IndyCar Drivers Test Gateway’s New Surface
MADISON, Ill. – Although Charlie Kimball took the ceremonial first lap on Gateway Motorsports Park’s new pavement in a street-legal Honda on July 20, Thursday was the first time Verizon IndyCar Series cars hit the fresh blacktop in full race trim on the 1.25-mile oval.
Eight Verizon IndyCar Series teams tested Thursday on the new pavement in preparation for the Aug. 26 Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Valvoline.
The new track surface was a big hit with the drivers.
“It’s smooth like a baby’s bottom. The track is outstanding,” said Team Penske’s Helio Castroneves. “Such a huge job in a short period of time. Congratulations to everyone involved. I compare this place now with Indianapolis or Phoenix, they are so smooth. Hopefully this is the beginning of many more races and I’m happy to be part of it.”
“I think Gateway is going to be one of my favorite (tracks) again,” said Andretti Autosport’s Ryan Hunter-Reay. “The track is perfectly smooth and it only took me a couple of laps to get up to speed. I really felt comfortable with the car. We were able to go testing right away. We got a lot done this afternoon. I’m very happy with the new surface, absolutely, it’s great. Hopefully it’ll make for some great racing.”
The fastest timed lap was 24.4 seconds, in excess of 200 mph. The test was scheduled to run from 4-9 p.m., but started at 2 p.m. due to weather concerns. The eight teams tested from 2-4:30 p.m. without incident and it began to rain during the break. Thanks to persistent showers, the session was called complete.
Source :speedsport.com
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