On this week’s episode of the Awful Announcing Podcast, host Brandon Contes interviews Fox IndyCar analyst and 2016 Indy 500 pole-sitter James Hinchcliffe. With the 2025 Indy 500 approaching, Brandon and James discuss a wide range of topics including taking risks even after a near-fatal crash, working with Danica Patrick, how the series is going with Roger Penske owning a team, IndyCar, and more.
NOTE: We recorded with James on Tuesday 5/22, one day before Roger Penske announced he fired team president Tim Cindric, managing director Ron Ruzewski, and general manager Kyle Moyer. Awful Announcing reached out to Fox Sports to see if the news changed James’ view and did not receive an update.
Here’s the full breakdown:
- :44: More fun preparing to race or commentate the Indy 500?
- 1:20: Racing in IMSA
- 2:31: Would James ever return to IndyCar racing?
- 3:35: Difficulties of racing part-time compared to full-time drivers
- 4:22: Learning to crash
- 5:00: 2015 near-fatal crash
- 7:08: Pushing through boundaries of risk
- 8:17: Making the decision to retire
- 9:17: Comfort level with criticizing fellow competitors and friends
- 10:14: Calling first IndyCar race
- 10:52: Is broadcasting fulfilling?
- 11:49: Working with Danica Patrick
- 12:16: Popularity boost replacing Patrick
- 13:20: Working with Fox compared to NBC
- 14:51: Fan response of Fox IndyCar coverage
- 17:19: Team Penske penalties
- 22:07: Roger Penske owning Team Penske, IndyCar, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- 23:51: Will Fox discuss Penske penalties during race broadcast?
- 24:38: Difficulty for Newgarden to win three Indy 500’s in a row
- 25:17: Hélio Castroneves going for five Indy 500 wins
- 25:42: Kyle Larson trying to do the Indy-Charlotte double
- 26:05: Cold forecast at Indy
- 26:35: Gaps in schedule for IndyCar
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