Unser IndyCar Open Test Wraps-Up With Rossi Leading The Charge At Phoenix

Unser Open Test on Day 2 has Sting Ray Robb No. 77 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet leading Andretti Global Honda drivers Kyle Kirkwood No. 27 and Will Power No. 26 through the T2 complex at the East end of the track. Image Credit: Joe Skibinski via NICS (2026)

Unser IndyCar Open Test Wraps-Up With Rossi Leading The Charge At Phoenix

The Unser INDYCAR Open Test concluded on February 18, 2026, at Phoenix Raceway, delivering two days of valuable track time as the NTT INDYCAR SERIES prepares for its return to the historic 1-mile oval after an eight-year absence.

Alexander Rossi dominated the second and final day, sweeping both sessions in the No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Java House Chevrolet and setting the outright fastest lap of the test at 174.542 mph during the rain-interrupted afternoon run.

Ed Carpenter Racing's Alexander Rossi and Christian Rasmussen share some pit time after setting a strong Day 2 mark at the top of the speed charts - they unloaded Wednesday the strongest and continued to keep Chevrolet at the top of the overall charts as Rossi ended the two days fastest over all. Image Credit: Joe Skibinski via NICS (2026)

Rossi, the 2016 Indianapolis 500 winner whose last oval victory came at Pocono in 2018, expressed satisfaction with the program's progress, highlighting strong setups from teammate Christian Rasmussen and a solid baseline for the upcoming Good Ranchers 250 on March 7.

Ed Carpenter Racing placed two cars in the top four overall, with Rasmussen securing fourth at 173.924 mph, reinforcing the team's oval competitiveness heading into the early-season swing.

Unser Open Test - Combined Overall Results

Josef Newgarden claimed second on the combined charts for Team Penske with a 174.362 mph effort in the No. 2 XPEL Chevrolet, while reigning four-time champion Alex Palou rounded out the top three at 174.220 mph in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.

David Malukas continued his impressive start with Team Penske, posting 173.759 mph to land fifth overall and showing strong form after leading day one.

Only two teams were able to have a full-team-showing in the Top 10 positions - Ed Carpenter Racing and Andretti Global - Not Team Penske, Not Chip Ganassi Racing, Not Arrow McLaren, Not Meyer Shank Racing.

Rookie Mick Schumacher made notable strides in his oval education, topping the rookie category with 171.096 mph in the No. 47 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda and jumping more than 7 mph from his day-one best.

The test saw one incident when Marcus Ericsson spun and contacted the SAFER barrier in Turn 4 during the afternoon session, but the 2022 Indy 500 winner emerged unhurt from his No. 28 Andretti Global Honda.

A total of 4,853 laps were completed by the 25 drivers across both days, with Will Power turning the most at 259 laps as he integrates into Andretti Global following his long tenure at Team Penske.

Felix Rosenqvist, finishing seventh in the final session for Meyer Shank Racing, described the track as fun yet challenging, with low grip, wind sensitivity, and distinct corner characteristics that demand consistent setups amid variable conditions.

Rosenqvist noted significant tire degradation potential, up to two seconds from new to old rubber, and predicted multi-line racing could emerge later in the race as strategies diverge and rubber builds in the upper groove.

Nolan Siegel enjoyed his first Phoenix experience in the No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, calling the track unique with contrasting ends and praising the test for allowing experimentation and data-sharing across the team's three cars.

Siegel expressed high confidence in Arrow McLaren's short-oval pace, crediting off-season developments and the rare extended running for building momentum ahead of the March 1 season opener at St. Petersburg and the quick return to Phoenix.

Drivers emphasized the track's flow, the commitment required in Turns 3 and 4, and the excitement of blending INDYCAR with NASCAR fans during the shared weekend, while acknowledging uncertainties around weather, the new wider right-front Firestone tire, and the second lane's development in race conditions.

The test provided crucial preparation for a venue steeped in INDYCAR history, setting the stage for what promises to be a compelling oval battle when the series returns in hotter March weather for the Good Ranchers 250.

