Trackside Podcast

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. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, on Trackside, it’s championship week! IndyCar descends on Nashville Superspeedway for the season's final race and determines who will be the IndyCar champion. Kevin and Curt talk about all the championship scenarios. They also preview some of the special things they will do on the final NBC IndyCar broadcast. They also address the battery issue with Palou during the Milwaukee race, and some championships of the past. They also talk about Scott McLaughlin’s push-to-pass penalty taking him out of the championship race early, and Will Power’s losing 10 points because of the push-to-pass debacle. 

Later, Kevin and Curt talk about what lineup Chip Ganassi Racing will have in 2025 with the new charter system. They talk about where Marcus Armstrong will go, and where Alexander Rossi will be next season. Sting Ray Robb is also brought up, and how he and Rossi may go to the same team because Peter Rossi manages both drivers. 

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

In the second hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about the talent of Linus Lundqvist, and where he will be in 2025. They also go down the list of some of the other drivers who are looking for open seats and where they could be racing in 2025. They mention Valteri Bottas and his comments about possibly coming to IndyCar. They also talk about Kyle Larson returning next year to do the double. Tony Kanaan will be the relief driver if Larson must leave the race to go to Charlotte. They also pay respect to Paul Goldsmith.  

Later, they talk about the success of Milwaukee, how Nashville will race, and the new charter system.  

To end the show, Kevin recaps what they missed. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, Kevin and Curt recap one of the most exciting and eventful IndyCar weekends of the year, as we break down the Milwaukee doubleheader. Kevin and Curt talk about the amount of fans present, and the energy around the event. They talk about how the drivers said there wouldn’t be any passes when there were lots. They talk about how a lot of the teams were as competitive as the leaders. Kevin answers some questions on Twitter. They discuss the lanes of the track, and how drivers were not afraid to use multiple lanes. They also talk about the controversy around Pato O’Ward, Mark Miles, and the race in Mexico. Curt provides some insight on the popularity of Adrian Fernandez in Mexico. 

Later, Kevin and Curt answer listener questions about team orders during the final race in the season, and if manufacturers will tell drivers to move or block for points purposes. They break down championship scenarios for Power and McLaughlin to pass Palou for the championship victory. They debate about Palou’s oval ability, and if he is guaranteed a top 10. 

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

In the second hour of the show, Kevin and Curt delve into championship scenarios going into the season finale. They talk about McLaughlin’s ability to be a team player, and if he would get out of the way to help Power if he needed to. They talk about Ed Carpenter stepping out of the car for Milwaukee, and what the team’s lineup for next season will be. 

Later, Kevin and Curt talk about the start being waved off in race two, and the controversy around it. They give Rinus Veekay props for a good weekend, and some of the Andretti cars, and Juncos doing well. Kevin brings up Conor Daly and some of the sponsors he brings to Juncos, and if he moves the needle for teams. 

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, on Trackside, it’s a one hour show tonight, but there is still a lot to talk about! Kevin and Curt discuss the Portland GP, and Will Power’s dominating performance. They talk about what his career will be like moving forward, and Power’s involvement with training young drivers. Kevin makes the point that Penske will decide if they will let Power keep racing for them, not Will himself. They talk about Colton Herta’s use of the hybrid on pitlane and why that is against the rules, and the Dixon/Kirkwood collision, and if Kirkwood deserved the penalty, or Pietro Fittipaldi. They also go into detail about Grosjean’s crash and being held responsible for hitting two cars. 

Later, Kevin talks about Santino Ferrucci’s pole, and his overall performance, finishing 8th. Ferrucci also has 8 top 10s this season, when they only had one last season. They talk about Ferrucci going to Rahal and where Romain Grosjean will land, as his contract ends at the end of the season. Kevin highlights the lack of sponsorships on the Juncos-Hollinger car, and where Alexander Rossi will go. 

To round out the last hour, Kevin talks about what they missed during the show. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, on Trackside, we talk about a very dramatic race at Gateway. Kevin and Curt break down all of the controversies and action that happened on and off track. They talk about the race not appearing on USA until lap 27, and the realities of being proceeded by live sporting events. They talk about the restart controversy with Josef Newgarden, and how restart zones work in the series, and how the rules define where you can restart a race from. The two propose solutions on how to fix the restarts. 

Later, Curt and Kevin talk about the state of the championship, and how lucky Alex Palou has been during this season, including his near miss of a crash at Gateway. The two answer questions about the lack of post-race interviews, and why they could not get the coverage in terms of interviews that they wanted, and how the red flag delay cut the post-race short. 

To round out the first hour, Kevin previews some of the topics that will be discussed in the next hour. 

In the second hour of the show, Kevin and Curt resume talks about the restart zone, and why IndyCar does not have an official zone that is marked on the track. They clear up questions about spinning wheels while on the jacks, and whether it is allowed. Kevin talks about the power of having two color commentators, and their opinions on things. They also talk about how good Newgarden is on ovals. They discuss whether Linus Lundqvist will have to find a new ride next season, as the team may drop to three cars. 

