Formula One’s other “New” team

With a Swiss German Oxfordshire Qatari twist…

 

Yeah, Y’all might be saying its really not a new team per se. Especially since its even longer since Michael Andretti’s Dealio’ to purchase the Alfa Romeo branded Sauber F1 Team from Finn Rausing and His Longbow Finance company collapsed in the eleventh hour, Wayback’ in Gory 2021!

 

Michael Andretti Slams “Joke” terms after failed Alfa Romeo takeover

 

We all know that Audi AG swooped in and successfully negotiated with Rausing, Arse-sumedly for a larger payout; buying out Sauber Motorsport AG over a three year period of gradual shareholding increase. Beginning with 25% in 2022.

 

The Sauber F1 Team began competing at the 1993 South African Grand Prix under the direction of founder Peter Sauber before undergoing ownership change at season’s end, 2005. When BMW became it’s owner and rebranded the team as BMW Sauber F1 Team. (2006-2009) Then reverted back to Sauber when BMW exited, and Peter Sauber rescued His namesake entity.

 

In 2016, Rausing’s Longbow Finance took control, before the team ran as Alfa Romeo Racing between 2019-2023, albeit simply a marketing exercise with technical support from Ferrari, whose power units it was still utilizing.

 

The team was rebranded again as Stake F1 Teams Kick Sauber between 2024-2025 while Audi’s shareholding increased, before complete 100% ownership occurred in January, 2025.

 

Audi AG, who in turn is owned by Volkswagen AG now holds a 70% stake in the venture after having sold 30% to the Qatar Investment Authority. (QIA) Who are a major shareholder of Volkswagen AG.

 

Interestingly, Rausing also played a key role in Marcus Ericsson’s career, although I think He’s not involved anymore. Since Ericsson moved to Andretti Global and the Huski Chocolate sponsorship ended…

 

Audi, along with Ford and later Honda, all agreed to become manufacturers of the new Yo-Yo racing’s E-E-ElectraFried’ 50/50 power units (PU( for 2026, and in turn ultimately became a full blown Formula 1 constructor.

 

Interestingly, one of Formula One’s most vocal critics, reigning F1 World Champion Lando Norris told the media how F1 was chasing money by making rules to entice new manufacturers vs. drivers recently…

 

Lando Norris Hits out at Formula 1 for putting Money Ahead of Drivers

 

Yo Lando, newsflash. Welcome to reality!

 

Yet Audi’s involvement in Formula 1 dates back to the pre-war era of the 1930’s. When Auto Union, forebearer of Audi competed against the original Silver arrows, nee Mercedes. When the two German marques competed for supremacy of the European Championship between 1935-39. With Bernd Rosemeyer winning the drivers title for Auto Union in 1936.

 

Initially, McLaren’s Team Principal Andreas Seidl was announced as the CEO of Audi’s Formula 1 project in mid-2022. Leaving McLaren immediately and beginning His new role on January 1, 2023. Then a year later Seidl was appointed CEO of the Audi F1 race team.

 

Yet just four months later, Seidl and Chief Technical Officer Oliver Hossman were both “let go”, with Mattia Binotto assuming the dual roles of CEO and COO.

 

Longtime Red bull stalwart and Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley, who’d became Sauber’s Team Principal in April, 2025. Also left Audi in March, 2026 for personal reasons. With Binotto assuming the role of Team Principal.

 

While thee Scottish Terrier’, aka Allan McNish, who’d previously been announced as Audi’s Driver Development “Minder”. Took on the added role of Audi F1 Racing Director, responsible for all trackside operations.

 

Despite getting off to a somewhat troubled start, with Nico Hulkenberg unable to start at Melbourne. And Gabriel Bortoleto at Shanghai due to power unit technical issues. Bortoleto did score Audi’s maiden Formula 1 points Down Under at Bloody Albert Park (Melbourne) in ninth place.

 

Bortoleto’s just announced having signed a multi-year contract extension, and thee Incredible Hulkster’ (Hulkenberg) is set to continue in 2027. With the pair having scored 12 points as of the Hungarian Grand Prix.

