INDYCAR's #FastSix is a report that borrows from all things found online about NTT IndyCar Series racing, its drivers and people. We find pics, quips and the occasional GIF as INDYCAR drivers live their extraordinary lives and put the evidence on Twitter, Instagram and more. Check back regularly for the latest
Thinking warm thoughts
Much of the United States was gripped in the polar vortex – a blast of dangerously cold temperatures – and then thawed out over the weekend. When there’s a nip in the air and snow on the ground, our NTT IndyCar Series drivers know how to have fun. Well, most of them.
Super Bowl shenanigans
Of course, the big story over the weekend was Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta, where the New England Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams, 13-3, in a defensive slugfest. It’s one thing to enjoy the game with family and friends, it’s another to be in the city hosting the game.
Celebrating 'The Captain'
Legendary Indy car team owner Roger Penske was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame over the weekend. Following the event, a special celebration was held at the Team Penske headquarters in North Carolina, and everyone got into the act.
Help wanted: chief mechanic
When Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports hired Swede Marcus Ericsson to drive the No. 7 Honda in 2019, we knew he would face a few new challenges, such as learning a new car, learning the new tracks and learning James Hinchcliffe. The last of those challenges might be considered the easiest or most difficult, depending on the scenario. However, racing is in the blood … and as we found out this week, James won't be racing Marcus when it comes to assembling Swedish-based IKEA products.
The question we have at the INDYCAR offices: How did the Dallara IR-12 with Universal Aero Kit get shipped in those flat boxes?
Four-time champion, three-time Indy 500 winner, two-time dad
The INDYCAR and Franchitti families grew by one over the weekend. Dario Franchitti, one of the sport's greats who collected four NTT IndyCar Series titles and three Indianapolis 500 triumphs in a stellar career, welcomed his second daughter into the world. Mother Eleanor, baby daughter Valentina and big sister Sophia are doing wonderfully. As for the proud father, well, we’d ask him, but we’re pretty sure he’s still on Cloud 9.
It’s time for tests
When we were younger, we'd dread test days. We’d study for hours, drink caffeinated beverages and eat pizza in group study sessions, and walked into our test rooms with butterflies in our stomachs. For INDYCAR car drivers, after a long offseason, the words “test day” roll off the tongue like a symphony, knowing it’s time to get back to business. The majority of the series will participate in a test this week at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California. That will be followed by INDYCAR Spring Training, two days of open testing next week at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
Our drivers and teams appear to be ready. Are you?