Curt and Kevin Talk About VeeKay to JHR, Schumacher Testing, Brown vs. Palou, and More!

Tonight, on an abbreviated episode of Trackside, Curt and Kevin recap the first race of the IndyCar season at St. Petersburg! They talk about Josef Newgarden’s dominating performance, and the skill that he has as a driver. They discuss Newgarden’s odds on winning the championship, and how the rest of the schedule looks, and how the schedule favors Newgarden more than other drivers. Curt points out how dominant Penske has been on the streets of St. Pete. They also talk about the Indy NXT race, won by Nolan Siegel. They talk about how Marcus Ericsson is calm and collected, and his reaction to the engine failure on Sunday.  Later in the first hour of the show, Kevin and Curt take you behind the scenes and talk about some of the production that went into the St. Petersburg IndyCar race. They answer some listener questions, including about the post-race show on Peacock. Kevin also gives updates on Jackson Lee’s racing career.  Kevin rounds out the first hour reading some more tweets. He also talks about Ganassi splitting with Chevy in sports cars, and a talk he had with the promoter of St. Pete. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12 Maalis 202444min

Tonight, on an abbreviated episode of Trackside, Curt and Kevin preview the IndyCar season opener at St. Petersburg. They talk about some of the big news of the day, including Bon Jovi’s planned appearances at St. Pete, Callum Illot taking over the #6 McLaren car for David Malukas, and the possibility of his racing at Thermal. They also talk about the likelihood of Illot finding more success in IndyCar. Dale Coyne’s lineup also was announced, and Kevin and Curt discuss their drivers for 2024. The two also give their picks on season champion, Indy 500 champion, and rookie of the year!  Later in the first hour of the show, Kevin answers some fan questions. The two delve into the reasoning behind finishing the season before the NFL starts in September. Kevin is a supporter of the idea of starting earlier, and finishing earlier.   Kevin rounds out the first hour reading some more tweets, and talks about who the Michael Jordan of IndyCar is. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6 Maalis 202443min

Tonight, Curt and Kevin recap the IndyCar test at Sebring. They talk about the possible lineup for Dale Coyne next year, including Jack Harvey. They also talk about the budget of some teams, and what drivers like Nolan Siegel bring to the table for a team like Dale Coyne. They also talk about Colin Braun and the possibility of him competing at IMS. They also talk about Callum Illot filling in for David Malukas at McLaren, and the reason Kevin thinks Illot will be the one in the seat come time for St. Pete.  Later in the first hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about where some engineers will go next season. They talk about how teams must keep up with Arrow McLaren in engineering. Kevin also talks about the Indy 500’s motto being stolen by F1, using a similar phrase: “the greatest spectacle in motorsports.” Kevin talks about how he thinks the errors in using IMS’s motto were probably caused by someone in an entry level social media position may have done without thinking.  Kevin rounds out the first hour previewing the second hour of the show.  In the second hour of the show, Curt and Kevin talk about the new Josef Newgarden commercial, and the banning of the snaking maneuver that Newgarden used to win the Indy 500 last year. They talk about the nuance of the new rule, and how severe the punishment could be for the driver who goes below the line. They also talk about new video boards and other improvements coming to the track.  During the second hour, Kevin talks about the Dan Wheldon documentary, and how Wheldon’s sons are doing in racing. They also talk about a platform to sell tickets for IMS at face value without losing seniority.  Kevin ends the show talking about an announcement Jackson Lee made today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28 Helmi 20241h 40min

Tonight, on Trackside with Kevin Lee and Curt Cavin, they talk about the IndyCar season finale being moved to Nashville Superspeedway! Curt and Kevin dive into the reasoning behind the move, how the racing will be, and talk about start times announced Tuesday. They delve into the times for each race, and why IndyCar chose the times they did.  Later in the first hour of the show, Kevin talks about testing at Homestead Miami Speedway, and about teams waiting until the last minute to announce a driver, sometimes waiting until the day of the race. They talk about Nolan Siegal possibly racing for Dale Coyne this season, and also Callum Illot filling in for David Malukas.  Kevin rounds out the first hour previewing the second hour of the show.  In the second hour of the show, they talk about Takuma Sato rejoining Rahal-Letterman Lanigan this season, and a new position he has at Honda. They also address the news that Honda is looking at NASCAR as a possible option for a fourth engine manufacturer, and Kevin gives his opinion on how likely that scenario could be. They also talk about the number of cars to be expected for the 2024 Indy 500.  During the second hour, Kevin looks at some listener tweets, including about Carlos Munoz.  Kevin ends the show talking about the likelihood of a Chicago Grand Prix, and gives his thoughts on the likelihood of that happening, and how that many American races may be too much. Kevin also previews the opening race of the Formula 1 season, and how F1’s first race this season will be on a Saturday.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 Helmi 20241h 27min

