Kevin and Curt are joined by Scott McLaughlin, preview Bommarito Automotive Group 500

Tonight on Trackside, we recap Penske’s dominant performance at Road America, and what led to their success. We hear about the reason why Will Power’s celebration was so emotional in victory lane after his win, and the health problems his wife has had. They also talk about the likelihood of Power retiring after his contract expires, and why he is considering stepping away from racing in the future. They also talk about how the tires performed on the track, and how that led to different strategies during the race. They also talk about Newgarden running into the back of Colton Herta, which ruined Herta’s race, and Herta’s harsh comments on the officiating.  Later in the the first hour of the show, Curt and Kevin provide a brief recap of Milwaukee testing, including David Malukas’ performance, and how the track handled. They also talk about the state of the Iowa track, and how messy the surface is after NASCAR had parts of it repaved.  To round out the first hour, Kevin talks about the Le Mans broadcast, and Jackson Lee’s Michelin Pilot Challenge race that he ran over the weekend. He talks about the crowd and atmosphere there, and how the car performed for him.  In the second hour of the show, Curt and Kevin delve into IndyCar hybrid testing with Eric Smith of IndyCar.com. Smith talks about the changes to the track since the last visit in 2015, and how pit road feels a lot better than it has in previous years. He talks about what the drivers used the session for, and their thoughts on the engine. They also talk about the amount of studying that will go into the new engines to get a leg-up over the competition. He also talks about David Malukas and his thoughts on the test.  Later in the second hour, Kevin and Curt go more into detail about the race at Road America, and Agustin Canapino’s absence from the race. They also talk about Nolan Siegel filling in for Canapino at Road America, and how he performed, and the future for him in IndyCar. They also discuss Canapino and how sponsors view him.  Kevin ends the show looking at some listener tweets, and a little more on the Milwaukee test. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12 Juni 20241h 24min

Tonight on Trackside, we recap a crazy Detroit Grand Prix. Curt and Kevin recap the Grand Prix and talk about their reaction to it. They also talk about Kyle Larson’s waiver finally being granted by NASCAR, and controversy with Agustin Canapino and Theo Pourchaire. Kevin believes that racing is a financial business, and even if the track is not perfect, there is serious financial gain to be had from racing at this location. He believes that having one wreck-filled race a year is not all that bad for teams, and fans like chaos.  Later in the the first hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about Scott Dixon. We hear about how Alex Palou’s season has not been as dominant as it had been in previous years, and now Scott Dixon is a challenger for the championship win. They talk about Scott Dixon approaching AJ Foyt’s win record, and if he can surpass it in his career.  To round out the first hour, Kevin answers some listener questions, like lack of fans at oval races, Ed Carpenter swapping cars, and more.  In the second hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about Flavor Flav, and his being Will Power’s hype man. Kevin recounts a story of Power at qualifying in Detroit, and how Flav made sure he was in the camera shot during an interview to promote his brand. We talk about Will Power’s comments during the race about race control and answer other listener questions. They also talk about David Malukas and what team he could come back and race for this season and next season, and Tom Blomqvist being removed from Meyer-Shank. They also talk about the conflict with Santino Ferrucci and Kyle Kirkwood.  Later in the second hour, Kevin and Curt talk about the controversy with Agustin Canapino and Theo Pourchaire, and the threats Pourchaire received for crashing with Canapino during the race. We hear about IndyCar’s stance on the issue, what Canapino had to say, and how Juncos is taking the controversy, and how hard it would be to regulate these types of threats.  Kevin ends the show paying homage to racing legend Parnelli Jones. It was announced that Jones passed during the show, and Kevin talks about his accomplishments, and we hear a statement from PJ Jones, Parnelli’s son. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5 Juni 20241h 26min

Tonight on Trackside, we recap a thrilling and historic Indianapolis 500! Curt and Kevin give all the details on Josef Newgarden’s second 500 win in a row, the last lap pass on Pato O’Ward, details you may have missed, and more! Kevin and Curt delve into the TV ratings, and what caused them to shoot up the way they did. They talk about the likelihood of moving the start time later, and how that wouldn’t be a good idea, and how accurate weather predictions were the day before the race.  Later in the the first hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about how historically impressive it was for Josef to win two in a row, the first time since Helio Castroneves in 2002. They go over some historical stats to show how important the race was in the history of the 500, and how Newgarden is the first American to win back-to-back since Al Unser in 1970-71. They also hit on the fact that Dixon has led more Indy 500s than anyone.  To round out the first hour, Kevin talks about Stewart-Haas shutting the doors of their NASCAR team. They talk about what may happen to the drivers on the team, and if Haas plans on leaving F1 and if Andretti will buy the F1 team to get on the grid.  In the second hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about if the race was one of the best ever. Regardless, the fans were entertained. They talk about the red flags during the race last year, and how this year felt more natural and proper as the last part of the race had a long green flag stint. They talk about IndyCar drivers competing in NASCAR races, and the likelihood of more of these cross overs in the future. They also answer listener questions about why the race was so competitive and talk about Sting Ray Robb’s performance.  Later in the second hour, Kevin and Curt talk about Kyle Larson, and how he believes he let everyone down. We hear about the tug of war between Larson’s NASCAR team and his IndyCar team. Larson has not received his waiver, and if he will come back next year to race after this year’s let down.  Kevin and Curt end the show going over what they missed and answering listener questions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