 

Thus, as of the summer break, Audi F1 was eighth in the vaunted F1 Constructors championship, one point ahead of Williams. And comfortably ahead of their newcomer arrivals Aston Martin (Honda) and Cadillac. 

F1 Constructor: Cadillac

This Ain’t no Pink Caddy’

 

Team

Full Name: Cadillac Formula 1 Team

Base: Fishers, Indiana; Concord, North Carolina; Warren, Michigan; Silverstone, England

Previous Team Name: None

 

Key Personnel

Team Principal(s) Graeme Lowdon; Dan Towriss, (CEO) Rob White (COO) Chief Technical Officer: Nick Chester

 

Stats

First Race: 2026 Australian Grand Prix

Races: 11

Wins: 0

Poles: 0

Last Race Win: None

 

Chassis

Model: MAC-26

Engine: Ferrari 1.6-litre V-6 Turbo (067/6)

Tyres: Pirelli

 

Drivers

#11 Sergio Perez, Mexico

#77 Valtteri Bottas, Finland

Test/Reserve Drivers) Guanyu Zhou, China; Colton Herta, USA

 

Summary

It seems a really long time ago now since Mikey a’ was “ousted” from His Andretti Global namesake operation, having competed in IndyCar since 2003 as Andretti Green Racing. With Michael Andretti having begun as Team Green’s third wheel under the Team Motorola banner in 2001…

 

As I don’t feel like reinventing the wheel over how Dan Towriss and Mark Walters TWG Group took over Andretti Global in order to gain Cadillac the 11th entry on Formula 1’s grid, which has been dissected Ad Nauseam! Being their clever way to diversify their holdings and make money…

 

GM announces Cadillac Formula 1 Team’s launch

 

Interestingly, wasn’t aware that Cadillac (331 series V-8) powered Kurtis Kraft roadsters had failed to qualify for the 1952-53 Indianapolis 500, when it was part of the Formula 1 World championship.

 

While ironically, the team’s debutante F1 chassis designation “MAC” is in honour of Mario Andretti, who serves as  an Advisor on their Board of Directors. And possibly as a “Brand” Ambassador?

 

Past IndyCar champion and Indianapolis 500 winner Symone’, nee Pageantry’, aka Simon Pagenaud is also involved in the Cadillac project. Taking on the role of Simulator Jockey and enjoying the challenge of improving their new racecar.

 

With Pietro Fittipaldi, Charlie Eastwood and Alex Udell also serving as simulator drivers.

 

Valtteri Bottas leads the way in the Driver’s scrum with a best finish of 13th at Shanghai. While Checo’, nee Sergio Perez has a pair of 14th place finishes at Barcelona and Silverstone. (As of the Hungarian Grand Prix)

 

I don’t want to say I’m out of the loop, but! Before beginning this quick dive into Team Caddy’s debut F1 season, I was under the illusion that Checo’ had scored the team’s maiden Formula 1 point. Since I recall hearing somewhere how the team was “outperforming” last place Aston Martin, Youch!

 

Little did I know, after Sergio had apparently finished tenth at the Monaco Grand Prix. Post-race, Stewards demoted to Perez to 15th – the final car running at race’s end.

 

As Perez’s car had been out of it’s starting box following a ref flag. With Perez’s penalty ironically moving Frederico Suave’, aka Fernando Alonso into thenth place. Vaulting Aston Martin ahead of Cadillac “One-Nil” in the vaunted Constructors standings.

 

Regardless, even though I’m barely following Formula 1 this season. I find Cadillac’s efforts most impressive. Having been rejected in 2023, then gaining tentative approval in November, 2024, before final approval in March 2025. Giving a year-plus to design, build, pass scrutineering and successfully debut two team cars Down Under in Bloody Melbourne this March!

 

Although Cadillac’s utilizing a tried ‘n true Ferrari customer PU (Power Unit) until 2029, when it’s own bespoke General Motors PU comes online. The team could be struggling the reliability issues rival Aston Martin has with it’s Honda and chassis Harmonics issues.

