Willow Springs Reimagined: A Roaring Revival Of America’s Oldest Road Course

A timeless, yet weathered, welcome to Willow Springs International Raceway, established November 22, 1953, as it gears up for a new era with Willow Springs Reimagined. Image Credit: RoadracingWorld.com via FB/META (2025)

Willow Springs Reimagined: A Roaring Revival Of America’s Oldest Road Course

By Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal via Notes From The EDJE

Under a cloudless, yet blustery/windy, California sky, Willow Springs International Raceway roared back to life on Saturday, October 11, 2025, with a sold-out crowd of 5,000 enthusiasts converging to witness the dawn of a new era for America’s oldest road course. 

The line to get into Willow Springs International Raceway, just west of Rosamond off of the 14 Hwy., is about 4 miles long. Image Credit: Damon Rivetti via FB/META (2025)

The event, dubbed *Willow Springs Reimagined*, marked the first major spectacle since a new ownership group, led by CrossHarbor Capital Partners, acquired the historic track earlier this year. What unfolded was a high-octane celebration of car culture, blending iconic vehicles, all-star drivers, and a fresh vision for a beloved motorsport mecca.

Willow Springs Reimagined as on display from the planning committees of Singer and CrossHarbor Capital Partners. Note the addition of track configurations and pavement runs to compliment the Big Willow original configuration. This 3-d perspective was created orientated from the south looking toward the north. Image Credit: Larry Mason - FastLane Race School (2025)

This perspective of Willow Springs International Raceway's Big Willow track layout is from the northwest, looking southeast, under partly cloudy daytime conditions, consistent with Southern California's spring weather. Image Credit: RoadracingWorld.com via FB/META (2025)

The nine-turn “Big Willow” circuit pulsed with energy as racing legends and modern marvels took to the asphalt. Seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, Formula 1 titleholder Jenson Button, and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti headlined a B-Sedan Racing demonstration, a nod to the track’s storied 50-year history with the category. 

F1 driver and commentator Jenson Button (left) exchanges words in conversation with NASCAR 7-Time Champion and IndyCar competitor Jimmy Johnson (left-center in blue) while IndyCar and INDY500 Champion Dario Franchetti (center in white) listens in. Image Credit: German Angel via FB/META (2025)  

Let the rubber burn until it hurts (tap to launch video). jimmie7timejohnson via Instagram (2025)

Johnson, ever the showman, thrilled the crowd with a smoky burnout in his No. 84 Carvana Toyota Camry along pit lane. Meanwhile, demonstrations from the Petersen Automotive Museum, Singer, Czinger, and others showcased a spectrum of automotive artistry, from vintage classics to cutting-edge hypercars.

Czinger in the raw showing off much of its 3D Printed infrastructures. 
Image Credit: Larry Mason - FastLane Race School (2025)

Czinger in the flesh showing off the aerodynamics of the outer skin that allowed a predecessor of this car set a class lap speed record at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Image Credit: Larry Mason - FastLane Race School (2025)

A closer look at some of the engineering and its 3D Printed manifestation - this is some serious and intricate design.
Image Credit: Larry Mason - FastLane Race School (2025)

Click for Images

A poignant highlight came when 19-year-old Lia Block piloted her late father Ken Block’s legendary Hoonitruck, its first public outing since his passing in 2023. The moment, charged with emotion, underscored the event’s deep ties to automotive heritage and family legacy. The crowd, hushed at first, erupted as the Hoonitruck’s tires screamed, a fitting tribute to a rally icon.

Pace Car used to lead out the squad of specially prepared Singer Porsche track cars complete with the new Willow Springs logo on the side. Image Credit: German Angel (2025)

Jarod DeAnda, the booming voice of Formula Drift, kept the energy high as emcee, while *The Smoking Tire* podcast, hosted by Matt Farah and Zack Klapmann, kicked off the day with a live recording that drew fans eager for insider tales from the automotive world. The paddock buzzed with curated displays, including life-sized Hot Wheels replicas of the 2001 Twin Mill and 2011 Bone Shaker, alongside Ken Block’s personal collection presented by the 43 Institute. Hoonigan’s Hoonipigasus Porsche and Micah Diaz’s Pro-Spec E46 added raw, tire-shredding spectacle, while DirtFish’s rally cars and displays from Porsche Santa Clarita, Shelby American, and ICON 4x4 filled the grounds with eye candy for every gearhead.

