J+ BOOSTER 2 booth backdrop at SEMA 2023 showing all of the pickup
and go usefulness of this multiplayer adapter/charger. This portable
EV Charging solution is even compatible with household 110/120v
outlets and may give one a quick 6 miles of range in one hour. A
great solution when one is travelling outside of their normal
template of multi-hour charging opportunities. Image Credit: Edmund
Jenks - EVHNews.com (2023)
Kit Tags Along Easily To Smooth Rough Edges Of Random & Vacation
Airbnb Style Travels
Once one decides to have their main source of mobility be an EV platform, one
accommodates themselves to the existing electric charging lay of the land that
allows for a relatively seamless flow of having a vehicle with enough charge,
in the high 95+ percentile, in order to enjoy an uninterrupted travel
experience. They know where the most open and quick charging stations exist
along their planned route from home to where they work, shop, and maintain
relationships, and back to home base again, day in and day out.
After a time, this all becomes routine and everything becomes "in its place"
for a simple and successful EV experience. Where this comfort becomes a little
less available is when one wishes to travel to visit family and friends, or
travel for vacation and other outreach experiences that are outside of one's
daily living experience.
Enter the professionally built industrial grade aluminum tube EVSE (Electric
Vehicle Service Equipment) portable charger/adapter J+ BOOSTER 2. The
portable wall charger for all EV's. No electrician needed. Charge up to 7x
faster, installation-free.
Juice Americas, a subsidiary of Juice Technology - based in Switzerland, has a
mission to simplify home and travel charging with the J+ BOOSTER 2, a portable
charger designed for level 1 and level 2 charging for electric vehicles. The
company employs this charger on their own electric vehicles almost exclusively
to assess its performance and durability.
Hyundai IONIQ 6 World Car Of The Year. Image Credit: Hyundai
Motor Corporation (2023)
Plastic components, while a means to a build end, are not a truly
professional and serious build for a potential everyday usage. Image
Credit: Hyundai Motor Corporation (2023)
The importance of this portable equipment option be included in one's Electric
Vehicle choice has been supported most recently through Hyundai including
their portable adapter charging cable with each and every Hyundai IONIQ 6
which was recently named "World Car Of The Year" by a panel of 102 Journalist from 30 countries.
The J+ BOOSTER 2 is designed to endure harsh conditions and
significant weight through its rugged military-grade casing and robust power output,
perfect for the first time user. Image Credit: electrek.co
(2023)
First time owners need to be aware that many plastic, wall-mounted residential
electric vehicle charging units lack durability as they simply hang on the
wall with no other purpose. In contrast, the J+ BOOSTER 2 is designed to
endure harsh conditions and significant weight. This solution, for the first
time EV mobility solution user allows for one to have an instant charging
station at home before one decides on a permanent station.
In addition, this adapter/charger can also be used at a second home, a trip to
a family home visit, even on an Airbnb secure home stay. This industrial
strength aluminum tube unit boasts an IP67 rating, providing resistance to
dust and water, and it's robust enough to withstand the weight of a
5,000-pound electric car. This has been tested by running over the J+ BOOSTER
2 with a car on several separate occasions.
Image Credit: Pricepulse (2023)
This level of durability may appear to be a mere novelty, but it proves
incredibly practical. These charging units are often situated in precarious
locations, straddling the garage or positioned in the path of vehicle tires.
With the J+ BOOSTER 2, the fear of damaging the charger is alleviated,
addressing a common concern for new electric vehicle owners - we live in a
Human world.
Ultimately, having control over the options on just how and when one can
assure access and capture of the required power for one's mobility needs is
key to a positive experience in EV transportation and its continued use. The smart 1st time EV buyer would be well served to purchase 2 of these - one to keep wall mounted in the garage, and the other in the trunk.
The J+ BOOSTER 2 delivers a robust industrial grade tubular solution at a
cost of well under $1,000.00 that protects the flexibility to charge most
anytime and most anywhere. A tubular spark with the ability of being one's
first Homebase mounted unit as well as travel companion for use in directed
convenience or emergency stress charging situations.
Event environment and retired battleship USS Iowa, moored in San
Pedro, acts as the anchor site for the The 2023 Los Angeles
Sportswalk Of Fame inductees Image Credit: LA Sportswalk Of Fame
(2023)
Protocol Paused LA Sportswalk Of Fame Inductions Resume In San Pedro
Following the tumult created through our civic response to the threats
perceived from an experimental virus that escaped from a lab in Wuhan China,
the resumption of, after a protocol three year pause due to COVID-19, the Los
Angeles Sportswalk Of Fame presentations were held October 9th, 2023, amid a
great and anticipatory crowd primarily of folks local to San Pedro.
Los Angeles Sportswalk inductees pose with presenters to capture
the 2023 class on the USS Iowa. Image Credit: Myles Regan -
REGAN DIGITAL IMAGES (2023)
San Pedro, renowned for its prolific production of exceptional athletes, saw the inception of the San Pedro Sportswalk in 1978, a visionary idea proposed by former city Councilman John S. Gibson. This initiative sought to honor outstanding collegiate, Olympic, and professional athletes who had emerged from the city. Reminiscent of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Sportswalk adorned Beacon Street District with bronze plaques, each bearing the name of a sports luminary and a symbolic representation of their respective sport.
Main deck of the USS Iowa. Image Credit: Myles Regan - REGAN
DIGITAL IMAGES (2023)
A period of hiatus for the Sportswalk occurred from 1998 to 2004. However, the Sportswalk to the Waterfront committee undertook the revival of this esteemed event as part of a broader strategy to breathe new life into San Pedro's historic downtown and establish a connection to its waterfront. This resurgence marked not only the return of the Sportswalk but also signaled the revitalization of the Beacon Street District.
Master of ceremonies FOX Sports college football analyst and a San
Pedro USC football family standout Petros Papadakis. Image Credit: Myles Regan - REGAN DIGITAL IMAGES (2023)
This annual celebration takes place in October and is orchestrated by the Sportswalk to the Waterfront committee. The Los Angeles Sportswalk Of Fame has expanded to include Local, Regional, National Athletes along with Coaches (Trani Award), and Veteran Services Members (Tillman Award), and Special Individuals Sports (Sports Humanitarian Award).
