The NTT INDYCAR SERIES may be on their off season, however, having said that it has been a very busy week for the sport.
Champion Alex Palou received with mini Astor Cup at a Gala event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, while his teammate Marcus Armstrong, fresh from being confirmed as a full-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver with Chip Ganassi Racing from 2024 collected his Rookie Of The Year Award.
Ed Carpenter Racing tested two drivers this weekend with INDY NXT presented by Firestone driver Christian Rasmussen and former INDYCAR driver Oliver Askew for a potential seat alongside Rinus VeeKay.
Two-time INDYCAR SERIES race winner Kyle Kirkwood signed a multi-year contract extension with Andretti Global to drive the No.27 AutoNation Honda in the INDYCAR SERIES for the foreseeable future.
Speaking about the news, Team co-owner and CEO Michael Andretti said:
Kyle’s dedication and talent have been instrumental in our team’s success this past season, and he has continued to show that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Our goal has always been to consistently compete for wins and Championships and we felt that solidifying Kyle’s future at Andretti was key to making that happen. Bringing Kyle into the multi-year plans along with Colton [Herta] and Marcus [Ericsson] will only strengthen the continuity we’ve been looking for in our INDYCAR program.”
Kyle Kirkwood commented saying:
I am thrilled to be able to continue with Andretti Global for years to come. We have built something special within the team this year and I’m excited to see what we can do next season in the No. 27 AutoNation Honda. It’s fantastic that I will now have the opportunity to work with the same group – it’s a luxury I haven’t had the privilege of having since my karting days. Now we can put our heads down and fully focus on winning races and becoming a strong Championship contender. I have such a huge respect for this team and it will be an honor to continue to call myself an INDYCAR driver for Andretti Global.”
In other Andretti Global news, Paddock Eye understands that Paretta Autosport will run the team’s fourth car in 2024, with Simona De Silvestro competing in the series.
The other major news of of the week was the announcement of the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule.
There will be 17 races next season with the addition of The Thermal Club $1 million challenge which will be a number of heat races.
Paddock Eye understands that Cusick Motorsports will compete in the race
The schedule will also feature a return to Milwaukee for the first time since 2015, with the venue serving up a double-header ahead of the season-ending Big Machine Music City Grand Prix on the new Nashville street layout.
Date
Venue
Television
Sunday, March 10
Streets of St. Petersburg
NBC, Peacock
Sunday, March 24
The Thermal Club $1 Million Challenge*
NBC, Peacock
Sunday, April 21
Streets of Long Beach
USA Network, Peacock
Sunday, April 28
Barber Motorsports Park
NBC, Peacock
Saturday, May 11
Indianapolis Motor Speedway (road course)
NBC, Peacock
Saturday, May 18
Indianapolis 500 Qualifying Day 1
NBC, Peacock
Sunday, May 19
Indianapolis 500 Qualifying Day 2
NBC, Peacock
Sunday, May 26
Indianapolis Motor Speedway (oval)
NBC, Peacock
Sunday, June 2
Streets of Detroit
USA Network, Peacock
Sunday, June 9
Road America
NBC, Peacock
Sunday, June 23
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
USA Network, Peacock
Sunday, July 7
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
NBC, Peacock
Saturday, July 13
Iowa Speedway Race 1
NBC, Peacock
Sunday, July 14
Iowa Speedway Race 2
NBC, Peacock
Sunday, July 21
Streets of Toronto
Peacock
Saturday, Aug. 17
World Wide Technology Raceway
USA Network, Peacock
Sunday, Aug. 25
Portland International Raceway
USA Network, Peacock
Saturday, Aug. 31
Milwaukee Mile Race 1
Peacock
Sunday, Sept. 1
Milwaukee Mile Race 2
USA Network, Peacock
Sunday, Sept. 15
Streets of Nashville
NBC, Peacock
*Non-points event
President and CEO of Penske Entertainment Corporation Mark Miles commented saying:
The upward trajectory of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES is reflected through the 2024 schedule. “With stops at premier and global entertainment districts, classic American road courses and thrilling, high-speed ovals, the 2024 season will be exhilarating and highly competitive from beginning to end.
“The growth of INDYCAR is palpable. Combined with the efforts of our teams and partners, the 2024 championship will be the perfect showcase for our drivers as we continue to build on our reach and popularity.”