Trackside Podcast

Tonight, on Trackside with Kevin Lee and Curt Cavin, they talk about last week's rain-shortened Indy 500 Open Testing, that ended up having defending winner, Josef Newgarden back on top and rookie, Kyle Larson right behind. They also read some questions from X.   Later in the show, Kevin and Curt preview the second largest race weekend of the season, the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. They continue to talk about which teams look good and teams that might need to see some improvement. With the month of May looming, so does 2025, and there are already looks for new faces in new places as Kevin and Curt discuss early silly season predictions.  Kevin ends the first hour of the show teasing the Indy 500 entry list and the newly joined team, Prema Racing.  In the second hour of Trackside, Kevin and Curt talk about previous Long Beach winners that became series champions and other successful Long Beach winners. They talk about the recent Dale Coyne Racing shakeup for Long Beach, with Jack Harvey returning to the #1

Tonight, Curt and Kevin talk about the Solar Eclipse and the viewing party IMS put on for it. Curt talks about how many people came to the Speedway that had never been there before. Kevin and Curt speculate on how fast Ed Carpenter was going when he made his laps around IMS before the eclipse. They talk about what would have happened if IndyCar decided to have their open test on the day of the eclipse, and Kevin gives a rundown of the open test schedule.  Later in the first hour of the show, Kevin and Curt go more in-depth into the open test, and who will have to do the rookie refresher. The two debate on if Conor Daly will have to do his refresher test or not.  Kevin and Curt round out the first hour clarifying on who will be competing in the open test. Kevin gives a review on the Vukovich: The Man Who Wouldn’t Lift that they talked about last week, and he talks about some interesting things he read in the book.   In the second hour of the show, they talk about Abel Motorsports and the likelihood of them rac

Tonight, Curt and Kevin talk about testing at IMS coming up. They also talk about a new book that Mark Montieth uncovered written by Angelo Angelopoulos about Bill Vukovich’s racing career. They talk about the eclipse at IMS and how IndyCar’s show 100 Days to Indy will help the series gain popularity. Kevin and Curt give updates on the state of the Long Beach Grand Prix, and Jerry Forsythe buying up Kevin Kalkhovin’s stock in the race.  Later in the first hour of the show, Kevin and Curt discuss the Thermal Grand Prix. They talk about how the race filled a big gap in the schedule, and allowed for people to keep talking about IndyCar, as opposed to radio-silence for several weeks. Curt believes that they should eliminate cars at the end of each lap to ensure more battling for position. Curt makes the point that the race at Thermal could lead to more sponsorship deals being made at the race with wealthy businesspeople.  Kevin rounds out the first hour looking at some tweets, answering questions including if NAS

Tonight, Curt and Kevin recap IndyCar’s first non-championship race since 2008. They give a rundown of what went right and wrong at Thermal Club, what the experience was like, and the fan experience. Kevin and Curt talk about the popularity of amenities in the area, including the popularity of ice cream with the driver. Kevin gives some insight on the life of a crew member, and how tough the job is. Kevin discusses how this race will benefit the Thermal Club, and the crowd size.  Later in the first hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about the upcoming test at IMS and how it will be streamed on Peacock. They discuss IMSA’s schedule being released, and what can be gleaned from IndyCar’s future schedule from the IMSA schedule. They talk about things that could be improved for next year at Thermal, and Kevin gives some suggestions on when the race could be next year.  Kevin rounds out the first hour previewing the second hour of the show.  In the second hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about seeing John E

Tonight, Curt and Kevin preview the Thermal Challenge this weekend! They delve into the rules of the event, and what viewers can expect from the race. Curt emphasizes the entertainment of the race, and how competitive it will be with the rules. They discuss the injury situation surrounding David Malukas, Callum Ilot’s performance thus far, and the number of tires each team gets at Thermal.  Later in the first hour of the show, Kevin and Curt take a look at the weather for the Thermal Club race. It is supposed to be a high of 70 on Sunday. Curt and Kevin talk about the weather will change the racing.  Kevin and Curt round out the first hour of the show reading some tweets. Kevin addresses fan concerns about pit stops during the race and how dusty the Thermal Club track will be. They address a fan request of expanding fuel tanks race-by-race, and tire degradation on the cars.  In the second hour of the show, Kevin and Curt recap the 12 Hours of Sebring. Kevin talks about how hard the track is to drive on at nig