The Los Angeles Sportswalk Of Fame encompasses a diverse array of sports categories, reflecting the multifaceted achievements of San Pedro's athletes. These categories include Auto Racing, Baseball, Basketball, Boxing, Coaching and Leadership, Fitness, Football, Hockey, Horse Racing, Media, Softball, Surfing and Water Sports, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, and Water Polo. Each bronze plaque, meticulously crafted, stands as a testament to the indelible mark left by San Pedro's sporting legends, forever enshrined in the city's history.
Image Credit: Myles Regan - REGAN DIGITAL IMAGES
(2023)
The 2023 Los Angeles Sportswalk Of Fame inductees and their respective
awards are as follows:
Image Credit: Myles Regan - REGAN DIGITAL IMAGES (2023)
1. ** Bryan Bero ** - Local Athlete Award:
- Bero was a standout athlete, including playing football at
Bishop Montgomery High School and the University of Utah.
- He was a four-year football letterman and three-year starter
at fullback for the University of Utah.
- Bero holds the Utah record for most receptions in a season by
a running back.
Image Credit: Myles Regan - REGAN DIGITAL IMAGES (2023)
2. ** Alex Gray ** - Local and International Award:
- Gray is a professional surfer known for riding some of the
largest waves in the world.
- He has been featured on the cover of prominent surf magazines
and has won competitions such as the Nelscott Reef Big Wave Tour event.
Image Credit: Myles Regan - REGAN DIGITAL IMAGES (2023)
3. ** John Papadakis ** - Trani Award:
- Papadakis was a highly accomplished athlete in high school,
excelling in football, baseball, and track.
- He continued his success at USC, where he was a star middle
linebacker.
- Papadakis authored "Turning of the Tide," a book recounting
the historic 1970 USC/Alabama game.
- He has been active in the community and was involved in
advocating for San Pedro's waterfront development.
4. ** Fred Roggin ** - Humanitarian Award:
- Roggin is a retired sports anchor known for his career at
KNBC-TV and as a co-host of a sports talk radio show.
- He hosted the NBC sports coverage of the 2008 Special
Olympics and received numerous awards for his sports broadcasting.
- Roggin continues to work in radio alongside former NFL
quarterback Rodney Peete.
Image Credit: Myles Regan - REGAN DIGITAL IMAGES (2023)
5. **The Trani Majestic Family ** - Lifetime Achievement Award:
- The Trani family, including Lou, Jim, Jack, John, and Phil,
received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Their restaurant, Trani's Majestic Cafe, was a Southern
California sports institution and played a pivotal role in establishing the
Sportswalk Of Fame in San Pedro.
- They were avid supporters of local sports teams and brought
star power to the port community through their restaurant.
Image Credit: Myles Regan - REGAN DIGITAL IMAGES (2023)
6. ** Kim M. White ** - Community Service Award:
- Kim White is a triathlete with a doctorate and an extensive
background in athletic competitions.
- She has competed in numerous triathlons, marathons, cycling
tours, and swimming events.
- White has been involved in community service, including
organizing the New Year's Day swim at Cabrillo Beach and serving as an
officer for the Cabrillo Beach Polar Bear Club.
- She is also a personal trainer, triathlon coach, and the
first female exalted ruler for the San Pedro Elks Lodge.
These individuals have made significant contributions to the world of sports and their communities, earning them recognition and awards in the 2023 Los Angeles Sportswalk Of Fame induction.
It was grand to share time in the company of honorees and those who appreciated their accomplishments, again in a face to face gathering of like minded souls through this historic setting in San Pedro.
Rennsport Reunion 7 close-up presentation area set-up in the
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Media Center. Adorned with
graphics in the wall and hands-on watch making materials on the
desk space surround. Porsche Design Timepieces "Sports Car On The
Wrist." Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2023)
Once every five years, the Rennsport Reunion has become a significant event in
the world of motorsports and Porsche enthusiasts. It was created to celebrate
the rich racing heritage of Porsche and to provide a platform for drivers,
fans, and historians to come together and honor the history of Porsche's
racing endeavors. Rensport Reunion 7, held at Monterey's WeatherTech Raceway
Laguna Seca, celebrated 75 years Porsche as a car manufacturer and luxury
products company.
Primary Porsche Motorsports ambassador and co-creator of the
Rennsport Reunion series of celebration events, Brian Redman in
his signature Bakerboy tweed cap, is imaged here as being the
first of a long "Icons Of Speed" dais table of autograph
presenters known, as is Mr. Redman, for their successes driving
Porsche cars in races throughout the world. Also in this dais
table are (R to L) David Piper, Jackie Oliver, John Osteen, John
Fitzpatrick, Sascha Maassen, Arie Luyendyk. Other Drivers &
Technicians further down the table in order included Rudi Lins,
Willi Kauhsen, Kevin Jeannette, Hurley Haywood, Andrew Davis,
& Manfred Schurti. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2023)
Brian Redman, a renowned racing driver with a successful career in various
motorsports categories, and Bob Carlson, who served as Porsche Cars North
America's longstanding press spokesperson, were the driving forces behind the
inception of the Rennsport Reunion. Their vision was to create a gathering
that would bring together individuals passionate about racing and Porsche,
where they could not only celebrate the brand's racing legacy but also pay
tribute to the people and cars that contributed to Porsche's storied history
in motorsports.
Since its inception in 2001, Rennsport Reunion has become a recurring event,
drawing Porsche enthusiasts, historic racing cars, and iconic drivers from
around the world. It has become a must-attend event for Porsche fans and
continues to showcase the brand's racing heritage, making it a remarkable
celebration of Porsche's racing legacy.
PIXAR's Jay Ward sports a Porsche Design Watch along side of CARS 2
Sally who looks on adoringly down to the item on Jay's arm, just
outside of the WeatherTech Raceway Media Center. Image Credit:
Edmund Jenks (2023)
Porsche Design, the luxury consumer products company based from the inception
of designing successful sports cars, is indeed known for its distinctive
design philosophy, which places a strong emphasis on optimizing function and
streamlining form. This approach can be summarized in several key principles:
** Optimizing Function: Porsche Design places a primary focus on
functionality and performance. Their products are designed to excel in their
intended use, whether it's automotive accessories, fashion, technology, or
other categories. The aim is to create products that not only look good but
also perform exceptionally well.
