Cusick Motorsports
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 | A major contributor to this article appears to have a close connection with its subject. (September 2024) |
 | |
| Owner(s) | Carolyn Cusick Don Cusick |
|---|---|
| Principal(s) | Don Cusick |
| Base | Thermal, Ca |
| Series | IndyCar Series |
| Race drivers | Conor Daly, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Stefan Wilson |
| Sponsors | EliteIndyCar, Polkadot, VensureHR, Sierra Pacific Windows, Four Sixes Ranch, 101 Studios, MannKind Corporation, |
| Manufacturer | Chevrolet |
| Career | |
| Debut | 2021 Indianapolis 500 |
| Indy 500 victories | 0 |
| Former series | IMSAandIMSA SportsCar Championship |
|---|
Cusick Motorsports is an American auto racing team based out of Thermal CA. They currently compete in the IndyCar Series and have previously competed in the IMSA SportsCar Championship.
Cusick Motorsports, founded in 2021 by entrepreneur Don Cusick, was created in an attempt to make the racing industry more accessible to all. Cusick Motorsports creates bespoke programs for its partners and creates experiences that help drive meaningful relationships and business. The threshold for getting into the industry has not been easy for most individuals and companies. As an entrepreneur in the healthcare industry for over 40 years, Don Cusick saw the opportunity to make the motorsports industry more accessible for all, and Cusick Motorsports was founded.
In 2023 Cusick Motorsports partnered with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing for the Indianapolis 500, leveraging DRR’s experience and resources in the IndyCar series. This collaboration aimed to enhance the competitiveness and performance of both teams’ entries in the prestigious race
History
[edit]IndyCar Series
[edit]2021
[edit]The team would first begin to compete in 2021, with Stefan Wilson driving the #25 Lohla Sport Dallara-Honda HI12TT/R at the Indianapolis 500.[1] The entry would be fielded in conjunction with Andretti Autosport.[1]
Wilson would successfully qualify for the race at a four-lap average speed of 229.714 miles per hour, which would put him in the 29th place starting position.[2] On lap 34, Wilson would crash out in the pit lane, causing him to retire, with 32 laps complete, in 33rd (last) place.[3] Wilson stated that the crash was due to the brakes locking as he slowed his car to meet the pit lane speed limit.[4]
2022
[edit]Cusick Motorsports returned in 2022 with Stefan Wilson driving at Indianapolis in the #25 Gnarly Jerky/Lohla Sport/Sierra Pacific Windows Dallara-Chevrolet.[5] The entry was done in conjunction with DragonSpeed (who provided the pit crew members) and Foyt (who provided the equipment).[5]
For qualifying, Wilson did not make an attempt, due to his engine having an issue stemming from the second gear being where the third was supposed to be, meaning that when Wilson shifted to what was supposed the third gear, the engine spun beyond its threshold.[6] In the race, Wilson started 33rd and would ultimately finish in 26th place.[7]
2023
The 2023 Indianapolis 500, held on May 28, 2023, saw Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (DRR) and Cusick Motorsports field two Dallara DW12 - Chevrolet Indy V6 powered cars. Stefan Wilson, driving the No. 24 car, qualified in 25th position. Unfortunately, during a practice session on May 22, 2023, Wilson was involved in a crash with Katherine Legge. The collision resulted in Wilson suffering a fractured thoracic vertebra, which led to his withdrawal from the race.
Graham Rahal, who had been bumped from the field during qualifications, was brought in as Wilson’s replacement. Rahal started from the 33rd position. Despite the last-minute change, Rahal managed to finish the race in 22nd place.
Ryan Hunter-Reay, driving the No. 23 car, securing the 18th position on the starting grid. He delivered a strong performance throughout the race and finished in 11th place.
2024
Cusick Motorsports had an eventful 2024 Indy 500. Partnering with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, they fielded two Dallara DW12 - Chevrolet Indy V6 powered cars driven by Ryan Hunter-Reay and Conor Daly.
Ryan Hunter-Reay:
- Qualified in the Fast 12, a significant achievement for the team.
- His race ended early due to a collision on lap 107, resulting in a 26th place finish.
Conor Daly:
- Led the race for 22 laps and had a strong pace throughout.
- Finished in 10th place, marking a solid performance for the team.
Team owner Don Cusick expressed his pride in the team’s efforts, stating, “We faced some challenges, but the dedication and skill of our drivers and crew were evident. Conor’s performance was particularly inspiring, and we’re looking forward to building on this experience for future races.”
Sponsors for the 2024 race included VensureHR, Four Sixes Ranch , Polkadot, Sierra Pacific Windows MannKind Corporation and 101 Studios.
IMSA SportsCar Championship
[edit]2022
[edit]In 2022, Cusick expanded their operations to IMSA. In a partnership with Hardpoint, the team would field the #99 Grid Rival Porsche in the Grand Touring Daytona (GTD) class.[8] Cusick's involvement would only be for the endurance races, where Wilson would race.[8]
At the 24 Hours of Daytona, Wilson joined Ferriol, Legge and Boulle.[9] The car would start in 53rd and complete 672 of 761 laps, causing them to finish in 38th place overall and 10th (out of 24 cars) class.[9]
Then, at the 12 Hours of Sebring, Legge, Wilson and Ferriol drove the car.[10] They qualified in 52nd place (out of 53 cars) and would improve their finish, from Daytona, to eighth in class and 33rd overall.[10]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Beaver, Dan (May 7, 2021). "Stefan Wilson added to six-driver, Indy 500 lineup for Andretti Autosport". NBC Sports. Retrieved June 14, 2022.
- ^ "Indy 500 Row-by-Row Grid Walk". Grand Prix 247. May 30, 2021. Retrieved June 14, 2022.
- ^ "2021 Indianapolis 500". Racing-Reference.info. Retrieved June 14, 2022.
- ^ Wade, Clark (May 30, 2021). "Stefan Wilson's Indy 500 ends early, crashes in pits". Indianapolis Star. Retrieved June 14, 2022.
- ^ a b Bloyd, Kyle (May 5, 2022). "Stefan Wilson announced as 33rd entrant for 2022 Indianapolis 500". WISH. Retrieved June 14, 2022.
- ^ Marshall, Pruett (May 22, 2022). "Wilson thinking positive after qualifying scratch". Racer. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
- ^ "2022 Indianapolis 500". Racing-Reference.info. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
- ^ a b Pruett, Marshall (January 10, 2022). "Wilson joins Hardpoint's GTD endurance program". Racer. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
- ^ a b "2022 Rolex 24 at Daytona". Racing-Reference.info. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
- ^ a b "2022 Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring". Racing-Reference.info. Retrieved June 15, 2022.