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Fox Sports
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Fox Sports
Lochie Hughes Aims To Shave Dennis Hauger's Lead at Road America
INDYCAR Lochie Hughes earned his fifth top-three finish in six INDY NXT by Firestone races this season via his victory June 15 at World Wide Technology Raceway. Andretti Global rookie Hughes halved his deficit from 38 to 19 points to rookie teammate Dennis Hauger, who finished fifth on the 1.25-mile oval. SEE: Event Details Hughes is surging at the right time, and all eyes are on him heading into Road America for Sunday's 20-lap race around the 4.014-mile, 14-turn road course located between Milwaukee and Green Bay in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. Here are some storylines to watch for Sunday's race airing at 11 a.m. ET on FS1, the FOX Sports app and the INDYCAR Radio Network. Hughes Keeping Hauger Honest Hughes and Hauger are rookies leading the way in 2025 in the INDYCAR development series. Hauger had a firm grasp on the championship standings via four wins in the opening five races. However, Hughes remains in striking distance thanks to a 2.25 average finish over the last four races, compared to 3.75 from Hauger. Road America could provide another thrilling battle between the duo. Hughes has four wins in five junior category starts at the track, all coming in succession. He won the second race of the 2023 USF 2000 Championship, then swept the USF Pro 2000 series tripleheader at Road America last season. Formula 2 veteran Hauger has never been to the track, but many mention the circuit is reminiscent of a European road course, which could help the 22-year-old contend for his fifth victory of 2025. Road America Winner Often Becomes INDYCAR SERIES Mainstay Road America has a reputation for spotlighting future INDYCAR SERIES stars. Based on recent history, winning at Road America doesn't guarantee a championship, but it does validate elite talent. The winners' list since 2018 includes names of current drivers in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, including Colton Herta (2018 winner), Rinus VeeKay (2019), Kyle Kirkwood and David Malukas (2021), Christian Rasmussen (2022) and Nolan Siegel (2023). Can HMD Motorsports Halt Andretti Global Domination? Andretti Global is 6-for-6 in INDY NXT by Firestone races this season, with Hauger winning four times and Hughes twice. Dating to Race 2 of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course weekend in 2024, the team has 15 wins in the last 17 series races. At Road America, the team finished 1-2 last year via Jamie Chadwick's maiden victory. She beat eventual champion and teammate Louis Foster. The level of control is impressive, but not impenetrable – especially at Road America, where HMD Motorsports has matched Andretti win-for-win over the last four races. Andretti Global has three wins in its last eight Road America starts compared to HMD scoring three in the last four. Does that open the door for second-year HMD Motorsports driver Caio Collet? The Brazilian earned his first oval pole last weekend at WWTR and led 58 of the first 61 laps before fading to third in the closing laps. He remains third in the standings but gained five points on Hauger, trailing by 79. Collet is heating up with four podiums this season, three coming in the last four races. He has a sixth-place average finish in 11 natural road course starts, which includes four top-two results. Collet finished fifth as a rookie at Road America last year. His teammate Josh Pierson is having a career year and could be a surprise contender this weekend. Pierson is sixth in points with four top-six finishes in the last five races. The 19-year-old Oregon native finished a career-best fourth June 1 on the streets of Detroit. Does Andretti remain perfect in 2025, or can a well-timed HMD victory break the streak? Rowe, De Alba Showing Strong Consistency The Hughes and Hauger show has grabbed most of the INDY NXT by Firestone headlines. But there's a cluster of talented drivers quietly stacking results and building momentum. If any of them catch fire over the next few rounds, the title race could become much hotter. In addition to Collet, Myles Rowe has arguably been the one of the most consistent drivers outside of Andretti Global with five top-four finishes in six starts this season for ABEL Motorsports, including three podiums in the last four. He gained seven points on Hauger at WWTR by finishing runner-up and is 88 points back in the standings. Rowe has enjoyed success at Road America on multiple rungs in the junior categories. Rowe finished runner-up in both USF2000 races at Road America in 2022, and second and fourth in USF Pro 2000 in 2023. Andretti Global driver Salvador de Alba isn't displaying flashy numbers like his rookie teammates, but he's delivering steady results with four top-five finishes in six races, including three in the last four. He finished 21st at Road America last year. Track Specs: 4.014-mile, 14-turn permanent road course (clockwise), in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin Qualifying Record: Kyffin Simpson, 1:49.1028, 132.448 mph, June 17, 2023 Push to Pass Parameters: 150 seconds of total time with a maximum time of 15 seconds per activation recommended
Fox Sports
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Fox Sports
As Kyle Kirkwood cuts into Alex Palou's INDYCAR lead, is there time to catch him?
