Felix Rosenqvist is looking ahead to a second half of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season packed predominantly with oval racing, beginning this weekend with a double-header at Iowa Speedway.
The Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend takes in a pair of high-intensity races at “The World’s Fastest Short Track”, in the first of two double-header events on the 2024 schedule.
With five of the remaining eight races this year taking place on ovals, getting an early read on form this weekend at Iowa could prove crucial for the outcome of the championship. Felix Rosenqvist has a solid record in corn country, taking a trio of top ten finishes from seven starts at the 0.875-mile track, including a career-best of fourth in the Sunday race of last year’s double-header.
“This weekend in Iowa is going to be intense,” says Felix Rosenqvist. “It’s a double-header and a very tough track. It’s been repaved, so it’s going to be very physical – I think that is going to be the name of the game as far as talking with some of the other drivers. A big physical challenge, but we’ll just have to make sure we are well-prepared and hydrated and maybe get a good massage after the first race.”
Along with the physical intensity expected, with two 250-lap races set to play out on a non-stop 18-second track, the repaving of the banked turns is another factor to watch out for this weekend.
Of particular interest will be the potential effect on raceability, with the higher, second lane proving treacherously slippery in recent testing. In an effort to assist wheel-to-wheel action, INDYCAR has scheduled a dedicated “high line” practice session on Friday to lay down additional rubber.
“It will be interesting to see how that second line evolves,” Felix Rosenqvist continues. “Especially with a few other unknowns as well, like what downforce levels we will end up running, it could be a really tricky weekend. It’s also the first oval race for the hybrids. Lots to think about, but normally it’s a track that drives well and brings exciting races, so I’m ready to get out there.”
The Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend begins with practice on Friday. Qualifying takes place on Saturday, with each driver getting two consecutive flying laps that will determine their position on the grid for the respective races (lap one, Race 1 – lap two, Race 2).
The first race will run on Saturday evening at 7:00 pm local time (U.S. Central). Sunday’s race is due to start at 11:15 am.
TIME TABLE
All times local (U.S. Central)
NTT INDYCAR SERIES | Rd. 10-11
Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend
Iowa Speedway (USA)
Friday July 12
High Line Practice: 2:35-3:15 pm
Practice 1: 3:30-5:00 pm
Saturday July 13
Qualifying: 2:45-3:45 pm
Race 1 (250 laps): 7:00 pm
Sunday July 14
Race 2 (250 laps): 11:15 am
TIMING: INDYCAR App / racecontrol.indycar.com
HOW TO WATCH: view here
TRACK DATA: view here
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS: view here