Bruce Martin

LEBANON, Tenn. — Alex Palou continued Spain's celebration of winning the FIFA World Cup on Sunday as the Spaniard won Monday's rain-delayed Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway.

Bruce Martin, Contributor Dreyer & Reinbold Racing will return full-time to the NTT IndyCar Series in 2027 after the team purchased a Charter from Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing on July 22.

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing returns to fulltime IndyCar Series participation since 2012 after the longtime Indy 500 entrant bought one of RahalLetterman Lanigan's Charters.

Bruce Martin, Contributor When Kevin Harvick was a young racer in Bakersfield, California, he dreamed of racing in the Indianapolis 500 and

IndyCar unveiled its new IR-28 race car, including a video narrated by actor Matt Damon of "The Odyssey", promising a "Faster, Lighter and Built to Break Records" era starting in 2028. Replacing the IR-12, the Dallara-built chassis features a modernized design for enhanced wheel-to-wheel competition, improved drivability, and record-breaking speeds. Powered by Chevrolet and Honda's 2.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engines and a new, lighter hybrid system, the IR-28 is 100 pounds lighter. Its advanced aerodynamics, custom suspension, and integrated safety features, including a sleeker aeroscreen and wider cockpit, aim to deliver the safest and most exciting racing yet. Drivers like Alex Palou and Felix Rosenqvist expressed enthusiasm for the futuristic design and performance potential.

Chip Ganassi Racing is launching CGR Media, an in-house editorial division, to produce premium long-form video and print content. This strategic move aims to deepen fan engagement and offer enhanced value to partners in a changing media landscape. Former Associated Press Motorsports Editor Jenna Fryer will lead the division as Director of Media, overseeing editorial direction, public relations, and expanded storytelling. CGR owner Chip Ganassi stated this allows them to control their narrative and create meaningful value through owned content. Fryer will focus on creating compelling, original stories, including documentary-style videos and behind-the-scenes features, leveraging her decades of industry knowledge. This initiative positions CGR as a dynamic content engine, reinforcing its commitment to both competition and commercial strategy, with future plans for a dedicated website and mobile app.

IndyCar's future took its first laps at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as Alexander Rossi piloted the new IR-28, set for 2028 competition. The 2016 Indy 500 winner conducted the maiden validation test, praising the car's exceptional build quality and predictable, rewarding handling. Despite rain limiting the session to 50 minutes, Rossi highlighted the IR-28's impressive aesthetics, increased wing surface, and comfortable cockpit, even comparing its smoothness to Formula One cars. This initial run, utilizing a "Mule Engine" without the final hybrid system, was deemed remarkably successful and a testament to its design. Rossi expressed immense privilege in being part of this significant step for the championship's evolution.

IndyCar's Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C., on August 23 has been extended to a 250-mile street race, honoring America's 250th birthday. The race, now 147 laps on the 1.7-mile circuit, adds significant strategic challenges for teams, including an extra pit stop for fuel and tire management. This historic event marks the first NTT IndyCar Series race in the nation's capital, winding past iconic landmarks like the National Mall. The extended distance provides more on-track action and additional broadcast content for FOX, enhancing the celebration of the semi-quincentennial. This free, two-day festival promises world-class racing and late-race drama.

Bruce Martin, Contributor IndyCar's Andretti Global Racing will keep its current three-driver lineup intact for the 2027 season as Marcus Ericsson will return to the team.

Andretti Global Racing announced Marcus Ericsson's return, solidifying its three-driver lineup for the 2027 IndyCar season. Ericsson, whose contract was set to expire, has been a key performer since joining in 2024. Team President Jill Gregory highlighted the importance of consistency and Ericsson's strong 2026 season, which includes his first NTT P1 Award, a podium finish, six top 10s, and 132 laps led. Ericsson expressed excitement, noting the team's significant progress and competitive performance across various tracks. His re-signing ensures continuity alongside confirmed drivers Power and Kirkwood, maintaining a lineup that has delivered speed, results, and a championship bid this season. This move reinforces Andretti's commitment to a stable and successful future.