Adam Sinclair

Adam has been a race fan since the first time he went through the tunnel under the Daytona International Speedway more than 30 years ago. He has had the privilege of traveling to races all across the state of Florida (as well as one race in Ohio), watching nearly everything with a motor compete for fame and glory, as well as participating in various racing schools to get the feel of what racecar drivers go through every week.

Adam spent several years covering motorsports for Examiner.com., where he had the opportunity to see the racing world from behind the scenes as well as the grandstands. He invites everyone to follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and Google Plus, and looks forward to sharing his enthusiasm for all things racing with the readers of SpeedwayDigest.com.

Be sure to tune in for his sports talk program, Thursday Night Thunder, where he discusses the latest in motorsports news with drivers, crew members, and fans. The show takes place (almost) every Thursday at 8:00 pm EST on the Speedway Digest Radio Network.

Contact Adam: Email

Racing News

Indian Motorcycle Racing has announced its 2023 MotoAmerica and American Flat Track Factory Race Teams & Privateer Contingency

Saturday, Feb 18

2022 was a historic year for Indian Motorcycle Racing, capturing an unprecedented triple crown with championships across three different racing classes, including MotoAmerica® Mission® King of the Baggers® (KOTB), Super Hooligan® National Championship (SHNC) and Progressive Insurance® American Flat Track^smSuperTwins classes. Now America’s First Motorcycle Company enters the 2023 racing season intent on defending its triple crown and raising the bar yet again with its factory racing program.

Running three No. 1 plates, Indian Motorcycle Racing welcomes back reigning champions Tyler O’Hara and Jared Mees, along with KOTB and SHNC factory rider Jeremy McWilliams. The company has also announced more than $405,000 in combined privateer contingency for KOTB, SHNC and AFT.

Founded by racers who developed America’s first motorized bicycles, fueled by a desire to go faster and win races, Indian Motorcycle has been racing, and winning, for 122 years. From founder Oscar Hedstrom’s endurance racing dominance at the turn of the century, to O.C. Godfrey winning the first Mountain Circuit race at the famed Isle of Man in 1911, to Burt Munro’s land speed records or the Wrecking Crew’s domination in flat track in the 1950s and, more recently, it’s six consecutive AFT Championships from 2017-2022, the list of history-making racing milestones is unparalleled. Now the innovative American motorcycle company prepares to defend a triple crown.

“Racing and an overriding spirit of competition has been a driving force for Indian Motorcycle for more than a century, and that competitive fire continues to drive us forward to this day,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Racing, Technology and Service for Indian Motorcycle. “We’re incredibly proud of the success we had in 2022 with three different championships, but it’s only going to get tougher in 2023, with our competition gunning for us more than ever. But that challenge is what motivates us and pushes us to get better every day, and we’re chomping at the bit to go racing in 2023.”

MotoAmerica® KOTB & SHNC

For 2023, Indian Motorcycle and S&S® will pit a two-man factory race team that will take on double duty across the King of the Baggers® and Super Hooligan® classes. Proudly running the No. 1 plate in both classes, dual-threat champion Tyler O’Hara enters his fourth year aboard the Indian Challenger and his second year piloting an Indian FTR. Pitting alongside O’Hara in both classes is veteran Moto GP racer Jeremy McWilliams, whose technical knowledge and extensive experience at racing’s highest levels proved invaluable to the team’s success in 2022.

In the 2022 Mission King of the Baggers® class, the team’s success was driven by O’Hara’s versatility, the expertise of the S&S® crew, and the consistency and reliability of the Indian Challenger. Through seven rounds aboard his Indian Challenger, O’Hara captured five podiums, including a Daytona win, and two fourth-place finishes.

With the No. 1 plate and an expanded 14-round KOTB series, O’Hara will be the man to beat. But the competition will be tougher than ever, as Harley-Davidson® continues to increase its significant investment in the series, adding even more bikes and riders to the King of the Baggers® grid for 2023.

“The odds were definitely against us in 2022, and that’s what made climbing that mountain and ending up on top all the more special to our entire Indian Motorcycle-S&S® team. We grinded week in and week out to rise to that challenge and in the end, we got the job done,” said O’Hara. “But now we start over and the climb begins again. This team is truly a family, and we could not be more motivated to defend the championship and successfully rise to the challenge again in 2023.”

In addition to its factory efforts, Indian Motorcycle is offering up to $83,000 in KOTB privateer contingency and up to $41,000 in SHNC Contingency.

