2016 IndyCar Series Rumors thread

Now that the 2015 season has concluded, we look ahead to 2016, as well as the much anticipated schedule that we are waiting to be released sometime in the near future. Some things of note that we can look forward to in 2016, as well as some things that we might be looking forward to...

*The 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. The hype for this race is already through the roof, but the biggest rumor for this is the fact that Alex Zanardi is looking to get a ride for this race, and here's the mind blowing fact: Zanardi has never competed in the 500. What?! How could one of the best open-wheel drivers of all-time NOT start in the Indy 500? Hopefully, that's a travesty that'll be corrected, and some people think that Jimmy Vasser might give him that ride. Fingers crossed.

*St. Petersburg, Long Beach, GP of Indy and the Dual in Detroit all retain their spots on the schedule, obviously.

*As it turns out, Toronto is not only returning to its original July date, but it will return to being a TWINBILL EVENT. HYEP!!!11!1

*The two newest additions to the schedule (even more hyep), Road America and the street race in Boston, will take place on June 26 and September 4. I still think September 4 is a bit too early to end the schedule, so I don't know if they're planning on adding any races beyond that.

*Also on the rumor mill is the possibility of Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez coming to the schedule as the season opening event, which would make sense considering that IndyCar is looking to start the season in February next year.

*And we do know that Phoenix is very close to a deal, and it looks like the potential date for that race is early April.

*I'm also expecting Barber, Texas, Mid-Ohio and Iowa to return, considering that those have been longtime venues, although I personally wish they wouldn't go back to TMS. That track is garbage. There are rumors that Homestead and Richmond are being considered as well, but I'm personally hoping for the Round of the Photo Finish to return to the schedule... Chicagoland. And I hope that Circuit of the Americas at the very least gets a consideration. Laguna Seca is also being considered.

*A few of the races that won't be returning for sure are Auto Club (grr) and NOLA (obvious reasons). Still not sure if Pocono or Sonoma will return next year or not. Milwaukee is 'penciled in' as of right now, but they might need a new promoter with Andretti Sports Marketing shutting down.

Just some of the stuff I could think of off the top of my head.

Where did the Sonoma rumor of them not coming back come from? The only thing i've heard is an old rumor that Laguna and Sonoma can't run on the same schedule but that doesn't seem true. Also if attendance was the worry then they'll be back, the race while it didn't beat Nascar on attendance was at the very least in the ball park of being comparable. (Like slightly less but pretty close)

In team news, I hear that Jack Harvey might be moving up to Indycar next year with Schmidt.

Edit: Actually according to Indystar, not only is Sonoma back next year it might also might be retaining it's spot as the season finale.

spoiler: the schedule will still be too short, and go to terrible tracks

Sparkz47 wrote:So, Phoenix confirmed I guess?

From what I've heard, it has been confirmed, and it's date is set for April 2nd. Probably will be a 250 lap race.

Sparkz47 wrote:So, Phoenix confirmed I guess?

If it's coming straight from the horses mouth why wouldn't it be?

After looking at some of the rumors about certain tracks being considered, I just realized that if everything falls into place, we could have as many as 22 races next year... that is, IF everything falls into place.

The races that we know are on the schedule for sure are St. Pete, Phoenix, Long Beach, GP of Indy, Indy 500, twinbill at Detroit, Road America, twinbill at Toronto, and Boston. That's 11 races total.

The ones that haven't really had any announcements about returning but we're pretty positive will be returning based on past history are Barber, Texas, Iowa, Mid-Ohio and Sonoma. That brings the total to 16 races.

Two races that are kind of iffy at the moment are Milwaukee and Pocono, although IndyCar has expressed interest in remaining at both venues. Milwaukee is in need of a new promoter, though. That brings the total to 18 races.

And then there are the ones that are rumored to be in negotiations with IndyCar, those being Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Homestead-Miami, Richmond and Laguna Seca. That brings the total up to 22 races.

I don't know if this will actually happen, but if we can get at least 20 races minimum for 2016, I'll be extremely pleased.

