Motor racing great Emerson Fittipaldi gave his thoughts to VegasInsider on Nico Hulkenberg's return to F1, calling him an underestimated driver. He also talked about how Mick Schumacher can learn a lot as Mercedes' reserve driver.

• Nico Hulkenberg is a fast, aggresive and underestimated driver - good to see him back in F1
  
  

  “I met Nico in the first year of A1. He was in Team Germany. He was extremely fast, a very impressive driver. He had some opportunities in F1 and it's great to see him again."

  "He will be very fast. He's an aggressive driver, fast driver. I look forward to seeing Haas with Kevin (Magnussen) and Nico. Kevin is another very good driver."

  "In my opinion, Hulkenberg is a fast, aggressive and determined driver."

  "I also feel in the last 10 years, he's been an underestimated driver."

• It's a shame Haas did not replace Mick Schumacher with Pietro Fittipaldi but they needed someone with experience
  
  

  "It's a shame they didn't get Pietro. I was expecting Pietro to replace Mick."

  "But the team needed someone experienced."

• Mick Schumacher could be Mercedes' future if Hamilton leaves - anything can happen
  
  

  “Mick is going to be in one of the best teams. Anything can happen and I think he can perform, for sure.” 

  “They are looking for the future as well because no one knows how many years Lewis Hamilton will continue. Even he doesn’t know yet.”

  “But it's going to be good for him to be in that team.”

You can find the full interview here. The interview is in German.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix will be the most expensive GP to attend this season, a new study reveals.

The study, conducted by online casinos comparison service KingCasinoBonus.uk, analysed the average price of weekend tickets for each of the upcoming Grand Prix for the 2023 Championship, as well as the average cost of accommodation in the same area to discover how much it costs to attend each race and reveal the most expensive of them all.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix, which will take place from the 16^th to 18^th November 2023 ranks first, with a total average cost of £5,849 for the weekend.

Tickets range from £413 for a 3-day general admission to a whopping £9,922 for the “F1 Experiences Champions Club 3-Day Package” making the average cost for entrance £5,167.50. Similarly, the cheapest accommodation cost for a weekend in Las Vegas is £124 for a hostel bed, while the most expensive, a 4 or 5-star hotel for three nights, will cost £1,240, for an average of £682.  

Second on the list is the Miami Grand Prix from May 5^th to May 7^th, 2023, with a total average cost of £3,817.50 for the whole weekend. As general admission tickets for the event are around £488 while Champions Club 3-day packages are £5,786, the average entry will be around £3,317. Accommodation wise, a hostel bed in Miami is £124, while a 4-star hotel in Miami Beach is around £1,237, for an average of £680.50.

The United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, which will take place from the 20^th to the 22^nd of October is third, with a total average cost of £3,064. This is the average cost for entry tickets which go from £392 to £4,546, for an average of £2,469, and the cost of accommodation in the city for the weekend, from ranges from £198 to £992, for an average of £595.

Further down on the list, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku comes in fourth with a total average cost of £3,064 for the weekend. The lowest ticket price available is £132, while the most expensive is around £4,878, for an average of £2,505. At the same time, average budget cost for accommodation is only £74, while a 4-star trackside hotel will cost £495 for three nights, for an average of £371.

The top five closes with the Saudi Arabian GP which will take place from the 17^th to the 19^th of March in Jeddah, with the average cost for the weekend amounting to £2,716.50. General entry tickets are £124, while the most expensive tickets are £4,567, for an average of £2,345.5. Moreover, the cheapest accommodation in Jeddah costs around £123, while the most expensive is around £619, for an average of £371.

A spokesperson for KingCasinoBonus.uk commented on the findings: “It is interesting to see how out of all 23 Grand Prixes that will take place this year, the top three most expensive ones are those set to be in the United States.”

“This might be due to the high concentration of VIP guests that every year attend these events, such as actors, musicians and athletes, as well as the popularity that the sport is increasingly obtaining in North America.”

As Extreme E Season 3 draws ever closer, the championship is delighted to reveal an exciting new racing format for 2023 – ultimately showcasing double the racing action with no additional carbon footprint.

Each X Prix will now be a doubleheader and play host to back-to-back rounds across the weekend. This means double the opportunity for wins, podiums and crucial points across the ten race calendar over the course of the campaign, crucially without adding any additional carbon footprint, in line with the series’ goals to keep carbon footprint to a minimum.

Likened to ‘Star Wars Pod Racing meets Dakar Rally’, the series devised an innovative format unlike any other for Seasons 1 and 2, delivering some breath-taking competition. Season 3 sees the championship take things even further, with an all-new format designed to bring even more wheel-to-wheel racing out on the course.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO at Extreme E, said: “Since launching Extreme E, we have worked hard to improve the level of racing out on course to ensure it is thrilling to watch with plenty of action.

