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This is off track.
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Hello and welcome to Off Track with Hinch and Rossi. Yes.
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Tuesday episode with, uh, with both of us.
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And, uh, we do have a guest today,
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but, uh, yeah, it's, it's,
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it's a, it's an interesting day, guys. Is that
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To have guests on your podcast?
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No. Well, I mean, we try
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to have one on the Tuesday episode.
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Uh, we've, we're gonna have multiple today,
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but what's unusual about it is
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there's like some interesting news.
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News.
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We actually have to, um, be professional.
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That's, yeah, kind of, that's a new thing for us. Yeah.
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I think people are well aware
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what they're getting when they sign up for this show
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and that professionalism is not it.
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Um, but there is some, there is some cool news to discuss,
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of course, if you haven't already figured it out.
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Our guest is the CEO of TWG Motorsports, Daniel Towers,
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as his name appears on his little box here on,
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uh, on Riverside.
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And Dan, welcome to the show. Thanks so much for being here.
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Yeah, it's great to be here.
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First time on the show, so thanks for the invite. Of course,
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Of course.
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Um, why don't we kick it off with
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actually a little bit of a recap.
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'cause we did just finish Nashville.
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The IndyCar season for 2025 is over and done with.
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So why don't you give us a little bit of a, uh, you know,
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a recap for you and a,
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and an assessment of how the IndyCar season
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was for Andretti?
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Yeah, so I think it was a challenging season for Andretti.
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You know, we certainly had our high spots,
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but I think we also had, you know, some of our low spots,
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um, you know, in the season.
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You know, certainly the, the drivers were fantastic,
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you know, from that standpoint in terms of, you know,
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uh, they drove great.
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We had a lot of speed, you know, at, at the track.
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Um, but we, you know, made some mistakes along the way.
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We, you know, we had some, some foibles in pit lane that,
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uh, you know, caused us some races.
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We've had some, you know, interesting calls in, you know,
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pit lane and other places that, you know,
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let's just say are arguable.
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But, um, you know,
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but all in all just really proud of the progress
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that the team, you know, has made this year.
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Love this group of guys, you know, that and, or guys
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and gals that we have, uh, you know, at end ready
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and, um, you know, so, um, excited with, you know, to,
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to finish the season and start building on 2026.
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So, I, I wanna ask a, a little bit of a question.
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We have a lot to cover in 20 minutes, but,
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but a personal question for you in terms of,
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you came into the sport as, as, as kind of a sponsor, um,
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not that long ago, and your role has grown into what it is.
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And we're gonna talk a a lot about what
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that is in a few moments.
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But walk us through that journey in, as in as brief
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of a time period as you can and,
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and just like how much your understanding
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and knowledge of the sport has changed and,
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and maybe things that are a lot harder, um,
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to accomplish maybe than you thought
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when you first joined. Yeah,
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So came in as a sponsor for sure.
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Um, you know, I really fell in love with IndyCar.
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I love, you know, open wheel racing,
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but in particular, you know, IndyCar racing,
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just how close it is.
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And I think initially it was this, you know, this idea
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that all these people, you know,
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you have a hundred plus people on a team that are searching
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for thousandth of a second,
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and that's gonna matter, you know, significantly on track.
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And so just from, even from a business standpoint, you know,
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that was super interesting to me.
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And, and, um, you know, kind of went from sponsor of,
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you know, of the 26 car to, uh, sponsor for the Indy 500,
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kind of grew into that piece.
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So just, you know, a bigger and bigger role.
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And then an opportunity came to, you know, become partners
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with Michael and, and get into the ownership space.
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And, and, you know, really then you start
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to take a, a closer look.
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And it's not just showing up, you know, on race weekends
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and enjoying the sport, you know, of it.
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There's a lot more to learn, you know, behind, you know,
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what each person is doing, and you know, what, you know,
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what makes a team successful.
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But, you know, kind of the common threads that I see,
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you know, in motorsports versus other businesses, you're,
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at the end of the day, you're still building high
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performing, high functioning teams.
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So how do you do that? It's people, you know,
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you want talented people, you're building culture, um,
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you know, from that standpoint,
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they need to have the resources.
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You wanna have the right strategy, you know, for the team.
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And, and then you want tactical execution on that basis.
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And so, like anything else, you're looking back
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and saying, are we headed in the right direction as a team?
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Do we have the right strategy? And then are we executing
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tactically against that strategy,
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you know, from that standpoint.
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And so, um, I feel like I've learned a lot in a, you know,
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in a short period of time,
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but have, you know, an enormous amount
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to, you know, to learn as well.
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But really thankful for the people that, you know, have
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around, have a great team around me that have,
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that have helped me along the way.
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Part of the story I've always heard is you,
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you had talked at your church
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and somebody had heard about that,
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and they asked the pastor if they could get in, contact me.
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Like, that's an awesome story.
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And it all obviously worked out pretty well,
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but like, was part of you like a little upset
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that the pastor was just giving out your contact
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info for that kind of thing? ,
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We didn't, to be clear,
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they've never let me talk at church, Tim. Okay.
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They talked about you at church, I don't know.
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No. Yeah, Aaron Brock at Trader's Point had, um,
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he was in a conversation with Zach ve, which is a story,
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which is a hundred percent true.
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And Aaron gave Zach my name,
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and it, it wasn't so much to, Hey, call him
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and ask him for money, you know, from
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that standpoint, , it was really advice.
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Um, and,
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and, you know, to Zach's credit,
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that's the way the conversation went.
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He was calling for advice.
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Um, I was the one that said, Hey, Zach, nice to meet you.
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I don't sponsor race cars.
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I don't sponsor race car drivers go,
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you know, say what you have to say.
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But along the way, I liked, you know, his story
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and I wanted to help out.
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I wanted to be a part of, you know, his journey,
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you know, into motorsports.
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And, you know, obviously it's opened a lot of doors, um,
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from that standpoint and brought some interesting
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opportunities along the way.
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And I'm pretty glad it happened. Dan. You
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Know, you, you've learned a lot in your,
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in your time in Motorsports now.
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And, um, as you said, it's all about people and,
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and building a right team, uh, for those that don't know,
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you're also the CEO of Cadillac F1,
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and you are quite literally building a
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team from the ground up.
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So those lessons that you've learned on the IndyCar side,
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I imagine coming into effect there.
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But as we look into 2026, uh, we understand
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that there is some, uh, some changes happening at Andretti
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for 2026, and would like to give you the opportunity to kind
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of let the people know what one of the more significant ones
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that's gonna be happening. Yeah.
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So, um, we'll start with the first one.
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So if we're looking at the TWG Motor Sports checkerboard,
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you know, the board up on the wall, what are, what are some
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of the pieces, you know, that we're moving around?
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And so Cadillac Formula One will be announcing Colton Herda
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as a test
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and development driver, you know, for the team,
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you know, from that standpoint.
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So, so Colton's gonna be leaving Andretti, you know,
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to pursue his dream in Formula One.
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Uh, you know, was something that we were looking at
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a few years ago, uh, when Michael
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and I were looking to acquire Salur, um, that, you know,
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that deal didn't happen and it kind of fell
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through at the last minute, but it really kind
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of started Colton on this journey where he, you know,
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really started to show, uh, you know, a lot
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of promise in Formula One.
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He went over to, to, uh, Switzerland, got on the,
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the simulator, and within an hour was faster than the two
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Formula One drivers at the team, with the team at that time.
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You know, that led to some other things
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to show some real excitement, uh, you know, along the way.
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And, and so he is built up an actual body of work
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that not everybody knows about, you know, in Formula One,
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in terms of some of the tests that he is done, uh, from
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that standpoint, even to drawing interest from, you know,
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from Red Bull, um, you know, later on from there.
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So, so again, we've been fortunate to keep, you know,
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Colton at Andretti, um, in the IndyCar team.
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And so now he's gonna pursue that dream in Formula One.
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And so to do that, he's gonna take a pretty big risk.
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He's leaving IndyCar, he's not going directly
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to Formula One.
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This is a, you know, a test and development driver role.
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And so he's gonna be going into F two,
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he's gotta learn tracks, he's gotta learn tires.
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Tires are a big part of that.
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Um, very different from IndyCar from that standpoint.
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Um, you know, and,
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and so I just couldn't be more proud of Colton to be,
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you know, to be willing to take
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that risk, to pursue his dream. When you broach
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This subject with him, you know, it's, it is,
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you're stepping, you're stepping away from the known, right?
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Something that you've, you've really,
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you set your goal in achieving,
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and you did it at a young age.
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You got there at a young age, you won at a young age.
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He's been part of a top team for a long time,
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regular contender.
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To step away from that to do, you know, a preparatory year,
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potentially, before even having the opportunity
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to maybe step up into F1, that's a, that's a big ask.
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So when you, when you approached him
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with this option, what was
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That discussion like?
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Yeah, so it was just like, Hey, Cole,
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we've talked about Formula One for a, a long time now.
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And, you know, as I think about it, you know, uh,
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it took a lot to get here.
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So, you know, Graham loading the team, principal Graham,
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you know, paid a, a big price to get into Formula One.
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I, you know, paid a price to get into Formula One.
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And if you want to, this is the price you have to pay
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to get into Formula One through work and,
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and development, of course, we're not talking money.
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Um, 'cause again, I think going back,
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I think most people know that our journey
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to Formula One was a rocky one.
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It was three years of, of, you know, trying to break through
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and get an entry for an American team.
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And Graham was central to that process that we, we were kind
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of, you know, partners through this, you know,
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massive uphill journey to, to try to secure an entry and,
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and, you know, and we got it.
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And so it's just like, nothing about Formula One is easy,
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you know, from that standpoint.
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And, you know, Hey, bud, it's not gonna be easy for you too,
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but if you wanna pursue that dream, this is
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what the path looks like, this
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is what you're gonna need to do.
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And it's up to you to decide if you're willing to do that.
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I'd be very interested for you to, to explain
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to our listeners, um, you know, James
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and I have a firsthand experience working with Colton, and,
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and, you know, he's been a, a big topic of, of this show
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for, for many years, um,
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just based on his accomplishments on track,
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what do you see in him?
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Like, what is, what is the thing?
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Because James and I, last week, we, we talked at length, um,
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you know, about how we both viewed your decision
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for your dry driver lineup to be one.
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That was the exact same thing we
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would do if we were in your shoes.
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It, it wasn't, uh, uh, oh, we're an American team,
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so we have to have this American play.
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No, it's a, we're a brand new team
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and we have to have the best,
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most experienced drivers that are available.
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And you got that and, and Sergio and Daltry,
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but just explain
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to our listeners why Colton could be the path forward
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and the future of Cadillac F1 and,
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and also just so happens
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to be an American kid as well. Yeah. So
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I think, I think Colton, through the, the tests,
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the various tests that we've talked about,
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I think has shown, you know, um,
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high potential in the Formula One type car.
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You know, I think a lot of times when people think about,
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you know, IndyCar and Formula One or,
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or NASCAR just, you know, are looking at different series,
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they kind of think that, oh,
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being successful in one means you're,
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you're gonna be successful in a different one.
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And I just don't think that that's actually the case.
285
00:11:17.585 --> 00:11:19.985
They're very different. Like, it's very challenging
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to go from IndyCar to NASCAR or vice versa.
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00:11:23.175 --> 00:11:25.385
It's, it's almost, you know, I mean, you guys tell me,
288
00:11:25.385 --> 00:11:27.945
but it's, it's almost like unlearning all of your instincts
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00:11:28.285 --> 00:11:30.625
and doing, you know, the opposite, you know, in a lot
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of ways, you know, from that standpoint.
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And so, so I think Colton's shown, you know,
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very high potential in a Formula One,
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a Formula One type car.
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I think he's very good at like high commitment corners.
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Um, he's, he's been, you know, he's done very well on,
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00:11:46.005 --> 00:11:47.825
you know, uh, you know, street
297
00:11:47.825 --> 00:11:51.225
and road type courses, um, you know, generally in IndyCar,
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00:11:51.225 --> 00:11:52.625
that's been a specialty of his,
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of just seeing a different way around the track,
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you know, from other people.
301
00:11:56.585 --> 00:11:59.285
Um, I think Co Colton also adapts to new information,
302
00:11:59.465 --> 00:12:00.605
you know, very, very quickly.
303
00:12:01.225 --> 00:12:03.565
Um, and his driving style is, you know, has,
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has been adapted to, you know, doing a lot
305
00:12:06.325 --> 00:12:07.805
of com complex things in the car.
306
00:12:07.805 --> 00:12:10.045
And I think all of those are gonna be skills, you know,
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00:12:10.045 --> 00:12:11.525
that are needed in Formula One.
308
00:12:12.065 --> 00:12:13.885
And I think, you know, he's historically done very well
309
00:12:13.885 --> 00:12:15.165
with tires, but he's gonna have a new
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00:12:15.165 --> 00:12:16.925
challenge in that as well. Yeah,
311
00:12:16.965 --> 00:12:18.125
I, I, I agree with all that.
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And I also think his, his approach, right?
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Like him seemingly being unfazed by, by anything
314
00:12:25.045 --> 00:12:26.525
that gets thrown at him, good, bad,
315
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and different, you know, he's just there,
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he loves driving race cars.
317
00:12:30.435 --> 00:12:33.685
He's gonna always give 105% no matter the
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00:12:33.685 --> 00:12:34.885
session, no matter the lap.
319
00:12:35.345 --> 00:12:38.085
So those are the things that, in that environment, which,
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00:12:38.715 --> 00:12:40.765
whether it's it's Cadillac F1
321
00:12:40.765 --> 00:12:42.605
or not, it's, it's a hostile environment over there,
322
00:12:42.845 --> 00:12:44.525
European motorsports is, is a little bit different.
323
00:12:44.525 --> 00:12:46.485
You obviously got to experience that firsthand
324
00:12:46.485 --> 00:12:48.645
as you touched on briefly for those three years.
325
00:12:48.785 --> 00:12:52.645
So I think his, his just kind of even keeled approach will,
326
00:12:52.675 --> 00:12:54.005
will pay huge dividends.
327
00:12:54.105 --> 00:12:56.885
Um, my last question that I have for you
328
00:12:56.885 --> 00:13:00.085
before James has the, the other big one is,
329
00:13:01.105 --> 00:13:03.645
was there ever a moment, right, in those three years
330
00:13:03.735 --> 00:13:05.165
where you were like, this isn't worth it.
331
00:13:05.235 --> 00:13:07.565
Like, this is just, this is too much heartache,
332
00:13:07.565 --> 00:13:11.005
this is too much, this is too much drama for,
333
00:13:11.185 --> 00:13:14.685
for an American F1 team to actually come to, to fruition.
334
00:13:14.845 --> 00:13:17.045
I feel like my wife Cassie, put you up to that question.
335
00:13:17.725 --> 00:13:20.645
, there are absolutely, there were absolutely days
336
00:13:20.645 --> 00:13:22.445
where I was just like, you know, I'm done.
337
00:13:22.485 --> 00:13:24.485
I don't need, you know, I don't need this headache.
338
00:13:24.585 --> 00:13:27.565
And, you know, she's a huge fan of Motorsport
339
00:13:27.665 --> 00:13:29.925
and has always been there to, you know, to support
340
00:13:30.065 --> 00:13:31.445
and push, you know,
341
00:13:31.445 --> 00:13:33.965
and she's like, you're not giving up, you know, on this.
342
00:13:33.985 --> 00:13:35.845
You know, keep pushing, keep pushing.
343
00:13:35.845 --> 00:13:37.485
You've got it, you've got it.
344
00:13:37.485 --> 00:13:39.525
And it was so, it was, you know, it was super helpful.
345
00:13:39.545 --> 00:13:41.645
It was essential, you know, to have someone like
346
00:13:41.645 --> 00:13:45.245
that in your corner that understood, you know,
347
00:13:45.245 --> 00:13:46.325
what was happening, you know,
348
00:13:46.385 --> 00:13:48.005
and to, you know, to push on that basis.
349
00:13:48.365 --> 00:13:50.525
'cause like, yeah, I mean, there were times, you know,
350
00:13:50.605 --> 00:13:53.725
I was actually talking with, uh, Sarah Eisen from CNBC,
351
00:13:54.305 --> 00:13:57.365
and, you know, she had been, she was doing this at the time,
352
00:13:57.365 --> 00:13:58.765
was doing this documentary with,
353
00:13:59.075 --> 00:14:01.045
with F1 from like a business standpoint,
354
00:14:01.045 --> 00:14:03.205
and talking to team principals
355
00:14:03.205 --> 00:14:06.005
and Greg mcfe at the time, he was running Liberty Media,
356
00:14:06.185 --> 00:14:08.485
and it was just like, oh, there's no 11th team,
357
00:14:08.485 --> 00:14:10.845
there's no new entry, it's not happening.
358
00:14:11.115 --> 00:14:13.765
Like, we're happy to go on the record. It's not happening.
359
00:14:14.065 --> 00:14:15.085
And Graham Graham
360
00:14:15.085 --> 00:14:17.245
and I are sitting there like, you know, the, at this point,
361
00:14:17.455 --> 00:14:20.445
we're building cars, we're, we're in a wind tunnel, we're,
362
00:14:20.445 --> 00:14:22.285
you know, the project's 150 million
363
00:14:22.395 --> 00:14:23.925
deep, you know, into that.
364
00:14:24.025 --> 00:14:27.045
And you're basically hearing like, not this, well, you know,
365
00:14:27.865 --> 00:14:29.365
if you do this, if you do that,
366
00:14:29.465 --> 00:14:30.765
you might, you get there someday.
367
00:14:30.905 --> 00:14:33.925
It was just like, no, it was a hard, yeah.
368
00:14:34.305 --> 00:14:36.725
And, you know, and so to look at that, yeah, like it's,
369
00:14:37.065 --> 00:14:38.605
you know, it's, it's kind of, um,
370
00:14:38.625 --> 00:14:40.565
and that's kinda what meant by like, we paid a price.