Also, assuming that everything does make the schedule (again, hoping against hope), since they said the schedule will more than likely start in February and end in September, here's what I think would be a likely schedule based on past history and where current races are placed right now...

1. 2/28 - Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez - RC
2. 3/13 - St. Petersburg - SC
3. 3/27 - Homestead-Miami - OV
4. 4/2 - Phoenix - OV
5. 4/17 - Long Beach - SC
6. 4/24 - Barber - RC
7. 5/14 - GP of Indy - RC
8. 5/29 - 100th Indy 500 - OV
9. 6/4 - Detroit Race 1 - SC
10. 6/5 - Detroit Race 2 - SC
11. 6/11 - Texas - OV
12. 6/26 - Road America - RC
13. 7/3 or 7/10 - Milwaukee - OV
14. 7/16 - Toronto Race 1 - SC
15. 7/17 - Toronto Race 2 - SC
16. 7/23 - Iowa - OV
17. 8/7 - Mid-Ohio - RC
18. 8/13 - Richmond - OV
19. 8/28 - Pocono - OV
20. 9/4 - Boston - SC
21. 9/18 - Sonoma - RC
22. 9/25 - Laguna Seca - RC

I seriously doubt the schedule will look like this, but this would be the best look for it, IMO.

#BringBackBertrand

More wishful thinking than a rumour, but please. Make it happen.

tommykl wrote:#BringBackBertrand

More wishful thinking than a rumour, but please. Make it happen.

I'll be okay with it, but only if he's sponsored by a baking company.

Here's what is known about new races:
* Boston is confirmed for Labor Day weekend in 2016
* Road America is confirmed
* Phoenix is likely to return, possibly in April
* Homestead Miami and Richmond are possible.
* Cleveland may be back, but for 2017 and not next year.
* New Orleans is probably gone. With Andretti leaving the promotion business the event would need a new promoter, but it doesn't sound like IndyCar management wants the race back, and have given more time to a return to past venues like Cleveland, Road America, Phoenix, and Houston than New Orleans
* I have no idea if Milwaukee is back or not

tommykl wrote:#BringBackBertrand

More wishful thinking than a rumour, but please. Make it happen.

He's been playing over in SuperGT last i checked

As disappointing as it is to me to know that Fontana isn't returning, I'm very excited for the 2016 schedule to be released. I'm greatly anticipating the return of Road America, and am hoping for Laguna Seca to join the calendar, as well! Last year's race at Milwaukee may not have been the season's most captivating, but I really want the Mile and Pocono to return, also.

I think that it's unfortunate that NOLA won't be getting a second chance next season. The weather during the race weekend there this year really prevented it from being able to show any potential that it may have as a professional racing circuit. I honestly think that it would make a great IndyCar track, but it seems that the series won't be returning in the near future.

Even if the venues are good, I can't see how running a 5-month season could be better for the series, and I hope that we get some races before the weekend at St. Petersburg and after the one at Boston.

Alta wrote:

tommykl wrote:#BringBackBertrand

More wishful thinking than a rumour, but please. Make it happen.

He's been playing over in SuperGT last i checked

Playing being a term used very loosely. He's been stuck in the worst GT500 package for a while. He lead for a bit at the biggest race of the year though, but then was never heard from again. As usual.

Newgarden staying with Fisher.

Road America times looking equal to the heydays of champ car.

Here is a short article on the reactions of some of the drivers to Tuesday's testing session at Road America...

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/120942

and some pictures from the article, as well.

http://sports.usatoday.com/2015/10/07/indycar-2016-schedule-announcement-close/

(sigh)

Well, Mexico isn't opening the season for at least another year, and it looks like it'll be a 16-race schedule once again.

I'd prefer it to be at least 20 races, but it is what it is.

One of the intriguing notes of that article is a "highly likely" race for October 13th. Hmmmm....

Stefan Wilson is looking for a ride in the Indy 500 next year, has a sponsor in the "Think Solar"program. Good to see his brother's accident isn't stopping his racing dreams, hope he gets a shot.