“This new sporting format goes even further to deliver that, with now double the amount of racing action on some of the toughest courses in the world, leaving zero additional impact on the planet.

“To have a ten-race championship in Extreme E is a tantalising prospect for everyone on board and we believe the increased number of races will only enhance our series. We cannot wait for our opening races of the campaign in NEOM to get our biggest season yet underway for 2023.”

Season 3 will feature the pressure of five-car races in both Qualifying 1 and Qualifying 2. Qualifying Round 1 and Qualifying Round 2 will now both consist of two heats, five cars each. This means four wheel-to-wheel races will determine who comes out on top in what promises to be a nail-biting contest.

Intermediate Classification Points are awarded for Q1 and Q2, with a single Championship point awarded to the winners of each Heat – something that could prove crucial in the closing stages of the season.

This will be followed by the Grand Final, starring the top five teams from Qualifying, with the winner taking the top step of the podium. The remaining five teams will battle it out in Redemption Race, where all important Championship points are still at stake.

The excitement doesn’t stop there, with the doubleheader element, the above format will take place on both Saturday and Sunday, meaning two winners will be crowned at each race weekend.

 James Taylor, Chief Championship Officer at Extreme E, added: “We’ve continuously improved the racing spectacle since launching Extreme E, but for Season 3 we wanted to create something spectacular and we feel this new sporting format achieves that.

“At each round, there will be double the opportunity for points and podiums - meaning a lot more to play for at each race weekend, while drivers and teams will have to navigate that racing tightrope of risk and reward to ensure they achieve the maximum result.

“Having a ten race championship should really close up those standings as the season progresses, meaning a thrilling Extreme E campaign should be in store for 2023 and we cannot wait for it to begin.”

Distances for each X Prix course and the number of laps will vary depending on the characteristics of the location, such as the terrain and the environmental conditions. What remains consistent is a driver changeover in the ‘Switch Zone’, taking place at the halfway point.

GridPlay will also be returning in Season 3, with grid positions for The Grand Final determined through the fan voting process. The teams that do not make it to The Grand Final must ‘gift’ their votes to their preferred team on The Grand Final grid. Grid position for the Redemption Race will be defined by the Intermediate Classification results, with the team that finished 6^th choosing grid position first, followed by the team that finished 7^th, and so on.

The Continental Traction Challenge will be returning in 2023 and will be crucial to the overall points total once again. The team that sets the fastest time, a combination of both the male and female drivers’ fastest times, through the allocated sector will win the Continental Traction Challenge and earn two championship points. This will run for each of the individual race days on Saturday and Sunday.

If any teams are tied in the Qualifying standings, their positioning will be determined by their time in the Continental Traction Challenge - the team with the quicker run through the allocated sector during Qualifying will receive the higher overall position.

An ‘ENOWA Hyperdrive’ boost will also be available to all drivers in the race. Activated when the driver presses a button on their steering wheel, they will enjoy an increase in power for a fixed amount of time – the timing for this will be a key decision.

With only weeks to go until the opening X Prix of the campaign, Extreme E Season 3 is all set to be another spectacular campaign.

To learn more about Extreme E, visit - www.Extreme-E.com

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CrowdStrike Racing is preparing for another full calendar of competition in SRO Motorsports America with entries across multiple series throughout 2023.

The multi-faceted program is an extension of CrowdStrike’s commitment as a provider and sponsor for SRO America, a role the company has held since 2018. As the Official Internet Security and Cloud Security Provider, CrowdStrike is on the front line in protecting SRO’s global data and preventing breaches through the industry-leading, cloud-native CrowdStrike Falcon platform..

The relationship also allows CrowdStrike to showcase its industry-leading experiential programs for VIPs and guests at various SRO race events, including the 2023 CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa – the most prestigious GT race in the world for SRO competitors. The CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa is the first race of a multi-year partnership, highlighted by CrowdStrike taking over title sponsorship of the event.

The CrowdStrike at-track hospitality experience includes the unique CXO Summit, which provides guests the opportunity to hear from CrowdStrike leadership on important topics and significant trends within the cybersecurity industry. Trackside hospitality, race team meet-and-greets, garage visits, hot laps and chances to participate in opening and podium ceremonies are among the offerings to VIPs and guests.

In SRO America, the CrowdStrike Racing by Riley program will kick off on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, as George Kurtz returns to competition in GT America Powered by AWS. The defending GT America champion, Kurtz won 10 races in 2022 behind the wheel of the No. 04 CrowdStrike Mercedes AMG GT3 – including one of the two rounds at St. Petersburg – to take his first SRO America championship since 2017.

