Inside Hurco blog: news and events from CNC machine company

14th: Conor Daly No. 20 BITNILE.COM Chevrolet

21st Rinus Veekay No. 21 BITNILE.COM Chevrolet

Next Race: PPG 375 at Texas Motor Speedway | April 2 (NBC, 12 p.m. ET)

CONOR DALY, NO. 20 BITNILE.COM CHEVROLET

Conor Daly, No. 20 BITNILE.COM Chevrolet, Finished 14th:  “The race was playing out how we wanted. We got really lucky to avoid that first crash, which was one of the craziest things I have ever seen in my life. I felt strong, running with Rinus (VeeKay) and Josef (Newgarden). Then we just got taken out by Kyle Kirkwood. It was such a shame to get spun like that, but we hung on and kept fighting. The BITNILE.COM Chevrolet had good pace all day. On to the next one!" (Photo provided by ECR, courtesy of INDYCAR Photo)

(Photo provided by ECR)

Race Results:

Start: 24th

Finish: 14th

Status: Running

Laps Completed: 99/100

Of Note:

• Though improvements were made to the No. 20 BITNILE.COM across all three practice sessions, Conor Daly started 26th in today’s Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. He deftly avoided a major accident in the opening corners of the race, gaining six positions as he cleared the scene. The race was red flagged while the track was cleared and as soon as the pits opened, Daly came in for a set of black Firestone Firehawks after starting on the new green tires. 

• Daly had just completed his second pit stop when he was struck by Kyle Kirkwood on Lap 37 and made contact in Turn 9. Once the car was re-fired, he brought it around the circuit and into he pit lane for repairs. With a front wing change and a set of fresh Firehawks, Daly rejoined the field. 

• Though he was a lap down, Daly persevered. His determination paid off and he continued to gain positions as other cars fell out of the race. By the checkered flag, he was up to 14th and finished 12 spots higher than where he started.

RINUS VEEKAY, NO. 21 BITNILE.COM CHEVROLET

Rinus Veekay, No. 21 BITNILE.COM Chevrolet, Finished 21st: "It’s so tricky out there. I am okay and I just hope that Jack Harvey will be okay, too. Josef (Newgarden) was a little on the inside and I was an inch into the marbles and you just run out of grip. We want to finish the first race of the year to be able to carry the momentum. I am really bummed for the guys and for BITNILE.COM. We had the pace and were doing very well. Time to focus on Texas next." (Photo provided by ECR, courtesy of INDYCAR Photo)

(Photo provided by ECR)

Race Results:

Start: 24th

Finish: 21st

Status: Running

Laps Completed: 99/100

Of Note:

• Rinus VeeKay was one of the fastest cars in the practice sessions leading up to qualifying, setting the 6th and 3rd fastest laps, respectively. During qualifications, his flying lap was interrupted by a slow-moving car and he had to settle for a 24th position on today’s starting grid.

• VeeKay made it through a multi-car incident on Lap 1, gaining six positions. After the red flag was lifted, he made his first pit stop on Lap 3 to switch from alternate green Firestone Firehawks to primary black tires. He cycled into the Top 10 on Lap 30 and pitted from 5th on his second stop.

• After his Lap 35 pit stop, he was running 14th. However, VeeKay became entangled in another multi-car accident on Lap 41. The No. 21 BITNILE.COM Chevrolet was moved behind the wall and VeeKay was retired from the event, scoring a 21st place finish.

About Ed Carpenter Racing
Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) first entered the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2012. The Indianapolis-based race team has proven its versatility by collecting eight wins across each type of track the series competes on – street and road courses, short ovals and speedways. ECR is led by IndyCar’s only team owner/driver, Ed Carpenter, three-time pole winner for the Indianapolis 500 (2013, 2014 and 2018). The 2023 season will see the team continue to compete with two full-time entries: the No. 20 BITNILE.COM Chevrolet with Conor Daly behind the wheel and the No. 21 BITNILE.COM Chevrolet, driven by Rinus VeeKay. Carpenter will round out the team’s three-car effort on the ovals, campaigning the No. 33 BITNILE.COM Chevrolet. More information may be found at http://www.edcarpenterracing.com/.


