Sunday
Sep132020
SEPTEMBER 16, 2020
Sunday, September 13, 2020 at 09:55AM 
(Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Six-time series champion Lewis Hamilton (No. 44 AMG-Petronas) won a chaotic Tuscan Grand Prix at Mugello on Sunday. It was Hamilton's 90th F1 victory and moved him to within one of Michael Schumacher’s all-time record in Formula One. The super-fast Mugello circuit saw two crashes in the first seven laps of the Grand Prix, with six drivers taken out of the race. A red flag stopped the race after the second crash. But that wasn't all. A second red flag late occurred after Lance Stroll (No. 18 Racing Point BWT Mercedes) crashed heavily, which meant another grid restart – on Lap 46 of 59 – and gave Valtteri Bottas (No. 77 AMG-Petronas) another chance to beat race leader Hamilton if he made a strong start from second. But Hamilton would have none of it, and Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo (No. 3 Renault DP World F1 Team) overtook Bottas, who then passed him back to finish second but lost more ground to Hamilton in the title race. Hamilton could tie Schumacher with his seventh World Championship this year. Bottas pushed hard and got to within 1.1 seconds of Hamilton on the penultimate lap, but the British driver clocked the fastest lap of the race on the last one to take a bonus point. Alexander Albon (No. 23 Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Honda) drove well to finish third, clinching a first career podium that will boost his chances of keeping his seat next year alongside teammate Max Verstappen (No. 33 Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Honda), who was eliminated in a first-lap crash. Hamilton can equal Schumacher’s record for wins at the Russian GP in two weeks. A notable moment occurred before the race when Michael Schumacher’s son, Mick, drove his father's 2004 title-winning Ferrari around the Mugello circuit Sunday morning before the F1 race. It was Scuderia Ferrari's 1000th Grand Prix. (Thank you to the AP.)
Six-time series champion Lewis Hamilton (No. 44 AMG-Petronas) won a chaotic Tuscan Grand Prix at Mugello on Sunday. It was Hamilton's 90th F1 victory and moved him to within one of Michael Schumacher’s all-time record in Formula One. The super-fast Mugello circuit saw two crashes in the first seven laps of the Grand Prix, with six drivers taken out of the race. A red flag stopped the race after the second crash. But that wasn't all. A second red flag late occurred after Lance Stroll (No. 18 Racing Point BWT Mercedes) crashed heavily, which meant another grid restart – on Lap 46 of 59 – and gave Valtteri Bottas (No. 77 AMG-Petronas) another chance to beat race leader Hamilton if he made a strong start from second. But Hamilton would have none of it, and Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo (No. 3 Renault DP World F1 Team) overtook Bottas, who then passed him back to finish second but lost more ground to Hamilton in the title race. Hamilton could tie Schumacher with his seventh World Championship this year. Bottas pushed hard and got to within 1.1 seconds of Hamilton on the penultimate lap, but the British driver clocked the fastest lap of the race on the last one to take a bonus point. Alexander Albon (No. 23 Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Honda) drove well to finish third, clinching a first career podium that will boost his chances of keeping his seat next year alongside teammate Max Verstappen (No. 33 Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Honda), who was eliminated in a first-lap crash. Hamilton can equal Schumacher’s record for wins at the Russian GP in two weeks. A notable moment occurred before the race when Michael Schumacher’s son, Mick, drove his father's 2004 title-winning Ferrari around the Mugello circuit Sunday morning before the F1 race. It was Scuderia Ferrari's 1000th Grand Prix. (Thank you to the AP.)
