In a new video series called “UnHinched”, IndyCar on NBC analyst James Hinchcliffe sat down in his bus at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for conversations with several NTT IndyCar Series drivers.
Defending series champion Alex Palou was among the most revealing interviews with Hinchcliffe as the Chip Ganassi Racing driver went into detail about his disappointment in finishing second to Helio Castroneves in the 2021 Indy 500.
During the conversation (video below), Palou also discusses:
--The career support from his father, who took him to Formula One races at Barcelona;
--How he became a fan of Michael Schumacher over Fernando Alonso
--His family background (including a mother who isn’t as much of a racing fan).
--His recent marriage and owning a coffee shop in Spain with his wife;
--How he met Chip Ganassi Racing after qualifying for his first Indy 500;
--What he has learned from Scott Dixon about saving fuel
Hinchcliffe also sat down with Jimmie Johnson, Pato O’Ward, Tony Kanaan, Conor Daly and Graham Rahal.
All of the IndyCar driver sitdowns are available at NBCSports.com and on the Motorsports on NBC YouTube channel.
--Click here to watch UnHinched with rising star O’Ward of Arrow McLaren SP on his Indy 500 helmet design, his upbringing in Mexico and Texas, his career progression from Indy Lights to IndyCar, his flirtation with F1 and the possibility of an IndyCar race in his native country.
--Click here to watch UnHinched with seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Johnson on how he knew he’d be running the Indy 500 this year.
--Click here to watch UnHinched with 2004 IndyCar champion and 2013 Indy 500 winner Kanaan on some of his best and worst moments in IndyCar and the Indy 500;
--Click here to watch UnHinched with Indiana native and Ed Carpenter Racing driver Daly, on humble beginnings in racing, family connections, bus lot pranks and why Indianapolis Motor Speedway is his favorite place on earth.
--Click here to watch UnHinched with six-time IndyCar winner Rahal on the plans for his racing future and family while increasing his role in an ownership role at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.