29 Maj 20241h 23min

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25 Maj 202442min

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24 Maj 202443min

Tonight on Trackside, we talk about Josef Newgarden and his stance in the racing world. Curt and Kevin talk about the star power of IndyCar drivers, and ratings for Qualifying and how good the streaming numbers were for Sunday. They talk about how easy it is to sit and watch qualifying now as opposed to how it used to be back in the 80s and 90s.   Later in the the show, Kevin and Curt talk about NASCAR giving Kyle Larson a waiver if he cannot make it to the Coca-Cola 600. There is a rule that says that all drivers have to compete, but Larson may get a pass because of the 500 and because it would damage the look of the sport if they did not give him a waiver. They talk about Simon Pagenaud helping Scott McLaughlin, and how Dario Franchitti had to stop abruptly like Pagenaud too. Should Larson forgo his ride, would the league bend the rules and get Tony Kanaan behind the wheel? Is Nolan Siegel the only driver that could sub? Malukas said himself he wasn’t physically able to.  Kevin and Curt end the show talking to Kaylee Bryson about her racing career in USAC. She talks about her mentors, and her first USAC feature win. She talks about coming up the ranks, and where she wants to go with her racing career. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 Maj 202442min

Tonight on Trackside, Kevin and Curt are back in their regular locations, and are previewing the festivities of the upcoming Indy 500. They talk about the latest on the Kyle Larson situation, and the weather for the 500. They talk about the ratings bump that Larson brought to qualifying, and if Tony Kanaan will run test laps on Thursday. They also discuss whether Larson will get a waiver if he misses the Coca Cola 600, and where NASCAR would draw the line. They also go into detail about what would happen if Larson couldn’t race, and who would take his spot. Nolan Siegel is presented as an option for an alternate.  Later in the the show, Kevin and Curt head to the X box to answer some listener questions, including questions about the pace car’s look, and the possibility of a Honda Pace car. Kevin talks about whether they will refer to Will Power as the points leader during the 500, and why IMS chose Ken Griffey Jr. to drive the pace car. Kevin talks about how cool it is to have Griffey driving the pace car, and Dale Coyne’s team expanding if possible.  Kevin and Curt end the show going over what they missed about events going on during the weekend, including 500 picks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 Maj 202443min

Tonight on Trackside, it’s the Burger Bash! The show will be joined by plenty of drivers and personalities live off of Turn 1 at IMS. Conor Daly joins Curt and Kevin first, and talks about his month of May so far. Conor talks about Dreyer and Reinbold Racing, and how they could compete the whole season if they wanted to. James Hinchcliffe gives some analysis on practice today, and how good Penske cars are. Conor talks about 100 Days to Indy, and an odd question Kevin was asked about comparing Scott Dixon and Conor Daly. We also hear from Romain Grosjean, Agustín Canapino, Ryan Hunter-Reay and Santino Ferucci.   Later in the the show, Kevin and Curt talk to the founders of Cluster Truck and talk to them about how Cluster Truck works. We also hear from some of the other donors to the Burger Bash.  Kevin and Curt end the first hour talking about what will happen during the second hour of the show, including upcoming driver appearances.  In the second hour, Sting Ray Robb joins the show to talk about some of the sponsors that made his ride at IMS possible, his upcoming marriage, and what he likes about Indiana. He talks about the porch parties he saw after the race around IMS, and how his month of May has been so far. He talks about some gremlins in the car, but also the confidence he has going into the 500. He sheds some light on the Ferrucci/Grosjean rivalry, and drama between Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin. Kevin and Curt talk about Marcus Ericsson’s qualifying run, and the rationale behind having him go out with eight minutes left.  Later in the second hour we hear more people from Cluster Truck, and how the company came to be. Kevin and Curt talk about how outstanding their burgers are. Kevin and Curt expand on the last row shootout conversation, and what stands out to them. Curt talks about Kyle Larson’s adaptability and how he mixed it up in traffic today. They also talk about how much we can figure out from the Monday practice, if anything.  Kevin and Curt round out the show talking about what they liked about Burger Bash. Kevin gives thanks to key sponsors, and he and Dr. Lee talk about the purpose of the Burger Bash.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 Maj 20241h 25min