s season finale last August 31^st.

 

As I’ve dropped Prema Racing, since they’ve missed pre-season testing, and will not compete at St Pete. And if they do return, they’ll presumably be under new ownership, and a new name…

 

2026 Chevrolet Team line-ups

This is just intended to be a hopefully somewhat Brief rundown upon the 14 Fulltime Bowtie’ runners in this year’s NTT IndyCar Series Championship.

 

A.J. Foyt Enterprises (2)

(Team/Car No/Drivers)

#4 (R) Caio Collet, Brazil

#14 Santino Ferrucci, USA

(Technical Alliance with Team Penske)

 

Its old news now that ‘lil Davey’ from “Chicago”, ergo David Malukas as departed Foyt for “Greener” pastures.

 

As Brazilian Caio Collet, set to turn 24 years old on April 3rd , will partner thee Great Santini’, aka Santino Ferrucci this season.

 

Collet graduates from Indy NXT, where He finished “Vice Champion”, Err runner-up to series champion Dennis Hauger with three wins. And His No. 4 entry sounds like it’ll have one of the best looking liveries this season.

 

Santino fell dramatically off the boil last year. Sliding backwards from ninth overall in 2024 to 16th overall in 2025.

 

Hence, like every year, “we” Hope for marked improvement from the Foyt team, as surely Santino will have a better season? And rookie Collet will need some time to “gel” to His new environment…

 

Arrow McLaren (3)

#5 Patricio “Pato” O'Ward, Mexico

#6 Nolan Siegel, USA

#7 Christian Lundgaard, Denmark

 

2024 Wins: 2

Pato O’Ward (2)

 

While my current Numero Uno IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward had an impressive season, once again being the team’s only winner. Yet presumably He scored more Top-5 and Top-10 finishes this year.

 

As Pato improved from fifth overall in 2024, to a career best “vice Champion”, Err runner-up last year. Even though scoring one less win.

 

New recruit Christian Lundgaard came charging out of the gate with a trio of podium finishes in the season’s first four races, putting O’Ward on ‘notice”. Yet Pato said this is my team, with the Dane finishing fifth overall, three places behind O’Ward. Having finished 11th at Rahal Letterman Lanigan in 2024.

 

Obviously this is a make or break year for Nolan Siegel, after finishing a lowly P22 overall last year. As what more can I say than team Boss Tony Kanaan saying publicly Nolan needs to finish 10th or better this year or else…

 

Ed Carpenter Racing (2)

#20 Alexander Rossi, USA

#21 Christian Rasmussen, Denmark

 

On “paper”, you’d have to say that new team leader Alexander Rossi’s first season with ECR wasn’t sterling, finishing P15 overall. A decline of five places in 2024 at Arrow McLaren.

 

Christian Rasmussen finished 13th overall in His first full season Gig’, which obviously paid off for ECR. With the Dane scoring His maiden IndyCar W’ in a fantastic win on the Milwaukee Mile. Doing something rare, i.e.; passing Alex Palou for victory!

 

Fast Eddie’, ergo team Boss Ed Carpenter will once again run an Indianapolis 500 only effort this year. While the team continues to improve overall with Ted Gelov’s partnership and additional staffing.

 

Juncos Hollinger Racing (2)

#76 Rinus VeeKay, Netherlands

#77 Sting Ray Robb, USA

 

Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) seemingly “muddles” along. Once again with a revised driver lineup , seeing two former Juncos Racing drivers in the fold.

 

Sting Ray Robb returns for His sophomore season at JHR, having finished 25th overall in 2025. While Rinus VeeKay moves over from Dale Coyne Racing, where He finished P14 overall. With the Dutchman apparently hoping to use JHR as a springboard for bigger ‘n better things in 2027…

 

Team Penske (3)

#2 Joseph Newgarden, USA

#3 Scott McLaughlin, New Zealand

#12 David Malukas, USA

 

2025 Wins: 2

Josef Newgarden, (1) Will Power (1)

 

Think I don’t need to try rehashing everything that occurred at Team Penske last year, Righto? With the departed will Power being the team’s highest overall finisher in ninth. Followed by ScottyMac’ (McLaughlin) P10 and Josef Schlick’ Newgarden 12th overall.

