More Equals Less In Upcoming GTP Championship Season

Fruits of developments between Porsche and Penske Motorsports were shown at AutoMobility LA 2022 (LA Auto Show Press Day). This will be the fourth manufacturer to join in the IMSA Series LMDh Class for 2023. This union is the second introduction by Penske Motorsport to the highest level of prototype competition, the first being the championship winning Acura - ARX–05.  Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

More Equals Less In Upcoming GTP Championship Season

Last year, NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver Will Power showed the world how a less equals more strategy can deliver a season series championship win (his career second). The WeatherTech GTP Class championship, however, has settled on a more equals less strategy to deliver a hybrid technology answer (more) to the reduction of carbon emissions (less) in a major professional motorsports competition series championship.

In a first of the new year ZOOM Call put on by IMSA, with the participants from teams representing the four major automotive manufacturers who will be competing in the 2023 GTP class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Series - Cadillac, Acura, BMW, and Porsche - most all of the technical team leaders expressed a few common themes.

WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTP class ZOOM Call participants - Left To Right In ZOOM Call Images:

Gary Nelson, Cadillac Action Express Racing

Travis Hogue, Acura Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport

Jonathan Diuguid, Porsche Penske Motorsport

Mike O'Gara, Cadillac Racing (CGR)

Justin Harnisfager, Acura Meyer Shank Racing

Brandon Fry, BMW M Team RLL

WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTP Class Teams ZOOM Call Part 1

IMSA 101 - DPi cars are being replaced by LMDh cars for 2023 >>> an LMDh (Le Mans Daytona h) is a type of sports prototype race car that will compete alongside Le Mans Hypercar entries in the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class of the IMSA SportsCar Championship from 2023 - it also competes in the Hypercar class of the FIA World Endurance Championship.

The LMDh ruleset was created jointly by the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO). The cars will serve as the successor to the Daytona Prototype International class, utilizing regulations that were planned to become the next-generation Daytona Prototype International ruleset, converged with the Le Mans Hypercar ruleset, showing off the latest technology in mating traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) with electrification (Hybrid Technology) - tap for more.

[ht: WIKI/IMSA]

In addition to having to integrate hybrid electric power units to the ICE power units (internal combustion engine) one has to consider what additional impacts will this have on a team as it prepares at the team shop environment, travel, and set-up at a track for testing and competition. 

Action Express Racing's Whelen Engineering sponsored GTP Cadillac. Image Credit: Mike Levitt (2022)

Gary Nelson, Cadillac Action Express Racing, was keen to point out that in previous DPi rules configuration, the team could just load up the car, parts, toolboxes and other support gear in one transporter. Here in the LMDh rules configuration, this will require two full transporters and a trailing 5th wheel trailer. 

We’re on the threshold of a thrilling new era in endurance sports car racing and Cadillac is all in! Cadillac Racing will contest the top category of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the FIA World Endurance Championship, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with its V-LMDh prototype race cars as the only U.S.-based manufacturer. The 2023 sports car racing season gets underway with the Daytona Roar (January 20-22, 2023) and Rolex 24 at Daytona (January 28-29, 2023). The first event on the WEC calendar is the 1,000 miles of Sebring, on March 17th. I encourage anyone inclined to enjoy any of the 2023 IMSA or WEC races in person to buy your tickets and make your travel arrangements now! #BeIconic @cadillac @CadillacRacing #IMSA @imsa_racing #ctmp @fiawec_official #fiawec @fiawec #richardprincephotography @richardprincephoto

Jonathan Diuguid (pronounced Do-gid), Porsche Penske Motorsport ended Part 1 with the one element to this racing equation that, in the beginning of any season is on the more side, tire compound choices that will deliver the fastest times with longer runs - less pit stops with less time involved with the completion of each lap.

Motorsports Journal/EVHNews was able to ask questions from Brandon Fry of RLL about how the new RLL HQ helps the BMW GTP  Class effort & Jonathan Diuguid about working with a manufacturer to introduce a racing effort to this level of championship racing series - first Acura, and now Porsche - these questions begin this next Part 2 video.

WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTP Class Teams ZOOM Call Part 2

<<< Again - Left To Right In ZOOM Call Images >>>

Gary Nelson, Cadillac Action Express Racing

Travis Hogue, Acura Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport

Jonathan Diuguid, Porsche Penske Motorsport

Mike O'Gara, Cadillac Racing (CGR)

Justin Harnisfager, Acura Meyer Shank Racing

Brandon Fry, BMW M Team RLL

Join us on our ROAD TO DAYTONA for insights into the BMW M Hybrid V8 project.

Episode 2: Tested in all conditions.

Sound on!#bmwmhybridv8 @IMSA @RLLracing pic.twitter.com/EUMQd7ymrn

— BMW Motorsport (@BMWMotorsport) January 5, 2023

Major concerns that are common with all teams and manufacturers as it relates to the level of confidence in the unknowns. Unknowns all track back to reliability during race day activities. As always, when something is new, one has no real idea if all of the bits, pieces, and tasked function parts will hold up to endurance race stresses and conditions. This is why we all push the limits of technology and application, this is why we race ... isn't it?

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: WeatherTech, SportCar, IMSA, GTP, LMDh, BMW, Porsche, Acura, Cadillac, ICE. Hybrid EV, Le Mans, Daytona, 2023, The EDJE

E1's RaceBird Aqua Foil Technology Tapped For First Sanctioned EV Raceboat Championship Series

We are working with Alejandro Agag to make the world's first race of @E1Series (Electric Sea Racing) to #Venezia! An example of sustainability applied to sport, to experiment with solutions to be applied to boating. At Tesa 113 of @salonevenezia The prototype of the #RaceBird! [as translated from Italian]. Image Credit: Luigi Brugnaro via Twitter (2022)

E1's RaceBird Aqua Foil Technology Tapped For First Sanctioned EV Raceboat Championship Series

The Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), the world governing body of powerboating, has sanctioned a new horizon in competition for 2023 and beyond - E1 - based upon the RaceBird water foil platform, the first fully sanctioned electric raceboat championship.

E1 World Championship holds an exclusive license with the UIM to promote a racing series on the water, powered solely by EV technologies. The 2023 schedule of competition events has yet to be announced.

E1’s RaceBird made its first public appearance at the Salone Nautico Venezia 2022. The world’s first all-electric raceboat, combining a sleek and futuristic design with innovative hydrofoil technology - E1.

Cara Delevingne, British model, actress and eco-activist, piloted the electric foiling raceboat at a Gala Dinner hosted at the San Clemente Palace Kempinski 

The Venice Racing Team, the first official entry set to compete in the UIM E1 World Championship, announced Gianluca Carli as their first pilot. Currently, the series is looking for 12 Teams and 24 Pilots as an ideal launch to a first series season. The second team to commit comes from Mexico with F1 driver Sergio Perez as its chief pilot.

The “RaceBird” – a single-seater electric powerboat, with two bright green hydrofoils that allow it to glide above the water – and it’s the first prototype racecraft for the soon-to-be-launched E1 Series (old logo). Image Credit: CNN (2022)

RaceBird racing platform breakout. Image Credit: E1 (2022)

RaceBird platform features (L to R above) an electric outboard motor designed and built by Mercury Racing, powered with Kreisel Electric immersive battery technology (to keep them cool), with the boat being lifted above the water surface through wrap-around wing-foil technology to reduce drag and maximize energy efficiency, flown by a single-seat pilot control station enclosed and surrounded by a clamshell safety canopy.

The championship is being established to create a new, competitive on-water racing proposition based on these clean technologies to protect our waters and coastal areas.

Race Format - Image Credit: E1 (2022)

The 2023 racing event series plan that is soon to be announced will feature 12 teams, 24 pilots, during a two-day (Friday & Saturday) event cycle structured with the first day that will mainly consist of shakedown and practice sessions and qualifying, with the knockout heats of quarter finals, semi-finals, and finale taking place on the second day. All events will race against the backdrop of some of the world’s leading cities providing an impulse for an event travel enterprise.

