RACER.com's Marshall Pruett reported Porsche's decision to "forego an IndyCar engine program was delivered" to the open-wheel racing series. The decision was "made around the Long Beach Grand Prix." Although there is "adequate time" for Porsche to enter the '21 season with a new motor, the company is "not currently expected to rejoin IndyCar." Porsche’s "sole focus of late in open-wheel competition involves the all-electric Formula E series" (RACER.com, 4/26).
PRESSURE IS ON: In Indianapolis, Jim Ayello notes the IndyCar Grand Prix is a "Chevrolet race," with the U.S. manufacturer winning "each one except the inaugural" in '14. The May event now "exists as the biggest thorn in Honda's side." The Japanese manufacturer this month "put to bed its four-race losing streak at Barber Motorsports Park" and now is "hoping to repeat the feat on the Indianapolis road course." Honda Performance Development Race Team Principal Allen Miller said, "It’s time to win the road course" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 4/30).
YOUR NAME HERE: NASCAR driver Gray Gaulding has created a website -- sponsorgray.com -- in an effort to "secure sponsorship" for the rest of the Xfinity Series this season, beginning with Saturday's race at Dover. Gaulding qualified for the series' $100,000 Dash 4 Cash bonus this weekend after finishing second at Talladega last Saturday. However, he "posted a video on Twitter revealing that the sponsorship planned for the Dover race had fallen through" (NBCSPORTS.com, 4/30).
DOG IN THE FIGHT: NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Jeffrey Earnhardt signed with sponsor iK9, which provides trained dogs for detection, service and emotional support. Earnhardt this weekend in Talladega discussed iK9's involvement in the sport, which includes backing driver Kyle Busch and a "sponsorship here in Talladega." Earnhardt: "It's good when you can bring fresh companies into our sport because it shows that we're continuing to grow" ("NASCAR Raceday," FS1, 4/27).
