Closing in on a championship with Alex Palou, Scott Dixon, Barry Wanser, and an exclusive interview with Michael Andretti

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Speakers: Bruce Martin, Scott Dixon, Alex Palou, Barry Wanzer, Josef Newgarden, Linus Lundqvist, Conor Daly, Scott McLaughlin, & Michael Andretti

Roger Penske:

This is Roger Penske and you're listening to Pit Pass Indy sponsored by Penske Truck Rental.

[Music Playing]

Bruce Martin:

IndyCar fans, it's time to start your engines. Welcome to Pit Pass Indy, a production of Evergreen Podcasts. I'm your host, Bruce Martin, a journalist who regularly covers the NTT IndyCar Series.

Our goal at Pit Pass Indy is to give racing fans an insider's view of the exciting world of the NTT IndyCar Series in a fast-paced podcast featuring interviews with the biggest names in the sport.

I bring nearly 40 years of experience covering IndyCar and NASCAR, working for such media brands as nbcsports.com, si.com, ESPN Sports Ticker, Sports Illustrated, Autoweek, and Speed Sport.

So, let’s drop the green flag on this episode of Pit Pass Indy.

Welcome to this week's edition of Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

We are proud and honored to have Penske Truck Rental sponsoring Pit Pass Indy. We will continue to cover the entire NTT IndyCar Series community and our partner Penske Truck Rental will help us tell those stories.

Congratulations to Chip Ganassi Racing as the team locked down the 2023 NTT IndyCar Series Championship.

All that is left is to determine which driver will take the title because the only two drivers that remain in contention both race for the team owned by Chip Ganassi.

Sixth time IndyCar series champion Scott Dixon won his second straight IndyCar race of the season and the 55th of his career. Second on the all-time victory list with his victory in the August 27th Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at World Wide Technology Raceway.

Teammate, Alex Palou finished seventh and has a 74-point lead over Dixon heading into this weekend's BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland.

Maximum points for each IndyCar race are 54. If Palou leaves Portland with a 54 point lead over Dixon, the driver from S54-pointl claim his second NTT IndyCar Series Championship. He also won the title in 2021.

Both Dixon and Palou had to start nine positions further in the field than they had qualified because each were among a group of drivers that had nine grid spot penalties for exceeding their engine allotment for the season.

Dixon started 16th but was able to complete the 260-lap race on just three pit stops. Every other driver in the top 10 had to pit five times or more.

Dixon has become a master of winning races on a fuel saving strategy. Dixon completed the first 65 laps before making a pit stop and then made it to lap 126 for his second.

At that point, if he could stretch the fuel to the 195th lap, he could make it to distance on just three stops, He worked it to perfection.

The 43-year-old driver from Auckland New Zealand finished 22.2256 seconds ahead of Pato O’Ward of Monterey Mexico.

I caught up with the legendary Dixon after Sunday's Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at World Wide Technology Raceway for this exclusive interview for Pit Pass Indy.

Please be aware there are some audio issues with this interview because of some technical difficulties with the equipment, but thanks to my audio engineer, Zach Hurst, we were able to clean it up to the point where we can still run it on this segment of Pit Pass Indy.

Joining us now, on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental is six-time NTT IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon, who won his 55th career victory in Sunday's Bommarito Automotive Group 500 World Wide Technology Raceway.

Scott Dixon performance, you mastered the fuel saving strategy. You only pitted three times. Everybody else in the top 10 pitted five times. Your teammate, Marcus Ericsson, finished 10th, pitted six times.

How hard is it to pull off a three-stop strategy in a race such as this on a short oval?

Scott Dixon:

I think the biggest thing is discipline. And it's sticking to the commitment that you've chosen.

And the hardest part today, I think was the unknowns. Obviously, with the red tire, it’s a new tire, it's a new theme to run an alternate tire on a short track oval. And then having the reduced practice and really not knowing what's going to transpire in the race.

So, yeah, it was a mixed bag of emotions and feelings throughout as most of these races are. But I think that the key point was sticking strong to the discipline of second class three stop strategy.

Bruce Martin:

You led three times for race high 123 laps. Pretty much was able to determine the pace of the race from that point forward. And when you have that ability, how important is that as a race driver?

Scott Dixon:

Yeah, I think that again, is also, kind of feeling out your competitors. Josef I think was definitely making a couple of runs. I think he was trying to pressure us in. I think early on they'd figured out that they couldn't get the mileage that we were able to get.

So, again, huge kudos to HPD and Honda for allowing us to have that tool in our chest. But yeah, they were pushing hard but then they bailed quite early.

So, then we could really control the pace that we needed to. But the pace wasn't actually hard that much. We were able to really run almost a lap liter pace with the exception of maybe the first 10 or 15 laps.

So, after that point the tires really hung on, the consistency was really good and nobody could go faster than us either.

Bruce Martin:

Two weeks ago, the question was, will Scott Dixon be able to continue his victory streak to 18 straight years? Now, it's 19 straight years.

You did that with a victory in the Gallagher Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Didn't take you very long to get the next win, it was the very next race.

How cool is it when you win back-to-back races?

Scott Dixon:

Yeah, it's huge. It's tough to do in this industry and especially in this series right now. I was shocked when we were able to do a three beat back in 2020 as well to go into that championship. So, it feels special, it feels special for the team.

I think the team has had four, six, seven race wins in the season so far between the three of our cars. And I think to have all of us competing so high in the championship is huge as well.

And then with the obvious thing going into Portland with really only a Ganassi driver having the option to win the championship is pretty special.

Bruce Martin:

That was going to be my next question. It's a 74-point gap now, between yourself and Alex Palou. You two are the only two drivers that can win the championship. You both drive for Chip Ganassi.

How important is that to be able to know that you've already clinched the title for the boss?

Scott Dixon:

It's huge for Chip, but not just for Chip, for everybody that works at this fun place. And maybe the first time I think in my career that this has been maybe a situation as well.

I know, Dario and I had some very close ones but no, I don't think we ever had lockouts maybe of just Ganassi drivers.

So, very special for Chip and I think again, it's a testament to how much effort goes in to all of these cars every weekend and how much this team wants to win.

Bruce Martin:

And as we learned in your 2015 championship when Juan Pablo Montoya led every race of the season, except for the last one, when you nipped them for the championship at the very end, don't count out Scott Dixon. Even with 74 points behind the two races to go, it could still happen.

Scott Dixon:

It's a big deficit. As I've said, I'd much rather be in Alex's shoes than my own.

But I guess it really makes you start to think about missed opportunities throughout the season and maybe areas where you kind of lost some points here and there.

But again, you can't take away what Alex and the 10-car group have done. So, if we can't take it, he's definitely a very deserving champion.