Race at the best tracks in California - whether you're starting your career or are already racing at an elite level - Ages: 5-17. F.A.T Karting Arrive and Drive - there’s no need to buy your own kart - just show up and race.

Willow Springs Karting Race Track newly established with all new electric-powered engines. The Karting facility is just west of the entrance and south of Turn 2 of the Big Willow track. Image Credit: Larry Mason FastLane Race School (2025)

Electric karts designed by F1 engineers. F.A.T. karts combine cutting-edge technology with expertise from the world’s top motorsport professionals. Image Credit: Larry Mason FastLane Race School (2025)

“The incredible turnout today proves the enthusiast culture is alive and well,” said Sam Byrne, co-founder of CrossHarbor Capital Partners and a voice for the ownership group. “We’re excited about the future here at Willow Springs. It’s all about reinvigorating the facility while leaning into its really cool past.” The ownership’s vision was palpable, with recent renovations enhancing the facility’s appeal while preserving its gritty, authentic charm.

Beyond the horsepower, the event carried a heart. A portion of ticket proceeds supported the East Kern Family Resource Center and Lost Angels Career Center, local nonprofits fostering community growth. Exclusive merchandise, including special-edition items from The Drivers Era and Lost Angels, added a collectible flair while raising funds and awareness.

The patina of this event was pure Southern California motor culture. Galpin Auto Sports captured the afternoon in this quick video posted at FB/META - Enjoy!

The main paddock overflowed with over 200 vehicles, from rare classics to supercars rarely seen outside private vaults or concours lawns. Harbinger’s innovative chassis designs shared space with FAT International’s curated gems, while a car show featuring 50-plus vehicles from collectors and influencers offered an up-close look at automotive history and innovation.

Click REELS displayed at end of video for mor impressions of Willow Springs Reimagined

As the sun dipped over the desert, Willow Springs Reimagined left no doubt: this wasn’t just a one-day thrill but the opening lap of a bold new chapter. With plans for more events already in motion - starting with another spectacle next month - the track is poised to reclaim its place as Southern California’s beating heart of car culture. For those who were there, the sound of engines and the smell of burning rubber will linger as a promise of more to come.

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: Willow Springs, car culture, Big Willow, Jimmie Johnson, Jenson Button, Dario Franchitti, Lia Block, Hoonitruck, Hot Wheels, FastLane Race School, Tire, automotive, racing, Ken Block, charity, supercars, Larry Mason, FastLane Race School, The EDJE 

Alex Palou’s Pursuit Of History And Legacy At The 2025 BITNILE.com Grand Prix Of Portland

Chip Ganassi Racing's now 8 race winner in 14 races, during a 17 race season, celebrates his win in the Java House Grand Prix Of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Image Credit Betty Garcia (2025)

Alex Palou’s Pursuit Of History And Legacy At The 2025 BITNILE.com Grand Prix Of Portland

As the 2025 NTT INDYCAR Series season nears its climax, all eyes are on Alex Palou, the two-time defending champion who stands on the cusp of a historic third consecutive title. Leading Pato O’Ward by 121 points, Palou could clinch the championship at the BITNILE.com Grand Prix of Portland presented by askROI on August 10, 2025, if he maintains a lead of 108 points or more. With two victories and three podiums at Portland International Raceway, the 28-year-old Spaniard is poised to cement his legacy as one of INDYCAR’s all-time greats. Beyond the track, Palou’s reflections on family, legacy, and his meteoric rise reveal a driver grounded by personal milestones and driven by an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

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A Dominant Season and a Chance to Seal the Deal

Palou’s 2025 campaign has been nothing short of extraordinary, with eight victories propelling him from 40th to 25th on INDYCAR’s all-time wins list, surpassing legends like Gil de Ferran, Simon Pagenaud, and Ryan Hunter-Reay. “I cannot really comprehend everything that’s happening,” Palou admitted during a recent Zoom press conference, his humility contrasting with his staggering achievements. His dominance has drawn comparisons to the sport’s titans, with names like Emerson Fittipaldi (22 wins) and Rick Mears (29 wins) now within reach. Yet, Palou remains focused on the immediate challenge: Portland, a track where he’s thrived, winning in 2021 and 2023 and finishing second in 2024 despite Will Power’s blistering pace.