2023 Indian Motorcycle KOTB Privateer Contingency

Championship: $20,000
1^st: $3000
2^nd: $1000
3^rd: $500

2023 Indian Motorcycle SHNC Privateer Contingency

Championship: $5,000
1^St: $3000
2^nd: $1000
3^rd: $500

AFT SuperTwins

Piloting the Indian FTR750 for his seventh-consecutive year, reigning Progressive Insurance® AFT SuperTwins Champion Jared Mees enters 2023 with eight AFT Grand National Championships to his name – just one shy of the historic record of nine held by Scottie Parker. A record that many have assumed would never be matched or broken, Mees is looking to do just that as he chases his ninth.

As Mees chases history, he’ll rely on his trusted team led by Crew Chief Kenny Tolbert, Assistant Mechanic Bubba Bently and Suspension Technician Jimmy Wood. Mees will also receive support from Rogers Racing, SDI Racing, Drag Specialties®, Twigg Cycles, Mission® Foods, Monster Energy®, Bell® Helmets, Service Pro, Öhlins® Suspension, Klotz® Oil, Klock Werks^sm, RK Chain®, Corbin®, Seats, Engine Ice®, RMR Construction, Motion Pro®, VP Racing®, Vertex Pistons, Pro Plates and DBI Motorsports.

In addition to its AFT factory efforts around Mees, Indian Motorcycle is offering the sport’s most robust privateer contingency, equating to more than $280,000.

2023 Indian Motorcycle AFT Privateer Contingency:

Championship: $25,000
1^st: $7,500
2^nd: $2,500
3^rd: $1,500
4^th: $1,000
5^th: $750
6^th: $350
7^th: $250
8^th: $150
9^th: $125
10^th: $100

Indian Motorcycle factory race efforts are presented by Progressive Insurance®, Mission® Foods and Medallia®, with additional support from Indian Motorcycle Motor Oil, S&S®, Parts Unlimited, Drag Specialties®, Performance Finance, and J&P Cycles®.

KOTB, SHNC and AFT seasons begin March 9 at the Daytona International Speedway. For more information on the 2023 AFT season, visit AmericanFlatTrack.com, for KOTB and SHNC, visit MotoAmerica.com.

For information about Indian Motorcycle, visit IndianMotorcycle.com, or follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Racing News

Sebring Test Notebook: Acura Leads GTP Field

Saturday, Feb 18

By Mark Robinson

IMSA Wire Service

SEBRING, Fla. – Acura continued setting the pace in the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship completed a two-day test Thursday at Sebring International Raceway – a month ahead of the 71st running of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.

Twenty-six cars across all five WeatherTech Championship classes, including all four GTP manufacturers, participated in the test on the 3.74-mile road course. The two Acura ARX-06 entries paced four of the five sessions, with Filipe Albuquerque turning the best overall lap in the last session at 1 minute, 46.450 seconds (126.483 mph) in the No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-06 fielded by Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti Autosport.

Albuquerque said the team experimented with setup changes throughout the test and he was pleased with the result, especially in comparison to the Daytona Prototype international (DPi) car he drove that struggled over Sebring’s notoriously rough surface in the past. The hybrid-powered GTP class replaced DPi this season.

“We are freestyling on the setup, trying to figure out what happens here, what happens there,” Albuquerque explained. “But again, it’s always a pleasure driving the car and I’m having a really good feeling – especially coming from the DPi here where last year I think we were kind of struggling a little bit at this track, and this car is just better. I think we addressed well the points from DPi to now, so it’s a better ride over these bumps.”

The No. 10 topped the timesheet in three sessions, twice by Albuquerque and once by co-driver Louis Deletraz. Mathieu Jaminet was the only other driver to clock a lap under 1:47, with a 1:46.949 effort (125.892 mph) in the No. 6 Porsche Penske Motorsport Porsche 963 in the last session. Competition throughout the GTP class was tight, with six of the seven test entries turning a lap within 0.847 seconds of Albuquerque’s pacesetter.

“I think everyone is still learning about the car,” Albuquerque said. “Sebring is completely different than Daytona, and it’s super interesting to see everyone has kind of packed up … but still there is a lot to come and for sure in the race we will be all packed up.”

Meyer Shank Team Rebounds from Early Issues

The No. 60 Meyer Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian Acura ARX-06 that won the Rolex 24 At Daytona in January was sidelined for much of Wednesday’s first day of testing with mechanical issues – sitting out the first session entirely and logging just 15 laps in the third session. The team recovered overnight, with Tom Blomqvist logging the fastest lap (1:47.297, 125.484 mph) in Thursday morning practice.