... notes from The EDJE

TAGS: #UnserOpenTest, #PhoenixRaceway, #INDYCAR2026, #AlexanderRossi, #EdCarpenterRacing, #GoodRanchers250, #MickSchumacher, #FelixRosenqvist, #NolanSiegel, #TeamPenske, #ChipGanassiRacing, #MotorsportsJournal

Phoenix Raceway Pre-Unser Open Test Press Conference Unfolds With Palou And O'Ward

First of the 2026 on-site open test press conference with Pato O'Ward and INDYCAR series Champion Alex Palou at Phoenix Raceway. Drivers share a laugh about events about the tire test held at Sebring a week earlier. Image Credit: NICS ZOOM Call Video (2026)

Phoenix Raceway Pre-Unser Open Test Press Conference Unfolds With Palou And O'Ward

As the sun rose over Phoenix Raceway on a crisp February morning in 2026, and the paddock buzzed with the familiar hum of anticipation that only a season-opener test can generate. Here, in the desert air still carrying a hint of winter chill, two of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES' brightest stars - four-time reigning champion Alex Palou in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda and the ever-competitive Pato O'Ward piloting the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet - stepped to the microphones. 

The moderator set the scene plainly: Phoenix was back on the calendar, a throwback oval welcoming most of the field to virgin territory, and the Unser Open Test was the first real chance to shake out the cobwebs before the green flags flew in earnest. Palou, fresh off a season of utter dominance with eight victories in 2025, spoke with the quiet confidence of a man chasing history. A four-peat would place him in rare company, only Sébastien Bourdais having achieved the feat in the modern era. Yet for all the laurels, he admitted the workload ahead felt endless - Sebring the week prior, Phoenix now, and no real pause until May. The Chip Ganassi team had poured hours into preparations over the winter, aiming to replicate or perhaps even eclipse the magic of the previous year. This test, especially on an unfamiliar oval, represented starting from scratch, but Palou welcomed the luxury of multi-day running rarely afforded on ovals outside Indianapolis. Confidence in the car, the ability to attack rather than merely survive the laps - that was the true measure of success he sought.

Pato O'Ward - The Unser INDYCAR Open Test at Phoenix Raceway - Image Credit: Joe Skibinski via NICS (2026)

O'Ward, entering his seventh full season and armed with nine career wins including two last year, approached the 1-mile tri-oval with the curiosity of a newcomer. Only a handful of veterans - Power, Newgarden, Rossi, Dixon - had turned laps here in anger, and the last INDYCAR visit dated back to 2018. He likened the layout to a blend of Gateway and Iowa, old-school and fast, and hoped the test could coax a proper second lane into life for the race to come. Sebring's times? Dismissed with a laugh; that was tire development and experimentation, not outright speed. What mattered now was building comfort, finding a setup that allowed aggressive running without the car dictating terms. Ovals demand trust - if the machine isn't planted, the delta between control and chaos widens dramatically. 

Both drivers agreed the test's value lay not in headline lap times but in feel and foundation. Palou emphasized subtle adjustments and the freedom to experiment without the pressure of a race weekend's limited laps and identical fuel loads. O'Ward echoed the sentiment: a solid base here could carry forward, even if NASCAR rubber, weather shifts, or race-day dynamics later scrambled the picture. Phoenix before the Indianapolis 500 offered another oval outing early, but neither saw it as direct preparation for the Brickyard - Indy, they noted, remains its own unpredictable beast, defying easy translation from other tracks.

The No. 10 Honda piloted by reining NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champion blisters by at around 170 miles per hour on the tight banked turns of Phoenix Raceway. Image Credit: Matt Fravervia NICS (2026)

Conversation drifted to lighter matters: the new FOX commercials drawing praise (Palou singled out Will Power's spot as a standout), the grueling early-season stretch demanding no radical changes to conditioning regimens, and the visual spectacle INDYCARs might provide to crossover NASCAR fans during the shared weekend. Track limits drew a firm line - unlike NASCAR's apron exploits, INDYCAR would enforce boundaries strictly, and Palou, after a track walk, deemed the rough outer edges a recipe for disaster rather than daring passes.

