Trackside Podcast

Tonight, on a live in-studio edition of Trackside with Kevin Lee and Curt Cavin, they talk about the midday notes from today’s testing from The Thermal Club with the new rookie drivers. They also talk about the filming of a new Honda commercial in Las Vegas with Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda driving IndyCars. Later, they talk about the mutual split of Arrow McLaren and Gavin Ward.  

Later in the first hour of the show, Kevin talks to Curt talk with Gabby Chaves to talk about his recent test at Texas Motor Speedway with Andretti Global and how the deal came to be.  

To wrap up the first hour of the program, Kevin talks with Dr. Nassar Hanna of the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center to talk about November being lung cancer awareness month.  

To start the second hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about Penske Entertainment purchasing the Long Beach Grand Prix and how F1 or NASCAR could play in the future of the event. They also talk about the F1 Monaco Grand Prix getting a switched and nonconflicting date with the Indy 500 starting in June 2026.  

Later in the second hour of the program, Kevin and Curt look at the 2025 IndyCar and NASCAR TV schedules and start times. They also talk about the results from the Thermal Club rookie test and talk with Hunter McElrea to discuss how his test sessions went and preview his next season in LMP2.  

Then to wrap up another addition of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about Scott Dixon, Alex Palou, and Felix Rosenqvist competing in the 24 Hours of Daytona for Meyer Shank Racing.

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Tonight, Kevin and Curt start by talking about the NASCAR Championship finale, and how Joey Logano has won yet another championship. They also rack their brains to find ways to have IndyCar seasons last longer, but not be hindered by football. They also honor Bobby Allison and talk about Gabby Chavez returning for an IndyCar test. 

Later, the two talk about Jacob Abel’s likelihood of stepping up to IndyCar after his Indy NXT career. They talk about which driver will take over the final seat at Ganassi for the Indy 500, and if Abel or Jamie Chadwick will make the race. 

To round out the first hour, Kevin previews hour 2. 

In the second hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about the surprise success NASCAR coverage on the CW has had. They talk about Penske’s best season overall, and Curt talks about some of the top seasons, including 1972, 1979, and 1994. They also talk about the likelihood of having an IndyCar playoff (not likely). 

Later, Curt and Kevin talk about Michael Cannon leaving AJ Foyt Racing, and also talk about engineering changes at different teams across the series, and where Sting Ray Robb will go. 

To end the show, they talk about Penske’s bid to acquire half the stake in the Long Beach Grand Prix acquired by Jerry Forsythe earlier in the year. 

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Tonight, Kevin and Curt give their opinions on who is the most likely to win the championship in 2025, and is there anyone who can beat Alex Palou? They also talk about how inconsistent Josef Newgarden has been the past few seasons outside of the 500. They also talk about how Ganassi will be tough to beat as a team in 2025. 

Later, they go over some open seats across the series, and the driver pool that teams can pick from. They discuss the lineup at Juncos Hollinger, and if Conor Daly is the driver that can help them build their program to a competitive level, and Dale Coyne’s lineup. 

To round out the first hour, Kevin previews hour 2. 

In the second hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about some upcoming IndyCar tests. Enzo and Pietro Fittipaldi are both brought up, and how they may participate in IndyCar next season. They also talk about Felippe Nasr getting the opportunity to test a Penske IndyCar. They talk about the situation at Foyt, and how they can be a serious contender next season. 

Later, Kevin talks a little bit about the NASCAR championship, and if drivers manipulating the races by blockading the racetrack is good for the sport. They also talk about the return of Days of Thunder. 

To end the show, Kevin goes over what we missed. 

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Tonight, Kevin joins the show dockside. The two preview the show and talk about how hard it is for a driver to hop into a car they have never driven before and test it. They talk about the likelihood of a race in Mexico, and Pato’s popularity there. They also talk about international race possibilities outside of Mexico. 

Later, Jamie Little joins the show to talk with Kevin about the upcoming Fox partnership with IndyCar. She also talks about her upcoming work with the NASCAR Cup Series, and the playoffs for Cup. Taylor Rollins also talks to Kevin about meeting Jerry Seinfeld. 

To round out the first hour, Kevin previews the next half of the show. 

In the second hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about NASCAR’s move to have a race in San Diego, and if IndyCar needs to be there. They also talk about Tony Stewart’s work with NASCAR winding down as he departs to focus on NHRA. 

Later, Lochie Hughes, who competed in USF2000, and will compete in Indy NXT joins the show to talk about his racing career and coming to America to race. He talks about how his championship season was make or break for him. Alexander Koreiba joins to talk about his IMSA career, and the possibility of racing in Indy NXT. 

