The NTT IndyCar Series is set for the second race of the 17-event docket this weekend with a newly-minted feature in the Lone Star State.
Photo Credit: INDYCAR – Joe Skibinski
The INDYCAR Classic races Sunday at the Austin, Texas-based Circuit of the Americas (COTA) with a green flag wave at 12:43 p.m.
The 20-turn, 3.41-mile road course has hosted a plethora of racing circuits, ranging from Formula One to Grand Prix motorcycles to the America Lemans series. Sunday marks the inaugural entry for IndyCar.
2017 Series Champion Josef Newgarden (Team Penske) claimed the first checkered flags of the season two Sundays ago at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and looks to maintain the upward trajectory found at the launch.
Photo Credit: INDYCAR – James Black
“We’re really pumped after finally capturing that win at St. Petersburg,” Newgarden said. “The whole team is feeling great energy and momentum headed to COTA. It’s going to be really cool to race at a track that Formula One also competes at. I think the racing is going to be interesting for INDYCAR because we should be able to pass a lot more.”
The competitive layout should play right into the wheelhouse of series reigning Champ Scott Dixon (Chip Ganassi Racing), who finished second at the season opener.
Photo Credit: INDYCAR – Chris Jones
“Circuit of The Americas is one of those iconic tracks every driver has had their eye on since it debuted with F1 a few years back,” said Dixon. “Our recent test went well there, but I think there is going to be some more things we need to do to find speed and get where we want to be.”
“COTA is a really neat track,” said Team Penske’s Will Power, who currently sits third in the standings. “The turns are really unique and you can find some speed in the straightaways. It’s going to be really fun to race at a brand new track for the series and meet a lot of new fans.”
Six rookies are slotted for the race and many eyes will be focused on Chip Ganassi Racing’s Felix Rosenqvist, who finished fourth at St. Pete.
“COTA is going to be an interesting event,” Rosenqvist said. “The track is very different to all the others on the INDYCAR calendar, so it remains to be seen what the racing will be like. It’s probably one of the toughest circuits on tires and also in terms of diversity needed, setup-wise.”
The consensus of the open-wheeled pilots is impressed with the course layout.
“COTA is an amazing venue,” said Graham Rahal (Rahal/Letterman/Lanigan Racing). ”We had an absolute blast there at the test and think the layout will put on a great race. The straights are very long and there is a lot of drafting and a nice, wide area to pass.”
“I love this track and city from my prior life in F1,” said Alexander Rossi (Andretti Autosport). “I am thrilled that INDYCAR is finally coming to such an impressive facility.”
Live coverage begins on Sunday at noon on NBCSN.
For more information on the NTT IndyCar Series, go to their official website.
The series returns to Gateway Motorsports Park on Saturday, August 24 for the Bommarito Automotive Group 500.
Arch City Media will be covering the series throughout the season with previews and recaps of each race.