371
00:14:40.585 --> 00:14:43.605
So you had the, the stress of thinking through that,
372
00:14:43.605 --> 00:14:44.765
but it really pushes you.
373
00:14:45.065 --> 00:14:47.885
And a lot of times when you're in this stressful situation,
374
00:14:48.665 --> 00:14:51.260
you know, it's that last little bit where you, you,
375
00:14:51.265 --> 00:14:52.525
you keep digging, you keep pushing
376
00:14:52.525 --> 00:14:53.805
where you find the solution,
377
00:14:53.805 --> 00:14:55.565
you find the next thing you know
378
00:14:55.565 --> 00:14:56.765
that keeps the project going.
379
00:14:56.905 --> 00:14:58.165
And I guess that's why they say
380
00:14:58.365 --> 00:14:59.445
pressure makes diamonds, right?
381
00:14:59.445 --> 00:15:02.085
Because, you know, if it were easy, like you don't,
382
00:15:02.105 --> 00:15:05.405
you don't get that, you don't extract that last, you know,
383
00:15:06.035 --> 00:15:07.205
that last bit out.
384
00:15:07.265 --> 00:15:10.605
And it takes, you know, it takes in some ways almost a,
385
00:15:10.665 --> 00:15:13.805
you know, you know, that high pressure desperation
386
00:15:13.805 --> 00:15:15.725
or whatever, you know, where you, you are like,
387
00:15:15.805 --> 00:15:17.285
I just gotta go back through this one more time.
388
00:15:17.485 --> 00:15:18.765
I just gotta dig through this one more time.
389
00:15:18.765 --> 00:15:20.605
There's a solution in here somewhere.
390
00:15:20.725 --> 00:15:22.605
I just haven't found it yet, you know?
391
00:15:22.605 --> 00:15:24.605
And it was like that type of mindset, you know,
392
00:15:24.625 --> 00:15:27.165
to keep pushing through to get that entry. Amazing.
393
00:15:27.275 --> 00:15:29.525
Well, congrats. Obviously, we're all really rooting
394
00:15:29.525 --> 00:15:30.525
for Colton now, and,
395
00:15:30.545 --> 00:15:31.925
and hope this goes well, you know,
396
00:15:31.925 --> 00:15:33.085
he is a friend, friend of all of us.
397
00:15:33.505 --> 00:15:36.405
Uh, I guess you missed the countless emails I sent you,
398
00:15:36.445 --> 00:15:38.165
lobbying for myself for that seat,
399
00:15:38.225 --> 00:15:40.165
but, you know, uh, silver lining,
400
00:15:40.165 --> 00:15:43.085
there's a seat now available for me. So I got
401
00:15:43.085 --> 00:15:46.885
All the emails,
, you know, I, I can take, uh,
402
00:15:47.045 --> 00:15:48.245
I can just take Colton Seton,
403
00:15:48.245 --> 00:15:49.605
IndyCar, and, and we're still good.
404
00:15:49.885 --> 00:15:52.765
B before you do your, your, uh, your hard pitch on
405
00:15:52.765 --> 00:15:54.325
that one, Tim, I just got one,
406
00:15:54.485 --> 00:15:56.205
I just got one last thing I wanna touch on with,
407
00:15:56.205 --> 00:15:57.285
with the Colton situation.
408
00:15:57.425 --> 00:16:01.045
So I, I, I understand that, you know, going over there,
409
00:16:01.155 --> 00:16:02.525
it's about learning the racetracks,
410
00:16:02.595 --> 00:16:03.685
it's about learning the tires
411
00:16:03.825 --> 00:16:06.165
and kind of how they operate is very different from
412
00:16:06.165 --> 00:16:07.845
what we experience on the IndyCar side.
413
00:16:08.465 --> 00:16:10.405
And, uh, and there's, there's a lot for that,
414
00:16:10.505 --> 00:16:12.685
but I also understand that a big part of it is,
415
00:16:12.705 --> 00:16:14.085
is integration with the team, right?
416
00:16:14.125 --> 00:16:16.365
I mean, a Formula One team is a very complex machine.
417
00:16:16.395 --> 00:16:19.645
It's a very different kinda weekend rhythm and, and cadence.
418
00:16:20.145 --> 00:16:22.205
And a big part of that is for Colton
419
00:16:22.205 --> 00:16:24.085
to be pretty integrated into the team and,
420
00:16:24.085 --> 00:16:26.525
and really learn the world of Formula One while he's,
421
00:16:26.665 --> 00:16:28.725
you know, learning on the driving side in F two.
422
00:16:29.625 --> 00:16:32.245
So, two part question is the expectation
423
00:16:32.245 --> 00:16:33.845
that he will be at every event,
424
00:16:34.745 --> 00:16:39.055
and the second part is, is it as clear cut
425
00:16:39.155 --> 00:16:43.095
as if he excels next year in a, in a junior category
426
00:16:43.405 --> 00:16:44.655
that he has a seat?
427
00:16:44.765 --> 00:16:46.135
Yeah. So like I said, I think, you know,
428
00:16:46.135 --> 00:16:47.135
Colton's taking a big risk.
429
00:16:47.145 --> 00:16:49.935
We've got two experienced drivers, you know, in the car.
430
00:16:50.555 --> 00:16:53.415
Um, you know, I, I'm confident Colton will get his shot,
431
00:16:53.835 --> 00:16:55.175
but you know, he's gotta earn it, right?
432
00:16:55.205 --> 00:16:56.455
He's, he's taking that risk.
433
00:16:56.455 --> 00:16:58.375
This isn't, you know, Colton signing,
434
00:16:58.505 --> 00:17:00.935
which I think people should really take note of
435
00:17:00.995 --> 00:17:05.215
and admire Colton for that bold move like this.
436
00:17:05.235 --> 00:17:08.655
You know, it's not like, uh, he's not entitled to the seat.
437
00:17:08.725 --> 00:17:11.055
He's not guaranteed, you know, the seat from
438
00:17:11.055 --> 00:17:13.855
that standpoint, you know, he's going over to, to prove
439
00:17:13.855 --> 00:17:15.495
that he belongs in Formula One.
440
00:17:15.735 --> 00:17:16.775
I think we could all say that people
441
00:17:16.775 --> 00:17:19.095
that don't belong in Formula One, you know
442
00:17:19.125 --> 00:17:21.415
that it separates it out pretty quickly, right?
443
00:17:21.515 --> 00:17:23.495
If it's, if it's not meant to be, and so,
444
00:17:24.035 --> 00:17:26.295
and so, it's not, you know, it's not the right move for,
445
00:17:26.435 --> 00:17:29.095
for really for anyone, you know, from that standpoint.
446
00:17:29.635 --> 00:17:31.415
Um, but I think that's part of what you have
447
00:17:31.415 --> 00:17:32.775
to look at in this situation
448
00:17:32.775 --> 00:17:35.055
and why, you know, you know,
449
00:17:35.055 --> 00:17:36.815
that's Colton's doing a big thing here.
450
00:17:36.895 --> 00:17:39.935
I mean, he's, um, you know, it's like the, you know,
451
00:17:40.115 --> 00:17:42.975
no risk, no reward, I guess, you know, from that standpoint.
452
00:17:43.115 --> 00:17:44.215
But, um, yeah, I think
453
00:17:44.215 --> 00:17:45.895
what I applaud most about him is his
454
00:17:45.895 --> 00:17:47.255
willingness to be uncomfortable.
455
00:17:47.475 --> 00:17:49.965
You know, when you, when you come to a fork in the road,
456
00:17:50.065 --> 00:17:52.285
the very, the most comfortable thing he could have done was
457
00:17:52.285 --> 00:17:53.565
say, I'm well paid.
458
00:17:53.585 --> 00:17:55.565
I'm gonna stay in IndyCar and, you know,
459
00:17:55.665 --> 00:17:57.325
and go try to achieve this next thing.
460
00:17:57.825 --> 00:17:59.645
But he chose the unconventional path.
461
00:18:00.025 --> 00:18:01.245
He chose something that's going to,
462
00:18:01.345 --> 00:18:03.565
that's a very uncomfortable situation.
463
00:18:03.565 --> 00:18:05.045
There's a lot of new things, you
464
00:18:05.045 --> 00:18:06.085
know, that are gonna come at him.
465
00:18:06.785 --> 00:18:10.045
And, um, but I think it's, when you do put yourself in
466
00:18:10.045 --> 00:18:12.845
that situation, he's gonna grow, you know, tremendously.
467
00:18:12.865 --> 00:18:15.325
And he's got a big opportunity in front of him as well. No,
468
00:18:15.325 --> 00:18:16.325
It's great.
469
00:18:16.325 --> 00:18:17.645
I think the fact that there are no guarantees makes it
470
00:18:17.645 --> 00:18:18.645
that much more impressive.
471
00:18:18.795 --> 00:18:20.445
What, uh, what he's decided to do.
472
00:18:20.465 --> 00:18:21.885
And it's great that you gave him the opportunity.
473
00:18:22.545 --> 00:18:26.365
Um, that said, I think there's a, there's a glaring
474
00:18:26.365 --> 00:18:27.565
and obvious follow up question.
475
00:18:27.745 --> 00:18:32.445
If Colton is fully focused on European racing in 2026,
476
00:18:32.875 --> 00:18:36.005
there's an opening behind the wheel of the 26.
477
00:18:36.105 --> 00:18:38.405
Tim Uncross your fingers, it is not you,
478
00:18:38.945 --> 00:18:40.045
but any, uh,
479
00:18:40.725 --> 00:18:42.165
anything you wanna share about your plans
480
00:18:42.545 --> 00:18:43.965
on the IndyCar side? Yeah,
481
00:18:43.965 --> 00:18:44.965
Happily to.
482
00:18:45.025 --> 00:18:49.965
So, um, will Power has agreed to, to take the 26 seat
483
00:18:50.065 --> 00:18:51.285
for 2026.
484
00:18:51.705 --> 00:18:55.725
And so he will pilot the blank ho, you know, 26 Honda.
485
00:18:56.065 --> 00:18:58.005
But, uh, yeah, so starting at the first of the year,
486
00:18:58.015 --> 00:18:59.805
we'll be, we will be a part of the team and,
487
00:19:00.465 --> 00:19:02.405
and, um, we'll be rocking
488
00:19:02.465 --> 00:19:06.205
The 26 car has become one of those legacy cars, right?
489
00:19:06.365 --> 00:19:08.445
I think in the past five years, you know, you, you know,
490
00:19:08.445 --> 00:19:12.205
the nine is Dixon, you know, um, that, well,
491
00:19:12.245 --> 00:19:14.925
I guess 10 now is below the 12 has obviously been Will,
492
00:19:14.985 --> 00:19:16.285
the 26 has been Colton.
493
00:19:17.775 --> 00:19:20.235
So those cars are always incredibly difficult
494
00:19:20.255 --> 00:19:21.835
to find replacement drivers for,
495
00:19:22.075 --> 00:19:23.635
because there's this expectation, right?
496
00:19:23.635 --> 00:19:25.635
That that car is, is gonna be at the front,
497
00:19:25.775 --> 00:19:28.435
is gonna be in contention week in and week out.
498
00:19:28.935 --> 00:19:32.755
So what an amazing opportunity for, for both of you, right,
499
00:19:32.895 --> 00:19:36.515
to be able to, to find someone of Wheels caliber, I mean,
500
00:19:36.515 --> 00:19:39.235
the fastest indie car driver in history, right?
501
00:19:39.935 --> 00:19:42.515
Two championships, 500, um,
502
00:19:43.215 --> 00:19:45.715
so much legacy going into that car.
503
00:19:46.175 --> 00:19:49.315
And also for Will, going to a, a team that
504
00:19:49.935 --> 00:19:52.075
in some regards is an upgrade.
505
00:19:52.105 --> 00:19:54.995
Like, you don't often leave Team Penske, right?
506
00:19:55.215 --> 00:19:57.395
And think that you're gonna next year have a more
507
00:19:57.395 --> 00:20:00.355
competitive car or a better chance to win races.
508
00:20:00.415 --> 00:20:03.915
So, um, I just wanna congratulate you both on that,
509
00:20:03.975 --> 00:20:07.075
but did you, when this came up with Colton,
510
00:20:07.935 --> 00:20:09.555
did you know Will was gonna be available
511
00:20:09.695 --> 00:20:12.875
and did that make this whole kind of puzzle
512
00:20:13.415 --> 00:20:16.115
jigsaw puzzle piece moving easier? Yeah, you know,
513
00:20:16.115 --> 00:20:17.315
That, that's a great question.
514
00:20:17.575 --> 00:20:20.635
Um, because we, I absolutely did think about,
515
00:20:20.745 --> 00:20:22.995
like at different points in time, you know,
516
00:20:23.035 --> 00:20:25.115
I was thinking about do I offer Colton this path?
517
00:20:25.115 --> 00:20:28.035
Like does he get, you know, does one, does it make sense,
518
00:20:28.215 --> 00:20:29.315
you know, for him to pursue that?
519
00:20:29.315 --> 00:20:31.635
But then it's like, Hey, wait a second, if Colton leaves,
520
00:20:31.975 --> 00:20:35.035
you know, Andretti, like, who am I gonna put in the car?
521
00:20:35.055 --> 00:20:37.475
And like, because you're right, it's very difficult.
522
00:20:37.475 --> 00:20:41.075
Those are big shoes to fill, you know, on the Andretti side.
523
00:20:41.535 --> 00:20:43.835
And so I was just like, nah, I'm not doing it.
524
00:20:43.865 --> 00:20:46.395
Like, just, you know, that that's,
525
00:20:46.505 --> 00:20:47.610
it's too big, big of a move.
526
00:20:47.985 --> 00:20:49.005
And it was, it was, uh,
527
00:20:49.025 --> 00:20:51.885
it was actually a Road America this year where, you know,
528
00:20:51.885 --> 00:20:54.445
Roger had given Will permission, you know, just to talk
529
00:20:54.445 --> 00:20:56.205
to other teams and kind of see what's out there
530
00:20:56.985 --> 00:20:58.125
and Will came up to me
531
00:20:58.125 --> 00:20:59.885
and he was just like, I wanna drive for you.
532
00:21:00.625 --> 00:21:03.885
And I'm like, well, I three drivers under contract,
533
00:21:04.585 --> 00:21:06.285
but I have something in my head.
534
00:21:06.345 --> 00:21:08.605
Let me think about it and I'll get back to you.
535
00:21:08.745 --> 00:21:12.245
And, and so, I mean, it was really right at that time
536
00:21:12.275 --> 00:21:15.125
that I'd been thinking about taking that next step
537
00:21:15.125 --> 00:21:19.605
with Colton, you know, of like saying, you know, this is
538
00:21:19.605 --> 00:21:20.725
what the Formula One path looks like,
539
00:21:20.725 --> 00:21:22.845
and we're kind of at this place where it's either now
540
00:21:22.945 --> 00:21:25.765
or never, you know, from that standpoint.
541
00:21:26.345 --> 00:21:29.245
And, you know, so it was, you know, somewhat serendipitous
542
00:21:29.245 --> 00:21:31.085
that has all kind of happened at the same time
543
00:21:31.515 --> 00:21:33.285
because you, you're absolutely right,
544
00:21:33.345 --> 00:21:35.885
it was a big consideration about who was gonna go in
545
00:21:35.885 --> 00:21:37.245
that car, you know?
546
00:21:37.465 --> 00:21:38.885
And, um, I couldn't be more
547
00:21:38.885 --> 00:21:40.045
excited that it's gonna be willpower.
548
00:21:40.045 --> 00:21:41.965
Obviously we all know Will's track record,
549
00:21:42.145 --> 00:21:44.165
we know the wins, the poles, all that stuff.
550
00:21:44.305 --> 00:21:45.805
But as you've always said,
551
00:21:45.985 --> 00:21:47.205
and we've, we've talked about it here,
552
00:21:47.605 --> 00:21:48.845
racing's about people, you
553
00:21:48.845 --> 00:21:49.965
know, building a team's about people.
554
00:21:50.145 --> 00:21:52.725
So, uh, I'm sure there's a lineup of drivers
555
00:21:52.795 --> 00:21:54.925
that would've happily driven the 26 car.
556
00:21:55.085 --> 00:21:57.525
I know it's not, you know, it's not always that, again,
557
00:21:57.585 --> 00:21:59.845
big shoes to fill with, with Colin, her to stepping out.
558
00:22:00.265 --> 00:22:02.005
But what was it about Will,
559
00:22:02.105 --> 00:22:04.085
why was Will an attractive option for you?
560
00:22:04.605 --> 00:22:07.205
A above and beyond just what his resume says?
561
00:22:07.315 --> 00:22:09.925
Yeah, so like, I knew Will just, you know, generally,
562
00:22:10.185 --> 00:22:11.365
you know, would see him around
563
00:22:11.365 --> 00:22:13.165
or whatev we didn't, we didn't talk a lot.
564
00:22:13.425 --> 00:22:15.445
And so as I started to get to know him, you know,
565
00:22:15.445 --> 00:22:18.245
I don't think I appreciated just how intense his work ethic
566
00:22:18.945 --> 00:22:22.085
is and you know, how much of a, you know,
567
00:22:22.085 --> 00:22:24.805
of a technician he is and how detailed he is.
568
00:22:25.465 --> 00:22:27.965
You know, he is like, he's like borderline mechanic,
569
00:22:27.965 --> 00:22:30.085
borderline engineer, you know,
570
00:22:30.835 --> 00:22:32.525
race car driver, borderline, insane, ,
571
00:22:34.775 --> 00:22:37.525
Borderline
Musician, uh, drummer, I guess.
572
00:22:37.715 --> 00:22:39.245
Yeah, , you know, as well, right?