 

As I’d like to believe that sometime after the F1 summer break, Cadillac will score it’s maiden F1 point, and even better yet, surpass Aston Martin in the Constructors battle… 

HYDROS: San Diego Thriller gets waterlogged over elongated Offseason

Like does anybody remember last September?

 

Yeah, it feels like a really, really long time ago when I tuned in for Heat 5 of the Bill Muncey Cup from Bayfair in San Diego via H1 Unlimited’s Hideous Youtube channel Wayback’ on September 14th! As I still don’t understand why I need to jack up the volume an excruciating 46-48 levels! Just in order to be able to hear Brad Luce and Tanner Foust, Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot!

 

Came into the broadcast when Luce was pontificating over Ray Fageol, grandson of the legendous’ Lou Fageol. And everything Ray had done for Bayfair and San Diego regarding Unlimited Hydroplane racing. And “With a little Help from some Friends”, i.e.; the Fageol Family and Fran Muncey, widow of Mr. Hydroplane Bill Muncey. Ray’s ashes were riding along with Dave Villwock aboard the U-27 Miss Apollo. With Luce saying it wasn’t planned, but there goes Villwock as the whoosh of a turbine filled my speakers, Whoosh!

 

While they were killing time for the apparent winner of Heat 4, Villwock to be confirmed. They ran a piece about how the U-11 Flav-R-Pac out of Cle Elem, WA has the youngest crew in the pits. With five 30-somethings working on the boat. As co-owner Sharon Reiny noted their youngest member was only 21 and had been with them since age 11!

 

As they were busy the entire weekend in Mission Bay. With Luce and Foust making jokes about diving deep in the trailer when pulling out their fourth Lycoming T-55 Chinook Helicopter turbine for the final heat…

 

Yet it wasn’t to be for Villwock, who was handed a one minute penalty for encroachment upon J. Michael Kelly in the U-8 Beacon Z. As Kelly had backed out during the race in order to keep from ingesting Salt water, which apparently does grave damage to the turbines. With Kelly electing to save His equipment for the finals.

 

Tuning in early for the final Heat, the Bill Muncey Cup. Luce eulogized Ron Snyder, who passed away that afternoon at age 86. As Snyder drove for many, including the late Bernie Little aboard the Miss Budweiser.

 

Once again had to jack up the volume, come on guys, this is so Mickey Mouse! And even though only four boats were competing it was indeed a Barn Burner! As Brad Luce called a Whale’ of a boat race, in His usual exuberant style…

 

After the four boats played Hide ‘n Seek during the five minutes milling period to the 1:15 minute score-up. Luce mentioned how He hoped Jamie Nilsen had brought His fishing line with Him since the U-11 was practically dead stop floating at the top of the course. With Foust cracking up over this quip!

 

3-2-1 looks like a clean start! With three boats side-by-side. With J. Michael Kelly in the U-8 Beacon Electric in lane two, and the two Bruce Ratchford (BWR Racing) Hydros of Dave Villwock’s U-27 Miss Apollo in lane three. And Andrew Tate’s U-91 Goodwin Real Estate on the outside in lane four.

 

As the boats accelerated down the backstraight, believe Villwock lifted, albeit later Tanner Foust would claim He’d heard a compressor stall, turning it into a two boat battle royale for the bill Muncey cup.

 

Although Tate, the newly crowned 2025 APBA National High Points champion was having to take the longer outside route, with Kelly having boat speed, the two played leapfrog for the lead over the remaining four laps. With Kelly having a two and-a-half boat lead on lap two. Then Tate flexed the U-91’s muscles and led on lap three.

 

Then Kelly led by a slim one and-a-half boat lengths on lap four. While it appeared Tate was pulling away down the backstretch, with Foust saying both drivers were flying their boats!

 

Then Luce emphatically shouted that Kely had taken the lead at the north’s top end corner and would hold on to beat Tate by a very slim margin. Before an exhausted Luce said He was going to sit down!