Bruce Martin:

And wrapping up here with Scott Dixon, 43 years old, but you're fresh as a daisy. One of the kids that was in here that finished on the podium said they expect you to run another 10 years.

Scott Dixon:

That's a long time. Yeah, I won't be giving up anytime soon, that's for sure. But yeah, hey, I love being able to do what I do and work with the people that I get to work with. And obviously, do it on the stage every day. So, I hope it's many more years to come.

Bruce Martin:

Scott Dixon, congratulations on career victory number 55 at the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at World Wide Technology Raceway. Good luck at Portland, good luck the rest of the way in the championship. And thank you for joining us today on Pit Pass Indy.

Scott Dixon:

Thanks, man, I really appreciate it.

Bruce Martin:

Alex Palou's charge to a presumptive championship in 2023, continued at Gateway as he started 14th and finished 7th. That was his best career finish at the 1.25-mile short oval.

Palou is attempting to clinch the championship before the final race of the season for the first time since Sebastien Bourdais won the Champ Car Series title in 2007 and Dan Wheldon won the IndyCar title in 2005.

Bourdais clinched the title in the Lexmark 300 at Surfers Paradise Australia on October 21st, 2007 with one race left in the season.

Wheldon clinched the 2005 IndyCar Championship by completing a single practice lap at the next of the last race of the season at Watkins Glen International.

He would go on to finish fifth in a race, sixth in the season finale at California Speedway and won a series high six races that season.

The last driver to Clinch an IndyCar Championship before the final race of the season in a combined series was Al Unser Jr. in the 1994 CART season.

Unser won eight of the 16 races that season, and Team Penske won 12 of the 16 races on the schedule. Unser clinched it with two to go at Road America.

I caught up with Palou on pit lane after his seventh place finish for this exclusive Pit Pass Indy interview.

Joining us now, on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental is Alex Palou.

Alex, pretty tough day here at Gateway, but you ended up in pretty good shape. Talk a little bit about your finish here in the Bommarito Automotive Group 500.

Now, it's just a two man race for the championship, and the other guy you're fighting is your teammate race winner, Scott Dixon.

Alex Palou:

Yeah, it was an interesting race. I mean, we had the fast car, we had to start obviously 14th because of that engine penalty, and I think we did a really good job, honestly, on strategy speed stops and overall pace.

But it was just tough to make big spots, big moves. So, yeah, I think seventh was the best we could have done without being super lucky or anything like that.

Kudos to the nine car. They were the only ones doing it on one less stop. I don't think we could have done it today. So, yeah, they did a good job.

It's good that we know that the championship is going to stay within the team, which is the target and yeah, focusing on Portland now.

Bruce Martin:

And how important was that to keep the championship battle within the team?

Alex Palou:

Oh, yeah, very important. Obviously, it's a teamwork. Scott wouldn't be here, I wouldn't be here without all the team, everybody, all the cars, everybody back at the shop. So, yeah, it's good that we can secure that. It's going to be at home, but we need to bring it on the 10 car now.

Bruce Martin:

The last couple of short oval races that we had in the Hy-Vee IndyCar race weekend at Iowa, your goal was to get out of there with two 8th place finishes, you accomplished the goal.

So, I guess if you look at the board today, with a 7th place finish, that's got to be better than the goal that you may have had coming in here.

Alex Palou:

Well, we wanted to be more here, but yeah, obviously starting from 14th, 7th was a good position. I thought top 10 was going to be an okay race for us already.

And to get more, we had to go really different on strategies. I don't think we were in a position to do that today. So, yeah, P7, real happy.

Bruce Martin:

The beautiful thing about racing with Scott Dixon as a championship is that you know he's going to race you clean.

Alex Palou:

Oh yeah, absolutely. It's always been that way. And yeah, I remember 21 that he was super, super close and we still made it super, super clean and I think that's the most fun.

Bruce Martin:

Do you think that Scott kind of shocked everybody with that fuel strategy that he was able to pull off? That was a pretty masterful move to go from 17th to basically end up in a dominating victory.

Alex Palou:

Absolutely yeah. Everybody I think is thinking why we didn't do it, but we didn't think it was possible. So, as always, Scott Dixon thinks.

Bruce Martin:

How much do you still learn from him?

Alex Palou:

A ton, a ton. I mean, he did the same at Indy. So, it's been two races in a row, two wins in a row that he made himself be in that position and to made it work. So, yeah, I still learn and I think I will still learn a ton from him.

Bruce Martin:

You didn't clinch the championship today, but I mean, a lot of things would've had to have gone your way in order to clinch it here at Gateway.

But you still have a chance to wrap it up at Portland and be the first driver since Sebastien Bourdais in 2007 and Dan Wheldon in 2005 to wrap it up before the last race of the season. How much would that mean to Alex Palou?

Alex Palou:

Oh yeah, it would be an amazing moment, obviously. That's a goal, but the big goal is to win the championship. If it comes one race earlier or not, I don't think it's going to make a huge difference for me as long as I bring it home. So, yeah, cannot wait for the last two races that are good ones for us.

Bruce Martin:

And also, Josef Newgarden’s championship bid ended and also, his four straight race victories here ended when he got into the wall in turn two.

When did you find out that he was pretty much out of contention?

Alex Palou:

Well, they told me over the radio because we obviously won position and nobody stopped at that point. Obviously, that's not what you want. You want to fight more on track, but yeah, didn't really change our race.

Bruce Martin:

And finally, it's great to be part of Chip Ganassi Racing right now for Alex Palou.

Alex Palou:

Absolutely.

Bruce Martin:

Congratulations and good luck in wrapping up the championship next week at Portland.

Alex Palou:

Thank you.

Bruce Martin:

Barry Wanzer is the IndyCar team manager for Chip Ganassi Racing and calls the race strategy for Palou’s No. 10 American Legion Honda.

Wanzer has been part of many great championships at Chip Ganassi Racing. And with the team assured that one of its drivers will win the title in 2023, I was able to talk to Wanzer about that achievement after the race.

Joining us now, on Pit Pass Indy is IndyCar team manager, Barry Wanzer of Chip Ganassi Racing, who also, calls Alex Palou’s race strategy on the No. 10 Honda.

We've talked to you quite a bit this season after races as Alex closes in on a championship. The one thing that you guys accomplished today is Chip Ganassi Racing is going to win the 2023 NTT IndyCar Series championship one way or another. Because the only two drivers that are eligible, Alex Palou and Scott Dixon.

So, how big of an accomplishment is that knowing the team is going to win a championship?