** Minimalism and Reductionism: The design philosophy of Porsche Design
often involves reducing a product's design elements to the essential
components. This minimalist approach seeks to eliminate unnecessary
complexity and adornments, resulting in clean and uncluttered designs.
** Innovation and Evolution: Porsche Design is known for its willingness to
challenge conventional design norms and push boundaries. They strive to
overcome the familiar and constantly explore new solutions and materials to
create unique and innovative products.
** Attention to Detail: The brand's commitment to quality and precision is
reflected in its meticulous attention to detail. Porsche Design products are
known for their craftsmanship and fine finishing, which contributes to their
overall appeal.
** Form Follows Function: This design philosophy aligns with the famous
modernist principle "form follows function." In Porsche Design, the form of
a product is a direct result of its intended purpose and functionality.
** Awards and Recognition: Porsche Design's commitment to both form and
function has garnered numerous awards and accolades over the years. Their
designs have been recognized for their excellence in aesthetics and
performance.
Overall, Porsche Design's design philosophy is characterized by a balance
between aesthetics and functionality, resulting in products that are not
only visually appealing but also highly practical and innovative. This
approach has allowed them to create a wide range of iconic and award-winning
designs across various industries.
The timepiece division of Porsche Design held an up-close presentation at the
Media Center which was quite enlightening for those who attended. What follows
is the audio from Porsche Design on the specifics surrounding the build of the
timepieces produced and delivered to the customers who would also desire to
wear a watch that represents the sports car they drive on their wrist.
Please enjoy this audio from the onsite presentation of Porsche Design and the
special limited edition timepiece by Rolf Bergmann - CEO, Gerhard J.Gerhard J.
Novak, GM, and Kurt Straumann - R&D of Porsche Design Timepieces, Porsche
Lifestyle Group.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Generated Transcript - Un-Edited - 90%
Accurate
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: I
have two colleagues with me. He's running out of the in Switzerland is one
of our master watchmakers and master engineers. He will also give you some
insight into.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: So
what we are doing is there have been a certain transfer from the dash to the
river and this didn't happen by chance. There's a little story, a little
heritage behind and would like to give you some insight. If there are any
questions, please jump in and as a brand and to watch it goes back to the
year 1972 and it goes back to this man. It is Ferdinand Alexander Porsche.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: He
is one of four sons of the sports car company founder Garry Porsche. He was
a designer and he joined his hardest company in 56, 57 becoming head of
design and he had the honor and also the pressure to create the success of
the 356. Today, we knew that he was the man to great that I love him, which
set the back post for today and made him become an icon as a designer as
well.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: In
1972 it was a very important year because in 1972. Due to several reasons,
family decided to take the company public and to bring in el management to
all four sons of Harry and the cousin. And here they were engaged in a car
company. So by deciding that the, the company goes public and management was
brought in a young gentleman all in the late twenties, mid thirties,
suddenly they were jobless.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: So
no need to really as it was, it's a Porsche, Porsche and he was a designer,
he started his own business called Porsche Design that goes back to 1972.
Today, we're really happy that it was him and not Mr Muller. Otherwise, he
would talk about Muller Design today.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
The whole thing started with the first order or the first project that was
given to the newly founded studio. It was to create the wrist watch for the
employees that were with the company for 25 years. And I support the family
has always been very deep and closely related to me wrist watches. They want
to go over something that was existing and put an engraving on. They asked
to create the watch.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
Please try to go back to the fifties and sixties. There was only one model
line, the 356 and then the 911 as a designer, he was mainly doing race cars
and in the fifties and early sixties, long distance racing became popular
and long distance 24 hours means 12 hours driving. Make yourself an idea. In
the early sixties, the front lights, they were more, they were better
candles.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
Then the weather condition like today, a little rain and 12 hours at night,
the cars were doing more than 200 MPH already in these days. So imagine at
night the guys could see nothing mainly due to the fact that the dash, it
was metal and it created a lot of distraction. So the best thing before
putting more and more power to the engine was to reduce glare distraction.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: So
and slowly but suddenly in 1969 the death within the 911 turn to black
white, just a lot of the fact that Matt black and Matt white is the maximum
contrast and this is how the looks like it still 911 or look like this. So
when he was asked to do a was he exactly what he did? He transferred what he
detected what he developed over here and made a watch truck in 1972.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: I
was four years old. I cannot prove that, but it was told that it was a
complete revolution because watchers per definition were jewelry. They were
glimmering, they were shimmering and like watch some British media stated
that you can only wear it for fun, but it was quite strange. So this is how
everything started.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
Now, we know that not all of the employees that were given one of these
watches kept it because suddenly some of the watchers were spotted on the
race drivers, wrist watches, race drivers, wrist like surfers, they could be
easily spotted. So here we see Mario Andretti wearing the watch in 1978 from
the world world champion. You have many others of this, of this era wearing
it.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
And by doing so that what became popular for owners of their deal, there is
a watch on it, how to get that and this is how the whole thing started to be
commercial. So there was no commercial stuff behind that. Two other
gentlemen from this era, you probably know, might know a family is still
today and in these days, that's a victim of the early eighties.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: So
in these days, he was head of Formula One Ferrari team and he was only
fierce in the early eighties was the sponsor of Formula One, was a partner
of Ferrari and he was very the designer because he was the coolest stuff
these days, he always wore it outside. That was the Italian style. So this
is how the one became quite popular due to his properties. So perfect.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
And so what a second career as a military watch, the military means that
many air forces, mainly air force organizations took the watch and gave
their staff, their pilots the watch because it was perfect to read. It was
very functional. So we had to er even with have to put that on the wrist.
Then we had all the airports of Tigers they were equipped with that war gave
another another something in 1968 top gun movie.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
Tom was wearing the, was a funny marketing guy or somebody for placement.