 

Claiming that was worth the trip, the whole weekend, the whole season. With Foust saying He’d never witnessed a closer boat race…

 

As have to say it totally reminded me of my All-time favourite race on Lake Washington. Which unfortunately today, some fifty-plus years later, I still haven’t been able to decide which year it was between 1973-1975 when the Miss Budweiser and Pride of Pay n’ Pak went deck-to-deck for all five laps with the dreaded Pak winning by 100 yards…

 

But Hey, that was some friggin’ eight and one half Gory months ago! And how many people remember it or watched the race?

 

BWR Racing: Bruce Ratchford’s bold vision for Hydroplane’s future 

LE MANS: 2026 Race preview

Can somebody stop Ferrari’s winning streak?

 

This year’s 94th edition of le 24 Heurs du Mans commences over June 13-14 with 62 entries. With 18 Hypercars, 19 LMP2 and 25 LMGT3 entries.

 

As typical, I won’t try covering the entire grid, just what caught my No. 4 wire. Initially being most interested in how the two Genesis Magma Racing GMR-001 entry’s fare upon their Circuit de la Sarthe debut; Nos. 17, 19.

 

As the No. 17 of Pico Derani, Mathys Jaubert and Andre Lotterer are currently 13th overall, having scored Genesis’s first top-ten finish at Spa. (8th )

While the Seester’ No. 19 of Paul-Loup Chatin, Mathieu Jaminet and Daniel Juncadella languishes in P19 overall, with a best finish of 13th at Spa.

 

The other 16 Hypercars cast includes two Alpine A424’s, two Aston Martin Valkyrie’s, two BMW M Hybrid V8’s and three Cadillac V-Serie’s.R’s. Plus three Ferrari 499P’s, including the defending No. 83 winner. Two Peugeot 9X8’s and two Toyota TR010’s.

 

As the No. 8 Toyota won the season opener 6 Hours of Imola, with the No. 20 BMW M Team WRT winning the 6 Hours of Spa.

 

The No. 38 Herst Team Jota Caddy’ sports Jack “Achey Breaky” Aitken, Earl Bamber and le Hamburglar’, nee Sealmeister B’, SeaBass or simply Sebastien Bourdais. With the No. 101 Cadd-Oh-lacc’ being the IMSA entry of Wayne Taylor Racing. Having Filipe Albuquerque and the Jordan Brothers at its controls, i.e.; Jordan & Ricky.

 

The LMP2 field is chock-Oh-block with impressive entries, including the nine Pro Am (PA) entrants. As Luxembourg’s No. 3 VKR Engineering features Renger van der Zande, John Farano and Sebastian Alvarez. While the No. 4 CrowdStrike by APR features Laurin Heinrich, George Kurtz and Alex Quinn.

 

Another IMSA entry is the No. 14 TDS Racing with Mathias Beche, Tobias Lutke and Kevin Estre.

 

The No. 25 Algarve Pro Racing features somebody by the name of Enzo Trulli, son of Former F1 Pilote Trulli Scrumptious’, ergo Jarno Trulli.

 

Romain Dumas and Tristan Turbo’ Vautier anchor the No. 48 RD Limited, with Fred Poordad being the Amateur.

 

And the reigning Pro Am class champion AO by TF will introduce it’s brand new No. 99 Rockie the Pegasus entry, returning with Dane Cameron, P. J. Hyett and James Allen.

 

You can never count out United Autosport in the “Pro” P2 category, with the No. 22 including former Indy Lights driver Rasmus Lindh being part of the ten P2 contingent.

 

The No. 24 Nielsen Racing entry sees former Alpine Formula 1 driver Jack Doohan making His Le Mans debut.

 

Former F1 and IndyCar driver Pietro Fittipaldi is part of the No. 26 Vector Sport entry.

 

The No. 30 Duqueine Team features a stout line-up, with Julien Andlauer, Femme Fatale Doriane Pin and Richard Verschoor.

 

Whilst the defending class champion No. 43 Inter Europol Competition entry remains intact with Nick Yelloly, tom Dillmann and Jacub Smiechowski.

 

In LMGT3, nine marques make-up the 25 entries, i.e.; 3 Aston Martin’s; 2 BMW’s; 4 Chevrolet Corvette’s; 5 Ferrari’s; 2 Ford Mustang’s; 2 Lexus’s; 2 McLaren’s; 3 Mercedes and 2 Porsche’s.