 

As the team went from eight wins in 2024 to a measly two last year…

 

Scott McLauglin went winless for the first time since His rookie season, and finished one point behind DJ WillyP’; (Power) 357-356. While Newgarden seems to be on a down “Glide-scope” perhaps?

 

With the “Big” news being the arrival of David Malukas as Will Power’s successor. Where it will be just plain weird “seeing’ Malukas in the No. 12 this year!

 

Ironically, Malukas split His Team Penske teammates at foyt last year. Finishing P11, two points ahead of Newgarden. (318-316)

 

And as my second favourite IndyCar driver, I’m curious how He’ll fare at the “mothership?” As Arse-sumedly most others are…

 

(R = Rookie) 

IndyCar Season Preview: Presenting the 2025 Bowtie Boyz’

Are we really, really finally going racing, once again?

 

 

Otay Kiddoes, Hurrah! The Off-season is finally over! As it’s been nearly a Gory Half year, albeit a svelte 168 days for those counting. Just under a Fortnight less than six months since the Nashville Super speedway’s season finale last September 15th…

 

2025 Chevrolet Team line-ups

This is just intended to be a hopefully somewhat Brief rundown upon the 14 Fulltime Bowtie’ runners in this year’s NTT IndyCar Series Championship.

 

A.J. Foyt Enterprises (2)

(Team/Car No/Drivers)

#4 David Malukas, USA

#14 Santino Ferrucci, USA

(Technical Alliance with Team Penske)

 

Its old news now, that the first shoe to drop was Engineer Supremo Michael Cannon’s departure from Foyt to Prema, for which Larry Foyt said he didn’t want to see Him go. As will Cannon return to Foyt now?

 

As the team hired ‘lil Davey’ from “Chicago”, ergo David Malukas as Sting Ray robb’s replacement alongside thee Great Santini’, aka Santino Ferrucci.

 

As Malukas will drive the No. 4 entry, with the entire A.J. Foyt Enterprises operation being run out of its Indianapolis facility. Along with its continued Team Penske technical alliance.

 

As this will be a fun team to keep an eye upon, although Hopefully expectations won’t be too Sky High! Even though it would be nice to see another year of at least one driver finishing Top 10 overall.

 

Arrow McLaren

#5 Patricio “Pato” O'Ward, Mexico

#6 Nolan Siegel, USA

#7 Christian Lundgaard, Denmark

 

2024 Wins: 3

Pato O’Ward (3)

 

My current Numero Uno IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward had another respectable season, being the only non-Penske driver claiming three victories. And one of only three driver with three wins to their names. Yet Pato fell to fifth overall last year., one position lower than 2023.

 

Yet I’d expect nothing less than Pato once again being in the title fight this season.

 

Think everybody knows about McLaren’s off-season acquisition of Christian Lundgaard from RLLR, as the Dane’ was ready to move onto Greener, Shinier pastures, albeit McLaren is known for its pressure cooker mentality!

 

As it’ll be fun to see how much Lundgaard can push O’Ward. Whilst Nolan Siegel who leapt from Indy NXT into IndyCar mid-season has reportedly added 15lbs of muscle and is looking to improve in His first ful season IndyCar campaign…

 

Ed Carpenter Racing (2)

#20 Alexander Rossi, USA

#21 Christian Rasmussen, Denmark

 

The big news for ECR was the signing of Alexander Rossi to lead the team this year, along with Christian Rasmussen getting a full season ride.