573
00:22:39.345 --> 00:22:40.725
So, I don't know, maybe it was better than that.
574
00:22:41.105 --> 00:22:42.685
Um, but, uh,
575
00:22:43.225 --> 00:22:44.845
No, that was the connection that's you're like, oh,
576
00:22:44.845 --> 00:22:45.885
a drummer's leaving this car.
577
00:22:45.885 --> 00:22:47.165
We need a drummer to replace him.
578
00:22:47.395 --> 00:22:48.765
It's the only way it's gonna work.
579
00:22:49.395 --> 00:22:50.805
It's the, it's gonna work.
580
00:22:51.315 --> 00:22:52.485
Yeah, that was my first question.
581
00:22:52.485 --> 00:22:53.885
I go, well, what instrument do you play ?
582
00:22:54.795 --> 00:22:58.285
Sure.
No, but, um,
583
00:22:58.705 --> 00:23:00.965
but man, I was just like, this guy's work ethic.
584
00:23:01.185 --> 00:23:02.925
I'm like, wow. Like you, I,
585
00:23:03.005 --> 00:23:05.125
I really do think he's gonna take it to a new level,
586
00:23:05.705 --> 00:23:07.955
you know, you know, with the teammates.
587
00:23:08.035 --> 00:23:10.555
I think he's, he feels like he's got so much to prove
588
00:23:11.295 --> 00:23:12.555
yet still in IndyCar,
589
00:23:12.625 --> 00:23:14.835
despite the record, you know, that he has.
590
00:23:15.415 --> 00:23:19.275
And, um, and so I was just like, I love the, you know,
591
00:23:19.275 --> 00:23:21.635
the energy around this guy, like who he is,
592
00:23:21.895 --> 00:23:24.435
and you know, how he approaches racing.
593
00:23:24.635 --> 00:23:28.075
I had no idea that it was that detailed, that intense.
594
00:23:28.735 --> 00:23:32.195
And, um, you know, so as I got to know him a little bit more
595
00:23:32.495 --> 00:23:34.515
as a race car driver, I was just like,
596
00:23:35.075 --> 00:23:36.595
I want this guy on my team. I
597
00:23:36.595 --> 00:23:37.595
Love that.
598
00:23:37.735 --> 00:23:40.835
Um, because this is somewhat breaking news,
599
00:23:41.295 --> 00:23:45.330
and so we're like a quasi like media outlet in this one
600
00:23:45.330 --> 00:23:47.765
particular example in the eight year history of this show.
601
00:23:48.265 --> 00:23:50.085
Uh, I'm gonna ask a question that like,
602
00:23:50.125 --> 00:23:51.245
I normally wouldn't have asked,
603
00:23:51.305 --> 00:23:53.645
but I know you're gonna get asked, so let's just get it out
604
00:23:53.645 --> 00:23:55.885
so that way hopefully less people ask you in the future.
605
00:23:56.475 --> 00:24:01.405
Sure. Um, is this a single year deal, a multi-year deal?
606
00:24:01.515 --> 00:24:04.085
What are you willing and able to share in terms of,
607
00:24:04.105 --> 00:24:06.605
you know, kind of the, the specifics on that side of things?
608
00:24:07.235 --> 00:24:10.405
Yeah, so w Will's a multi-year deal, um,
609
00:24:10.545 --> 00:24:11.645
you know, from that standpoint.
610
00:24:11.665 --> 00:24:15.725
And so, um, yeah, we're, we're excited to have 'em on and,
611
00:24:16.385 --> 00:24:18.805
and, um, you know, it's, you know,
612
00:24:18.805 --> 00:24:19.885
as we continue to build out our,
613
00:24:19.985 --> 00:24:21.805
Our driver
Lineup, we're super excited about
614
00:24:21.925 --> 00:24:22.925
That.
615
00:24:22.925 --> 00:24:24.925
Well, thank you very much for your time, um,
616
00:24:25.105 --> 00:24:26.325
and sharing all of this.
617
00:24:26.515 --> 00:24:30.765
It's, um, it's been incredible for all of us.
618
00:24:31.105 --> 00:24:32.445
Um, but specifically James
619
00:24:32.445 --> 00:24:35.605
and I, you know, we have, I have a, a soft spot
620
00:24:35.605 --> 00:24:37.285
for Formula One with my history Shut up.
621
00:24:37.305 --> 00:24:39.965
Tim James obviously has gotten very involved in
622
00:24:39.965 --> 00:24:41.165
that world recently.
623
00:24:41.705 --> 00:24:46.285
So the fact that there is people that we know now, people
624
00:24:46.285 --> 00:24:49.485
that, that we're ultimately all very close with in, in,
625
00:24:49.505 --> 00:24:51.845
in different regards, um, going out and,
626
00:24:51.905 --> 00:24:54.925
and participating in, in the biggest sport in the world,
627
00:24:55.225 --> 00:24:56.685
um, is, is pretty amazing.
628
00:24:56.745 --> 00:24:57.885
So we wish you all the best.
629
00:24:58.335 --> 00:25:01.445
Thank you for the time and, uh, can't wait to watch
630
00:25:01.465 --> 00:25:02.565
and cheer you on from afar.
631
00:25:02.835 --> 00:25:04.845
Awesome. Thanks guys,
Though, because
632
00:25:04.845 --> 00:25:05.965
Appreciate you having me up .
633
00:25:07.785 --> 00:25:09.805
Thanks very much, buddy. Really appreciate it. Yep.
634
00:25:13.515 --> 00:25:15.765
Well, we spoke with the boss man,
635
00:25:15.985 --> 00:25:19.645
and, uh, joining us now is one
636
00:25:19.645 --> 00:25:22.205
of the key players in the big news from today.
637
00:25:22.265 --> 00:25:24.405
Mr. Colton Herda. Buddy, welcome to the show.
638
00:25:24.705 --> 00:25:26.325
I'm back, back for more. You're back.
639
00:25:26.325 --> 00:25:27.965
You're back,
Back for more.
640
00:25:28.145 --> 00:25:31.205
So yeah, we just spoke to your boss, uh, who informed us
641
00:25:31.205 --> 00:25:32.965
that you will be racing,
642
00:25:33.405 --> 00:25:37.125
I think it's John Deere tractors in the US Tractor Racing
643
00:25:37.275 --> 00:25:40.125
Association's inaugural season next year, which is pretty
644
00:25:40.365 --> 00:25:41.365
Exciting stuff.
645
00:25:41.365 --> 00:25:42.005
Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if they got
646
00:25:42.005 --> 00:25:43.205
more super license points than
647
00:25:43.205 --> 00:25:46.005
IndyCar,
, going after those points.
648
00:25:46.005 --> 00:25:48.125
That's what we gotta do. You gotta get into the John Deeres.
649
00:25:48.495 --> 00:25:50.365
There you go. Well, look, buddy, we got, uh,
650
00:25:50.365 --> 00:25:52.965
we got the official word that you are being announced
651
00:25:53.145 --> 00:25:57.325
as the Cadillac F1 reserve driver for 2026,
652
00:25:57.325 --> 00:25:58.405
which is very exciting,
653
00:25:59.105 --> 00:26:00.645
and that means that you're likely
654
00:26:00.665 --> 00:26:04.165
to pursue some racing endeavors over in Europe next year
655
00:26:04.425 --> 00:26:07.525
as you kind of acclimate to, uh, reacclimate,
656
00:26:07.605 --> 00:26:08.965
I should say, to racing over in Europe.
657
00:26:08.985 --> 00:26:10.085
You obviously have done that in the past,
658
00:26:10.145 --> 00:26:12.125
but let's just start off by, I mean,
659
00:26:12.265 --> 00:26:13.725
how do you feel about the news that,
660
00:26:13.725 --> 00:26:14.725
that everybody learned today?
661
00:26:14.725 --> 00:26:15.845
You've known for some time, but
662
00:26:15.945 --> 00:26:17.165
the rest of the world just found out?
663
00:26:17.365 --> 00:26:18.645
I, I'm happy. I'm happy that,
664
00:26:18.645 --> 00:26:20.565
that we can finally share it with everyone.
665
00:26:20.825 --> 00:26:23.845
Um, you know, it's been a, a, a discussion
666
00:26:23.845 --> 00:26:25.805
for quite some time now behind the scenes and,
667
00:26:25.945 --> 00:26:27.685
and, you know, to finally get it out there and,
668
00:26:27.685 --> 00:26:31.165
and let everybody hear about it feels great for me.
669
00:26:31.365 --> 00:26:35.965
I, all I can do is really show gratitude to, to Dan and TWG
670
00:26:35.965 --> 00:26:39.565
and Cadillac F1, uh, for giving me this opportunity to be a,
671
00:26:39.565 --> 00:26:41.965
you know, test driver for, for Formula One team and,
672
00:26:42.265 --> 00:26:44.125
and an American Formula One team.
673
00:26:44.225 --> 00:26:45.965
So it's a, it's an exciting time
674
00:26:46.065 --> 00:26:49.445
and for me, I'm just, uh, I'm chomping at the bit, you know,
675
00:26:49.485 --> 00:26:52.205
I think it's a, a really cool, cool step for me, um,
676
00:26:52.405 --> 00:26:54.965
a cool opportunity and, uh, one
677
00:26:54.965 --> 00:26:56.805
that I'm, I'm ready to get to work on. So
678
00:26:56.805 --> 00:27:00.045
This is obviously, um, all of those things, it's,
679
00:27:00.075 --> 00:27:01.325
it's an amazing opportunity.
680
00:27:01.915 --> 00:27:05.765
It's, um, there are a lot
681
00:27:05.765 --> 00:27:08.725
of people putting a lot of faith and,
682
00:27:08.725 --> 00:27:11.405
and belief in, in what you're capable of, rightly
683
00:27:11.425 --> 00:27:12.805
so in, in my opinion.
684
00:27:13.585 --> 00:27:18.245
But walk us through the decision making process for you.
685
00:27:18.385 --> 00:27:21.445
You know, Dan, Dan touched on it a little bit when we spoke
686
00:27:21.445 --> 00:27:24.685
with him about how, you know, when he presented you with,
687
00:27:24.755 --> 00:27:28.005
with these options, he was really impressed that you,
688
00:27:28.505 --> 00:27:30.245
you ultimately chose the harder route.
689
00:27:30.425 --> 00:27:32.245
You, you chose the, the road
690
00:27:32.315 --> 00:27:34.845
that had more risks associated with it.
691
00:27:34.845 --> 00:27:37.085
Mm-hmm . Yes. A, a great reward, but,
692
00:27:37.085 --> 00:27:40.725
but there was a lot, there is potentially a lot that,
693
00:27:40.865 --> 00:27:42.045
um, that could happen.
694
00:27:42.055 --> 00:27:45.965
Right. And what was ultimately
695
00:27:47.195 --> 00:27:49.255
the thing that made you be like, alright,
696
00:27:49.525 --> 00:27:51.895
this is my opportunity and I need to go do this?
697
00:27:52.205 --> 00:27:56.775
Yeah, I think, you know, for, for me, it's been a dream
698
00:27:56.775 --> 00:27:59.975
of mine to, to try to make it into Formula One.
699
00:27:59.995 --> 00:28:02.615
And, and you know, I know everyone's seen
700
00:28:02.635 --> 00:28:05.615
how close I've come before, um, you know,
701
00:28:05.615 --> 00:28:08.255
and I think this is, this is my best shot at,
702
00:28:08.315 --> 00:28:09.855
at getting to Formula One.
703
00:28:10.195 --> 00:28:11.895
You know, I think it, it goes without saying, like,
704
00:28:11.925 --> 00:28:13.535
like you said, you know, the risk factor
705
00:28:13.535 --> 00:28:16.895
of I'm leaving a great situation here in IndyCar, um,
706
00:28:17.495 --> 00:28:21.615
a a place that was my home for, for six seasons.
707
00:28:21.875 --> 00:28:25.215
And, you know, during those six seasons really has become
708
00:28:25.685 --> 00:28:28.815
kind of built around what I want, you know, in, in the team
709
00:28:28.815 --> 00:28:31.095
with the engineering group and the mechanics and,
710
00:28:31.095 --> 00:28:35.015
and everything that that has happened has kind of conformed
711
00:28:35.015 --> 00:28:36.455
around me because I've been there the longest.
712
00:28:36.675 --> 00:28:40.335
So the easy thing would be to stay in, stay in IndyCar, um,
713
00:28:41.205 --> 00:28:44.045
that would be simple for me.
714
00:28:44.365 --> 00:28:47.405
I live a very similar life that, that I've been doing.
715
00:28:47.945 --> 00:28:51.845
Um, but for me, it's, it's a dream of mine.
716
00:28:51.845 --> 00:28:53.325
You know, I wanna fight for my dream and,
717
00:28:53.625 --> 00:28:55.605
and that is to try to make it to Formula One.
718
00:28:56.065 --> 00:28:58.725
Um, you know, that I think
719
00:28:59.515 --> 00:29:02.765
this isn't a forever goodbye to IndyCar by any means.
720
00:29:02.865 --> 00:29:06.205
You know, I, I see myself in coming back to IndyCar, uh,
721
00:29:06.465 --> 00:29:08.245
at some stage in my career just
722
00:29:08.245 --> 00:29:09.925
because it's, it's, I love it.
723
00:29:10.385 --> 00:29:13.325
But for me, you know, I really wanted to try to make it
724
00:29:13.325 --> 00:29:15.285
to Formula One, and this is my opportunity.
725
00:29:15.425 --> 00:29:16.485
You, you kind of touched on
726
00:29:16.545 --> 00:29:18.205
how it's been an up and down thing.
727
00:29:18.205 --> 00:29:21.125
You've had some close calls of, you know, you've tested,
728
00:29:21.505 --> 00:29:23.245
you were in the simulator, you know,
729
00:29:23.245 --> 00:29:25.125
Dan actually gave a little bit of the background there
730
00:29:25.125 --> 00:29:28.045
as well, maybe some stuff that people had known previously.
731
00:29:28.705 --> 00:29:33.055
Um, I know there's been so many jokes,
732
00:29:33.105 --> 00:29:35.775
let's call it memes, everything about super license points
733
00:29:35.835 --> 00:29:40.395
and all that stuff, but after the Saber thing didn't happen,
734
00:29:40.645 --> 00:29:43.445
after the Alpha Towery thing didn't happen,
735
00:29:43.865 --> 00:29:45.565
you had a great test with McLaren,
736
00:29:45.565 --> 00:29:46.765
but that wasn't going anywhere.
737
00:29:48.085 --> 00:29:51.405
Andretti was struggling to get a team in F1, you know,
738
00:29:51.405 --> 00:29:55.405
before it became Cadillac F1, you'd gotten close
739
00:29:55.405 --> 00:29:57.765
and tasted it, had you kind of given up hope at one point
740
00:29:57.945 --> 00:30:00.685
and sort of, you know, been resigned to the fact that, ah,
741
00:30:00.785 --> 00:30:02.605
man, we were close, but look, there's only 20 seats.
742
00:30:02.625 --> 00:30:04.005
You can't, not everybody gets that chance.
743
00:30:04.155 --> 00:30:05.445
Yeah. You know, and I, I,
744
00:30:05.985 --> 00:30:07.745
I don't think it was ever really like sour grapes
745
00:30:07.745 --> 00:30:09.025
with Formula One and, and,
746
00:30:09.245 --> 00:30:12.545
and our inability to make that push
747
00:30:12.545 --> 00:30:15.745
and finally get a race seat, um, you know, for me I was,
748
00:30:15.905 --> 00:30:17.385
I was contempt and, you know,
749
00:30:17.385 --> 00:30:20.825
after the, the alpha tar thing fell through, I was thinking,
750
00:30:20.825 --> 00:30:23.425
well, that's probably it for me in, in Formula One.
751
00:30:23.425 --> 00:30:26.065
And, you know, that was, that was my last shot, you know,
752
00:30:26.065 --> 00:30:27.265
the age was a factor,
753
00:30:27.885 --> 00:30:30.185
and, you know, it, it seemed to me
754
00:30:30.695 --> 00:30:32.905
that it was just gonna be a career in IndyCar,
755
00:30:32.905 --> 00:30:35.625
which is not a bad thing, I don't think, you know,
756
00:30:35.805 --> 00:30:37.985
so I was happy with that, I was content with that.
757
00:30:38.485 --> 00:30:42.025
Um, but then I got this one last lifeline from, from Dan
758
00:30:42.085 --> 00:30:45.785
and, and Cadillac F1, and everybody over there at TWG.
759
00:30:45.845 --> 00:30:49.945
And for me, it's, it was an incredibly tough decision
760
00:30:50.005 --> 00:30:52.945
to make because I know when I'm leaving behind, I'm leaving
761
00:30:52.945 --> 00:30:55.145
behind a great group of guys, uh,
762
00:30:55.885 --> 00:30:59.825
an incredibly competitive championship where, you know,
763
00:30:59.825 --> 00:31:03.185
you can, if it's your day, you can win, you know, and,
764
00:31:03.285 --> 00:31:05.545
and we've seen that's not always the case in Formula One.
765
00:31:05.545 --> 00:31:10.145
You need the car to compete, but you know, it's, it's a risk
766
00:31:10.245 --> 00:31:11.265
and it's a dream of mine.
767
00:31:11.325 --> 00:31:13.385
So I thought, you know, this is my last shot at it.
768
00:31:14.115 --> 00:31:16.675
I want to do it. I wanna take that, that chance.
769
00:31:17.055 --> 00:31:21.295
And so for me, it's really just about fighting for my dream.
770
00:31:21.355 --> 00:31:22.495
And that's, that's kind of
771
00:31:22.495 --> 00:31:25.135
what the opportunity was, was given to me from
772
00:31:25.485 --> 00:31:27.895
This, this has been news that, um,
773
00:31:27.895 --> 00:31:28.935
you've known about for a bit.