"We didn't have the smoothest of days (Wednesday),” Blomqvist said. “There were some small setbacks that cost us some track time. But the track time that we did manage to get in, we were able to learn a lot, which I think showed during the second day. The car is working well and we're just running through the paces trying to get as much info on things before the race weekend."

Van der Zande Starting to Feel at Home

Renger van der Zande was the only non-Acura driver to lead a session, heading Wednesday’s second practice in the No. 01 Cadillac Racing Cadillac V-LMDh from Chip Ganassi Racing (1:47.053, 125.770 mph). Following months of development and testing, followed by the 24-hour race at Daytona International Speedway, the Dutch driver said this week was the first time he’s had that natural feeling in the new prototype.

“I had so many hours in the car (at Daytona) that for the first time now at Sebring for this test I felt like it was a DPi,” he said. “I felt like me and the car were one again.

“We had two really good days of testing,” he added. “I felt for the first time we could really work on the car and the car ran flawlessly. Building up to the Daytona race was something where we were going into the unknown, and now we’re starting to understand the car better and better, which is why we’re improving on the car setup-wise as well. It’s been a lot of kilometers in the car, working with the engineers and mechanics to make things better in Sebring specifically. I feel we have a very good base going there for the Twelve Hour.”

Mercedes, Lexus Head GT Testing

Fifteen GT3 cars – two in the GT Daytona Pro (GTD PRO) class and 13 in GT Daytona (GTD) – joined in the test. The No. 32 Team Korthoff Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3 led four GTD sessions, with Mikael Grenier clocking the best overall lap of any GT car throughout the two days (2:01.558, 110.762 mph).

Grenier shared the No. 32 with Mike Skeen and Kenton Koch, with each driver atop the GTD chart for at least one session.

“We got a lot accomplished, tried a bunch of different things on the car,” Skeen said. “We were quick right off the trailer and that gave us an opportunity to really experiment. Yeah, really happy with where we’re ending up. Lots of information learned and pretty confident going into next month.”

The No. 14 Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 paced every GTD PRO practice, with Ben Barnicoat turning the car’s best lap (2:01.743, 110.594 mph). The sister No. 12 Lexus, with Parker Thompson at the wheel, prevented the No. 32 Mercedes from sweeping every GTD session.

“We had a great two-day test here at Sebring,” Barnicoat said. “The Vasser Sullivan team have done a great job. We got a lot of test items ticked off our list. Great to leave as the fastest (GTD PRO) car and really looking forward to the race.”

Mercedes, Honda Lead Michelin Pilot Challenge Test

Thirteen IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge cars were also on hand for their own two-day test at Sebring that featured two practices each day. Mercedes, with six of the eight GS cars participating, dominated the class. Honda and Hyundai comprised the five Touring Car (TCR) cars testing, with each manufacturer leading two sessions.

Jared Thomas, co-driver of the No. 23 JTR Motorsports Engineering Mercedes-AMG GT GT4, was fastest in GS with a lap of 2:10.439 (103.220 mph). Coming off a seventh-place finish in the season opener at Daytona, Thomas senses momentum building for the Alan Jay Automotive Network 120 at Sebring on March 16.

“We were really happy with the improvements we made here,” Thomas said. “I think we improved the car from where we left off at Daytona. New program, new car to us, so we’re trying a lot of different things and figuring out what works and what doesn’t work. Really happy with the Mercedes-AMG. It’s been a really good car, seems really consistent.”

Mike LaMarra put the No. 73 LA Honda World Racing Honda Civic FK7 TCR atop the combined TCR speed chart with a lap of 2:13.705 (100.699 mph). Co-driver William Tally, who along with LaMarra finished second in TCR at Daytona, said the driver pairing is gelling well.

“It’s been a really successful test for Mike and I,” Tally said. “This is his first year moving up to closing driver, it’s my first full season as a starting driver, so both of us are taking on a new role. He’s stepped up better than you could hope really in terms of how his pace was at Daytona, and here he’s backed that up.”

New Honda TCR Logs Important Development Laps

While LaMarra and Tally were testing the current Civic racer, veteran Ryan Eversley ran 81 important laps in the new Honda Civic FL5 TCR. The car from Honda Performance Development and JAS Motorsports is expected to be race ready later this year.

By the end of the test Thursday, Eversley was within nine-tenths of a second of LaMarra’s fastest circuit.

“In true Honda fashion, it’s been totally reliable, it’s been fast and easy to drive,” Eversley said. “The best thing about it from the mechanic’s side is how easy this car is to work on, and that’s a testament to everybody at JAS and HPD for designing a user-friendly car so the teams can have an easier weekend, which will make the drivers happier too.