 

As Fast Eddie’, aka team Boss Ed Carpenter has finally, wisely decided to settle upon just an Indianapolis 500 only effort this year. While the team receives a cash infusion with the addition of Ted Gelov as a “partner”, Err co-owner of ECR. Along with the team’s new snazzy, stylized team monogram incorporating the fabled Oval into this “refreshed” logo…

 

Juncos Hollinger Racing (2)

#77 Conor Daly, USA

#78 Sting Ray Robb, USA

 

Juncos Hollinger Racing sports an all new driver lineup this season, with two former Juncos Racing drivers returning to the fold

 

Hopefully Sting Ray Robb’s No. 78 will continue with “Paws,” pet friendly primary sponsorship from goodheart Animals Health Centers? As I was unaware that Robb had driven for Riccardo Juncos in Pro Mazda, Indy Pro 2000 and Indy Lights between 2019-21. And won the 2020 Indy Pro 2000 Championship with Juncos, winning five races that season.

 

Conor Daly is a well known commodity in Indy Cars, having run the final portion of last year’s IndyCar calendar for JHR, along with winning the 2010 Star Mazda title in dominating fashion, scoring nine poles and sevens wins driving for Juncos. Although still waiting to “see”, Err hear who Conor’s primary sponsor is?

 

As the team hopes to improve upon last year’s results, which could be somewhat difficult? But at least team co-owner Brad Hollinger won’t be spending as much of His own money on the team this season…

 

Prema Racing (2)

#83 (R) Robert Schwartzman, Israel

#90 Callum Ilott, UK

 

Although Prema is a well proven championship winning calibre European Feeder Series team. Naturally, the jury’s still out upon their impending IndyCar foray. As everything seemed to be going great until Michael Cannon hastily exited His new employer!

 

The team’s two IndyCar drivers are both Prema Alumni. As Callum Ilott needs no introduction. Whilst rookie Robert Schwartzman was highly regarded after testing an IndyCar for Chip Ganassi Racing, which sounds like a pretty good endorsement. And His debut for Prema at the Thermal Club was highly impressive…

 

Team Penske (3)

#2 Joseph Newgarden, USA

#3 Scott McLaughlin, New Zealand

#12 Will Power, Australia

 

 

 

2024 Wins: 8

Scott Mclaughlin, (3) Will Power (3) and Josef Newgarden, (2)

 

This is one of only two teams on this year’s 2025 IndyCar Grid to not change any of it’s drivers. The other being Andretti Global…

 

Josef Schlick’ Newgarden leads the way as the reigning, consecutive Indianapolis 500 winner, BOO! And looks to rebound from His worst season finish of eight last year.

 

ScottyMac’, nee Scott McLauglin once again was the top Penske finisher, with consecutive third place overall finishes. Being just one of three drivers with Three W’s – to match His car number. With His teammates aiming to knock Him off of His perch, again.

 

Will Power saw the championship slip away from Him due to His own, self inflicted mistakes. Along with a bizarre lap belt malfunction at Nashville extinguishing any remote title hopes. And being in a contract year, with His first ever Agent. DJ WillyP’ is expecting to improve upon finishing fourth last year…

 

(R = Rookie) 

IndyCar Season Preview: Presenting the 2024 Bowtie Boyz’

Are we really, really finally going racing?

 

Otay Folks!, what am I gonna Complain about now, Eh? Since our yearly Insufferable Miserably L-O-N-G 43 weeks IndyCar Off-season is finally over! As it’s only been a Gory Half year or 182 days for those counting since Laguna Seca’s season finale…

 

2024 Chevrolet Team line-ups

This is just intended to be a hopefully somewhat Brief rundown upon the 12 Fulltime Bowtie’ runners in this year’s NTT IndyCar Series Championship.

 

A.J. Foyt Enterprises (2)

(Team/Car No/Drivers)

#14 Santino Ferrucci, USA

#41 Sting Ray Robb, USA

 

The first of Foyt’s two drivers announced was Sting Ray Robb replacing Benjamin Pedersen in the more familiar No. 41 came Wayback’ on December 15th. As Pedersen had run the “Double Nickel” #55 last season.

