What to Expect
It's hard to say… Will the front runners play it safe and amass points? Or will they go all out, balls to the wall, points be damned? We think it will be a little from column A and a little from column B. Perhaps Montoya and Rahal will think twice about making "big" moves, but the rest of the championship contenders? We think they will go for it. This is the time to pick up some points and perhaps force some errors. Especially with the final race next weekend in Sonoma being a double points round.
What Happened Last Time
Pole: Juan Pablo Montoya
Podium: Juan Pablo Montoya, Helio Castroneves, Carlos Munoz
Highlights from the last race:
Here is a look at how the current field has performed at this track: Driver Performance - Pocono
Talking Points
Here's what Verizon IndyCar Series drivers had to say about preview this weekend's race at the Tricky Triangle!
Swap em if you got em
This week's round of musical seats sees Ryan Briscoe back in the #5 Schmidt car, filling in for the recovering James Hinchcliffe, while Sage Karam remains control of the shared seat (though that's debatable) at Ganassi. Tristan Vautier and Pippa Mann hop into the seats at Coyne, and Andretti Autosport has settled in with Justin Wilson for the remainder of the season.
Who's the Favorite?
His first time on this track, in 2014, JPM nabbed the pole and hoisted the trophy on the Sunday. If they (Penske) come into the weekend prepared, with all their data ducks in a row, look for him to come out swinging right off the truck. He's had his eye on the prize all season. Don't expect him to relax until the checkers wave in California next weekend. The rest of the Penske crew have also had success here, and are also battling for the championship, so don't be surprised to see them all at the front. Scott Dixon knows his way around here and sits 3rd in the championship, his trademark surge to the front late in the season in full swing. And of course the sentimental favourite is Graham Rahal. The series, Honda, the media... all have pinned their storyline hopes on this famous offspring.
Who could surprise?
One of the young guns could break through. Munoz, Newgarden, Andretti
If we had to pick just one?
Smart money says that everyone and their brother will be picking Montoya in their Fantasy League picks this weekend.
As it Stands:
Reigning Champion: Will Power
2015 Points Leader: Juan Pablo Montoya
2015 ROTY Leader: Gabby Chaves
2015 Manufacturers Leader: Chevy
The details...
Event: Honda Indy 200
Venue: Pocono Raceway
Track Type: 2.5 mile Tri-Oval
Here is a virtual lap around the circuit:
(Follow along with the Track Map)
TV: NBCSN will telecast qualifications live at 2 p.m. ET Aug. 22 followed by "INDYCAR Chronicles" featuring three-time series champion Scott Dixon. The race will be telecast at 2 p.m. ET Aug. 23. Leigh Diffey is the lead announcer with analysts Paul Tracy and Steve Matchett. Pit reporters are Jon Beekhuis, Kevin Lee, Katie Hargitt and Robin Miller.
Web/radio: We can still listen to all of the sessions (and the race) via IMS Radio Network on www.indycar.com and for those in the US with Verizon service, via INDYCAR 14 app. (The IMS Radio Network race broadcast also is on member stations, Sirius 209 and XM 209)
NEW THIS YEAR
IndyCar is providing some live streaming feeds for certain sessions via YouTube, (and on the T&S page) with live commentary from IMS radio. All practice sessions for the 2015 Verizon IndyCar Series and this weekend's qualifying sessions will be available on RaceControl.IndyCar.com.
Also, ESPN is expanding it's reach into Europe with ESPNplayer.com
If you're in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (excluding the UK, France, Italy and South Africa) You can purchase a digital subscription service and catch live and on-demand coverage of the Verizon IndyCar Series season.
For those following along on Twitter this weekend, You can follow along with:
@poconoraceway,
@bigdalsky
Other follow/bookmark suggestions:
@indycar, @indycarPR
oh, and of course @openwheelworld ;-)
The official #hashtag for the event is: #ABCSupply500
Other hastags to follow: #indycar #indycar2015
Here is this weekend's Entry List
Here is this weekend's Spotter's Guide
Here is the weekend schedule:
*all times local*
Saturday, August 22
8:30-9:30am - Rookies Only Practice
9:30-11:00 - Verizon IndyCar Practice 1
2:00-3:10 - Verizon IndyCar Qualifying (Broadcast on NBCSN)
5:30 - 6:00pm - Verizon IndyCar Practice 2
Sunday, August 23
2:46pm - Pocono INDYCAR 500 fueled by Sunoco (200 Laps, NBCSN broadcast begins at 2PM)
*Indy Lights, Pro-Mazda and USF2000 have the weekend off*
IMS