To end the show, Kevin goes over what we missed. 

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Tonight, Kevin and Curt talk about silly season partnerships, and what drivers will be competing in the Indy 500. Kevin highlights how there are more full-time seats open than Indy 500 seats. They also talk about the situation at Juncos. 

Later, Kevin and Curt recap the Indy NXT test. They talk about the debut of Hailie Deegan, and her overall pace. 

To round out the first hour, Kevin talks about what lies ahead on the program. 

In the second hour of the show, Curt sits down with Ryan Hunter-Reay and the two talk about the future of his racing career, and life outside of racing, they also talk about his superspeedway crash. He explains the hybrid system on the oval and talks about the IMS test. 

Later, Mandi Bender of the IMS Museum joins the show. She talks to Curt and Kevin about the changes being made to the IMS Museum. She also talks about how she started her career at Elkhart Lake, WI, and the grand opening of the museum. 

To end the show, Kevin goes over what they missed. 

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Tonight, Curt and Kevin recap IndyCar hybrid testing, and Petit Le Mans! They talk about how the Hybrid engine performed during testing, and Alexander Rossi’s new position at Ed Carpenter. They also talk about Rinus Veekay testing instead of Sting Ray Robb. They also talk about Grosjean’s future at Juncos, and his comment on rising costs with the hybrid. 

Later, they talk about Hailie Deegan moving to HMD Motorsports in the Indy NXT series. They talk about how popular she is on social media and how much exposure she’ll bring to Indy NXT. They also talk about some other additions to Indy NXT. 

To round out the first hour, Kevin previews hour two. 

In the second hour of the show, Kevin and Curt break down the Arlington Grand Prix layout, and the big event Roger Penske did with the Cowboys and Rangers to promote the event last week. They also talk about the possibility of racing in Mexico. They also answer listener questions. 

Later, Kevin and Curt answer some listener questions, including which ovals are most likely to return to the schedule, and how enjoyable Petit Le Mans was this year. 

To end the show, Kevin recaps what they missed, and talks about Jackson Lee’s race over the weekend. 

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Tonight, on Trackside, we have a new race on the calendar! IndyCar will be headed to Arlington, Texas, for a street race. Curt and Kevin talk about what the layout may look like, and if Texas Motor Speedway will ever return to the IndyCar schedule. They talk about the partnership between IMS, the Texas Rangers, and the Dallas Cowboys. Kevin poses the question about whether they are adding a race or taking away a race already on the schedule. They also touch on the Michael Jordan/NASCAR lawsuit. 

Later, Kevin answers questions about usernames, an announcement for Mexico City perhaps joining the schedule, and where Thermal will fall during the calendar. They talk about the promo budget for races, and contractual obligations to promote races. They also talk about Michael Andretti stepping down from his leadership role at Andretti, and the press release he put out explaining why he stepped down. They also talk about Nolan Siegal retaking his rookie orientation again, as he did not qualify for the 500 last year. 

To round out the first hour, Kevin previews the next hour and previews the Petit Le Mans IMSA race.  

In the second hour of the show, Sam Schmidt joins the show with Curt to talk about the Conquer Paralysis Now headquarters opening in Indianapolis. Schmidt talks about the importance of the new building, and how paralysis healthcare has changed since Schmidt’s crash. He talks about how the program bridges the gap between the hospital and full recovery. He also talks about the charter system and becoming a grandpa. He also talks about the emotions he felt watching Pato lose the lead during the 500 on the last lap. 

Later, Hunter McElrea joins the show to talk about his first IMSA win, and his time in INDY NXT. He tells Kevin about the upcoming Petit Le Mans race, and he describes what it’s like to drive an LMP2 car. He compares the weight to other cars, and talks about how LMP2 cars are similar in speed to an INDY NXT car, but in different areas. 

To end the show, Kevin normally recaps what we missed, but for once, we haven’t missed anything! 

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Tonight, on Trackside, we have a lot of news to talk about! Kevin and Curt start the show by talking about Keanu Reeves racing at IMS. They discuss Rossi moving to Ed Carpenter Racing, and how he can help Ed Carpenter Racing become a better team. They also talk about Christian Rasmussen going to ECR as well. They debate on who will be in the Juncos lineup, and Jamie Chadwick’s test at IMS. Kevin talks about how she could benefit from another year of Indy NXT. 

Later, Kevin and Curt talk about the big news that Michael Andretti has stepped down from his leadership role at Andretti. They talk about who will take over in Andretti’s stead, and what will happen to the team's name. They speculate if the reason Andretti stepped down was because of F1 refusing to have the Andretti branding. They also discuss Wayne Taylor Racing removing the Andretti name from their branding. 