(NBC Sports)
Franco Morbidelli (No. 21 Petronas Yamaha SRT) scored his first career MotoGP victory Sunday, winning the San Marino Grand Prix after points leader Fabio Quartararo (No. 20 Petronas Yamaha SRT) crashed out of the race. Morbidelli finished 2.217 seconds ahead of Francesco Bagnaia (No. 63 Pramac Racing Ducati), who earned his first career podium. An emotional Morbidelli struggled to comprehend the scale of his achievement at Misano, in a race where Fabio Quartararo surrendered his championship lead to Andrea Dovizioso (No. 04 Ducati Team) after his costly tumble. "I don't know how it feels, I still have to process everything, but it's definitely a good thing, a good feeling," Morbidelli said. "I'm very happy, I'm enjoying the moment now, the only thing I can say is thanks to my team, thanks to my people, all the people working with me and helping me. During the last laps I was thinking a lot about seven years ago, more and less, when I was racing in the Italian Championships, super stock. I was winning that race and it felt just the same but much more. So, I'm just overwhelmed at the moment, the only thing I can is thank you to everybody." Joan Mir (No. 36 Team Suzuki ECSTAR) finished third after passing Valentino Rossi (No. 46 Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) on the last lap. (Thank you to NBC Sports and Yahoo Sports.)
Franco Morbidelli (No. 21 Petronas Yamaha SRT) scored his first career MotoGP victory Sunday, winning the San Marino Grand Prix after points leader Fabio Quartararo (No. 20 Petronas Yamaha SRT) crashed out of the race. Morbidelli finished 2.217 seconds ahead of Francesco Bagnaia (No. 63 Pramac Racing Ducati), who earned his first career podium. An emotional Morbidelli struggled to comprehend the scale of his achievement at Misano, in a race where Fabio Quartararo surrendered his championship lead to Andrea Dovizioso (No. 04 Ducati Team) after his costly tumble. "I don't know how it feels, I still have to process everything, but it's definitely a good thing, a good feeling," Morbidelli said. "I'm very happy, I'm enjoying the moment now, the only thing I can say is thanks to my team, thanks to my people, all the people working with me and helping me. During the last laps I was thinking a lot about seven years ago, more and less, when I was racing in the Italian Championships, super stock. I was winning that race and it felt just the same but much more. So, I'm just overwhelmed at the moment, the only thing I can is thank you to everybody." Joan Mir (No. 36 Team Suzuki ECSTAR) finished third after passing Valentino Rossi (No. 46 Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) on the last lap. (Thank you to NBC Sports and Yahoo Sports.)
(Photo by Whit Bazemore)
Franco Morbidelli at Circuit of The Americas in 2019.
(Photo by Whit Bazemore)
Francesco Bagnaia at Circuit of The Americas in 2019.
Editor-In-Chief's Note: We certainly hope you're enjoying the superb photography and insider's perspective of MotoGP racing by special AE contributor Whit Bazemore. MotoGP has become my personal favorite form of motorsport, and to have someone with Whit's talent share his visual art and deep knowledge of MotoGP is truly special for us, and we really appreciate it. By the way, you may recognize Whit's last name - Bazemore began making a living from drag racing when he was sixteen years old, and he is a two-time U.S. Nationals winner and still the fifth-fastest Funny Car driver ever at 333.25 MPH. -PMD
Franco Morbidelli at Circuit of The Americas in 2019.
(Photo by Whit Bazemore)Francesco Bagnaia at Circuit of The Americas in 2019.
Editor-In-Chief's Note: We certainly hope you're enjoying the superb photography and insider's perspective of MotoGP racing by special AE contributor Whit Bazemore. MotoGP has become my personal favorite form of motorsport, and to have someone with Whit's talent share his visual art and deep knowledge of MotoGP is truly special for us, and we really appreciate it. By the way, you may recognize Whit's last name - Bazemore began making a living from drag racing when he was sixteen years old, and he is a two-time U.S. Nationals winner and still the fifth-fastest Funny Car driver ever at 333.25 MPH. -PMD
(Photo by Chris Owens/INDYCAR)
Colton Herta (No. 98 Andretti Autosport Captstone Turbine #ShiftToGreen Honda Turbo V6/Dallara) started from the pole in the NTT INDYCAR Series Race 2 at Mid-Ohio on Sunday, and then went on to deliver Michael Andretti his first vistory of the season as Andretti Autosport swept to a 1-2-3 finish. It was Herta's third victory of his career as he crossed the start/finish line 1.3826 seconds ahead of teammate Alexander Rossi (No. 27 NAPA Auto Parts/AutoNation Honda Turbo V6/Dallara). Ryan Hunter-Reay (No. 28 Andretti Autosport DHL Honda Turbo V6/Dallara) finished third. “I’m so happy, we’ve been knocking on the door almost every week,” Herta told NBC Sports pit reporter James Hinchcliffe. “We’ve had the pace, but for some reason or another, something has gone wrong. We finally put everything together. Got the pole this morning, had a stellar car, and Honda Andretti 1-2-3.” “It’s so huge,” team owner Michael Andretti told Hinchcliffe after his team’s 65th INDYCAR victory. “Man, 1-2-3, after the way things have been going for us this year. This is huge for us, the whole team.” Scott Dixon (No. 9 Chip Ganassi Racing PNC Bank Honda Turbo V6/Dallara) had a miserable, uncharacteristic weekend, finishing tenth in both races at Mid-Ohio. His 96-point lead in the championship over Josef Newgarden (No. 1 Team Penske PPG Chevrolet Turbo V6/Dallara) was reduced by 24 points after the Mid-Ohio double header weekend. (Thank you to Nate Ryan/NBC Sports.)