E1 World Championship announced that Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez (“Checo”) will enter a team in the UIM E1 World Championship, which will race under the banner of Team Mexico in the inaugural season of the world’s first all-electric raceboat championship. Checo’s new team will represent the colours of his home nation, with Team Mexico’s pilots competing in electric RaceBird boats carrying the Mexican flag. Image Credit: E1 (2022)

E1’s philosophy has been inspired by the success of other forms of EV technologies racing and how they act as a platform to accelerate the development of sustainable technologies. Series co-founders Alejandro Agag and Rodi Basso aim to apply that same ethos to racing on the water and help decarbonise future leisure boats. 

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: E1 World Championship, RaceBird, Mercury Racing, Kreisel Electric, EV, Union Internationale Motonautique. UIM, Sergio Perez, Venice, Mexico, wing-foil technology, The EDJE

The Hyperion XF-7 HyperFuel Power Station Pod Has Its Global Debut In LA

Just minutes before the global debut of a most interesting power transfer infrastructure solution - the Hyperion XF-7 hides under shrouds behind the revolutionary aerospace technology inspired Hyperion Hydrogen Hybrid HP-1 HyperCar at the Los a\Angeles Convention Center. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

The Hyperion XF-7 HyperFuel Power Station Pod Has Its Global Debut In LA

At AutoMobility LA, Press Day before the opening of the Los Angeles Auto Show, Hyperion, Inc. introduced a unique solution to the approach of providing Hydrogen refueling stations. Not a hardscape approach, but one based on transportable mobility. The XF-7 HyperFuel power station pod.

Each XF-7 will provide a choice of EV charging functions. A Plug-In charge for straight Electric Vehicles. A recharge fuel port for Hydrogen Hybrid charging vehicles. Charging options are provided on either side of the XF-7 station pod. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

Each "Pod" would have a station on each side with the ability to refuel/recharge on each side given the type of EV one may be driving. Pure EV charge at about 15 minutes, or so, or Hydrogen at about 3-5 minutes. This Pod would have the ability to create hydrogen which would be used to create both the recharge and refuel provided by the Pod. 

The XF-7 EV refueling station. This station is transportable making it and easy add-on to any service providing environment along the way. Consider it an EV energy pod infrastructure solution. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

The process plant inside the Hyperion XF-7 takes the Hydrogen recharge and processes it into electricity for the EV charging side of the station while, at the same time, dispenses hydrogen for the hydrogen hybrid refill side of the EV power equation. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

The Pod features on-board solar panels dedicated to support the operation on the Pod as a service station but not the function of producing the recharge/refuel of the EV platforms that pull up to the Pod.

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: Hyperion, Halcyon, XF-7, Hydrogen, Electric, Global Launch, Auto Show Debut, AutoMobility LA, Los Angeles Auto Show, 2022, The EDJE

SEMA Exposes Some Of The Hype About Hydrogen Electric Hyperion HP-1 Hypercar

Some of the fun of this HP-1 Hyperion Hypercar is expressed in its aerodynamic design that employs airflow channeling fist placed into production by BMW with its i8 model. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

SEMA Exposes Some Of The Hype About Hydrogen Electric Hyperion HP-1 Hypercar

What would anyone say about an electric-motor powered, all-wheel drive mobility device that is able to receive a recharge in 3-5 minutes? Probably that one suspects they are being hyped!

Not hype ... and this is only the beginning of the items of note that are the most interesting talking-point dynamics of the HP-1 Hypercar produced by Hyperion, Inc.. A company first founded in 2011 in Columbus, Ohio that now sports a California dreamin' office located in Orange, California.

Hyperion XP-1 - imagine this pulling away as it leaves some water behind. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

Beyond the easily manageable recharge downtimes, this beautiful, stunning, and soon to be available Hypercar also boasts additional "HYPES" like an acceleration from 0-60mph in 2.25 seconds, a top speed of 221 mph supplied through 2,038HP power-plant. This is only the beginning.

