Trackside Podcast

Its a busy night on Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee as they begin to preview the 2021 Indy Car Season Opening Race at Barber Motorsports Park next weekend. Kevin is at Barber Motorsports Park for the Road to Indy Spring Training test sessions.  Also they talk about the latest Indy 500 driver news including Santino Ferrucci at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, full field testing at the Speedway this week and that it can be watched on Peacock Premium.  They also talk about the latest with Dale Coyne Racing and who may drive for that team in May for the 500 and what seats are available still for the Month of May.  Kevin and Curt also talk about the upcoming Texas doubleheader after the Indy Car test at Texas last week and what to expect for both races of that Doubleheader. Owner of the Road to Indy Dan Andersen joins the show to talk about the 2021 Road to Indy Season and the return of Indy Lights after year off in 2020 and gives a state of the Series as the 2021 season gets underway. Kevin also chats with Indy Lights driver Robert Megennis to talk about the 2021 season, what he has been doing in the meantime like driving IMSA Sports Cars, and his thoughts about getting back in an Indy Lights car after the year off from the series in 2020. Indy Pro 2000 Driver Braden Eves talks with Kevin about getting back in the car this season and what its been like coming back from a nasty crash last year at Indianapolis on the Road course.   Barber Motorsports Park President George Dennis talks about what fans can expect next weekend for the Season Opening Indy Car race Weekend and what changes have been made since the last Indy Car race held at the Park since 2019.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Trackside, Kevin Lee and Curt Cavin talk about the ongoing Indy Car testing from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway and Barber Motorsports park and the importance of the Month of May this year with the Texas DH, Indy CAR GP and the Indianapolis 500. The Indy Cars tested push to pass for an oval at IMS last week. They talk about the possibility of a NASCAR race in downtown Chicago on Iracing or even in real life. Kevin and Curt talk about the big news story of the day with Jackson Lee securing a full time USF 2000 ride with Jay Howard Development for the 2021 season starting at Barber next month. They talk about how the business side of racing and how it works to get started and involved in the sport. NASCAR on Fox's Bob Pockrass joins the show to talk about the NASCAR Dirt race at the Bristol Motor Speedway, the first for Cup in 50 years and how he thought it went on Monday for the Trucks and Cup Series Doubleheader. Bristol announced that the dirt race will return in 2022 and so Curt and Bob talk about how it can be improved for next season. Curt and Bob also talk about the NASCAR weekend at Indianapolis and what the future may look like if it will be the oval, road course or both and Jimmie Johnson's expectations in Indy Car this season.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee, Kevin joins the show from Barber Motorsports Park as son Jackson is taking part in USF 2000 testing. Kevin recaps the 12 Hour of Sebring IMSA Race from the past weekend won by the #5 Mustang led by Indy Car Champion and last week's guest Sebastian Bourdais. He also recaps how the other Indy Car connections did at Sebring. Curt and Kevin talk about AJ Foyt's new sponsor Rokit which will be on Sebastian Bourdais's car and if they will have a fourth car for the Indianapolis 500 and other possible Indy 500 entries as well and what the total car count will be for May. Kevin gives an update on where Jackson is with a possible deal to run in USF 2000 for the 2021 season. Curt and Kevin talk about NASCAR running on dirt at Bristol this weekend for first time in nearly 50 years for the Cup series and that their have been six different winners in the first six races. Roger Penske also held a zoom conference with NASCAR media but asked about Indy Car and the Indianapolis 500. His goal is to have 250,000 fans for the 500 in May. AJ Foyt Racing President Larry Foyt joined the show to with Curt about the new sponsor ROKiT for Sebastian Bourdais this season and his thoughts on the upcoming season for AJ Foyt Racing. Top Gun Racing co owner Bill Throckmorton talks with Curt as well about the upcoming Indy Car season with driver RC Enerson and why they decided to skip 2020 and wait to launch in 2021.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee, they preview the upcoming 12 hours of Sebring in which several of the Indy Car field will be taking part in.  Also Indy Car Iracing series returns this week for three events before the 2021 Indy Car season gets underway at Barber next month. Several NCAA Basketball teams visited the Indianapolis Motor Speedway last weekend and watched the Selection Show in the Media Center and Suites at the track. Kevin and Curt also talk about the latest in Covid News including Covid smelling dogs for NASCAR and the latest in vaccinations.  Reigning Indy Pro 2000 Champion from 2019, Kyle Kirkwood joins the show to talk about the 12 hours of Sebring as he will be with Team Lexus in the GTD class.  He also talks about his Indy Lights testing as he prepares for his rookie season in Indy Lights.  Four time Indy Car Champion Sebastian Bourdais joins the show to talk about the 12 hour of Sebring this weekend in the Mustang Cadillac. He also talks about the progress that AJ Foyt Racing has made since he joined the team for the end of last season and his thoughts on the upcoming season. Sebastian also talks about what he did during the off-season including returning to France.   SportsCar 365's and Indy Car Radio Network's Ryan Myrehn joins the show to talk about the new hyper classes for Sports Cars and which classes they will replace.