Colton Herta (No. 98 Andretti Autosport Captstone Turbine #ShiftToGreen Honda Turbo V6/Dallara) started from the pole in the NTT INDYCAR Series Race 2 at Mid-Ohio on Sunday, and then went on to deliver Michael Andretti his first vistory of the season as Andretti Autosport swept to a 1-2-3 finish. It was Herta's third victory of his career as he crossed the start/finish line 1.3826 seconds ahead of teammate Alexander Rossi (No. 27 NAPA Auto Parts/AutoNation Honda Turbo V6/Dallara). Ryan Hunter-Reay (No. 28 Andretti Autosport DHL Honda Turbo V6/Dallara) finished third. “I’m so happy, we’ve been knocking on the door almost every week,” Herta told NBC Sports pit reporter James Hinchcliffe. “We’ve had the pace, but for some reason or another, something has gone wrong. We finally put everything together. Got the pole this morning, had a stellar car, and Honda Andretti 1-2-3.” “It’s so huge,” team owner Michael Andretti told Hinchcliffe after his team’s 65th INDYCAR victory. “Man, 1-2-3, after the way things have been going for us this year. This is huge for us, the whole team.” Scott Dixon (No. 9 Chip Ganassi Racing PNC Bank Honda Turbo V6/Dallara) had a miserable, uncharacteristic weekend, finishing tenth in both races at Mid-Ohio. His 96-point lead in the championship over Josef Newgarden (No. 1 Team Penske PPG Chevrolet Turbo V6/Dallara) was reduced by 24 points after the Mid-Ohio double header weekend. (Thank you to Nate Ryan/NBC Sports.)
(Photo by Matt Fraver/INDYCAR)
Will Power (No. 12 Team Penske Verizon Chevrolet Turbo V6/Dallara) won Race 1 of the Honda Indy 200 doubleheader at Mid-Ohio on Saturday. It was Power's first win at Mid-Ohio and his 38th career win in INDYCAR. Power also captured his 60th pole position for the race. "Yeah, it was a really good day," Power said. "It's kind of the first time we've done it this year where we just went hard and used the raw pace that I had to pull a gap and just pit on the early side. Normally we're saving fuel and tires. We just saw today, we should just go, nothing to lose; we're not in the championship. And it certainly worked out. Really over the moon to finally win at this track." Josef Newgarden (No. 1 Team Penske PPG Chevrolet Turbo V6/Dallara) was second, delivering a Team Penske 1-2, and Alexander Rossi (No. 27 Andretti Autosport NAPA Auto Parts/AutoNation Honda Turbo V6/Dallara) finished third.
Will Power (No. 12 Team Penske Verizon Chevrolet Turbo V6/Dallara) won Race 1 of the Honda Indy 200 doubleheader at Mid-Ohio on Saturday. It was Power's first win at Mid-Ohio and his 38th career win in INDYCAR. Power also captured his 60th pole position for the race. "Yeah, it was a really good day," Power said. "It's kind of the first time we've done it this year where we just went hard and used the raw pace that I had to pull a gap and just pit on the early side. Normally we're saving fuel and tires. We just saw today, we should just go, nothing to lose; we're not in the championship. And it certainly worked out. Really over the moon to finally win at this track." Josef Newgarden (No. 1 Team Penske PPG Chevrolet Turbo V6/Dallara) was second, delivering a Team Penske 1-2, and Alexander Rossi (No. 27 Andretti Autosport NAPA Auto Parts/AutoNation Honda Turbo V6/Dallara) finished third.