From the rear, this XP-1 is robust, smooth, rounded, an airflow managed with variable channel panels on the left and the right, Adjustable to any road shape condition. As the website points out, provided through WRAPAROUND Halcyon Wing Doors. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

A most interesting element that is at the base of this first effort by Hyperion, Inc. is the XP-1 SURFBOARD.

Hyperion developed an all-in-one ‘surf-board’ platform that combines its high-power fuel cell engine module with a revolutionary hydrogen storage technology from NASA that stores more hydrogen in less space than ever before.

This variable-vehicle technology (VVT) chassis comes with multiple motor configurations and can be used for a wide-variety of vehicle architectures from passenger cars to commercial vehicles.

Yes, this SPACESHIP INSPIRED Hypercar boasts a 1,000 mile range. It isn't suspected that all of the 1K miles can be travelled at the maximum speed of 221mph. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

Space Technology for the road - riding on a CARBON FIBER + TITANIUM Monocoque Chassis.

If any more was exposed at the outdoor stand at SEMA Las Vegas, this presentation needs to be labelled a sneak preview of the Hyperion HP-1 Hypercar - no hype! Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

The scheduled Global Launch + Auto Show Debut is in the calendar to happen at the press day for the Los Angeles Auto Show for 2022 - AutoMobility LA on November 17, 2022 at just after 4:20pm PT in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Hyperion has placed the hype in Hypercar with the introduction of the space technology infused HP-1.

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: Hyperion, Halcyon, Hydrogen, Electric, SEMA, Global Launch, Auto Show Debut, AutoMobility LA, ... notes from The EDJE

2023 Rose Parade: NASCAR, With AES Build, Will Celebrate 75th Yr. In Race Down Colorado Blvd.

NASCAR will roll down famed Colorado Boulevard in the Rose Parade in a float celebrating 75 years of competition titled "ALWAYS FORWARD." This fits nicely with the theme of the 134th edition of the Tournament of Roses Parade ... "TURNING THE CORNER" ... after all, isn't this is what NASCAR does best? Image Credit: John Ramirez - Float Designer - Artistic Entertainment Services (2022)

2023 Rose Parade: NASCAR, With AES Build, Will Celebrate 75th Yr. In Race Down Colorado Blvd.

NASCAR will kick off its 75th anniversary celebrations at the start of the new year with a vibrant display in the 2023 Rose Parade® presented by Honda, highlighting the thrills of racing in full bloom.

The parade, part of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® which also features the famed college football Rose Bowl Game®, will be held Monday, Jan. 2. Hundreds of entries will process down the 5.5-mile route, including NASCAR’s display, showcasing the 75th anniversary and the upcoming Busch Light Clash at the LA Coliseum. The float is titled "Always Forward" – a nod to the theme of the 2023 parade "Turning the Corner."

“We’re beyond thrilled to be participating in such an incredible spectacle as the Rose Parade,” said NASCAR Vice President of Marketing Services Patrick Rogers. “There’s truly no better way to enter NASCAR’s 75th year than by celebrating at an event that brings people together through immense creativity and color. With a theme that so closely resembles the growth of our sport and organization, I can’t wait to see our float come to life in the new year.”

As per tradition, floats in the Rose Parade are entirely decorated with natural elements such as florals, seeds, fresh leaves, nuts, spices and other herbage. Each float requires tens of thousands of floral and non-floral materials to decorate fully.

NASCAR’s float design features the renowned entrance of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum with the Olympic Caldron atop the Peristyle, with speedy stock cars racing around a track surrounded by checkered flags, ribbons, palm trees and more, headed by the diamond logo to signify the start NASCAR’s 75th year. The float stands 25 feet tall, from the base to the top of the flame, and 55 feet in length.

BUSCH Light Clash Track Build - 2023 Parade Theme "Turning the Corner."

The Coliseum façade will be decorated with light and dark sesame seeds while the caldron will be coated in Green Tea leaf, with warmly hued carnation petals as the flame. The cars, track, ribbons and checkered flags will be adorned with elements such as red cranberry seed, black seaweed, rice, orange lentils, poppy seeds, blue statice and ground green split pea.