Alta wrote:One of the intriguing notes of that article is a "highly likely" race for October 13th. Hmmmm....

Fontana?!? ... I can be optimistic.

In seriousness, I would very much like to see a race at Gateway Motorsports Park! I suppose we'll have to wait and see.

Not sure what that could be. Laguna Seca maybe? Fontana's promoters said that they wanted to have a season ending race, and October would be a season ending race. I'm glad they seem to have abandoned the end the season before September thing. They lost some good races (Houston, Baltimore) with that strategy that should really still be on the calendar.

By the way Boston isn't looking particularly good... I hope they figure it out. IndyCar bosses are pretty confident about the race.

....

Okay i'm dumb, i misread that October 13th quote...That's when the board will decide on the schedule.

By the way, guys, Pocono is returning for 2016.

http://www.racer.com/indycar/item/122635-indycar-pocono-set-to-return-in-2016

Sparkz47 wrote:By the way, guys, Pocono is returning for 2016.

http://www.racer.com/indycar/item/122635-indycar-pocono-set-to-return-in-2016

Schedule as of Now
Mar. 13 - Firestone St. Petersburg Grand Prix
???Apr. 2 - Phoenix
Apr. 17 - Toyota Long Beach Grand Prix
Apr. 24 - Honda Grand Prix of Alabama
May 14 - Grand Prix of Indianapolis
May 29 - Indianapolis 500
June 4/5 - Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix
June 11 - Firestone 600
June 26 - TBA (Road America)
July 17 - Honda Indy Toronto
July 31 - Honda 200 (Mid Ohio)
???Aug ?? - Iowa Corn Indy 300?
Aug 21 - ABC Supply Sunoco 500 at Pocono
???Sept. 4 - Grand Prix of Boston???
Sept 18 - GoPro Sonoma Grand Prix

Boston is technically on the schedule but is sadly in doubt due to political issues. Phoenix seems like a pretty strong possibility. I haven't heard anything about Iowa but I assume it will be back. Gateway and Milwaukee are also possibilities.

Alpineopossum wrote:
Boston is technically on the schedule but is sadly in doubt due to political issues. .

Uhhh you got a link to this, everything i've seen seems to show that everything's going to plan

The Boston issue is that the local condo owner association is in revolt over the race, as they have all sorts of complaints about it. Massport will not be funding the race, so they may have to convince the city to pitch in with money.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/09/29/south-boston-condo-owners-tell-mayor-walsh-they-not-want-grand-prix-race-their-neighborhood/NNWRtA0pyrTK7MiqJo6DOM/story.html

IndyCar still plans to race there, but these legal issues have stopped a several events in the past. I'm still optimistic.

Apologies for the Double Post, but there has been some news.

A new team has popped up looking to do a limited schedule owned by Connecticut based Will Marotti. The team is 80 percent there, so this seems like it has a decent chance of happening. Right now they are planning on running the Indianapolis 500 and the Grand Prix of Indianapolis, but they are looking to also run more oval races as well as the new event in Boston, which would be the team's home race. They are partnering with an unnamed current team for their campaign.

As of right now, here is the likely entry list.

AJ Foyt Enterprises - 14 - Takuma Sato
AJ Foyt Enterprises - 41 - Jack Hawksworth
Andretti - 26 - Carlos Munoz
Andretti - 27 - Marco Andretti
Andretti - 28 - Ryan Hunter Reay
Carpenter/Fisher - 20 - Ed Carpenter/Luca Fillippi
Carpenter/Fisher - 67 - Josef Newgarden
Coyne - 18 - ???
Coyne - 19 - ???
Ganassi - 8 - Sage Karam/Sebastian Saavedra
Ganassi - 9 - Scott Dixon
Ganassi - 10 - Tony Kanaan
Ganassi - 83 - Charlie Kimball
Grace Autosport - ?? - Katherine Legge
Herta/Agajanian - 98 - Gabby Chaves
KV - 4 - ???
KV - 11 - Sébastien Bourdais
KV/Byrd's - 88 - Bryan Clauson (Indy only)
Mattoli Racing - ?? - ??? (Indy GP and 500, possibly more)
Rahal Letterman - 15 - Graham Rahal
Rahal Letterman - 16 - Spencer Pigot (part time)
Schmidt Peterson - 5 - James Hinchcliffe
Schmidt Peterson - 7 - James Jakes
Team Penske - 2 - Juan Pablo Montoya
Team Penske - 3 - Helio Castroneves
Team Penske - 12 - Will Power
Team Penske - 22 - Simon Pagenaud