Barry Wanzer:

I mean, that's huge. Obviously, that's one of our goals during the year. We missed that on our first goal of winning Indy. Obviously, very close there. But we've been focused the rest of the year on winning the championship. Obviously, Scott's been very consistent as well.

It takes wins and we made decisions to win the race today and all the stands did. And the nine car came out on top and it's awesome.

But it's just incredible for the team and the incredible accomplishment with two races to go to, as you say, clinch the championship for the team.

So, now, we'll let these two guys battle it out and we'll see how it plays out.

Bruce Martin:

And was this a classic textbook of Scott Dixon and the fuel mileage ability to keep a great lead while saving fuel?

Barry Wanzer:

Oh, for sure. I mean, we've seen Scott do this from time and time again over the years. I'm sure it's quite stressful when the strategy is to leave him out there.

But he caught the yellow and that played in his hand. But you have to take risks in order to win.

Bruce Martin:

And as far as Alex at Iowa, the goal was to get out of there with two 8th place finishes or two finishes in the top eight, you were able to achieve that.

Here, he finished seventh. He kind of lurked around in the background like a cat most of the day. He was maybe as low as 13th or 14th, was running in the top 10, closes it out in 7th place.

So, how great of a drive was it for a guy who will admit that short ovals are not necessarily his strong point?

Barry Wanzer:

For sure, it was a great drive. I mean, we were a car that got caught out by the yellow. Otherwise, the outcome could have been different.

But as far as the rest of the race, we did the undercut a couple times and Alex did what we needed him to do, pass cars and get the mileage we needed. And that's what he does for us every race. And that's what helps make him a championship contender.

Bruce Martin:

You've worked with some great drivers in your career, Dario Franchetti, just name them, Scott Dixon, all these great drivers that you've worked with.

How do you describe how Alex Palou fits into that group of great drivers that you've worked with?

Barry Wanzer:

Alex does everything we need him to do, whether it's saving fuel, maintaining pace, and going faster than we need to. And with a fuel number we'll give him, he knows if he saves more than what we need at a minimum, there's a chance he's going to be able to use more at the end and make something of it.

He's very smart. I don't have to tell him too much about what's going on in the race for him to understand what's going on in the race around him.

Bruce Martin:

It was conceivable that Alex could have clinched the title today, although it would've probably been a little bit of long odds for him to do that.

But now, to know that it is definitely doable to clinch it at Portland. How do you feel going into the race this week?

Barry Wanzer:

I feel really strong. We're very happy obviously with the performance, but in order to clinch the title at Portland, we're still going to need the race well. And we want to race up front just like we've been doing all year.

Bruce Martin:

Barry Wanzer, congratulations on going to closer to a championship. Congratulations on Chip Ganassi Racing clinching a title one way or another today, whether it be Alex or Scott Dixon. And thank you for joining us today, on Pit Pass Indy.

Barry Wanzer:

Thanks, Bruce. Appreciate it.

Bruce Martin:

Josef Newgarden was eliminated from championship contention with his second straight 25th place finish.

The Team Penske driver was attempting to win his sixth straight race on an oval and his fourth straight race at World Wide Technology Raceway.

Newgarden pitted for the final time on lap 209 in Sunday's race. He returned to the track in 11th place after his final pit stop, but his car went high in turn two and smacked the wall.

He was able to limp his injured No. 2 PPG Team Penske Chevrolet back to the pit area as the team tried to repair the broken toe link.

I caught up with a disappointed Newgarden following the race for this very short interview for Pit Pass Indy.

Josef Newgarden:

I was just trying to catch up. I mean, I knew we were going to lose to someone in fuel save, most likely Dixon or somebody. Even if the yellow comes out, I think we're still behind.

So, I was just trying to get through cars as quickly as I could when I pitted and it didn't work out. I got in the marbles, got just a touch too high, but I was trying to catch up and ended up not being a good move. So, that's where we landed.

The team did a great job, really proud of our group with the PPG car. And can't thank the team enough for all their efforts. This weekend just didn't work out.

Yeah, I mean, we put together a good car, a good race, just didn't work out. So, we'll go to the next one.

Bruce Martin:

You won every oval race this season, except for today, with Indy 500. So, you're going to look back one day and see this as a pretty good season.

Josef Newgarden:

I mean, it's good for the 500. Season wise, not been that great. But I'm proud of the team, I think they've done a really phenomenal job just sticking with it, putting great race cars on the track. You can't supplement that. And they've done that all year.

Bruce Martin:

Did you know that it was going to be a race of strategy that somebody like Dixon was going to try a fuel saving strategy like he did to kind of jumble things up?

Josef Newgarden:

Well, you could see the mix there at the end. And we all knew what was going on. You could see it was split.

Bruce Martin:

We'll be right back to Pit Pass Indy after this short break.

Josef Newgarden:

Hey, everybody, this is Josef Newgarden, winner of the 107th Indianapolis 500, and you're listening to Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

Bruce Martin:

Welcome back to Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental. There was plenty of big news this past week as the season winds down and teams begin to prepare for next season.

The biggest story is Marcus Ericsson, who has signed a lucrative multi-year contract with Andretti Autosport beginning in 2024. He has been with Chip Ganassi Racing since 2020 as the driver of the No. 8 Husky Honda.

The highlight was Ericsson's dramatic victory in the 106th Indianapolis 500 in 2022.

Andretti Autosport has three confirmed drivers for 2024, including Colton Herta, two-time race winner, Kyle Kirkwood and Ericsson. Team owner Michael Andretti hopes to have a decision on the fourth entry soon. We will hear from Andretti later on today's Pit Pass Indy.

On August 28th, Meyer Shank Racing announced Simon Pagenaud will not return to the No. 60 SiriusXM AutoNation Honda in 2023 as he continues to recover from lingering injuries in his frightful crash at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on July 1st.

IMSA, star Tom Blomvist was named as the driver for the final two races of the season at Portland and WeatherTech Raceway at Laguna Seca.

Linus Lundqvist drove the car the past three races, including an 18th place finish in his IndyCar oval racing debut Sunday at Gateway. The 2022 Indy NXT Champion is hopefully he is on the list for a full-time ride in 2024. I spoke with Lundqvist entering this past weekend.

Joining us now, at Pit Pass Indy is Linus Lundqvist.

Linus, you're back once again with Meyer Shank Racing. You're getting a chance to run an oval for the first time. How important do you feel this is in the development of you to be able to get a ride full time next season?

Linus Lundqvist:

I think it's super important. And obviously, it's going to be tough again, like every weekend has been, because like I said, it's a new challenge in oval. Never done that in IndyCar before, so we'll see how it goes.

Obviously, Nashville was the street race. Indy was in a road course race and this is in oval, so we'll see how it goes. But I'm sure that the team is going to help me to get up to speed and hopefully, we can have a good results.