Portland’s 1.964-mile, 12-turn layout suits Palou’s precise driving style, which he describes as requiring a “99 percent” effort to avoid the walls that punish overzealous moves. “It just really matches my style,” he said, noting the track’s narrow, street-course-like demands. With qualifying critical to avoiding Turn 1 chaos—a lesson learned from a pole-to-20th drop in a past race - Palou aims to start up front and dictate his fate. His strategy is clear: “If we win the race at Portland, we can seal the championship there.” Rather than settling for a safe finish, he’s chasing a ninth victory, which would bring him closer to tying the single-season win record.

Primary to Alex Palou, Esther Valle and Lucia Palou, greet Alex at the Farm to Finish 275 powered by Sukup victory circle. Image Credit: Chris Owens via NICS (2025)

Family as the Heart of Success

While Palou’s on-track prowess dominates headlines, his role as a father has added profound depth to his journey. Becoming a dad has transformed his perspective, making victories sweeter and setbacks more bearable. “It’s made my life just a lot more special,” he shared, describing the joy of returning to his daughter after a race. “Whenever it’s a good day, you can celebrate even better because you’re happy not only about your success but what it’s bringing to the family.” Photos of his daughter in Victory Lane have become cherished mementos of a season defined by both professional triumph and personal fulfillment. Even on tough days, her unconditional love resets his focus: “She doesn’t care, she’s still playing, and she just wants to hug you.”

Palou’s family ties extend to his childhood, where his father, a mechanic, was his first hero. “I thought he was the best driver in the world because he was able to teach me so well,” he recalled. This familial foundation fuels his desire to inspire the next generation. The idea that young fans might look up to him as he once idolized Michael Schumacher during Ferrari’s dominant era is “crazy” but deeply meaningful. “If I can help a young kid be a bit more motivated to enter motorsport, that would make my life,” he said.

Respect. Image Credit: Chris Owens via NICS (2025)

Navigating Rivalries and Respect

Palou’s eight wins in 2025 have outpaced the career totals of peers like Scott McLaughlin and matched those of Alexander Rossi, while he’s closing in on Pato O’Ward and Colton Herta. Despite his dominance, he insists his competitors haven’t treated him differently, though he acknowledges their frustration with a laugh: “I know they don’t like it. It’s competition.” His focus remains on his own performance, crediting Chip Ganassi Racing for providing a car that’s “been feeling amazing this year everywhere we’ve been, especially road courses.”

A Vision for INDYCAR’s Future

Beyond his personal achievements, Palou is optimistic about INDYCAR’s trajectory, particularly with FOX’s recent minority stake acquisition. “Having a partner like FOX, that they don’t need to look for how to reach more people, is going to be huge,” he said, praising their promotional efforts, from fuel station ads to visibility during major sports broadcasts. While he’s intrigued by the idea of international races—perhaps even in his native Spain - he believes the series should prioritize markets with passionate fan bases. “We need to try and find those people that would be willing to sacrifice so much for INDYCAR,” he noted.

Image Credit: Joe Skibinski via NICS (2025)

Ovals and the Road Ahead

With two oval races remaining after Portland - Milwaukee and Nashville - Palou is also chasing another milestone: leading the oval standings. Trailing O’Ward by just one point after securing his first two oval wins in 2025, he’s buoyed by newfound confidence. “It feels amazing,” he said of closing the gap, citing a test session at Iowa as a turning point. A test at Nashville before the season finale offers hope for further improvement, though he remains cautious about past struggles at both tracks.

A Legacy in the Making

As Alex Palou prepares for Portland, he carries the weight of history and the promise of legacy. Reflecting on his rookie self in 2020, he’d advise simply to “enjoy and work hard,” recognizing that success is built on incremental gains and resilience through inevitable setbacks. With a potential fourth championship in six years, he’s crafting a Hall-of-Fame career at a breathtaking pace. Yet, it’s the balance of racing glory and family joy that defines his 2025 season. 

Sunday’s BITNILE.com Grand Prix of Portland presented by askROI race will air live on FOX, the FOX Sports app and the INDYCAR Radio Network at 3 p.m. ET. The weekend’s first practice is at 5:30 p.m. ET Friday on FS2 and the INDYCAR Radio Network.

