On Track This Week '16 - Round 2 - Phoenix Grand Prix
Round 2 of the Verizon IndyCar Series, the Desert Diamond West Valley Grand Prix takes place this weekend at the Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale, Arizona.
Though it's a "new" race on the schedule, it's not a new race. IndyCars last raced on the one-mile track from 1995 to 2005. Since IndyCar's last outing at Phoenix the track has made a couple of modifications, tweaking Turn 2, and lengthening the track to 1.022 miles.
Though it's a "new" race on the schedule, it's not a new race. IndyCars last raced on the one-mile track from 1995 to 2005. Since IndyCar's last outing at Phoenix the track has made a couple of modifications, tweaking Turn 2, and lengthening the track to 1.022 miles.
What Happened Last Race
Pole: Will Power,
Podium:JP Montoya, Simon Pagenaud, Ryan Hunter-Reay
Highlights from the St. Petes race and a Preview of Phoenix:
What Happened Last Time:
Last time we were here was 2005, however, more recently, the current crop of IndyCar drivers got to shake down the cars and the track with some pre-event testing:
Day 1:
Day 2:
What to Expect This Time:
Fast, Crash, Hulk Smash!
This is the first oval race out of the gate, so it's a clean slate and even playing field. Everyone has tested here, but only 4 have raced on this track.
Add to the mix that this particular track is known for catching even the most seasoned drivers out when they least expect it, and you've set yourself up for a wild ride.
Talking Points
Reigning Champion: Scott Dixon
2016 Points Leader: Juan Pablo Montoya
ROTY Leader:
Who's the Favorite?
TK has won here twice. Helio also been on the podium, Dixon and Carpenter have also raced here. Granted, those were different times and different cars.
Look for Ed Carpenter to jump to the top right out of the gate. By default, with set up and guidance, and looking at his performance at the Phoenix test, look for Josef Newgarden to follow suit.
Don't count out the usual suspects (Ganassi/Penske Juggernaut)
Who Could Surprise?
If Honda has their act together, you could see the Andretti Gang making their way to the front as well
If we had to pick just one?
Carpenter
The details...
Event: Desert Diamond West Valley Phoenix Grand Prix
Venue: Phoenix International Raceway
Track Type: 1.022-mile oval
Track Map)
(Follow along with the Track Map )
TV: We're kicking off the season's coverage on NBCSN. Which means they will talk about the IndyCar season, not just the month of May.
Rick Allen joins the team this weekend as the lead announcer while Leigh Diffey fulfills his F1 and Olympic Trials duties. He'll be joined by Paul Tracy and Townsend Bell in the booth, and Marty Snider, Kevin Lee, Katie Hargitt and Robin Miller on the ground.
Broadcast Windows: Practice, 1 p.m. ET Friday, April 1; Qualifying, 5 p.m. ET Friday, April 1; Race, 8:30 p.m. ET Saturday, April 2.
Web/radio: Mark Jaynes takes over as chief announcer. Joining him in the booth will be analyst Davey Hamilton. All Verizon IndyCar Series races are broadcast live on the Advance Auto Parts INDYCAR Radio Network, Sirius 212, XM 209, IndyCar.com, indycarradio.com and on the INDYCAR Mobile app.
Video Streaming: Only Friday's 9:15 p.m. ET practice session for the Desert Diamond West Valley Phoenix Grand Prix will be available on the INDYCAR YouTube channel
For those on Twitter this weekend, be sure follow along with:
@PhoenixRaceway
Other follow/bookmark suggestions:
@indycar, @indycarPR
oh, and of course @openwheelworld ;-)
The official #hashtag for the event is: #DDCPhoenixGrandPrix
Other hastags to follow: #indycar #indycar2016 #follow4IndyCar
Here is this weekend's Entry List
Here is this weekend's Spotter's Guide
Here is the weekend schedule:
(All times local/MT)
Fri, April 1st
9:00am - 9:45am - Indy Lights Practice
10:00am - 11:15am - Verizon IndyCar Practice
2:00pm - 3:00pm - Verizon IndyCar Qualifying
4:30pm - 5:15pm - Indy Lights Qualifying
6:15pm - 6:45pm - Verizon IndyCar Final Practice
Sat, April 2nd
1:25pm - 2:15pm - Indy Lights Race
6:15pm - 8:30pm - Desert Diamond West Valley Phoenix Grand Prix - Race (250 Laps) - Live on ABC Sports (coverage starts at 8:30pm ET)
Kati Kattanek
