Mark Stielow, Director of the Motorsports Competition Program for General Motors, says that the Chevrolet-powered teams will be ready for the oval debut of the new hybrid era in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES following a successful debut for the technology last time out at the Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course, the Honda Indy 200 which Pato O’Ward won in the No.5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet.
Looking ahead to the Iowa Speedway and Hy-Vee double-header this weekend, Stielow said:
“It was a successful start to the V6 hybrid era with Pato (O’Ward) and Arrow McLaren securing the first victory with the new technology on board in Mid-Ohio for Chevrolet. “Shifting forward to Iowa this weekend, it’s a demanding oval both mentally and physically on our Team Chevy drivers, and mixing in the July heat with the new hybrid technology during a doubleheader, it will be a challenge that we are ready for. Iowa has been a great proving ground for Chevrolet, a place to showcase our strong success, dedication, and hard work, and we’re looking forward to potentially adding a 12th and 13th win on the oval there this weekend.”
The Chevrolet-powered teams and drivers are all ready for Iowa this weekend:
Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet:
“It was really good to have both not only the Iowa hybrid test but the Milwaukee hybrid test as well because it gave us a head start on a car setup, and really figuring out what I like as a driver and what I don’t like, I think that that’s really important. Also, James (Schnabel) is still learning me as a driver, so getting the car comfortable for me to be fast is crucial. And we were able to do that at the hybrid test.
“I think it’s definitely going to be a different experience using (the hybrid technology) in Iowa. I think that the hybrid is less effective on the short oval just because of the minimum speeds and how we carry the corners. So, I don’t think I’ll really using the hybrid much other than maybe for starting qualifying off and you know being able to play defense and offense but for normal running, I probably won’t be using much of it. I do enjoy racing at Iowa and I’ve had a lot of fun, fun races there. I love the fact that it’s normally two to three lanes. Unfortunately, I don’t think that’s going to be the case this year, but we’re gonna have our fingers crossed for the highline practice so we can make sure we have a two-lane racetrack.”
Sting Ray Robb, No. 41 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet:
“The repave completely changed the track. The increase in grip means less tire wear and more fatigue for the drivers. There will need be different demands on the car than we initially thought too. Making a “quali” [qualifying] car and a car to last the race will be interesting.
“(Running two races so close together is physically) incredibly difficult. I expect this to be the most physical weekend of the year. This is due to the temperatures at the track, plus the increase in grip over past years here. Good sleep, lots of food, and lots of hydration I think will be some key points for the weekend. I think it could be a fun race with a good car where we are competitive. I know the race can be won and lost on pitlane on such a short oval like Iowa, so those will be one of the main focuses through the weekend to nail down. “
Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:
“We have a big doubleheader this weekend coming off the win at Mid-Ohio. This weekend at Iowa Speedway is probably going to be one of the most physical races weekends of the season. The hybrid system and repave should keep things interesting. I hope we come out of Iowa with better results than we did last year and keep some positive momentum rolling.”
Nolan Siegel, No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:
“It’s a big shift going into short track racing now, but I’m really excited. It’ll be the first oval race with the hybrid system, so there is still a lot to learn. Historically, Arrow McLaren has always been super strong on ovals, so I’m really excited to do my first oval with the team. We had a successful test there a couple weeks ago and I think we’re going to have a strong car and a solid shot at it this weekend. I’m excited to see what we can do and start building better results.”
Alexander Rossi, No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:
“I can’t wait to get back to Iowa for the first doubleheader of the year. It’s going to be a hot and intense weekend, but I think we’ll have strong cars and I can’t wait to get going.”
Gavin Ward, Team Principal at Arrow McLaren:
“The win last weekend in Mid-Ohio definitely provided a boost of confidence for the team heading into the second half of the season. We’ve been strong at Iowa Speedway in the past but, as we found at our recent test here, the repave has really changed the characteristics of the track. We’re hoping to pull together everything we learnt from the test and roll off the trucks with a competitive package for all three cars. The atmosphere at this race is so cool with the concerts and IndyCar short oval racing is hard to beat. As a team our focus remains one of continual improvement and enjoying the process of competing at the highest level. If we can keep doing that, the results will take care of themselves.”
Ed Carpenter, No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:
“The Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend has become a highlight of the calendar for me. I have always really enjoyed racing at Iowa Speedway and it has turned into a really fun and unique event! For sure, it will be a challenge with the new surface and somewhat unknown tire and downforce package. The team has really been coming on strong the second half of the season. I am excited to pick up where Christian (Rasmussen) left off at Mid-Ohio and get more great results for the team!”
Rinus VeeKay, No. 21 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:
“I am excited for Iowa, such a cool track! It will be interesting with the new surface to see how the racing will be, and there have been some changes made in downforce levels and tire compounds since the test. But we had good speed during the test! This is kind of the start of the oval season, so that’s pretty cool. Two races and one at night, which will be exciting. I love night races! I am just looking forward to bouncing back in a strong way this weekend and working back towards the Top 10 in points!”
Romain Grosjean, No. 77 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet:
“Iowa is a fun little racetrack where the races were awesome in the past. There has been a few changes made to the track so we will see how that plays out for us. We will try to start our oval season pretty well in Iowa with two races.”
Agustin Canapino, No. 78 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet:
“We arrived in Iowa, which is a very important weekend because it is double (race). It is an oval that last year we had very good potential, and we were satisfied with the tests carried out a few days ago. We are going to try to have a great weekend and take many points.”