Phoenix open test live stream coverage expanding

Verizon IndyCar Series fans are itching to see the full field going wheel to wheel with the new-look cars in 2018.

They’ll get that chance this week, with INDYCAR offering an enhanced live video stream of the two-day open test Friday and Saturday at ISM Raceway near Phoenix. All four sessions will be streamed live and include live commentary and pit-lane interviews with drivers and team officials. The stream will be available at racecontrol.indycar.com and includes live timing and scoring.

Last year’s open test live stream used a single stationary camera high above Turn 1 of the 1.022-mile oval in the desert to capture the on-track action, without audio commentary – but interest was strong. The twelve hours of live streaming over the two days generated more than 57,000 live or same-day views, and over a year and a half worth of minutes (862,000) of live action were consumed by INDYCAR fans around the world.

Coverage at this year’s test will be enhanced. A second camera is being added that will roam pit lane to capture interviews and complementary video.

Mark Jaynes, lead announcer for the Advance Auto Parts INDYCAR Radio Network, will provide booth commentary of the action, along with Indianapolis TV sports anchor and INDYCAR radio network reporter Dave Furst. Fellow INDYCAR radio network reporters Jake Query and Katie Hargitt will be stationed in pit lane to provide additional information and timely interviews.

Test sessions both days run from 3-6 p.m. and 8-11 p.m. ET. A total of 23 cars are expected to participate in the test. It is the first gathering of all cars that are running the universal aero kit being introduced to Verizon IndyCar Series competition in 2018.

The 2018 season consists of 17 races, beginning with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg from March 9-11. The Phoenix Grand Prix at ISM Raceway is the second race on the schedule, on April 6-7.