Bruce Martin:

Third straight race, you're back with Meyer Shank racing. Do you feel that you're improving your chances every weekend of getting a full-time ride?

Linus Lundqvist:

I like to think so, but everything basically depends on how we do on Sundays and Saturdays. Just because you're at the track doesn't mean that you improve your chances for full-time ride. In some cases, it might even be the opposite.

So, I'm just trying to focus on doing a good job, learning as much as I can, and hopefully, bring good result on Sunday.

Bruce Martin:

What's been the biggest surprise between driving an Indy NXT car and driving an IndyCar?

Linus Lundqvist:

I think everything that comes with it being an IndyCar driver, it's so much more than just being fast in a race car because when you're driving in the Lights, running in the Indy NXT car, for example, you push to the absolute limit.

So, the only thing that changes is the material. But I think it's the work, everything that goes around it in terms of development, fine tuning, what you can do with dampers and how much you can help speed up the process of learning for the team.

Bruce Martin:

How much has your phone been ringing? How many text messages you've been getting from people who say, “Hey, let's talk about next season?”

Linus Lundqvist:

Well, it has not been quiet, but I've been trying to keep it on flight mode for longer periods of time. Honestly, I'm just trying to focus on race by race because like I said before, just because you're on track, doesn't mean you improve your chances, you also have to perform.

So, I know that the best thing I can do for myself is just focus on the racing and we'll take into the next part over the winter.

Bruce Martin:

Lundqvist was asked about how well he has meshed with the team at Meyer Shank Racing.

Linus Lundqvist:

Knowing everybody names in the team, knowing the name of the guy that's strapping me in, stuff like that. It just like familiarity, I guess. Like just getting comfortable with everyone.

And this goes both ways, but also, like engineers know what I want from the car, what I need from the car, what I like. And obviously, my feedback in terms of what I should be precise about, and what I can push for, and what I can live with, et cetera.

I think that just speeds up the process of us getting to know each other and then hopefully, the package will be at a better end.

Bruce Martin:

Does any of the news of the last two weeks affect you? And the fact that we know now, that Alex Palou is not going to McLaren and that Marcus Ericsson is going to Andretti. Does that affect you in any way, shape, or form for possibilities for next year?

Linus Lundqvist:

Man, I've had this puzzle laid in front of me since the end of last year trying to see where everybody's moving, but it seems like the market is literally moving day by day. So, I'm not really sure if my puzzle make any sense by today.

But like I said before, I think the best thing I can do for myself is just do well at the track and then we'll see where everybody's at. You can't really change what other drivers are doing or teams deciding, you can only focus on yourself in that sense.

Yeah, but I've heard those rumors, which are obviously flattering rumors, but rumors nonetheless. So, in due time, we'll see what happens in the future.

But again, I've tried not to focus too much on it. Obviously, it is nice to hear those things though. It means that we're doing something right.

Bruce Martin:

Do you find Michael Shank to be an inspiring guy now that you're working with him? Because he does seem to be a guy that is a little bit of a go-getter and that can inspire his drivers?

Linus Lundqvist:

Yeah, 100%. And he was a guy that I looked up to even before, during the first race in Nashville. We've been in touch for quite a long time, so I've gotten to know Mike and Jim very well.

And without them I would not be in a position to make my IndyCar debut, and here I am making my third race for them.

So, whatever happens, I'll be extremely grateful for that. And hopefully, we can have another good result this weekend.

Oh, 110%. The last three, four weeks have changed my life. It's taken a 180 turn. Firstly, even to have made my IndyCar debut was a dream come true, something that I've been chasing for a very, very, very long time.

So, finally, to be able to do that and call myself … I don't know if I can call myself an IndyCar driver, but at least a driver that's been in an IndyCar, just checking that off the list has been incredible.

Obviously, now, the focus is okay, I want to win a race. But obviously, I'm still on a trajectory to learn as much as I can and hopefully, I'll be on the grid next year.

Bruce Martin:

What's the dynamic like with Helio Castroneves?

Linus Lundqvist:

The dynamic is great. I mean, as a driver, team owner, he’s technically my boss now to a certain extent. But obviously, we're at two very different stages in our career, and I'm basically at a stage where I'm just watching and learning as much as I can.

Helio is so much experience and it's established so much. I'd say he's a live legend. So, to be able to race alongside of him, it is great. You're learning so much, and I think especially during a weekend like this in an oval, just watching his approach is going to be very, very interesting.

Bruce Martin:

Conor Daly is another driver hoping to land a full-time ride in 2024. He began the season as a full-time entrant at Ed Carpenter Racing but was relieved of those duties after the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix in early June.

Since then, Daly is substituted for Simon Pagenaud at Meyer Shank Racing.

This past weekend at Gateway, he got the call from Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing to drive the No. 30 car that has been vacated since Driver Jack Harvey was released after the Gallagher Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway earlier in August.

Here's my interview with Conor Daly for Pit Pass Indy.

Joining us now, on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental is Conor Daly, who's running at Gateway with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.

Your third team this season. But you got to feel good that there are teams that are calling you up saying, “We want Conor Daly in our car.” So, what type of an opportunity is this for you?

Conor Daly:

I mean, honestly, every opportunity is an important opportunity. As you know, in this sport, you're only as good as your last session, your last race. So, every time you have a chance to do something and maybe raise an eyebrow or two, that's important.

I am obviously at an interesting point in my career, but thankfully, teams are wanting to use my services and I obviously love this track. So, I would've been very sad if I was watching this race this year.

But yeah, I don't even know what's going to happen next week, you know what I mean? But for now, we have a race in front of us to focus on, and I want to do the best job that I can do for this team to deliver for their partners, to deliver for the ownership that have given me this chance. So, we'll see what happens.

Bruce Martin:

How did the call come from Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing? Who was it that contacted you?

Conor Daly:

Well, Steve Eriksen obviously, he’s one of the head honchos over there. And I know Steve from when he was with Honda. So, I got the call and obviously, when someone calls you to race, you usually say yes quite easily.

So, the interesting part was though, is that I didn't know what was happening yet with the 60 car. Because I feel like there would've been a chance to get in that car. Mike Shank had told me, if they needed it to be ready.

But obviously, when this opportunity comes about and then everything develops as week by week, this was the opportunity that presented itself. And so, here I am.

Bruce Martin:

I've covered this sport a long time, but I can't recall the number of drivers who have been replaced in the middle of a season like this season. You were one of them. And now, Jack Harvey's another one, the driver that you're replacing in this ride.

Why do you think the reason is that we're seeing that more often in IndyCar this year?

