Episode 380
November 7, 2021
Sting Ray Robb signs with Andretti Autosports for 2022
The Andretti Autosports Indy Lights #2 at the Chris Griffis Memorial Test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s 14-turn, 2.439 mile road course. This is the team car driven by Sting Ray Robb next season. (Sting Ray Robb photo)
After completing his first season with Indy Lights, Sting Ray Robb a 19-year-old from Payette, Idaho, got a major career boast. He signed with Andretti Autosports based on Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana. Robb finished in eighth place in 2021 with Juncos Racing, the team he won the Indy Pro 2000 championship in 2020. Team Andretti Autosports press release contained the following:
“After his rookie season in Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, Sting Ray Robb has been named to join Andretti Autosport’s 2022 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires Championship lineup. A veteran of the Road to Indy ladder series, Robb joined the Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires series in 2017 and was crowned the 2020 Indy Pro 2000 Champion – awarding the Idaho-native a scholarship to compete in Indy Lights in 2021.”
“’We are pleased to welcome Sting Ray Robb to Andretti Autosport’s Indy Lights program for 2022,’ said J-F Thormann, President, Andretti Autosport. ‘Sting Ray has shown great progress and talent over the course of his Road to Indy career, and we look forward to seeing what he can accomplish in Indy Lights next season.”’
“During Sting Ray’s run in the Road to Indy, the 20-year-old made 61 starts, captured seven victories, 18 podiums, started from pole position seven times, set four track records, was the AIM Move of the Year recipient twice and was the only driver in 2020 to complete all 485 laps of the Indy Pro 2000 season. With the 2020 Indy Pro 2000 scholarship, Sting Ray entered the 2021 Indy Lights field and secured a top-10 result in 15 of his 20 starts during the season. He also garnered his second Spirit Award, presented by the Road to Indy and Kids on Track program.”
“’I’m so thrilled to be joining the Andretti Autosport family – their history in motorsports is phenomenal and second to none,’ said Robb. ‘With their experience and resources, I am looking forward to some amazing results. I saw tremendous growth as a driver this past season and am anticipating using all those tools as I move forward with the Andretti Autosport team. As I team up with Andretti, I am confident that the Indy Lights Championship is an achievable goal. A huge thank you to everyone at Andretti Autosport for believing in my ability and talent. And, to all you TEAM SR2 fans who have supported me as family, friends and partners, I thank you with a grateful heart. I know that we are all beyond excited to see what the 2022 season has in store, but before then, there is work to be done. Thank you, God for allowing me another season with You behind the wheel with such a great team.’”
At the 2021 Indy Lights Awards Ceremony, Sting Ray Robb was honored with his second Spirit Award Presented by Road to Indy and Kids on Track Program attesting to his character as a driver and fellow human being. (Road to Indy photo)
Sting Ray said to me, “We’ve got some incredible partners on board for the 2022 season: Sekady Capitol, Firehouse / Goodheart Animal Health Centers and several others to be announced in the next few weeks. But could always use more financial support if you want to send anyone my way.” (Sting Ray Robb photo)
Swanson/Jaeger Win HSR Endurance Race at Daytona
Kody Swanson the 2021 USAC Silver Crown Champion drove the Doran Racing entry at the Historic Sports Car Classic at Daytona International Speedway October 27-31, 2021. He co-drove the Doran 2008 #21 Ford GT Mk7 with Brad Jaeger. The duo won the BRM Chronograph Endurance Challenge beating back a challenge from the former Corvette Racing/ Pratt Miller C7R. The margin was over 8 seconds.
Racing collage by Mike Horne GoFast Photos showcasing Doran Racing Ford GT Mk7. (GoFast Photos)
Kody Swanson, right, enjoying a light moment in the Doran Racing garage at Daytona International Speedway with Doran Racing’s Jason Doran.(Kody Swanson Racing photo)
Trunk or Treat at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway
Panoramic view of the Trunk or Treat event at Scarborough’s Beech Ridge Motor Speedway. Will this be the last such event at the historic race track? (Jason Kennedy photo)
Evan and Lindsey Beaulieu took part in the BRMS Trunk or Treat 2021. The Durham residents called the Scarborough track home for many seasons. Officials estimate over 1700 attended the two-hour event. (Dan Walker photo)
Racers and fans get a glimpse of hope for racing at Caribou speedway
Looking from backstretch to grandstands, this photo teamed with Spud Speedway owner Troy Haney’s teaser remarks have fans and racers alike wondering what will happen to the Caribou track after a two-year hiatus. Haney commented, “It was a great weekend to get the track trimmed up and looking good so we are all ready for next year! Time for the sound of race cars to return to the Speedway in 2022! Stay tuned…..” (Spud Speedway photo)
IMSA Finale next Saturday at Road Atlanta
CORE Autosports celebrates in Victory Lane at Road America August 8, 2021. With roots in northern Maine, Jon Bennett with co-drivers Colin Braun and George Kurtz enter the Motul Petit Le Mans 10-hour race trailing the #74 Riley Motorsports team by only 50 points. The race begins at 12:10 pm and finishes at 10:10 that evening at the Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. (CORE Autosports photo)
Locals launch Rust Bucket Garage channel
Joe Moutinho, New Sweden, and Brett Johnson, Woodland launched their own You Tube channel, Rust Bucket Garage detailing their experience with rebuilding several hot rods in Aroostook County. Johnson’s 1972 Nova was featured in UpNorth Motorsports Episode 319, June 7, 2020 entitled Project Bad Influence. http://upnorthmotorsports.bdnblogs.com/2020/06/08/home/project-bad-influence-chevy-nova/
Their channel is found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKza7ClXwlU
Let’s go racing
Tom Hale
Soli Deo Gloria (Matthew 5:16)
