The Race IndyCar Podcast · The Race Media Ltd

Prema, Pourchaire, and Larson stars at Indy - a wild week in IndyCar

April 14, 2024·54 min·5 clips

Jack Benyon teases Prema Racing's IndyCar entry and McLaren's car mystery in a packed episode opener.

This episode of The Race IndyCar Podcast covers recent developments in the IndyCar Series, including testing and team news. Host Jack is joined by former driver and current analyst Jarrett Hildebrand, who attended the recent Indy 500 open test. Hildebrand shares his experience training with reigning Indy 500 champion Josef Newgarden. The shortened two-day Indy 500 open test, condensed into one day, is a primary topic of discussion. The hosts confirm the major news that the Prema Racing team will enter IndyCar with a two-car operation. Upcoming events like the Long Beach Grand Prix and roster uncertainty for one of the McLaren team's cars are also on the agenda. Hildebrand provides a firsthand account of the test's atmosphere and on-track activity. He notes his own physical training regimen, including exercising at high altitude, to prepare for driving. The conversation details the specific challenges drivers face during these limited testing sessions. Hildebrand contrasts current testing formats with past procedures that allowed for more track time. A memorable moment involves Hildebrand humorously comparing his current athletic ability to Newgarden's, stating he now aims just to "hang on to his coattails." He reveals a specific training detail, noting an advantage from working out at 6,000 feet of elevation before returning to sea level. The dynamic between the experienced analyst and the active champion provides a personal look into driver preparation. The discussion around Prema's entry analyzes the potential impact of a top European team joining the series. The McLaren seat speculation highlights the ongoing driver market movements and team strategies. The tone is informal and conversational, featuring insider banter and personal anecdotes between the host and guest. The style is analytical but relaxed, blending news reporting with experiential insights from the test track. This episode is ideal for dedicated IndyCar fans seeking immediate updates on testing results, team expansions, and driver market rumors. Listeners preferring race-weekend previews or deep-dive technical analysis might find the focus on news and testing less engaging.

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