Conor Daly:

I think there are a multitude of reasons, and most of which I'm not willing to say. But this sport is really challenging.

Like this is an era right now, where it is the most competitive era of IndyCar racing that I think I certainly remember, because there's more cars, there's more good teams, there's more good drivers, everyone is in the game.

So, I think to eliminate certain question marks, I guess is something that you would have to do to try to be a better program overall.

But yeah, it's just a tough sport. I mean, this game, no matter what is ruthless and I think everyone really knows that. But yeah, sometimes some situations are more difficult than others, and sometimes a change helps everyone, both parties included.

Bruce Martin:

And also, the chance to race for a team owned by Bobby Rahal, and David Letterman, and Michael Lanigan. Those are three big mainstays of the NTT IndyCar series.

Conor Daly:

Yeah, I mean, and I've known Bobby for so long. I mean, I've known Graham. I mean, Graham's been helpful to me in my career ever since I was a youthful lad.

And obviously, my parents are close to Graham's parents, Bobby knows my dad really well. My mom is best friends with Graham's mom, so we've got a lot of a lot of connections there.

And it is a team that I have really wanted to be a part of in the past because they've obviously got such a great reputation in this sport. They've had a lot of success and they've been on a great stride recently as well, which is super encouraging to be a part of.

Bruce Martin:

And what about having Graham as a teammate?

Conor Daly:

Well, I mean, he is got a lot of experience. So, having Graham especially at short ovals too, Graham always ends up finishing well, no matter what's going on. So, I'm curious to see, working with both Graham and Christian, because Christian's been so fast in so many places as well. So, it's a good two drivers to be teamed with.

And yeah, there's a lot of questions and I will know a lot of the answers as soon as I get in for the first practice session. We really don't know much more than you do. That's what's going to be interesting. So, we'll let you know come tomorrow afternoon.

Bruce Martin:

Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin can't win the championship, but he hopes to finish as high as possible in the battle for the title.

Here's a quick interview of McLaughlin for Pit Pass Indy.

Joining us now, on Pit Pass Indy is Scott McLaughlin of Team Penske.

Scott, season's winding down here. You still have a lot to go out there and accomplish. If you could just talk a little bit about how this season has been and how big a flourish that there's some goals out there for you to reach.

Scott McLaughlin:

Yeah, I mean, we've still had a very good chance at getting second in the championship at least. And yeah, I fully believe we can do that.

I think we've had a really strong sort of last half, last couple quarters of the year. We're coming into a stretch where we know we're strong. We finished with three top fives and a win last year I think it was. So, yeah, we're in a good spot, so we'll just see where we're at.

Bruce Martin:

We’re heading to Portland for the BITNILE Grand Prix of Portland. It's got a sponsor's name this year, but you're the defending winner of that race. And how much do you look forward to going there and defending that race victory that you had last year?

Scott McLaughlin:

Oh, I generally like the first year I was at Portland, I didn't really like it. I didn't like the track and I didn't really have a good car set up. We went there and tested last year, and I've really found something nice that sorted me out, so feel good.

And yeah, I think we're in a really good spot going there again. And I think with no one testing there as well, sort of helps to be able to hit the ground running and get going again.

Bruce Martin:

So, just correct me if I'm wrong, but you can still finish second in the standings, correct?

Scott McLaughlin:

Yes. Yeah, I think I'm like 30 something out, 35 points out or something like that.

Bruce Martin:

So, over the last three races, how do you approach that to be able to at least get up to second?

Scott McLaughlin:

I just think we've got to just execute, no mistakes, obviously. You can't plan what other people are going to do, like Dixon and Newgarden. But ultimately, there's going to be a lot of people trying to charge from behind and beat us in top five as well. So yeah.

Bruce Martin:

Wrapping the season up in Monterey, this'll be the last year that that'll be the season finale. Next year, it's going to go to Nashville. But how do you like that course? It's a beautiful course. It doesn't always put on the most exciting race, though.

Scott McLaughlin:

No, I enjoy it. I think it's a good finale. New surface this year, so it's going to be a lot of fun, like just trying to attack that. We got a test day before, so it's going to be a pretty big week, like between playing golf out there and also driving. It's going to be pretty strenuous.

Bruce Martin:

Scott McLaughlin, good luck at Portland in the BITNILE Grand Prix of Portland. And thank you for joining us today, on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

Scott McLaughlin:

Thank you, Bruce.

Bruce Martin:

In other news, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing announced on August 28th that Juri Vips of Estonia, a former GP2 driver in Europe, will close out the season at Portland and Monterey for the first two IndyCar Series races of his career.

He was previously part of the Red Bull Driver Development program.

We'll be right back to Pit Pass Indy after this short break.

Scott McLaughlin:

Hi, I'm Scott McLaughlin, driver of the No. 3 Team Penske Chevy, and you're listening to Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

Bruce Martin:

Welcome back to Pit Pass Indy.

Earlier in the show, we heard from Scott Dixon after his 55th career victory in the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 World Wide Technology Raceway.

I caught up with Dixon before the race weekend to assess his strong finish to 2023 and how he remains in contention for the championship.

Scott Dixon:

At this point for us, we're just purely racing for wins. First is all that really counts, second, third, fourth, fifth, whatever. So, yeah, it is what it is.

And for us, it's been a weirdly average year for us. I think in a lot of ways, car performance has been pretty good, but just the results haven't shown maybe the best of what they could have been. And we're still second in the championship, so it's kind of strange.

Bruce Martin:

Has it been a weirdly unique year for Alex and he hasn't really had a bad race and he is won the most races in the series tied with Josef Newgarden?

Scott Dixon:

Yeah, they've just had a smooth year. I think even races where they had maybe a poor qualifying or whatever, they've really landed on the strategy and he's definitely had the speed throughout. But places like Iowa and maybe even Toronto, they definitely had races slide their way.

And you can ask Josef, myself, we've all had years like that where you basically just can't do anything wrong. And they're fun years but they don't come around too often. But it's been a true team effort. I think on the 10 car side, they've made no mistakes.

Bruce Martin:

Marcus Ericsson is moving on. He is going to go to Andretti Autosport, and I know you and him have had a pretty good relationship over the years since he's been a Chip Ganassi Racing teammate.

What are your thoughts on him leaving and going to another team? I imagine in some ways, you're probably sad to see him go.

Scott Dixon:

Yeah, for sure. Bummed. We had talked a lot, I think, kind of in the mid-season about the options that he was possibly looking at and I was hoping there was an opportunity to stay. I think they made a decent run at him at the end of it. But unfortunately, decided to go somewhere else.

But yeah, I wish him all the best, man. He's first and foremost a good friend and he's been a great teammate.