774
00:31:30.645 --> 00:31:33.415
What, what is the next steps?
775
00:31:33.715 --> 00:31:36.415
Um, I'm not asking the, the details of, of
776
00:31:36.485 --> 00:31:38.815
what 2026 is involving,
777
00:31:39.075 --> 00:31:42.175
but what are the next steps in terms of, you know,
778
00:31:42.235 --> 00:31:43.775
are you gonna, are you gonna move to Europe?
779
00:31:44.115 --> 00:31:48.735
Are you going to, um, start immediately working with
780
00:31:49.495 --> 00:31:52.575
Cadillac F1 on the sim program that's in, that's in Concord?
781
00:31:52.675 --> 00:31:55.735
Uh, what, what, what happens in the next week, month,
782
00:31:55.955 --> 00:31:58.015
two months, going into January of 26?
783
00:31:58.165 --> 00:32:00.175
Yeah, I think it, it, we're still trying
784
00:32:00.175 --> 00:32:01.215
to figure everything out, right?
785
00:32:01.215 --> 00:32:02.575
This is still really fresh and,
786
00:32:02.715 --> 00:32:05.855
and you know, I don't have all the answers for, for all
787
00:32:05.855 --> 00:32:09.375
that, but I think the biggest thing is, is
788
00:32:09.835 --> 00:32:13.015
how do we prepare me best to become a Formula One driver?
789
00:32:13.285 --> 00:32:14.615
What is, what does that entail?
790
00:32:14.715 --> 00:32:17.935
Yes, SIM sim work, getting over there, living over there,
791
00:32:18.195 --> 00:32:21.295
um, being in the, in the workshop as much as I can to try
792
00:32:21.295 --> 00:32:23.415
to learn off of, uh, off
793
00:32:23.415 --> 00:32:25.175
of the two good drivers that they, they have right now.
794
00:32:25.315 --> 00:32:27.295
And, um, you know,
795
00:32:27.395 --> 00:32:29.995
and wherever they see me fit,
796
00:32:30.255 --> 00:32:31.555
that's what I'm gonna try to be doing.
797
00:32:31.655 --> 00:32:32.915
You know, if they want me to be
798
00:32:34.155 --> 00:32:35.795
learning from their qualifying pace
799
00:32:35.795 --> 00:32:37.675
or being on the simulator on race weekends,
800
00:32:37.695 --> 00:32:39.645
and I don't know everything that entails,
801
00:32:39.705 --> 00:32:42.485
but I'm willing to do whatever they want me to do to, uh,
802
00:32:42.905 --> 00:32:43.965
to make this a success
803
00:32:43.965 --> 00:32:46.205
because that's, that's the most important thing for me, is
804
00:32:46.205 --> 00:32:47.245
that it is successful.
805
00:32:47.405 --> 00:32:49.725
I, I just need to correct my myself real quick.
806
00:32:50.025 --> 00:32:53.165
Uh, I, I misspoke when I said you're a reserve driver.
807
00:32:53.305 --> 00:32:55.645
You are a development and test driver officially.
808
00:32:55.905 --> 00:32:58.165
So I apologize for my misstep there.
809
00:32:58.705 --> 00:33:00.605
You should have jumped in and corrected me, Colton,
810
00:33:00.605 --> 00:33:04.445
you can't let people just spread, you know, disseminate lies
811
00:33:04.465 --> 00:33:05.525
and rumors in the media.
812
00:33:06.025 --> 00:33:07.605
You, I, I admire.
813
00:33:07.605 --> 00:33:09.325
Like look, everything that, that you're doing,
814
00:33:09.325 --> 00:33:11.645
this whole thing is so admirable in so many ways.
815
00:33:12.065 --> 00:33:16.925
And, you know, we, we asked Dan straight up, does, does,
816
00:33:16.995 --> 00:33:19.925
does Colton's deal say he goes
817
00:33:19.945 --> 00:33:22.525
and integrates with the team, you know, races in Europe,
818
00:33:22.845 --> 00:33:24.725
whatever it is, whatever involvement you have with,
819
00:33:24.725 --> 00:33:27.685
with Cadillac F1 next year in 2026,
820
00:33:28.105 --> 00:33:30.445
and then he has a race seat in 2027,
821
00:33:30.585 --> 00:33:31.965
and he said, no, there's no guarantees.
822
00:33:31.965 --> 00:33:33.205
You gotta earn it. This is performance
823
00:33:33.205 --> 00:33:34.365
based business, whatever.
824
00:33:35.665 --> 00:33:38.925
The fact that it's not as clear cut as, yeah, you develop
825
00:33:38.945 --> 00:33:40.805
for a year and then you get to go race.
826
00:33:41.155 --> 00:33:43.285
It's, it's very much a, yeah, you get this,
827
00:33:43.345 --> 00:33:44.725
you get this next year, and then
828
00:33:44.725 --> 00:33:45.965
it's up to you to sink or swim.
829
00:33:46.395 --> 00:33:48.365
Like, is that, is that part scary?
830
00:33:48.365 --> 00:33:52.365
Does the lack of a guarantee make this an extra scary step?
831
00:33:52.785 --> 00:33:55.245
No, um, not, not for me,
832
00:33:55.245 --> 00:33:58.965
because, you know, I think as racing drivers, as you know,
833
00:33:58.965 --> 00:34:01.085
James and, and Alex, you bet on yourself.
834
00:34:01.265 --> 00:34:02.845
You constantly are betting on yourself.
835
00:34:03.105 --> 00:34:05.845
Um, and for me, this is just one of those things
836
00:34:05.845 --> 00:34:06.885
where I'm betting on myself
837
00:34:07.105 --> 00:34:09.565
and, you know, I, I believe in myself.
838
00:34:09.605 --> 00:34:10.885
I believe that I'm fast enough to do it.
839
00:34:11.625 --> 00:34:14.005
Um, that's not saying it's gonna be easy.
840
00:34:14.005 --> 00:34:15.565
There's gonna be a lot of work to, uh,
841
00:34:15.855 --> 00:34:18.805
understand the differences from, from the Grand Prix racing
842
00:34:19.065 --> 00:34:20.525
to IndyCar racing.
843
00:34:20.745 --> 00:34:24.525
But, you know, I think it's, uh, it's, it's something
844
00:34:24.525 --> 00:34:25.885
that I'm, I'm gonna work for, you know,
845
00:34:25.945 --> 00:34:27.645
I'm a hundred percent diving into it.
846
00:34:27.825 --> 00:34:31.125
And for me, I think it's, it's gonna be a lot of work.
847
00:34:31.355 --> 00:34:32.405
It's gonna be a lot of learning.
848
00:34:32.705 --> 00:34:34.885
Um, there's gonna be a lot of things I'm gonna have
849
00:34:34.885 --> 00:34:38.485
to pick up on quickly, but I believe that I can do it.
850
00:34:38.665 --> 00:34:40.725
And, you know, if I didn't think that I could do it,
851
00:34:41.315 --> 00:34:42.965
like I said, it's a super big risk,
852
00:34:43.105 --> 00:34:45.725
but I would stay in IndyCar, but I believe in myself,
853
00:34:45.725 --> 00:34:48.125
and I believe I'm fast enough. Is
854
00:34:48.125 --> 00:34:50.485
There a scenario that
855
00:34:50.485 --> 00:34:53.245
because of the way the schedule works next year,
856
00:34:53.555 --> 00:34:57.005
that you would still do the 500 in 2026?
857
00:34:57.545 --> 00:35:00.445
Um, I didn't not, I did not know about that.
858
00:35:00.705 --> 00:35:04.245
Um, is it, there's there, it's, there is
859
00:35:04.245 --> 00:35:05.245
No conflict.
860
00:35:05.915 --> 00:35:07.485
It's not a conflict. Hang on, hang
861
00:35:07.485 --> 00:35:08.485
On.
862
00:35:08.485 --> 00:35:10.205
I knew about that. You
Didn't know about that.
863
00:35:10.485 --> 00:35:12.485
I didn't know about that. You know, I think, should
864
00:35:12.485 --> 00:35:13.645
We get Dan back on
Here?
865
00:35:13.965 --> 00:35:15.285
I was gonna say, I know next
866
00:35:15.315 --> 00:35:17.725
Call on the show,
What is the next call's gonna be
867
00:35:17.725 --> 00:35:18.885
when he gets off this show?
868
00:35:20.245 --> 00:35:21.685
I, I don't know.
869
00:35:21.905 --> 00:35:23.845
You know, I think it, it, it depends
870
00:35:23.845 --> 00:35:25.405
what I'm doing next year, you know, and,
871
00:35:25.405 --> 00:35:27.645
and how involved i, I am and,
872
00:35:27.665 --> 00:35:29.805
and what that off time looks like for me.
873
00:35:30.465 --> 00:35:34.875
Um, I think we all know about my love for IndyCar
874
00:35:34.935 --> 00:35:38.645
and especially the 500, if it makes sense, you know,
875
00:35:38.835 --> 00:35:40.925
it's definitely something that I would be open to,
876
00:35:41.345 --> 00:35:42.605
but it has to make sense, right?
877
00:35:42.605 --> 00:35:46.135
And it, it can't hold us back from, from the ultimate goal,
878
00:35:46.135 --> 00:35:47.815
which is, you know, trying to reach Formula One
879
00:35:47.815 --> 00:35:48.815
with Cadillac F1.
880
00:35:49.675 --> 00:35:54.575
So my, my follow up to that is we don't need
881
00:35:54.575 --> 00:35:56.455
to go into the super license point details.
882
00:35:57.085 --> 00:35:59.255
It's, it's a joke that anyone's in
883
00:35:59.255 --> 00:36:00.375
this position in the first place.
884
00:36:01.875 --> 00:36:05.295
Was it ever an option, um, for you
885
00:36:05.295 --> 00:36:06.815
to continue racing IndyCar
886
00:36:07.195 --> 00:36:11.255
and achieve the necessary super license points via free
887
00:36:11.495 --> 00:36:14.055
practice sessions and still integrating in the
888
00:36:14.295 --> 00:36:15.535
weekends that didn't conflict?
889
00:36:15.595 --> 00:36:19.535
Was that ever something that was, uh, suggested
890
00:36:19.715 --> 00:36:21.855
and then if it was, why didn't you go that way?
891
00:36:22.545 --> 00:36:23.935
There was a discussion about it.
892
00:36:24.115 --> 00:36:26.695
Um, you know, I think ultimately me
893
00:36:26.695 --> 00:36:28.455
and the team thought it would be best to
894
00:36:29.205 --> 00:36:32.055
integrate myself in Europe, you know, completely.
895
00:36:32.055 --> 00:36:36.605
Yeah. And, and wish that, you know, the IndyCar schedule is,
896
00:36:36.665 --> 00:36:38.965
is so hectic for, you know, five months
897
00:36:39.425 --> 00:36:42.485
and I wouldn't have any time really to be over there
898
00:36:42.585 --> 00:36:44.165
and being in the sim
899
00:36:44.225 --> 00:36:47.325
or, you know, doing TPC tests and, and whatnot.
900
00:36:47.445 --> 00:36:48.805
FP ones, it would be tougher.
901
00:36:48.905 --> 00:36:52.285
So this kind of frees up my schedule a lot more to be able
902
00:36:52.285 --> 00:36:55.225
to, to dive kind of head first into it.
903
00:36:55.595 --> 00:36:57.185
Where does it start? When does it start?
904
00:36:57.265 --> 00:36:58.425
I know this is all pretty new and,
905
00:36:58.425 --> 00:37:00.505
and you said there's still some things to kind of outline
906
00:37:00.505 --> 00:37:01.865
and, and, and define,
907
00:37:01.965 --> 00:37:04.145
but for you, like, what is the next step?
908
00:37:04.145 --> 00:37:06.025
What's the first kind of official task
909
00:37:06.125 --> 00:37:07.825
and official duty that you know of
910
00:37:07.825 --> 00:37:09.265
that you're gonna have? Um,
911
00:37:09.385 --> 00:37:11.105
I think that's all still being worked out.
912
00:37:11.285 --> 00:37:13.705
You know, I think the, the biggest thing is,
913
00:37:13.725 --> 00:37:15.905
is over these next few weeks is, is figuring out
914
00:37:15.905 --> 00:37:17.105
what the plan is for next year.
915
00:37:17.605 --> 00:37:19.545
Um, what the racing plan looks like,
916
00:37:19.545 --> 00:37:21.585
what the testing plan looks like, um,
917
00:37:22.575 --> 00:37:24.505
when they'll need me to, to be over there.
918
00:37:25.085 --> 00:37:29.225
Um, but I, I'm sure I'll probably be integrated here after,
919
00:37:29.275 --> 00:37:31.745
after September, you know, we'll have some time to kind
920
00:37:31.745 --> 00:37:34.385
of decompress from the IndyCar season, um,
921
00:37:34.845 --> 00:37:36.065
and then kind of learn what,
922
00:37:36.215 --> 00:37:38.505
what this next year's gonna look like in this off season.
923
00:37:39.085 --> 00:37:42.985
Can I ask how long you've known, like, when,
924
00:37:42.985 --> 00:37:44.665
when this decision was made? I was gonna
925
00:37:44.725 --> 00:37:48.305
Ask that
Because I, I know it wasn't a quick decision,
926
00:37:48.375 --> 00:37:50.865
like you were approached with this scenario
927
00:37:51.165 --> 00:37:52.585
by Di Dan or whoever.
928
00:37:52.895 --> 00:37:55.065
Yeah. And it, it wasn't like in
929
00:37:55.065 --> 00:37:57.385
that conversation you were like, hell yeah, let's go.
930
00:37:57.925 --> 00:37:59.185
It was like, let me think about it.
931
00:37:59.205 --> 00:38:00.865
Let me work through all this. So when
932
00:38:00.865 --> 00:38:02.025
did you actually make that call?
933
00:38:02.385 --> 00:38:04.865
I wanna say probably a few days ago officially.
934
00:38:05.245 --> 00:38:07.305
You know, it was a really recent thing that like, yeah,
935
00:38:07.305 --> 00:38:08.545
we're, we're doing this and,
936
00:38:08.725 --> 00:38:10.585
and you know, it had been talked about
937
00:38:10.605 --> 00:38:11.985
for a long time, right?
938
00:38:12.125 --> 00:38:14.985
So there was a lot of understanding of like, this is
939
00:38:14.985 --> 00:38:17.265
what it'll look like and, and this is what it'll be.
940
00:38:17.685 --> 00:38:21.145
Uh, this is the plan for, for what we wanna do, you know,
941
00:38:21.145 --> 00:38:22.465
leading up to the formula and stuff.
942
00:38:23.205 --> 00:38:26.465
Um, obviously there's still the details to figure out,
943
00:38:26.565 --> 00:38:29.825
but the decision is, is relatively new.
944
00:38:29.825 --> 00:38:32.185
And what, for me, why it took so long was
945
00:38:32.295 --> 00:38:33.825
because I cared so much about
946
00:38:33.885 --> 00:38:35.420
who I was working with in IndyCar.
947
00:38:35.625 --> 00:38:38.325
You know, I cared so much about the, the guys that have been
948
00:38:38.325 --> 00:38:40.245
with me since, you know, I got to inRead.
949
00:38:40.665 --> 00:38:43.285
Um, and the ones that are, are new either this year
950
00:38:43.285 --> 00:38:44.725
or the past few years, you know?
951
00:38:44.785 --> 00:38:49.655
So for me it was a, a lot of, I have to do this,
952
00:38:49.735 --> 00:38:51.095
I have to be fully involved and,
953
00:38:51.115 --> 00:38:54.415
and it's a big kind of risk risk for me,
954
00:38:54.495 --> 00:38:56.695
but I'm also leaving behind a lot of good stuff.
955
00:38:57.035 --> 00:38:59.495
Um, you know, not only team members,
956
00:38:59.675 --> 00:39:03.135
but you know, racing a lot of talented race car drivers
957
00:39:03.485 --> 00:39:06.735
Were, were you able at all to have a conversation
958
00:39:06.735 --> 00:39:07.775
with Nathan about this?
959
00:39:08.035 --> 00:39:09.215
Um, for those that don't know,
960
00:39:09.215 --> 00:39:11.975
Nathan O'Rourke has been CO's engineer since day one.
961
00:39:12.315 --> 00:39:15.455
You obviously that that driver engineer relationship is,
962
00:39:15.475 --> 00:39:16.935
is one of the strongest in the paddock.
963
00:39:16.935 --> 00:39:19.135
And and you've had that from the beginning.
964
00:39:19.675 --> 00:39:20.675
Mm-hmm
.
965
00:39:20.965 --> 00:39:22.855
Were you able to like, I don't know,
966
00:39:22.995 --> 00:39:24.935
not ask his advice, but just run it by him?
967
00:39:24.935 --> 00:39:26.895
Or did you have to just make this decision by yourself?
968
00:39:27.605 --> 00:39:29.585
No, I was able to, to talk to him about it,
969
00:39:29.765 --> 00:39:30.825
you know, because Cool.
970
00:39:31.565 --> 00:39:33.945
That's great. He, he was probably the most important part
971
00:39:34.085 --> 00:39:37.825
of it, of, of me, you know, making that decision to,
972
00:39:37.885 --> 00:39:39.065
to stay in IndyCar or,
973
00:39:39.085 --> 00:39:43.105
or leave, you know, he has kind
974
00:39:43.105 --> 00:39:45.025
of given up a lot in, in his life,
975
00:39:45.245 --> 00:39:46.345
you know, to be an engineer.
976
00:39:46.345 --> 00:39:47.665
And, and he's a really good one.
977
00:39:47.665 --> 00:39:48.865
He does so much for the team,
978
00:39:49.165 --> 00:39:52.225
but also he, he's been, you know, my biggest supporter
979
00:39:52.225 --> 00:39:54.185
and the person that I've worked closely closest
980
00:39:54.295 --> 00:39:56.785
with in IndyCar for, for the past six seasons.