Cruz wanted to be as authentic as possible in everything he wore. So as the
Tigers wore the time he wanted to go with it as well because that was the
watch of the Tigers. He didn't want to go for anything else. And this is how
to watch them.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: By
the way, in 86 she raimer doing the production, they, they did not buy it.
They asked us our Beverly Hills store down, down to rent the watch. So we
took it back after the, after the movie in a 22 release, he wore the watch
again.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: It
was exactly the same watch. We kept it over the years. So we lend it to him
for more time too, but we took it back. Of course, he wanted to purchase it,
but we didn't sell it to him and maybe there will be a third and they will
give it for the third time.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: So
in a nutshell, this is the history and heritage by Port Sargeant or how to
watch it.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
Alexander. He was a guy here when he was asked about his purpose. He said it
was all about raising the risk.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: So
today we call it sports, the w and all that started 51 years ago.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
Today is a fully owned subsidiary of OEG. So we belong to the sports car.
It's not a privately held company anymore, but it, and we have four main
tasks. One task is we need to work on. I won't call it compensate, but at
least lower the risk of the biggest disadvantage of our sports car that we
have.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
You know what it is. There's one big disadvantage that every sports car has
that we of course, you cannot take it with you, the restaurant, the living
room, the gym, the golf course, you have to leave it outside in the parking
space, parking lot, the garage, whatever.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: So
we started to work on extending sports car ownership experience and puts the
essential part of the watch of the power inside the watch by doing so we
have the honor and all the privilege to preserve and continue as new
territory.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
Perception of Porsche. Porsche is the only car manufacturer that does
watches on its own. And so we are approaching the target group, we are
approaching him and the friends with the, that's the one.
SPEAKER 2: We are doing that for.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: We
have a little overview about the 51 years that we're doing watches. The 1st
40 years, we were cooperating with external partners with a little in this
was I was doing our watches and in 2012, we stopped that bring the operation
setting up the amount of in Switzerland So as of 2014 became a fully
independent watch manufacturer.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: So
that's a little bit, a little bit that in our story. So in terms of
experience and in terms of your ability of watch making, we are still in our
baby shoes for 10 years next year. But in terms of we already, so what are
we doing?
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: We
are not behaving as a typical watch manufacturer because we are doing
watches to extend his experience and to continue his legacy is to a certain
extent, the majority of our business to create individual watches, matching
our customers cars, we'll do a deep dive on that.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
Then there, since 2020 all model lines offer the opportunity to have a high
end mechanical looking like a mechanical watch inside the of course, we
brought back to watch last year. So that's the offer that we do and it's of
course, very important.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
The main thing that we do is we offer fully real life watches to our
customers. It may not sound that dramatic to you yet, but we'd like to give
you some insight why we do that and how we do that. So probably have seen
the house, we call it, you dream, we build it and we do that with the watch
it.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: So
our customers, as you probably know, they maximize the individualization of
cars in terms of colors, in terms of leather, in terms of yard, in terms of
wheels coloring the wheels. So 911 is personal and there is no stock. So we
don't build houses, start to put it anywhere on the lot, you order the car
and then we start building it and we follow that and transfer that into.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: So
it's all about colors. Of course, it's all about the maximum to the car. And
we call the program custom built because the custom built, what is mentioned
in your car and how we do that. We have a little movie with us.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: So
whatever we do at the moment is late to the 911. So we still watch this
fully magic.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: It
means as a customer, you have, you choose your car, it's red if it's yellow
and then you start choosing your personal was. So the they are variety. The
start of the past of the Titanium Titanium black. All you like. There we go
with the hands.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
Then we have the coloration of the ring, matching the interior color, all
the, all the yarns exactly matching what you have inside your car. And as we
are an engineering company, of course, we don't do normal winding rotors. We
transfer to the design of your wheel and make it a winding rotor even using
the same class problem.
SPEAKER 2: So as you have seen.
PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECE CONFIGUTATOR Image Credit: Screengrab
at >>>
https://www.porsche-design.com/us/en/timepieces/custom-built-timepieces/#Configurator
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
Today, there are more than 6 million options without over banned options. So
we cannot behave like a normal watch manufacturer because what watch shall
be built and what, what should be put on stock. We would need warehouses
that would cover all inside here. Like so there is only one man woman
knowing how the future watch looks like it's you as a customer. So that's
with the sports car.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: So
we have created a watch config it's net based web based and you enter it and
you create your watch following the car config with the housing with the
hands with all the details. And at the end, it gives you a hope, you know
the price, you hand it over to your dealership and your dealer orders. They
want to match it to your car.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: If
you have a car, you can move at the the vehicle identification number and
send it to actually more than 6 million options available on top of that. As
of last year, we also offering paint to sample. I don't know how familiar
you are with the paint to sample is one of the key offers at port. Also have
the maximum individualized for the outside, which is offering inside the 26
space colors, which is offering one.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
And so in total, you may choose nearly 150 different colors, blues and
whatever this is a screenshot from the watch config. So then you do the same
choice. In that case, you can read, you click on the configuration, it shows
how the what you look like, it gives you the price and it will accept or not
like the car config each click is increasing your bill.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: So
important to know we only have Porsche colors because we are the sports car
manufacturers manufacturers. So when we talk about red, we talk about red
and Carmine red. When we talk about yellow, we talk about pink, yellow. When
we talk about green, we talk about green, 10 green, green, but Nova green.
So exactly what we offer within our sports and how we do that.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
This is the Switzerland to do so we have to build an dedicated factory,
possible to do it with anybody else just by a lot of reasons, but to do all
that like the winding road and all the things, we, we need to have access to
the future cars. So we start working on the watches, matching our future
cars 3 to 4 years in advance and how we do that. I would like to ask my
colleague to give you a deep time on that.
ROLF BERGMANN - CEO, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
Yes, of course. Thank you. So when it comes to design time pieces, we first
of all have to know that we take the development process of the car. And so
we are deeply involved and that's what advise us for the future. So we know
the, we know the when you talk about material, we talk about Titanium. Why?