Bruce Martin:

Dixon was asked his thoughts on Simon Pagenaud's absence as he continues to recover from injuries at Mid-Ohio on July 1st and on a recent conversation Dixon had with NASCAR Cup Series driver, Bubba Wallace.

Scott Dixon:

You don't want to see it, that's for sure. I think on the front side, you're just basically hoping that he is going to be totally fine. And I think that's what comes to mind first. Racing's one thing, but obviously, your health and your family and all that kind of stuff is definitely at the forefront.

So, I've chatted to him a fair bit. He's not super forthcoming on a lot of stuff, which I totally understand as well. But yeah, I think all of us just hope that he comes back sooner other than later.

But then you look at the lucky sides too, the way that it did break and it could have been a lot worse. But yeah, it's testament to how safe the cars are. Like obviously, he walked away from it, but I think when you see especially the whipping momentum of that, that's a lot of things that you don't normally see.

Bruce Martin:

Bubba Wallace praised you after his 12th place finish at Watkins Glen last week. How did that conversation develop? He called you for advice before the race, or did you call him?

Scott Dixon:

We had chatted previously a little bit. The link there is Steve Lauletta. Was obviously at our team and then decided to go back to NASCAR or stay in NASCAR. And then they're very close on the cut line and he just said, “Hey, do you mind just giving Bubba a call and seeing where he is at, if you can help him any way.”

And kind of we exchanged some text messages because I was actually in Universal with our youngest daughter, Tilly, so it was a little hard to kind of touch base. But yeah, we spoke for about 30 minutes before the race.

And yeah, for me, it's always an interesting dynamic to hear what other people struggle with. If you look at the top three categories, there's less than a hundred drivers that get to race at this level. But a lot of similarities, even though the cars are way different.

Bruce Martin:

The way he described it, you told him to basically just kind of shut up and go out and race because he's already proven himself.

Scott Dixon:

Yeah, everybody has a bit of doubt, but I think he has a lot of doubt in some scenarios. He wouldn't be there if it wasn't for having talent, so I told him, “Yeah, just don't think about that stuff. There's no need. It's just bad energy.”

Bruce Martin:

The irony of it is though, that the driver that he's competing against is a guy who's driving for the son of Chip Ganassi Racing, as I call it, Trackhouse Racing and Daniel Suarez. He pretty much has to win to get in because Wallace has a 43 point lead over him. So, will you tune in kind of watch to see how all that develops?

Scott Dixon:

Yeah, I'm a race fan, man. So, of course, I'll be tuning in to see how it goes and hopefully it's a smooth night for everybody. But it'd be good to see Bubba win too.

Bruce Martin:

We also, heard from Alex Palou earlier in the podcast, but here is another interview with the Chip Ganassi Racing driver as he assessed his outlook on claiming his second championship.

Joining us now, on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental is Alex Palou, who's closing in on a second NTT IndyCar Series Championship. Alex, you have to really think that it's really yours for the taking.

Alex Palou:

Well, I mean, we're in a really good position for sure, but it's not done yet. So, we need to keep on pushing as hard as possible because there's still a lot of chances that it cannot be ours.

So, yeah, we're still focused on trying and win the championship, hopefully as soon as possible. And the best way to do so is by trying to win the race on Sunday.

I think it's a different scenario to like 21 where we were like fighting getting P1, P2, P3 in the championship back and forth and like having a gap of 10 points, 30 points back to like minus 10 or something.

And then you think about the championship a bit more this year, I think it's been different. It's like it's been too long, but then we still had really good races and now, we have a big lead. So, we don't really have to think about finishing seventh is good enough for us here.

I don't think it really changes. What we have to do is to try and win the race or finish in front of both contenders, I believe, I don't really know.

Yeah, honestly, I think it's different. I would say that if it was closer to 21, yes, it would be now, the point where it's like, alright, three races, we just need to get 10 more points than our competitors, and that's it.

Now, I think we are in a different scenario and it's in a good way. Like we don't really have to worry about just finishing seven, for example.

Bruce Martin:

But isn't your lead so high that you can basically have the attitude to go out and try to win all three?

Alex Palou:

We will try. It's going to be really tough, especially this weekend. We know that I never won an oval, so it would be obviously amazing to do it, but I don't think we are as close as we would like to be. We've been working, but we don't really know how we're going to be.

So, yeah, we don't really have to go conservative, let's say. We can just go try and win races. I think we show that at Nashville with our aggressive strategy even in the road course that didn't work. So, yeah, we will do the same this weekend.

Bruce Martin:

Palou has also, been a central focal point off the track too. He informed McLaren earlier this month that he would not honor an agreement to compete for that team in 2024. Presumably, he is set to return to Chip Ganassi Racing.

Here are Palou's thoughts on that situation and how he has dealt with the distraction.

Alex Palou:

I think someday I'll write a story and maybe a book.

Speaker 9:

You should write a book. You absolutely should write a book.

Alex Palou:

So, everybody knows what's going on since ‘22 and ‘23 and each month. But yeah, for now, I'm not going to give a lot of information.

Bruce Martin:

The book could be required reading in law schools everywhere.

Alex Palou:

Yeah, believe it or not, I know quite a lot of law school now. I had classes for a year now, so I know quite a lot on US laws now.

Well, yeah, I don't really know a lot of differences between one and the other. Yeah, obviously, I cannot really tell because I don't really know the differences on here and there and whatever.

So, that's why the lawyers are like telling me stuff about how it's going on and what they think, so that's good. It's in their hands. I'm just trying to be a bit more away from all that to last year and trying to really go for races and focusing on the racing.

I know everything is going on and I'm not taking that apart, but there's also, nothing a lot more than I can do there, let's say. So, I can only lose concentration on the races and all that stuff.

Yeah, not easy, obviously. I would prefer to have a really easy year, hopefully that will come next year and all my life afterwards. But it's not been that way in ‘22 and ’23.

I would say obviously, it's not as big as it was last year, just because last year was from zero to like a big drama. Now, it's been like we are just carrying what we had last year until now.

So, it's a little bit easier just because I have a bit more experience. I'm not saying it's just easy. And yeah, the way that the championship is I think that makes it a bit less challenging to carry.

Bruce Martin:

Finally, Palou was asked his thoughts on McLaren filing a lawsuit against him in commercial court in the United Kingdom.

Alex Palou:

That would be in the book.

Bruce Martin:

We know where you won't be racing next year. We know who you will not be racing for next year, but we also know now, where Marcus Ericsson will be racing. And what's your reaction to the fact that he's leaving Chip Ganassi Racing to go to Andretti Autosport?