981
00:39:56.845 --> 00:39:58.865
So, you know, I definitely wanted to, to talk
982
00:39:58.865 --> 00:40:00.945
to him about it, credit to him.
983
00:40:01.005 --> 00:40:05.325
He was only interested in what I wanted to do, right?
984
00:40:05.385 --> 00:40:07.645
He said, don't, don't worry about me.
985
00:40:07.645 --> 00:40:09.525
If this is what you want to do, you have to do it.
986
00:40:10.145 --> 00:40:12.325
Um, you know, this is, this is your career.
987
00:40:12.325 --> 00:40:13.765
There will never be hard feelings.
988
00:40:13.825 --> 00:40:16.685
And, you know, I think he's, he's saying like,
989
00:40:16.685 --> 00:40:18.805
hopefully when you come back one day, we'll, uh,
990
00:40:18.815 --> 00:40:20.285
we'll be able to work together again.
991
00:40:20.865 --> 00:40:23.125
So I was glad that, that he had that reaction
992
00:40:23.585 --> 00:40:26.765
and it wasn't, yeah, oh, you're just leaving me, you know,
993
00:40:26.785 --> 00:40:29.765
he, he was you know, really positive about it.
994
00:40:30.105 --> 00:40:31.805
He big meanie.
Yeah.
995
00:40:32.195 --> 00:40:35.005
Like my best interest was his best interest, you know?
996
00:40:35.025 --> 00:40:36.885
So, yeah. So he was really supportive of it.
997
00:40:37.105 --> 00:40:39.685
So Dan sort of alluded to the fact that, you know,
998
00:40:39.685 --> 00:40:41.005
this had been talked about a lot,
999
00:40:41.225 --> 00:40:43.965
but one of the big concerns that he had was, well,
1000
00:40:43.965 --> 00:40:47.925
if Colton leaves and does this, who do we put in the 26th?
1001
00:40:47.925 --> 00:40:49.885
There's not a, there wasn't an obvious,
1002
00:40:50.145 --> 00:40:51.365
you know, follow up to that.
1003
00:40:52.505 --> 00:40:54.285
And so it makes sense to me now that,
1004
00:40:54.395 --> 00:40:56.125
that this was kind of a more recent decision.
1005
00:40:56.325 --> 00:40:58.565
'cause it was only fairly recently that, you know,
1006
00:40:58.865 --> 00:41:00.965
Will's availability became known,
1007
00:41:01.105 --> 00:41:02.965
and then all of a sudden it's like, okay, yeah, I mean,
1008
00:41:03.145 --> 00:41:05.045
big shoes to fill with Colton stepping out,
1009
00:41:05.425 --> 00:41:06.925
but, you know, will's on that level.
1010
00:41:06.985 --> 00:41:08.845
And, and that's, that's an opportunity here.
1011
00:41:09.265 --> 00:41:12.445
So I'm sure that made the pitch, you know, in Dan's head
1012
00:41:12.445 --> 00:41:13.805
that made it make more sense.
1013
00:41:14.785 --> 00:41:18.805
But I guess I'm wondering if you were able to,
1014
00:41:20.305 --> 00:41:23.235
depending on, you know, the timeline of these conversations,
1015
00:41:23.905 --> 00:41:25.795
were you able to kind of appreciate
1016
00:41:26.025 --> 00:41:27.995
that these last few races
1017
00:41:28.905 --> 00:41:33.245
were gonna be your last few races in IndyCar, at least
1018
00:41:33.265 --> 00:41:34.485
for the foreseeable future?
1019
00:41:35.145 --> 00:41:36.765
And did that sort of, you know, did
1020
00:41:36.765 --> 00:41:38.685
that add anything to those weekends?
1021
00:41:38.705 --> 00:41:39.845
Was there any extra emotion?
1022
00:41:39.965 --> 00:41:41.005
I know you couldn't talk about it,
1023
00:41:41.005 --> 00:41:42.285
which was probably the hardest part,
1024
00:41:42.785 --> 00:41:44.045
but how did you kind of,
1025
00:41:44.105 --> 00:41:46.205
how did you feel over the last few weeks?
1026
00:41:46.525 --> 00:41:48.285
I, I think Sunday was emotional for me.
1027
00:41:48.585 --> 00:41:52.735
Um, you know, just dealing with, with the fans
1028
00:41:52.955 --> 00:41:56.175
and, uh, with the engineering staff for, for
1029
00:41:56.175 --> 00:41:58.255
what could be the last time for, for a long time.
1030
00:41:58.555 --> 00:42:03.455
Um, you know, so it was, uh, it was a weird day for sure.
1031
00:42:03.555 --> 00:42:04.975
It was a weird emotion, you know,
1032
00:42:04.975 --> 00:42:06.175
there's happiness, there's sadness.
1033
00:42:06.635 --> 00:42:08.935
Uh, you know, I was nervous about the whole thing.
1034
00:42:09.755 --> 00:42:13.165
Um, and, you know, I think it was,
1035
00:42:14.865 --> 00:42:18.825
our race wasn't great, but I was, my feeling
1036
00:42:18.825 --> 00:42:21.985
after the race was different than when you finish, you know,
1037
00:42:22.345 --> 00:42:24.065
11th and, and don't have a great day.
1038
00:42:24.375 --> 00:42:28.305
Like, I was just, I was kind of at ease content, you know,
1039
00:42:28.305 --> 00:42:30.265
there was kind of a moment of bliss, I guess.
1040
00:42:30.965 --> 00:42:35.815
Um, and yeah, I mean, I, I love IndyCar so much,
1041
00:42:35.875 --> 00:42:37.695
and I love the fans and,
1042
00:42:37.795 --> 00:42:40.055
and everything involved with the racing and,
1043
00:42:40.115 --> 00:42:42.295
and what makes it so difficult, um,
1044
00:42:43.075 --> 00:42:44.535
and the unpredictability of it.
1045
00:42:44.715 --> 00:42:47.375
So, you know, it's, it's definitely something
1046
00:42:47.375 --> 00:42:48.655
that, that I'm gonna miss.
1047
00:42:49.155 --> 00:42:51.535
How much, you know, this has been,
1048
00:42:51.535 --> 00:42:53.935
this has been all consuming for you for six years.
1049
00:42:54.355 --> 00:42:57.095
How much are you still gonna pay attention? Like, I bet St.
1050
00:42:57.095 --> 00:42:58.815
Pete's gonna be very weird.
1051
00:42:58.925 --> 00:43:01.015
Like, are you gonna be every practice
1052
00:43:01.015 --> 00:43:02.295
session, like dialed in?
1053
00:43:02.885 --> 00:43:05.575
Yeah. You know, what's great about, you know, a lot
1054
00:43:05.575 --> 00:43:08.175
of those races, right, especially the European ones,
1055
00:43:08.315 --> 00:43:11.975
is you race, I'll get back to the hotel, um, and,
1056
00:43:11.975 --> 00:43:13.975
and have a shower, and I'll be able to sit down with a beer
1057
00:43:13.975 --> 00:43:17.095
and watch an IndyCar race, which is such a weird thing.
1058
00:43:17.235 --> 00:43:19.095
The last time that I was able to have a beer
1059
00:43:19.095 --> 00:43:20.255
and watch the IndyCar race was,
1060
00:43:20.655 --> 00:43:22.095
I think when I crashed out in Indy,
1061
00:43:23.535 --> 00:43:26.735
I was gonna, you were like 18 when you got hang on
1062
00:43:26.755 --> 00:43:28.175
before you indict yourself here.
1063
00:43:28.635 --> 00:43:30.815
No, no, no. I was
Gonna say the last time I got to do
1064
00:43:30.815 --> 00:43:31.815
That was Sunday.
1065
00:43:31.815 --> 00:43:35.775
So 2022 or 2023, I got back, I sat in the bus
1066
00:43:36.395 --> 00:43:38.375
and I had a beer and watched like the last 20
1067
00:43:38.445 --> 00:43:39.615
laps of, of the Indy 500.
1068
00:43:40.075 --> 00:43:42.535
Um, it's, it's an interesting thing.
1069
00:43:42.655 --> 00:43:44.895
I know it's gonna be sad to, to sit there
1070
00:43:44.895 --> 00:43:47.575
and watch you guys have fun, um, in, in racing,
1071
00:43:47.795 --> 00:43:50.255
but, you know, it'll be, it'll be different for me.
1072
00:43:50.255 --> 00:43:52.175
And I think the timelines they work so well
1073
00:43:52.175 --> 00:43:53.255
for those European races.
1074
00:43:53.255 --> 00:43:55.735
You get back, shower, ready for bed,
1075
00:43:55.845 --> 00:43:57.455
IndyCar race is on, is perfect.
1076
00:43:58.155 --> 00:44:01.535
And I will be watching very, very much.
1077
00:44:01.695 --> 00:44:03.975
I I, every session, anytime that I can,
1078
00:44:04.375 --> 00:44:05.975
I will a hundred percent be be watching.
1079
00:44:06.455 --> 00:44:08.455
I could just imagine now you're gonna be the guy
1080
00:44:08.455 --> 00:44:11.015
that's like annoyingly texting me up in the booth
1081
00:44:11.015 --> 00:44:12.575
during session, like during races,
1082
00:44:12.595 --> 00:44:13.735
be like, what's this guy doing?
1083
00:44:13.765 --> 00:44:15.775
What happened here? Why did he, why did he be ?
1084
00:44:17.215 --> 00:44:19.055
A hundred percent. Yeah, you will be littered
1085
00:44:19.055 --> 00:44:20.455
with text messages from me.
1086
00:44:21.215 --> 00:44:25.615
Terrific. Terrific. Well, I must say, um, we, uh, I, I'll,
1087
00:44:25.615 --> 00:44:27.335
I'll miss you personally, um,
1088
00:44:28.525 --> 00:44:32.325
because, you know, I mean, we, we, I, I was,
1089
00:44:32.515 --> 00:44:34.485
felt like I was a part of your beginning, right?
1090
00:44:34.625 --> 00:44:38.405
Um, and to see you take the step
1091
00:44:38.425 --> 00:44:42.325
to be an American driver in Formula One for Cadillac F1
1092
00:44:42.325 --> 00:44:45.085
of all teams is I think if it happens one
1093
00:44:45.085 --> 00:44:47.285
of the coolest stories that could be written.
1094
00:44:47.825 --> 00:44:49.965
So, um, go get it, man.
1095
00:44:49.965 --> 00:44:52.045
Like, that's, that's a, that's a, that's a hell
1096
00:44:52.045 --> 00:44:53.965
of an opportunity, and like you said, it's a dream for you.
1097
00:44:54.065 --> 00:44:55.685
So it's, it's pretty awesome.
1098
00:44:56.585 --> 00:44:58.905
I appreciate, I, uh, I know we're getting ahead
1099
00:44:58.905 --> 00:44:59.945
of ourselves a little bit,
1100
00:45:00.205 --> 00:45:02.425
or I'm getting ahead of myself a little bit by saying this,
1101
00:45:02.445 --> 00:45:04.025
and, and Alex has kind of alluded to it.
1102
00:45:04.135 --> 00:45:05.305
Obviously the goal is
1103
00:45:05.645 --> 00:45:07.585
to be an F1 in the not too distant future.
1104
00:45:08.365 --> 00:45:13.225
So Alex, as a former American on the grid
1105
00:45:13.225 --> 00:45:16.745
of a Formula One race, what advice do you have
1106
00:45:17.005 --> 00:45:21.905
for young Colton here as he sets off on this adventure?
1107
00:45:23.805 --> 00:45:26.665
Should be fine.
Good, good.
1108
00:45:29.165 --> 00:45:31.385
I'm definitely, I'm definitely gonna hit you up
1109
00:45:31.445 --> 00:45:32.665
for some credentials though.
1110
00:45:33.405 --> 00:45:35.785
Yes, please do. Yes. Nice.
As long as,
1111
00:45:36.045 --> 00:45:37.145
As long as Ben's coming.
1112
00:45:38.015 --> 00:45:40.625
Okay, deal.
So let's, let's, let's get to the stuff
1113
00:45:40.625 --> 00:45:41.785
that people really want to know about.
1114
00:45:41.965 --> 00:45:44.585
Are you gonna start being like a fashion icon
1115
00:45:44.605 --> 00:45:46.505
and like, going into the paddock with like,
1116
00:45:46.515 --> 00:45:47.545
doing your fit checks?
1117
00:45:47.545 --> 00:45:49.825
Well, he already is. Before you go in, like, are you,
1118
00:45:50.405 --> 00:45:53.065
or like, you know, or like cargo shorts
1119
00:45:53.065 --> 00:45:56.065
and vans with tube socks, like, is that gonna be the vibe?
1120
00:45:56.065 --> 00:45:58.225
Like, are we gonna, are, are you gonna change, bro?
1121
00:45:58.285 --> 00:46:00.545
Are you gonna become like that
1122
00:46:00.725 --> 00:46:02.545
or are you gonna stick to the stick
1123
00:46:02.545 --> 00:46:03.865
to the cult and we know and love?
1124
00:46:04.605 --> 00:46:06.705
No, I think I'm, I'm definitely team gear
1125
00:46:06.705 --> 00:46:07.905
on Thursday type of guy.
1126
00:46:08.515 --> 00:46:10.025
There you go. There you go.
1127
00:46:10.625 --> 00:46:12.025
I think it's gonna, it's gonna be
1128
00:46:12.025 --> 00:46:13.105
the same person. Don't worry.
1129
00:46:13.725 --> 00:46:16.105
You gonna keep wearing those stupid shoes and Yeah.
1130
00:46:16.295 --> 00:46:17.305
Same shoes. Yeah.
1131
00:46:17.545 --> 00:46:19.665
Probably just keep them for, for the next six months.
1132
00:46:19.695 --> 00:46:21.425
Show up in, in Melbourne with them. Sweet.
1133
00:46:21.765 --> 00:46:23.705
All right. Yeah.
Cool, man.
1134
00:46:23.705 --> 00:46:26.025
Well look, um, like Alex said, it's uh,
1135
00:46:26.025 --> 00:46:27.065
incredible opportunity.
1136
00:46:27.115 --> 00:46:28.145
We're so happy for you.
1137
00:46:28.445 --> 00:46:32.665
Um, so, uh, impressed with you, willing to take this risk
1138
00:46:32.665 --> 00:46:35.225
and roll the dice and uh, and bet on yourself.
1139
00:46:35.225 --> 00:46:36.745
Like you said, it's awesome. You know,
1140
00:46:36.745 --> 00:46:39.505
you're gonna have an entire IndyCar community cheering
1141
00:46:39.505 --> 00:46:41.585
for you, whatever's happening next year,
1142
00:46:41.685 --> 00:46:43.065
and then certainly beyond that.
1143
00:46:43.245 --> 00:46:44.745
So I hope it's not too long
1144
00:46:44.745 --> 00:46:46.545
before we see you back at an IndyCar track
1145
00:46:46.605 --> 00:46:47.985
and back in an IndyCar,
1146
00:46:48.405 --> 00:46:50.265
but at the same time, we know you got a lot of cool stuff
1147
00:46:50.265 --> 00:46:52.225
that you wanna accomplish over there. So best of luck with
1148
00:46:52.225 --> 00:46:53.225
Everything.
1149
00:46:53.225 --> 00:46:55.305
Thanks so much, guys. I can't wait to, uh, watch from afar
1150
00:46:55.525 --> 00:46:56.785
and cheer on Alex next year.
1151
00:47:00.735 --> 00:47:02.985
Well, I hope you're faster on the racetrack than you are
1152
00:47:02.985 --> 00:47:06.145
at getting to interviews because, uh, our next guest is, uh,
1153
00:47:06.145 --> 00:47:07.385
23 minutes late.
1154
00:47:07.605 --> 00:47:09.105
Um, you, I'd like to welcome
1155
00:47:09.105 --> 00:47:10.105
You that long.
1156
00:47:14.895 --> 00:47:19.255
this out, Evan.
1157
00:47:19.285 --> 00:47:22.415
Evidently not . It's worse than me.
1158
00:47:23.915 --> 00:47:25.975
Oh my goodness.
I think I no longer have the
1159
00:47:25.975 --> 00:47:27.015
worst internet on the show.
1160
00:47:27.125 --> 00:47:28.295
Well, thanks for coming on. Will ?
1161
00:47:28.735 --> 00:47:30.885
Yeah, great chat with, uh, willpower driver
1162
00:47:30.885 --> 00:47:33.765
of the number 26 machine, uh, for Andretti next year.
1163
00:47:34.195 --> 00:47:35.565
Neat. Neat, neat. Cool, cool, cool.
1164
00:47:35.565 --> 00:47:36.685
Tight, tight, tight. I think
1165
00:47:36.685 --> 00:47:37.805
He'd be better at technology
1166
00:47:37.805 --> 00:47:39.125
with all the sim racing he does.
1167
00:47:39.715 --> 00:47:42.085
He's also like, he's been sponsored by a tech company
1168
00:47:42.145 --> 00:47:44.805
for the last like a hundred years, a telecoms company.
1169
00:47:44.945 --> 00:47:46.325
You think he'd be good with internet?
1170
00:47:46.645 --> 00:47:48.085
I think he'd have the best internet.
1171
00:47:48.155 --> 00:47:49.845
Alright,
What's your excuse now?
1172
00:47:50.945 --> 00:47:52.125
So yeah, at first you're late,
1173
00:47:52.125 --> 00:47:53.485
then you abandon us. That's cool.
1174
00:47:53.515 --> 00:47:55.685
Verizon, Verizon's internet connection.
1175
00:47:59.475 --> 00:48:02.045
, Verizon. Cut the internet to your house. Yeah.
1176
00:48:02.235 --> 00:48:04.925
Gone. It's like out, man. You're out. Sorry.
