Articles By: Steph Wallcraft
2014 Indy Lights preview: In a year of immense transition, is it simply Brabham vs the rest?
All eyes are on Matthew Brabham as he moves up to Indy Lights after rewriting the record books in Pro Mazda last season. But in a year of immense transition, will it be simply Brabham versus the rest, or will other title contenders emerge? Steph Wallcraft takes a look.
From one challenge to the next, Firestone steadfastly rolls on
As IndyCar approaches the 10th running of the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, it’s a good time to reflect on the value Firestone brings as a Series partner.
New year, new beginnings for Hinchcliffe
With a new sponsor, a new engineering team, a new powerplant, and a new promotional gig with Honda Canada to contend with in 2014, James Hinchcliffe is looking at a lot of change for the coming season. But he’s taking it all very much in stride.
Simona’s void must not be filled in haste
Simona de Silvestro’s departure for F1 will no doubt ignite discussion of whether IndyCar needs another female racer on the grid when the series lands in St. Petersburg. MFW’s Steph Wallcraft argues that artificially wedging in a replacement would undermine women in all corners of the sport.
Seven-month season with earlier, international start planned for 2015: Miles
Hulman and Co. CEO Mark Miles recently spoke to MFW’s Paul Dalbey regarding plans to begin the 2015 IndyCar Series schedule earlier, possibly as early as January, with a stint of three international races. He also revealed plans for an expanded Leaders Circle program and said he would be “disappointed” if a title sponsor is not in place for 2014.
Michigan International Speedway and ISC “as a whole” interested in IndyCar: MIS President
Earlier today at the Performance Racing Industry trade show in Indianapolis, Michigan International Speedway President Roger Curtis told MFW’s Paul Dalbey that MIS and ISC “as a whole” are interested in bringing IndyCar back to their racetracks. He also said he expects to see IndyCar back at MIS in three to five years, though not before 2016.
Help us with our 100th podcast and win a Tony Kanaan die-cast!
We’ve got a Tony Kanaan 2013 Indianapolis 500 die-cast to give away courtesy of Toronto Motorsports — and we need your help!
Belardi becomes first USF2000 team to finalize 2014 program
Belardi Auto Racing has become the first USF2000 team to formally finalize its lineup for 2014 with its announcement of Nico Jamin as the fourth and final driver for the squad.
On street courses, double-file restarts have overstayed their welcome
Steph posits that while double-file restarts were absent at the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston, no one really missed them. It’s time to improve concrete canyon racing by letting them go.
Hot quotes from the Kanaan/Ganassi/Chevrolet announcement
Earlier today, Chip Ganassi Racing confirmed that the team has signed Tony Kanaan to compete in a fourth entry in 2014 that will be sponsored by NTT Data. Click here to find a selection of quotes from the media availability following the announcement.
Bid on Justin Wilson’s boots to help us raise more donations for the Dyslexia Institute of Indiana
The auction for Justin Wilson’s racing gloves has ended, but don’t be sad if you missed out — we’ve now got a pair of Justin’s (very large) racing boots up for bid to raise more donations for the Dyslexia Institute of Indiana!
United SportsCar schedule released; 2014 IndyCar schedule begins to take shape
The inaugural United SportsCar Racing series schedule was released today and features 12 events, two in conjunction with IndyCar. Here, Steph lays out the implications.