IndyCar Schedule Critique, Tony Stewart Crash, and Rising Star Jordan Missig
This week on The Pits Are Open, host Will Marotti and producer Alex Smith break down a packed weekend in racing. From Bristol’s NASCAR drama to Tony Stewart’s terrifying NHRA crash, and the much-debated 2026 IndyCar schedule, there’s no shortage of hot takes. Plus, we welcome Jordan Missig, Indy Next driver with Abel Motorsports, to talk career beginnings, oval racing, and his family’s inspiring Racing for Mental Health initiative.
Brought to you by SpeedSport (the oldest motorsports journal since 1934), Redline Ace (your one-stop shop for racing graphics), and America’s Christian Credit Union.
00:00 – Intro & Sponsors: SpeedSport, Redline Ace, ACCU
00:55 – Weekend Recap: NASCAR at Bristol, Tony Stewart’s NHRA accident, disappointment with the new IndyCar schedule
02:10 – Breaking News: Reflections on the shocking assassination of Charlie Cook
03:25 – Formula 1 Pit Stop Drama: McLaren’s struggles and Lando Norris vs. Oscar Piastri dynamics
04:35 – Deep Dive: IndyCar 2026 Schedule: Will’s critique of poor race distribution and looming manufacturer concerns
15:20 – Tony Stewart’s Crash: Details, aftermath, and Stewart’s memory loss
17:01 – Sponsor Spotlight: America’s Christian Credit Union – 12-month certificate at 4.75%
18:12 – IMSA at Indianapolis & Guest Tease: Jordan Missig joins after the break
28:25 – Guest Interview: Jordan Missig: His late start in karting, Radical Sports Cars, and transition to Indy Next
38:03 – Racing with Abel Motorsports: Season recap, teammate Miles Rowe’s wins, and thoughts on oval racing
47:00 – Racing for Mental Health: How Jordan and his family are helping fight stigma in motorsports
56:40 – Closing Thoughts: PRI preview, Mario Andretti keynote, and SpeedSport One broadcast news
Jordan Missig – Indy Next driver with Abel Motorsports; advocate for Racing for Mental Health
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