Trackside Podcast Trackside

Tonight on Trackside, Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee talk about the massive TV deal IndyCar landed with Fox Sports, and how every single race will be on Network TV. We also talk about Nolan Siegal taking over Theo Pourchaire’s seat. Kevin and Curt talks about how Siegel has talent, but he also has a budget behind him that can benefit McLaren, especially with his dad’s connections to Fortune 500 companies. Kevin talks about how business is important in motorsports, and Siegel’s connections are perfect for the team. 

Later in the the first hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about why McLaren has had such controversy with retaining drivers, and how easy it is to get fired in racing, and how drivers can make it difficult for teams to get rid of them. Kevin talks about the return of Agustin Canapino, and why he wasn’t ready for Road America. They also touch on Canapino admitting he did not handle the situation with Pourchaire correctly. 

To round out the first hour, Kevin heads to the Xbox to read some questions sent to him by listeners, including the musical chairs at McLaren. 

In the second hour of the show, Kevin and Curt delve more into the broadcasting schedule with Fox in 2025. They delve into how the 500 will be covered on Fox, and the fact that the season ends before the NFL starts. They talk about changes in the schedule, including moving race dates, and Thermal becoming a points race. Curt talks about how much clearer of a path Fox has for summer sports than NBC has, and the streaming component of the series. Indy NXT will also be on television, airing on FS1, which will build popularity for the series. Kevin also talks about the likelihood of his working for Fox next season. 

Later in the second hour, Kevin and Curt talk about how Kanaan played a role in helping David Malukas at McLaren and answered some information on if Texas would return to the schedule. Kevin talks about why the IndyCar schedule is essentially the same as last year.  

Kevin ends the show recapping what they missed during the rest of the show. 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Trackside, we recap Penske’s dominant performance at Road America, and what led to their success. We hear about the reason why Will Power’s celebration was so emotional in victory lane after his win, and the health problems his wife has had. They also talk about the likelihood of Power retiring after his contract expires, and why he is considering stepping away from racing in the future. They also talk about how the tires performed on the track, and how that led to different strategies during the race. They also talk about Newgarden running into the back of Colton Herta, which ruined Herta’s race, and Herta’s harsh comments on the officiating. 

Later in the the first hour of the show, Curt and Kevin provide a brief recap of Milwaukee testing, including David Malukas’ performance, and how the track handled. They also talk about the state of the Iowa track, and how messy the surface is after NASCAR had parts of it repaved. 

To round out the first hour, Kevin talks about the Le Mans broadcast, and Jackson Lee’s Michelin Pilot Challenge race that he ran over the weekend. He talks about the crowd and atmosphere there, and how the car performed for him. 

In the second hour of the show, Curt and Kevin delve into IndyCar hybrid testing with Eric Smith of IndyCar.com. Smith talks about the changes to the track since the last visit in 2015, and how pit road feels a lot better than it has in previous years. He talks about what the drivers used the session for, and their thoughts on the engine. They also talk about the amount of studying that will go into the new engines to get a leg-up over the competition. He also talks about David Malukas and his thoughts on the test. 

Later in the second hour, Kevin and Curt go more into detail about the race at Road America, and Agustin Canapino’s absence from the race. They also talk about Nolan Siegel filling in for Canapino at Road America, and how he performed, and the future for him in IndyCar. They also discuss Canapino and how sponsors view him. 

Kevin ends the show looking at some listener tweets, and a little more on the Milwaukee test. 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Trackside, we recap a crazy Detroit Grand Prix. Curt and Kevin recap the Grand Prix and talk about their reaction to it. They also talk about Kyle Larson’s waiver finally being granted by NASCAR, and controversy with Agustin Canapino and Theo Pourchaire. Kevin believes that racing is a financial business, and even if the track is not perfect, there is serious financial gain to be had from racing at this location. He believes that having one wreck-filled race a year is not all that bad for teams, and fans like chaos. 

Later in the the first hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about Scott Dixon. We hear about how Alex Palou’s season has not been as dominant as it had been in previous years, and now Scott Dixon is a challenger for the championship win. They talk about Scott Dixon approaching AJ Foyt’s win record, and if he can surpass it in his career. 

To round out the first hour, Kevin answers some listener questions, like lack of fans at oval races, Ed Carpenter swapping cars, and more. 

In the second hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about Flavor Flav, and his being Will Power’s hype man. Kevin recounts a story of Power at qualifying in Detroit, and how Flav made sure he was in the camera shot during an interview to promote his brand. We talk about Will Power’s comments during the race about race control and answer other listener questions. They also talk about David Malukas and what team he could come back and race for this season and next season, and Tom Blomqvist being removed from Meyer-Shank. They also talk about the conflict with Santino Ferrucci and Kyle Kirkwood. 

Later in the second hour, Kevin and Curt talk about the controversy with Agustin Canapino and Theo Pourchaire, and the threats Pourchaire received for crashing with Canapino during the race. We hear about IndyCar’s stance on the issue, what Canapino had to say, and how Juncos is taking the controversy, and how hard it would be to regulate these types of threats. 

Kevin ends the show paying homage to racing legend Parnelli Jones. It was announced that Jones passed during the show, and Kevin talks about his accomplishments, and we hear a statement from PJ Jones, Parnelli’s son. 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Trackside, we recap a thrilling and historic Indianapolis 500! Curt and Kevin give all the details on Josef Newgarden’s second 500 win in a row, the last lap pass on Pato O’Ward, details you may have missed, and more! Kevin and Curt delve into the TV ratings, and what caused them to shoot up the way they did. They talk about the likelihood of moving the start time later, and how that wouldn’t be a good idea, and how accurate weather predictions were the day before the race. 

Later in the the first hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about how historically impressive it was for Josef to win two in a row, the first time since Helio Castroneves in 2002. They go over some historical stats to show how important the race was in the history of the 500, and how Newgarden is the first American to win back-to-back since Al Unser in 1970-71. They also hit on the fact that Dixon has led more Indy 500s than anyone. 

To round out the first hour, Kevin talks about Stewart-Haas shutting the doors of their NASCAR team. They talk about what may happen to the drivers on the team, and if Haas plans on leaving F1 and if Andretti will buy the F1 team to get on the grid. 

In the second hour of the show, Kevin and Curt talk about if the race was one of the best ever. Regardless, the fans were entertained. They talk about the red flags during the race last year, and how this year felt more natural and proper as the last part of the race had a long green flag stint. They talk about IndyCar drivers competing in NASCAR races, and the likelihood of more of these cross overs in the future. They also answer listener questions about why the race was so competitive and talk about Sting Ray Robb’s performance. 

Later in the second hour, Kevin and Curt talk about Kyle Larson, and how he believes he let everyone down. We hear about the tug of war between Larson’s NASCAR team and his IndyCar team. Larson has not received his waiver, and if he will come back next year to race after this year’s let down. 

Kevin and Curt end the show going over what they missed and answering listener questions. 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.