“We’re excited about the new car coming to IMSA and racing it in TCR.”

Racing News

Golf Legend Annika Sorenstam’s Fizzy Beez Joins Cusick Motorsports for 2023 Indianapolis 500 Campaign

Saturday, Feb 11

Cusick Motorsports is excited to welcome Fizzy Beez to the family of partners for the 2023 Indianapolis 500. Founded by legendary golfer Annika Sorenstam, Fizzy Beez will create a buzz at the Greatest Spectacle in Racing with Cusick Motorsports. Often known as the greatest female golfer of all time, Annika rewrote the LPGA and Ladies European Tour record books throughout her 15-year, Hall-of-Fame career. She is still the LPGA’s all-time Money Leader, despite stepping away from professional golf in 2008 to start a family, foundation and a brand of businesses.

Born out of the Coronavirus quarantine, Annika and her husband, Mike McGee, liked the idea of ready-to-drink cocktails with their busy lifestyles, but were unhappy with what they saw in the marketplace. They felt the offerings either had no flavor or too many calories and became determined to create full flavor cocktails without the high calories, sugar, and other artificial ingredients. Fizzy Beez features four sparkling classic cocktails Margarita, Cosmo, Moscow Mule and Mojito, all vodka-based and made with real fruit juice, all natural, gluten free and kosher ingredients. Sweetened with organic honey, Fizzy Beez got its name because Annika is such a ‘busy bee’.

“We are super excited to partner with Don and his team at Cusick Motorsports,” said Fizzy Beez Founder, Annika. “We love their passion for life and the way they approach networking and hospitality through racing. Our drinks are available in Ohio, Tennessee, and Northern Nevada, and we feel this will help our brand recognition as we actively look to secure distribution in other states.”

Fizzy Beez is a female-owned company as Annika met her partner, Kathy Johanson playing pickle ball in Lake Tahoe. They are committed to creating great tasting cocktails with clean ingredients, but also to giving back to nonprofit organizations who take care of bees which are so important to our ecosystem. Through their “Fizzy Beez Promise,” Fizzy Beez donates 100% of the net proceeds from online merchandise sales to support local beekeepers and honey farmers in the communities where their drinks are sold.

While Fizzy Beez and Sorenstam may be new to the Cusick Motorsports family, there is a common link tying everything together. Annika is a global brand ambassador for LOHLA SPORT – Cusick Motorsports’ first official partner, dating back to the 105^th Running of the Indianapolis 500 in 2021. The premium women’s golf-lifestyle clothing brand created by fashionista and longtime Golf Channel and GOLFINO executive, Lisa O’Hurley, will continue its partnership with Cusick Motorsports in their third attempt at the famed 500-mile race this May. Annika and LOHLA SPORT will both be present at the PGA Show in Orlando, FL., this week with a special promotional opportunity to attend this year’s Indianapolis 500 through LOHLA SPORT wholesalers.

Liberty Group, Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus and Kitchen Mart will also be joining Cusick Motorsports for the 107^th Running of the Indianapolis 500. Under a single roof, Liberty Group specializes in wealth management, tax planning and estate law. Based in Sacramento, California, Kitchen Mart is an award-winning remodeling company focused on custom kitchens and baths. The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus is a Plaintiff personal injury law firm with a dedication to the protection of rights of innocent, injured victims against the insurance industry.

“From day one, Cusick Motorsports’ core mission has been to make the racing industry more accessible and create business opportunities for our partners,” said Don Cusick, Founder and CEO of Cusick Motorsports. “To not only build a relationship with a legend like Annika Sorenstam, but to be trusted with supporting Fizzy Beez’ growth means the world to us and we’re excited to get to work. With the addition of Liberty Group, Kitchen Mart and the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus to our fantastic group of partners, we have a lot to look forward to.”

Fizzy Beez along with Liberty Group, Kitchen Mart and the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus will be present on the No. 24 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Cusick Motorsports Chevrolet, with existing partners including co-primary partner CareKeepers; Sierra Pacific Windows and Sierra Pacific Industries; CarBlip; 181 Fremont Residences, a Jay Paul Company; Romak Iron Works; Agromin; Mosaic Animal Care Group; The Thermal Club and Mr. and Mrs. James Lowes.

For companies looking to foster meaningful relationships in a once-in-a-lifetime setting, or create effective marketing strategies, partnership opportunities are still available for the 2023 Indianapolis 500 with Cusick Motorsports. Touch base with Billy Morgan (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to learn more about the opportunities available.