The NASCAR 75 diamond logo will be made up of various seeds and decorated with yellow strawflower, red carnation and blue statice, representing those three famous colors in the NASCAR bar mark. All of the float’s design elements will sit atop a base of hot pink, orange and red roses with sprinkles of blue florals throughout.

Finally, a portion of the float will bring to life philanthropic efforts in California highlighted by a NASCAR-themed license plate in partnership with the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA), with proceeds benefitting Expo Park, parks in the Fontana, Calif. area and the NASCAR Foundation. More information can be found at www.nascarplates.com.

NASCAR will partner with Artistic Entertainment Services (AES), an official float builder and partner of the Tournament of Roses.

The annual Rose Parade celebrates 134 years of success with its upcoming celebration on Jan. 2, led by the volunteer-driven, non-profit Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. In addition to participating in the 2023 parade, NASCAR will also be providing the Tournament’s 935 volunteers with a special Busch Light Clash and Auto Club Speedway ticket offer, in recognition of their dedication to America’s New Year Celebration®.

In ringing in 2023, NASCAR enters its diamond year as the organization celebrates 75 years of history and passion for racing. The Rose Parade kickstarts the anniversary festivities which continue with the Busch Light Clash at the LA Coliseum, and on throughout the rest of the year.

The Busch Light Clash at the LA Coliseum will be held on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023, as a part of the destination’s “Coliseum Forever” celebration to honor the historic stadium’s centennial anniversary and will air live on FOX at 8 p.m. ET. After an action-packed 2022 season, the 2023 NASCAR season-opener is bound to be another thrilling event in a momentous year.

For more information about the Busch Light Clash and details on ticket pricing, please visit nascarclash.com.

... notes from The EDJE


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TAGS: Always Forward, Turning The Corner, New Year's Day, The Rose Parade, BUSCH Light Clash, LA Coliseum, 75th Anniversary, 75 Years, NASCAR, Artistic Entertainment Services, Stock Car Racing, The EDJE

SUNMAD Chevy Nomad Makes Annual Trek To SEMA

 

A 1955 Nomad that ended up becoming a four-door model due to a very unique modification. Custom chassis, wheels and engine change-out make this a Nomad not made for the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach. Image Credit:  Carlos Do Amaral-Gourgel (2021)

SUNMAD Chevy Nomad Makes Annual Trek To SEMA

A classic California Blue background with Yellow lettering license plate acts as a branding label of a beautiful 1955 Chevrolet Nomad two-door station wagon. The brand of this Orange Sherbet Pearl with highlights, custom split tailgate restomod? - SUNMAD.

SUNMAD on display in front of the newest section of the Las Vegas Convention Center not far from the new LVCC Tesla Loop transportation center. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

Research proves that this beautiful version on a non-stock '55 Nomad makes it around to many car shows, but is almost a certain 'greeter' at the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) tradeshow in Las Vegas. 

To be clear, this LongRoof beauty is not meant to be a daily driver, it is a showcar in every sense of the term. No one would wish to have pavement pebbles chip the beautiful presentation this car holds. 

Not your average base level 265 cu in (4.3 L) V8 Chevy Nomad powerplant. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

Under the hood is an LS1 (5.7L) V8 engine with a 4L60E automatic transmission and a wiring kit from Street and Performance Wiring. 

The car’s interior is equally interesting, with upholstery work by Dan Williams of DJ Designs. There is a custom steel center console with a B&M Street Bandit shifter, and the bucket seats were sourced from a Lexus! Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

If one were to take this Nomad for a ride, it would be made all the smoother because the SUNMAD rides on a Paul Newman chassis with C4 Corvette independent suspension and brakes.

SUNMAD on full display. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

One of the most unique custom modifications of this genius design station wagon, produced as a two-door "sport wagon" and considered a distinct model line, is the split tailgate fashioned in such a way as to become totally hidden from the original lines, The owner explains that he did this modification because he got tired of having to lean over away from the back floor deck of the wagon to access what he had placed there. 