As he navigates Portland’s challenging corners, Palou is not just racing for points or records but for a legacy that inspires both his daughter and the next generation of motor-culture dreamers watching from the stands.

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: Alex Palou, INDYCAR, Portland Grand Prix, championship, Chip Ganassi Racing, family, legacy, Pato O'Ward, #IndyCarOnFOX, FOX, racing, oval standings, Michael Schumacher, young fans, 2025 season, The EDJE

Willow Springs International Raceway Unveils Bold New Logo & Vision For A World-Class Automotive Future

Willow Springs International Raceway Unveils Bold New Logo & Vision For A World-Class Automotive Future

Willow Springs International Raceway proudly unveiled a dynamic new logo, heralding a bold and exhilarating future for the iconic track. This confident rebranding underscores Willow Springs’ unwavering commitment to solidifying its status as a premier global automotive destination.

The raceway stands resolute in honoring its storied heritage while forging a path of innovation and excellence. Alongside the striking new logo, Willow Springs has launched a series of transformative track enhancements at its Rosamond facility. These upgrades are meticulously designed to elevate safety, ensure continued public access, and deliver an unparalleled experience for drivers and motorsport enthusiasts.

“Willow Springs is poised to lead the next era of motorsport excellence, preserving its legacy while implementing strategic improvements that prioritize safety, performance, and an unmatched experience,” declared Sam Byrne, co-founder of CrossHarbor Capital Partners and representative of the Willow Springs ownership group. “The new logo and ongoing upgrades mark the beginning of our ambitious vision to cement Willow Springs as the unrivaled heart of Southern California’s car culture.”

In a powerful stride toward this vision, Willow Springs will host *Willow Springs Reimagined* in October, a landmark public event showcasing a cars-and-coffee-style car show, thrilling on-track action, rare vehicles from the Petersen Automotive Museum and Singer Vehicle Design, a F.A.T. International activation, exclusive merchandise, and a vibrant lineup of food trucks and vendors.

Further details on current and future improvements, as well as *Willow Springs Reimagined*, will be announced as they unfold. For more information, visit willowspringsraceway.com or follow the excitement on Instagram and Facebook.

... notes from The EDJE

TAGS: Willow Springs, raceway rebranding, new logo, automotive excellence, track improvements, motorsport innovation, Southern California car culture, Willow Springs Reimagined, car show, Petersen Automotive Museum, Singer Vehicle Design, F.A.T. International, racing events, track safety, Rosamond raceway, The EDJE

INDY Autonomous Challenge - CES2025 - AI Drivers Race With Five Overtakes In Twenty Laps

Here is an image of the first car - Autonomous Tiger Racing (ATR) No. 34 - we encountered on the track during our visit to the INDY Autonomous Challenge held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during CES2025. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal (2025)

INDY Autonomous Challenge - CES2025 - AI Drivers Race With Five Overtakes In Twenty Laps

The Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC), a global leader in high-speed autonomy, returned to CES 2025 with groundbreaking developments, including the introduction of multicar racing and the future of physical AI. Held on January 9, 2025, at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway from 2-4 PM PST, the Autonomous Challenge at CES 2025 marked a significant milestone in the evolution of autonomous technologies, offering attendees an unparalleled view of AI's progress in high-speed motorsport.

Anxious and ready to attempt a first-time multiple car autonomous trial in a 20 lap match. UNIMORE Racing No. 6 became the first winner of the Tier 3 structure challenge where multiple cars not only attempt to pass, but win against the four teams that threw their hats into the ring. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

Imagine making this annual pilgrimage to the Consumer Electronics Show and be inundated with AI (Artificial Intelligence) messages being communicated and attached to virtually every item on the floor. Heck, there were folks in stands trying to attach their products, however analog, to having a role in an AI world. 

Then, after a couple of days watching AI solutions show themselves on displays and screens, to have the opportunity to watch teams field their work in an extreme three-dimensional environment such as a race track featuring open wheel racecars? These techies seemed to have died and gone to AI heaven.

