Today’s Schedule (All Times Pacific):

Teams have one more 45 minute practice session to get their cars ready. Colton Herta and Josef Newgarden said they each used just one set of tires yesterday. Both drivers said conditions were similar to when they tested at Weather Tech Raceway earlier in the year.

Today’s qualifying is arguably the most important session of the year for the top three in points. On a track where passing is difficult, starting position is important. Newgarden said, “… it’s important to start up front here. I think
it’s a little bit harder to pass here than at other places.”

He went on to add that it is still possible to move up if you have a good car, and the tire degradation isn’t too bad.

This morning’s practice to set qualifying groups is also important for the title contenders to get in a group where advancing to the second round is the least challenging.

Ed Jones has found some pace on the west coast. At Portland the Dale Coyne driver qualified eighth and finishes 11th. He was fourth in practice yesterday. Jones also finished sixth at Nashville. Despite his late season burst of speed, Jones likely will not return to this seat in 2022.

Indy Lights– Kyle Kirkwood is on the pole for Race 1 today. The race follows Indycar’s second practice. Kirkwood trails David Malukas by just four points with only four races remaining.