Monthly Archives: December 2024

Fishers, Andretti Global and Formula 1

LarryInFishers.com
Artist rendering of Andretti Global HQ, now under construction in Fishers

The announcement that the Andretti Global racing team would be building its new headquarters in Fishers was big indeed.  The building will be home to the many racing series where Andretti competes.

One open question has been whether Andretti would have a team in the Formula 1 series, the biggest in the world.  Michael Andretti had been lobbying the powers-that-be in F1 to allow his racing team into the series.

Just to let you know, I did cover the month of May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the 1980s, taking vacation time from my regular job to cover practice and qualifying for a radio station.  The people involved in Indy Car racing at that time always told me the people at Formula 1 were, simply put, different.  Not a good or bad different, but they were known to handle their sport in a different way.

I am no expert on Formula 1 racing and the politics involved in running that sport, so I read many journalists that have knowledge of F1.  It appears, based on that reporting, that the decision-makers at Formula 1 took a personal dislike to Michael Andretti.  I have no idea why, but based on the reporting I have seen, Formula 1 made it clear to anyone  willing to listen that if General Motors wants to enter a team in F1, that is fine, but not with a racing team headed by Michael Andretti.

Several weeks ago, it was announced that Michael would be stepping aside from his leadership role at Andretti Global, and his business partner Dan Towriss will be leading the operation going forward.  It appears Michael Andretti took one for the team, knowing his exit would be the only way Formula 1 would allow Andretti Global to partner with General Motors’ Cadillac division and  be a part of Formula 1 beginning in 2026.

This is a  local Fishers story because the Andretti operation in Fishers will now include the Formula 1 racing unit, no small expansion.  This is good news for Andretti Global and Fishers.  It just seems unfair Michael cannot be a part of it.

If you drive along 96th Street near the airport, you have likely seen the construction continuing on the Andretti project.  It will be major addition to the economic growth of Fishers.  It will be a destination.

Andretti will continue to have a ream in IndyCar and many other racing series, as has been the case for many years.  But the GM Cadillac team run by Andretti Global will be something important to watch as they enter Formula 1 competition in 2026.

Fuel Secure Series Sweep Over Grizzlies in Fiery Finale

LarryInFishers.com

The Indy Fuel capped off their grueling 15-game road trip in style, defeating the Utah Grizzlies 4-1 on Saturday night to complete a three-game series sweep. A record-setting performance from Kevin Lombardi and relentless offensive pressure propelled the Fuel to their third straight win, but the night was also marked by intense physicality and a staggering 117 penalty minutes.

First Period: Special Teams Spark the Fuel

Both teams struggled to find their rhythm early, with penalties slowing the game’s pace. Utah’s Kabore Dunn’s slashing penalty at 14:04 opened the door for the Fuel to strike first. Cam Hausinger capitalized on the power play, scoring at 16:03 to give Indy a 1-0 lead.

The physicality escalated quickly as three roughing penalties were handed out in a span of 70 seconds. By the end of the first, 14 penalty minutes had been assessed, and the Fuel had outshot the Grizzlies 14-7.

Second Period: Lombardi Lights It Up

Kevin Lombardi stole the show early in the second, netting two goals in just 14 seconds to extend Indy’s lead to 3-0. His lightning-fast double broke the franchise record for the fastest two goals by the same player, a mark previously held by Kenny Ryan in 2017.

Utah managed to halt Indy’s momentum momentarily when Briley Wood scored at 14:40, cutting the deficit to 3-1. The rough play continued, with Jordan Martin and Utah’s Gianni Fairbrother exchanging roughing minors late in the period.

Indy once again controlled the shot count, outshooting Utah 14-8.

Third Period: Bilek Seals the Deal, Tempers Flare

Colin Bilek wasted no time adding to Indy’s lead, scoring just 63 seconds into the final period. His goal, his third of the season, put the game out of reach for Utah at 4-1.

As the Fuel pulled away, the game’s physicality reached a boiling point. A heated exchange at 7:47 resulted in six penalties, including a game misconduct for Hausinger. Late in the game, a controversial hit on Darby Llewellyn sparked another melee, leading to four misconducts.

By the final whistle, the teams had combined for 117 penalty minutes, with 68 assessed to the Fuel.

Dominance on Display

Indy outshot Utah in every period and finished with a 37-17 shot advantage. The win capped an exhausting road trip on a high note, leaving the Fuel eager to return to their new home and build on their momentum.

Up Next

The Fuel will enjoy a brief break before returning to Indiana for their home opener at the Fishers Event Center, where they’ll look to extend their winning streak.