As the countdown to the month of May continues, Cusick Motorsports and Dreyer & Reinbold Racing are deep in preparations prior to Stefan Wilson climbing behind the wheel of the No. 24 Chevrolet for the IMS Open Test on April 20-21, 2023.

Speedway News

Ericsson Unveils 107th Indianapolis 500 Ticket at Hockey Game

Saturday, Feb 11

NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver Marcus Ericsson combined two of his passions – winning races and ice hockey – when he unveiled the ticket for the 107th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Friday night, Feb. 10 in Indianapolis.

Ericsson earned his first victory in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” last May in the No. 8 Huski Chocolate Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, and one of the many spoils for the winner is the honor of unveiling the ticket for the next year’s race. The honor of the winning driver featured on the next year’s “500” ticket dates to Mauri Rose’s appearance in 1948.

Swedish native Ericsson lifted the cover from the colorful ticket, featuring a photo of him dousing his head in the winner’s famous bottle of milk, during Indy 500 Night at the Indy Fuel hockey game at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis. He is an avid hockey fan and played the sport as a youth before focusing on racing.

“I’m super excited to be here for Friday night hockey,” Ericsson said. “I’m a big hockey fan, playing hockey as a kid. I’ve been to a few (Fuel) games. It’s always a good time. Obviously, being the Indy 500 Night is extra special, and unveiling this year’s Indy 500 ticket is really exciting.”

It was the second Indy 500-related honor in as many weeks for Ericsson, who is entering his fifth NTT INDYCAR SERIES season this year. He and team owner Chip Ganassi also received their “Baby Borg” replicas of the Borg-Warner Trophy for winning the Indy 500 last week during the series’ open test at The Thermal Club near Palm Springs, California.

Ericsson will defend his Indianapolis 500 victory Sunday, May 28 in the 107th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with live coverage starting at 11 a.m. ET on NBC and the INDYCAR Radio Network.

Tickets for the Indy 500 and all Month of May activities are on sale at IMS.com, by calling the IMS Ticket Office at 317-492-6700 or by visiting the Ticket Office.

The 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season starts Sunday, March 5 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding in St. Petersburg, Florida (live, noon ET, NBC and INDYCAR Radio Network).

Racing News

2023 Formula DRIFT tickets now available at www.formulad.com

Saturday, Feb 11

As the 2023 Formula DRIFT season ramps up to the start of the series’ 20th anniversary, fans are able to visit the official website at formulad.com to purchase tickets for seven of the eight championship rounds. Currently, tickets for the FD PRO Championship Final at Irwindale Speedway in October are scheduled to go on-sale in the near future. However, the opening round on the Streets of Long Beach city course is just ten weeks away and tickets sell out fast, so we urge fans to purchase early to avoid disappointment.

With teams and drivers continuing preparations for what promises to be the most exciting season in two decades of close fought competition, the Long Beach round will give everybody a chance to see the new teams, cars and liveries among the contenders for the Formula DRIFT PRO Championship. Round Two at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta on May 11-13 will also see the opening round of the FD Link ECU PROSPEC Championship. And with the limit on eligible teams lifted, allowing more drivers to qualify for competition, spectators are again promised an action-packed weekend of non-stop drifting.

As always, Formula DRIFT attendees are able to watch the intense Formula DRIFT action and visit the paddock to rub elbows with the teams, join the driver autograph session, visit the vendor area, grab some food, and find inspiration at the Tuning 365 car shows that take place at each round. Dedicated fans can also sign up for a VIP package, which includes a track walk and collectible Formula DRIFT items, while keen photographers can join one of Larry Chen’s photo experiences. Details of all the ticketing options are available at formulad.com/schedule.

“We’re getting impatient to start our 20th anniversary season at Streets of Long Beach,” said Ryan Sage, President of Formula DRIFT. “We’re confident this will be the most spectacular season of what’s been an incredibly exciting 20 year run. We’ve already announced a few of the changes for 2023 but there are still a few surprises to come that will make the season and the Championship title chases even more compelling. And with the opening round in Long Beach traditionally being a sell-out event, we strongly encourage fans to purchase tickets online while they can!”

2023 FORMULA DRIFT CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

VENUE	LOCATION	CHAMPIONSHIP	DATE
Streets of Long Beach	Long Beach, CA	PRO	April 7-8
Super Drift	Long Beach, CA	Invitational	April 14-15
Road Atlanta	Atlanta, GA	PRO/PROSPEC	May 11-13
Orlando Speed World	Orlando, FL	PRO	May 26-27
Englishtown Raceway Park	Englishtown, NJ	PRO/PROSPEC	June 22-24
World Wide Technology Raceway	St Louis, MO	PRO/PROSPEC	July 13-15
Evergreen Speedway	Seattle, WA	PRO	Aug 11-12
Utah Motorsports Park	Grantsville, UT	PRO/PROSPEC	Sept 14-16
Irwindale Speedway	Irwindale, CA	PRO	Oct 13-14

Please visit formulad.com for the 2023 PRO and PROSPEC Championship schedules, event details, ticket purchases, driver profiles, livestream information and more.