Firestone's tweaked right-front tire, wider for better following and second-lane grip, came under discussion as a welcome evolution for short-oval racing. Palou referenced prior testing by veterans like Dixon and Rossi, crediting it as a step toward multi-groove action. The session underscored a mature approach from both stars: gone were the days of treating every test lap like qualifying. Now, plans guided the process - team strategy over raw bravado - though the inner drive to demonstrate speed never fully receded.

FOX Sports promotional commercial (click-image) shows Alex Palou rushing through a grocery store check-out line passing by a magazine stand featuring a magazine cover with Pato O'Ward on the face hinting that O'Ward may be getting more attention and press than the three-time and reining NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champion himself. Image Credit: NTT INDYCAR SERIES and Chip Ganassi Racing (2026)

As the press conference wrapped and the first day of the two-day Unser Open Test was engaged, the timing screens told their own story by dusk. David Malukas led a Team Penske 1-2, but Palou slotted solidly fifth overall with a best of 21.0088 seconds at 171.357 mph, clocked on his 48th of 55 laps - a clean, confident marker amid the Honda contingent's strong showing.

O'Ward, meanwhile, ended the day 16th of 25 drivers at 21.2509 seconds and 169.405 mph on his 19th of a busier 98 laps, a cautious tally that spoke to methodical exploration rather than early fireworks. The sense lingered that Phoenix 2026 would test more than setups. For Palou, it was another chapter in a quest for immortality; for O'Ward, a fresh proving ground to harness his talent on ovals that define the series' soul. The cars would roll out again tomorrow, and in the desert heat, the real answers would emerge ... not in words, but in the howl of engines and the lines carved into the blacktop.

... notes from The EDJE








TAGS: #IndyCar, #UnserOpenTest, #PhoenixRaceway, #AlexPalou, #PatoOWard, #NTTIndyCarSeries, #FourPeatChase, #OvalTesting, #2026Season, TheEDJE, #MotorsportsJournal, #IndyCarOnFOX, #INDYCAR

Will Power Embraces Daytona Sportscar GT3 Debut With Enthusiasm, High Hopes

For the second day in the row, the No.75 75 Express AMG of Kenny Habul/Maro Engel/Will Power/Chaz Mostert (1:47.612) set the best time of the day.. Image Credit: Chaz Mostert via FB/META (2026)

Will Power Embraces Daytona Sportscar GT3 Debut With Enthusiasm, High Hopes

For Will Power, the iconic banking of Daytona International Speedway has long represented unfinished business. The veteran IndyCar star, about to start in his first full campaign with Andretti Global, finally checked a major item off his personal bucket list this week, making his debut appearance at the Roar Before the Rolex 24 in the No. 75 75 Express Mercedes-AMG GT3.

Power, sharing driving duties with team owner Kenny Habul and a strong lineup, described the experience as everything he had anticipated - and more.

"I'm really enjoying it," Power said following a busy day of on-track running and fan engagement. "It's a very big event that I've wanted to do for a long time. So, really happy to be here, and doing it with Kenny Habul. We raced against each other years ago in Australia in Formula Ford and Formula Three, so we've talked about it actually for a while."

The Australian Indy500 Champion driver admitted that previous commitments and scheduling conflicts had repeatedly delayed his sports car debut at the "World Center of Racing." But after gaining valuable experience in an eight-hour race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway late last year, the timing finally aligned perfectly with Habul's program.

"I've always been a bit too late to the game of talking to teams," Power explained. "But I had that experience in Indy, so it was a lot easier to ask Kenny, 'Hey, can I run with you?' And he [Kenny Habul] immediately said, 'Yeah, absolutely'."

Will Power also praised the sprawling facility, noting its sheer scale and rich heritage in both NASCAR and sports car racing, "It's just an amazing facility. The first time I drove in here, it was just crazy how big it is. I feel Indy was big - this has got to be bigger. It's an iconic track with a lot of history."

The Mercedes-AMG GT3 machines carve through traffic on the legendary 3.56-mile road course during practice sessions at the Roar.

Competing in the Rolex 24 at Daytona will mark Will Power’s second GT3 appearance after taking part in last year’s Indianapolis 8 Hour presented by AWS. Prior to that, his only other sports car experience came in the 2003 Bathurst 24 Hours at the wheel of a Porsche 996 GT3-RS. The Australian, who also won the Indianapolis 500 in 2018, has set his sights on a debut victory, which would also mark Mercedes-AMG’s first GTD Pro class win at Daytona since 2023. Image Credit: 75 Express (2025)

Adapting from the open-wheel precision of IndyCar to the closed-cockpit world of GT3 racing has come with its challenges, though Power downplayed the difficulty.

