Tag: NBCSN
2019 Indianapolis 500 Tomorrow on NBCSN
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Update: NBCSN will show the 2019 St. Pete race tomorrow instead of the 500. Still at 2:30 ET
It is a bit of consolation for race starved Indycar fans. NBCSN will show the 2019 Indianapolis 500 tomorrow beginning at 2:30pm ET in place of the cancelled Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. I have heard from two of my three readers who have already been watching old Indycar races on YouTube. For those like me who don’t have televisions smart enough to do that, tomorrow’s showing will be a welcome treat. I’m hoping for a huge rating on this rebroadcast.
Other items from yesterday:
The Long Beach Grand Prix still is looking for a way to reschedule the Acura Grand Prix.
Many drivers are talking about doing sim racing and inviting people to watch. I believe Discord is setting up something.
In addition to the cancelled races, the open tests at Richmond and Indianapolis Motor Speedway will not occur either. My guess is the IMS test will possibly move to early May.
If you have any suggestions for content you would like to see in this space for the next six weeks, send along your ideas to tutorindie@yahoo.com. I’m planning to repost some Bump Tales and do a couple biographies of drivers from the past.
The Race Will Go On; No Spectators
The good news is there will be a race Sunday. The bad news is there will be no spectators. With other sports suspending their seasons and postponing or cancelling events, it is a relief that Indycar decided to press on. Any distraction from the Coronavirus is welcome.
The Indycar schedule is for one practice Saturday followed by qualifying. I assume thes sessions take place at the originally scheduled time. I will publish he schedule when it comes out.
All team personnel on the grounds will have a health screening.
The Road to Indy’s three series will each have one practice and one qualifying session. I assume some of these will be tomorrow, since Indycar won’t be on track. The qualifying round for each rung covers both races. The schedule should be out soon.
Here is the official announcement from the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg:
New Eras and Young Guns- The Future Begins at St. Petersburg
Race weekend is finally here. After a long, eventful off season, Indycar returns with a new series owner, a new advancement in safety, and some rule tweaks. Another great rookie class is waiting for their first round of competition. Several races will host expanded fields.
Two new eras begin tomorrow at 10:45 am when the NTT Indycar Series has its first practice session of the year. The 17th Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is the first event with Roger Penske in charge of the series. It also will be the first official session in which the aeroscreen becomes a part of Indycar safety.
The Kids Are Alright
One of the things to watch over the weekend is the young drivers. Last year’s outstanding rookie group and this year’s equally talented first year drivers make up almost a third of the grid for Sunday’s race. The rookie battle between Oliver Askew and Rinus VeeKay should be fun to watch all season. Alex Palou is the mystery rookie. He is quick, but is he on a team that can get him to the front? Felipe Nasr is new to Indycar, but his F1 and sports car experience should help him find speed quickly. These rookies not only have to battle the veterans, but also the second year drivers who amassed some stellar statistics in 2019. These nine drivers could be considered a class to watch by themselves.
The Aeroscreen and Pit Stops
This weekend will be the first time the aeroscreen is tested under race conditions. How will it affect the car’s handling in traffic? Will passing be easier, more difficult , or about the same? Teams need a couple of races to get a handle on the effects of the new safety attachment.
An extra crew member will be allowed over the wall this season to exclusively tend to the aeroscreen. The crew member can only work on the screen when the rear wheels of the car are off the ground. The duties are limited to tear offs and cleaning the screen. Since St. Pete is the first race with the aeroscreen, could we see some teams have pit stop issues? I’m sure the teams have practiced the new procedures, but in the heat of competition, things happen. I plan to watch pit stops closely Sunday.
Pit Strategy
The race distance has been shortened to 100 laps this year from the 110 it has been since 2013. 100 laps was the original distance beginning in 2005. I think it was probably done for television purposes. This shouldn’t change the need for three stops, but the timing of the final stop could depend on when the yellows fall. A team that pits late enough could end the race on red tires and have a speed advantage. Normally a team would want to be on blacks at the end of this race.
The Winner
If the recent trend holds, Josef Newgarden will win. His victory last year made him just the third winner since 2015. Juan Pablo Montoya won the first of back to back races in St. Pete then. Sebastien Bourdais went back to back in 2017 and 2018. Newgarden was just the fourth winner of this race to go on to win the series championship. Will Power was the last driver to win both in 2014.
Predictions
The race has had few caution periods for the most part in recent years. Qualifying position is the key to success. The pole winner doesn’t necessarily win, but with the exception of Bourdais’ two victories, starting near the front helps.
When we talk qualifying, we usually mean Will Power. He is the active leader in career poles and won the pole last year. Look for him to repeat as the top qualifier, but I look for Scott Dixon to finally win at this track.
Schedule Changes
It is possible the schedule may be adjusted during the weekend. I will keep you posted on any changes that occur. If you’re coming to the race, stay safe and wash your hands.
Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Fast Facts
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Qualifying Day Critical for Title Hopefuls
Photo: Kyle McInnes
Good morning from Weather Tech Raceway Laguna Seca.
Today’s Schedule in Eastern Times:
1:00 pm Practice 3 NBC Gold
4:35 pm Qualifying NBCSN
Qualifying for the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey could be critical to success in the race tomorrow. None of the title contenders have shown enough speed to go for the pole as of yesterday. It would be in Josef Newgarden’s favor for a non title contender to win the pole. That is one less point for Alexander Rossi or Simon Pagenaud.
I look for an action packed practice and another dramatic qualifying session today. From yesterday the pole favorites are Colton Herta and Ryan Hunter-Reay. I wouldn’t count out Felix Rosenqvist or Will Power either.
Notes
Per Racer Magazine Colton Herta as expected will drive for Andretti Autosport with backing from George Steinbrenner. Herta will be in a fifth car on the Andretti team.
Some thoughts on the track after a full day here:
The place appears daunting at first, but it is really not complicated. The worst part is it is almost all uphill. Most of the track can be viewed from the top of the hill near the Corkscrew. There is a walking path from turn 9 back to the paddock. Golf cart shuttles provide transportation up to the Corkscrew.
The views of the mountains and the bay are outstanding from the top of the hill.
Food choices are disappointing after the great choices at Sonoma. Food offerings are somewhat limited and pricey. Most places are cash only.
I recommend entering the track via South Boundary Road. The route has beautiful scenery along the one and a half mile trip to the entrance.
Back after Practice 3 with a report and the qualifying groups.
The Pit Window by Mike Silver 