Possible Entries
Andretti - 25 - Simona de Silvestro? Oriol Servia?
Carpenter - 6 - JR Hildebrand?
Ganassi/AFS - 17 - Sebastian Saavedra
Coyne - 63 - Pippa Mann?
Dreyer & Reinbold - 24 - Townsend Bell?
Lazier - 91 - Buddy Lazier
Schmitt - 43 - Conor Daly? Ryan Briscoe?
Schmitt/SMP - 77 - Mikhail Aleshin?

Matthew Brabham said recently he's close to a deal for at least the Indy 500.

I've heard about Munoz possibly going to KV. No idea what Andretti would do in that case.

Update on Boston: According to both Racer.com and the Boston Herald, Boston GP race promoters are meeting with Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker over their contracts with state agencies. Governor Baker confirmed the meeting, telling reporters that: "We really need all the players on the state side to sit down in one room with the folks from the IndyCar program and have them, in a great excruciating level of detail, work through what their expectations are about this, how they think it's supposed to work and what they think it is they're looking for from us."

Four state agencies are involved here: MassDOT, Massport (the organization which controls the state's seaports. The track is in the Boston Seaport, so Massport is directly involved), the Mass. Convention Center Authority (the Boston Convention Center is inside the track and I believe would play a roll in the event, perhaps as paddock space) and the MBTA.

This seems to be an encouraging sign. At the very least it shows that some very powerful people are interesting in working things out to make the race happen. That said, involvement from a state's governor does not guarantee a race's success. Just ask Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, who appeared at the press conference for the announcement of last year's New Orleans race and strongly supported the event. Despite this, the Louisiana Grand Prix disappeared from the calendar after one year.

LINK: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/local_coverage/2015/11/charlie_baker_indycar_in_talks_with_state_agencies_over_boston_race

Here is the layout of the street circuit that is scheduled to host the race in the Seaport District of Boston in 2016.


Image found in this article, which explains some of the potential challenges that the Grand Prix may bring to the city but the supporters of the race are working to avoid:

https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/11/08/indycar-has-mixed-record-other-cities/k5PoNfr6dbNWBTBrSw6VLL/story.html

Kinda reminds me of the Houston layout. For some reason those 5+ 90 degree corners amuse me lol.

Alpineopossum wrote: That said, involvement from a state's governor does not guarantee a race's success. Just ask Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, who appeared at the press conference for the announcement of last year's New Orleans race and strongly supported the event. Despite this, the Louisiana Grand Prix disappeared from the calendar after one year.

I think that had more to do with the way the event was handled in the first place. NOLA was not fit to host a race in the first place. The track was an SCCA track at best. It would be like if IndyCar decided to host a race at Nelson's Ledges.

Former NASCAR team manager Jay Frye has been announced as the new president of IndyCar. Frye has been IndyCar's chief revenue officer for the last two years. Frye managed MB2 Motorsports, Ginn Racing, and Red Bull Racing during his time in NASCAR.

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/2015/11/12/exclusive-jay-frye-named-indycar-president/75651076/

f1fan12 wrote:

Alpineopossum wrote: That said, involvement from a state's governor does not guarantee a race's success. Just ask Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, who appeared at the press conference for the announcement of last year's New Orleans race and strongly supported the event. Despite this, the Louisiana Grand Prix disappeared from the calendar after one year.