Kyle Kirkwood cut 27 points from the margin between him and INDYCAR points leader Alex Palou when Kirkwood won Sunday night. That sounds big, but consider this: Kirkwood would just have to do that three more times to potentially catch Palou as he's still 75 points out. "Moving closer," Kirkwood said. "It's still a long ways to go." But Kirkwood's victory at World Wide Technology Raceway (commonly known as Gateway) under the lights Sunday night was about more than just math. It was about winning at a track other than a street course. Kirkwood's two previous wins this year came on street circuits at Long Beach and Detroit, with Detroit his fourth career win and them all on temporary circuits on city streets. "You get your fourth and people are like, 'Another street course for Kirkwood' — it's not as big of a deal now, when is he going to win something else?'" Kirkwood said. "It takes [the focus] away from the street courses, so this was huge for me. This was by far bigger than [Detroit] because of that." That's not to say Detroit wasn't satisfying for Kirkwood. He made moves for passes that he was proud of making and left with the feeling of earning the win. But to win on the 1.25-mile oval at Gateway was a statement win, one that other people will notice and one that signaled he needs to be taken seriously as a title contender. "[It] just like kind of puts a stamp down a little bit, more like, 'Hey, this kid might actually be able to contend for a championship and do things,'" Kirkwood said. Could he win a championship? Kirkwood knows how to race for a title. He won titles in USF2000 in 2018, USF Pro 2000 in 2019 and Indy NXT in 2021. If he's going to compete for the 2025 championship, he will need to perform on the three types of circuits remaining in the final nine races — ovals (Iowa doubleheader, Milwaukee and Nashville), permanent road courses (Road America, Mid-Ohio, Laguna Seca and Portland) and one street circuit (Toronto). "Everybody knows you've got to be diverse in this series," Kirkwood said. "You've got to win at multiple circuits. You've got to win at multiple venues. "Whether it's a short oval, long oval, street course, road course, whatever it might be, you've got to win at all of them. [This is a] step in the right direction for sure." Racing on ovals is an acquired skill and often requires a driver to pounce when the opportunity presents itself. "Last year, to be honest, I was too timid on the restarts and starts and kept getting passed," Kirkwood said about returning to Gateway. "I had to be pretty aggressive and take more risks than I would have liked to, but it worked out." Coming up for Kirkwood and the INDYCAR drivers is Road America (Sunday, 1:30 p.m. ET on FOX), where Palou has won in 2021 and 2023. Penske drivers Josef Newgarden (2022) and Will Power (2024) won the other most recent races. The last time an Andretti car won at Road America was with Alexander Rossi in 2019. Only Palou (five wins) and Kirkwood (three) have won races this year. Palou's wins have come at a variety of tracks with one on a street course (St. Petersburg), three on permanent road courses (Thermal, Barber, Indianapolis) and one on an oval with the Indy 500. "Everybody knows we're going to go to Road America next week and [Palou] is going to put on a show there and we'll have to do everything in our power to keep him from looking shiny once again on road courses," Kirkwood said. Bob Pockrass covers NASCAR and INDYCAR for FOX Sports. He has spent decades covering motorsports, including over 30 Daytona 500s, with stints at ESPN, Sporting News, NASCAR Scene magazine and The (Daytona Beach) News-Journal. Follow him on Twitter @bobpockrass. recommended Get more from NTT INDYCAR SERIES Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
IndyCar XPEL Grand Prix comes to Road America June 19-22, featuring Alex Palou & more stars