1177
00:48:05.155 --> 00:48:06.725
Yeah. Weird thing. Thing.
1178
00:48:06.785 --> 00:48:08.165
And that does bring up, that does
1179
00:48:08.165 --> 00:48:09.285
bring up an interesting question.
1180
00:48:09.465 --> 00:48:11.365
Do you have to pay for your own cell phone bill now?
1181
00:48:12.005 --> 00:48:15.165
I will, yeah. It's been 17 years of no cell phone bills
1182
00:48:15.225 --> 00:48:17.365
for my, myself and my wife. 17 years.
1183
00:48:17.365 --> 00:48:19.365
That's, uh,
I don't even know what it costs
1184
00:48:19.425 --> 00:48:21.045
to have a cell phone now per month. .
1185
00:48:21.485 --> 00:48:24.045
I mean, you can tell me what it, it about out.
1186
00:48:25.395 --> 00:48:27.445
Welcome to, uh, our Oh my God,
1187
00:48:27.465 --> 00:48:28.465
My God.
1188
00:48:30.195 --> 00:48:33.365
Geez. Um, yeah, I dunno.
1189
00:48:33.765 --> 00:48:37.605
Internet's been a trash for a while, so I've gotta work on
1190
00:48:37.605 --> 00:48:39.685
that now that I'm gonna Good. You've
1191
00:48:39.685 --> 00:48:41.925
Got all off season to get your internet better, pal.
1192
00:48:42.145 --> 00:48:44.645
Um, I do have to say though, that, uh, announcing
1193
00:48:44.645 --> 00:48:46.165
to the world that you have no idea
1194
00:48:46.165 --> 00:48:47.525
what a cell phone bill costs,
1195
00:48:47.525 --> 00:48:50.085
because you've had free cell phones for 17 years,
1196
00:48:50.545 --> 00:48:52.765
is up there on one of the least relatable comments
1197
00:48:52.865 --> 00:48:54.325
that's ever been made on this show.
1198
00:48:54.325 --> 00:48:56.045
Mm-hmm . And, I mean, you've got Alex
1199
00:48:56.105 --> 00:48:57.485
and I on here, so it's, that's,
1200
00:48:57.485 --> 00:48:58.725
that's, that's a good one. I'm impressed.
1201
00:48:59.195 --> 00:49:02.925
That is that is pretty, uh, pretty nuts.
1202
00:49:03.315 --> 00:49:07.045
Like, to actually have to wonder, like, is it, is it like
1203
00:49:07.815 --> 00:49:09.205
50 bucks a month or is
1204
00:49:09.205 --> 00:49:10.205
it
?
1205
00:49:11.065 --> 00:49:12.485
You guys are on your own with this one?
1206
00:49:13.355 --> 00:49:16.005
Yeah.
I need to you,
1207
00:49:16.975 --> 00:49:18.925
sorry, let's see.
1208
00:49:18.995 --> 00:49:20.765
Hold on. This is fantastic. Oh boy.
1209
00:49:21.265 --> 00:49:23.845
New team owner is gonna be like, what did we just employ?
1210
00:49:24.725 --> 00:49:27.125
I think, I think he might be still watching, so, uh,
1211
00:49:27.425 --> 00:49:28.565
he might be in the background.
1212
00:49:28.565 --> 00:49:29.885
That's be awesome. Yeah, he's probably like,
1213
00:49:29.885 --> 00:49:31.085
oh yeah, you're, you're .
1214
00:49:31.675 --> 00:49:33.365
Yeah. Sorry. I know.
1215
00:49:33.465 --> 00:49:35.565
So, you know, as long, as, long as you're better
1216
00:49:35.565 --> 00:49:37.365
with a steering wheel than you are with a laptop,
1217
00:49:37.645 --> 00:49:39.085
I don't think we're gonna have a
1218
00:49:39.085 --> 00:49:40.445
problem. I think you're gonna be just fine.
1219
00:49:40.445 --> 00:49:42.325
That's de that's, that is definitely the case.
1220
00:49:42.355 --> 00:49:46.405
Just ask my, uh, engineer. Good. I think I'm not a Well,
1221
00:49:48.235 --> 00:49:49.605
Yeah, you're not a you're not a,
1222
00:49:49.605 --> 00:49:50.885
you're not a tech guy. Oh,
1223
00:49:50.925 --> 00:49:54.085
I am a bit, but I, I'm, you know, are you trying
1224
00:49:54.085 --> 00:49:55.685
to work out? No,
1225
00:49:55.835 --> 00:49:56.765
He's not. I just figured
1226
00:49:57.295 --> 00:49:58.645
About connect trophies.
1227
00:49:58.905 --> 00:50:01.445
I'm not like a, I'm not that sort of tech guy.
1228
00:50:02.245 --> 00:50:04.405
I figured all those trophies in the background were
1229
00:50:04.405 --> 00:50:06.645
scrambling signals or something, you know,
1230
00:50:07.625 --> 00:50:10.085
That's just a fraction of what I'm gonna do here. .
1231
00:50:13.265 --> 00:50:16.565
The funny thing is, it's true, um, for those
1232
00:50:16.565 --> 00:50:19.005
that haven't put it together yet, we've now moved on
1233
00:50:19.005 --> 00:50:21.845
to willpower, uh, who joins us on the show
1234
00:50:21.985 --> 00:50:23.725
and will, I gotta be honest with you,
1235
00:50:24.065 --> 00:50:25.565
we had some technical difficulties.
1236
00:50:25.565 --> 00:50:28.645
We saw that to the point where Alex Rossi had to bail.
1237
00:50:28.745 --> 00:50:30.125
He had, uh, somewhere to be.
1238
00:50:30.305 --> 00:50:31.965
And so you're stuck with just me.
1239
00:50:32.195 --> 00:50:34.765
It's now morphed into an episode of just off track
1240
00:50:34.765 --> 00:50:37.085
with Hinch or Rossi in this case.
1241
00:50:37.625 --> 00:50:40.685
Uh, it's me. Um, look, dude, we've already spoken
1242
00:50:40.985 --> 00:50:44.165
to Dan Towers, who has given us the news officially,
1243
00:50:44.825 --> 00:50:46.885
and now we're here with you.
1244
00:50:47.625 --> 00:50:49.325
And I mean, there's so much to cover.
1245
00:50:49.435 --> 00:50:51.885
There's so much that I think people wanna know.
1246
00:50:51.885 --> 00:50:52.925
There's so much that I wanna know.
1247
00:50:53.625 --> 00:50:57.485
And, uh, I think the, the easiest place to just start is
1248
00:50:58.945 --> 00:51:01.835
tell us about your excitement level, you know,
1249
00:51:02.135 --> 00:51:04.395
of joining the Andretti Indy car team
1250
00:51:04.605 --> 00:51:07.835
after a 17 year stint at Team Penske
1251
00:51:08.015 --> 00:51:10.115
and kind of starting this new journey. Um,
1252
00:51:10.785 --> 00:51:11.955
Extremely excited.
1253
00:51:12.615 --> 00:51:14.835
You know, I have a tremendous amount of experience,
1254
00:51:15.255 --> 00:51:16.315
uh, in these cars.
1255
00:51:16.575 --> 00:51:19.915
And, you know, I've been in a team that
1256
00:51:20.575 --> 00:51:23.435
has won quite a few championships in,
1257
00:51:23.455 --> 00:51:24.755
in the time that I've been there.
1258
00:51:24.815 --> 00:51:28.685
Not just me, but, um, um, you know,
1259
00:51:28.865 --> 00:51:30.125
my teammates and so on.
1260
00:51:30.145 --> 00:51:35.135
So I, uh, I'm really looking forward to driving,
1261
00:51:35.875 --> 00:51:37.935
you know, the new challenge, let, let's say,
1262
00:51:38.355 --> 00:51:42.215
and, uh, I, I, I signed with Andretti
1263
00:51:42.215 --> 00:51:44.855
because of, you know, the, not only they,
1264
00:51:44.855 --> 00:51:46.135
they're already winning races,
1265
00:51:46.155 --> 00:51:48.535
but a tremendous amount of potential just, you know,
1266
00:51:48.735 --> 00:51:52.135
speaking with Dan and, you know, his motivation level to
1267
00:51:53.125 --> 00:51:55.015
sort of restructure the team
1268
00:51:55.075 --> 00:51:56.655
and improve it in many different areas.
1269
00:51:57.635 --> 00:52:00.415
Um, really excited to work with Kyle
1270
00:52:00.555 --> 00:52:03.455
and Marcus, you know, guys that I've had great battles
1271
00:52:03.455 --> 00:52:07.335
with over the years and just, man, it's cool to,
1272
00:52:08.505 --> 00:52:10.605
you know, come in with that much experience
1273
00:52:10.605 --> 00:52:13.405
and understanding of, you know, how things are done.
1274
00:52:13.545 --> 00:52:16.825
And, um, I've never stopped digging. I love driving.
1275
00:52:16.965 --> 00:52:18.345
I'm an absolute student of it,
1276
00:52:18.365 --> 00:52:22.085
and, uh, still feel like I'm in my twenties, you know?
1277
00:52:22.085 --> 00:52:25.125
That's how I, I feel, you know, that's my enthusiasm,
1278
00:52:25.425 --> 00:52:29.775
that's my level of enthusiasm towards, uh, this job.
1279
00:52:30.075 --> 00:52:32.295
So, uh, it's cool.
1280
00:52:32.565 --> 00:52:35.615
I've been excited, man, ever since, you know, this started
1281
00:52:35.615 --> 00:52:39.555
to come about and, um, yeah, man, I just made,
1282
00:52:39.825 --> 00:52:41.435
made the decision and commitment.
1283
00:52:41.615 --> 00:52:45.335
Penske did offer me something, um, and,
1284
00:52:45.595 --> 00:52:47.055
and I just said, look,
1285
00:52:47.195 --> 00:52:49.375
I'm think it's the right time for me to leave.
1286
00:52:49.515 --> 00:52:51.575
And, you know, I don't know.
1287
00:52:52.195 --> 00:52:54.055
I'm guessing it's Lucas, I don't know.
1288
00:52:54.315 --> 00:52:56.615
But, you know, I think they'll, they'll have a,
1289
00:52:56.735 --> 00:52:57.975
a good guy in there as well.
1290
00:52:57.975 --> 00:52:59.495
They're an amazing team.
1291
00:52:59.675 --> 00:53:02.125
But I think the, uh,
1292
00:53:02.235 --> 00:53:06.045
potential here at Reti is gonna be, it is great.
1293
00:53:06.185 --> 00:53:08.805
And yeah, it's, it's cool.
1294
00:53:08.815 --> 00:53:11.125
Every time I speak to Dan, I just, you know,
1295
00:53:11.125 --> 00:53:15.055
have the best conversations, uh, about, you know,
1296
00:53:15.165 --> 00:53:18.615
what we're gonna do and how this is gonna all work out.
1297
00:53:18.755 --> 00:53:20.455
So yeah, super excited.
1298
00:53:20.995 --> 00:53:23.455
So, so was that, was that kind of the deciding factor?
1299
00:53:23.455 --> 00:53:26.245
Because I, I imagine, you know, look, this, this has been a,
1300
00:53:26.245 --> 00:53:28.405
this has been a topic, this has been a story kind
1301
00:53:28.405 --> 00:53:29.845
of throughout this season.
1302
00:53:30.185 --> 00:53:33.045
You know, everybody knew it was a contract year for you.
1303
00:53:33.345 --> 00:53:35.245
It was well publicized that
1304
00:53:36.125 --> 00:53:37.755
there hadn't been any movement on it.
1305
00:53:37.855 --> 00:53:39.315
You kept telling the world you were
1306
00:53:39.315 --> 00:53:40.475
waiting to hear, waiting to hear.
1307
00:53:41.625 --> 00:53:45.925
Yeah. Um, so I imagine once people started kind
1308
00:53:45.925 --> 00:53:49.125
of maybe thinking that your time at, at Penske was coming
1309
00:53:49.125 --> 00:53:52.245
to a close, the, like, there's not a team in pit lane
1310
00:53:52.245 --> 00:53:53.965
that wouldn't want willpower to drive for them,
1311
00:53:54.265 --> 00:53:57.125
so you would've had a lot of choice, a lot of option.
1312
00:53:57.125 --> 00:53:59.045
What was kind of the biggest single factor for you
1313
00:53:59.045 --> 00:54:00.885
that made you decide to go
1314
00:54:01.075 --> 00:54:03.165
with Andretti over any of the competitors?
1315
00:54:04.135 --> 00:54:05.475
Um, yeah, you're right. It was including
1316
00:54:05.535 --> 00:54:07.435
Penske ultimately including Team Penske.
1317
00:54:07.855 --> 00:54:10.835
Yes, you're right. There, there was a lot of options.
1318
00:54:11.535 --> 00:54:13.395
Um, you know, and Roger was good enough
1319
00:54:13.885 --> 00:54:15.555
after Detroit to sit down
1320
00:54:15.575 --> 00:54:18.515
and then say, look, I'm gonna allow you to talk
1321
00:54:18.515 --> 00:54:20.395
to other teams to see what's out there,
1322
00:54:20.465 --> 00:54:23.315
because obviously they had you, you know,
1323
00:54:23.315 --> 00:54:24.995
potentially a direction they wanted to go.
1324
00:54:25.975 --> 00:54:29.385
Um, just depending on, you know, I think it's kind
1325
00:54:29.385 --> 00:54:30.585
of enough.
1326
00:54:30.585 --> 00:54:33.025
I'll wait and see if I was good enough or wait
1327
00:54:33.025 --> 00:54:34.745
and see if the other guy was replacing me.
1328
00:54:34.745 --> 00:54:38.805
It was good. No, I don't know. But, um, uh, yeah,
1329
00:54:40.845 --> 00:54:45.815
it was just that, I think it was their,
1330
00:54:46.265 --> 00:54:49.735
their ability to be able to make big changes, the budget,
1331
00:54:49.955 --> 00:54:53.215
the, there's just many, many reasons that went into it.
1332
00:54:53.215 --> 00:54:54.935
Never just straightforward and simple.
1333
00:54:55.845 --> 00:55:00.795
Um, a lot of smart people work at Andretti, you know, they,
1334
00:55:01.225 --> 00:55:03.075
they're, they are a very good team.
1335
00:55:03.145 --> 00:55:04.715
They won three races this year.
1336
00:55:05.395 --> 00:55:07.315
I think Honda's being very strong this year.
1337
00:55:08.275 --> 00:55:11.695
You know, I, the first time I ever talked to Dan,
1338
00:55:11.775 --> 00:55:14.135
I just thought that, you know, he is a very intelligent guy.
1339
00:55:14.315 --> 00:55:18.975
He, and he was very aware of what needed
1340
00:55:18.995 --> 00:55:22.575
to change within his team, which is, you know, sometimes un,
1341
00:55:22.785 --> 00:55:27.135
which is unusual, I'd say, for a guy in his position, um,
1342
00:55:27.235 --> 00:55:29.495
who are not, who is not there day to day,
1343
00:55:29.515 --> 00:55:32.615
but he really understood, hey, these, uh, the, the,
1344
00:55:32.695 --> 00:55:34.935
I know these have, things have gotta change at our team.
1345
00:55:34.995 --> 00:55:38.135
And, um, he was very determined to make all that happen.
1346
00:55:38.155 --> 00:55:40.255
It was just many things. It was just the right time.
1347
00:55:40.415 --> 00:55:43.775
I knew on my gut, you know, when you get to my age,
1348
00:55:43.775 --> 00:55:45.935
you just know, you know, when it's time to,
1349
00:55:46.675 --> 00:55:47.695
to make a change.
1350
00:55:47.835 --> 00:55:50.935
And, and that's, that's what was my feeling from the outset.
1351
00:55:51.305 --> 00:55:54.095
Again, it was, it was pretty well publicized will, that
1352
00:55:54.635 --> 00:55:56.495
you weren't getting kind of the feedback
1353
00:55:56.495 --> 00:55:59.215
that went from Penske in terms of what was coming next
1354
00:55:59.435 --> 00:56:02.935
and up to a certain part of the season.
1355
00:56:03.635 --> 00:56:06.455
You were saying openly, yeah, I, I I wanna stay
1356
00:56:06.515 --> 00:56:08.935
and if they offer me something, I'll take it. And then,
1357
00:56:09.355 --> 00:56:13.215
Yes,
That, that dragged on long enough
1358
00:56:13.525 --> 00:56:17.015
that at some point there was a change in heart.
1359
00:56:17.515 --> 00:56:20.735
And yeah, I guess I'm, I'm a little bit curious as to,
1360
00:56:21.355 --> 00:56:23.845
you know, when that sort of moment was for you,
1361
00:56:23.945 --> 00:56:26.725
was there a light switch moment where you thought, you know
1362
00:56:26.725 --> 00:56:31.035
what, I don't really like how this situation's gone.
1363
00:56:31.815 --> 00:56:34.195
Um, did you feel, did you, yeah, I,
1364
00:56:34.245 --> 00:56:35.555
sorry, I don't wanna put words in your mouth.
1365
00:56:35.855 --> 00:56:39.355
Did you feel like the way they handled that situation was a,
1366
00:56:39.355 --> 00:56:43.355
was a, a factor in you kind of making that decision
1367
00:56:43.355 --> 00:56:44.435
that actually, you know what,
1368
00:56:44.515 --> 00:56:46.195
I don't think this is the right place for me anymore.
1369
00:56:47.655 --> 00:56:49.375
A number of factors went into that,
1370
00:56:49.595 --> 00:56:52.615
but, um, it started way back in 24.
1371
00:56:53.275 --> 00:56:55.535
You know, I know when I signed my last contract,
1372
00:56:55.615 --> 00:56:57.295
I did go back to Tim s
1373
00:56:57.315 --> 00:56:58.935
and say, Hey, I would like to do three years.