 

The class defending No. 92 The Benz Mantey Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R once again is anchored by Richard Lietz, seeking an unprecedented seventh class win! Along with Riccardo Pera making up two-third’s of last year’s winning driver’s trio. While Bronze rated Aussie’ Yasser Shahin replaces Ryan Hardwick.

 

Interestingly, Yasser is of Australian-Palestinian nationality, and was part of Manthey’s 2024 winning LMGT3 entry alongside Lietz. While Yasser and His brother Sam (also a racing driver) own a number of Australian businesses including The Benz Motorsports Park, a repurposed Mitsubishi test track Down Under.

 

The runner-up #21 Vista AF Corse Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo returns with Simon Mann, Alessio Rovera and Francois Heriau, and presumably will once again harry the Manthey Racing Porsche for victory.

 

Another former Formula 1 driver’s offspring features Lorenzo Patrese driving the No. 74 Kessel Racing Ferrari, with la Scuderia having the largest class entrants.

 

The 13 Autosport’s No. 13 Corvette IMSA entry sees Matt Bell’s name ringing a bell for Mwah, pun intended! As part of the driver trio.

 

Whilst TF sport runs a trio ‘O Corvette Z06.R GT3’s, the Nos. 2, 33; the latter seeing Nicky Catsburg, Johnny Edgar and longtime IMSA “Gentleman” racer Ben Keating at its controls.

 

TF Sport will also campaign a third NO. 34 Vette’ under the auspices of Racing Team Turkey by TF. Seeing Irish drivers Charlie Eastwood and Peter Dempsey and Turk’ Salih Yolic behind the keyboard.

 

Totally forgot that Dempsey had raced in Star Mazda and Indy Lights between 2011-2013; winning the 2013 Freedom 100, the series closest finish ever in a four-wide photo finish!

 

Proton Competition will run its usual brace ‘O Ford Darkhorse Mustang GT3 Evo’s, the No. 77 with Steven Priaulx, Eric Cowell, and Ben Tuck. While the No. 88 sees Stefano Gattuso, Giammarco Levorato and former Williams F1 driver Logan Sargeant at the reigns.

 

The Heart of Racing Team features two Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 entry’s, the Nos. 23, 27. With the#23 including Eduardo Barrichello.

 

Team boss Ian James, Zacharie Robinchon and Mattia Drudi return in last year’s #27 LMGT3 polesitter.

 

Italy’s Iron Lynx runs a brace ‘O Mercedes AMG GT3’s, the Nos. 61-62 and 79. With the #62 Team Qatar by Iron Lynx being the most interesting of this trio of Merc’s. With Qatari Addulla Al-Khalaifi, Julian Hanses and Guiliano Alesi, son of “Mean Jean” Alesi.

 

Team WRT pair of BMW M4’s sees the No. 69 entry co-driven by former Indy Lights and ex-Vasser Sullivan Racing IMSA driver Parker Thompson. Having won this year’s 6 Hours of Imola LMGT3 category. 

Time to Kickoff the 2026 Formula 1 season

“But it’s a long way to the Top, If You wanna Rock ‘n Roll”

 

VIDEO: It’s A Long Way to the Top

 

Think everyone’s heard Ad Nauseum that this year’s Formula 1 championship sees the most complex set of technical regulation changes, i.e.; chassis and power unit. With a total of two new PU (Power Unit) manufacturers joining the fray. Audi as its own Werks supplier, and Ford in conjunction with Red Bull Power Train. (RBPT) With a total of five PU manufacturers, i.e.; Audi,(1)  Ferrari, (3)  Honda, (1) Mercedes (4)  and Red Bull Ford. (2) With Ferrari customers being Haas and Cadillac; Mercedes being Alpine, McLaren and Williams, and Ford supplying both Red Bull entities. With Aston Martin becoming Honda’s Werks’ team, dropping its Mercedes customer PU; effectively taken up by Alpine.