ROLF BERGMANN - CEO, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
Because Titanium, we know for motor sport since 1968 Titanium and strong and
Titanium is absolutely skin friendly. There is no reaction to the human skin
and it's corrosion protected, it cannot corrode. So therefore, Titanium is
the best material for witch. And therefore today our time pieces are made
only from Titanium.
ROLF BERGMANN - CEO, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: So
to show you a little bit of parallel in the assembly, we have this movie
because we adapted the partial production principles and exactly built like
a 911 factory. Due to the variation, every watch is a single watch for a
watchmaker. Every watch is picked for the customer. Every watch is
different. So we do not have the same watch in the assembly line.
ROLF BERGMANN - CEO, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
When these are a few pictures in the movie for the 911 exclusive where we
did it. And you see what we do for the time and what we do for the car. And
he got to work at the body shop and he used to work in the manufacturing in
Switzerland. So that's the measuring of the diet of the printing. After
picking this for a watch, you pick every part for a watch.
SPEAKER 2: Yes.
ROLF BERGMANN - CEO, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: And
then we assemble each single box head in the hand carbon fiber marriage with
the engine for the car, with the engine in the assembly of the rotor
assembly of the wheel, bringing the cap on the rod, bringing the cap on the
wheel.
ROLF BERGMANN - CEO, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: And
the quest is very detailed checking if the wheel is turning, checking the
wheel for the car, posing the checking of the rotors working quite well and
turning the car to the testing area for the car, the leather shocking how
sewing the leather for the sport car, the door handle, the door panel and
also for the bra, the same leather, the same stitching, the same holes
inside.
ROLF BERGMANN - CEO, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: So
the cause there is no question which kind of leather we take, we take only
original car. They no and you do that, you can get a little feeling of that
what we are doing because there is not only a video and a few pictures we
have here a lot of samples with us where we can show you how it works.
ROLF BERGMANN - CEO, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: So
now you can take pictures of everything. So first of all, let's talk about
the coloration of the cow. Every color has a sample. These are the color
samples. The original ones, we have all the colorations and we use this
original coloration rings to color the rings.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: So
we take the the original also when it comes to leather and we develop and
make the coloring.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: So
all the 150 colors that we have and you have your car and you have a in
there, we paint one ring in the same on his side.
ROLF BERGMANN - CEO, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: You
answer is the original dial where the colored ring then is, the dial is
always the same.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: Of
course, depending on several versions of dial looks a bit different to the
dial.
ROLF BERGMANN - CEO, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: For
example, when it comes to the click on to give to the on the, and we do it
because the wheel has a crest.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
You take the, we have it with the.
ROLF BERGMANN - CEO, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
Color on the back.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
And once you get your needs when you have the colored crest and we do the
colored one. If you have it black and white, when you have an RS, it says Rs
on your wheel, then we have the RS exactly the one.
ROLF BERGMANN - CEO, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
Like your car.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: So
it's the same with the letter.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: So
we use exactly the same skin like with the cars. So we put the leather in
all the coloration to the supplier in Italy. And we learned them how to, how
to sew a band because this letter of course, normally is not used car.
Leather, automotive letter is not used for. So you have to have a certain
packing. So there is something in if you give it a try, there is a little
exactly which avoids the keeps like this.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: So
it has a certain tension and the supply in Italy when you order, for
example, a band like this with, with red because you have it in your car.
Then you order from the dealership reaches the manufacturer and then there's
a list with all the components. Then the order close to a supplier in Italy,
then he takes one of the skins exactly the same skin that is used for your
car.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: He
takes the yarn which also is there. So we have, we have stock with our
supplier. So then the config says you want to have that band with that yarn,
then they start se one band and make it your coloration, your size three
sizes available and build one bank. So zero effect policy because we only we
can't build a watch like that. So that's a philosophy. Every component.
SPEAKER 4: When I do the allocation at the same time, I order the watch the
website link, the number from one. Give me a number.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
The leading number is called commission number with the car. The commission
number also runs with the watch. That's how car. So as soon as the
commission number and if you would like to have to win, then we, we start at
5000.
ROLF BERGMANN - CEO, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: You
have to win.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
Get to look forward to you. How long did it take? How long did it take? It's
managed by how long it take?
ROLF BERGMANN - CEO, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: You
take? 10 days and.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
You are no force. We don't force, we have a test for three days at the
moment. The program is available in six markets here in the US, the UK.
ROLF BERGMANN - CEO, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: Can
anyone get one?
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
You have to have a Porsche around 5000 quite quickly. And we are now the
next time, bigger markets, then you can work markets in 28.
ROLF BERGMANN - CEO, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: The
program with the wheel of the principle is the same. But the 911, for
example, it only.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: In
the parking, I'm running the washi vision of. So everything that's related
to hands, indicate to me in jeopardy for a while.
EDMUND JENKS - MOTORSPORTS JOURNAL: I don't think if I may since I'm
recording. Can I have you introduce yourself and your title and then have
Rolf and then Kurt, can we do that now? Ok. Your name is Gerhardt Novak.
Yes. And you are, I'm the general manager. Ok. And this gentleman over here
is Rolf Bergmann. No, he can talk, come over here and introduce yourself.
Your name is.
ROLF BERGMANN - CEO, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP: So
my name is Rolf Bergmann. I'm the CEO of course time pieces, Switzerland.
Ok. And we are in Switzerland responsible for the development and the
production of the time pieces. So we take the customers and bring it to the
excellent.
EDMUND JENKS - MOTORSPORTS JOURNAL: And then I'd like Kurt to come over here
if he can, I'd like to interrupt you. Hello, Kurt. Could you introduce
yourself and give me your title first off your name.
KURT STRAUMANN - R&D, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE
GROUP: My name is Kurt, and Truman. Kurt Truman. My name and you function
maker. Yes. And I'm an R and D engineer at Porsche Design Time Piece. And I,
I am in charge of this new product, which is of this new product and I try
to be humble, but that's just the way it is.
KURT STRAUMANN - R&D, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE
GROUP: It's unique in the watch industry. It, it, we have here a case out of
car Titanium and this is think about almost like as hot as diamond. So you
can see and not just hot, but you can feel it. It's a very.