"The first couple laps in Indianapolis felt very strange ... the amount of roll and everything," Power recalled. "But they're not that hard to drive. They're probably very difficult to extract the time out of. You've got ABS and traction control, so it requires a specific driving style."

Will Power was quick to credit the seasoned GT3 competitors around him, calling them "top-level drivers" and valuable teammates from whom to learn.

Power topped at least one GTD Pro practice session during the Roar, a result he greeted with the same satisfaction that has defined his career, even while acknowledging the gamesmanship often at play with Balance of Performance.

"Always," Power said when asked if leading a session felt good. "When you're quick, it's a nice feeling."

The 24-hour endurance format itself has brought a refreshing change of pace.

"It's really nice to get practice without pressure," Power noted. "You've only got 30 minutes, and then you're gonna qualify something. So plenty of time to get comfortable and find the limits at a slow rate. The racing will be a little bit that way as well - it's obviously 24 hours, so it takes a lot of desperation out of it."

The No. 75 75 Express Mercedes-AMG GT3 in action, highlighting the car's aggressive stance as Power and his co-drivers prepare for the Rolex 24.

Away from the track, conversation inevitably turned to Power's high-profile switch to Andretti Global for the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season. He fielded numerous questions from fellow drivers about the team, the car, and the engine, responding with measured optimism.

"Everyone wants to know, 'What's it like, man? How's Andretti? What was the car like? What's the engine like?'" Power said with a grin. "I tell them it's a good team. These guys are gonna be tough. They've got all the ingredients to win a championship. No question. And they're very proactive ... they really want to win."

Looking ahead, Power expressed strong confidence in the program's potential. "I really believe this team will be the top team in the next three years."

For now, though, the focus remains squarely on Daytona. With the Rolex 24 At Daytona fast approaching, Will Power is savoring every lap in the Mercedes-AMG GT3, thrilled to finally compete on one of motorsport's most storied stages.

[Quotes Resource: IMSA Transcript]

... notes from The EDJE

Featured Article >>>

TAGS: #WillPower, #Rolex24, #Daytona, #IMSA, #RoarBeforeThe24, #MercedesAMGGT3, #75Express, #KennyHabul, #GT3Racing, #EnduranceRacing, #AndrettiGlobal, #IndyCar, #IndyCarOnFOX, #MotorsportsJournal

Czinger 21C Dominates Laguna Seca Once More In Epic Hypercar Rivalry

Professional driver Joel Miller is once again behind the wheel of a lap of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca record setting effort in a Czinger manufactured hypercar. Image Credit: Czinger Vehicles via Road & Track (2025)

Czinger 21C Dominates Laguna Seca Once More In Epic Hypercar Rivalry

The hypercar world witnesses an ongoing saga of speed and innovation as California's own Czinger Vehicles reclaims the production car lap record at the legendary WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. On December 9, 2025, the groundbreaking 21C hypercar, powered by its revolutionary 3D-printed architecture and hybrid V8 drivetrain, posted an astonishing lap time of 1:22.30, putting nearly two full seconds between itself and the previous mark set by its Swedish rival.

This latest triumph marks the continuation of a fierce yet respectful battle that has captivated performance enthusiasts since 2024. While the Nürburgring remains a distant arena for many, Laguna Seca's challenging 2.238-mile layout—with its iconic Corkscrew and demanding elevation changes—has emerged as the premier proving ground for boutique hypercar manufacturers like Czinger and Koenigsegg. The Czinger team returned to the Monterey Peninsula for their fourth record attempt, determined to showcase the full potential of their American-engineered masterpiece under ideal conditions.

The record's history reflects relentless pursuit of excellence. Czinger first seized the crown in July 2021 with a prototype 21C timing 1:25.44, holding it for over three years. Koenigsegg struck back in August 2024 with the Jesko's 1:24.86, only for Czinger to respond with improved times in August 2024 and July 2025, dipping to 1:24.39. The Swedes reclaimed it briefly in November 2025 via the Sadair's Spear at 1:24.16. Now, with this decisive 1:22.30, the California-based innovator has raised the bar significantly.