 

RETRO: A Sad Day for French Motorsports

 

There’s now a total of 11 F1 Constructors, with the addition of Audi, who’s purchase of Sauber is now complete. And the brand new Cadillac entry, as the grid’s 11th team. With Cadillac using customer Ferrari PU’s until 2029, giving us Yanks two U.S. Flagged F1 Constructors this year.

 

Haven’t read the latest gossip over the reported PU roe, with Mercedes and Red Bull Ford being alleged of managing to skirt the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) maximum compression 16:1 ratio regulation, by having their engines combustion chambers “tighten” up under extreme heat to circumvent this regulation and increase compression to 18:1 if I understand this correctly? With cynics suggesting an increase of lap times of 0.4 second per lap.

 

As nothing like a little controversy to get the pre-season started, Eh?

 

On the drivers front, there was very little change overall, with eight of the 10 Formula 1 teams from last year standing pat. As only the two Red bull outfits made driver changes. With Isack Hadjar being elevated to the Big Bulls’, aka Red Bull Racing as Yuki Tsnoda’s replacement. And the series lone rookie Arvid Lindblad joining thee ‘lil Bullz’, nee Racing Bulls as Hadjar’s vacated seat.

 

Veteran F1 drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Botta return to Formula 1 after a year’s absence as Cadillac’s two drivers. And although Perez is talking Bullish about the team scoring points in its maiden campaign. I’ll expect there to be the usual teething issues of any brand new entity…

 

Cannot say I’m a fan of the Canadian Grand Prix moving to Memorial Day to butt heads with the Indianapolis 500, especially since there’s a three weeks gap between Miami and Montreal. Whilst not sure if any other calendar changes? Other than keeping the usual allotment of six Sprint race weekends, i.e.; Shanghai, Miami, Montreal, Silverstone, Zandvoort and Singapore.

 

While I’ve previously tried briefly chronicling this season’s massive  technical changes in the preceding No Fenders post…

 

F1: Dawning of the Latest era begins 

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) 

Don’t Forget about Indy NXT

Even if its one step below IndyCar’s…

 

Lost in All of the feverish anticipation over IndyCar finally coming out from underneath its shadow, and shaking off its stupendous six months winter’s slumber…

 

IndyCar’s “premiere” Feeder Series, Indy NXT also kicks off its season in Saint Petersburg, Florida, and sports a truly different flavour this year.

 

As new regulations allows for a maximum grid of 24 cars and teams being limited to four entries apiece. Having scribbled about the Grid changes previously, following last October’s Chris Griffis test.

 

Plenty to Take away from Annual Chris Griffis test

 

Although less than 60 days out, there were still five TBA seats on the grid. One at Cape Motorsports, half of HMD Motorsports and both Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR) seats being unknown when I began scribblin’ this…

 

Ah contrair, Thar had been three more announcement, which I missed two-thirds of. Leaving just one seat at Cape and JHR still vacant…

 

I’ll surmise that this year’s championship scrum will be between sophomore Lochi Hughes and Myles Rowe, who’s entering His third season. As the duo finished third and fourth overall respectively last year. And the top two finishers; Dennis Hauger, the 2025 Indy NXT Champion. (6 wins) And Caio Collet, the runner-up, (3 wins) both have graduated to IndyCar this year.

 

Abel Motorsports (3+)

Abel Motorsports with Force Indy (1)

Can Abel Motorsports finally win a championship and stop the likes of Andretti and HMD Motorsports? As they were the only three teams to win races last year.

 

On “paper”, you’d have to say that Myles Rowe is the team leader. Having finished fourth overall last year upon scoring His first two Indy NXT wins in His sophomore season. Along with six podiums and 10 top-five finishes. Rowe finished just eight points adrift of Lochie Hughes, with a worst finish of 18th vs. Hughes P16.

 

Jordan Missig returns for His second full season campaign with the team, having finished ninth overall last season. While Colin Kaminsky returns to Abel after a year’s absence; Arse-sumedly due to financial constraints…

 

Whilst the team’s newest signing being of much interest. As Max Garcia spent two seasons in the USF2000 Championship driving for Pabst Racing. Culminated by winning the championship in His sophomore season. (2024)

 

Garcia then stomped the USF Pro 2000 competition enroute to the title with nine wins! And a total of 13 podiums as a rookie last year, Remaining with Past Racing.

