Team Chevy Aims for 10th Manufacturer title at Firestone Grand Prix of st. Petersburg

ST.PETERSBURG, Fla. – The 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season ignites on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, with the highly anticipated Firestone Grand Prix. Team Chevy is poised to compete, aiming to secure their 10th manufacturer title. Chevrolet boasts a formidable record at this venue, with nine victories in the 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 era since 2012. The team also holds nine NTT P1 Pole Awards at the challenging 1.8-mile, 14-turn street circuit. The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg promises to be a thrilling start to the season.

Following a prosperous 2024 season, which culminated in capturing their ninth Series Manufacturers title, Team Chevy is resolute to maintain its dominance. The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, renowned for its demanding 1.8-mile, 14-turn layout, presents a significant challenge for all participating teams and drivers. The race tests not only the cars’ performance but also the strategic acumen of the teams.

The Challenge of St. Pete

The St. Petersburg street circuit, incorporating the tarmac of the nearby Albert Whitted Airport, is known for its technical complexities. Drivers face a long frontstretch leading into a tight right-hander, immediatly followed by a rapid left turn. This combination intensely tests the cars’ braking capabilities and demands exceptional precision from the drivers. Navigating this circuit requires a delicate balance of speed and control.

in the previous year’s race, pato O’Ward, driving the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, secured victory after Josef Newgarden, piloting the No. 2 Team Penske Chevrolet, started from pole position. The race highlighted the competitive nature of the series and the critical importance of track position and strategic pit stops.

Chevrolet’s outlook

Chevrolet INDYCAR Programme manager Rob Buckner expressed optimism for the upcoming season:

After a successful 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, we’re certainly looking forward to 2025 with anticipation in the opportunity to compete for a 10th manufacturers title, possibly a fourth-in-a-row.
Rob Buckner, Chevrolet INDYCAR Program Manager

Buckner further emphasized the team’s positive outlook and preparations for the new season:

Heading into the new year, we’re carrying talent, positivity, and momentum, and look forward to a new year with new drivers, welcoming PREMA Racing, and working with our engineers and teams towards a successful 2025. We’re looking forward to getting the season started on track in St. Petersburg.
Rob Buckner, Chevrolet INDYCAR Program Manager

Hybrid technology Returns to the Streets

the firestone Grand prix of St. Petersburg marks another street course trial for the hybrid technology that debuted at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course last season. This event represents the first time the hybrid system will be used in competition on the challenging Streets of St. Petersburg. In 2024, chevrolet demonstrated its adaptability and performance by securing seven victories in nine races featuring the hybrid technology, showcasing its potential for enhancing race strategy and performance.

Looking Back at 2024

Chevrolet’s 2024 season was marked by significant achievements, including 11 victories across the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Josef Newgarden’s triumph in the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 stood out as a major highlight. The team also secured eight NTT P1 Pole Awards and led 1,536 laps out of the 2,551 completed by the NTT INDYCAR SERIES field. Chevrolet teams also swept the front row for the Indianapolis 500 and achieved notable podium sweeps at Road America, Iowa 1, and Milwaukee 1, demonstrating their consistent performance throughout the season.

Driver Insights

Several drivers shared their thoughts and expectations ahead of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg:

St. Pete is a great city to start off the season. The weather is amazing and the views are unbeatable. The fan show up is also always fantastic. It would be hard to beat for a season opener! For a street course, it isn’t that bumpy so you get the thrill of close wall to wall action that a street course gives you without the unpleasant bumps! From the fans to the track layout, it is already one of my favorite race tracks on the calendar and better yet, it is the first race back. So, the nerves and energy are at their highest! A successful weekend would be staying out of trouble and getting a good result in the end. Want to make sure to start the season off in the right direction!
David Malukas, No.4 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet

I’m very excited to be back with Chevrolet for my third full season with AJ Foyt Racing. After testing in Sebring, I believe Chevrolet has made some awesome improvements and I can’t wait to utilize them at our first round in St. Pete.
Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet

I’m pumped to be back in St. Pete for the season opener. This place always brings a great atmosphere and is a perfect spot to kick off the season. Coming back as the defending race winner is awesome, but it just makes us even hungrier to start the season strong and put the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet up front again. We’re looking forward to kicking off the weekend with our car launch before getting back behind the wheel and give it everything we’ve got.
Pato O’Ward,No.5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet

It’s been a busy offseason putting in the work to make sure we come into St. Pete ready to deliver. From all the simulator work to time in the gym and meetings with the crew, we’ve focused on every detail to maximize our performance this season. The car launch will be a cool moment for the team to kick off the weekend before we go racing for the first time, and I just can’t wait to get out there and compete again.
nolan Siegel, No. 6 Arrow McLaren chevrolet

We’ve been working hard all offseason to be ready for the green flag in St. Petersburg and now it’s finally hear. I’m looking forward to kicking off my first race with Arrow McLaren and starting the season strong. We had a quality test at Sebring last week,so I think that’ll help us roll off the truck well into the first session on Friday. I’m looking forward to unveiling our new livery with our partners ahead of the race and kicking off the season the right way.
Christian Lundgaard, No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet

It is indeed finally here! After what seemed like a never-ending offseason, it is so nice to finally be able to go racing this weekend. I cannot wait to get to the track and get to work with everyone at ECR and welcome our new partners Java House and Splenda to the track for the first time. The team has had some very strong pace there in the past so we will be looking to capitalize on that and start the season off on a strong note.
Alexander Rossi, No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg promises to be an exciting start to the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. With Team Chevy aiming for their 10th manufacturer title and the return of hybrid technology to the streets, the race is set to deliver thrilling competition and strategic challenges.

Team chevy Aims for Strong Start at Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

The 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season is set to ignite at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, with Team Chevy drivers eager to make their mark. The 100-lap, 180-mile race on Sunday, March 2, at 12 p.m. ET,promises thrilling action as drivers navigate the challenging street circuit. broadcast live on FOX, the event showcases the latest advancements in racing technology. Several drivers have expressed their anticipation for the race, highlighting the significance of a strong start to the season.

As the engines rev up,Chevrolet looks to leverage its impressive track record and innovative technology to secure its 10th manufacturer title. The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg marks not only the beginning of a new season but also a pivotal moment for teams to demonstrate their preparedness and competitive edge.

Drivers Eager for the Green Flag

Several Team Chevy drivers have shared their thoughts and expectations ahead of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

christian Rasmussen, driving the No. 21 Splenda Chevrolet for Ed Carpenter Racing, expressed his excitement, stating:

…getting behind the wheel of the No. 21 Splenda Chevrolet will feel amazing. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish. ECR has gone through a lot of changes over the winter, and it’s been great to be part of that evolution. we all believe 2025 will be a step forward from 2024 and St. pete is where we kick off that upward trajectory for the team!
Christian rasmussen, no. 21 ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet

Conor Daly, piloting the No. 77 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet, emphasized the importance of starting the season strong:

Obviously, it’s really nice to start the season here in St. Petersburg. One of the marquee events, I think, on our schedule.Such a great city, such a great event. I’ve enjoyed some good races here before,and to be back full-time in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES,especially to be with Chevrolet and Juncos Hollinger Racing. After the success we had last year, it’ll feel good to get to start fresh like everyone else and try to assert the season strong.
Conor Daly, No. 77 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet

Sting Ray Robb, also with juncos Hollinger Racing in the No. 78 Chevrolet, highlighted the positive testing experience:

I’m really excited for st. Pete. It’s the first time going to be on a street course in quite some time but we had a really good test at Sebring. I was really, really happy with the team so far. It’s been a good integration back into a new team, another Chevy team which is nice. I felt like there was a lot to be gained from that test but still some very familiar things that were at play. No mechanical issues which was awesome.Very, very smooth running throughout that test. I’m excited to see what St. Pete’s like in that scenario if we are still able to challenge forward, but I have good high hopes.
Sting Ray robb, No. 78 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet

Robert Shwartzman, driving the No. 83 PREMA Racing Chevrolet, acknowledged the challenges of entering the unknown:

It’s finally the first race of the season, and it’s definitely very exciting. We’re going into the unknown. It will be my first time in St Pete,experiencing this track,and it will be new for the team,which is racing for the first time in the series. Everything is going to be kind of a surprise for us, but I’m going to Florida in a happy mood to really enjoy my time there. I don’t want to put any hard expectations. I hope to complete as many laps as possible and gain as much details as possible to be in a good spot in the end. That would be a positive starting point for the rest of the season.
Robert Shwartzman, No.83 PREMA Racing chevrolet

Callum Ilott, also with PREMA Racing in the No. 90 Chevrolet, expressed optimism based on pre-season testing:

Heading into St. Pete, our first racing weekend as a team together with our competitors. Looking at the tests we had so far, we have been doing everything we can to be prepared for this race. It’s really exciting.I think Sebring was really positive along with the other tests at Thermal or Laguna Seca. I’m happy with how we are shaped up going into it. Hopefully, it’s going to be all swimmingly and good and we are prepared to improve whatever the starting point is. It’s going to be nice and warm down in Florida and It’s a privilege to be heading there with PREMA for the first event.
Callum Ilott, No. 90 PREMA Racing Chevrolet

Scott McLaughlin, representing Team Penske in the No. 3 Chevrolet, highlighted the momentum from the previous season and the excitement surrounding the new broadcast partnership:

The Thirsty Threes have been ready for St. Pete for so long it feels great that it is finally here. We had a ton of momentum at the end of 2024 and it’s time to see how much we can carry over to this year. I can’t think of a better place to get our season started and the DEX imaging Chevy has been quick there the last few years. obviously, the move to FOX has created a different level of excitement heading into the start of the season that will only help this sport continue to grow.
Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet

Broadcast Schedule

The Firestone Grand Prix of St.Petersburg weekend kicks off with the first practice session on Friday, February 28, at 3 p.m.ET, broadcast on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Saturday features the second practice at 10 a.m.ET on FS2,followed by qualifying at 2:30 p.m. ET on FS1. Sunday’s race day begins with a warm-up session on FS2 at 9 a.m. ET. The 100-lap, 180-mile main event is scheduled for Sunday, March 2, at 12 p.m. ET, and will be broadcast live on FOX. All practice and qualifying sessions will also be available on INDYCAR Radio and SiriusXM Channel 218.

Chevrolet by the numbers (Since 2012)

• 9: NTT INDYCAR SERIES races as V6 engine supplier with hybrid technology integration.
• 7: Wins in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES as V6 engine supplier with hybrid technology integration since mid-2024.
• 216: NTT INDYCAR SERIES races as V6 engine supplier since 2012 return to INDYCAR.
• 122: Wins in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
• 135: Earned poles. Chevrolet holds 140 pole awards in total, with five recorded based on points for weather.
• 5: Earned pole in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES as V6 engine supplier with hybrid technology integration.
• 9: Manufacturer Championships.
• 7: driver/entrant champions.
• 13: Indianapolis 500 victories by chevrolet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
• 6: Indianapolis 500 wins by Chevrolet since 2012 in the V6 2.2-liter twin turbo direct injected era.
• 35: number of times Chevrolet has swept the podium in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES as 2012 in the V6 2.2-liter twin turbo direct injected era. In total, a manufacturer has swept the podium 56 times as 2012.
• 29: Wins by Will power as 2012 – all with Chevrolet power – most of any driver with the same manufacturer.
• 9: Wins from the pole by will Power with Chevrolet power since 2012, most by any driver.
• 46: Pole starts by will Power as 2012 in a Chevrolet-powered car, most of any driver.
• 70: Will Power’s career total of poles, making him the all-time pole winner in INDYCAR.

