This weekend’s Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will feature more experimentation in the practice format and a new look aeroscreen. The version of the aeroscreen announced yesterday is four pounds lighter than the original version. With the lighter frame, which was already on the car, the entire unit’s weight has been reduced by 11 pounds.

From the photos, the screen looks as if it has a narrower profile from the front view, which is a good thing aesthetically. The original screen made the cars appear to be carrying a large wastebasket as viewed head on. The top of the scree has cooling ducts built in. The top piece is 3 D printed rubber.

More Practice Tweaks

Indycar will continue to experiment with Free Practice 1 on Friday. At St. Pete, All cars 20 minutes of practice followed by four alternating 10 minutes periods.

For Long beach, all cars will get 45 minutes followed by a five minute break. Then there will be two 10 minute sessions, with the field split by alternating pit boxes as they were in St. Pete. Rookies will be allowed to run in all sessions regardless of their pit assignments.

The clock will not stop for yellow or red flags in the 45 minute period, but will stop on the first red in the 10 minute periods

I applaud Indycar for doing in season experiments rather than waiting until after the season to implement changes for the next year. Practice can be dull at times as many drivers sit out parts of the time to save tires.

Who’s Driving?

Dale Coyne Racing will have Jack Harvey back in the 18 this weekend, and Nolan Seigel, who was slated for that car, will move to the 51. This is an extra race for Harvey, who will drive for Coyne at various races through the season. I would not be surprised to see him in a car for the Indianapolis 500.

We are still awaiting a formal announcement for the driver of Arrow McLaren;’s car 5. David Malukas is not ready to return, and Callum Ilott has a conflict with his WEC schedule.

Rumors are swirling that F2 driver Theo Pourchaire will be in the seat come Friday, but no word from the team yet.

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