Later in the second hour, they talk about the situation at Prema, and who will be where, as well as some other stand out performances at Gateway, and Winners Circle points. Kevin Lee also talks about how he will be the official voice of IndyCar for the remainder of the NBC IndyCar races. 

Kevin ends the show with what we missed. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, on Trackside, there is a lot of silly season news as IndyCar heads into their first race back from the Olympic break at Gateway. Kevin and Curt talk about David Malukas going to AJ Foyt Racing. The two run down some other seats that are open, and what Malukas going to Foyt means for their lineup. Who will Malukas’ teammates be? Who’s bringing the budget? They talk about Malukas being in four teams in less than a year. They talk about the lineup at Dale Coyne for next year, and where Santino Ferrucci will go. 

Later, David Malukas joins the show to talk about his new deal with AJ Foyt Racing. He expresses his happiness to finally be solidified with a team, and how he will not let himself get injured again, including making some jokes with Curt and Kevin about going up stairs. He talks about how it will work with the Foyt team in Texas, but David wants to stay in Indy. He also talks about who his engineer may be. 

To round out the first hour, Kevin and Curt talk about the interview with Malukas, and some of the things David talked about, and their thoughts on the whole deal. They also talk about the schedule for Gateway. 

In the second hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about an auction of some racing items that will support victims of the FedEx shooting in Indianapolis. They talk about the Alex Palou F1 rumors, and if they hold any water. Kevin talks about how Palou could take a risk and go for the F1 career, and why Audi might want Palou on the team. They also bring up the nature of Palou’s legal issues. 

Later in the second hour, Kevin and Curt talk about the controversial NASCAR finish involving Austin Dillon, and how NASCAR has seemingly allowed a driver to wreck someone else for the win, and how this is the only series that this could happen, and how NASCAR has no rules against what happened. Kevin talks about how people like chaos like that, and it encourages viral moments of the sport. 

Kevin ends the show with what we missed. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, on Trackside, we celebrate Gordon Johncock’s birthday, and preview the remainder of the IndyCar season, as well as some Olympics talk, including Cole Hocker’s gold medal run in the 1500. Hocker is from Indianapolis. They talk about the streaming power of Peacock, and how viewing numbers have been. They also briefly talk about the IMSA race last weekend. Kevin gives his insight on the Juncos Hollinger seat that has opened with Augustin Canapino departing from the team, and how Conor Daly drove his car at the test at World Wide Technology Raceway. 

Later, Kevin and Curt talk about a conversation Tony Stewart had with Jake Query, and his opinion that the Brickyard 400 should be run at night under the lights. The two debate about whether that would be good for in-person attendance, and if IMS would ever install lights. 

To round out the first hour, Kevin talks about baseball playing at Bristol Motor Speedway, and how something like that could happen at Indianapolis. 

In the second hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about some of the best NASCAR races, and how NASCAR succeeded through mainstream television. Kevin brings up the question as to why IndyCar teams don’t have reserve drivers, and if we will see that change soon. They go over the history of reserve drivers in Indy, and when they were used most recently. They talk about the pricing of Venu Sports, and alternatives to paying for it, like buying an antenna. 

Later in the second hour, Kevin goes to the X Box to ask some listener questions. They answer a question about backup cars, and how most teams just opt to repair their primary car since backups do not have engines. They also answer a question about the Mario Andretti and AJ Foyt Trophies for the best oval and road course drivers, and why they went away. They bring up the possibility of racing at Richmond, and how fans have to show up for those races for them to return to the schedule. 

Kevin ends the show with what we missed. He brings up how Rossi has improved health wise after his surgery, and Kevin updates us on Jackson Lee’s ride at IMS for the Michelin Pilot Challenge. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, on Trackside, it’s the late-summer break in IndyCar. With the Olympics starting up, IndyCar won’t race again until mid-August. Kevin and Curt discuss having a holiday for teams and why a series-wide holiday hasn’t happened like in F1. They also talk about the reasoning behind why there wasn’t a Peacock only race during the Olympics. They talk about what Olympic sports they have been watching, and how some of the broadcasting techniques for the games would fit into motorsports. They go into the research that goes into the games, and how to make motorsports appealing to casual fans. They also delve into silly-season talks. 

Later, Kevin and Curt talk about the oval race in Nashville, and limiting car counts per team in Indy NXT. The two talk about how it is not ideal to have almost half the field racing under two teams. This makes it harder to field cars. They talk about the strength of team partnerships, and how limiting Indy NXT car counts can help the series flourish even more. They talk about requiring drivers to compete in Indy NXT before joining IndyCar full-time.  

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

In the second hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about the Prema Motosports opening a new shop in Fishers for the 2025 IndyCar season. They discuss Prema and what drivers they may hire for the coming season, including Logan Sargent and Alexander Rossi. They also talk about Rahal and sponsorship, and how much charters will sell for. 

Later in the second hour, Kevin talks about drivers who completed every lap in a season. He answers some listener questions, including returning to Texas, and those long gaps early in the schedule. He talks about how IndyCar leadership tries to tell people what is possible, but if something doesn’t happen, they get ripped for it. They also discuss the possibility of a return at Kentucky Speedway. 

Kevin ends the show answering a few more tweets, including one about Shane van Gisbergen. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.