Media Contact
Brie Rentz
Ed Carpenter Racing
brie.rentz@edcarpenterracing.com
765-210-2646

Our co-founder, Gerald V. Roch, inventor, innovator, pioneer, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, died at the end of 2020. Due to the pandemic, the ceremony commemorating his incredible life was delayed until late summer of 2021. Below are the video interviews with Mr. Roch that were conducted to commemorate the 45^th Anniversary of Hurco in 2013. While Mr. Roch wasn’t directly involved with Hurco for years, his legacy of continuous innovation to make job shops more efficient and more profitable is the foundation of the company he started in 1968. All of us at Hurco are appreciative of the culture he built. I hope you enjoy these interviews.

Ed Carpenter Racing's Rinus VeeKay WINS GMR Grand Prix Race at IMS 



20-Year-Old Wins First NTT INDYCAR SERIES Race on the IMS Road Course

Team Victory Picture with their HURCO Hats.

(INDIANAPOLIS) May 14, 2021 – Rinus VeeKay is now a winner at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, claiming the victory in today’s GMR Grand Prix. The 20-year-old earned his first career NTT INDYCAR SERIES win on the IMS road course by almost a five-second margin. The Dutch driver became the sixth-youngest winner in INDYCAR history in only his 19th start. His victory is the first for Ed Carpenter Racing at IMS and the team’s first since the summer of 2016.

VeeKay was fast all weekend, finishing 3rd, 2nd and 1st in the three practice sessions before the race. However, he was slightly disappointed following yesterday’s qualifications where he only earned the 7th staring position for his No. 21 SONAX Chevrolet. VeeKay started the GMR Grand Prix on Firestone’s black Firehawk tires, allowing him to complete the race on the alternate red tires. He used the extra grip from his second set of reds to pass pole sitter Romain Grosjean on Lap 44, which would prove to be the decisive move of the race. VeeKay paced the field for 33 laps, taking the lead for good on Lap 65 of 85.

“I knew we had the car; we were so fast. I’m so happy for the ECR team, so thankful. I couldn’t have done it without them. A perfect day. It’s amazing!” exclaimed VeeKay. “Getting my first podium here last year and now winning, it’s a dream.”

Now home to his first victory, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was already the location of several of VeeKay’s career milestones. In just his second NTT INDYCAR SERIES start last July, VeeKay earned his first Top 5 finish in the GMR Grand Prix. When he returned to IMS in August, he recorded the best qualifying result by a teenager in Indianapolis 500 history (4th) and was the fastest rookie in the field. In October, he won his first NTT INDYCAR SERIES pole position, led the first laps of his Indy car career and earned his first podium finish on the IMS road course.

ECR owner Ed Carpenter is thrilled for his young driver and his team. “We’ve seen this win coming for a while with the way he’s driven over the last year and the start of this season,” stated Carpenter. “The team was great with strategy, but hats off to Rinus for doing everything he needed to do today. He didn’t put a wheel wrong and stayed cool under pressure when he got out front. It’s always nice to get that first win and I’m guessing he will see more of them before too long. Very happy – happy me!”

The race was caution-free after an opening lap incident that involved teammate Conor Daly. Daly’s No. 20 MannKind Chevrolet was damaged and pulled behind the Turn 7 wall. The crew quickly made repairs and Daly rejoined the race, taking the checkered flag in the 25th position.

Attention will now turn to the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500. Three-time pole winner Carpenter will temporarily hand over his ownership responsibilities and focus on driving the No. 20 SONAX Chevrolet. As Carpenter steps into the No. 20, Daly will shift to the No. 47 U.S. Air Force Chevrolet. VeeKay’s car will switch to a brand-new orange and black Bitcoin scheme, which will be seen for the first time when IMS opens for “500” practice on Tuesday, May 18.

About Ed Carpenter Racing
Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) will be entering its 10th season of NTT INDYCAR SERIES competition in 2021. The Indianapolis-based race team has proven its versatility by collecting seven wins across each type of track the series competes on – street and road courses, short ovals and speedways. ECR is led by IndyCar’s only team owner/driver, Ed Carpenter, three-time pole winner for the Indianapolis 500 (2013, 2014 and 2018). In 2021, Indiana natives Carpenter and Conor Daly will share the No. 20 Chevrolet as Carpenter drives the oval races and Daly takes over for the road and street course events. Both will be entered in the Indianapolis 500 alongside 2020 Rookie of the Year Rinus VeeKay, full-time driver of the No. 21 Chevrolet. ECR made its eSports debut in the 2020 iRX World Championship with Jim Beaver eSports. More information may be found at http://www.edcarpenterracing.com/.


Media Contact
Brie Rentz
Ed Carpenter Racing
brie.rentz@edcarpenterracing.com
765-210-2646

Daly Continues as Road and Street Course Driver of the No. 20 and the U.S. Air Force Indianapolis 500 Entry


(INDIANAPOLIS) December 18, 2020 – Ed Carpenter Racing announced today that the U.S. Air Force and Conor Daly will remain with the team for the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES
season.

Daly will continue to drive ECR's No. 20 Chevrolet for the road and street course events, 10 of which will carry the colors of the U.S. Air Force. Additionally, Daly will again race a U.S. Air Force Chevrolet for ECR in the Indianapolis 500. Daly and ECR continue to work alongside the U.S. Air Force to use the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to inspire young adults, communicate the service’s mission and build awareness about career opportunities.

The 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule consists of 13 road and street course events, all of which will feature Daly in ECR's No. 20. The 10 races where the No. 20 U.S. Air Force Chevrolet will be on track are set to be announced at a later date, as will the primary partner for Daly's three other races. For the four oval events, Daly will hand the No. 20 back over to team owner Ed Carpenter. Daly will also drive a U.S. Air Force Chevrolet in the Indianapolis 500, once again rounding out ECR's three-car lineup.

"It feels incredible to have another year together with the U.S. Air Force and Ed Carpenter Racing," stated Daly. "Continuity has always been helpful for me in my career; the fact that we are able to hit the ground running in 2021 already having experience together gives me a lot of confidence. Every day we learn more and develop a stronger relationship."

Daly continued, "This would not be possible without the support of the U.S. Air Force, who have been an incredibly supportive and loyal partner. I want nothing more than to win races and compete for the entrant championship for the Airmen, the guys at ECR and my boss Ed, who has become a true friend of mine. I can’t wait to get back to work!”

The success of U.S. Air Force recruiting relies on a multi-layered marketing campaign at the local, regional and national level. Involvement in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES reflects the U.S. Air Force’s core values and has a positive impact on generating public awareness about the organization, its people and mission. The strategic partnership enables the U.S. Air Force to leverage and establish STEM correlations with Indy car racing, including teamwork, speed, technology, engineering, math and excellence in competition. Daly and ECR support the U.S. Air Force in its mission to inspire the nation’s brightest, most competitive young men and women for service.

“This partnership draws a parallel with how we fly, fight and win,” said Maj. Jason Wyche, Chief, Air Force National Events Branch at Air Force Recruiting Service. “Both organizations rely on the principles of science, technology, engineering and math to accomplish the mission. The technology that goes into these cars is similar to what we rely on when flying our fighter jets. Also, teamwork is especially important with the Air Force just like at the Indy 500. Everything just ties in perfectly with how we accomplish our respective missions. That’s what makes this a great partnership!”

Daly, who turned 29 on Tuesday, is continuing a partnership with the U.S. Air Force that originated four years ago. Beginning as a one-off 2018 Indianapolis 500 entry, Daly and the U.S. Air Force have grown to be synonymous in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Daly competed in the full 2020 schedule, splitting his talent between two teams. While Carpenter raced the No. 20 on ovals, Daly stepped into Carlin's No. 59. In addition to four Top 10 finishes, Daly earned his first career pole position at Iowa Speedway. Over the past seven years, the Noblesville, Ind., native has competed in over 60 Indy car races. Known for a desire to sharpen his skills by racing in different disciplines, Daly made his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut earlier this year at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Carpenter is thrilled with continuation of this year’s program. “It is a very exciting day to be able to announce the return of both the U.S. Air Force and Conor to Ed Carpenter Racing! We are looking forward to the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES, having the same driver lineup to continue our progression back to a race-winning and championship-contending organization.” He continued, “We are very grateful for the support of U.S. Air Force and honored to represent everything that they stand for. We’re thankful for the opportunity to inspire and engage the next generation of men and women who join the U.S. Air Force!”

The 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season will be Ed Carpenter Racing's 10th season of competition. ECR began as a single-car organization in 2012, expanding to two full-time entries in 2015. For the first time since having multiple entries, the team will enjoy the continuity of having the same driver lineup from the previous season. The No. 20 maintains its all-Hoosier lineup as both Carpenter and Daly are from Indiana. Carpenter, a three-time Indianapolis 500 pole winner, will be driving in his 19th season of Indy car competition. Rinus VeeKay, 2020 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Rookie of the Year, remains the team's full-time driver of the No. 21. The Dutchman’s debut season featured the best qualifying result by a teenager in Indianapolis 500 history, his first NTT INDYCAR SERIES pole position and three Top 5 finishes. Carpenter, Daly and VeeKay make up the team's three-car effort in the 2021 Indianapolis 500. The 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season will open in the streets of St. Petersburg on March 7, 2021.



Conor Daly will continue to drive Ed Carpenter Racing's No. 20 Chevrolet for the road and street course events for the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, 10 of which will carry the colors of the U.S. Air Force. Additionally, Daly will again race a U.S. Air Force Chevrolet for ECR in the Indianapolis 500, rounding out the team's three-car lineup. (DREAM Digital/Alex Wong)


Conor Daly and the U.S. Air Force are continuing a partnership that originated four years ago. Beginning as a one-off 2018 Indianapolis 500 entry, Daly and the U.S. Air Force have grown to be synonymous in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Daly and Ed Carpenter Racing continue to work alongside the U.S. Air Force to inspire young adults, communicate the service’s mission and build awareness about career opportunities. (IMS Photo/Chris Owens)


About Ed Carpenter Racing
Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) first entered the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2012. The Indianapolis-based race team has proven its versatility by collecting seven wins across each type of track the series competes on – street and road courses, short ovals and speedways. ECR is led by IndyCar’s only team owner/driver, Ed Carpenter, three-time pole winner for the Indianapolis 500 (2013, 2014 and 2018). In 2021, Indiana natives Carpenter and Conor Daly will share the No. 20 Chevrolet as Carpenter drives the oval races and Daly takes over for the road and street course events. Both will be entered in the Indianapolis 500 alongside 2020 Rookie of the Year Rinus VeeKay, full-time driver of the No. 21 Chevrolet. ECR made its eSports debut in the iRX World Championship with Jim Beaver eSports. More information on Ed Carpenter Racing may be found at http://www.edcarpenterracing.com/.

About the U.S. Air Force
The mission of Air Force Recruiting Service is to inspire, engage and recruit the next generation of Airmen and Space professionals. We are looking for America’s best and brightest to fill nearly 30,000 opportunities in more than 200 Air Force specialties, as well as more than 300 space professionals in space-specific career fields in fiscal 2021. Additionally, our total force partners, the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard are collectively hiring more than 19,000 part-time Airmen. Our military recruits to retain, providing tough, highly technical training that gives our future servicemembers the right skills to sustain the combat capability of America’s Air Force and protect our nation’s interests in space. For more information about Air Force and U.S. Space Force benefits and opportunities, go to www.airforce.com.

Hurco Kids bridge the skills gap

We're doing our part to close the skills gap. Below is just a sampling of "Hurco kids" getting an early education about machining (and HURCO SWAG 😆😁)! Just wait 20 years, they might just be the stars of the NEXT "A Control for Every Generation Campaign!" 

Thanks for checking out this INSIDE HURCO blog post with behind the scenes scoop and highlights of our "CONTROL for EVERY Generation" campaign. To watch each episode in its entirety, go to Hurco.com/MyGeneration

VeeKay Earns Ed Carpenter Racing's First Road Course Pole;
Conor Daly Starting From Row 7

Peter Zelinski from Modern Machine Shop magazine stopped by Hurco last week to check out the N95 mask project we started due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last month, we gathered in the canteen to celebrate Nancy. Procrastination isn't the reason I'm a month late writing this post. I think maybe it's denial or maybe I didn't want to get fooled again!

THANK YOU. Who's Who in our Latest Ad.

Above is our ad that is currently in manufacturing trade magazines throughout the US and Canada. After such an incredible year of well wishes and celebrations with so many people, both inside our industry and outside our industry, we felt the need to say a collective THANK YOU!