Grip Strip Podcast Episode 221 – Penske Perfect*

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-ntc3f-162e6ff

Phil and Josh look back at a weekend that went the way of The Captain in multiple places.  At Indy, Scotty McLaughlin set the four-lap track record for qualifying to earn his first Indy 500 pole.  For the second time, Penske swept the front row – even with Alexander Rossi attempting to spoil the party. 

On the flip side, Grahayame Raehaul almost went home for a second consecutive year while Marcus Ericsson made the last row shootout somewhat interesting with his multiple mishaps but the format needs to be adjusted. The guys go over all of this plus Kyle Larson’s chances from the 5th starting position.  With only three cars in the Top 12, does Honda have the power to battle Chevy?  Scott Dixon is chasing an elusive second Indy 500 win, but has his worst starting position (21st) of his illustrious career.  

At North Wilkesboro, Joey Logano dominated from pole for his second All-Star Race win.  However, the story was Oh, Richard nailing Kyle Busch with a right cross after KyBu turned Stenhouse into the wall two laps into the main event.  Keebler Gibbs, DWJ and Gagson advanced through the Open race. Phil and Josh go over the race itself with the addition of the option tire, the post-race shenanigans and what to take from the event as they move to the Coca-Cola 600. 

The Truck Series race was delayed due to apocalyptic rains that flooded the track, but Corey Heim ended up in his usual spot up front for his third win of 2024.  Brendan “Butterbean” Queen along with former CARS Tour driver Layne Riggs were the standouts behind Heim, while Tyler Ankrum and Ty Majeski won the stages.  The guys go over all of this and the points heading to Charlotte.

Formula 1 was the usual winner, but Fish Lips didn’t have it as easy as he usually does.  Lando Norris got to his buddy and made FL earn the win at Imola, while Charles Leclerc gave Ferrari a home podium. Oscar Piastri arguably had the fastest car behind FL, but held Kevin Magnussen up in qualifying and copped a five-place grid penalty.  Having to come up through traffic at a circuit which is virtually impossible to pass on relegated the McLaren driver.  Sir Lewis Hamilton finished sixth but the same issues arise for Mercedes in qualifying and pit stops while Carlos Sainz continues to get the short end as he battles Leclerc at Ferrari. 

For the GSP Roundup, Phil goes over F2/F3 at Imola, Supercars Perth Supersprint, NHRA Route 66 Nationals in Chicago, MotoGP/Moto2 in Catalunya, and Formula E’s doubleheader in Shanghai before the previews.  Phil and Josh preview and make their picks for Monaco, Charlotte and Indy before Josh’s Sim Segment and Show Close.