 

Yet Pederson said not so fast A.J. & Larry! Saying He expected His multi-year contract signed in 2023 thru 2025 to be Honoured, Kaput! Even though this would be the worst thing Foyt could do, especially after All of the “Friends” Pedersen made on-track last season!

 

As I could only surmise this was posturing on Pedersen’s side of the equation. And that Foyt felt confident of either a “Get Out” contract clause or buy out clause?

 

As I’ll be extremely disappointed if thee Great Santini’ isn’t back behind the No. 14 keyboard this year. Since my favourite memory is Ferrucci saying over the IN-car radio at Mother Speedway: Should we go lead this boys?

 

Then on January 9th, it was publicly announced that Foyt had indeed signed Ferrucci to return for another full season campaign as the driver of it’s No. 14 entry, with no mention of Pedersen’s name at all! Meaning the team must feel confident it can break the Danish-American’s contract, and it’s remaining two years duration…

 

Whilst what’s that old adage about if you don’t have anything nice to say? For which I don’t have any witty repartee for Sting Ray, other than He’s now driving for the right brand…

 

Arrow McLaren

#5 Patricio “Pato” O'Ward, Mexico

#6 David Malukas, USA

#7 Alexander Rossi, USA

 

While my current Numero Uno IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward had a decent season last year, finishing fourth overall. Obviously the Mexican driver was disappointed to have victory at St Pete and Texas slip away! With Pato wanting to add to his meager four wins tally overall this season! Not to mention being in the title fight.

 

Think everybody knows about ‘lil Dave’, aka David Malukas being hastily signed as Alex Palou’s replacement for 2024. As this is a big step up for Malukas, and I’ll be interested on how He fairs.

 

While I feel that Alexander Rossi definitely needs to step up His “Game” this year. For which I believe He’ll have a new Engineer to “Gel” with, since Craig Hansen left the team and is currently on “Gardening” leave…

 

Ed Carpenter Racing (2)

#20 (R) Christian Rasmussen, Denmark; “Twisties” Only + Third Indy 500 entry

#20 Ed Carpenter, USA; Ovals Only

#21 Rinus VeeKay, Netherlands

 

Christian Rasmussen, the reigning Indy NXT Champion, brings his shrunken $850k prize fund to ECR in a part-time drive. Which is a total shame that the promising Dane’ doesn’t get a proper crack at a full rookie season. Thanks Penske Entertainment! Although Rasmussen will at least get to contest His debutante Indianapolis 500 in a third ECR entry.

 

Boss Fast Eddie’, aka Ed Carpenter is slated to run just the Ovals once again this year, albeit shelving the No. 33 entry and running the No. 20 instead.

 

 Rinus VeeKay, whom I nicknamed Count Dracula after turfing Alex Palou at Mother Speedway! Is in the final year of His ECR contract, and needs to continue the late season charge He had last year in order to stay in Indy Cars…

 

Juncos Hollinger Racing (2)

#77 Romain Grosjean, France

#78 Augustin Canapino, Argentina

 

Have already belaboured the point ah-Mighty here upon No Fenders how I’ve completely soured over this ‘lil team does good story, following the Callum Ilott saga last year!

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2023/11/indycars-junco-hollinger-racing-saga.html

 

As Romain Grosjean moves to His third IndyCar team in four seasons and is hoping to rekindle the magic of His rookie season with Dale Coyne. As I just want to know how soon until the Fireworks erupt when Grosjean and Canapino tussle with each other…

 

Team Penske (3)

#2 Joseph Newgarden, USA

#3 Scott McLaughlin, New Zealand

#12 Will Power, Australia

 

2023 Wins: 5

Josef Newgarden, (4) Scott Mclaughlin (1)

 

This is the only team on this year’s 2024 IndyCar Grid to not change any of it’s drivers.

 

Josef Newgarden leads the way as the reigning Indianapolis 500 winner, along with having four Oval wins, only missing out at Gateway. (World Wide Technology Raceway) As Josef seemed to have a pretty streaky season and will be wishing to clinch His third IndyCar Championship.

