Today’s schedule: All times Eastern

5:30 pm-6:45 pm- Indycar Practice 1

Another Indycar season comes another all too quick end Sunday in Monterey at one of the nicest tracks on the schedule. The track has made several improvements with a new p[edestrian bridge and a complete track repaving.

There is still plenty to play for this weekend as Indycar wraps up its 2023 season. Rookie of the Year, Leaders’ Circle, and third place in the standings all need to be decided. The track record is in definite jeopardy Saturday.

Repaved Track- Faster Speeds

The track has been completely repaved, and the times at yesterday’s open test show the results. Nine drivers bettered Helio Castroneves’ qualifying record of 1:07.722 set in 2000. Will power led the way with a lap at 1:07.2762.

“Very nice, very smooth,” Power said after the session. “A lot of grip. Yeah, it’s incredibly fast. Yeah, it will be a mid-six (1:06.5) in quali by the time it’s all said and done. Rubber down, mid-six.”

The full results:

Rookie of the Year

Marcus Armstrong leads Agustin Canapino by 26 points and just has to finish ahead of Canapino to win the title. A top 10 finish would be sufficient.

The rookie chase this year has been unusual. Armstrong leads despite not driving in the five oval races. Canapino is spending his first year in open wheel cars.

I think Armstrong will win the title. He signed yesterday to stay with Ganassi and drive full time.

Third Place

Josef Newgarden holds third place with 470 points. Pato O’Ward is nine points behind, and Scott McLaughlin is 22 points back in fifth. The third spot is up for grabs but given Team Penske’s strength here. i look for Newgarden to keep the position.

O’Ward’s best hope is to win the race.

Race to the Top of the Bottom

The 78 car of Agustin canapino is just two points out of the last spot for the just under $1 million reward for the top teams. The 60 which will be drive3n again by Tom Blomqvist, tenuously holds the final spot.

The 29 of Devlin DeFrancesco and the 30 with rookie Juri Vips sit just ahead. The 30 has only an eight point lead over the 78. Keep an eye on these foru cars in qualifying and the race.

With the championship decided, the final money spot is something to focus on this weekend.

Notes

Will Power has a streak of winning at least one race in 16 seasons. Will he keep the streak intact? Three other drivers- Alexander Rossi, Pato O’Ward, and Colton Herta-won in 2022, but have not seen Victory Circle this season.

NBC will have a 55-minute pre-race show Sunday beginning at 2:30 pm Eastern. The green flag is at 3:26 pm Eastern