UK's latest Indycar signing

[heebeegeetee]

Is one Jack Hawksworth. http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/motor/indy-ca...

Well done to the young man.

[hornet]

Seems to have got there on merit rather than bank balance as well, based on his Star Mazda and Indy Lights record. Shall look forward to seeing how he goes.

[Shelsleyf2]

Well done!. Just a shame that Motorsport in Europe cannot offer the opportunities that the U.S.A. can, without Mazda Star his career would have stalled for want of Money. Even Karting now requires budgets beyond most pockets at championship level. I happen to know Jack and his father Andy, two of the nicest people you could wish to meet. Andy was Jacks mechanic throughout most of his karting career, they slept in the converted panel van at meetings. While he was contesting the Mazda star championship, time permitting Jack still raced Karts in the Rotax European championship with Andy on the spanners, Jack said it was better than spending time on simulators. Andy must be one proud Dad.

[heebeegeetee]

The lad's going well in his first Indy 500.

http://www.crash.net/indycar/results/204220/1/indi...

[hornet]

heebeegeetee said:

The lad's going well in his first Indy 500.

http://www.crash.net/indycar/results/204220/1/indi...

This weekend is the "Grand Prix on Indianapolis" on a reconfigured (I think) road course rather than the 500 itself. But yes, he seems to be going well, as indeed does Mikhail Aleshin. Should be an interesting race. Drivers seem full of praise for the track.

[Justaredbadge]

Isn't that the road course, not the oval?

[DiscoColin]

Justaredbadge said:

Isn't that the road course, not the oval?

Must be. It says the practice was wet, and they don't run the ovals when wet the last time I checked.

[Stuck In A Lift]

Road course race is tomorrow then they start practice for the 500 on Sunday. I was lucky enough to be in pit lane today, just as it rained.

[heebeegeetee]

Stuck In A Lift said:

Road course race is tomorrow then they start practice for the 500 on Sunday. I was lucky enough to be in pit lane today, just as it rained.

Ah ha. Didn't realise that.

[hornet]

None too shabby a qualifying performance then. Shaping up to be an interesting race.

[superfuse]

Jack's bloody quick especially in the wet. Really nice lad as well.

[mattshiz]

Beware: SPOILER below.

First time I've fully watched an IndyCar race. Jack did a stellar job leading until a few safety cars and a missed radio call meant he didn't pit and got caught out, ended up half way down the train the cars and finished 9th in the end I think.

[heebeegeetee]

Jack Hawksworth has bagged his first IndyCar podium, in what seems like thrilling circumstances .

http://www.crash.net/indycar/news/206214/1/hawkswo...

[Altrezia]

I was amazed that he was able to keep that - LOADS of pressure. Great job.

[hornet]

Good stuff. Only caught the end of it, but looked like he was under a tonne of pressure and held it all together. Let's not forget Mikhail Aleshin bagged a second as well, so good day all round for the newbies. Nice to see new drivers in the series who can compete for wins, especially in the smaller teams. Has that extra feel good factor about it.