Racing News

Unser, Future Star Racing Part Ways

Saturday, Feb 11

Al Unser, Jr. and Mark McAlister announced today that Unser has resigned from the team on entirely amicable terms. Unser decided to focus on promotional opportunities with his book, "A Checkered Past." Among his plans is an audiobook version of his successful book, released in late 2021. He will continue with his responsibilities with Vintage Indy and additional projects.

“Al has been an invaluable asset to our company,” said Future Star Owner and President McAlister. “He has brought us to a top caliber level, allowing us to win races and regularly putting our drivers on podiums. This success gives me complete confidence we can sustain that level of performance. We wish Al all the best fortune with his book promotional efforts."

McAlister established Future Star Racing in the spring of 2021, with Unser joining at the same time. Since then, they have enjoyed a great deal of success across several ladder series, including USF2000, FRA, and F4. The team has scored three wins and an additional six podium finishes. Notable drivers racing with Future Star include Trans Am Champion Ernie Francis Jr., Mac Clark and Andre Castro.

"I am so grateful to Mark and the entire Future Star Team for two years of very satisfying and rewarding experiences," said Unser. "It became obvious that I could not pursue the promotional work I wanted to do and still meet my obligations at Future Star. We will soon launch the audiobook, and I have other plans, but it would be premature to announce them today."

Follow Future Star Racing on social media @futurestarracing and at www.futurestarracing.com

Future Star Racing is an Indianapolis-based race team that empowers and improves young talented drivers to guide them to the next level. Future Star Racing utilizes years of winning racing experience and team members’ knowledge for their driver’s growth.

Racing News

Polaris and Troy Lee Designs Unveil Limited Edition RZR Pro R and RZR 200 Models

Saturday, Feb 11

Polaris Off Road and iconic motocross and mountain bike brand Troy Lee Designs (TLD) have come together once again to unleash two new limited-edition offerings – the 2023 Polaris RZR Pro R Troy Lee Designs Edition and matching RZR 200 EFI Troy Lee Designs Edition. This Polaris-TLD collaboration leverages the powerful influence of two industry leaders, combing the legendary artistry of Troy Lee with the performance-engineering prowess of Polaris.

Starting at $44,999 MSRP, the 2023 RZR Pro R Troy Lee Designs Edition will be available in both two-and four-seat configurations with approximately 1,000 units of each model available worldwide. Featuring custom Troy Lee Designs styling and graphics, factory installed RIDE COMMAND+, Rockford Fosgate® Stage 5 audio system, Pro Armor tires, and a RIGID light bar, this RZR Pro R Troy Lee Designs Edition combines artistic vision with the power, strength and control of the most revolutionary side-by-side on the market.

Designed to empower the next generation of youth riders, the RZR 200 EFI Troy Lee Designs Edition combines the same race-inspired styling, with kid-friendly performance and industry-leading safety features. At $7,499 MSRP, this vehicle includes a 180cc EFI engine, helmet-aware technology, pin code start, digital speed limiting and geofencing.

Racing News

Pierre Gasly battles Tyreek Hill for supremacy in South Florida

Saturday, Feb 11

To celebrate 100 days until the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX 2023, Formula 1® race winner Pierre Gasly paid a visit to the Miami International Autodrome. He took part in a 100-yard dash with Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill — one of the fastest players in the NFL who is known as the ‘Cheetah’ for his speed.

Hill beat Gasly in the 100-yard sprint at the Dolphins’ Baptist Health Training Complex – where the Miami Dolphins train adjacent to the track and Hard Rock Stadium – and afterwards presented the Alpine driver with a signed Dolphins jersey featuring the number 10, which is both the Frenchman’s race number and Hill’s jersey number. Hill also signed the jersey with the message: “Beat you in a race!” And “My feet… faster than your car!”

Gasly’s visit to the Miami International Autodrome marked 100 days until the second FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX gets underway in Miami Gardens on May 7, 2023. The 26-year-old is already looking forward to event in May.

