Heidi Bandisch on Racership & J.R. Hildebrand on Blackbird 66
This week on The Pits Are Open, host Will Marotti and producer Alex Smith explore innovation, technology, and legacy across motorsports.
First, Heidi Bandisch, founder and CEO of Racership, joins to unveil her groundbreaking matchmaking platform for racers, sponsors, mentors, and tracks — a first-of-its-kind app designed to connect the racing world through relationship-driven sponsorships. Bandisch shares how her background at PRI and SEMA inspired the idea, what users can expect at launch, and how Racership will debut at PRI 2025.
Then, J.R. Hildebrand — 12-time Indy 500 starter, Stanford lecturer, and open-wheel veteran — joins to discuss Blackbird 66, a new race-car concept that aims to return the challenge, danger, and driver skill to the heart of racing. Hildebrand breaks down how over-refined modern cars hide talent and why his “Mark 1” prototype could redefine speed, design, and human-machine balance.
Presented by SpeedSport, Redline Ace, Schaeffer Oil, and America’s Christian Credit Union.
00:00 – 03:00 | Opening – SpeedSport & Redline Ace sponsors; Indy test news; Brad Sweet retires from full-time racing
03:20 – 18:30 | Guest 1 – Heidi Bandisch (Racership) – origin story, mentorship model, app launch plans for PRI 2025
18:30 – 26:40 | Racership Details – how drivers, brands, tracks, and students connect; safe profiles for youth racers
29:15 – 33:00 | Guest 2 – J.R. Hildebrand (Blackbird 66) – engineering roots, purpose behind “driver-first” design
36:00 – 44:00 | IndyCar Insights – aero parity vs human skill, why modern cars are too refined, and how to recapture chaos
44:00 – 47:30 | Speed Talk – why Blackbird could hit 250 mph and still reveal true talent
Heidi Bandisch – Founder & CEO of Racership; former PRI & SEMA leader creating a platform to revolutionize racing connections.
J.R. Hildebrand – 12-time Indy 500 starter and Stanford lecturer; developer of Blackbird 66, a driver-focused race-car concept redefining speed and skill.
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