 

ScottyMac’, nee Scott McLauglin was the top Penske finisher third overall with a single W’ at thee Barber’s, aka Barber Motorsports Park. Meaning His teammates will be aiming to knock Him off of His perche.

 

2022 IndyCar Champion Will Power had a mostly forgettable season, scoring just one podium I believe last year. As Will was far more consumed by His wife Liz’s medical condition for which She’s recovered from. And thus, DJ WillyP’ will be aiming to get back to His winning ways…

 

(R = Rookie) 

IndyCar Season Preview: Bowtie Boyz’ and Girl

Are we really Going Racing in February?

 

Otay Folks!, what am I gnna Complain about now, Eh? Since our typically, Insufferable Miserably L-O-N-G 43 weeks Off-season since our last G-Damn IndyCar race Done Shrunk, Say What!

 

Instead, following the unusual April Long Beach IndyCar race being last year’s Season Finale, in another Strange, Covid 19 Pandemic affected season being held on September 26th. It’s only been Five months or 154 Sedate Days Off this winter before this Sunday’s regular St Pete Season Opener on February 27^th, Hurrah!

 

2022 Chevrolet Team line-ups

This is just intended to be a hopefully somewhat Brief rundown upon the 10 Fulltime Bowtie’ runners in this year’s NTT IndyCar Series Championship.

 

A.J. Foyt Enterprises (3)

(Team/Car No/Drivers)

#4 Dalton Kellett, Canada

#11 (R) Tatiana Calderon, Columbia (Twisties’ Only)

#11 TBA (Ovals Only)

#14 (R) Kyle Kirkwood, USA

 

So with just three weeks remaining until St Pete, it was pretty Funny that “Publically” Dalton K-Tel’ Kellett is the “Veteran” Driver of A.J. foyt Enterprises three car armada! Since we still Didn’t know the Identity of who’d be driving the No. 11 Oval tracks programme, albeit I’d Arse-sume it’s between ‘Ol Narly Pinball’ or Captain America, i.e.; Charlie Kimball or Ryan Hunter-Reay respectively…

 

Naturally, after I finished Scribblin’ this riveting No Fenders prose. Racer’s Marshall Pruett suggested that the No. 11’s Ovalmeister’ will be J.R. Hildebrand, although I still don’t know where the No. 11 Team/Car will be Based out of, i.e.; Houston or Indianapolis?

 

RokiT has stepped up financially and will sponsor two thirds of Foyt’s entries with two diversely different drivers, including the first Female IndyCar Driver to run in the regular season since Simona de Silvestro’s 2013 campaign for KVRT.

 

And I’ll freely admit I’d never heard of RokiT until it first briefly was the Williams F1 Racing Team’s Title Sponsor and then became one of Alexis Dejoria’s main sponsors in her return to “Floppers,” aka NHRA Nitro Funny Cars.

 

http://www.nofenders.net/2020/06/what-does-drag-racing-and-james-bond.html

 

As 28yr old Columbian Tatiana Calderon will pilot the #11 entry whilst reigning Indy Lights Champion Kyle Kirkwood will be behind the keyboard of the team’s storied No. 14 entry. As both drivers will be contesting Thar Rookie IndyCar season’s, albeit as noted, Calderon’s not racing on any Ovals this season.

 

Arrow McLaren SP

#5 Patricio O'Ward, Mexico

#7 Felix Rosenqvist, Sweden

 

While I highly Doubt I’ll ever be a Fan of Sam Schmidt’s, regarding the way he’s Jettisoned Drivers Willy Nily over the years! Nonetheless, this is one of the team’s I’m most interested in, especially since my current Numero Uno IndyCar Driver Pato O’Ward drives for them, not to mention I’d liked to See Felix rosenqvist rebound this year.

 

Patricio started off the year nicely by Co-Driving the winning DragonSpeed LMP2 entry at the Rolex 24, and He seems set to spend another season challenging for the title.