“I’m super excited as last year this was one of the most epic races on the calendar,” said Gasly. “There is a great hype around the event, as it’s not just about the race — it’s the whole weekend — the energy and the atmosphere. The race track is cool, very technical and what matters to me is winning, so I’m getting prepared to hopefully leave Miami in May with a trophy in our hands.”

After taking part in the 100-yard sprint alongside Tyreek Hill, Gasly was given a tour of and took part in a workout at the Baptist Health Training Complex where he learnt about the workout programmes undertaken by the Dolphins players.

“Although I don’t like to lose, I liked meeting Tyreek as I have so much respect for him and all the other guys as I know what it takes to be a top athlete,” said Gasly. “Personally, I always like coming here and interacting with the Miami Dolphins and being able to exchange gifts with some of the players. You really feel the team spirit, because when you compare this to Formula 1 we are just two drivers in a team. Here is a much bigger facility and I really like this environment and these vibes.”

While in Miami Gardens, Gasly surprised the vendors of two local minority-owned restaurants by presenting them with a set of golden tickets to this year’s race. The first lucky recipients were the owners of Reggae Beets, an outlet that specializes in Jamaican cuisine, while the second was Italian Vice, Italian ice vendor. Gasly also participated in a tasting of the local businesses’ featured menu that will be offered to patrons at the event. In total, 14 minority-owned restaurants local to Miami Gardens and surrounding communities have been selected to participate as a food vendor at this year’s event in May.

“I’m always happy to help support people and local businesses here and to bring them a bit of excitement by surprising them with a golden ticket,” added Gasly. “It’s important to recognize the positive impact this has and I’m sure they’ll have a great time at the race. Last year was a huge success and definitely I’m looking forward to racing in Miami again this season.”

In 100 days, the Miami International Autodrome will host the second annual FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX 2023, which will have increased spectator capacity and grandstand seating, as well as a new Paddock Club and Team Village. Additionally, a new General Admission Campus Pass has gone on sale here which will allow more fans to experience Formula 1® as they will enjoy access to various spectator zones around the circuit.

B-roll footage and hi-res photography of Gasly’s race with Tyreek Hill, his visit to the Baptist Health Training Complex and the gifting of golden tickets to the minority-owned restaurants are available rights free on the links below, which also includes a short interview with the Alpine driver.

Racing News

Pascal Wehrlein Claims First Formula E Season 9 Victory in Round 2 at the 2023 CORE Diriyah E-Prix

Saturday, Feb 11

Pascal Wehrlein (TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team) stormed from ninth to win the first of two races in the 2023 CORE Diriyah E-Prix, with standings leader Jake Dennis (Avalanche Andretti Formula E) following home in second after starting in 11^th.

Wehrlein looked the quickest on the track as he picked his way through the points-paying positions to the front of the pack. The move for the lead came on Lap 30 at Turn 16, with Sam Bird (Jaguar TCS Racing) unable to hold back Wehrlein’s 99X Electric Gen3. Both driver and car looked dominant for a second straight race. It was an emotional win for the 28-year-old, who once again credited his team with a monumental amount of work off-track to get things so right on it.

Jake Dennis in the Porsche-powered Avalanche Andretti took the fight all the way to the line with his factory Porsche counterpart from all the way back in 11th on the grid, but he couldn't find a way beyond Wehrlein - who sealed his second Formula E win on his 50th start.

The result was a reversal of the one-two we saw two weeks ago in the 2023 Hankook Mexico City E-Prix - and both TAG Heuer Porsche and Avalanche Andretti look to have thrown down the challenge to the rest of the field as the GEN3 development race continues at pace.

Sam Bird was overjoyed to make the podium for the first time since winning in New York City in Season 7 - calling it a "mini victory" for himself and Jaguar after a tough Season 8 for the Brit - the only season he has failed to claim Formula E silverware.

Sébastian Buemi (Envision Racing) started in Julius Baer Pole Position and finished in fourth, his best finish since the Season 6 finale in Berlin.

NEOM McLaren Formula E Team’s René Rast started fifth and ended fifth following a long battle in middle of the points-paying positions. He also sealed the TAG Heuer Fastest Lap.

Nick Cassidy made it two Envision Racing cars in the top six. Jean-Éric Vergne fought from 12th to the points for DS PENSKE, winding up just ahead of Jake Hughes in the sister McLaren. André Lotterer (Avalanche Andretti) and Mitch Evans (Jaguar TCS Racing) rounded out the top 10 - the latter slipping from sixth on the grid.

That leaves Dennis as standings leader at just a point over Werhlein - 44 to 43 points - while Avalanche Andretti retain their Teams' advantage over TAG Heuer Porsche, 58 to 49 points, with Envision Racing third.