Behind the wheel, again, was accomplished racer Joel Miller, a native Hesperia Californian who has piloted the 21C to previous records. His latest effort overcame earlier setbacks, including an off-track incident in July 2025, demonstrating remarkable precision in the 1250-horsepower machine. Both competitors adhered to Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires for fairness, and the new time was independently verified by Racelogic, ensuring undisputed legitimacy.

Lukas Czinger, co-founder and CEO, attributed the breakthrough to optimal sunny weather and refined engineering insights. Simulations highlighted gains on the front straight and ascent to the Corkscrew, where maximized electric motor assistance delivered higher exit speeds. He emphasized how the 21C's advanced design and manufacturing technologies translate directly to superior on-track performance, praising his team's unyielding drive for perfection while expressing admiration for the competitive spirit that propels the industry forward.

This substantial margin may deter immediate challenges, yet the mutual respect between these pioneers promises continued evolution in hypercar capabilities.

... notes from The EDJE

FEATURED ARTICLE >>>

Deep Dive On The The Start Of Joel Miller RaceCar Driver

Driven To Race Trailer >>>

Driven To Race documentary movie poster outside of premiere screening which kicked off the 2010 MAZDASPEED Motorsports Star Mazda Race Series season. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2010)

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Mick Schumacher’s INDYCAR Test Nets A Strenuous Track Day At Indianapolis

Orientation to a test at IMS Road Course begins in earnest within the Pit Box of Rahal Letterman Lanigan with Mick Schumacher. Image Credit: Joe Skibinski via NICS (2025)

Mick Schumacher’s INDYCAR Test Nets A Strenuous Track Day At Indianapolis  

By Edmund Jenks ... notes from The EDJE

Mick Schumacher climbed into the No. 75 Honda for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing as the sun hung low over the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, casting long shadows across the reconfigured IMS road course. This was no sentimental pilgrimage, no passion play steeped in the legacy of his father, Michael Schumacher, who conquered this hallowed ground five times in Formula 1. No, this was a grueling, methodical track day - a full-throttle immersion into the raw, unfiltered demands of NTT INDYCAR Dallara machinery. 

For Mick, a driver with 43 Formula 1 starts and a current World Endurance Championship campaign, this test was a calculated exercise in data collection, not an emotional homecoming.

NTT INDYCAR SERIES News Conference

Monday, October 13, 2025 - Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

Mick Schumacher - FULL Press Conference Above

Transcript With Edmund Jenks (click to launch video - 38.36 start time):

The EDJE: My interest is you're a professional driver. You don't just go out and just do a track day because it's fun. You're seriously considering INDYCAR. Is there anything about the variants of the types of racing that we have, whether it's -- I know you haven't done ovals, but we have short ovals, large ovals, you know, dedicated road courses, as well as street courses. Are there any races out there that interest you, any tracks that interest you, given that you are looking into this NTT INDYCAR SERIES approach?

MICK SCHUMACHER: There are great tracks out there. I think one of the big points, it is one of those places where you will find more old-school racetracks than new ones, and I think everybody kind of understands what I mean with that. I think that aspect is pretty fun.

Also, street circuits are usually very challenging, and they demand a lot from a racing driver. Yeah, I think there's a good mix from racetracks out there at the INDYCAR SERIES.

I don't want to talk too much about ovals. That's why I didn't kind of go there. Yeah, as I said earlier in this meeting, I am considering at some point maybe doing an oval just to see what it's about, whether that's going to be a short, mid, or long oval, I don't know. I didn't know there were those three different lengths to it.

But, yeah, I think, again, the series is a great series. It's a spec series, but still, there is some development you can do from team to team. So, yeah, racing seems fun. We'll see what opportunities it might have for me.

The EDJE: Finally, outside of the Indy 500, are there any specific races that you may have watched on television, and you go, Boy, I could myself in a car on that track? Are there any tracks that call to you?

MICK SCHUMACHER: I don't know how to really answer that, because I did watch a couple of tracks, but it's hard to really kind of feel that way if you haven't driven it.