 

But I’m more interested in how the Engineering Shakeup Pans out for Rosenqvist, having noted previously on No Fenders how veteran Engineer Craig Hansen  takes over for Felix this season fulltime, which Hopefully will get the Swede to the pointy end of the Grid., Period

 

Whilst like Always, as my late Awntie’ Harriet would say, Can Arrow McLaren SP legitimately run with Thee Big boys this season?

 

Ed Carpenter Racing (2)

#20 Conor Daly, USA

#21 Rinus VeeKay, Netherlands

 

conor Daly went to Sin City, also known as Lost Wages or formally Las Vegas, rolled the Dice and came up Sevens! As Conor left the Desert with funding to go racing for ECR Fulltime this season, his first full Season with a single team since 2017. As ECR Boss Fast Eddie’, aka Ed Carpenter is just slated to run the Indianapolis 500 in a third car so far this season.

 

 Rinus VeeKay, who’s second IndyCar season got off to such a great start, including his series maiden win on Mother Speedway’s Infield Road course during May’s Indy GP. Saw his season go Pear Shaped after falling off his mountain bike during a training ride and breaking his Collar bone just before the Road America IndyCar race. As look for the promising Dutchman to presumably come back strong this season and at least give ECR one car Up Front, albeit Hopefully Daly will be knocking on the door for Top 10’s this year.

 

Juncos Hollinger Racing (1)

#77 (R) Callum Ilott, UK

 

This is one of the few Bowtie teams I’ll actively be Rootin’ for, since Thar definitely the Minnowesqe Chevrolet Squad on the Grid this year. And for Mwah there’s more questions than Answers about them, although I’ve Always pulled for Ricardo Juncos, since His story impresses me…

 

Juncos Hollinger Racing, or simply JHR has entered a Technical Alliance with the now Defunct Carlin IndyCar entity, having procured much equipment and the bulk of their Staff in this transaction. And it’s rumoured that it’s Engineers will fill the roles of Technical Director and Race Engineer this year for Callum Ilott, whom despite having run the last three IndyCar races as a Tune-up for both the 23yr old Englishman, who finished Runner-up in the 2020 FIA Formula 2 championship, and JHR, I believe He’ll still be a rookie this year.

 

Yet, whilst I wish nothing but success for JHR and Ilott, I have to wonder where Ricardo Juncos previous IndyCar Staff and Indy Lights Staff Members have gone?

  

Team Penske (3)

#2 Joseph Newgarden, USA

#3 Scott McLaughlin, New Zealand

#12 Will Power, Australia

 

 

 

The Big News at Team Penske is the Departure of Simon Pagenaud to rival Honda team Meyer shank Racing after seven season driving for El Capitano, along with the Shakeup of Race Engineers for Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin.

 

And with with Team Penske’s contraction back to just a three car squad, and No intents of running an extra car for the Indy 500. Along with Newgarden and Power’s somewhat “Meager” win tally last season, I must say it feels like a bit of a Retooling year to Mwah for Penske.

 

Although you can never count Newgarden out of the Championship fight, and McLaughlin will be aiming to score his first IndyCar W’. Whilst Obviously DJ willyP’, (Power) won’t want to be outdone by the second year Kiwi’, not to mention trying to tie Mario Andretti’s Career Pole positions record, which I now seriously Doubt He’ll be able to match or exceed.

 

Hence, for the moment it feels like the Spark has left Team Penske, albeit this is before the first major IndyCar test or the season commencing…

 

(R = Rookie) 

IndyCar Season Preview: Bowtie Boyz’

Are we really gonna G-O Racing?

 

Hur-ray, Hur-ray, Hur-ray Folks! After 27, or is it 28? Insufferable Miserably L-O-N-G week since our last G-Damn IndyCar race Wayback on October 25^th, 2020 at St Pete, it’s finally time to Kick this Party off at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, or is it Leeds? Alabama this Sunday, April 18^th, Hurrah!

