MP 964: The Week In IndyCar, Oct 21, with Mike Hull

Chip Ganassi Racing managing director Mike Hull pays a visit to The Week In IndyCar ahead of Sunday's season finale where his driver Scott Dixon leads the championship. Hull, in his familiar style, answers a variety of fun and insightful questions submitted by fans via social media.
A sampling of the items posed this week:
"Did Felix have to go to make way for Jimmie?"
"Mike, how much of your notes and prep work that you put in for the original March race date for St. Pete will remain relevant for this weekend?"
"Mike, please tell us any and everything about Jimmie Johnson coming to CGR."
"I know Dixon is the Ice Man but St Pete and him seem to have more unpleasant memories than good ones. Is there any extra talking up or motivation you or the team have given him this week?"
Subscribe: https://marshallpruettpodcast.com/subscribe
Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallPruettPodcast

MP 961: The Week In IndyCar, Oct 15, Listener Q&A

It's Part 2 of the Week In IndyCar Listener Q&A show as we track Felix Rosenqvist's move to Arrow McLaren SP and a bunch of other questions submitted via social media. 
Subscribe: https://marshallpruettpodcast.com/subscribe
Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallPruettPodcast

MP 960: The Week In IndyCar, Oct 15, with Rinus VeeKay

Ed Carpenter Racing's Rinus VeeKay returns to The Week In IndyCar show after capturing his first podium in the No. 21 Chevy, and answers a variety of fun and insightful questions submitted by fans via social media.
A sampling of the items posed this week:
"Have you signed anything yet for next year?"
"I’m curious if Ed Carpenter has introduced you to the fine American cuisine at places like the Mug-N-Bun or Charlie Brown’s restaurant?"
"Rinus, when did you come up with the pose (turning around and 👉) you did during the drivers intro for the Indy 500?"
Subscribe: https://marshallpruettpodcast.com/subscribe
Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallPruettPodcast

MP 959: The Week In IndyCar, Oct 13, Listener Q&A

It's Part 1 of the Week In IndyCar Listener Q&A show as we dive into a bunch of questions submitted via social media. 
A sampling of the items posed this week:
"Do you have any more details on the Askew situation? Was Oliver's contract a multi-year and he is being fired, or are they choosing to not resign him? Externally it is looking like Arrow or AMSP has some thin skin. Two drivers fired in two years for things they didn't like. The whole thing seems like a mess."
"Do you believe that there will be a third OEM in IndyCar for the 2023 season when the new engine/chassis specs hit the track?"
"MP, the announcement of Indy Lights returning next year was huge sigh of relief, and I really like the aspect of the top 3 championship finishers testing in IndyCar at the end of the year. This concept is definitely cool, but with the series current climate of more drivers than available seats, I don’t see a test doing much good moving many drivers up the ladder."
Subscribe: https://marshallpruettpodcast.com/subscribe
Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallPruettPodcast

MP 956: The Week In IndyCar, Oct 9, with Will Power

Following his win at the second Harvest Grand Prix race in the No. 12 Team Penske Verizon Chevy, Will Power returns to The Week In IndyCar show to answer a variety of fun and insightful questions submitted by fans via social media.
A sampling of the items posed this week:
"Out of all your Penske teammates in the last decade and a bit, who would you say has been the toughest to beat?"
"Will, how did you feel when iRacing muted you on the All Teams chat? You were so funny to listen to."
"Mr. Power, would you rather be chasing someone down in closing laps for the win, or managing a healthy lead like you did on Saturday? What’s the hardest part from a driver perspective about leading so much of a race?"
"You can pick one piece of music for Colton Herta to play on the drums. What piece is going to tell you whether he’s any good or a poser?"
Subscribe: https://marshallpruettpodcast.com/subscribe
Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallPruettPodcast

MP 955: The Week In IndyCar, Oct 8, Listener Q&A

It's Part 2 of the Week In IndyCar Listener Q&A show as we dive into a bunch of questions submitted via social media. 
A sampling of the items posed this week:
"More on the Leaders Circle $1m please. How do the three teams approach St. Pete? Marco has to be aggressive, take strategy risks, but do Foyt and ECR play it safe? Especially ECR. Do they bolt on a 'safe' setup so the car isn't a handful, pit early in the windows, and tell Conor to just bring it home?"
"Does Scott Dixion wish the season ended on road course or oval vs street course? Understand it's his championship to lose but I feel Newgarden will have the advantage. As he has two killers for teammates vs Dixon has hit or miss Felix and Ericsson hasn't been strong at all to help. Couple with Dixon unusual qualifying slumps last few rounds could lead him starting mid-pack. Which means he could be in #dangerzone in concrete canyons. Your thoughts?"
"Couple weeks ago you mentioned Juan Montoya had talked to a couple teams about returning to IndyCar, do you have anymore news on that front? Do you happen to know if its for a full time or part time ride, and whats you opinion on what team(s) you think he'd be a good fit for?"
Subscribe: https://marshallpruettpodcast.com/subscribe
Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallPruettPodcast

MP 954: The Week In IndyCar, Oct 6, Listener Q&A

It's Part 1 of the Week In IndyCar Listener Q&A show as we dive into a bunch of questions submitted via social media. 
A sampling of the items posed this week:
"The new schedule to me is very lackluster. I feel like IndyCar should be expanding into new markets, similar to what the new NASCAR schedule is doing, instead they have a shrinking amount of ovals. Could IndyCar maybe purchase an Iowa or a Kentucky or a Chicagoland and invest in those tracks' future? Or is this an ignorant thought?"
"What would you grade the replacement’s (Bourdais, Castroneves, and Hinch) performance this weekend? Do you think Helio and Hinch did well enough to earn a job next year?"
"It is not my place to tell teams what they should spend money on but with the hard date for new engines + KERS in 2023, wouldn't that be the lowest cost time to switch to a new chassis instead of reworking the stock of existing chassis to fit the new engine package only to scrap them a few years later anyway?"
"Do long, smoky NHRA-style burnouts leaving the pits hurt tire life through the stint? When the the driver complains about the rears losing grip I think 'should have taken better care the first 3 seconds you had ‘em.'"
Subscribe: https://marshallpruettpodcast.com/subscribe
Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallPruettPodcast

MP 953: The Week In IndyCar, Oct 1, Listener Q&A

It's Part 2 of the Week In IndyCar Listener Q&A show as we dive into a bunch of questions submitted via social media. 
A sampling of the items posed this week:
"It's safe to assume that Oliver Askew has been racing with concussion related injuries since the Indy 500. Does him not telling his team now put him in bad light with the team? Should he have been more upfront about his injuries?"
"AMSP, CGR, and Penske are all currently projecting an additional entry in 2021. How many do you think end up happening for a full season?"
"Looking to next year, are there any technical changes to the cars?"
Subscribe: https://marshallpruettpodcast.com/subscribe
Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallPruettPodcast

MP 952: The Week In IndyCar, Oct 1, with Sebastien Bourdais

Ahead of his first race for A.J. Foyt in the No. 14 Chevy, Sebastien Bourdais returns to The Week In IndyCar show to discuss the challenge ahead, sports car racing, and a variety of other goodies, all powered by questions submitted by fans via social media.
A sampling of the items posed this week:
"Seb-whats your focus for the rest of the year finishing the season strong as opposed to kicking off next year with the same team?"
"What are some of the biggest hurdles of driving a GT car one week, DPi after that, and an Indy car the next?"
"Seb any chance you'll be part of a French Hypercar or lMDh effort at Le Mans? Or isn't that compatible with your Foyt campaign?"
Subscribe: https://marshallpruettpodcast.com/subscribe
Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallPruettPodcast

MP 950: The Week In IndyCar, Sept 29, Listener Q&A

It's Part 1 of the Week In IndyCar Listener Q&A show as we dive into a bunch of questions submitted via social media. 
A sampling of the items posed this week (Q&A begins at the 2m40s mark in the episode):
"What actually happened to Zach Veach? I doubt he willingly stepped aside for the rest of the year to help the team prepare for next season, he seems like a great guy, but I don’t think any racing driver no matter how nice they are would willingly do that. As a Canadian I’m very happy to see Hinch back in the car, what are his odds of being in that seat, or at least that organization for next season?"
"Do you think that Sergio Perez could make the transition to IndyCar, now he has been replaced by Seb Vettel at Aston Martin in F1 #mepersonally he would fit in well at SPAM with Pato O'Ward and brings investment to the team."
"Due to the lack of Indy Lights this year, do you think this will give the current crop drivers higher chance not being replaced, or will teams spend more time considering options from F1 / sports car championships?"
Subscribe: https://marshallpruettpodcast.com/subscribe
Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallPruettPodcast

MP 948: The Week In IndyCar, Sept 24, with Mike Shank

Meyer Shank Racing co-owner Mike Shank returns to The Week In IndyCar show to discuss the season to date with Jack Harvey, MSR's new Acura DPi deal in IMSA, and more, all powered by questions submitted by fans via social media.
A sampling of the items posed this week:
"How much crossover is there between race day personnel between IMSA and IndyCar? I imagine many of the staff are tied to manufacturer alliances like tire techs, HPD engineers, but how about others? Truck drivers? Caterers? Logistics people?"
"Interested to know how you decided to grow the team the way you did (going from Indy only, to part-time to full-time)? What did the decision making look like on the business side of how and when to take the next step forward? And what are your goals for the future?"
"Mike- what Van Halen song best describes your fine pilot Jack Harvey? And number two, would Jack even know what song you’re talking about?"
"Michael, when I was a kid, I used to travel around to all the Central Division SCCA tracks and saw you drive a bunch of Atlantic races. I know you started racing before Atlantics though. What was your first race car and what are some of your favorite things about that time?"
Subscribe: https://marshallpruettpodcast.com/subscribe
Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallPruettPodcast

MP 945: The Week In IndyCar, Sept 22, Listener Q&A

It's one longer-form episode of the Week In IndyCar Listener Q&A show as we dive into a bunch of questions submitted via social media. 
A sampling of the items posed this week (Q&A begins at the 4m48s mark in the episode):
"What makes a driver fast? Not the car, not the team but the person themselves?"
"Hi MP, I'm a 15-year-old IndyCar fanatic who is currently taking a career ed class. I want to go the route of becoming a race mechanic or race engineer in motorsport but I don't know how I could go about that. In class we are often talking about what career we want to have and how to get there. But I simply don't know enough to answer these questions and see a path for me to get a opportunity in motorsports. Hoping you have some insight as a ex-mechanic."
"If the series wants to continue with double header races, what if they tried to make the two somewhat different? Scott Dixon was critical of the race distance on Saturday. Would a 90 lap and a 60 lap race have made strategy better than two at 75 laps? I know 2020 is triage mode for the series...But if the double header model continues, that might define the races?"
"MP, with shorter weekends and lack of practice time becoming the norm this year, it's been interesting seeing how different teams have responded. Alexander Rossi stated in his podcast that the lack of practice time has really thrown a wrench into how his team is accustomed to understanding and improving the car throughout the weekend. It got me wondering how CFD and other simulation programs actually work and how they are used to prepare a good baseline setup to roll off the truck with? Are they strictly aerodynamic focused programs or can other variables also be input into these programs such as suspension, gearing, engine mapping, ambient conditions, etc.?"
Subscribe: https://marshallpruettpodcast.com/subscribe
Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallPruettPodcast

MP 942: The Week In IndyCar, Sept 16, with Colton Herta

Mid-Ohio Round 2 race winner Colton Herta from Andretti Harding Steinbrenner Autosport returns to The Week In IndyCar show to discuss a rewarding weekend and some controversy, all powered by questions submitted by fans via social media.
A sampling of the items posed this week:
"How do you respond to criticism you squeezed Ferrucci at the start?"
"What kind of Tacos were consumed Sunday?  Please say it wasn't Taco Bell again."
"Self assessment - what grade does Colton give himself this year? Is this above expectations or on par?"
"Which had a greater feeling of personal accomplishment: Standing atop the podium at Mid-Ohio or standing atop Rossi's bus at Indy?"
Subscribe: https://marshallpruettpodcast.com/subscribe
Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallPruettPodcast

MP 940: The Week In IndyCar, Sept 15, Listener Q&A

It's the first of a two-part episode of the Week In IndyCar Listener Q&A show as we dive into a bunch of questions submitted via social media following the Honda Indy 200 doubleheader. 
A sampling of the items posed this week (Q&A begins at the 2m48s mark in the episode):
"Should Ferrucci have faced a harsher punishment? I thought he should've been parked because of an unsafe re-entry to the track. He realistically could've taken out the entire field, minus the two drivers in front of him."
"From the replays it looked very much like Herta ran Ferrucci off the track but Ferrucci got a penalty. Herta then proudly announces he ran him off track... how do you think that will sit control going forward? Does Ferrucci have a dump Herta-get out of jail free card?"
"I gotta say it: the release of Rossi out of his pit stall into the path of Herta during race one looked WAY worse than what got him a penalty during the 500. Thoughts?"
"It feels like early on this season there was a sense of fear that some IndyCar teams were in real danger of having serious budget issues. Now, as outlined in your first silly season article, there's a fair amount of talk of possible team expansions. What has caused such a big (positive!) change in rhetoric?"
Subscribe: https://marshallpruettpodcast.com/subscribe
Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallPruettPodcast

MP 938: The Week In IndyCar, Sept 12, Listener Q&A

It's the second of a two-part episode of the Week In IndyCar Listener Q&A show as we dive into a bunch of questions submitted via social media. 
A sampling of the items posed this week (Q&A begins at the 2m32s mark in the episode):
"Do you think there is any chance Dixon will not win the championship? Seems pretty likely with his lead."
"Could McLaren expand to three full time cars next year?  If so, what reality show style contest would you recommend to pick the lucky driver?  Who competes, who wins, and where does French Fry place?"
"Do you think IndyCar will be reaching out to Claire Williams? Do you think there is any chance she may be interested in IndyCar, since she's been around open wheel racing her entire life? #MePersonally I think it would be great for the sport."
Subscribe: https://marshallpruettpodcast.com/subscribe
Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallPruettPodcast

MP 937: The Week In IndyCar, Sept 10, Listener Q&A

It's the first of a two-part episode of the Week In IndyCar Listener Q&A show as we dive into a bunch of questions submitted via social media. 
A sampling of the items posed this week (Q&A begins at the 3m11s mark in the episode):
"How successful do you feel the double-race format has been this season? Do you think more double-races than a normal season will be a thing next season and if so, will this mean a reduction in overall events or will the season go on beyond the Mid-September finish of recent years."
"Hi MP. Technical question. I know downforce is measured in pounds, but when we hear a downforce number given for an Indy Car, is that at a particular “standard” speed, since there would be more or less downforce depending on how fast the car is traveling?".
"If a driver only wins 8 races their entire career but they are all Indy 500 wins, are they a Hall of Famer?"
Subscribe: https://marshallpruettpodcast.com/subscribe
Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallPruettPodcast

MP 936: The Week In IndyCar, Sept 9, with Arie Luyendyk

Two-time Indy 500 winner and IndyCar race steward Arie Luyendyk returns to The Week In IndyCar show to share insights on life inside race control, handling driver conflicts, and his illustrious history as a driver spanning open-wheel and sports cars, all powered by questions submitted by fans via social media.
A sampling of the items posed this week:
"Arie, Colton Herta had some really not so nice things to say about you on the radio after Rinus Veekay passed him at WWT Raceway, how do you react to the insinuated conflict of interest? Do you contact Colton directly and talk or is there an intermediary? In race control do you automatically recuse yourself of incident review when it comes to Veekay?
"Setting the 4-lap record at Indy: Did you know that speed was in the car that day? What were the indicators - practice speed, engine tune, aero, setup? What was the driving experience like? Was it balanced & you felt ahead of it, or at any point was it at the absolute handling limit?"
"Arie, any good stories of diving with Rick Mears in his prime? What can you tell us about the Menard-powered beast you drove in 1995?"
"Arie, what seems more crazy to you now with the benefit of hindsight: Lapping IMS at 230+ mph in an open-cockpit open-wheel car, or doing fractionally lower speeds on the pre-chicanes Mulsanne Straight in an enclosed Group C Nissan prototype?"
Subscribe: https://marshallpruettpodcast.com/subscribe
Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallPruettPodcast

MP 934: The Week In IndyCar, Sept 3, Listener Q&A

It's the second of a two-part World Wide Technology Raceway doubleheader wrap-up episode of the Week In IndyCar Listener Q&A show as we dive into a bunch of questions submitted via social media. 
A sampling of the items posed this week (Q&A begins at the 6m34s mark in the episode):
"Do we need to fear Pato being swept away by F1? Kid is showing amazing things and continues to impress. I listened to his radio most of the second race and his composure and maturity showed. There’s reasons why he’s P3 in the standings. Conversely Oliver is consistently in the bottom half of the race speed charts and has shown to struggle at tracks he doesn’t click with right away. Reminds me a bit of Verstappen and Albon in F1."
"Marshall, with a new IndyCar chassis likely a couple years away, if you were put in charge of the task force to design the new car, what would your priorities be? Weight reduction, aero efficiency, driveability, etc."
"I have tickets to Mid Ohio. Rumor is the race is happening in just over a week. Are my tickets going to work? What day should I be planning on showing up to the track with my camper? Should I be asking for time off work? Jay Frye says 80-90% When does the track tell the fans that they might want to plan on coming?"
Subscribe: https://marshallpruettpodcast.com/subscribe
Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallPruettPodcast

MP 932: The Week In IndyCar, Sept 2, with James Hinchcliffe

It's the Week In IndyCar guest show with Andretti Autosport driver, NBC Sports reporter, and co-host of Off Track with Hinch & Rossi's James Hinchcliffe who joins in after the doubleheader at World wide Technology Raceway to dive into a bunch of questions submitted via social media. 
A sampling of the items posed this week:
"What were your first thoughts when the producer told you to go interview Alexander Rossi after the debacle of the start in the first race?"
"James, any hope of seeing you back in a car in 2020? Andretti and Genesys have to be happy with you!"
"Hinch, your Indy 500 mask was awesome! Have you worn in it in public? I think you should get similar mask of other drivers and wear them like a hybrid Lee Corso/Leatherface while pit reporting. What says you?"
"I know James is a big fan of Jacques Villenueve, who used his handsome winnings from auto racing to have a solo music career. If James could karaoke with Mr. Villenueve, what are some songs on the playlist?"
"James- the last few years you’ve had a couple major gut punches. During both of them you handled yourself with such grace and humility. Can you share who and or what shaped your psychology and your scope on life?"
Subscribe: https://marshallpruettpodcast.com/subscribe
Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallPruettPodcast

MP 931: The Week In IndyCar, Aug 31, Listener Q&A

It's the first of a two-part World Wide Technology Raceway doubleheader wrap-up episode of the Week In IndyCar Listener Q&A show as we dive into a bunch of questions submitted via social media. 
A sampling of the items posed this week (Q&A begins at the 8m31s mark in the episode):
"Michael Andretti seemed especially mad at Zach Veach after he piled into that race 1 crash. Have you heard anything about Zach’s chances of staying at Andretti? If he leaves, who gets that seat? Hinch? Conor Daly? Kevin Magnussen? Scott Tucker?"
"I saw that Dave Furst is the new VP Of Communications for IndyCar. This seems to be a bit of a revolving door position with Curt Cavin and Mike Zizzo having the job the past couple of years and Zizzo in the role for a short time. Any insight on this?"
"Do you think RHR & Colton Herta are justified in their frustrations with RVK? Is he angering other members of the paddock as well, or just the Andretti Autosport duo?"
"It seems like I notice articles on Racer.com reporting NASCAR teams failing post race tech and associated penalties issued at a much higher rate than IndyCar. Any reason to the seemingly perfect tech inspection record by IndyCar teams, is it under-reported or are penalties dished out in a hushed manner? Also, what's the best instance of bending the rules or fooling tech inspectors you ever saw?"
Subscribe: https://marshallpruettpodcast.com/subscribe
Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallPruettPodcast