Justin Allgaier Paces Indy XFINITY Practice
INDIANAPOLIS – Justin Allgaier got the most speed out of NASCAR’s new rules package in during a pair of NASCAR XFINITY Series practices on Friday ahead of Saturday’s Lilly Diabetes 250 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Allgaier’s fast lap was 166.485 mph around the 2.5-mile rectangular oval. Allgaier’s Chevrolet was the fastest in the final session. Elliott Sadler’s Chevrolet was the fastest in the first practice session at 166.420 mph. Matt Tifft’s Toyota was third at 166.291 mph and three-time Lilly Diabetes 250 winner Kyle Busch was fourth at 166.162 mph in a Toyota.
In the final practice session, it was Allgaier followed by Tifft, Busch, Sadler and William Byron’s Chevrolet at 165.874 mph.
Friday was the first time NASCAR used a new rules package that included the 2016 spoiler (with ear flaps on both sides) and splitter, new aero ducts supplied by NASCAR at the track that are attached to the front bumper and a 7/8-inch restrictor plate.
“We try to do our homework as best as we could with the facts we have, but we definitely saw as the two practices went on, a lot of cars got a lot more even and there was a lot more parity,” Allgaier said. “The passing is going to be interesting. Tomorrow, you’re going to have to time your passes out. What cars you’re around and what pit strategy you’re on is going to make a big difference.
“I’m excited. When you’ve got a good car, it’s fun. The luxury of going out there and running wide open is because the guys built a great car. I was driving a little different than some of the cars in front of me. I’m wide open. It was the speed I had. It was moreso the lane you were running, how you were managing traffic. It’s not just us: There’s other cars in this field that are doing the same thing. You can definitively see some of the guys that are and aren’t.”
Allgaier believes the restarts are going to be a determining factor in who wins Saturday’s race.
NASCAR XFINITY Series drivers during practice on Friday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (IMS Photo)
“The problem is going to be how hard can you push, who can you push,” Allgaier said. “The guys in front are going to be at a big disadvantage, because you’re going to be side-by-side getting into turn one, you’re going to slow yourselves down. The guys behind you can get big runs. It’s going to be interesting, for sure.”
“For us, we need to put on a good race for the fans. This racetrack, this area of the country, Indianapolis is a racing town. We are talking about Racing USA in Mooresville (N.C.), but Indianapolis is built on that racing foundation. We need to put on the best race we can. We’ve all got to figure out how to put on the best race we can.
“At least NASCAR is trying. They put a lot of time and effort and research and money into this to make sure it would come off as best as possible. I feel like, if nothing else, for the fans that come and the fans that watch on TV, this race is going to be exciting, and we’re trying to put on a great race.”
Sadler is a longtime veteran of both the Brickyard 400 and the Lilly Diabetes 250 and noted the differences with this year’s package compared to prior years.
“It’s definitely different than what we had in the past,” Sadler said. “I said this week, I’ve been doing this stuff for a long time – more than 20 years – and there’s more unknowns coming into this weekend than probably what I have ever faced coming to a race event.
“In the two practices, the diffusers do a really good job. I’m really impressed and happy with the diffusers. I think they have brought the competition closer together. I think there will be some same Indy, where track position and clean air in front is going to make a difference, but I don’t think you’ll see the leader or the top two cars really get away. The diffusers are really keeping everybody together, from what I’ve seen.
“I’m optimistic that tomorrow’s race is going to be better than what we’ve seen the last couple of years, as far as everybody being on top of each other and close and able to make passes. I am very impressed with the diffusers so far. I think it can create some passing.”
Source :speedsport.com
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