Tonight, on an abbreviated episode of Trackside, Curt and Kevin recap the first race of the IndyCar season at St. Petersburg! They talk about Josef Newgarden’s dominating performance, and the skill that he has as a driver. They discuss Newgarden’s odds on winning the championship, and how the rest of the schedule looks, and how the schedule favors Newgarden more than other drivers. Curt points out how dominant Penske has been on the streets of St. Pete. They also talk about the Indy NXT race, won by Nolan Siegel. They talk about how Marcus Ericsson is calm and collected, and his reaction to the engine failure on Sunday.  Later in the first hour of the show, Kevin and Curt take you behind the scenes and talk about some of the production that went into the St. Petersburg IndyCar race. They answer some listener questions, including about the post-race show on Peacock. Kevin also gives updates on Jackson Lee’s racing career.  Kevin rounds out the first hour reading some more tweets. He also talks about Ganassi sp

Tonight, on an abbreviated episode of Trackside, Curt and Kevin preview the IndyCar season opener at St. Petersburg. They talk about some of the big news of the day, including Bon Jovi’s planned appearances at St. Pete, Callum Illot taking over the #6 McLaren car for David Malukas, and the possibility of his racing at Thermal. They also talk about the likelihood of Illot finding more success in IndyCar. Dale Coyne’s lineup also was announced, and Kevin and Curt discuss their drivers for 2024. The two also give their picks on season champion, Indy 500 champion, and rookie of the year!  Later in the first hour of the show, Kevin answers some fan questions. The two delve into the reasoning behind finishing the season before the NFL starts in September. Kevin is a supporter of the idea of starting earlier, and finishing earlier.   Kevin rounds out the first hour reading some more tweets, and talks about who the Michael Jordan of IndyCar is. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, Curt and Kevin recap the IndyCar test at Sebring. They talk about the possible lineup for Dale Coyne next year, including Jack Harvey. They also talk about the budget of some teams, and what drivers like Nolan Siegel bring to the table for a team like Dale Coyne. They also talk about Colin Braun and the possibility of him competing at IMS. They also talk about Callum Illot filling in for David Malukas at McLaren, and the reason Kevin thinks Illot will be the one in the seat come time for St. Pete.  Later in the first hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about where some engineers will go next season. They talk about how teams must keep up with Arrow McLaren in engineering. Kevin also talks about the Indy 500’s motto being stolen by F1, using a similar phrase: “the greatest spectacle in motorsports.” Kevin talks about how he thinks the errors in using IMS’s motto were probably caused by someone in an entry level social media position may have done without thinking.  Kevin rounds out the first hour pr

Tonight, on Trackside with Kevin Lee and Curt Cavin, they talk about the IndyCar season finale being moved to Nashville Superspeedway! Curt and Kevin dive into the reasoning behind the move, how the racing will be, and talk about start times announced Tuesday. They delve into the times for each race, and why IndyCar chose the times they did.  Later in the first hour of the show, Kevin talks about testing at Homestead Miami Speedway, and about teams waiting until the last minute to announce a driver, sometimes waiting until the day of the race. They talk about Nolan Siegal possibly racing for Dale Coyne this season, and also Callum Illot filling in for David Malukas.  Kevin rounds out the first hour previewing the second hour of the show.  In the second hour of the show, they talk about Takuma Sato rejoining Rahal-Letterman Lanigan this season, and a new position he has at Honda. They also address the news that Honda is looking at NASCAR as a possible option for a fourth engine manufacturer, and Kevin gives hi

Tonight, on Trackside with Kevin Lee and Curt Cavin, they give some information on David Malukas’s hand injury, and who might replace him on the upcoming race in St. Petersburg. They discuss how the injury could put Malukas behind because he could miss a hybrid test, and even the first race of the season. They weigh some of the possible drivers that could fill in for Malukas, including Conor Daly and Tony Kanaan. They also got into some open seats and who could fill them, like Dale Coyne Racing. They round out the first segment by listing possible unannounced entries for the Indy 500.  Later in the first hour of the show, Kevin and Curt recap Kyle Larson’s test session at Phoenix and how he almost lost control of the car, and how that experience could benefit him in adjusting to IndyCar racing.  Kevin rounds out the first hour answering some listener questions, including how much turnover contract-wise there will be next season.  In the second hour of the show, Kevin starts things by reading a few more fan tw

