Some news and notes heading into Friday’s qualifying round of the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at Gateway Motorsports Park.
FANFEST FEATURES GET WELL WISHES FOR WICKENS
Fans of the Verizon IndyCar Series came to Ballpark Village in downtown St. Louis Thursday night for a free fan fest that featured drivers from the circuit as well as participants from the weekend’s supplemental races.
IndyCar Driver Alexander Rossi signs a banner in support for #GetWellWickens – Photo Credit: INDYCAR – Chris Jones
Representing IndyCar were drivers Alexander Rossi, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Max Chilton, Simon Pagenaud and Ed Jones as well as Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing co-owner Bryan Herta.
Herta’s son Colton, Aaron Telitz and Dalton Kellett represented the Indy Lights Series while Rivus Veekay, Oliver Askew and Parker Thompson represented the Pro Mazda series.
Both drivers and fans signed a large #GetWellWickens banner at the event in support of IndyCar rookie Robert Wickens, who was involved in an incident this past Sunday at Pocono Raceway when his car went airborne and was caught in the catch-fence within Turn 2. Wickens is still hospitalized in an Allentown, Pennsylvania medical facility with a severe spinal cord injury.
This weekend, drivers and support personnel will sport “Wicky” stickers that will honor the 29-year-old Canadian. Even though the teams are excited about the return to the 1.25-mile Madison oval, the well-being of their fellow driver is still a top priority.
“I think this track is one of the absolute best in terms of the effort that they put in to promote our series, and I hope to put on a great show for them, but that said, all of our thoughts are still with Rob and his family at this time,” said Rossi.
HINCHCLIFFE TO COMPETE AT GATEWAY
Schmidt Peterson Motorsports IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe was involved in the aforementioned five-car accident at Pocono but was cleared on Tuesday to compete in Saturday’s race.
Hinchcliffe, who currently sits ninth in the points standings, is teammates with Wickens, who currently ranks sixth. Due to damages occurred in the incident, Hinchcliffe’s No. 6 Lucas Oil SPM Honda will not be competing at the event and a back-up car will be utilized.
“Missing my little bro big time, but he’s in good hands,” posted Hinchcliffe on Twitter Thursday afternoon. “I was there for you then, I’m here for now. I’ll be there for whatever you need to get back!”
James Hinchcliffe on Twitter
I was there for you then, I’m here for now, I’ll be there for whatever you need to get back! Missing my little bro big time, but he’s in good hands. Sorry I’ve been MIA but thank you so much for all the messages & support for @robertwickens.
WEATHER ALTERS FRIDAY SCHEDULE
According to weather.com, constant rain is projected for the area for most of Friday morning and then tapers off in the afternoon. The threat of precipitation drops to 15% past 1 p.m. and remains at that level for the remainder of the day.
Photo Credit: INDYCAR – Shaun Gritzmacher
This affectsed the morning practice sessions for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series and the Pro Mazda support races.
The Verizon IndyCar sessions have been altered for a 3:30 p.m. practice, a 5:30 p.m. qualifying session and the 8 p.m. final practice. (UPDATED 2:15 PM)
Friday’s qualifying round can be seen on NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) and on the web at IndyCar’s official YouTube channel beginning at 4 p.m.
Tickets for Saturday’s event start at just $35. Kids 15 and under are free (general admission) with a paid adult. A limited number of Gold Level premium seats are available at just $75. GO to THIS LINK FOR TICKET INFORMATION.
Arch City Media will have continuing coverage of this weekend’s event at Gateway Motorsports Park.
BOMMARITO AUTOMOTIVE GROUP 500
FRIDAY, AUGUST 24
COORS LIGHT POLE NIGHT SHOWDOWN
8 AM – PARKING LOTS OPEN
9 AM – SPECTATOR GATES OPEN
9:15 AM – INDYCAR GARAGE OPEN / KARTPLEX OPENS
9 AM – 10 AM – VINTAGE INDY REGISTRY PRACTICE
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM – NASCAR K&N PRO SERIES PRACTICE
11:30 AM – 12 PM – PRO MAZDA PRACTICE
12:15 PM – 1:15 PM VERIZON INDYCAR SERIES PRACTICE
1:30 PM – 3 PM – NASCAR K&N PRO SERIES PRACTICE
3:15 PM – 4 PM – INDY LIGHTS PRACTICE
4 PM – COORS LIGHT POLE NIGHT OPENING CEREMONIES
4:15 PM – 5:15 PM – VERIZON INDYCAR SERIES QUALIFYING
5:30 PM – 6 PM – NASCAR K&N PRO SERIES QUALIFYING
6:15 PM – 7 PM – PRO MAZDA QUALIFICATIONS
7: 15 PM – 7:45 PM – INDY LIGHTS QUALIFICATIONS
8 PM – 9 PM – VERIZON INDYCAR SERIES FINAL PRACTICE
9 PM – NASCAR DRIVER INTRODUCTIONS
9:15 PM – NASCAR K&N PRO SERIES 200 (150 LAPS)
10:55 PM – VICTORY LANE AWARDS
12 AM – INDYCAR GARAGE CLOSES / KARTPLEX CLOSES
