Jack Harvey has been at the front of the field at one point in nearly every one of this year’s nine IndyCar races, but has consistently found himself down the order when the checkered flag has flown.
With the pink #60 Honda only finishing inside the top 10 twice so far, Meyer Shank Racing has failed to have the results to back up promising weekends on account of everything from pit lane errors to plain bad luck.
The team has failed to capitalize on its strong weekend pace in most of the races run this season, Helio Castroneves’ popular Indianapolis 500 win notwithstanding.
MSR has had a couple risky strategy calls backfire in recent races as well, including the most recent round in Road America that saw Harvey slip from the front of the order down to 17th due to an extreme fuel saving strategy that was not sustainable.
The team’s longtime British driver admits that although bad luck is part of the problem this season, there are things the team can do to minimize the risk come race day.
“I said to the guys, there’s no need to get in our own way,” said Harvey. “Let’s not try and be too smart. Let’s not roll the dice for all in unless we have to be all in.
“Looking back at Road America, our strategy call was aggressive, probably more aggressive than what I would have done if they’d have radioed me and asked.
“We started the season well, we’ve had great pace everywhere, but the last six races for us have been pretty not awesome.
“It’s not like a bad day, it’s a really bad day.
“But at the end of the day I think it also shows the desire and aspirations of the team that we’re here to try and get really great results.
“It’s an unusual year because there’s a lot of really great drivers who have been on the receiving end of not necessarily bad luck, but just unfortunate events.
“Honestly, I really believe that we’re on the brink of it, we just need the pieces to come together on a smooth weekend, and I think we can do it.”
Harvey will have another chance to have his MSR Honda on the podium this weekend at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, the team’s home track.
