I am still sorting through all that went on last week while I was away, it nearly slipped my mind that Indycar returns to action this weekend at Laguna Seca, one of the best road courses the series runs on. The corkscrew and the drop after it makes for some great photos of Indycars performing at their best.

The Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey has moved from the season finale to a late season race, and next year moves to its third consecutive spot on the schedule. Which series leader was that who talked about date equity?

Despite the mid season spot, Laguna Seca 2024 is significant for a couple of reasons. It is the final race of the current engine formula of a conventional internal combustion engine. The new hybrid energy recovery system makes it debut at Mid Ohio in two weeks.

Sunday also marks two beginnings. David Malukas, who lost his ride at Arrow McLaren earlier this year, starts his season at Meyer Shank Racing. He replaces Tom Blomqvist, who lost the seat after the Indianapolis 500.

The twists and turns at Arrow McLaren this week have Nolan Siegel beginning his multi year deal in the number 6 car. Siegel, fresh from his class win in the Le Mans 24 hour race last Sunday, takes the spot from Theo Pourchaire, who had just been announced as that car’s driver for the rest of the season.

It is time to go racing and put all the behind the scenes drama aside for a few days.

The Monterey track returned to the Indycar schedule in 2019 as the season finale. In the four races since its return, Colton Herta has won twice, Scott Dixon and Alex Palou once each. Will Power clinched his second championship here in 2022.

Sunday’s race is one of six races on USA network, and it is the final contest of a very busy day of racing.

The track was repaved before the 2023 event, and the new pavement proved quite slippery. A year of seasoning should make Sunday a better show.

Look for Colton Herta to finally end a frustrating streak and get another win on his home track.