2021 Chevrolet Team line-ups

This is just intended to be a hopefully somewhat Brief rundown upon the 11 Fulltime Bowtie’ runners in this year’s NTT IndyCar Series Championship.

 

A.J. Foyt Enterprises (2)

(Team/Car No/Drivers)

#4 Dalton Kellett, Canada

#14 Sebastian Bourdais, France

 

The proverbial Backmarkers enter with Hopes anew, sporting an All New Fulltime season Driver line-up, obviously led by le Hamburgular’, aka SeaBass’ or just plain ‘Ol Sebastian Bourdais. As the Frenchman hopes to put ‘Ol superTex’s storied No. 14 back into victory lane.

 

Dalton Kellett who ironically shared Seat-time with Bourdais and Tony Kanaan aboard the #14 last year replaces Charlie Kimball in the No. 4, in what will probably be another learning year for the Kuhnuck’.

 

Arrow McLaren SP

#5 Patricio O'Ward, Mexico

#7 Felix Rosenqvist, Sweden

 

While I’m certainly Not a Fan of Sam Schmidt’s regarding the way he’s Jettisoned Drivers over the years, i.e.; Tristan Vautier, James Hinchcliffe and Oliver Askew. Nevertheless , this is one of the team’s I’m most interested in, specifically because my current Numero Uno IndyCar Driver Pato O’Ward drives for them, not to mention I’ve liked Felix rosenqvist ever since his Indy Lights days a long time ago.

 

Pato’s name has been at the Top of the Timesheets All Preseason, which hopefully transfers over to the regular season, since I’m expecting him to “Break his Duck” this year in Indy Cars, while Rosenqvist seems to be silently lurking in the Shadows. And as my late Awntie’ Harriet would say, Can SPAM’, aka Arrow McLaren SP run with Thee Big boys this season?

 

Carlin (1)

59. Max Chilton, UK (Twisties' Only + Indy 500)

59. Conor Daly, USA (Ovals Only)

 

As the only One car team on the grid, and a mediocre driver at the tiller who seems to enjoy plodding along in Obscurity, I Don’t expect much from Carlin once again…

 

Arse-sumedly Conor Daly will fill-in on the two Oval tracks Max Chilton has elected to skip, i.e.; Texas Motor Speedway and Gateway, Err WWT Raceway. As Conor scored his and Carlin’s first IndyCar Pole position last year at Iowa’s Race-1.

 

Ed Carpenter Racing (2)

#20 Ed Carpenter, USA (Ovals Only)

#20 Conor Daly, USA (Twisties' Only + 3rd Indy 500 entry)

#21 Rinus VeeKay, Netherlands

 

Obviously it’s Not my Team or Money but, it seems like it’s time for Fast Eddie’, aka Ed Carpenter to move to a third Part-time mount and run his Young Charges Fulltime. As conor Daly will run the bulk of the season, but seems outclassed by his junior team-mate.

 

As I’m quite “High” upon the young Niederlander’ Rinus VeeKay, who begins his Sophomore season at ECR. Hopefully meaning now that he knows the tracks in an IndyCar, he can contest for top-5’s and more Podium finishes, since it would be nice to see an ECR entry running up front.  

 

Team Penske (4)

#2 Joseph Newgarden, USA

#3 (R) Scott McLaughlin, New Zealand

#12 Will Power, Australia

#22 Simon Pagenaud, France

(R = Rookie)

 

The Big News at Team Penske is the addition of a fourth fulltime entry for the much Ballyhooed Scott McLaughlin as the reigning Three-times Aussi Supercars Champion. As the Kiwi was an absolute Bad Arse Down Under and we All await to see if All of the Hype over him is warranted?

 

Otherwise Josef Newgarden’s always a threat for the Championship title, whilst I’m not sure if both Simon Pagenaud and Will Power are in Contract Years this season or just Power? But after Pagenaud finished 8^th Overall and Power 5^th, I’d Arse-sume the pressure’s on both of them to deliver this season, Eh?