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee, they talk about Indy Car Content Day and what the drivers are thinking as the 2021 season approaches next month. Also they discuss Indy Car testing at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama the site of the season opener in April. Their are a couple more entries for the Indianapolis 500, sot they update the current numbers and what the total car count will be for the 500 in May. Curt and Kevin also discuss attendance figures for St. Pete and what it may look like for the rest of the season and if fans will have access to the garage or pit area this season. The 2021 Indy Car schedule was released with networks and start times including earlier starts this year. Indy Car Driver Jack Harvey with Meyer Shank Racing joins the show to talk about his second season in Indy Car and that he will still be a rookie at some race tracks this season. He also talks about what he is looking forward too as the 2021 and his Sophomore season  They also talk about the driver and race strategist relationship and demeanor towards the strategist from the driver.  He also talks about the relationship with his dad and where he thinks his first career win will come from.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee, Kevin talks about the vaccine progress and what that might mean for the Indianapolis 500 in May as far as the attendance is concerned as well as where attendance at other races stand around the country. Indy Car tested at Laguna Seca this week and Kevin recaps how it went for each driver and team as the season approaches next month.  Kevin also gets into who may have rides for the Indianapolis 500 who has not confirmed yet and who is rumored to have a ride. NASCAR news talked about this week include, Myatt Snider, the son of Marty Snider a colleague of Kevin's at NBC won his first NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Homestead over the weekend and also TY Gibbs, grandson of Joe Gibbs picked up his first career win in his first career start at the Daytona Road Course in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.  In the second hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about attendance at races and what races will have tickets on sale and how many will be at the races this season. Kevin and Curt also update the news in the Road to Indy program as well.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Trackside Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee talk about the opening race of the IndyCar season at Barber Motorsports Park. Next, Curt and Kevin break down today's first day of tests at Barber Motorsports.  Kevin talks about Marco Andretti testing a sports car, and what that could open up for his future. They weigh the possibilities of James Davison and Cody Ware driving both the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 this year.  Formula 1 rumors hinted towards Indianapolis as a possible new location, along with many other cities.  Curt and Kevin discuss the release of tickets for the Music City Grand Prix in Nashville. Romain Grosjean joins the show to talk about his first day in IndyCar. First things first, Kevin asks about name pronunciation. Then, Kevin and Curt take a deep dive into the specifics of his IndyCar knowledge and first experience. Then, Curt talks to Ed Jones about his return to IndyCar. Also, Curt asks Jones to expand on how his relationship with Grosjean has developed. They round out the first hour talking about how being liked by other drivers plays more into Indy Car than Formula 1. In the second hour, James Hinchcliffe and Darren Jamison to discuss their new Capstone Sponsorship deal for six races. Jamison and George Steinbrenner take a deep dive into the strategy around sponsorships. Later, President of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Doug Boles joins Kevin to talk about this year's running of the race. Boles explains how it came about to celebrate the day that marks 100 days out from the race. IMS is playing the waiting game on making a decision on fan capacity, and Boles explains why this benefits everyone involved. For the last segment, Zach Horrall of IMS joins the show to talk about new Indy Car driver Romain Grosjean. Horrall speaks to the welcoming community within Indy Car drivers.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Trackside Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee talk about Jackson Lee's F3 test at Sebring. Then, they discuss Michael McDowell's Daytona 500 win on Sunday. On the same topic, Curt breaks down the long rain delays this weekend, and both touch on why races start later in the day. Curt and Kevin preview the confirmed drivers in the 2021 Indy 500, including Charlie Kimball confirming with AJ Foyt Racing. In addition, they speculate on other possible cars and drivers not yet confirmed. Marcus Ericsson joins the show to discuss his off season, recap 2020 consistency, and look ahead to his 2021 opportunities. Curt and Kevin talk about former voice of the Indy 500, Bob Jenkins, and his diagnoses with brain cancer. Kevin shares some of his experiences with Bob. Next, they talk about Marco Andretti stepping away from full time driving.  Later on, Curt and Kevin discuss the experienced and accomplished field of Indy Car. 2020 USF2000 champion Christian Rasmussun talks with Kevin about last year's championship run. Rasmussun discusses what the win meant to him and how he started racing in America, as he prepares for the 2021 Indy Pro 2000 season. Kevin's son, Jackson Lee talks through his testing at Sebring in preparation for USF2000. Jackson describes the new car feels, and the quality of his test runs yesterday.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Trackside Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee talk about the signing of former Formula One driver Romain Grosjean to the Dale Coyne Racing team for the 2021 road and street car races. They also talk about the rookie of the year battle that will unfold in 2021 and who the favorite is to win Rookie of the Year between and including 7x NASCAR Cup Champion, Jimmie Johnson, Formula One Driver Romain Grosjean and 2x Australian V8 Supercar Champion Scott McLaughlin.  