(Photo by Chris Owens/INDYCAR)
Jimmie Johnson has signed a deal with Chip Ganassi Racing to run in INDYCAR for the next two seasons. The seven-time NASCAR champion will work to finalize sponsorship with Ganassi on a two-year program for Johnson to run the road and street course races on INDYCAR's schedule. The announcement was made Wednesday morning (9/9) and the partnership would allow Johnson to compete in select NASCAR Cup race with Ganassi as well. Johnson, who turns 45 next week, will retire from full-time NASCAR competition in November. Johnson first tested an Indy car - provided by Ganassi - on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course in July. “Ganassi was highly motivated to give me a chance to drive a car to see what I thought and the experience was all that I hoped for and more,” Johnson told Jenny Fryer of The Associated Press. “I left a good impression with them where there’s definitely interest on their side and now it’s time to formalize things and get the ball rolling.” Landing sponsorship is critical to the deal, Fryer reported, and Johnson said his personal team has had productive conversations with potential partners as his interest in INDYCAR has increased. He’s had only two primary sponsors — Lowe’s from 2001 through 2018 and Ally the last two seasons — and prefers consistent branding. Johnson intends to fill his 2021 schedule with approximately 15 events. INDYCAR's original 2020 schedule consisted of 12 road and street course events before the pandemic forced cancellations. Johnson and Scott Dixon are the winningest drivers of their generations in their respective formulas. Johnson’s 83 wins are tied for sixth all-time in NASCAR, and his seven titles are a record he shares with Hall of Famers Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. “To pair Jimmie with the likes of Scott Dixon is quite an opportunity. They are truly in rarified air and I think everyone knows by now that I like winners,” Ganassi told Fryer. “The goal right now is for us to run Jimmie in an Indy car for at least the next couple of seasons, and we want to show people we’re serious about the program. We felt it was important to get the partnership done and start putting the financial building blocks in place to make this a reality.”
Jimmie Johnson has signed a deal with Chip Ganassi Racing to run in INDYCAR for the next two seasons. The seven-time NASCAR champion will work to finalize sponsorship with Ganassi on a two-year program for Johnson to run the road and street course races on INDYCAR's schedule. The announcement was made Wednesday morning (9/9) and the partnership would allow Johnson to compete in select NASCAR Cup race with Ganassi as well. Johnson, who turns 45 next week, will retire from full-time NASCAR competition in November. Johnson first tested an Indy car - provided by Ganassi - on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course in July. “Ganassi was highly motivated to give me a chance to drive a car to see what I thought and the experience was all that I hoped for and more,” Johnson told Jenny Fryer of The Associated Press. “I left a good impression with them where there’s definitely interest on their side and now it’s time to formalize things and get the ball rolling.” Landing sponsorship is critical to the deal, Fryer reported, and Johnson said his personal team has had productive conversations with potential partners as his interest in INDYCAR has increased. He’s had only two primary sponsors — Lowe’s from 2001 through 2018 and Ally the last two seasons — and prefers consistent branding. Johnson intends to fill his 2021 schedule with approximately 15 events. INDYCAR's original 2020 schedule consisted of 12 road and street course events before the pandemic forced cancellations. Johnson and Scott Dixon are the winningest drivers of their generations in their respective formulas. Johnson’s 83 wins are tied for sixth all-time in NASCAR, and his seven titles are a record he shares with Hall of Famers Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. “To pair Jimmie with the likes of Scott Dixon is quite an opportunity. They are truly in rarified air and I think everyone knows by now that I like winners,” Ganassi told Fryer. “The goal right now is for us to run Jimmie in an Indy car for at least the next couple of seasons, and we want to show people we’re serious about the program. We felt it was important to get the partnership done and start putting the financial building blocks in place to make this a reality.”
(Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Brad Keselowski (No. 2 Team Penske Ford) made good on a prediction earlier in the week when he said he expected to dominate and win Saturday night’s Federated Auto Parts 400 Playoff race at Richmond Raceway. And that's exactly what he did. After leading a race-best 192 of the 400 laps at the three-quarter mile track, Keselowski scored an impressive 2.568-second victory over Martin Truex Jr. (No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota) to guarantee his position in the next round of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. It was Keselowski’s fourth win of the season and 34th career victory. Keselowski’s Team Penske teammate Joey Logano (No. 22 Team Penske Ford) finished third. (Thank you to Holly Cain/NASCAR Wire Service.)
Brad Keselowski (No. 2 Team Penske Ford) made good on a prediction earlier in the week when he said he expected to dominate and win Saturday night’s Federated Auto Parts 400 Playoff race at Richmond Raceway. And that's exactly what he did. After leading a race-best 192 of the 400 laps at the three-quarter mile track, Keselowski scored an impressive 2.568-second victory over Martin Truex Jr. (No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota) to guarantee his position in the next round of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. It was Keselowski’s fourth win of the season and 34th career victory. Keselowski’s Team Penske teammate Joey Logano (No. 22 Team Penske Ford) finished third. (Thank you to Holly Cain/NASCAR Wire Service.)
(INDYCAR)
The Music City Grand Prix, in partnership with INDYCAR, announced today that the newest NTT INDYCAR SERIES race will debut Aug. 6-8, 2021, in Nashville, Tennessee. The three-day international festival of speed and sound will be staged on a temporary grand prix circuit in downtown Nashville and around the Nissan Stadium campus. With Nissan Stadium serving as the paddock for the race, the 2.17-mile temporary track will race across the Korean Veterans Memorial Bridge into downtown Nashville and back, making the Music City Grand Prix one of the only events in motorsports to cross over a major body of water. The first street course added to INDYCAR since 2013, it features 11 turns and plenty of straightaways for drivers to pass. While the event will feature a variety of affordable and attractive ticket options to ensure all attendees experience a weekend unlike any other, the Music City Grand Prix is currently offering two distinctive membership initiatives. Club RPM is a premium VIP experience. Early members will gain access to concierge-style service for entertainment reservations, valet parking and entry into the Club RPM lounge at the Bridge Building. Additionally, fans can become a Music City Grand Prix Founder and receive reserved seating, exclusive discounts and priority purchase opportunities on parking, hotels and more. Additional information, including the Music City Grand Prix schedules, artist lineup, food experiences and more, will be released at a later date. Visit www.musiccitygp.com to find more details on the event, sign up for Club RPM or become a Founder.
The Music City Grand Prix, in partnership with INDYCAR, announced today that the newest NTT INDYCAR SERIES race will debut Aug. 6-8, 2021, in Nashville, Tennessee. The three-day international festival of speed and sound will be staged on a temporary grand prix circuit in downtown Nashville and around the Nissan Stadium campus. With Nissan Stadium serving as the paddock for the race, the 2.17-mile temporary track will race across the Korean Veterans Memorial Bridge into downtown Nashville and back, making the Music City Grand Prix one of the only events in motorsports to cross over a major body of water. The first street course added to INDYCAR since 2013, it features 11 turns and plenty of straightaways for drivers to pass. While the event will feature a variety of affordable and attractive ticket options to ensure all attendees experience a weekend unlike any other, the Music City Grand Prix is currently offering two distinctive membership initiatives. Club RPM is a premium VIP experience. Early members will gain access to concierge-style service for entertainment reservations, valet parking and entry into the Club RPM lounge at the Bridge Building. Additionally, fans can become a Music City Grand Prix Founder and receive reserved seating, exclusive discounts and priority purchase opportunities on parking, hotels and more. Additional information, including the Music City Grand Prix schedules, artist lineup, food experiences and more, will be released at a later date. Visit www.musiccitygp.com to find more details on the event, sign up for Club RPM or become a Founder.