ELKHART LAKE – The IndyCar XPEL Grand Prix presented by AMR will be at Elkhart Lake's Road America near Plymouth June 19-22. The race is the ninth round of the 2025 NTT IndyCar Series. The field is led by Alex Palou, who enters Road America at the top of the championship standings after multiple victories, including a dominant performance at the 2025 Indianapolis 500. Advertisement Joining Palou on the grid for the 4-mile, 14-turn circuit known for its elevation changes and challenging layout will be Pato O'Ward, Will Power, Josef Newgarden and other IndyCar stars. Last year's IndyCar race featured a record number of on-track passes for position. Read more: Kallmann: Indy 500 shows – as if there were any question – Alex Palou is one of the greats In addition to IndyCar's main event at 12:30 p.m. June 22, airing live on FOX, the weekend lineup also includes action from INDY NXT by Firestone, USF Pro 2000, USF2000 and the Radical Cup North America — showcasing the next generation of racing stars. Advertisement The Vintage Indy exhibition will also return, featuring historic IndyCar machines both on display and in parade laps throughout the weekend. Also for 2025, fans can join a cross-promotional offer with the Road America Challenge at Plymouth Dirt Track held June 21. This IRA Outlaw Sprint Series event will include a scannable QR code for a $15 discount on Sunday IndyCar admission. Find tickets at Read more: Amateur racer Mike Froh has raced in more than 50 June Sprints and against Paul Newman Off-track amenities at Road America include public karting at the Briggs & Stratton Motorplex, a disc golf course, a Family Fun Zone, and a variety of food and beverage options. Children 16 and younger receive free admission with a paying adult, and racing takes place rain or shine. Advertisement Tickets are available at or by calling 800-365-7223. Contact Brandon Reid at breid@ This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Alex Palou, more IndyCar stars set for Road America XPEL Grand Prix
Scoop
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
A Month Of May To Remember For Kiwi Teenager Jacob Douglas
May proved to be a milestone month for Kiwi talent Jacob Douglas, who emerged from the busiest stretch of the USF Pro Championships Presented by Continental Tires firmly in contention for the title. The action-packed month began with a triple-header on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course, followed by a mid-season test at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The action concluded with the championship's sole oval race at Indianapolis Raceway Park. In total, Douglas completed more than 1000km of official timed running, covering 430 laps across three circuits. Highlights included his maiden USF Pro 2000 victory at the famed Brickyard and a top ten finish in just his second-ever oval race. 'It was a really busy month with a lot of proud achievements,' said Douglas. 'Standing on the top step of the podium at the Racing Capital of the World is something I'll cherish forever. 'Our pace has been strong all year, and we're consistently running at the front. We were unlucky in two races at Indy where we lost valuable points through no fault of our own, but we've shown we can win and fight for podiums. With the season only at the halfway mark, there's still a lot to play for.' Douglas's maiden win came in Race 2 of the IMS triple-header, less than 24 hours after a mechanical issue denied him a potential victory while he was leading the opening race. Misfortune struck again in Race 3 when he was caught in a Turn 1 incident while fighting for the lead. The team then made a quick turnaround to Mid-Ohio, where Douglas impressed with top-seven finishes in the four sessions he took to the track. At Indianapolis Raceway Park, Douglas delivered another strong performance, starting and finishing inside the top ten in just his second career oval outing. 'In 2022, we ran our first oval race at IRP, starting 17th and finishing 16th in USF2000,' he reflected. 'Three years later, we're battling in the top ten—it's clear we're making real progress.' Off the track, Douglas was also honoured with the prestigious Ian Snellgrove Trophy, awarded to the top graduate of the Elite Motorsport Academy Class of 2024. Academy Trustee David Turner was in Indianapolis to record Douglas's acceptance speech, which was played during the Motorsport New Zealand Awards evening. Douglas, who previously received the Bruce McLaren Trophy for topping camp week, was also invited to announce the Academy's Class of 2025. 'It's a humbling privilege to win the Ian Snellgrove Trophy,' said Douglas. 'The Elite Motorsport Academy has been an incredible experience, helping immensely with both on-track and off-track performance. I've become mentally and physically stronger and a more well-rounded driver because of it. 'Best of luck to the Class of 2025—you're in for the experience of a lifetime.' Douglas returns to the track June 11-12 for a two-day test at Road America, followed by a triple-header at the same venue the following weekend.