Tonight, on Trackside with Kevin Lee and Curt Cavin, they talk about Conor Daly and Ryan Hunter-Reay signing to DRR and recap the Kyle Larson test. They talk about how important it is to have Kyle Larson competing in the Indianapolis 500 this year. Kevin discusses the success of crossover drivers from NASCAR in the past, including Robby Gordon, Tony Stewart, and John Andretti. They talked about the financial status of DRR, and the likelihood of the team going full time soon. Curt talks about the possibility of RC Enerson and Abel Motorsports competing at the 500 also.  Later in the first hour of the show, Kevin talks about a controversial topic, a charter system. Kevin explains that owners in other sports can cash out, something that does not exist in IndyCar under the current Leader Circle system. Kevin explains that that is the business of the sport, and how this could lead to guaranteed spots at the IMS. Curt lists some of the most surprising DNQs at IMS, and the importance of a team making the race.  Kevi

Tonight, on Trackside with Kevin Lee and Curt Cavin, they talk about Porsche Penske getting the overall win in the 24 Hours of Daytona with drivers Felipe Nasr, Matt Campbell, Dane Cameron, and defending Indy 500 winner, Josef Newgarden. With that came somewhat of a controversial finish as IMSA race officials ended the race prematurely. This was also Roger Penske’s first win at the 24 Hours of Daytona since 1969. They also talk about how the other IndyCar drivers performed in the race.   Later in the show, Kevin and Curt talk more about the upcoming Brad Pitt racing movie as they get a little more insight into what it’s about. They also talk more about the engine suppliers for the Indy 500 and for the future of the sport.  Kevin ends the show by reading some questions on Twitter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, on Trackside with Kevin Lee and Curt Cavin, they talk about Simon Pagenaud’s recent social media post giving an update on his condition after the Mid-Ohio crash that took him out of contention for the remainder of last season. Then they look more into the list of IndyCar drivers who are competing in this weekend's 24 Hours of Daytona and make their picks for the race. They also talk about Brad Pitt’s upcoming racing movie that is being filmed at Daytona. They wrap up the first segment of the show discussing the recent testing at Homestead.   Later in the show, Kevin and Curt are joined by IMSA LMP2 driver and defending 24 Hours of Daytona overall champion, Colin Braun! Colin talks about his win from last year and having Helio Castroneves, Tom Blomqvist, and Pagenaud as his teammates. Then Colin talks about the recent rumors about him potentially driving for Dale Coyne Racing in IndyCar for the season.   Kevin ends the show with some final silly season updates with Dale Coyne Racing, Marco Andretti, a

Kevin and Curt talk about 2024 Content Day, IndyCar in the 24 Hours of Daytona, and Simon Sikes Joins!  Tonight, on Trackside with Kevin Lee and Curt Cavin, they talk about the recent Content Day and have their takes on the driver's perspective on how they feel about this season and in the future of the sport. They also talk about the recent Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs Wild Card Game that was streamed exclusively on Peacock, and how IndyCar could try to grow from what the NFL did.  Later in the first hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about the recent alliance for Cape Motorsports with Andretti Global for the upcoming Indy NXT Series. They also talk about a possible season two for 100 Days to Indy and a possible streaming home for the first season. They also talk more about the latest news from Honda and more about the possibility of an exhibition race in Argentina.  Kevin and Curt round out the first hour briefly recapping this past weekend’s Chili Bowl.  In the second hour of the show, Kevin an

Tonight on Trackside with Kevin Lee and Curt Cavin, they discuss the recent resigning of Santino Ferrucci to A.J. Foyt Enterprises and where that leaves Benjamin Pedersen. They also discuss if Callum Ilott will make a comeback for a part-time schedule if his WEC schedule allows it. They also discuss a potential third Foyt car for the 108th Indy 500 and who could be the driver. Then they talk about who could be the final two drivers for Dale Coyne Racing. They wrap up the first segment talking about the recent passings of Indy 500 champion, Gil de Ferran and Daytona 500 champion, Cale Yarborough.   Later in the first hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about and discuss some Tweets and the Chili Bowl.  Kevin rounds out the first hour previewing the second hour.  In the second hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about upcoming races such as the Chili Bowl and the 24 Hours of Daytona. They even talk about the recent signing with IndyCar and iRacing. Finally, they talk about renegotiations with Texas Motor Sp