I definitely am interested in seeing some other tracks out there. Today was good to be here to see this track. It was definitely a fun one. Racing, I'm sure, is a great pleasure here.

But, yeah, there's no real knowledge of mine that would say, okay, that one track is one that I would like to race on, for now.

FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports

ENDS

Yard Of Bricks crossed as Mick Schumacher plys the same pavements seven-time Formula One World Champion, and father, Michael Schumacher won the United States Grand Prix five times on between 2000-07.Image Credit: Chris Jones via NICS (2025)

Schumacher’s day was a marathon of precision and adaptation. The Rahal Letterman Lanigan crew had a meticulously crafted run plan, and Mick executed it with the focus of a seasoned professional. Lap after lap, he wrestled with the nuances of the INDYCAR beast - its heavier steering, its aggressive tire behavior, its Aeroscreen-induced heat. “It feels very much like an F2 car,” he noted, drawing parallels to his championship-winning days, though the INDYCAR’s raw edge demanded a bolder approach. The Firestone tires, reminiscent of his F3 Hankook days, allowed him to push hard without the delicate conservation required in other series. This was no leisurely drive; it was a relentless pursuit of feedback and performance.

The preparation for this test was as intense as the day itself. Schumacher spent days embedded with the RLL team, poring over details in the workshop and logging hours in the Honda simulator. This wasn’t about soaking in the mystique of Indianapolis but about mastering the car’s quirks before he even turned a wheel. The simulator offered a taste of the INDYCAR’s handling, stripping away surprises and letting Mick focus on extracting data. “It was really important to see how a race weekend would run out,” he said, emphasizing the structured approach that defined the day. Every moment was about building a foundation, not chasing glory.

InstaGram image posted by Mick Schumacher showing the unique Aeroscreen entry into the cockpit of a
Dallara NTT INDYCAR platform. Image Credit: Mick Schumacher (2025)

The track itself was unforgiving, an old-school layout that punished mistakes with a trip into the grass. Schumacher relished the challenge, finding the circuit’s demands a fitting test for his skills. Comparisons to his Formula 1 experience were inevitable, but he dismissed nostalgia in favor of pragmatism. “I was focused on driving, doing my plan,” he said, shrugging off questions about his father’s legacy. The INDYCAR’s rough-and-tumble nature - less clinical than F1, with its spec-series ethos - required a different mindset. Mick adapted, noting the car’s looser rear end and the tactile connection provided by its heavier steering. This was a workout, not a reverie.

Challenges abounded, from decoding the team’s lingo - “stickers” for new tires left him briefly puzzled - to adjusting to the Aeroscreen’s stifling airflow. Yet Schumacher took it in stride, his focus unwavering. The physicality of the car, often hyped as a beast by other drivers, proved less daunting than expected. “I didn’t think it was that heavy,” he admitted, finding the steering’s feedback a source of connection rather than strain. The test wasn’t about heroics; it was about understanding the machine and its limits, a task Mick attacked with clinical efficiency.

For all the sweat and focus, the day wasn’t without its sparks of enjoyment. Schumacher’s love for open-wheel racing shone through, a nod to his father’s adage about Schumachers being fastest when they can see their wheels. The INDYCAR’s single-seater DNA appealed to him, its 17-race calendar a tantalizing prospect for a driver who thrives on competition. Yet he remained guarded about his future, weighing INDYCAR against other options for 2026. “It’s about me trying to figure out what I want to do,” he said, his decision-making process as deliberate as his laps. An oval test looms as a potential next step, but for now, Mick is content to analyze and reflect.

In the end, this was no romantic ode to racing’s past but a hard-fought day of work. Schumacher’s test was a masterclass in discipline, a driver fully immersed in the task at hand. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with its storied history, served as a backdrop, not a shrine. For Mick, the allure of INDYCAR lies in its driver-centric ethos, where talent behind the wheel still reigns supreme. As he packed up after a long debrief, the data gathered and lessons learned were the true trophies of the day - a strenuous track day, executed with purpose.