Fox Sports
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- Fox Sports
Leading Andretti Duo Looks To Pull Away from Pack in Motor City
INDYCAR Andretti Global rookie Lochie Hughes has delivered one of the most consistent starts to an INDY NXT by Firestone season in recent memory. The 2024 USF Pro 2000 champion is the only driver to finish on the podium in all four races this year, a feat that would usually earn him the top spot in the points standings. But teammate Dennis Hauger has been even more dominant. SEE: Event Details Hauger, also a rookie, has won three of the season's first four events, drawing comparisons to NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver Alex Palou for his clinical performances. Hauger's only blemish came in Race 1 of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course doubleheader, where early contact with Callum Hedge sent him off track. Despite rejoining at the back of the 21-car field, Hauger salvaged an eighth-place finish. Hughes went on to win that race. As the series heads into the Detroit Grand Prix, Hauger leads the standings by 15 points over Hughes. The rookie battle resumes at 10:30 a.m. ET Sunday, airing on FS1 and the INDYCAR Radio Network. Andretti Dominance Faces Rowe Threat in Detroit Andretti Global has established a firm grip on INDY NXT by Firestone, winning 13 of the last 15 races dating back to Race 2 of the 2023 Indianapolis weekend. That run includes a win on the streets of Detroit last year by eventual series champion Louis Foster, and the team remains undefeated in 2025 – 4-for-4 through the opening stretch of the season. But as the series heads back to Detroit, another emerging force could disrupt that momentum: Myles Rowe. Driving for ABEL Motorsports, Rowe has quietly built a consistent start to the season. After opening the year with back-to-back fourth-place finishes at St. Petersburg and Barber Motorsports Park, Rowe surged with twin third-place results at the IMS road course earlier this month – his first career INDY NXT podiums. Now third in the championship standings, 53 points behind Hauger, Rowe enters Detroit with pace and experience. He finished fourth here last season with HMD Motorsports. Rowe looms as a serious contender, aiming to spoil the Andretti streak and insert himself into the title conversation. Collet Battles to Keep Pace Last year's INDY NXT Rookie of the Year, Caio Collet, arrived in 2025 with high hopes after a strong 2024 campaign that saw him finish third in points and claim a victory at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Returning to HMD Motorsports, the Brazilian driver set realistic championship goals. However, this season has proved challenging. Collet sits fourth in the standings, 70 points adrift of Hauger, and trails teammate Rowe by 17 points for third place. The adage 'it's getting late early' seems fitting as Andretti Global's rookies, Hauger and Hughes, pull away in the points battle. Collet showed flashes of speed, finishing runner-up to Foster in Detroit last season and again securing second place in the first IMS road course race this May. He also stood on the podium with a third-place finish in St. Petersburg. Yet a mechanical failure at Barber Motorsports Park, which relegated him to 19th, combined with a fifth-place finish in the IMS doubleheader finale have put him in a tough position. To keep championship hopes alive, Collet needs to transform podium appearances into victories—and do so consistently. Who Will Rise as Weekend's Breakout Story? While Andretti Global's rookies dominate the headlines, a clutch of drivers and teams are quietly building momentum and could emerge as the weekend's underdog story at Detroit. Jordan Missig impressed with a career-best sixth-place finish in St. Petersburg, driving the No. 48 ABEL Motorsports entry. His teammate, Jack William Miller, showed grit with a climb to ninth in Race 1 at the IMS road course. Meanwhile, Chip Ganassi Racing's Niels Koolen earned a career-best sixth a day later, signaling growth across the board. Evagoras Papasavvas turned heads with a stunning series debut, qualifying third and finishing second at Barber Motorsports Park for HMD Motorsports. One name to watch closely this weekend is ABEL Motorsports' Callum Hedge. The 2023 fourth-place points finisher and Detroit podium veteran sits eighth in the standings with just a single top-five finish this year, a fourth-place effort in Race 1 at IMS. Could Sunday's race mark his maiden INDY NXT victory? Pressure looms from HMD Motorsports teammates Josh Pierson and Liam Sceats. Pierson ranks sixth, riding a streak of four consecutive top-10 finishes, the best run he's had since 2023. That year, he put together five straight top-10s. Sceats, just 19, has quickly found his footing. After an 18th-place INDY NXT debut at St. Petersburg, he's not finished worse than eighth since. Adding to the intrigue, HMD Motorsports swept the inaugural Detroit weekend in 2023 with first career wins by Reece Gold and Nolan Siegel. History suggests the team could be primed for another strong showing this year. Track Specs: 1.645-mile, nine-turn street circuit Qualifying Record: Louis Foster, 1:05.1079, 90.957 mph, June 1, 2024 Push To Pass Parameters: 150 seconds of total time with a maximum time of 15 seconds per activation. recommended