Tonight, on Trackside with Kevin Lee and Curt Cavin, they talk about Josef Newgarden’s face reveal on the Borg-Warner Trophy from his recent Indianapolis 500 victory. They also discuss Sting Ray Robb’s recent signing to A.J. Foyt Enterprises and if the second car will be occupied by either Benjamin Pedersen or Santino Ferrucci. Then they close out the first segment with more talks about Honda’s negotiations with IndyCar.  Later in the first hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about who could end up driving for Dale Coyne Racing next season, rumors such as Devlin DeFrancesco or Callum Ilott or Benjamin Pedersen and more.  Kevin rounds out the first hour previewing the second hour.  In the second hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about silly season rumors for next season especially about Juri Vips and others. They also discussed Will Power, Romain Grosjean, and Colton Herta on who will have a turnaround year in 2024. Finally, what race will be rewatched the most during the off season.  During the second h

Tonight, on Trackside with Kevin Lee and Curt Cavin, they discuss Alex Palou’s new sponsorship, DHL. They also delve into the details of Honda’s comments on leaving IndyCar if the costs to compete don’t go down. Kevin talks about the importance of the hybrid, and fan feelings on it. They also talk about the possibility of a third engine manufacturer. The two discuss the speed of the hybrid, and how it will do at Indy.  Later in the first hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about more details involving DHL leaving Andretti to go to Ganassi, and what spurred that decision. Kevin proposes some other engine manufacturers that could replace Honda if worse comes to worse.   Kevin rounds out the first hour previewing the second hour.  In the second hour of the show, Kevin and Curt debate Callum Ilott’s possible return to the Indy 500 now that he has a WEC ride lined up for next season. Kevin sheds some insight on crossing the white line at IMS during the 500, and the status on that type of maneuver in 2024. Curt t

Tonight, on Trackside with Kevin Lee and Curt Cavin, Kevin previews the upcoming show. Kevin talks about the Pacers game on national television, and how it compares to the race coming up at Thermal Club. Curt talks about how fans should keep an open mind for Thermal Club. They also talk about the NASCAR TV deal coming up, and how streaming only races will happen soon. They also compare the two TV schedules for IndyCar and NASCAR.  Later in the first hour of the show, Kevin talks about NASCAR’s Championship Banquet, and what NASCAR Drivers may compete in the Indy 500 in the future. They also talk about the coverage the Indy 500 is getting even though it Is still several months out.  Kevin rounds out the first hour answering some questions from tweets.  In the second hour of the show, Curt is joined by Dave "Poppy" Popielarz, who is a former crew chief and also restores race cars for the IMS Museum. He talks about how he got into racing, the first drivers he got to know well, and what kind of drivers he was a f

Tonight, on Trackside with Kevin Lee and Curt Cavin, Linus Lundqvist joins the show live in studio! Lundqvist talks to Kevin about how it feels to be racing for Chip Ganassi Racing for 2024. He also reflects on his time with Meyer Shank Racing, and how it feels to take Marcus Ericsson’s place. He talks about how hard he worked to get the ride and get into IndyCar in general. He also talks about his humble beginnings and his early days of racing with his family running his team. Lundqvist also talks a little about hybrid engines.  Later in the first hour of the show, Curt and Kevin talk about Alex Palou’s legal woes, and how Palou needed to have it in writing that he was going to get a chance at F1.   Kevin rounds out the first hour reading some tweets including car counts in Indy NXT. In the second hour of the show, they talk more about Jamie Chadwick and a commercial that she did for IBM. They also preview the James Hinchcliffe segment and talk about what he may be doing next season. They talk about some pos

Tonight, on Trackside with Kevin Lee and Curt Cavin, the two recap the F1 race in Las Vegas, and IndyCar tickets going on sale, including Milwaukee. They also talk about why some IndyCar fans were not onboard with the Las Vegas F1 race. They also talk about circuit issues, and the manhole covers during the F1 practices, and compare them to prior IndyCar incidents. They also discuss how IndyCar can benefit from the success of F1.   Later in the first hour of the show, Curt previews an upcoming interview with Jeff Gluck, and the two talks about car counts for the Indianapolis 500 so far, and for the rest of the season. Kevin breaks down what seats will be open for the 500. They also talk about some of the one-off drivers who could compete in the 500 this year that have not been announced yet. They also give their thoughts on whether there will be 38 cars or not.  Kevin rounds out the first hour looking at a few more options for one-off 500 rides, including Callum Ilott and James Hinchcliffe.   In the second hou