To round out the first hour, Kevin previews the next hour. 

In the second hour of the show, Kevin and Curt look at some tweets by fans. They talk about the group that Zak Brown and Michael Andretti formed called Andretti Acquisition Corp. II, and what the purpose of the organization is. Could it be to buy IndyCar? They also answer a question about other investors being added to IndyCar to help with growing the series. They also talk about the schedule, and the importance of avoiding football. 

Later, Kevin and Curt talk about the likelihood of returning to some previous tracks that fans have been vying for several seasons. They talk about if they will ever go back to Phoenix and Watkins Glen. They also talk about the possibility of Daniel Riccardo racing IndyCar, and his fear of ovals. 

To end the show, Kevin reviews what they missed, including if the IMS oval test will be open to the public. 

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Tonight, on Trackside, there’s so much to talk about we had to skip the intro! Kevin and Curt breakdown the new IndyCar charter system, and shuffling team lineups that were recently announced. They also talk about the IMSA race at IMS. They talk about Rahal’s win at the brickyard, and why the FBI searched the RLL shop, and why the FBI may care about it. Kevin goes to the X Box and answers listener questions. They talk about Rinus Veekay departing from Carpenter, and ECR’s lineup going into next season. 

Later, Curt and Kevin answer more listener questions, including if Rinus Veekay’s career is over in IndyCar, and where he could possibly go. They talk about the driver lineup at Rahal, and where Linus Lundqvist could go. Kevin believes Linus could go to Rahal as Rossi will be at Carpenter. They answer a listener question about what the perfect number of races on the schedule, and some new tracks that could get added to the calendar.  

To round out the first hour, Kevin previews the next hour. 

In the second hour of the show, Kevin and Curt delve into the charter system, and give the ins and outs of the system, what it means for the sport, what’s good about it, bad about it, and more. They talk about the Dale Coyne rule, and how teams will be capped at 3 drivers per season. Prema will also not have a charter but will be able to start every race next year outside of the 500, without risk of getting bumped. They also speculate if Dale Coyne is looking to get out of racing. 

Later, Kevin and Curt talk about Marcus Armstrong moving to the #66 Meyer Shank Honda. Dr. Greg Chernoff joins the show to talk to Kevin and Curt about the Survivors of Violence Foundation, an event that many USAC drivers will be at to help raise money for the foundation. Kevin Lee will also be there, and the event will be on Flo TV. 

To end the show, Kevin recaps what they missed, including Heartland coming onboard with ECR and if the driver on his team will be American, and if Carpenter will hold onto his charters.  

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Tonight, on a Wednesday night edition of Trackside with Kevin Lee and Curt Cavin, they talk about this past weekend’s championship finale at the Nashville Superspeedway, with Alex Palou winning his third title in the past four years, while only in his fifth season in the series. After starting ninth, Colton Herta led 24 laps enroute to his first oval victory of his career and his ninth career win, taking the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. They also talk about the success of the race from Scott Borchetta, avoiding the threat of rain from Hurricane Francine, and the possibility of doing the oval and street course race sometime in the future. They also talk about this season's oval “revival” and Will Power having an issue with his belts, ultimately taking him out early of championship contention.  

Later in the first hour of the show, Kevin talks to Curt to preview the upcoming IMSA race and BC39 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and answer questions from Twitter. They also talk about the recent pictures swarming around social media of Logan Sargeant and Hailie Deegan out and about in Nashville Superspeedway, possibly for their respective futures.  

To wrap up the first hour of the program, Kevin briefly talks about the upcoming second hour with the latest silly season news and the newest team on the grid for next season signing their first driver. 

To start the second hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk more about the silly season with Callum Ilott signing with Prema Racing for 2025, while rumor is that F2 driver and Ferrari prodigy Robert Shwartzman could be the lead candidate for the second seat, along with Alexander Rossi. They talk about the possibility of a package deal that would send Rossi and Sting Ray Robb to Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, and the potential of Hy-Vee possibly going to A.J. Foyt Enterprises. They also talk about Jamie Chadwick running a potential “6-8 races” for next season and how the rotation of Dale Coyne Racing drivers of Jack Harvey, Hunter McElrea, and Toby Sowery could fit and where the new Indy NXT Champion, Louis Foster could land.  

Later in the second hour program, Kevin and Curt answer more questions on Twitter with more silly season rumors in the paddock and in the TV booth for next year. 

Then to wrap up another addition of the show, Kevin talks briefly about the recent FBI investigation at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing shop in Zionsville. 

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