 

Will Max give teammate Rowe, Lochie Hughes and the rest of the Indy NXT Grid Headaches this year fighting for the title?

 

A.J. Foyt Enterprises (2)

The storied racing team returns to Indy NXT competition after last competing fulltime in 2003, albeit running Jeff Simmons in a “One-off” at the 2004 Freedom 100. As Y’all remember when the Freedom 100 was arguably Indy Lights most exciting race of the year, Eh?

 

Although the Foyt entry is basically one of two HMD Motorsports “Satellite” squads, since they’re supplying the cars and equipment in alliance with Foyt. Thus adverting the new rule over only four cars per team entry, since HMD ran eight or more last year…

 

Foyt Racing returns with two unknown rookies. As cannot say I’m familiar with the names of either Nicholas Monteiro or Alessandro de Tullio. Although I did learn that de Tullio had been the second quickest rookie during last October’s Chris Griffis test. Finishing fifth overall, while Monteiro was P18 on the time sheets.

 

Although Monteiro races as a Brazilian, He was born in Pembroke Pines, Florida. With the 20yr old having made His single seater debut in the 2022 Brazilian F4 Championship, before moving to USF2000 the following year.

 

Monteiro contested three seasons of USF2000 for several teams. Finishing a career best of 10th overall last year, despite missing the final round at Portland.

 

De Tullio swept the Virginia International Raceway (VIR) weekend, winning all three races. Ending the 2023 season third overall in the USF2000 Championship, with a total of five wins.

 

Last year, Alessandro scored His maiden USF Pro 2000 victory at the St Pete Season opener. Ultimately winning four races and seven podiums enroute to fourth overall in the championship.

 

Andretti Global (4)

Once again, the Andretti Global Juggernaut comes loaded for Bear with another stout four-car entry. Having won the past two championships.

 

Aussie Lochi Hughes, who finished second fiddle to teammate Dennis Hauger. Claimed third overall His rookie season on the back of two wins, eight podiums and 10 top five finishes. Finishing just eight points ahead of Myles Rowe. (466-458)

 

Hughes returns to Andretti with three new teammates, with Sebastian Murray having finished P1 during the Chris Griffis test.

 

As Scottish teenager Murray began His single seater career in the UAE Formula 4 series, before graduating to the British GB3 Championship in 2024.

 

Last season, Murray raced for Andretti Cape Indy NXT, before being sidelined after a vicious Mid-Ohio incident. As Murray and teammate Ricardo Escotto “rubbed” wheels, sending Sebastian “cartwheeling,” before coming to a stop upside down in the middle of the track!

 

Max Taylor, who was second quickest at the test, graduates from USF Pro 2000. Finishing sixth overall with one win.

 

While Portland’s Josh Pierson, now in His fourth season was third quickest during the October test. Moving over from HMD Motorsports after three years. Claiming His best Indy NXT campaign at sixth overall. Including His breakout weekend at Laguna Seca.

 

Starting third in both races, Pierson scored His first series podium with third place Saturday. Then improved one place to second on Sunday, His career best finish to date.

 

Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR (2)

Due to the entrant teams restructuring, Andretti Global dropped its affiliation with Cape Motorsports and was replaced by Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) this year.

 

Just days prior to this year’s Rolex 24, the team still hadn’t divulged its second driver. With only Nikita Johnson being named to the team’s No. 21 entry.

 

Johnson had a busy season last year. Racing abroad in Formula Oceania Regional, GB3 and Formula 3, also made selected starts in Indy NXT with HMD Motorsports. But preserved His rookie status doing so.

 

Johnson capped off the year by being the quickest rookie at the Chris Griffis test and fourth overall…

 

Interestingly, Nikita has been announced as one of RLL Team McLaren’s fulltime drivers for this year’s IMSA GTD Pro campaign. Partnering Max Esterson in the No. 59 Rahal McLaren 720S GT3 Evo entry, along with making His Rolex 24 debut this January. 