Formula E’s return to Diriyah, a historical and cultural destination in Saudi Arabia, marks a groundbreaking move as it continues to prioritise sustainability and shift the paradigm in the sports industry.

Find out where to watch here: www.fiaformulae.com/en/ways-to-watch

Racing News

The 61st Running of the Twice-Around-the-Clock Endurance Classic was one for the Record Books

Saturday, Feb 11

By David Phillips

IMSA Wire Service

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -The highly anticipated 61st Rolex 24 At Daytona is in the books and it’s fair to say the race exceeded expectations.

There was a record crowd on hand to witness the largely flawless debut for the ultra-complex Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) hybrids, a photo finish in Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) and the typically fierce, deep and unpredictable competition among a bevy of marques in the two Grand Touring (GT) classes – the competitors in the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship delivered quite a show.

With 45 finishers from 61 starters and five class winners, there are a plethora of stories (and potential takeaways). Without diminishing James Allen’s breathtaking pass of Ben Hanley at the checkered flag to grab the LMP2 laurels (not to mention Proton Competition’s outstanding effort repairing the victorious No. 55 ORECA after a practice mishap) or AWA’s dominant LMP3 win, allow me to offer this trio of takeaways.

Tip of the Hat

A tip of the hat to Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Porsche, their teams and drivers for an unexpectedly smooth debut of the GTP class. After roughly 18 months to build out their hybrid prototypes, eight of the nine GTPs were running at the end of 24 hours, headed by the top two Acura ARX-06s and two Cadillac V-LMDhs in P3 and P4, all on the lead lap. Sure, the No. 25 BMW M Team RLL BMW M Hybrid V8 finished 100+ laps down after issues with the spec hybrid powertrain and the No. 6 Porsche Penske Motorsports Porsche 963 did not finish after suffering a broken gearbox.

But an 89 percent finishing rate would be an outstanding record for any class in any 24-hour race, let alone one featuring such complex vehicles in their competition debut. With seven weeks before they race again, the teams and manufacturers will have plenty of learnings from the Rolex 24 to use in the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.

Of course, a dozen hours of racing on the rough ’n tumble runways, taxiways and macadam of Sebring International Raceway is every bit, if not more, demanding than 24 hours at Daytona International Speedway. But if the remarkable debut of the GTPs is any indication, Round 2 of the 2023 WeatherTech Championship should be every bit as compelling as the first.

Passing the Torch?

As television viewers were regularly reminded, the days when Meyer Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian could be considered a “little team” are long gone. The No. 60 MSR Acura led the race early, often and late; in other words, just about any time they darn well pleased.

For those keeping score, this makes back-to-back Rolex 24 wins for the Ohio-based team and its third overall, which dovetails with its 2022 Daytona Prototype international class championship and the 2019 and 2020 GT Daytona (GTD) crowns . . . not to mention the 2021 Indianapolis 500.

So, while preseason talk focused on the coming epic showdown between the teams of the reigning titans of American motorsports - Chip Ganassi and Roger Penske - it was the one owned by Mike Shank and partner Jim Meyer that took home the honors . . . and gave at least one observer pause to ponder this: Roger Penske was born in 1937 and dominated American racing in his 40s, 50s and 60s. Chip Ganassi was born in 1958 and rose to challenge Penske and, yes, dominate American racing in his 40s, 50s and 60s. Born in 1966, Shank is mounting an increasingly formidable challenge to the Penske/Ganassi domination of sports cars and Indy cars. Is he poised to become the next team owner to dominate American racing?

GTD’s Big Picture

Kudos to Mercedes/WeatherTech Racing and Aston Martin/Heart of Racing Team on their wins in GTD PRO and GTD respectively. But in terms of the big picture, Corvette Racing is the manufacturer that announced its intentions to be a force in GT racing this season and in years to come last week.

After a comparatively disappointing GTD PRO campaign last year, the No. 3 Corvette C8.R GTD gave the GTD PRO competition all they could handle in the Rolex 24 before settling for what, under the circumstances, was a disappointing runner-up finish.

That’s encouraging evidence that Corvette Racing put the lessons learned last year campaigning a C8.R born and bred for the discontinued GTLM class to good use and will be a force to be reckoned with in their sophomore season of GTD PRO. What’s more, the unveiling of Corvette’s Z06 GT3.R is ample evidence of GM’s commitment to GT racing - and a tantalizing glimpse into the future, not only for Corvette Racing in GTD PRO, but for what one must imagine will be a host of GTD teams looking to campaign the new ‘Vette in seasons to come.

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Adam Sinclair

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