A very faint and unnoticeable fit line sets up along the center (of seven) Nomad iconic chrome tailgate embellishments. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

When it comes to the Tri-Five Chevys of 1955, 56, and 57, most owners fall into one of two groups. Some which are restored to their full original condition, and others which have been set up for drag racing with a big block, roll cage, rear wheel tubs, and drag slicks. It was quite unusual to see Ron and Debbie Pfisterer’s 1955 Nomad at SEMA 2015, because it wasn’t like either of these restoration styles. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

The SUNMAD is a heart warming version of a car intended to be the sport wagon for a family man with an attitude of never giving in to the four-door world. 

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

In this SUNMAD restomod case, however, we are now counting four-doors but intended for completely different reasons.

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: Debbie and Ron Pfisterer, 1955 Nomad, SUNMAD, Orange Sherbet Pearl, Dan Williams, DJ Designs, Tri-Valley Glass, Mad Mooks, Paul Newman Car Creations, C4 Corvette Suspension, SEMA, Las Vegas Convention Center, 2022, The EDJE

"Less Is More" Describes The Intrigue In The 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Championship Season

Australian born Will Power ascends the throne as king in the House Of Penske as he ascends a throne in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to become the all-time record-holder in the number of pre-race pole positions achieved - eclipsing Mario Andretti's 67 Pole positions (1997 Michigan International Raceway) at number 68 - in the highest level of professional open-wheel racing out of North America. Here Power is about to climb out of his Team Penske prepared Chevrolet-Powered, Firestone clad Dallara while he zips up his driving suit before meeting the media for photos and interviews. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022) 

"Less Is More" Describes The Intrigue In The 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Championship Season

Yes! House Of Penske driver Will Power won a second series season championship in his stellar professional open-wheel racing career.  

Many, including Will himself, attributes the application of a different attitude he decided to bring to the work process and the track each event weekend during the course of a 17 race season that just concluded at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey. This overarching template in his professional approach could be labelled ... Less Is More.

The Lord of the House Of Penske, Roger Penske, congratulates the Verizon 5G team in it's accomplishment to help Will Power achieve capturing his 68th NTT P1 Pole Award setting a record that, if history is any indicator, may last another nearly 30 years. Mario Andretti set the mark of 67 P1 Pole Awards in 1993 at the age of 54, whereas Will Power set this modern day mark as he is in his 41st year circling the Sun ... where will his record-setting mark end? Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

For example, take the results found at the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey ... after he smoked the field in the three round Knockout Qualifications format and landed a record-setting 68th NTT P1 Pole Award - Chip Ganassi Racing's Alex Palou wins the race followed by Penske Racing's Josef Newgarden who started P25 and is P2 ... Will Power finishes P3, he didn't have to win at all costs and captures his 2nd NTT INDYCAR SERIES Championship with only one win in 17 races, but always finishing and finishing high - Less Is More.

It became a talking-point throughout this season that Will seemed to be sporting a less intense, less critical, less abrasive presence (to himself) as he would pursue his duties as one of three very expert drivers racing open-wheel cars for Team Penske. Power's House Of Penske teammates are second year driver and 2021 Indianapolis 500 as well as NTT INDYCAR SERIES Rookie of the Year New Zealand born Scott McLaughlin and American born two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion, claiming titles in 2017 his first season with Team Penske and again in 2019 Josef Newgarden.

In the post-race interview, Will probably summed it up best when he answered this query:

Q. I wanted to ask when you decided to go to this playing the long game thing, were they fully behind you doing that, or were there days when Dave or Robby or Ron were like, s--- we could have won that race?

WILL POWER: "Look, you're never disappointed. Looking from a championship perspective, every time you get a podium, that's not the day you're looking back on it. You're looking back on the day you finished 19th like at Road America. They're the days that lose championships. Top threes don't. We got a lot of them this year. Anytime I got a top four, I was pretty happy.