Conclusion

As the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season commences, Team Chevy is poised to make a strong statement at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. With a combination of experienced drivers,innovative technology,and a proven track record,Chevrolet aims to capture its 10th manufacturer title and continue its legacy of success in INDYCAR racing. The race promises excitement and fierce competition as teams navigate the challenging street circuit and showcase the latest advancements in racing technology.

Chevrolet Aims for Tenth Title Amidst hybrid Tech Challenge at Firestone Grand Prix

Chevrolet is setting its sights on securing a tenth manufacturer title in the fiercely competitive world of INDYCAR racing, but faces significant challenges, especially from rivals Penske and Ganassi. The introduction of hybrid technology adds a new layer of complexity, demanding constant adaptation and innovation to maintain a competitive edge. The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg looms as a crucial battleground where Chevrolet’s legacy, technological prowess, and driver skills will be put to the ultimate test. The team’s ability to navigate ever-changing regulations and harness the potential of hybrid powertrains will be paramount to their success.

Chevrolet enters the fray with several key strengths. Their extensive history in INDYCAR racing has provided them with invaluable experience across a variety of track conditions. This deep-rooted legacy is considered a significant advantage as they move forward. Furthermore, their driver lineup, which includes both seasoned veterans and promising rising stars, is a demonstrable asset. The team’s investment in advanced simulation and engineering capabilities is also crucial for understanding the complexities of the cars. Strong team chemistry, characterized by team spirit and the ability to work cohesively, further bolsters their performance.

The Hybrid Hurdle

Despite these strengths,the introduction of hybrid technology presents a unique and evolving challenge. Constant adaptation and innovation are crucial for remaining competitive in this new landscape. Dr. Johnson highlighted this point, noting that maintaining superior performance with the introduction of hybrid technology will be essential for Chevrolet’s success.

Challenges on the Horizon

When asked about the challenges Chevrolet might face in its quest for the tenth title, Dr. Johnson emphasized the unpredictable nature of motorsport. “The main challenge is that no success is guaranteed,” Dr. Johnson stated. “The fiercely competitive nature of INDYCAR means that even minor setbacks can significantly impact a team’s performance compared particularly against Penske and Ganassi.”

The ever-changing regulations in motorsport also demand constant adaptation and upgrades to both car technologies and management and engineering systems. Moreover, the unpredictability of racing, coupled with the potential for human error, means that victory is never assured, even with the best engineering and driving skills.

Driver Perspectives: An Inside Look

Driver insights offer valuable perspectives on the competition’s dynamics. Their comments reflect their confidence and the team’s preparation. These perspectives provide a glimpse into the team’s morale, strategic approach, and assessment of their capabilities and areas for advancement.

According to Dr.Johnson, it “really gets you into the inside track of how the team’s feeling, what they expect, and what areas they see themselves needing to improve upon before the actual race itself.” This insight is key to understanding not only their own performance but also the performance of the entire team during practice and the race itself.

Key Takeaways for INDYCAR Enthusiasts

For readers interested in understanding the dynamic world of INDYCAR racing, several key takeaways emerge:

Consistency is key: In IndyCar, sustained excellence over many years, rather than occasional bursts of success, is what defines true greatness. Chevrolet’s consistent record underscores this fact.

Technological innovation is crucial: the integration and mastery of emerging car technologies, like hybrid powertrains, will dictate success. This is a common thread across the entire article, particularly in relation to the hybrid technology. The teams who are most well-versed and successful at implementing these changes will be more successful over a complete season.

The human factor remains critical: Despite technological advancements, the driver’s skill and the team’s strategic decision-making remain crucial elements determining the outcome of any race.

Final Thoughts on the Firestone Grand Prix

The upcoming Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg promises incredible excitement. While past success offers a strong foundation, the presence of hybrid technology and the intense competition mean no outcome is certain. Chevrolet’s legacy, combined with their technological capabilities and the skills of their drivers, certainly gives them a strong chance. As Dr. Johnson noted, “But it will be a thrilling battle to the end. I encourage everyone to tune in and enjoy this high-octane contest!”