I think that had more to do with the way the event was handled in the first place. NOLA was not fit to host a race in the first place. The track was an SCCA track at best. It would be like if IndyCar decided to host a race at Nelson's Ledges.

That would be a fantastic idea.

Munoz back at Andretti next year.

Ganassi is probably in financial troubles due to Karam's repair bills. He's bad fast on ovals, but he has been reckless even to the point of borderline dangerous at times on Road Courses.

Karam i honestly though his speed would get him another chance, actually really surprised he's gone.

Karam was very quick on some of the ovals and at Detroit that one practice session, but other than that he was probably slower than Saavedra.

RetrogradeRenegade wrote:Karam was very quick on some of the ovals and at Detroit that one practice session, but other than that he was probably slower than Saavedra.

The difference is this was Karam's first full season on the Road Courses. Can't expect people to be bad fast everywhere instantly. 

As a huge Karam fan, this news upsets me. I thought he had a lot of potential. Hopefully he gets picked up by another team.

Ben Atkins wrote:

RetrogradeRenegade wrote:Karam was very quick on some of the ovals and at Detroit that one practice session, but other than that he was probably slower than Saavedra.

The difference is this was Karam's first full season on the Road Courses. Can't expect people to be bad fast everywhere instantly. 

Yeah, but the only thing worse than being slow is being slow and getting involved in a ton of incidents, and that's what Karam was doing. It's not like he's never driven on a road course, before, either - he won on 2 of them in 2012 in Star Mazdas, and won at Houston in Indy Lights.

Specific aerodynamic components will be tethered to the cars next year in an attempt to minimize debris produced from collisions. This will include the nose and the front wing main plane on ovals that are at least 1.5 miles in length.

http://www.indycar.com/News/2015/11/11-24-INDYCAR-enhances-safety-elements

http://www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/mikhail-aleshin-set-for-return-to-schmidt-peterson/

Mikhail Aleshin coming back in 2016.

Alta wrote:http://www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/mikhail-aleshin-set-for-return-to-schmidt-peterson/

Mikhail Aleshin coming back in 2016.

He's got money but he can drive fast. Just hope for his sake Foyt isn't feeling well enough to kick his ass if he wrecks one of A.J.'s cars...

http://www.racer.com/indycar/item/124263-indycar-brabham-secures-indy-500-drive#!1961_Indy_5006

Matt Brabham has confirmed a Indy 500 ride with the incoming team Pirtek Team Murray (who has support from KV)

Conor Daly will drive for Dale Coyne in the #18 car, and Coyne's Indy-only venture will be the #88 car with Bryan Clauson at the helm for those people deluded enough to think sprint car guys can hack it in an Indycar these days...

http://www.racer.com/indycar/item/124466-indycar-daly-clauson-confirm-coyne-deals-with-jonathan-byrd-s-backing

I assume Pippa's out of her Indy-only ride at Coyne, and on merit alone she probably doesn't deserve it... there is the #19 car though...

Cynon wrote:Conor Daly will drive for Dale Coyne in the #18 car, and Coyne's Indy-only venture will be the #88 car with Bryan Clauson at the helm for those people deluded enough to think sprint car guys can hack it in an Indycar these days...

http://www.racer.com/indycar/item/124466-indycar-daly-clauson-confirm-coyne-deals-with-jonathan-byrd-s-backing

I assume Pippa's out of her Indy-only ride at Coyne, and on merit alone she probably doesn't deserve it... there is the #19 car though...

I see in other places that Pippa will be on her same part-time deal that she had in 2015. Also 2nd full-time car to be announced 3 days before St. Pete most likely.

So......Francesco Dracone tested for Coyne yesterday.

Alta wrote:So......Francesco Dracone tested for Coyne yesterday.

Hopefully it's just a test that leads nowhere like Luyendyk Jr had last year...

And no official press release since it's coming from a friend of mine in the racing industry, but JR Hildebrand is almost certainly back with CFR for the Indy 500 next year.