But in the past I would have been really pissed off. When your teammates are winning, that was a big change. It's like, I don't care. I'm going to weather their storm while they're having a good run, and just -- that in itself was a mental change. It's like, I'm not getting pissed off with a top four, where before I would have been, just after the race, just seething." - Less Is More.

Will Power begins his run down the front straight after negotiating Turn 11 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. This is the last time these cars will be racing on this surface since the famed track that features a turn known as "The Corkscrew" will all be repaved and become a track with a different, grippier personality. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2022)

Throughout the season, especially just beyond the halfway point, the story wasn't how many multiple times a driver won the NTT P1 Pole Award position to start the race(s) in an event weekend, no, the story was far from this occurrence, since there wasn't a repeat pole winner through the first nine race events in a seventeen race season. No repeat P1 Pole Award in 9 race events - Less Is More.

Speaking of competitiveness, especially given the NTT INDYCAR SERIES racing platform formula applied for potentials of equal performance, Will Power noted in the following exchange:

Q. When you look at it today and just using Dixon as the example as someone who qualifies midfield and you're just further up the road, again, it's that same thing, the series is so equal, people look at it and go, he's midfield but it's thousands of seconds separating you guys in qualifying.

WILL POWER: It is. When we were at Portland, It was like seven tenths covered 20 cars. Seven tenths covering 20 cars. You're never going to see that in something like Formula 1. Never. It's the ultimate driver's series. It's the ultimate driver's series." - Less Is More.

In this post Portland driver's ranking by points, it is interesting to note that the driver that will not have a mathematical chance at winning the season championship is the reigning 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Season Champion Alex Palou. At the time he was going to compete in the last race of the season, he had contract commitments with two teams, his current contract with Chip Ganassi Racing and Arrow McLaren SP. At the end of the season, Alex is hoping to be in a position where Less Is More. UPDATE - Alex Palou agrees to remain at Chip Ganassi Racing driving the No. 10 Honda-Dallara for the 2023 season with the added provision that he is free to participate in a Formula 1 driver's test outside of his NTT INDYCAR SERIES obligations - Less Became More. Image Credit: NCIS (2022)

Take this example of the competition between teams. 

Before the last race of the 2022 season in Monterey, California, a very proper and kind mutual admiration society broke out in a ZOOM Call between the top operations managers of the two teams that had drivers that were mathematically viable to win the 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Season Championship. 

To be clear, Penske Racing's Tim Cindric and Chip Ganassi Racing's (CGR) Mike Hull had a lot of professional clout at stake in the then upcoming challenge to close out the season. Will Power led the points chase at the time with a tied 20 point margin over two drivers, his teammate Josef Newgarden and CGR 6 time NTT INDYCAR Champion Scott Dixon. The other two drivers in contention in order are CGR's and winner of INDYCAR's biggest event prize, the 106th Indianapolis 500, Marcus Ericsson at 39 points behind and another Team Penske teammate second season driver Scott McLaughlin at 41 points to overcome. 

Again, a lot of professional clout to manage.

<<< Pre-Finale ZOOM Call Press Conference >>>

The most interesting part of the conversation Tim and Mike shared with each other was found in the following exchange:

Q. Because of what's at stake here, the respect level, the rivalry, is it a situation where the two of you can be friendly but you can't really be friends until maybe your careers are over?

MIKE HULL: My career is closer than Tim's into being over, I'll say that (smiling).

TIM CINDRIC: If we don't win on Sunday, Mike, I might call you for a job (laughter).

MIKE HULL: Or vice versa. Maybe I'll think about a second career.

Tim and I had a go at each other a few years at Edmonton. That taught me something. It taught me that I was too intense. Since that time I've learned that the respect comes in the results.

Tim, I hope I don't have to call you up. I've got your number. I hope you don't see a call from me Sunday afternoon at 4:00 (smiling).

I'm just thankful and looking forward to this thing. I never thought I'd be lucky enough to be in a position to be able to say that.

I know you're the same. You grew up around motor racing. I did, too, in different decades. We're now in the same decade together and this is a lot of fun.