The trek to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway proved to be worthwhile even if the weather for this desert destination was a bit chillier than expected. Camaraderie and expectation were the notes of the day echoed between attendees and teams set up in the Hot Pits. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

A New Era of AI Racing: Multicar Showdown and Tiered Competitions

Building on its historic introduction of head-to-head autonomous racing at CES three years prior, the IAC achieved another milestone during CES 2025 with a multicar exhibition race. Teams ran 3-4 autonomous racecars simultaneously in a thrilling 20-lap format, demonstrating not only individual car performance but also the capability of AI systems to manage complex multi-agent interactions at high speed.

Team lead for Caltech Autonomous Systems and Technologies (CAST) Racer - California Institute of Technology Autonomous Driver No. 8, Matt Anderson. As team lead, Matt, who hails from Sydney Australia, was responsible for controlling the E-Stop (emergency stop) button which brings the autonomous racing platform to a complete stop much quicker than any human driver would be able to do given that, once the button is pushed full force, the control is applied 100 times a second with race grade ABS braking systems. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

The Caltech Autonomous Systems and Technologies (CAST) Racer Autonomous Driver No. 8 was able to set a platform best Tier 1 speed of 145mph, about 20 mph faster than previous IAC trial sessions. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

The event featured a progressive three-tiered structure that allowed teams at all experience levels to compete and push the boundaries of their AI Driver development:

 
Tier 1: Single-car time trials, where teams showcased the stability of their AI Drivers at extreme high speeds.

 
Tier 2: A two-car passing competition, designed to test strategic racing and AI adaptability in head-to-head scenarios.

 
Tier 3: The multicar racing event, where 3-4 racecars competed in an open racing format, challenging the limits of AI Driver multi-agent interaction and high-speed decision-making.

AI Racing Tech (ART) No. 7 - a collaboration between University of California Berkeley, with University of Hawai’i (UH), University of California, San Diego (UCSD), & Carnegie Mellon University in a group photo celebrating their Tier 2 accomplishment of an on-track pass timed just before the Start Finish line (image below). Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

Tier 2 trials pass of Purdue AI Racing - Purdue University No. 2 by AI Racing Tech (ART) No. 7 just before the LVMS Start Finish line. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

End of a very successful CES 2025 trial at LVMS for AI Racing Tech (ART) Autonomous Driver No. 7 in the Indy Autonomous Challenge. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

This structure provided a platform for progressive competition, ensuring all teams had the opportunity to demonstrate their advancements in autonomous racing.
New Teams and Exciting Partnerships

The IAC welcomed two new university teams, Indiana University and the California Institute of Technology, bringing the total number of participating teams to ten. These additions enriched the competition, expanding the global pool of talent and expertise working to advance high-speed autonomy on a shared AI and robotics platform.

In collaboration with the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the IAC served as an official test and evaluation platform to enhance AI training for autonomous systems. This initiative is part of DARPA’s Transfer Learning from Imprecise and Abstract Models to Autonomous Technologies (TIAMAT) program, which aims to bridge the “simulation to real” gap in AI development.

Starlink communications from Elon Musk's SpaceX allows instantaneous 2-way inputs in this mobile AI world of the IU Luddy No. 10 when the car is on track. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

Pioneering the Future of Physical AI

“The Indy Autonomous Challenge is truly leading the charge in the physical AI revolution,” said Paul Mitchell, President of the Indy Autonomous Challenge. “By pushing the limits of autonomous technology on the racetrack, we’re not just developing AI that can drive racecars - we’re creating systems with applications ranging from aviation to autonomous vehicles and robotics. The race at CES showcased cutting-edge innovation and highlighted what can be achieved when government, academia, and industry unite to tackle some of the biggest tech challenges of our time.” 

The 2025 IAC race at CES solidified its role as a premier event in autonomous racing, demonstrating the transformative potential of AI and its future applications across industries.

The Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) made history at CES 2025 with the world’s first successful completion of a multi-car autonomous race. This groundbreaking event held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway marked a major milestone in the evolution of physical AI and autonomous racing, with four IAC AV-24 fully autonomous racecars piloted by AI Drivers from top global university teams competing head-to-head in a 20-lap exhibition race. The race ended in a thrilling side-by-side photo finish, with UNIMORE Racing crossing the finish line less than three-tenths of a second faster than Cavalier Autonomous Racing. Watch livestream video starting at the end of Lap 17 of 20 Laps.

The multi-car exhibition race not only showcased impressive advancements in AI Driver capabilities but also highlighted how the IAC is advancing technology to improve the safety of high-speed autonomy. For the first time in the history of motorsports racing, four autonomous racecars completed a full race with multiple overtakes and no accidents. This demonstrated how autonomous systems can navigate extreme speeds while also safely managing complex multi-agent interactions in real-time.

“Since our first race in 2021, the IAC and our university teams have been making history with the world’s fastest autonomous racecars, from setting speed records to introducing the world to head-to-head autonomous racing,” said Paul Mitchell, president and CEO, Indy Autonomous Challenge. “But our goal has always been multi-agent racing, so being the first to have all our AI Drivers complete a race and do so with five overtakes, no accidents, and a nose-to-nose finish is a testament to the progress of the IAC’s global ecosystem of highly talented university researchers, industry partners, and government supporters.”  

We fully understand that AI autonomous racing will never really deeply connect with a Human fan-base as actual racing in vehicles controlled by analog decision-making of a Human driver. There is no "skin" in the game. However, we further understand that autonomous vehicle travel will never become a reality if this type of movement and mobility control isn't pushed to its extremes as race testing on a track against development teams in numbered cars - everything an AI Driver needs.

... notes from The EDJE

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TAKU Outwits, Outlasts, Outplays To Win INDY500

Former F1 driver & Andretti Autosport pilot Takuma Sato wins the 101st Indianapolis 500 - as in the TV show Survivor, for Honda it was Outwit, Outlast, Outplay! #whatablast #INDY500 #INDYCAR #INDYRIVALS

A post shared by Edmund Jenks (@the_edje) on May 28, 2017 at 1:09pm PDT

TAKU Outwits, Outlasts, Outplays To Win INDY500 - His Second Verizon IndyCar Race

Andretti Autosport may actually be doing more for the Andretti name in racing than any single family-named driver can do. Talk about a legacy!

After winning the 100th Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil, Andretti Autosport follows up this performance with Honda and former F1 driver Takuma Sato.

From L to R - JR Hildebrand, Fernando Alonso, and Takuma Sato in driver introductions for the 101st Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil in front of instantly recognizable The Panasonic Pagoda. Takuma Sato, who was also sponsored by Panasonic, won one other race in addition to this great event that is starting its second millennia of history ... as stated by writer, photographer, and custom guitar creator Timo Hulett - the other race has often been described as "the INDY500 of street courses" and that race is the Toyota Grand Prix Of Long Beach. If one is going to win just two races in an IndyCar career, why not make them the two most famed race events in American motor culture! Image Credit: Joe Skibinski via IndyCar (2017)

This excerpted and edited from Andretti Autosport -

TAKUMA SATO FINDS VICTORY IN INDIANAPOLIS
Tokyo-native Captures Second Career IndyCar Win at Indianapolis 500

Japanese driver Takuma Sato scored his second career Verizon IndyCar Series victory today when he saw the double checkers wave through the Indiana sky. 

Marking his 123nd career IndyCar start, the 40-year-old began today’s Indianapolis 500 from the 4th position and battled through 200 laps before driving his No. 26 Ruoff Home Mortgage Honda to victory lane. Today’s win is Sato’s first with Andretti Autosport after joining the team for the 2017 season. Sato earned his first victory on the Streets of Long Beach, Calif., in 2013

This [win] is the 56th Verizon IndyCar Series victory for Andretti Autosport. Since 2003, Andretti Autosport has scored four series titles (‘04/Kanaan, ‘05/Wheldon, ‘07/Franchitti and ‘12/Hunter-Reay) and five Indianapolis 500 wins (‘05/Wheldon, ‘07/Franchitti, ‘14/Hunter-Reay, ‘16/Rossi, and '17/Sato). 
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It wasn't cool enough to have a California born and raised American rookie with European F1 racing experience win the "Greatest Spectacle In Racing" virtually his first time in the cockpit of an IndyCar Dallara ... let's follow this up with fielding enough cars to own the field.
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Andretti Autosport has four full-time entries in the Verizon IndyCar Series, with Soto, [last year's winner] Alexander Rossi  (No. 98 NAPA AUTO PARTS / Curb  Honda), [third-generation Andretti] Marco Andretti (No. 27 United Fiber & Data Honda) and [2012 winner] Ryan Hunter-Reay (No. 28 DHL Honda) and two  Indy 500-only drivers, [2-time F1 Champion] Fernando Alonso (No. 29 McLaren Honda Andretti) and [former member of McLaren-Honda's young driver program] Jack Harvey (No. 50 Michael Shank Racing with Andretti Autosport Honda).
[ht: Andretti Autosport]

Andretti Autosport's Suvivor program with four of the six cars fielded pictured here at IMS. Eventual winner Takuma Sato, followed closely by  eventual P8 finisher Marco Andretti. In the background are the two early strong running cars of two-time F1 Champion and INDY rookie Fernando Alonso and IndyCar Champion and past INDY500 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay - both cars expired with blown engines. Before Fernando Alonso's Honda engine blew up, he held the fastest average lap times of all drivers on the track. Image Credit: Mike Harding via IndyCar (2017)

Let's be clear, "The Greatest Spectacle In Racing" is the motorsports equivalent to the American television's reality series Survivor. This long-running and popular television episode contest pits people with all different backgrounds and experience out in a remote location and have them fend for themselves for food and compete for immunity in made-up games of skill and endurance.

Outwit, Outlast, Outplay!

This last season of Survivor that just finished was titled "Game Changers," and with the fact that Andretti Autosport has won the INDY500 three out of the last four years, one may say that this Verizon IndyCar Series team, when it comes to the Indianapolis 500, are the game changers.

Andretti Autosport has found a way to stack the deck, or flood the zone ... as it were, in its focus to create interest and plan to win the Indianapolis 500. As 54 year-old team-owner, and second-generation Andretti family race car driver, Michael Andretti said in a recent pre-race interview with Paul Reinhard, we are going to field "six really good bullets in the gun" for the Memorial Day Classic.

Game Changer Survivor Michael Andretti shares the common winning moment in victory lane at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with his surviving winning driver Takuma Sato. Image Credit: Chris Owens via IndyCar (2017)

This excerpted and edited from Associated Press via Orange County Register -

Michael Andretti hoping his Indy 500 six-pack leads to victory lane
AP - OC Register - May 24, 2017

Michael Andretti’s busiest month could turn into his best Indianapolis show.

He has four cars in the front three rows of Sunday’s Indianapolis 500.

Two of those drivers – the defending race champion, Alexander Rossi, and this year’s highest-profile rookie, Fernando Alonso – avoided getting sidetracked by sideshows.

Andretti’s son, Marco, thrived despite taking on extra coaching duties this May. Ryan Hunter-Reay, the 2014 Indy 500 champion, posted the fastest qualifying average outside the nine-car pole shootout, and Japan’s Takuma Sato proved he could be a contender. On Monday, rookie Jack Harvey moved up the speed chart, too.

If these guys produce all the right numbers this weekend, Andretti Autosport will have the best six-pack of racers in 500 history.

“It’s been good because of the data we’ve been able to share and pass on, not only for someone like Marco or Ryan, but it’s been good for all the guys,” Michael Andretti said.

The six Andretti cars in the 33-car starting grid are the most by one team since Andy Evans started seven in 1996 with Team Scandia. 
----
“People are a huge problem because everyone in Indianapolis has a job right now,” said Michael Shank, co-owner of Harvey’s No. 50 car. “I have 22 to 25 guys in my shop, so it was only natural we could do it.”
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Andretti, with an assist from Shank and Bryan Herta, the co-owner of Alexander Rossi’s No. 98 car, didn’t have to be too patient: From the moment the cars rolled onto the 2.5-mile oval, they were already fast.

Marco Andretti finished the first day atop the speed chart. He’ll start eighth Sunday, the middle of Row 3.

Hunter-Reay produced top-five laps in practice each of the first four days he turned laps and qualified 10th, the inside of Row 4.

Rossi and Sato, both former Formula One drivers, helped the two-time F1 champ make a quick transition from the familiar high-tech, road-course cars to the even faster cars on unfamiliar ovals. Rossi is starting from the third spot on the front row. Sato and Alonso qualified in the second row and will start fourth and fifth.

“From all the comments that arrived to me, the comments from them are very, very useful because they know how one car behaves and how the other car behaves and what they needed when they came here,” said Alonso, the Spaniard whose 500 debut has attracted wide attention. “I probably experienced more or less the same journey as them.”
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For now, though, Andretti and his six drivers are focused on one goal: Topping Sunday afternoon with a drive through victory lane.