KURT STRAUMANN - R&D, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE
GROUP: If you want more in detail, it's made out of you and we compress it.
And then in the first step, we're going to make a pre heat at 800 degrees.
GERHARD J. NOVAK, GM, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE GROUP:
During three days. And then yes.
KURT STRAUMANN - R&D, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE
GROUP: And then in the second heat process for about 2000 °C and then you
will have the shape and the finishing, we will have to make it too. It
takes, it takes three hours to finish it because you cannot do it by 11 way
it's almost like.
KURT STRAUMANN - R&D, PORSCHE DESIGN TIMEPIECES, PORSCHE LIFESTYLE
GROUP: And what is, what is also unique is, you can imagine this is
material, material for the case. It has to be from anesthetic standpoint. It
has to look good, you know, so we have to make our own recipe to get to this
tool for the cavity. And that's what we have to do. That's how it looks like
you.
[transcription ht: Spreaker/Musixmatch]
Porsche Design Timepieces Configurator, Porsche Lifestyle Group >>>
https://www.porsche-design.com/us/en/timepieces/custom-built-timepieces/#Configurator
Follow Porsche Lifestyle on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/porsche.lif...
Like Porsche Lifestyle on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/porsche.life...
Visit the Porsche Design Website: https://www.porsche-design.com/
TAGS: Porsche Design, Watch, Timepieces, Rennsport Reunion 7, WeatherTech
Raceway Laguna Seca, Brian Redman, Rolf Bergmann, Gerhard J. Novak, Kurt
Straumann, The EDJE
Kyffin Simpson earned his first career pole and broke the track
record at the INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix at Road America
on Jun 17, 2023. The Chip Ganassi Racing development driver from
the Cayman Islands turned a top lap of 1 minute, 49.1028 seconds
in the No. 21 HMD Motorsports with CGR car. That time was nearly
three seconds quicker than the previous record, 1:52.0034 set by
Colton Herta in 2017. The entire 14-turn, 4.014-mile circuit was
repaved last fall, hiking speeds dramatically. Image Credit:
James Black via PEC (2023)
Welcome Chip Ganassi Racing's New Driver Kyffin Simpson To The 2024
5-Car Team
Just a little background may be in order for folks to understand how some of
the driver pipeline works and, to be honest, this isn't all bad. Nobody
lives in a perfect world where performance merit is the only value to a
competitive enterprise.
First, let's just observe that Kyffin Simpson was born October 9th,
2004, Bridgetown, Barbados to a very well-to-do family who's invested
in petroleum retail infrastructure, automobile sales, distribution and
manufacturing - Simpson Group of Companies. This has helped Kyffin to
become associated with Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) as a development driver
since he was able to bring a sizable amount of sponsorship through Ridgeline
Lubricants (rumored to be around $10 Million dollars) in 2022 going forward.
Ridgeline Lubricants was the featured livery on the No. 10 of Alex Palou and
the No' 11 of Marcus Armstrong throughout the 2022 and 2023 racing
seasons.
Ultimately, a driver has to drive and to this end Kyffin Simpson has
performed well enough to be able to ride the wave of sponsorship he brings
that will place him along side great company. The CGR Paddock, with his
inclusion, will feature (technically) three "Rookies" - along with six-time
IndyCar Series Champion Scott Dixon and two-time IndyCar Series Champion Alex Palou ... Rookie Kyffin Simpson joins 2022
INDY NXT Series Champion and Rookie Linus Lundqvist and 2023 INDYCAR
Rookie-Of-The-Year and 2024 Indianapolis 500 Rookie Marcus Armstrong. This
has to be one of the most loaded INDYCAR paddocks of all-time.
While Kyffin may have only notched moderate success in upper level open
wheel racing to this time of being only 18 years old, he has several titles
in Karting here in the Americas and in Europe.
“We welcome Kyffin as a teammate to our INDYCAR program. He has been
integrated into a Chip Ganassi Racing multi-year defined development
program which now provides the opportunity at open-wheel’s highest level,”
said Chip Ganassi Racing Managing Director Mike Hull. “He has already
tested an INDYCAR with more to follow as an INDY NXT graduate. In
addition, he is already a proven winner in IMSA at the 12 Hours of Sebring
in LMP2 and on an LMP2 global stage in the ASLM and ELMS series.”
Before advancing to INDY NXT and sports car competition, Simpson won the
2021 Formula Regional Americas Championship as well, after earning seven
wins, two pole positions and 13 total podiums.
Welcome Kyffin Simpson to the 2024 NTT INDYCAR Championship Series
paddock.
NTT INDYCAR SERIES News Conference
Monday, September 18, 2023
Kyffin Simpson - Press Conference
THE MODERATOR: Good morning, everyone. The dust certainly has barely settled
on the 2023 season, but a lot of teams looking ahead to 2024. Chip Ganassi
Racing finding itself celebrating 15 INDYCAR SERIES championships, but this
morning made the announcement that Kyffin Simpson will make the move to a
full-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule next year.
Kyffin joined Chip Ganassi Racing as a development driver in May of 2022.
Since then it's been two seasons in INDY NXT. He'll join the likes of Scott
Dixon, Alex Palou, Marcus Armstrong and Linus Lundqvist for a pretty
impressive presence in the paddock area.
Kyffin joins us from Indianapolis this morning. Certainly this was a goal.
What was that like to know that it was a done deal, signed, sealed,
delivered, now you got that Chip Ganassi Racing Honda shirt on for a long
time now?
KYFFIN SIMPSON: Yeah, it's awesome. Just couldn't be happier about it. It's
always been my dream to race in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. To be able to do it
with Chip Ganassi Racing, 15-time champions, five 500 wins, it's pretty
incredible.
THE MODERATOR: I know you tested a Ganassi car almost a year ago now. What
do you make of that test and how eager are you to get going once again?
KYFFIN SIMPSON: I'm super excited. I can't wait to get back in the car.
Driving that car last year at Sebring was one of the most fun things I've
ever done. I just can't wait to get back in it and get back in the car with
a great team, as well.
THE MODERATOR: We'll open it up for questions for Kyffin Simpson.
Q.Kyffin, I'm curious, this year you kind of drove all over the place. Asia
Le Mans, IMSA, INDY NXT. In what area do you feel like you've grown as a
driver within your race craft this past year doing all these things?
KYFFIN SIMPSON: I think it's helped me in a lot of ways doing all these
different series. Racing sports cars I think has helped a lot with my fuel
saving and pit stops, 'cause obviously we don't do that in INDY NXT, you're
just pushing flat out for 35 laps or however long the race is.
I think doing all that this year was very helpful, but also just general
race craft, being in close races with other drivers has been very helpful,
just doing lots of racing this year.
Q.Being a development driver with Ganassi in 2022, starting in May of 2022
to now, in what ways has that helped better prepare you for the role to
step in as opposed to what would have been for most guys being independent
for the whole time, not being in a development situation?
KYFFIN SIMPSON: Yeah, I think it's been very helpful being able to work with
the team, learn the team, learn how they do things. Also just learn all the
engineers and mechanics. Just meeting them has been very helpful.
I think that will be something that helps me a lot going into this next
year. I think it will be very exciting to work with them even closer than I
have previously.
Q.You're going to be going up against a teammate for Rookie of the Year in
Linus. How do you think that's going to be? You're going to be teammates,
working close together, but that's bragging rights for a rookie title.
KYFFIN SIMPSON: I don't really have any expectations set for myself right
now. It would be great to win Rookie of the Year. Yeah, I don't have
anything specifically set for myself right now.
Q.Kyffin, it will be the first year as a rookie driver in a team such as
Chip Ganassi. How much pressure do you have with that deal that you have
to face?
KYFFIN SIMPSON: I don't feel too much pressure. I know it's with a great
team. I know that the car's going to be good, so I'm just going to be
focused on doing my job as best as I can, learning everything I can from my
teammates 'cause obviously they've got a lot of experience in Scott Dixon
and Alex Palou, as well Marcus Armstrong, who won Rookie of the Year this
year.
Q.Your goal, apart from being the Rookie of the Year, which will it be?
KYFFIN SIMPSON: It would be great to be Rookie of the Year, but I don't have
any expectations set for myself. Just want to learn as much as I can. If
results come with that, then that's great.
THE MODERATOR: Back to the test that you had almost a year ago now, Kyffin.
What stood out about hopping in the Chip Ganassi Racing car?
KYFFIN SIMPSON: Well, it was the only INDYCAR I've ever driven, so I can't
compare it to other team's cars. Comparing it to the INDY NXT, which I've
had a couple years' experience in, I just thought it was all around a much
better car. It's got more aero, more power. There's more that you can do
with the dampers, as well. Just all around drives better.
It was just a ton of fun to drive. I can't wait to get it on a real
high-speed track rather than Sebring.
THE MODERATOR: If you're going to hop in any machinery in INDYCAR, hop into
the Chip Ganassi Racing machine. That's certainly the way to go.
KYFFIN SIMPSON: Yeah, for sure.
Q.Knowing you've raced so many different things this year alone, let alone
these last couple years, coming into INDYCAR, what do you feel your
biggest strength as a driver is?
KYFFIN SIMPSON: I don't know what my biggest strength will be in this car,
as I've not done too many laps in it. The last time I drove it was a year
ago now. I feel like I've progressed a lot since then. I'm not sure what it
will be when I get into it the next time.
I feel like I'm usually quite good with tire management. I hope that shows
to be a strength in this car, as well, because I've heard it's something
that's quite difficult.
The Detroit Grand Prix was a new venue to both the INDY NXT as
well as the NTT INDYCAR SERIES - it would be fun to see just which
Chip Ganassi Racing team member come in at P1 in 2024. In 2023,
Alex Palou was P1, Scott Dixon was P4, and Marcus Armstrong was P8
while Linus Lundqvist was sitting on the sidelines unable to ride
the rollercoaster streets of Detroit. Image Credit: Joe Skibinski
via PEC (2023)
Q.From season one to season two in INDY NXT, I know you stepped up with a
couple podiums. I imagine your points finish with missing a race, not
picking up points at Barber, doesn't show exactly where you would have
finished in a full season. What do you feel you learned the most from
season one to two in the INDY NXT series?
KYFFIN SIMPSON: I just feel like I got a lot more comfortable with the car.
I felt like I was a lot more on top of the car in testing and being able to
get the car to where I wanted it balance-wise and just general feel-wise.
I think that was a big thing that helped me this year in INDY NXT. It's just
kind of the thing that comes with experience. Hopefully when I make the jump
to INDYCAR, having experienced teammates can help me out with that.
Q.We've had younger drivers in the series before. Colton Herta won before
he turned 19. You turn 19 in a couple weeks. Not out of the ordinary to
have a driver yet to have turned 20 in the series. I'm sure you'll
encounter some folks that will wonder if you're too young, if you could
use some more experience in INDY NXT for another year. What do you feel
your message is for folks who wonder if you're ready to make this leap
into Chip Ganassi Racing?
KYFFIN SIMPSON: I feel like I'm ready. I feel like I've made a lot of
progress this year. I feel like making that next step, I'll be able to make
good progress in INDYCAR, as well.
Mike and Chip also have faith in me. That helps a lot. It helps me believe
that I really can do this.
THE MODERATOR: Those two have a pretty good eye for talent, no question
about that.
Q.Through this season, how much have been chattering with the Ganassi team
both in the workshop and paddock? How much time have you been able to
spend with the guys you're going to be working with full-time in 2024?
KYFFIN SIMPSON: It's been great working with them. I've been able to spend
quite a lot of time with them. I was able to go into the Texas race this
year. I spent the whole 500 with them.
Even more than that, I tend to always try to spend as much time as I can on
race weekends with them, even if I'm there racing in my own series. I try to
get over to the timing stand for the races usually and, if I can, qualifying
as well. I think all of that's been very helpful.
Great to see the American Legion getting additional sponsorship
notoriety through the paddock growth of another car to a 2023 four
car team for the 2024 season. Image Credit: Travis Hinkle via PEC
(2023)
Q.When the development deal was signed, a multi-year deal, was it always
considered there would be an INDYCAR seat two years down the line or is
this a development that's only recently come along, like you started talks
with Chip and Mike, and hence the deal came about?
KYFFIN SIMPSON: There was no guarantee I would be in an INDYCAR seat this
year, but I was always hoping that I could be. It was just kind of something
that I tried to make happen, and here we are.
Q.Given the amount of time since your most recent test, when these talks
started taking place about going to a full-time ride next year, was some
of the parameters being like you need to get as much test mileage possible
before, or did you go into this knowing that you would likely sign a deal
having only had that January test and not running INDYCAR before you
signed your first INDYCAR contract?
KYFFIN SIMPSON: Yeah, we don't really know when I'll be able to test next.
This season has been very busy, and they've been busy chasing the
championship. They don't usually like to test too much during the year. Also
they've been very busy with the hybrid test getting ready for next year.
I'm sure I'll get more seat time in the INDYCAR, but with the one day I
have, they were very happy with it. Hopefully next time I get in an INDYCAR
I can do the same if not better.
Q.Do you get to do much simulator work with the team, as well?
KYFFIN SIMPSON: Yeah, I've gotten to do some simulator work. I've got a bit
more planned during the off-season, which has been great so far. It's been
great working with a couple different engineers. I think that it's been very
helpful, helping me get ready for next year.
Q.Given you've raced with the Cayman Islands license, but also have the
Barbados one as well, have you decided which one you're going to use next
season?
KYFFIN SIMPSON: I believe I'm going with the Cayman license. They haven't
had a motorsport federation down there before, so I wasn't able to use a
Cayman Islands license. But I believe they almost got that set up, so I
should be able to use that for next year.
Q.Based on the INDY NXT results, you have this relationship with Ganassi
already, had you not had that relationship, would you have been confident
to talk to other INDYCAR teams to pitch for a seat, or has this been more
about impressing teams in other ways outside of your INDY NXT results?
KYFFIN SIMPSON: I think if I hadn't been with Chip Ganassi Racing, I
probably would have been looking for an INDYCAR seat this year. But I think
definitely being with Chip Ganassi Racing has helped me be able to find a
seat, for sure.
Q.I wonder about when you're named driver for Chip Ganassi Racing in the
series, do you get an encouraging talk from Chip himself? If so, what goes
with that?
KYFFIN SIMPSON: I did actually get a text from Chip this morning. He was
just encouraging me, giving me some advice for this upcoming year.
Q.It was mentioned West Coast. The Thermal Club is just down the road. Have
you ever been here before? If not, what are you thinking, what are your
expectations about it?
KYFFIN SIMPSON: I've only heard good things about that track, honestly,
talking to other drivers that drove there this year. I'm really looking
forward to going. It looks like a really fun track. I'm excited to get out
there.
THE MODERATOR: I know you're not wasting any time. You want to talk about
maybe moving to Indianapolis, finding a place, getting involved with the
team a little bit more.
KYFFIN SIMPSON: Yeah, I just moved out here in June. It's been great getting
settled in, working closer with the team, just being out here by all the
drivers, as well, is cool.
THE MODERATOR: What is the next step for you as far as getting more involved
with the team and certainly testing, all that sort of thing?
KYFFIN SIMPSON: Eventually I'll be spending more time with my engineer,
whenever I find out who that will be, and spending more time working with
them closer. Hopefully I'll be able to find that out soon.
Yeah, I haven't been told that yet.
Q.When Linus was signed, he wasn't sure if he was actually getting the
previous chassis that Marcus raced on or not. Do you know if you're going
to be driving that chassis or if this is a new build that Ganassi brought
in as the fifth entry?
KYFFIN SIMPSON: I don't know anything to do with what car I'll be driving or
number or crew chief or engineer or anything like that. Those are questions
for the team because I just don't have answers yet.
Q.You've got this kind of long-term relationship with HPD, which provided a
scholarship to SUPER FORMULA, but you chose to stay in America instead and
do INDY NXT. Have you continued having that relationship with them, and
has that helped going into a Honda-powered team for 2024?
KYFFIN SIMPSON: Yeah, I worked with them in '21 with Formula Regional. I've
tried to keep that relationship over the last couple of years. They've been
great helping me out getting me an engine for next year.
I'm excited to be driving a Honda again.
Q.Now that you're saying your testing program isn't certain right now, what
is your mindset about oval racing, given also that INDY NXT doesn't have
too many ovals? How do you look forward to oval racing?
KYFFIN SIMPSON: Yeah, I'm looking forward to jumping in the INDYCAR on an
oval. I think oval racing in INDYCAR seems to be quite a lot different than
how it goes in INDY NXT just with the cars being so different. They seem to
drive very different on ovals. I think it will be a very big learning
experience the first time I get on an oval, even if it's one I've been to
before.
I think that will be an exciting part of this year.
THE MODERATOR: Kyffin, what is on your plate the rest of the week as a
driver now for Chip Ganassi Racing?
KYFFIN SIMPSON: Actually I fly to Belgium this afternoon to compete at Spa
for the European Le Mans Series. I'll have a busy week doing that.
THE MODERATOR: Like anyone would. That's awesome. Good luck out there. We'll
wrap it up. But congratulations on the announcement for 2024. Can't wait to
see you out on the racetrack.
KYFFIN SIMPSON: Thank you.
[ht: FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports]
According to the press release announcement on Kyffin joining in on the
NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Simpson's signing completes CGR's driver lineup for
2024, seemingly taking the team out of consideration for a veteran looking
to try and land an Indy 500-only deal with the team that has consistently
been the fastest in the field in recent years.
Given Honda Performance Development's firm ceiling of running 15
full-time IndyCar entries in recent years, Simpson's promotion to
full-time status and CGR's five-car lineup would seem to only further
complicate Andretti Autosport's decision on whether to drop down to three
full-time entries, or to stick at four despite losing their fourth Leaders
Circle entry by just a single point after the controversial end to Devlin
DeFrancesco's season-finale that left the team one point short of $1
million or more in guaranteed prize money next season.
Again, WELCOME Kyffin Simpson - wishing the best of starts in
IndyCar.