1374
00:56:59.035 --> 00:57:03.725
And said, look, you know, I, we, we, it was,
1375
00:57:03.725 --> 00:57:05.125
you know, a roundabout.
1376
00:57:05.265 --> 00:57:08.355
We had conversation like, we, you know,
1377
00:57:08.365 --> 00:57:09.955
we'll talk at the end of 24,
1378
00:57:10.455 --> 00:57:12.555
and if you're still performing,
1379
00:57:12.565 --> 00:57:14.795
still doing well, we'll keep going.
1380
00:57:14.945 --> 00:57:16.795
Well, I won three races in 24.
1381
00:57:17.515 --> 00:57:20.315
I was the only driver that went into the last race as a shot
1382
00:57:20.315 --> 00:57:22.515
to win the championship against Paolo.
1383
00:57:22.615 --> 00:57:25.215
So at that point, I was like, well,
1384
00:57:26.195 --> 00:57:28.135
I'm sure they're gonna speak to me in the off season.
1385
00:57:28.315 --> 00:57:30.575
It never happened. They never actually said a word.
1386
00:57:30.795 --> 00:57:32.095
So, um,
1387
00:57:33.575 --> 00:57:35.815
I was pissed off going into May about it.
1388
00:57:36.015 --> 00:57:38.015
I was pissed off going into the season about it.
1389
00:57:38.255 --> 00:57:40.935
I was pissed off that you're not even gonna say anything.
1390
00:57:41.315 --> 00:57:43.455
Uh, that's true. I, it didn't, you know,
1391
00:57:44.195 --> 00:57:47.535
and you know, Roger wasn't aware when I said that to him,
1392
00:57:47.845 --> 00:57:49.535
something along the lines of that, that
1393
00:57:49.605 --> 00:57:50.815
that was even the case.
1394
00:57:50.995 --> 00:57:52.815
So, you know, maybe I should have just called Roger.
1395
00:57:53.675 --> 00:57:56.405
But yeah, that really, I just thought
1396
00:57:56.755 --> 00:57:59.205
what driver in the field wouldn't be signed
1397
00:57:59.205 --> 00:58:00.485
after winning three races?
1398
00:58:01.105 --> 00:58:03.125
The champion won two that's below,
1399
00:58:03.965 --> 00:58:07.205
I won three, like, come on. Uh, but
1400
00:58:07.635 --> 00:58:09.805
Yeah, but I mean, in his defense, blow's not
1401
00:58:09.805 --> 00:58:10.885
that good. So it's not really a good
1402
00:58:11.155 --> 00:58:12.155
Barometer.
1403
00:58:12.155 --> 00:58:13.445
Yeah, that's exactly what I was about to say.
1404
00:58:13.705 --> 00:58:17.805
No, but yeah, still Penske is an amazing team, man.
1405
00:58:17.805 --> 00:58:19.005
Like I, it's true.
1406
00:58:19.245 --> 00:58:21.275
I would've, you know, in May,
1407
00:58:21.355 --> 00:58:24.075
I would've taken a one year deal straight, no problem.
1408
00:58:24.935 --> 00:58:28.895
Um, and then even as it dragged on
1409
00:58:28.895 --> 00:58:31.855
and someone, I just, oh man, I just thought, you know, I
1410
00:58:32.885 --> 00:58:35.215
said to engineer, I know if I turn up next year,
1411
00:58:35.235 --> 00:58:37.295
I'm gonna be an absolute championship contender.
1412
00:58:37.335 --> 00:58:39.255
I know I will. Um,
1413
00:58:40.155 --> 00:58:44.535
and, uh, I can't actually,
1414
00:58:45.095 --> 00:58:48.775
I wanna say the time where I just said, nah, it's done was
1415
00:58:48.775 --> 00:58:51.895
after I won Portland, you know, it's done.
1416
00:58:52.555 --> 00:58:54.215
Nah, I think it's time to change.
1417
00:58:54.495 --> 00:58:58.515
I think that was when I just in my mind decided I'm kind
1418
00:58:58.515 --> 00:59:00.115
of sick of all the questions and so on,
1419
00:59:00.175 --> 00:59:03.455
but, um, I just thought,
1420
00:59:05.325 --> 00:59:08.145
nah, I need to, and was it, it's time to change,
1421
00:59:09.395 --> 00:59:10.735
Was it because you won Portland
1422
00:59:10.915 --> 00:59:13.135
and that still wasn't enough to kind get
1423
00:59:13.135 --> 00:59:14.655
that conversation going?
1424
00:59:17.175 --> 00:59:19.235
Um,
Or not, not even that. Well,
1425
00:59:19.285 --> 00:59:22.085
After to Portland, that's when I was called
1426
00:59:22.745 --> 00:59:24.605
and they said, you know, a few days
1427
00:59:24.605 --> 00:59:26.405
after Portland, you know,
1428
00:59:26.405 --> 00:59:27.965
but I did, I did get a text from Roger
1429
00:59:27.965 --> 00:59:30.605
after that race that didn't confirm anything or anything
1430
00:59:30.605 --> 00:59:32.405
and just kind of said, oh, this might help your
1431
00:59:32.725 --> 00:59:34.385
situation the next year.
1432
00:59:34.445 --> 00:59:37.385
But then eventually, you know, I got a call
1433
00:59:37.565 --> 00:59:40.365
and it was Jonathan Gibson.
1434
00:59:40.405 --> 00:59:43.125
He said, you know, look, we'd like to fly you up to,
1435
00:59:43.345 --> 00:59:45.285
you know, send a plane down, fly up to Detroit,
1436
00:59:45.395 --> 00:59:46.925
talk about talk about your future.
1437
00:59:47.705 --> 00:59:49.365
Um, and I said, oh, okay.
1438
00:59:50.785 --> 00:59:52.765
Um, and it was a bit like that.
1439
00:59:52.905 --> 00:59:55.085
Uh, he goes, well, that's if you want
1440
00:59:55.085 --> 00:59:56.205
to come back, you know?
1441
00:59:56.205 --> 00:59:59.365
And I said, look, I'm, he said, I'm not coming back.
1442
00:59:59.545 --> 01:00:03.585
I'm, I'm done. I'm just kind of went from there, basically.
1443
01:00:04.485 --> 01:00:06.705
Uh, so yeah, I think it was around that.
1444
01:00:06.965 --> 01:00:10.935
It was obviously at Portland or during Portland.
1445
01:00:11.075 --> 01:00:15.345
In my mind I'm like, ah, it's, it's uh, it's,
1446
01:00:15.815 --> 01:00:17.785
it's, it's time to do something different.
1447
01:00:18.525 --> 01:00:20.945
Um, you know, I've had a great career
1448
01:00:21.245 --> 01:00:24.625
and I'm forever grateful for what Roger has done for me.
1449
01:00:24.685 --> 01:00:27.465
And, you know, not many drivers get to be put in
1450
01:00:27.465 --> 01:00:29.665
that position, but I definitely took
1451
01:00:29.665 --> 01:00:30.785
the ball and ran with it.
1452
01:00:30.925 --> 01:00:32.225
You know, I gave it everything I got.
1453
01:00:32.525 --> 01:00:35.265
Um, I was very loyal all the way through.
1454
01:00:35.635 --> 01:00:37.225
Never entertained another team.
1455
01:00:38.745 --> 01:00:41.645
Um, you know, I had teams call me, offer me more money.
1456
01:00:41.845 --> 01:00:43.965
I just didn't even entertain it.
1457
01:00:43.985 --> 01:00:47.805
And the deals I did, it was hardly any negotiating.
1458
01:00:47.885 --> 01:00:49.565
I almost asked them what they thought was fair.
1459
01:00:50.185 --> 01:00:52.045
Uh, that was sort of relationship I had.
1460
01:00:52.065 --> 01:00:55.805
So it was very good. So always very, uh, you know,
1461
01:00:56.065 --> 01:00:57.085
that's how it should be.
1462
01:00:57.085 --> 01:00:59.205
You know, both parties have gotta be very happy
1463
01:00:59.205 --> 01:01:00.245
with the situation.
1464
01:01:00.345 --> 01:01:03.045
And, you know, there's always that at Penske,
1465
01:01:03.045 --> 01:01:06.605
obviously a lot of changes this year, you know,
1466
01:01:07.905 --> 01:01:10.485
um, which was, you know, unfortunate how that all
1467
01:01:11.105 --> 01:01:14.365
all played out for those guys that got let go, great guys.
1468
01:01:14.505 --> 01:01:19.245
And, um, uh, yeah, yeah, man, big,
1469
01:01:19.385 --> 01:01:20.925
big decision and move.
1470
01:01:21.065 --> 01:01:23.965
But I'm sort of late enough in my career to,
1471
01:01:24.685 --> 01:01:25.925
I wouldn't say take a risk,
1472
01:01:26.105 --> 01:01:28.545
but if it all went bad, it wouldn't matter.
1473
01:01:28.725 --> 01:01:29.945
You know? I still had a great time,
1474
01:01:30.085 --> 01:01:33.225
but I'm, like I said, I'm still as determined as ever
1475
01:01:34.165 --> 01:01:36.745
to compete at a high level win races.
1476
01:01:37.485 --> 01:01:38.745
Uh, it's just in me
1477
01:01:38.745 --> 01:01:42.405
and just absolutely love, love the sport.
1478
01:01:42.965 --> 01:01:44.805
I don't even don't even want
1479
01:01:44.805 --> 01:01:46.645
to think about doing sports car or anything else.
1480
01:01:46.845 --> 01:01:47.845
I just love IndyCar racing.
1481
01:01:48.005 --> 01:01:49.805
I just can't think of another series.
1482
01:01:49.835 --> 01:01:53.405
It's as satisfying as racing IndyCar. I really can't.
1483
01:01:54.865 --> 01:01:57.205
So that's, that's why I've kept going this long.
1484
01:01:57.465 --> 01:01:58.925
So James has made a point earlier,
1485
01:01:59.205 --> 01:02:00.325
'cause obviously, you know, we've,
1486
01:02:00.325 --> 01:02:02.845
we've been speculating like everybody else about your career
1487
01:02:02.945 --> 01:02:06.045
on this, but he made the point, like if you were,
1488
01:02:06.505 --> 01:02:08.405
if if this had been the end, if, if you were ready
1489
01:02:08.405 --> 01:02:11.565
to hang it up, there's not a single person who would look at
1490
01:02:11.565 --> 01:02:14.085
that and say, oh, what might have been like, you, you have,
1491
01:02:14.515 --> 01:02:16.205
have far exceeded
1492
01:02:17.905 --> 01:02:19.805
most drivers wildest dreams.
1493
01:02:19.865 --> 01:02:22.925
You've been successful in every aspect of this sport.
1494
01:02:23.685 --> 01:02:26.605
I mean, do you feel like there's still more to prove?
1495
01:02:26.665 --> 01:02:29.245
And if so, what is it? What is left for you to prove?
1496
01:02:29.835 --> 01:02:31.685
I'll tell you what's left to prove is
1497
01:02:31.685 --> 01:02:33.885
that you could be incredibly competitive in your forties.
1498
01:02:34.745 --> 01:02:37.125
You can still win races and championships,
1499
01:02:37.185 --> 01:02:39.285
and your performance does not drop off.
1500
01:02:40.375 --> 01:02:44.355
So it's, yeah, it, that's
1501
01:02:45.295 --> 01:02:46.505
been my sort of, you know,
1502
01:02:46.505 --> 01:02:49.145
I've always had drivers throughout my career, in my mind
1503
01:02:49.145 --> 01:02:50.705
that makes me really determined.
1504
01:02:50.725 --> 01:02:52.025
And that, that's one of them, like,
1505
01:02:52.025 --> 01:02:53.105
yeah, you don't get slower.
1506
01:02:53.105 --> 01:02:55.305
People just say that and put it in their own mind.
1507
01:02:56.405 --> 01:02:57.625
Um, you know,
1508
01:02:57.645 --> 01:02:59.985
and it's also the challenge of going to another team
1509
01:03:00.045 --> 01:03:02.785
and being competitive in a different situation.
1510
01:03:02.925 --> 01:03:04.945
Can you do that? You know, it's all that stuff.
1511
01:03:06.165 --> 01:03:10.685
So yeah, it's, yeah, you know, that's,
1512
01:03:11.845 --> 01:03:14.385
that's, that's, that is true.
1513
01:03:14.415 --> 01:03:15.505
Like for stop now.
1514
01:03:15.615 --> 01:03:18.345
It's not like I've had, I've been, I've had a great career,
1515
01:03:19.085 --> 01:03:23.455
but man, it's, I think also when you get in your forties,
1516
01:03:23.595 --> 01:03:25.935
you realize your true purpose in life, like is
1517
01:03:25.955 --> 01:03:27.415
to enjoy what you do.
1518
01:03:28.075 --> 01:03:30.615
You know, there's times during my career where I'm like, ah,
1519
01:03:30.655 --> 01:03:31.815
I don't really want to do this.
1520
01:03:31.815 --> 01:03:34.135
There's, there's better things to do, but it's not true.
1521
01:03:35.075 --> 01:03:37.415
You don't realize how lucky you are to get paid
1522
01:03:37.415 --> 01:03:39.455
to drive race cars, even professional.
1523
01:03:39.455 --> 01:03:42.415
Like, because I still, you know, like to race go-karts,
1524
01:03:42.925 --> 01:03:44.735
like if you're a pro, go karter.
1525
01:03:44.735 --> 01:03:46.055
It's the same feeling, man.
1526
01:03:46.055 --> 01:03:47.535
When I turn out with the Go-Kart team,
1527
01:03:47.565 --> 01:03:49.815
it's the exact same feeling as being at IndyCar Race,
1528
01:03:49.885 --> 01:03:52.175
like still going through the same processes.
1529
01:03:52.195 --> 01:03:53.335
It is just as competitive
1530
01:03:53.795 --> 01:03:56.975
and it's just like, if you were getting paid
1531
01:03:56.975 --> 01:03:59.415
to race go-karts your whole life, that's a bloody, that's,
1532
01:03:59.435 --> 01:04:01.135
you're better than 99% of people
1533
01:04:01.905 --> 01:04:04.255
doing a really incredibly fun
1534
01:04:05.075 --> 01:04:08.775
and enjoyable activity and getting paid to do it.
1535
01:04:09.145 --> 01:04:12.135
Sorry, I'm just seeing be getting like a million text
1536
01:04:12.295 --> 01:04:13.335
messages nonstop.
1537
01:04:13.335 --> 01:04:16.215
So I'm just trying to , so I would wonder why.
1538
01:04:17.275 --> 01:04:19.855
No worries. Yeah, yeah. It's just, or on in your day.
1539
01:04:20.365 --> 01:04:23.775
Yeah, , it's like I have to turn my phone upside down.
1540
01:04:23.775 --> 01:04:26.015
Like they stop calling people. Yes. .
1541
01:04:26.975 --> 01:04:28.215
I am doing something ridiculous.
1542
01:04:28.215 --> 01:04:29.215
Its like nonstop
1543
01:04:30.435 --> 01:04:32.895
and my wife's phone, like, I'm moving the text outta the
1544
01:04:32.895 --> 01:04:33.895
way
.
1545
01:04:35.395 --> 01:04:38.215
So, so will, you're, you're doing this change you've been
1546
01:04:38.215 --> 01:04:40.055
with one team for, it was, is it seven?
1547
01:04:40.055 --> 01:04:41.655
It was 17 years with Penske.
1548
01:04:42.295 --> 01:04:43.895
17 years, yeah. Penske, yeah,
1549
01:04:44.215 --> 01:04:45.215
17 years with Penske.
1550
01:04:45.415 --> 01:04:47.375
17 years with the same engineer.
1551
01:04:47.475 --> 01:04:50.375
You and Dave Fassino have been together that whole time.
1552
01:04:50.955 --> 01:04:52.335
Um, yeah. Penske's been
1553
01:04:52.335 --> 01:04:54.255
with the same engine manufacturer that whole time.
1554
01:04:54.915 --> 01:04:58.775
So you are doing about as dramatic a change
1555
01:04:59.035 --> 01:05:02.495
and complete full house switch from, from,
1556
01:05:02.635 --> 01:05:03.895
you know, what you've been experiencing.
1557
01:05:04.805 --> 01:05:08.535
What is, what is the thing that you are most excited about?
1558
01:05:08.555 --> 01:05:11.135
What's, obviously the whole challenge is something
1559
01:05:11.135 --> 01:05:14.135
that's driving you, but is there one specific element
1560
01:05:14.165 --> 01:05:15.575
that kind of stands out that you're,
1561
01:05:15.575 --> 01:05:16.775
you're the most excited about?
1562
01:05:17.545 --> 01:05:22.065
One is, uh, one is feeling a
1563
01:05:22.185 --> 01:05:24.985
andretti car on a street course and feel,
1564
01:05:25.045 --> 01:05:26.585
and the other is feeling a Honda en
1565
01:05:26.605 --> 01:05:27.825
and feeling a Honda engine.
1566
01:05:28.175 --> 01:05:30.585
It's a, it's, yeah, you know, I've competed against Honda
1567
01:05:30.645 --> 01:05:32.425
for so long and just wondered
1568
01:05:32.425 --> 01:05:35.705
and watched them, you know, be incredibly successful.
1569
01:05:35.765 --> 01:05:37.025
But so has Chevy.
1570
01:05:37.335 --> 01:05:40.345
It's been quite, you know, it's just, it ebbs
1571
01:05:40.345 --> 01:05:42.265
and flows, like who has the best,
1572
01:05:42.265 --> 01:05:43.985
better performance year in, year out,
1573
01:05:44.045 --> 01:05:46.465
but I just, I'm interested, you know, I think
1574
01:05:46.465 --> 01:05:48.425
that engine has a different characteristic
1575
01:05:48.445 --> 01:05:51.745
and has always had that characteristic from the outset.