Tonight, on Trackside with Kevin Lee and Curt Cavin, they give some information on David Malukas’s hand injury, and who might replace him on the upcoming race in St. Petersburg. They discuss how the injury could put Malukas behind because he could miss a hybrid test, and even the first race of the season. They weigh some of the possible drivers that could fill in for Malukas, including Conor Daly and Tony Kanaan. They also got into some open seats and who could fill them, like Dale Coyne Racing. They round out the first segment by listing possible unannounced entries for the Indy 500.  Later in the first hour of the show, Kevin and Curt recap Kyle Larson’s test session at Phoenix and how he almost lost control of the car, and how that experience could benefit him in adjusting to IndyCar racing.  Kevin rounds out the first hour answering some listener questions, including how much turnover contract-wise there will be next season.  In the second hour of the show, Kevin starts things by reading a few more fan tweets, including a fan question about IndyCar having a playoff, and defining the big three of IndyCar. They revisit last show’s discussion on guaranteed starting positions for the 500 and talk about how guaranteed spots seem to equal less entries overall, and the status of the Argentina fall race.  During the second hour, Kevin interviews Jamie Chadwick. Chadwick talks about her performance in the W Series, and the challenge of jumping into F1. She goes into depth on what she has been doing in the offseason, and how she has adapted to racing in America.  Kevin ends the show previewing 100 Days to Indy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

14 Helmi 20241h 27min

Tonight, on Trackside with Kevin Lee and Curt Cavin, they talk about Conor Daly and Ryan Hunter-Reay signing to DRR and recap the Kyle Larson test. They talk about how important it is to have Kyle Larson competing in the Indianapolis 500 this year. Kevin discusses the success of crossover drivers from NASCAR in the past, including Robby Gordon, Tony Stewart, and John Andretti. They talked about the financial status of DRR, and the likelihood of the team going full time soon. Curt talks about the possibility of RC Enerson and Abel Motorsports competing at the 500 also.  Later in the first hour of the show, Kevin talks about a controversial topic, a charter system. Kevin explains that owners in other sports can cash out, something that does not exist in IndyCar under the current Leader Circle system. Kevin explains that that is the business of the sport, and how this could lead to guaranteed spots at the IMS. Curt lists some of the most surprising DNQs at IMS, and the importance of a team making the race.  Kevin rounds out the first hour previewing the second hour.   In the second hour of the show, Kevin talks about a new face that will be working for Ganassi next season in the position of lead engineer. Curt talks about a conversation he had with Will Power and how the hybrid engine is coming along, and how far they’ve come since the earlier tests. Power says that the hybrid engine will not take much adjustment. Kevin brings up F1’s rejection of Andretti’s team, and how harsh their rejection was. The main reason comes down to not wanting to split the money 11 ways.  During the second hour, Kevin reviews some tweets, and answers questions regarding the charter system. He also talks about some of the drivers he is most excited to see.  Kevin ends the show talking to Jackson Lee about what it’s like racing at Daytona on the road course.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6 Helmi 20241h 27min

Tonight, on Trackside with Kevin Lee and Curt Cavin, they talk about Porsche Penske getting the overall win in the 24 Hours of Daytona with drivers Felipe Nasr, Matt Campbell, Dane Cameron, and defending Indy 500 winner, Josef Newgarden. With that came somewhat of a controversial finish as IMSA race officials ended the race prematurely. This was also Roger Penske’s first win at the 24 Hours of Daytona since 1969. They also talk about how the other IndyCar drivers performed in the race.   Later in the show, Kevin and Curt talk more about the upcoming Brad Pitt racing movie as they get a little more insight into what it’s about. They also talk more about the engine suppliers for the Indy 500 and for the future of the sport.  Kevin ends the show by reading some questions on Twitter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

30 Tammi 202447min

Tonight, on Trackside with Kevin Lee and Curt Cavin, they talk about Simon Pagenaud’s recent social media post giving an update on his condition after the Mid-Ohio crash that took him out of contention for the remainder of last season. Then they look more into the list of IndyCar drivers who are competing in this weekend's 24 Hours of Daytona and make their picks for the race. They also talk about Brad Pitt’s upcoming racing movie that is being filmed at Daytona. They wrap up the first segment of the show discussing the recent testing at Homestead.   Later in the show, Kevin and Curt are joined by IMSA LMP2 driver and defending 24 Hours of Daytona overall champion, Colin Braun! Colin talks about his win from last year and having Helio Castroneves, Tom Blomqvist, and Pagenaud as his teammates. Then Colin talks about the recent rumors about him potentially driving for Dale Coyne Racing in IndyCar for the season.   Kevin ends the show with some final silly season updates with Dale Coyne Racing, Marco Andretti, and bumping for the Indy 500. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 Tammi 202445min