Indy NXT Roars to Life

As they’ll be the supporting bill during the Month of March…

 

The Indy NXT Series once again commences its 17 race season at St Pete. Followed by its Arlington Street race debut, and the first of five “Double Header” weekends at the oh, so beautiful Barbers Motorsports Part at the end of March.

 

Next is two races on Indianapolis’s road course, followed by Detroit. The first Oval track at Gateway, then back-to-back Double Headers at Road America and Mid-Ohio. With Nashville capping off the month of July.

 

Next is the Rose City, aka Portland, the Milwaukee Mile and the season finale Double Header at Laguna Seca. Will all races once again being aired live on (Fox Sports) FS-1 and FS-2.

 

Chip Ganassi Racing (4)

Obviously Cheep’ (Ganassi) isn’t accustomed to going winless a la last season. With Andretti Global claiming the Lion’s share of W’s with nine victories! As CGR steps up to four cars this year, with drivers Bryce Aron and Niels Koolen returning.

 

James Roe, now in His fifth season; presumably the longest duration? Joins from Andretti Global, after spending the past three seasons there. Having contested the majority of His rookie Indy Lights campaign driving for TJ Speed Motorsports before joining HMD Motorsports. While rookie Carson Etter is totally unknown to Mwah…

 

Although subsequently learning that He contested last year’s USF Pro 2000 Championship driving for Exclusive Motorsports. Finishing a very pedestrian P17 overall, with a lone top-ten finish, i.e.; sixth in the Nashville season finale. With two 12th place finishes being His other best results. Making me wonder who’s Bankrolling His Indy NXT program?

 

As Etter finished a long way behind the two “Max’s”, i.e.; Max Garcia and Max Clark. Plus Alessandro de Tullio to name just a few of His USF Pro 2000 colleagues…

 

Cusick Morgan Motorsports (2)

Know very little about this new team, other than it’s the other “Satellite” HMD Motorsports squad, with the latter providing the technical support and vehicles. Although Don Cusick’s name should be familiar to all of us IndyCar Diehards…

 

As the team sports rookie teenager Aussie’ Nicholas Stati, who finished “Vice Champion”, err runner-up to Daniel Quincy in the 2024 United States Formula 4 Championship. Falling just 4.5-points shy of the title, with three wins.

 

“Journeyman” driver Juan Manuel Correa, who previously competed in Formula 2, moves from HMD Motorsports to contest His first full season Indy NXT campaign.

 

HMD Motorsports (4)

And then there was one TBA driver left. As HMD had previously announced rookie drivers Jack Beeton and Enzo Fittipaldi. Before third year Indy NXT competitor Salvador de Alba’s name was announced January 15th.

 

As the 26yr old Mexican driver scored an emphatic maiden Indy NXT victory at Milwaukee last year. Followed by a runner-up finish at the Nashville season finale, finishing fifth overall driving for Andretti Global.

 

Last year, HMD Motorsports was the second most successful team behind Andretti Global. With Caio Collet scoring His maiden Indy NXT W’, and three total wins enroute to runner-up in the Drivers Championship.

 

The team last claimed the title in 2023 with Christian Rasmussen. And obviously, like

Everyone, is intending to stop Andretti Global’s current championship streak!

 

But wait, I missed another memo. As the team snuck in the announcement of Poland’s Tymek Kucharczyk being confirmed one day ahead of de Alba’s announcement…

 

Juncos Hollinger Racing (2)

Doing their best Dale Coyne impersonation, the team had failed to publicly disclose either of its two drivers as of mid-January. But like Coyne, they’ll need to have drivers attending Content Days, Righto?

 

Juncos Racing won the 2015 and 2017 Indy Lights Driver titles with Spencer Pigot and Kyle Kaiser respectively. Along with amassing five Indy Pro 2000 Drivers Championships between 2010 and 2020. With Current IndyCar drivers Rinus VeeKay in 2018, and Sting Ray Robb in 2020.

 

Whilst I missed this memo too, Geez! As JHR confirmed Mexico’s Ricardo Escotta, who competed for Andretti Cape Indy NXT last season. But no word on His teammate as of January 20th…