Alex Palou:

Well, I'm happy for him. He's happy and I think he'll be in good hands for sure. I think that I would say it's been one of the best teammates I ever had in like all series. We had lots of fun together and it's been a tough, tough competitor.

So, yeah, really happy for him. He seems to be happy and we know that, as I said, he'll have everything he needs to show what he needs on track.

Bruce Martin:

Your nearest competitor in the championship is your teammate, Scott Dixon, so you had the feel in a lot of ways he'll race you hard, but he will also race you clean.

Alex Palou:

Yeah, I mean, it's always been that way, especially with all the teammates I had at Chip. But yeah, I mean, it's great. It's the best for the team.

Hopefully, we can get even Marcus up there by the end of the season. I think we will be able to do so with the three races that we have left. But yeah, I mean, it's great that at the same time it's not good to have Scott Dixon second in the championship.

Bruce Martin:

And you're also, on the verge of doing something that hasn't happened since Dan Wheldon in 2005 and Sebastian Bourdain in 2007, and that's clinch a championship before the final race of the season.

So, when you look back at how long ago that's been, does it amaze you what you're about to do?

Alex Palou:

It will amaze me if we do it, yes. I mean, lots of people's saying that it's almost done and there's still three races left and a lot of points to play, so maybe it amazes me if we make it happen, but we need to make it happen.

But honestly, I don't really understand. So, yeah, I think I can ask you for as much as I want. I can ask you for a hundred million because you asked me a tough question. So, yeah, which maybe I'll do it.

Bruce Martin:

You’re not going to get that much.

Alex Palou:

Same, same, same.

Bruce Martin:

I can give you everything in my pocket right now, which is a $20 bill.

Alex Palou:

Yeah, you can keep it. So, yeah, honestly, it might be or might not be concerning for the lawyers. So, yeah, I don't really know-

Bruce Martin:

Who's the publisher?

Alex Palou:

I don’t know, that was an idea I had now, which maybe it's a good idea. You will be in the book for sure.

Speaker 9:

Oh, a hundred percent.

Alex Palou:

It'll be good to have like your side as well. So, yes, I think maybe after the season I can sit down and explain a little more. I don't think it would help anybody or anyone to now start.

Speaker 9:

Fair.

Bruce Martin:

Is it a personal disappointment though? You were looking forward to being the Friday driver in Formula One, and now, because of all this, that's probably not going to happen, obviously. But how big of a personal disappointment is that?

Alex Palou:

Well, I mean, I think they gave me a lot of chances last year. I did it in code and they also gave me some chances this year doing a test in Budapest. So, yeah, I'm not like disappointed personally because I couldn't get another ride, let's say.

Well, I would say it's just sad. I would've liked to have done things differently, but it's not been that way. And yeah, I'm just sad the way it's worked out, but yeah, I cannot really change it and be just change everything and color it and make it a lot more nice. It's not that way.

Bruce Martin:

We will be right back to Pit Pass Indy after this short break.

Will Power:

This is Will Power of Team Penske, and you are listening to Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

Bruce Martin:

Welcome back to Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

We wrap up today's show with this exclusive interview with team owner, Michael Andretti, as he talks about his efforts to get a Formula One team, and on his recent signing of Marcus Ericsson.

Joining us now, on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental is Michael Andretti, team owner who is closing in on yet his bid for the Andretti Global Formula One team.

Michael, if you could bring us up to speed about where things stand now. You've put together a fantastic effort with Cadillac. There's a lot of hurdles you have to reach, but where do things stand now?

Michael Andretti:

Well, we're still waiting on the FIA to put out the report on if we were able to pass all their tests that they needed for us to pass. And so, we hopefully will be hearing from them soon.

Bruce Martin:

The FIA's been in your corner, some of the Formula One owners haven't, and they have a tendency to keep moving the goalposts to a degree. And how frustrating has that been?

Michael Andretti:

They haven't really moved the goalposts. I think they've more moved the timeframe. And I think obviously, Europe shuts down in August and that basically cost us a month there. So, hopefully, we'll get some here soon.

Bruce Martin:

You put together championship winning IndyCar teams. You've put together a lot of championship winning teams and other racing series, but to do an effort this large, is it more than you could have imagined?

Michael Andretti:

It's a big effort for sure, and it's about getting all the people we need and stuff and that we're hiring as we speak. But there's a lot of people on the sidelines that are really interested in coming if we get the entry. So, the sooner the better for us, obviously, to really get this thing built up.

But we have a lot of momentum, a lot of good things happening, a lot of really good people that are interested. So, hopefully, we can get an approval soon and then really go flat out building it.

But we understand the effort. We're not going in blind. We have people that have done this many times before with us. And so,, it's a big undertaking, no question about it, but we understand the challenges.

Bruce Martin:

What has been the most challenging aspect of it?

Michael Andretti:

Well, obviously, right now, the challenge is getting into it. I think that's been a real big challenge, but we keep working at it and hopefully, we'll get there soon.

Bruce Martin:

And from a financial standpoint, just how important is Project 1001 and Gainbridge Dan Towriss been to help you put together this dream of yours?

Michael Andretti:

It wouldn't happen without them. They've been amazing partners, really good people, and we all have the same goal and it'll be so exciting. It'll be so big along with Cadillac, I mean, and GM, they are a hundred percent committed to it. So, this could be a huge effort. And I'm hoping that we can put it together.

Bruce Martin:

What are some of the things going on with Cadillac and General Motors at the moment? Because you just don't go into Formula One without gearing up years in advance.

Michael Andretti:

They're flat out doing the same thing we are. They understand that they got to do it now, and they are doing it. We're all taking a bit of a gamble. But it's a bit of a risk. There's a bit of a calculated risk.

So, we feel like the program that we put together and that we put in front of the FIA is as good a program you could ever want for a Formula One team. So, yeah, hopefully, it's going to be good.

Bruce Martin:

Have they given you a date when the next moment will be toward the approval process?

Michael Andretti:

Yeah, I think it was like a month ago. So, yeah, I think it's getting real close.

Bruce Martin:

Probably the end of September?

Michael Andretti:

I'm hoping we know from the FIA like real soon.

Bruce Martin:

And as far as having McLaren, Zak Brown helping you behind the scenes, or just giving you a little bit of an idea of what's going on over there, how valuable has Zak Brown been in supporting your effort?

Michael Andretti:

Oh, Zak's been great. He understands what it's going to do and help. He thinks Formula One, we believe we're going to only add to it, and he gets it.

As well as Alpine, they understand too. They've been great supporters and there's a few others that are supporting it. So, it's not like a hundred percent owners are against this.

Bruce Martin:

What would it mean to return the Andretti name to the Formula One grid?