“It is a big challenge for our team,” Andretti said. “There’s a lot, a lot of hours that go into organizing something like this and making it all happen and we’ve got to get it right.”
[Reference Here]

The finishing order of the 101st Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil as shown on the iconic front straight information and scoring pylon. The championship points race heated up a bit with this double-points paying event as Helio Castroneves took over the season points lead by finishing in P2, Takuma Sato moved into third  by winning, and Ed Jones who as a rookie at the INDY500 moved to ninth in Verizon IndyCar Series 2017 season championship points. Image Credit: Shawn Gritzmacher via IndyCar (2017)

As we all witnessed in the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil, Andretti Autosport had all of the right moves, even when two of his pack-leading six Honda cars expired with engine issues, Michael Andretti's team Outwited, Outlasted, Outplayed all 33 cars entered in the field when TAKU crossed the "yard of bricks" finish line first ahead of Penske Racing's 3-time INDY500 winner Helio Castroneves by .2011 seconds to win this annual endurance game of motorsports Survivor!

101st Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil: SURVIVOR BOX SCORE

... notes from The EDJE



TAGS: Takuma Sato, 101st Indianapolis 500, Outwit, Outlast, Outplay, Michael Andretti, Andretti Autosport, endurance, entries, experience, honda, racing, Alonso, Rossi, Verizon IndyCar Series, Survivor, winner, The EDJE

Roborace “Shows” Will Take Place In The 2016/17 Formula E Season

Roborace is a vehicle that is designed to race on a track without an on-board driver. It will race autonomously without, presumably, human intervention because it will control itself. Image Credit: Daniel Simon Formula E 

Roborace “Shows” Will Take Place In The 2016/17 Formula E Season

The prototype Roborace car was revealed today, March 30, 2016, at the beginning of the Faraday Future Long Beach ePrix week.

The first designs of the Roborace autonomous race car is an amazing futuristic creation that is unlike anything ever seen on a race track before.

The design is the work of the newly-appointed Chief Design Officer Daniel Simon. Simon, who is renowned for his work on Hollywood Sci-Fi blockbusters such as Tron: Legacy and Oblivion, set out to create something that took full advantage of being the first-ever racing car that doesn’t need to accommodate a driver.

“My goal was to create a vehicle that takes full advantage of the unusual opportunities of having no driver without ever compromising on beauty,” Daniel Simon said. “Racing engineers and aerodynamicists have worked with me from the beginning to strike that balance. The Roborace is as much about competition as it is entertainment. Therefore – and quite unusual in today’s racing world – beauty was very high on our agenda and we work hard to merge the best performance with stunning styling."

“It was important to us that we generate substantial downforce without unnecessary parts cluttering the car to maintain a clean and iconic look. This is largely made possible by using the floor as the main aerodynamic device and we are currently developing active body parts that are more organic and seamless than solutions today.”

Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag said: "Today is an historic day for motorsport, and the car industry in general. This first image of the Robocar, designed by Daniel Simon, represents a vision of what cars will be, a vision of our future. In Formula E we are proud to promote, together with pioneers like Denis Sverdlov and Daniel Simon, a revolution in the world of motorsport, a project that will change the future of mobility."
[ht: FIA Formula E]

These are the crazy futuristic cars of Roborace, the world's first driverless racing series. One thing is for sure: whatever Roborace winds up becoming will be shaped by the logistical framework already put in place by Formula E. Roborace will be piggybacking on Formula E's infrastructure, performing on the same race days at the same locations. Image Credit: Daniel Simon Formula E

To be honest, without a driver being one with a car, what we will be treated to is seeing unique experimental performance art platforms that have little real consequence related to winning, placing, or just showing without some additional human element/interest that is placed at risk. Or, this could just creep people out.

Will this new competitive track form of competition require an introduction of gambling in order to gain "skin in the game?" Or will it just remain a rich and intriguing corporate international competition toy that is used as a motor culture side interest in performance and art to help fill the seats with people who come to see racers do what they do best ... RACE?!

... notes from The EDJE



TAGS: FIA, Formula E, Roborace, Faraday Future Long Beach ePrix, Daniel Simon, Alejandro Agag, Race, Racing, The EDJE