The combination of Kurtz, plus CrowdStrike Racing by Riley will contend again in a strong class that will feature nearly 30 entries – a mix of GT3, GT4 and GT2 machinery.

The event on the 11-turn, 1.8-mile St. Petersburg street circuit will serve as a precursor to the start of the season for Fanatec GT World Challenge America Powered by AWS. Kurtz and Colin Braun will return to a stacked field of GT3 entries in their familiar No. 04 CrowdStrike/AWS Mercedes AMG – also fielded by CrowdStrike Racing by Riley.

“I’m looking forward to our team building on our strong 2022 performance,” Kurtz said. “We have great chemistry within CrowdStrike Racing by Riley that puts us in an optimal position for success. I am also thrilled to continue with Colin and Mercedes-AMG for another year and reach new milestones in our career together.”

The Kurtz/Braun pairing won three times in Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS during 2022 and were championship leaders for most of the season. The coming year will be their sixth year as a driving duo, who have eight wins together for all the Mercedes AMG GT3.

“It’s great to be back with CrowdStrike Racing by Riley for the 2023 SRO America season and driving alongside George once again,” Braun said. “People are recognizing George’s ability, but I have known this since our early days working together. To see his hard work and dedication culminate into a 2022 GT America championship was amazing. I’m looking forward to kicking off the season at Sonoma with the entire CrowdStrike team as we look to improve upon 2022 and contend for a championship.”

CrowdStrike Racing by Riley starts its season in SRO America with the first two rounds of the single-driver sprint series, GT America Powered by AWS taking place on March 3-4 from the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Street Circuit in Florida.

For more information, visit CrowdStrikeRacing.com. Follow #CrowdStrikeRacing on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for updates.

 McLaren Racing today announced a multi-year extension to its long-standing partnership with Lucas Oil, continuing as an Official Partner of the Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

Lucas Oil is an Indianapolis-based manufacturer and distributor of high-performance automotive oils and additives. It has been a partner of the Arrow McLaren team for nearly 20 years, starting its relationship with Sam Schmidt Motorsports in 2004.

With the season opener, 2023 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 3-5, Lucas Oil branding will continue to be represented on all three Arrow McLaren Chevrolets, and on the driver suits of Pato O’Ward, Felix Rosenqvist and Alexander Rossi for the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season and beyond.

Matt Dennington, Executive Director, Partnerships and Accelerator, McLaren Racing, said:

“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Lucas Oil, a long-standing partner that has been with the team for nearly two decades. Through growth and changes, their support has been integral for our team. We look forward to continuing our journey as we scale up Arrow McLaren’s presence to a three-car entry into the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.”

Sam Schmidt, Team Owner, Arrow McLaren, said:

“Lucas Oil has been a champion of our team for nearly 20 years and through many team changes. The relationship with Lucas Oil has been incredibly important for the team; they've been an Indy 500 partner for us every year since 2004. A partnership of this length is certainly special, and to think back on how it’s evolved over the years is a testament to their support and the quality we place on the partnerships we have as a team.”

Brandon Bernstein, Director of Partnership Marketing, said:

“For nearly two decades, the Arrow McLaren team has relied on our products to perform at the very highest levels of INDYCAR racing, and it’s an honor to extend our partnership as they expand their operation with a third entry for the upcoming season. Lucas Oil’s commitment to supplying the very best oils and additives to its race teams is why our relationship with Arrow McLaren has been so successful, and we are thrilled at the opportunity to continue this for the 2023 season and beyond.”

Rick Ware Racing will field two entries in the Progressive American Flat Track Championship for the 2023 season. The series kicks off with a double-header event at Daytona International Speedway on March 9 & 10.

Former Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle Champion Briar Bauman and Shayna Texter-Bauman, the winningest rider in Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER history, have signed on with the team. Bauman will compete with a KTM 890 Duke R in the Mission SuperTwins class, while Shayna will campaign a KTM 450 SX-F in the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Class.

This adds another element to the expansion efforts of RWR as it continues to grow its motorsport platform. Currently, it fields entries in the NASCAR Cup Series, IndyCar, NHRA (Top Fuel), IMSA (LMP2), AMA Supercross and FIM World Supercross Championships. These respective schedules will see RWR compete in seven different countries all over the world.

“This is another step for RWR in growing our marketing value and expanding with new sponsors.” said Rick Ware. “We’re looking forward to joining the AFT series and chasing wins with Championship-caliber riders. Shayna and Briar are welcome additions to the existing RWR driver/rider roster and we can’t wait to see what they can do.”

