The Biggest Talking Points of Silly Season in NASCAR and IndyCar
We’re just past the halfway point of August, and the picture is starting to clear on where drivers will be racing in 2024. Retirements have been announced and postponed, and contracts have been signed and then torn up. Here’s a round-up of the biggest talking points of silly season so far for NASCAR and IndyCar:
1. McLaren’s Entry into IndyCar
One of the most exciting announcements of silly season is McLaren’s entry into the IndyCar series. After a 40-year absence, the legendary Formula 1 team is set to make a full-time return to American open-wheel racing. McLaren has partnered with Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports to form Arrow McLaren SP. This collaboration brings together the technical expertise of McLaren with the experienced team at Schmidt Peterson Motorsports.
McLaren’s entry into IndyCar is expected to bring a new level of competition to the series and attract more international attention. The team has already signed young Spanish driver Alex Palou to drive one of their cars, further adding to the anticipation surrounding their return.
2. Retirement Rumors and Postponements
Silly season is always filled with retirement rumors, and this year is no exception. One of the biggest names in NASCAR, Jimmie Johnson, has announced that 2020 will be his final full-time season. The seven-time Cup Series champion has had an illustrious career and will be missed by fans and competitors alike.
However, not all retirement announcements have come to fruition. Tony Stewart, a three-time Cup Series champion, had initially planned to retire at the end of the 2020 season. However, he recently announced that he will be postponing his retirement for another year and will continue racing in 2021.
3. Contract Signings and Shake-Ups
Contracts are a major part of silly season, with drivers often switching teams or signing extensions with their current teams. One notable signing is Brad Keselowski’s contract extension with Team Penske. Keselowski, the 2012 Cup Series champion, has been with Team Penske since 2010 and will continue to drive for the team for several more years.
Another significant shake-up is the departure of Erik Jones from Joe Gibbs Racing. After four seasons with the team, Jones will be moving to Richard Petty Motorsports for the 2021 season. This move provides Jones with a new opportunity to showcase his talent and potentially elevate his career.
4. The Future of NASCAR’s Next Gen Car
NASCAR’s Next Gen car has been a hot topic in silly season discussions. The new car, set to debut in 2022, aims to improve competition, reduce costs, and enhance driver safety. The Next Gen car features a single-source supplier model, with various manufacturers providing the bodywork and chassis components.
This change has sparked speculation about which manufacturers will participate in NASCAR and how it will impact the sport. While Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota have already committed to the Next Gen car, there are rumors of other manufacturers showing interest in joining NASCAR in the future.
5. IndyCar’s New Engine Regulations
IndyCar has also made significant announcements regarding its engine regulations for the future. The series plans to introduce a new engine formula in 2023, aiming to attract more manufacturers and increase competition. The new regulations will focus on hybrid powertrains, allowing for greater efficiency and sustainability.
This move aligns with the global trend towards electrification and showcases IndyCar’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements. The new engine regulations have generated excitement among fans and industry insiders, as they anticipate the potential for increased manufacturer involvement and innovation in the series.
In Conclusion
Silly season is a time of excitement and speculation in the world of motorsports. As retirements are announced, contracts are signed, and new regulations are introduced, the landscape of NASCAR and IndyCar continues to evolve. McLaren’s entry into IndyCar, retirement rumors, contract signings, the Next Gen car in NASCAR, and IndyCar’s new engine regulations are just a few of the major talking points during this silly season. Fans eagerly await the 2024 racing season to see how these developments will shape the future of these iconic racing series.
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