Michael Andretti:

I think it'd be huge for us. I mean, we have a history there, especially with my dad. And yeah, I think it'd be really huge for everybody involved. And also, you just can't forget about GM. They've never been in Formula One, so that's a big deal.

Bruce Martin:

There is a team from the United States already in the series over at Haas F1, but yet your effort would be different. You'd have American drivers. And how important is that to show the world that there's some great talent that can run Formula One from the United States?

Michael Andretti:

Well, there's no question about that, but I think the other thing is our effort's going to be completely different from the way Haas does it. Because Haas has done it by doing a deal with Ferrari. So, their car is basically designed by Ferrari.

Ours is going to be our own design and it's going to be building our own car. They don't really build their own car. Dallara builds it for them. So, it's a completely different type effort. This is a very big effort.

Bruce Martin:

But it's full speed ahead as far as building your new race shop on the northeast side of Indianapolis. And how is that going?

Michael Andretti:

Good. It got slowed down a little bit because we did a bit of a big redesign. And wait till you see it, it's going to be unbelievable.

Bruce Martin:

Now, all Andretti teams will be based out of that shop?

Michael Andretti:

Correct, yeah.

Bruce Martin:

What is the size of it?

Michael Andretti:

At the moment now, it's up over 600,000 square feet, so.

Bruce Martin:

Yeah. And that'll be in Fishers, Indiana?

Michael Andretti:

Correct. Fishers, Indiana, yep.

Bruce Martin:

As far as the IndyCar team, big news earlier this week when you announced that you had signed Marcus Ericsson, the winner of the 106th Indianapolis 500, he's a championship contender with Chip Ganassi Racing. What is it like to add his talent to your operation in IndyCar?

Michael Andretti:

We're really excited to get Marcus. He's a type of driver we need here. He is a very experienced driver, very committed and I think it's just going to be good for our young guys as well. I think it's a great mix. He's very excited to work with Colton and Kyle. And so, it's very, very exciting for our future.

Bruce Martin:

The emergence of Kyle Kirkwood this year has been very impressive. Two victories, probably should have had a few more not for some incidents on the racetrack that were not of his doing.

But what do you just think when you see how cool this kid is at 24?

Michael Andretti:

Yeah, Kyle's a complete driver, but we've known that for a long time. He drove for us in Indy Lights and won the championship. We saw it then very early.

And so, we're really, really happy with the job he's done. He's very committed. He does a lot of work, not just in the car, but he does a lot of work outside the car as well, so he puts in the full commitment and yeah, he's a future champion.

Bruce Martin:

Getting back to Marcus Ericsson, the potential that he has already been displayed by the Indianapolis 500 victory that he had contending for championships. But as far as what you two can achieve together, has to be very exciting.

Michael Andretti:

Yeah, we're really excited about it. I think there's a lot we can achieve together, and I think he sees it. I think he sees the effort we're putting in and we're in a rebuilding stage right now, and we're getting close to getting to where we want to be.

We're not there yet, but I think he sees the potential and I think that's one of the reasons why he wanted to come with us.

Bruce Martin:

Is he in the 28 or the 29?

Michael Andretti:

We don't know what we're doing there yet.

Bruce Martin:

You have three drivers committed for next season. When will you be able to announce the fourth?

Michael Andretti:

We're working on it right now. To be honest with you, we really don't know what we're going to do yet. We're hoping to have an answer by Laguna.

Bruce Martin:

But you intend to have a four-car team next year, correct?

Michael Andretti:

Probably.

Bruce Martin:

A lot of that has to do with lining up sponsorship. So, does that seem to be the key hurdle at the moment?

Michael Andretti:

There's a lot of things, not just sponsorship. There's a lot of things that go into it. And so, we got quite a few different options that we're looking at, and we're just going to try to see what the best one works for us.

Bruce Martin:

Would any of those be another engineering team? Engineering alliance with another team?

Michael Andretti:

Possibility.

Bruce Martin:

And speaking of engineering alliances, Meyer Shank Racing's had a rough season, but in a lot of ways, how valuable has it been to be able to have that group try some things that can better your operation?

Michael Andretti:

Yeah, it's been a great, great partnership. They've been really good to work with. And yeah, I think it's good for both sides. We learn from both sides. We're getting two extra cars worth of data. So, it's been very positive for us.

Bruce Martin:

You went into the 2023 season with a lot of high hopes. There was a lot of excitement at St. Pete, three of your drivers are so were leaders in that race or contenders for victory in that race. Various things happened, but at what point do you think the season kind of got away from you?

Michael Andretti:

Good question. It seemed like we've had fast cars just about every racetrack, cars capable of winning, but something always get in the way. Either team would make a mistake or we get caught in an accident that wasn't our fault, or the drivers make a mistakes.

So, it's been a little frustrating from that standpoint. But the positive that we got to take out of it is that we have cars that are competitive. And if we just get in the weekend and just do our jobs and not make any mistakes, we feel like we got cars that we can win every race.

Bruce Martin:

And then our final question with team owner Michael Andretti, why is going to Formula One so important to you?

Michael Andretti:

Well, obviously, it's the pinnacle of auto racing in the world. It's one of the biggest sports in the world.

And for our brand and everything we're doing, it'll just bring everything together because our goal as a team is to be in every auto racing event in the world. And obviously, Formula One's a big part of that. So, it's going to be a huge deal for us.

Bruce Martin:

Michael Andretti, team owner at Andretti Autosport, team owner of Andretti Global, and your bid to for a Formula One team. Good luck with that. Good luck to rest of the season. Thank you for joining us on Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

Michael Andretti:

Thank you.

[Music Playing]

Bruce Martin:

And that puts a checkered flag on this edition of Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental.

We want to thank our guests, Scott Dixon of Chip Ganassi Racing, Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing, Barry Wanzer of Chip Ganassi Racing, and Josef Newgarden of Team Penske.

Also, Linus Lundqvist of Meyer Shank Racing, Conor Daly of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Scott McLaughlin of Team Penske, and Michael Andretti of Andretti Autosport for joining us on today's podcast.

Along with loyal listeners like you, our guests help make Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental, your path to victory lane for all things IndyCar.

And because of our guests and listeners, Pit Pass Indy presented by Penske Truck Rental is proud to be the winner of The Best Podcast by the National Motorsports Press Association.

For more IndyCar coverage, follow me at Twitter @BruceMartin (one-word, uppercase B, uppercase M) _500.

This has been a production of Evergreen Podcasts. A special thanks to our production team. Executive producers are Brigid Coyne and Gerardo Orlando. Recordings and edits were done by me, Bruce Martin and final mixing was done by Dave Douglas. Learn more at evergreenpodcasts.com.

Until next time, be sure to keep it out of the wall.