RACER Mailbag: Latest Fan Questions Answered - November 20, 2024
Race fans deserve clear, factual insights across IndyCar, NASCAR, IMSA and other motorsports. Here's a detailed analysis of key developments:
Sebastien Bourdais opted to stay with GM/Cadillac's WEC program while his former teammate Renger van der Zande moved to Meyer Shank Racing's IMSA effort - both drivers following opportunities that aligned with their priorities.
Race fans watching from grandstands
2024 IndyCar oval racing highlights:
- Team Penske led 53.7% of oval laps (895 of 1666)
- Scott McLaughlin emerged as an oval force with 2 wins, 554 laps led
- Josef Newgarden won Indy 500 but had mixed oval results overall
- Colton Herta showed improved oval performance with a win and third place
- Alex Palou's consistent all-around performance secured the championship
Roger Penske's acquisition of the Long Beach Grand Prix through 2028 raises questions about potential future motorsports property acquisitions. His track record shows a pattern of significant investment and improvements in racing events under his control.
Sports car racing is experiencing positive momentum thanks to:
- Dual LMDh and Hypercar formulas providing manufacturer flexibility
- Strong manufacturer participation in both IMSA and WEC
- Growing grid sizes with new entries like Aston Martin's Valkyrie
- Future hydrogen concepts from Alpine, Hyundai and Toyota showing continued innovation
The sport's outlook remains bright with expanding grids, manufacturer involvement and technological advancement across multiple series.