They also talk about the car count for the 2021 Indy Car season and where we stand for the Indianapolis 500 as well. They discuss the latest in Indy Car testing and the schedule ahead for tests leading into the start of the season in April. Kevin talks about the latest news from the Road to Indy and the latest driver announcements in those series. Also the latest news regarding engine manufactures and Ferrari opting out of joining Indy Car.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee, a full recap on the 2021 Rolex 24 that ended Sunday afternoon. It was a pretty good weekend for the Indy Car contingent that was taking part in the race. Kevin and Curt talk about Romain Grosjean and Cody Ware will be announced to Indy Car rides in the coming days. They answer your twitter questions including the sports car ranking, could an Indy Car race happen at the Daytona Road Course. Joining the show tonight in the second hour is a member of the Rolex 24 winning team Helio Castroneves.  He helps to recap the race and talk about what it means to finally win it and take home that Rolex watch to add to his Indy 500 Rings. Helio also talks about the 20 year anniversary of his first Indianapolis 500 win in 2001 and what racing was like back then. Racer.com's Robin Miller joins the show to talk about being inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame and what it means to him and some other racing stories as well. .  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Trackside it is Race Weekend for the Rolex 24 Hour Race at Daytona. Kevin Lee joins the show from Daytona and Curt Cavin from Indianapolis.  The big stories of the week are the announcements of Ed Jones returning to Dale Coyne Racing in the 18 car and James Hinchcliffe to the #29 Andretti Autosport car for full time rides in 2021. There is one more seat available at Dale Coyne Racing so Kevin and Curt talk about who may fill that #19 car. Curt and Kevin also preview the 24 hours of Daytona this weekend and get into the drivers, teams and television schedule for the race. Speaking of television, they talk about the announcement regarding NBCSN being cut at the end of the year and the new Peacock deal and what that might mean for Indy Car and other sports which could air on USA Network. Ed Jones joins the show from Daytona to talk about his new full time Indy Car ride announced this week with Dale Coyne Racing and how that deal came about. Rinus Veekay joins the show from Daytona as well to talk about the 24 hour race and how he has prepared for this race as he makes his first start in the twice around the clock classic.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee, they talk about the ride announcement for Simona de Silvestro this week for the 105th Indianapolis 500. It will be an all female team with Penske power. Simona also joins the show to talk about this ride, how it came about and her thoughts heading towards May. Marco Andretti has decided to step out of the car on a full time basis and they discuss the reasons behind it and what races he will run in 2021. Also tonight, Kevin and Curt talk about who they believe may drive the open entries involving Dale Coyne and Rick Ware Racing teams for the 2021 season and also get into other silly season news.  Also tonight they talk about the funeral and send off for Aldo Andretti and also remember long time team owner Pat Patrick who passed away this week. 6x and Reigning Indy Car Champion Scott Dixon joins the show to talk about Indy Car testing, what is it like working with new teammate Jimmie Johnson and also getting ready for the Rolex 24 at Daytona with qualifying race this weekend and the 24 hour race next weekend.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee, talk about the latest scheduling news and changes for Indy Car and F1. They talk about what the Indianapolis 500 may look like in May and if it could be moved again later in the summer. Also, they talk about the College Autonomous race that will take part at IMS later this year and how and what that race will be about.   Kevin and Curt talk about Santino Ferrucci and why he has decided to move over to NASCAR and Sam Hunt Racing and leave Dale Coyne Racing in Indy Car this season.  Nascar announced they will have practice and qualifying at eight events in 2021 and Kevin and Curt give their thoughts on that announcement and what race weekends may look like in the post pandemic era. Curt Cavin talks about his latest silly season news that he is learning and what big name may be coming to the Indy Car Series in 2021. Motorsports.com Journalist David Malsher-Lopez joins the show to talk about the latest news in Indy Car and what he has learned over the last few weeks in terms of where drivers may land for the 2021 season.  NBC Sports's Dillon Welch joins the show from the Chili Bowl in Tulsa.and his thoughts on the race this week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is the first edition of Trackside for 2021. Tonight on the show Kevin Lee and Curt Cavin. they discuss what the start of the 2021 Indy Car Schedule could look like with the likelihood of Barber Motorsports park being the season opener in Mid April followed by St. Pete, Barber, Texas and Indianapolis with Long Beach moving to September. Curt and Kevin also give the latest information as far as car and driver combinations for the 2021 season and other driver news and rides as well. John Paul Jr and Aldo Andretti are remembered as they both passed away over the last couple of weeks. Indy Car VP of Communications and Indy Car Radio Network Pit Reporter Dave Furst joins the show to talk about his role and moving from the radio side to the VP of Communications side of the Media Department and how that job came about and why he decided to leave WRTV 6.  Curt and Kevin go through the top ten stories from 2020 in a season in review and more tonight on Trackside.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald chronicles STP's colorful history at IMS