Tag: Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey

Beginnings and Endings- Grand Prix of Monterey Preview

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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.

A Few Quick Thoughts on a Random Race

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Scott Dixon did it again. One of these days the series will learn not to give him a penalty- or two- as he received today. It seems to motivate Dixon and his team. Dixon won three of the final four races and finished second in then points.

The tone for the race was set when control chose to start the race despite several cars, notably Colton Herta, jumping out of line. It looked like a start that should have been waved off to me.

The chaos throughout the race was caused by a couple of things. It was the last race of the season, and most drivers had nothing to fight for. The new track surface- slippery and fast- caused problems all weekend. The thing I didn’t understand is why the start/restart zone was in the last urn. If it is brought onto the straight, many of the yellows may have been avoided.

Once again, Pato O’Ward was a victim of untimely yellow flags while leading. I will say, to be fair, his tire strategy played a part in it too today. The yellows somewhat dictated that, but the team has struggled most of the year with pit calls.

It was a great day for Juncos Hollinger Racing. Callum Ilott ran as high as third before falling to fifth. Agustin Canapino was in the top 10 until a late off road excursion dropped him to 14th.

Newgarden Swoon– Since sweeping the double header at Iowa, Josef Newgarden’s finishes over the last five races were fourth at Nashville, 25th at the IMS road course, 25th at Gateway, fifth at Portland, and 21st today. Newgarden ended the season in fifth place.

It was a tough last drive for Helio Castroneves. He was involved in several contact situations, and he spent a lot of time in the gravel, but still soldiered home in 13th on the lead lap.

Scott McLaughlin overcame the lap 1 incident and some other contact to finish second and place third in the final standings. Mclaughlin was my preseason pick to win the championship this year.

hat is it for me tonight. I will have some more thoughts this race and the season tomorrow. Thanks for following along this weekend and all season.

Shortened Warm Up Leaves Teams Guessing on Tires

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A 45 minute fog delay forced Indycar to shorten the scheduled 30 minute warm up session top just eight minutes. Teams used the time to scuff tires. They are still guessing about about which tire will be best.

Fuel mileage may also be in play today as the disruptions to practice and the short window this morning may have hindered preparation.

Can Felix Rosenquist end his time at Arrow McLaren with a win? He has never won a race when he has been on the pole. I think he has a good chance today. This race is up for grabs.

Warmup Results:

A Lovely Parting Gift-Rosenqvist Wins Pole in Final McLaren Outing

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Felix Rosenqvist will start the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey on the in his last race for Arrow McLaren. He won the pole by 0.01 seconds over Scott McLaughlin, who was the last car to cross the line. Mclaughlin admitted that he dropped a wheel off the track in the first corner.

It was arguably the best qualifying of the year. Each round saw dramatic swings in the top six positions and the track record get slashed to bits. Christian Lundgaard ended the day with the record, 1:06.4610 in the second round.

The first three segments reflected the rest of the weekend with cars off track causing red flags. Ryan Hunter-Reay spun off track then came back onto the racing surface with 1:27 left inGroup1, Round 1. The other drivers were given one more timed lap, and positions changed wildly. Scott Dixon ended the session with the best time.

In Group 2 Helio Castroneves spun and stalled about three minutes into the round. Pato O’Ward seemed to be out of contention, but turned a quick lap to lead the group.

In the Fast 12 Christian Lundgaard set the track record to lead the group. O’Ward spun near the end of the session, eliminating what many thought was the car to beat for the pole.

Christian Lundgaard

The Fast Six was a fitting All Star ensemble to end the season. 500 winner Josef Newgarden, series champion Alex Palou, first time winner Lundgaard, Scott Dixon, Scott Mclaughlin, and Rosenqvist. All the drivers have races or poles in 2023.

The Fast Six was the only round of the weekend without an incident. It was a game of alternate tire strategy, and who crossed the line last as time expired.

Notes

Ironies-

Helio Castroneves will start last in his final race as a full time Indycar driver. He watched as his track record was soundly beaten.

Will Power, the career leader in poles earned with 70, made just none Fast Six this season. His only two poles this year came at the Iowa short oval.

Rookie Juri Vips had another strong qualifying effort. He qualified seventh but will start 13th after he serves his penalty.

Starting position is important here. 80% of the races have been won from the front row.

Results

These results are from qualifyi9ng today. they do not reflect any penalties.