Michael Hayes: Crazy day in the world of VRR, and once again I'm sitting alongside the current Straight Talk IndyCar Series points leader, Stephanie Porter-Kelley. You were in the news again, more on a team front. VRR stepped forward this morning and announced that there was yet another expansion to thirty-three full time cars, with Polaris getting a first call at one of those new three slots. Your thoughts on that part of the news?
Stephanie Porter-Kelley: Jumping right into it, I would like to confirm that one, I was aware of this for about a month. That gave me enough time to gather the sponsors together to make
Jacob Descoteau a full time ride. So, we are definitely will be taking one of those spots for him.
Michael Hayes: Straight forward answer. Good to see another talented driver getting a chance at full time again. The second piece has lit up the VRR community regarding the announced withdrawal of Audi and Aston Martin after next year. Angel Porter made comments in particular to you remaining in contact with different European engine suppliers despite currently being Chevrolet's factory team. Any truth or explanation to this?
Stephanie Porter-Kelley: Being honest, yeah, I've remained in contact with a couple European companies. I've kept dialogue open with Renault about using Alpine branded engines. And I've kept up with Mercedes regarding them wanting to enter. But, we are Chevrolet's factory team, first and foremost. We will give our 100% effort to whatever engine supplier we have. Our goal individually and as a team is to win championships. We will aim for that regardless if we have Chevrolet, Honda, or whatever. But we have to have an alternate plan for if Chevrolet selects a different team to be their factory team. We simply can't afford to rely on someone else for too long if they don't keep us on the right track.
Michael Hayes: So, you're loyalty is towards achieving constant success, not particular brand loyalty?
Stephanie Porter-Kelley: Essentially. I'd like to start a long running thing with a manufacturer, but if that means hunting and courting with a bunch of potential resources, then we will.
Michael Hayes: What about people like Jacob Descoteau, who are loyal to particular engine suppliers?
Stephanie Porter-Kelley: I'd like to hold onto him if I can if we move from Chevy. But I think he understands at this point that brand loyalty is secondary to having a full time seat, after almost not having one. If there are people that genuinely let brand loyalty prevent them from having a chance at a successful career, then I don't believe they have a great grasp on competition.
Michael Hayes: Time for the tough questions. Would you be confident if a team like Team Kate Upton or Scuderia Rabia Furiosa being factory team for Chevrolet?
Stephanie Porter-Kelley: I think I would be okay with Team Kate Upton being in charge of things. I would at least be okay with waiting a year to see how they would do before jumping ship. I can't say the same for SRF. No offense to Rivera or Montana, but I haven't seen anything from them competitively that says they would be able to handle it.
Michael Hayes: What would your opinion be on rebadged engines?
Stephanie Porter-Kelley: I think
Sovereign Motorsports have gone a smart route in using a rebadged engine in their first year to save money. I personally believe that more should have done it. It's there for a reason, to save teams money and keep teams in operation. I think it's a good thing.
Michael Hayes: If Firestone were to stop being a tire supplier, what company would you like to see take over?
Stephanie Porter-Kelley: I would have to say Michelin. Pirelli I think would have a hard time figuring out the oval tires.
Michael Hayes: Driver you think will give you the hardest fight for a win in 2017?
Stephanie Porter-Kelley: For a single race? I'd probably say
Diego Jaramillo of those I've raced against before. But I wouldn't be surprised if someone like
Nicole Liechti or
Kevin Ritter brought a fight or two.
Michael Hayes: Driver you think will fight you for the championship?
Stephanie Porter-Kelley: I definitely think
Alan Herrera will fight me hard again, and I can't bet against people like
Michael White. Jaramillo will be a threat too I think more than anything.