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: #MickSchumacher, #INDYCAR, #IndianapolisMotorSpeedway, #RahalLettermanLanigan, #TrackDay, #OpenWheel, #Formula1, #FirestoneTires, #Aeroscreen, #Racing, #TestDay, #Motorsport, #SchumacherLegacy, #IndyCarOnFOX, #MotorsportsJournal, #The EDJE

Auto Club 400 - NASCAR's Saint Patrick's Weekend With ACS President Dave Allen

Pitlane at Auto Club Speedway. Image Credit: ACS

Auto Club 400 - NASCAR's Saint Patrick's Weekend With ACS President Dave Allen 

Auto Club Speedway is celebrating 22 years of racing during St. Patrick's Day weekend at Southern California’s premier motorsports venue March 15-17, 2019 when NASCAR makes its only stop in Southern California for Auto Club 400 Weekend.

For the first time ever on the NASCAR circuit, Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers will line up five wide during the pace laps prior to the drop of the green flag for the Auto Club 400 on March 17, 2019. The “Five Wide Salute” not only pays homage to Saturday night short tracks, but will celebrate Auto Club Speedway’s signature racing style of flat out and five wide.

Welcome, DAVE ALLEN, President Auto Club Speedway ...

1) Auto Club Speedway is one of the fastest tracks on the NASCAR circuit - Everybody in NASCAR is talking about a new rules package that is expected to enhance the quality of competition, given the limited exposure shown so far during the race at Atlanta that had Brad Keselowski winning for Team Penske, what will you be looking for out of the new rules as they will be tested at Auto Club Speedway during the Auto Club 400 weekend and race on Sunday?

2) Since this track was originally a vision from the house of Roger Penske, and Brad Keselowski just became winningest Penske Racing driver of all time with 61 victories eclipsing Mark Donohue's multi-discipline mark of 60, does Auto Club Speedway plan to stage a recognition of this unique mark in motorsports history?


3) Event Weekend schedule - what do fans need to be looking for?

⦁ The NASCAR Auto Club 400 is scheduled for Sunday, March 17, 2019 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California.

Weekend Schedule:

Thursday, March 14: NASCAR Hauler Parade (Free community event)
⦁ Hauler Parade at 6:30 pm
Friday, March 15: NASCAR Qualifying Day
⦁ Gates open at 9:30 am
⦁ Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying at 2:40 p.m.
Saturday, March 16: NASCAR XFINITY Series NXS 300 Race
⦁ Gates open at 8:00 am
⦁ NXS 300 starts at 2:00 pm
Sunday, March 17:  Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Auto Club 400
⦁ Gates open at 7:00 am
⦁ Auto Club 400 starts at 12:30 pm

----

NEW

Five Wide Salute
⦁ For the first time ever on the NASCAR circuit, Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers will line-up for a “Five Wide Salute” during the pace laps prior to the drop of the green flag for the Auto Club 400 on March 17, 2019.
⦁ The “Five Wide Salute” is a tribute to Saturday night short tracks, but also celebrates Auto Club Speedway’s signature racing style of flat-out and five wide.

Fan Favorites include:
⦁ Monster Energy athletes perform incredible motorcycle and truck stunts at their home track during their famous Monster Energy Smoke Show
⦁ Catch the famed high-flying maneuvers and acrobatic acts of lucha libre wrestling in the Viva La Fiesta Zone
⦁ Lefty’s Fun Zone for family-friendly games and motorsports fun designed all for kids!
⦁ Pre-Race Concert always rocks the fan zone.  Headliner will be announced soon. Past performers include Bush, Switchfoot, Smash Mouth and More!

Race Day Ticket Packages:
Whether it’s taking a behind the scenes tour of NASCAR garages, watching the Auto Club 400 race from an all-inclusive pit road Busch Lounge, or attending a NASCAR driver Q&A with Chase Elliott or Jimmie Johnson…there are a variety of unique race day experiences.  Ticket Packages are available with special pricing through March 2. 

 4) The Los Angeles basin has now experienced its coldest month of February, not one day reached 70 degrees since records have been taken starting in the late 1880's - what are the weather forecasts telling you as to what to expect for the St. Patrick's Day Auto Club 400 weekend of activities.
ENDS

March the Seventeenth ... Sleep the Eighteenth

... notes from The EDJE



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