ENDS

With all that was on the line, both needed their drivers to win the race, an impossibility, but in the end these two giants in racing didn't have to call one another for a job - they just split the difference. 

Mike Hull took the race win with the reigning 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Season Champion Alex Palou, and while Tim Cindric didn't win the race, he placed two drivers on the podium with Josef Newgarden at P2 and Will Power at P3 thereby secures the 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Season Championship, with 16 points to spare, and will take home the Astor Cup for the second time - Less Is More.

The Astor Cup, the grand prize for winning the NTT INDYCAR SERIES Season Championship, sits atop the famed turn known as The Corkscrew. Will Power holds this prize the day after he finished on the Podium at P3 to finish the 2022 season (a season for the ages) by just 16 points away from his nearest competitor after beginning the race weekend with a 20 point margin - Less Is More. Image Credit: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca via FB/META (2022)

Think about the NTT INDYCAR SERIES sanctioning body itself. 

This was a year that was able to see many high points. All broadcasts and live streaming were carried exclusively through NBC Universal broadcast properties. The growing popularity of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES was reflected in the most-watched season in six years on television, with viewership up 5 percent over 2021. The season averaged a Total Audience Delivery of 1.30 million viewers across NBC, USA Network, Peacock and NBC Sports digital platforms, the best in NBC Sports history.

Half of the season’s 16 races on television delivered more than 1 million viewers, the highest mark since 2008. A record 14 of 17 races were on NBC network television in 2022, and selected series races also were televised by Telemundo Deportes on Universo.

This was the most streamed INDYCAR season on record as well, with exponential growth compared to 2021. A series race, the Honda Indy Toronto, was streamed exclusively for the first time, and the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge was the most streamed INDYCAR SERIES race ever. 

Having a single corporate broadcast/streaming partner with many recognizable portals allowed fans to find a presentation of an INDYCAR event featured on most any weekend during the season as opposed to having to look up which broadcast partner might be carrying content ... so access was assumptively simple as being at one's controller or fingertips - Less Is More.

Lastly, there was a grand event venue success though the focus on sponsorship and promotion by a primary sponsor to the race weekend. 

Perhaps the biggest success story of the 2022 schedule was the revitalization of INDYCAR racing at Iowa Speedway after a one-year COVID Protocol hiatus. The Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend featured a doubleheader for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and a single event for Indy Lights on the fast oval. A successful promotion with enthusiastic title partner Hy-Vee, which included four concerts with country and pop music superstars at the track, resulted in big crowds despite stifling summer heat. 

A single stand-out sponsor based upon the marketing of high-turnover consumer goods, that took control of all of the trappings of an INDYCAR event weekend, beyond being just a title sponsor, delivered measurable results - Less Is More.

[ht: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Penske Entertainment, NCIS, The Comeback]

Another 2023 @IndyCar schedule nugget...

According to multiple sources, the series plans to hold its open two-day preseason test Feb. 2-3 at The Thermal Club in southern California.

Venue includes multiple track layouts around 2 miles & sits 40 minutes east of Palm Springs.

— Nathan Brown (@By_NathanBrown) September 19, 2022

Looking forward to next season, are we seeing additional opportunities to implement a lesser path so as to deliver more and more benefits to the drivers, teams, sponsors and the overall series sanctioning body? 

With the announcement that the NTT INDYCAR SERIES plans on holding a test at Southern California's premiere private racing facility in the Coachella Valley town of Thermal - The Thermal Club, utilized by MotoAmerica, BMW, Truspeed Autosport,  GMG Motorsports, various driver development operations, and of course ... just plain motorsports enthusiast who would rather drive a car than drive a ball (as in golf). 

A pre-season test by INDYCAR on "Private Pavements" located at a private racing facility as opposed to a recognized event track raced during a championship season - Less Is More.

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: NTT INDYCAR SERIES, 2022, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Will Power, Roger Penske, Team Penske, House Of Penske, Chip Ganassi Racing, Mike Hull, Tim Cindric, The Thermal Club, The EDJE