The 2019 Season is less than two weeks away and a few major changes have transpired in the IndyCar series over the offseason. A new title sponsor with NTT. Two new tracks on the schedule. A new season-long television partner in NBC. New safety innovations with the Advanced Frontal Protection (AFP) added to cars to improve cockpit safety, An exciting rookie class with 5 new Series drivers, along with a new team in DragonSpeed and new technical innovations such as the return of the LED position panel. You'll also see familiar faces as Scott Dixon goes for his sixth Championship, two-time World Champion Fernando Alonzo return for his second attempt at the Triple Crown of Motorsports!
TITLE SPONSOR. First, a new title sponsor for the series. NTT (Nippon Telegraph and Telephone) replaces Verizon with IndyCar sponsorship. Since 2013 NTT has been involved in IndyCar racing as a sponsor and partner with Chip Ganassi Racing and AJ Foyt Racing.
More than 80% of Fortune 100 companies trust NTT for security expertise and world-class services including consulting, cloud, networking and systems integration. Their parent company, NTT Data, is listed No. 55 on Forbes Global 500 listing, the 24th time they made the list. NTT explains their business as a fully integrated technology, networking and innovation services leader that helps enterprises exceed their digital transformation goals. Their partnership with INDYCAR will deliver digital innovations that will enhance the fan experience. The series is now known as NTT INDYCAR Series (NICS).
NEW VENUES.
CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS. Also known as COTA, this permanent road course 3.427 miles with 20 turns and 133 feet of elevation change on the circuit! Their first event was held in 2012 when they hosted Formula 1. Their first NICS event will be held on March 24. Two preseason tests by teams have been informative and the drivers describe the course as ‘challenging.’
WEATHER TECH RACEWAY AT LAGUNA SECA. Laguna will join the schedule as the final race of the 17 event, 2019 season, replacing Sonoma.The race will be held on September 22. Firestone will be the track’s title sponsor the next 2 years, now known as the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey. Located in the County of Monterey, the track is sometimes referred to as just Monterey. The permanent road course features 11 turns, 2.238 miles. The series returns to the facility after a 15 year absence. True to it’s IndyCar heritage, the track features such landmarks as the Andretti Hairpin in turn 2 and the Rahal Straight between turns 6 and 7.
SEASON-LONG TV COVERAGE. The NICS has signed a contract with NBC to televise or stream ALL events, including practice, qualifying and IndyLights events. The races will air on affiliate NBC stations and some on the NBCSN. (NBC Sports Network). They are now selling a IndyCar Pass, a NBC Sports Gold Package you can purchase to watch practice, qualifying and features. This is quite an improvement over previous television offerings, which split the series into two or more networks and should help the TV viewing fans eliminate confusion.
*Don't forget that INDYCAR Nation Premier Members (Pit Crew, Champion and Legend levels) receive a $10 discount on the INDYCAR Pass on NBC Gold*
ADVANCED FRONTAL PROTECTION. AFP will be fitted on all IndyCar race cars to improve cockpit safety. The AFP is a titanium piece is made by Dallara (chassis manufacture). The device is about 3” tall and averages ¾” in width. The piece is designed to deflect debris away from the driver. It will be positioned in front of the cockpit along the chassis centerline. It has undergone numerous strength tests and measures up to the currently used roll hoop, which will remain. The AFP will debut at the Indy 500 then be mandatory the rest of the season.
2019 ROOKIE CLASS. There are 6 drivers in the hunt for the Rookie of the Year title: Marcus Ericsson with Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports, Santino Ferucci for Dale Coyne Racing, Ban Hanley for DragonSpeed, Jack Harvery for Meyer Shank Racing with Arrow SPM, RC Enerson with Carlin and Colton Herta with Harding Steinbrenner Racing
FERNANDO ALONZO. Fernando Alonzo is a two-time Formula 1 champion. The native of Spain has retired from Formula 1 following the 2018 season. He tried his skill at the 2017 Indy 500 and led many laps driving for McLaren with assistance from Andretti Autosports. Fernando now wants to compete on the full NICS schedule eyeing an Indy 500 win. The McLaren entry will be associated with Carlin Motorsports. Fernando is a multi-linguist. He speaks Spanish, French, Italian and English. His first year running in the Indy 500, he secured the coveted title “Rookie Of The Year.” He was often spotted interacting with his fans, signing autographs and absorbing the atmosphere, usually sporting a huge smile. This international star will bring more world-wide attention to the series in 2019.
That is a quick summary, and hopefully will help you understand some of the changes that will affect the 2019 season. We hope you buy tickets and try a new venue or two!