“We won a FIM World Supercross Championship last year in our first foray back into two-wheel racing in over a decade. My expectation is for this program to be just as successful.”

Progressive AFT is sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, whose primary investor is Jim France, CEO of NASCAR, and headed up by newly-named CEO, Gene Crouch.

“We’d like to extend a warm welcome to Rick Ware Racing as they join the Progressive AFT family,” said Gene Crouch, CEO of AMA Pro Racing. “RWR is an extremely successful and professional operation, and there’s destined to be a great deal of excitement as they enter the sport backing two of our most popular and talented riders in Briar and Shayna.”

 Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, and Jack Daniel’s®, America’s first registered distillery, have once again partnered for a celebration of American craftsmanship with the creation of the 2023 Jack Daniel’s®Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse. The seventh limited-edition offering from the two iconic American brands, and developed in partnership with Klock Werks^sm Kustom Cycles, the latest model draws its inspiration from Jack Daniel’s® legendary Old No. 7®Tennessee Whiskey. 

Hand painted and highly exclusive, Indian Motorcycle will produce only 177 units for global distribution. Building upon the Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse’s mechanical style, where its steel-tube frame and powerful Thunderstroke 116 motor take center stage, the Jack Daniel’s® Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse includes several fine-touch details that make the bike truly one of a kind. The bike features Jack Daniel’s® branding throughout, and, for the first time ever, real Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7® whiskey mixed directly within the bike’s Super Graphite Metallic paint.  

“The Jack Daniel’s® Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse is yet another powerful and dynamic representation of the quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail that is core to both of our brands,” said Aaron Jax, Vice President for Indian Motorcycle. “This time, we decided to pay homage to Jack Daniel’s® iconic Old No. 7® – the most iconic of Jack Daniel’s®whiskeys – pairing it with the Chief Bobber Dark Horse. Both products are timeless American originals that share a combination of no-nonsense simplicity and premium quality.” 

With a mean attitude and old-school muscle, the 2023 Jack Daniel’s® Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse features several design elements that make this bike truly exclusive. Jack Daniel’s® branding will be found throughout the bike including the front and rear fenders, stamped on its solo seat, and on a Montana Silversmiths® Badge with each bike’s unique serial number. For ultimate exclusivity, Jack Daniel’s® signature can be found on the rear fender and etched into the exhaust. The 2023 Jack Daniel’s® Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse touts a tank with a single Indian Motorcycle Script “I” along both sides. The Thunderstroke 116 engine features non-machined highlighted cylinders and heads, Cloud Silver painted rockers and pushrod tubes – giving it a throwback style that delivers a raw metal look. 

The limited-edition motorcycle also features white center rims, a solo-saddle seat, a tinted Klock Werks^sm Flared Deflector, a Pathfinder 5 ¼ Adaptive LED Headlight, which monitors the bike’s lean angle to maximize nighttime illumination, three ride modes, and a four-inch touchscreen powered by RIDE COMMAND with Bluetooth®, weather and traffic overlays, turn-by-turn navigation, and more. 

“At Jack Daniel’s® we live by the motto, ‘Every day we make it, we’ll make it the best we can.’ Indian Motorcycle shares that philosophy, which is why this partnership has been such a success,” said Greg Luehrs, Director of Sponsorships and Partnerships for Jack Daniel’s®. “To think that a handshake agreement has given way to seven years of incredible limited-edition motorcycles is truly amazing, and it’s only appropriate to honor Jack’s tried and true Old No. 7, with this seventh collaborative offering.”

For Jack Daniel’s® and Indian Motorcycle, craftsmanship is about the fundamentals. And no two products better represent the fundamentals than Old No. 7® and the Indian Chief. For the Indian Chief, the fundamental element is the frame. When designing this bike, it was important to get the stance right and maintain a simple, mechanical design. The Chief’s no-nonsense design is a modern homage to the glory days of American motorcycling with iconic V-twin style, combined with modern performance and ride-enhancing technology. For Old No. 7, the fundamental element is cave spring water from Lynchburg, TN– clean, pure, crisp, and a constant 56-degrees – the very lifeblood of Jack Daniel’s® Tennessee whiskey. 

Starting at $24,499, the Jack Daniel’s® Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse is exclusively available through Indian Motorcycle dealerships. The order window opens March 14, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. EST, and will close once all bikes are sold. The Jack Daniel’s® Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse will begin shipping to Indian Motorcycle dealers throughout the U.S. and Canada in March 2023. Riders can learn more at their local Indian Motorcycle dealership, by visiting IndianMotorcycle.com, or by following along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.