1576
01:05:52.485 --> 01:05:56.025
Um, which makes it, you know, good on street courses,
1577
01:05:56.355 --> 01:05:57.985
short tracks and so on.
1578
01:05:58.085 --> 01:06:02.385
So yeah, I'm, uh, I'm very interested in that just to, just
1579
01:06:02.385 --> 01:06:03.505
to feel a different car.
1580
01:06:03.665 --> 01:06:05.785
I mean, it would be very interesting to me, you know?
1581
01:06:05.975 --> 01:06:07.265
Yeah, I mean that's something that,
1582
01:06:07.295 --> 01:06:08.905
that Rossi's talked about on the show.
1583
01:06:08.905 --> 01:06:12.465
Obviously he went from a Honda to a Chevy and,
1584
01:06:12.525 --> 01:06:14.225
and talked a lot about that.
1585
01:06:14.595 --> 01:06:16.265
Based on kinda what you've heard
1586
01:06:16.285 --> 01:06:18.345
and, you know, speaking to other drivers in the paddock,
1587
01:06:18.495 --> 01:06:19.865
what are you expecting out
1588
01:06:19.865 --> 01:06:21.585
of feeling a Honda engine for the first time?
1589
01:06:22.025 --> 01:06:24.705
I think it, I think it, it has a fatter power curve.
1590
01:06:24.985 --> 01:06:26.745
I think that, you know, you know,
1591
01:06:26.785 --> 01:06:31.145
I think those guys probably have more power down low.
1592
01:06:31.725 --> 01:06:33.865
You know, the Chevy strengths has been its top
1593
01:06:33.885 --> 01:06:35.065
end power over the time.
1594
01:06:35.285 --> 01:06:39.625
So, um, I think the engines are very, even now, um,
1595
01:06:39.855 --> 01:06:41.865
very even it's, it's sort of hard
1596
01:06:41.865 --> 01:06:43.465
to pick the difference on telemetry.
1597
01:06:43.625 --> 01:06:45.625
'cause you know, we get to see each other's telemetry, so
1598
01:06:46.855 --> 01:06:49.065
it's gonna be just sort of different.
1599
01:06:49.375 --> 01:06:51.825
It's gonna be, have just a different feel, you know,
1600
01:06:51.825 --> 01:06:53.185
and drivability and so on.
1601
01:06:53.265 --> 01:06:55.305
I think they, they, they are the differences now.
1602
01:06:55.345 --> 01:06:57.705
I think power levels, overall power levels
1603
01:06:57.885 --> 01:06:59.825
and performance is very close.
1604
01:07:00.765 --> 01:07:02.745
How excited are you about the fact that
1605
01:07:03.315 --> 01:07:06.265
Andretti's team care requirements are t-shirts and jeans
1606
01:07:07.345 --> 01:07:09.845
and no longer polo shirts and slacks?
1607
01:07:10.505 --> 01:07:11.565
Man, that's gonna be,
1608
01:07:12.635 --> 01:07:14.095
that's gonna be interesting, I think. Like, are
1609
01:07:14.095 --> 01:07:15.095
You gonna feel a little naked?
1610
01:07:15.095 --> 01:07:16.575
I think walking into a racetrack,
1611
01:07:16.835 --> 01:07:18.015
not wearing a collared shirt,
1612
01:07:18.715 --> 01:07:21.665
It will be really, uh, yeah.
1613
01:07:21.695 --> 01:07:23.585
Well that, I've thought about that too.
1614
01:07:23.605 --> 01:07:27.305
You know, I see Colton, Kyle, mark is just rocking on this
1615
01:07:27.305 --> 01:07:29.505
Looks so comfortable and casual and Yeah.
1616
01:07:29.575 --> 01:07:32.465
Yeah.
You can grow a beard now.
1617
01:07:33.305 --> 01:07:34.385
I could. Are you gonna
Grow your
1618
01:07:34.425 --> 01:07:35.505
mountain beard back? I,
1619
01:07:36.125 --> 01:07:37.185
No, no.
1620
01:07:37.325 --> 01:07:39.625
I'm still, you know, I think you go to work
1621
01:07:39.685 --> 01:07:40.985
to be very professional
1622
01:07:41.125 --> 01:07:45.465
and um, you know, I think that reflects on the people you're
1623
01:07:45.465 --> 01:07:47.945
around to see how serious you are.
1624
01:07:48.085 --> 01:07:50.305
So, you know, those things actually do matter.
1625
01:07:50.335 --> 01:07:52.065
I've been in the sport long enough to know
1626
01:07:52.065 --> 01:07:54.865
that the way you present yourself, the way you talk,
1627
01:07:54.925 --> 01:07:57.305
the way you act really matters around the people
1628
01:07:57.305 --> 01:07:58.305
that work on your cars.
1629
01:07:58.525 --> 01:08:03.385
So, um, it is nice that that I've,
1630
01:08:03.725 --> 01:08:05.705
but yeah, I think all that will kind
1631
01:08:05.705 --> 01:08:07.345
of stay pretty sane for me. .
1632
01:08:09.285 --> 01:08:10.785
So are you, are you planning like a,
1633
01:08:10.785 --> 01:08:14.825
like a cathartic burning of all your pleated slacks,
1634
01:08:15.145 --> 01:08:18.365
you know, in the backyard, uh, now that the season's over,
1635
01:08:18.745 --> 01:08:20.485
or , or is that Maybe a little,
1636
01:08:20.785 --> 01:08:22.725
but we would've stick to like, giving it it all to Goodwill.
1637
01:08:22.835 --> 01:08:24.565
It's, it's already happened.
1638
01:08:24.785 --> 01:08:28.925
So no straight after
1639
01:08:29.205 --> 01:08:30.645
Portland, he just kept wanting burns
1640
01:08:30.675 --> 01:08:31.675
Rest.
1641
01:08:31.675 --> 01:08:35.245
No. Uh, yeah, that will be,
1642
01:08:36.255 --> 01:08:37.305
that will be interesting.
1643
01:08:37.305 --> 01:08:39.265
You know, rocking up jeans.
1644
01:08:39.375 --> 01:08:41.025
I'll look at Joseph and Scott
1645
01:08:41.245 --> 01:08:42.905
and just go, ah, you just dunno
1646
01:08:42.905 --> 01:08:45.745
how good it is on the other side, man. . Sorry. No, .
1647
01:08:46.405 --> 01:08:48.985
The freedom, the freedom that I feel my neck
1648
01:08:49.605 --> 01:08:51.345
can actually get a burn on the back now.
1649
01:08:51.455 --> 01:08:52.545
It's incredible. Yeah.
1650
01:08:52.645 --> 01:08:55.065
Oh man. I didn't realize they could wear t-shirts.
1651
01:08:55.145 --> 01:08:56.305
I don't see 'em in t-shirts.
1652
01:08:56.305 --> 01:08:58.105
They still have like a team shirt. Oh, it is
1653
01:08:58.105 --> 01:08:59.105
A t-shirt?
1654
01:08:59.105 --> 01:09:00.505
It's a team shirt, but it's a t-shirt cut. Yeah.
1655
01:09:00.565 --> 01:09:03.385
Oh, it is a T-shirt. Gotcha, gotcha. Yeah. Yeah. Okay.
1656
01:09:03.385 --> 01:09:05.465
That's a change. Like the Penske has a small
1657
01:09:05.465 --> 01:09:06.985
collar, it's very small.
1658
01:09:07.175 --> 01:09:10.545
It's almost, they've almost went half to T-shirt mm-hmm .
1659
01:09:10.725 --> 01:09:12.385
So yeah, it won't be the big,
1660
01:09:13.005 --> 01:09:16.305
but yeah, I'm gonna wear a big V-neck first time, like, just
1661
01:09:16.305 --> 01:09:17.465
to get as much nice,
1662
01:09:17.655 --> 01:09:21.145
Nice as
Much, just as much t-shirt look as possible.
1663
01:09:22.305 --> 01:09:23.515
Just make sure you remember,
1664
01:09:23.515 --> 01:09:25.395
you gotta add a little extra sunscreen to the back
1665
01:09:25.395 --> 01:09:26.795
of your neck now because you don't have
1666
01:09:26.815 --> 01:09:27.915
as much protection back there.
1667
01:09:28.095 --> 01:09:29.635
That's a, that's a big deal. Yeah.
1668
01:09:29.975 --> 01:09:32.995
Um, so, well, I, I kinda liked hearing you talk about how,
1669
01:09:33.295 --> 01:09:34.955
uh, and this is, we're getting to the end.
1670
01:09:35.105 --> 01:09:37.795
I'll, I'll let you go, um, and really appreciate the time
1671
01:09:37.815 --> 01:09:40.315
and, and you guys being on here for, for this news.
1672
01:09:40.935 --> 01:09:44.395
Um, but I, I, I really enjoyed hearing you talk about how
1673
01:09:44.935 --> 01:09:48.035
you could hear, how fired you, how fired up you are about
1674
01:09:48.785 --> 01:09:51.075
proving to people that a guy in his forties can still win
1675
01:09:51.075 --> 01:09:53.675
races and championships and you've, you've proved
1676
01:09:53.675 --> 01:09:54.835
that you can still win races.
1677
01:09:54.835 --> 01:09:56.795
Like you say last year you were took at the
1678
01:09:56.795 --> 01:09:58.115
championship down to the last round.
1679
01:09:59.095 --> 01:10:03.325
Um, realistically, how long do you think you can race?
1680
01:10:03.525 --> 01:10:06.565
I mean, do you think that there is an age limit?
1681
01:10:06.765 --> 01:10:09.485
I know it's the, the, the cliche answer is, as soon
1682
01:10:09.485 --> 01:10:11.765
as I'm not fast, you know, I'll stop. Mm-hmm.
1683
01:10:11.785 --> 01:10:12.805
That's right. Yeah. Based
1684
01:10:12.805 --> 01:10:13.965
On how you feel, like, how,
1685
01:10:14.185 --> 01:10:15.445
how long do you think that can be?
1686
01:10:16.425 --> 01:10:20.345
I think if you hold, if you keep the, the desire, um,
1687
01:10:21.405 --> 01:10:24.185
you have to keep working at obviously be incredibly fit,
1688
01:10:25.205 --> 01:10:28.785
you know, I, I think I could go another, you know,
1689
01:10:28.875 --> 01:10:30.345
let's check in in three years time,
1690
01:10:30.445 --> 01:10:33.145
but I would say five years you could still be very
1691
01:10:33.145 --> 01:10:36.905
competitive as long as you don't slacking off in any way.
1692
01:10:37.865 --> 01:10:40.405
You know, it's, it's, it's a constantly changing game
1693
01:10:40.505 --> 01:10:41.885
and you gotta keep updating
1694
01:10:41.945 --> 01:10:46.545
and yeah, it's, you know, it is always wondered,
1695
01:10:46.765 --> 01:10:49.925
you know, if I, I just think the
1696
01:10:49.925 --> 01:10:51.685
experience counts for a lot.
1697
01:10:52.515 --> 01:10:54.525
Like you could do nothing the off season turnout
1698
01:10:54.525 --> 01:10:56.405
and be pretty bloody good anyway,
1699
01:10:56.505 --> 01:11:00.185
but, you know, you still just, it's just about,
1700
01:11:00.215 --> 01:11:01.705
it's like everything in life, you know?
1701
01:11:01.705 --> 01:11:05.065
It's how much put into it and it's what you get out of it.
1702
01:11:05.165 --> 01:11:09.675
So yeah, I, uh, uh, I haven't,
1703
01:11:09.825 --> 01:11:11.955
I've got quicker, uh, that's what I'll tell you.
1704
01:11:12.755 --> 01:11:15.655
Yeah. I haven't got slower. Let's say I've got more rounded.
1705
01:11:15.815 --> 01:11:18.415
I don't think I, I always had that top end speed, you know,
1706
01:11:18.415 --> 01:11:20.415
even if I lost a bit of the top end speed,
1707
01:11:20.915 --> 01:11:24.525
but then had, you know, just the experience I have,
1708
01:11:24.795 --> 01:11:27.205
it's still a very good package, you know, as a driver.
1709
01:11:27.385 --> 01:11:31.405
So, um, yeah, I mean, I, you just know,
1710
01:11:31.505 --> 01:11:34.445
so people's natural ability comes out very early.
1711
01:11:34.585 --> 01:11:38.565
It sort of never changes the actual top end speed, like your
1712
01:11:39.255 --> 01:11:42.085
qualifying speed that's there from the beginning,
1713
01:11:42.235 --> 01:11:44.205
that is the natural ability thing.
1714
01:11:44.265 --> 01:11:46.205
You never see anyone that was under that
1715
01:11:47.305 --> 01:11:49.285
end up coming up to a level.
1716
01:11:49.395 --> 01:11:51.845
Yeah, right. You know, you look at Colton just from the
1717
01:11:51.865 --> 01:11:54.125
outset, the guy was incredibly fast is
1718
01:11:54.125 --> 01:11:55.205
that was just natural ability.
1719
01:11:56.195 --> 01:11:58.925
Then it just comes down to building on top of that.
1720
01:11:59.105 --> 01:12:02.545
So that never seems to change that top end speed.
1721
01:12:02.645 --> 01:12:04.625
That's, that's the one, that's probably the one though.
1722
01:12:04.625 --> 01:12:06.345
If you lost too much of that, that's when you're in trouble.
1723
01:12:06.345 --> 01:12:09.345
But if you never quite had it, you were a consistent driver,
1724
01:12:09.605 --> 01:12:11.545
that's when you will drop off in your forties.
1725
01:12:12.045 --> 01:12:16.615
If you are never, this, you know, had a ton of speed, um,
1726
01:12:17.435 --> 01:12:21.215
you know, you, you probably do lose a little bit of top end
1727
01:12:21.235 --> 01:12:22.735
and um, then you can't make
1728
01:12:22.735 --> 01:12:23.935
up for, it was just being consistent.
1729
01:12:23.955 --> 01:12:27.535
You just can't. So it was just, you know, well,
1730
01:12:27.845 --> 01:12:29.215
that was always there for me.
1731
01:12:29.405 --> 01:12:30.575
Statistically speaking,
1732
01:12:30.575 --> 01:12:32.175
you've got more top end speed than
1733
01:12:32.175 --> 01:12:33.495
anybody in the history of the sport.
1734
01:12:33.635 --> 01:12:36.935
So that makes me think you're good till at least 50. Uh,
1735
01:12:37.035 --> 01:12:38.035
That's true.
1736
01:12:38.035 --> 01:12:39.895
I could lose. So whatever you lose when you're 50,
1737
01:12:40.075 --> 01:12:43.695
I'm still just sort of be good with experience. 10th
1738
01:12:43.695 --> 01:12:44.735
And a half, you're still good, man.
1739
01:12:44.735 --> 01:12:46.215
You're still good. It's like only four
1740
01:12:46.215 --> 01:12:47.415
poles a year instead of eight.
1741
01:12:48.035 --> 01:12:50.455
Uh, well look man, it's, uh, it's a,
1742
01:12:50.455 --> 01:12:52.215
it's a huge, huge bit of news.
1743
01:12:52.455 --> 01:12:56.775
I think the, the entire Motorsport world is, uh, is shocked
1744
01:12:56.995 --> 01:12:59.455
and amazed and impressed and happy for you.
1745
01:12:59.635 --> 01:13:02.375
Uh, we're really excited to see what you can do
1746
01:13:02.375 --> 01:13:04.295
behind the wheel of an Andretti Indy car.
1747
01:13:05.235 --> 01:13:07.415
And, uh, I am, I'm a believer man.
1748
01:13:07.475 --> 01:13:10.015
I'm in the camp that thinks you're still just as fast
1749
01:13:10.015 --> 01:13:11.935
as you've been and, and still can fight for it.
1750
01:13:12.035 --> 01:13:13.495
So we look forward to seeing what
1751
01:13:13.495 --> 01:13:14.615
that looks like next year, bud.
1752
01:13:14.875 --> 01:13:18.175
No, I'm, I'm, uh, man, I can't wait. I really can't wait.
1753
01:13:18.615 --> 01:13:21.935
I, it's, it's, uh, it's gonna be a great challenge
1754
01:13:22.035 --> 01:13:26.055
and journey and all the stuff that go with it, so, um, yeah,
1755
01:13:26.055 --> 01:13:28.655
look forward to working with some really good people. I'm
1756
01:13:28.655 --> 01:13:30.175
Just excited to keep showing you respect
1757
01:13:30.175 --> 01:13:33.295
Mother
. Thank you, .
1758
01:13:34.195 --> 01:13:35.895
Thanks pal. Appreciate you coming on.
1759
01:13:37.165 --> 01:13:38.975
This has been off track with Hinch and Rossi.
1760
01:13:39.195 --> 01:13:42.575
Off Track is part of the Sirius XM Sports Podcast Network.
1761
01:13:42.995 --> 01:13:44.135
If you enjoyed this episode
1762
01:13:44.155 --> 01:13:46.375
and want to hear more, please give a five star
1763
01:13:46.375 --> 01:13:47.415
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1764
01:13:48.015 --> 01:13:50.215
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1765
01:13:50.395 --> 01:13:53.175
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1766
01:13:53.395 --> 01:13:56.015
And if you wanna follow us on Twitter, we're at Hinch Town
1767
01:13:56.015 --> 01:13:57.295
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1768
01:13:57.515 --> 01:13:58.935
If you wanna follow them, though,
1769
01:13:58.935 --> 01:14:00.855
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1770
01:14:01.245 --> 01:14:03.535
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1771
01:14:04.085 --> 01:14:06.055
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1772
01:14:06.115 --> 01:14:07.295
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1773
01:14:07.795 --> 01:14:10.815
Off Track is produced by Tim Durham, and by that we mean f.