Texas

[captjohn67]

Going to have to keep an eye on the weather, Sunday looks like 72%. But it’s “later in the day” so hopefully they get it in with the early start.

Only six of the 35 won from pole. Last one was in 2010. Not really surprising honestly. No traction compound has been put down since last year’s race, so I’m cautiously optimistic. They only have the one practice session before Q , and with the changes they can make (see below link) I expect it to be busy and chaotic. The session after Q is something I’m interested in as there’s no way in hell everyone will be where they want to be.

Obviously Dixon is high on the list as an early play. Josef’s last 5? 1,3,6,2 and 1

 

[captjohn67]

IndyCar tech download: 2023 Texas aero

Aerodynamics will play an increasingly important role during this weekend’s NTT IndyCar Series race at Texas Motor Speedway. New allowances for the fast 1.5-mile oval will give the 28 drivers on th…

racer.com

 

[captjohn67]

And fwiw, I’m already on Sato at 20-1 at Indy. Already with two under his belt and he’ll be with the best team and best car he’s ever been in (Ganassi). And you know damn well if he’s there at the end he’ll send it

 

[captjohn67]

 

[captjohn67]

 

[KJ]

Great stuff capt

 

[captjohn67]

Great news. Damn it would be nice to have the old races again. Little more than cautiously optimistic now. Making them all participate this year.

INSIGHT: IndyCar’s new strategy for Texas rubber game

This weekend’s visit to Texas Motor Speedway will bring a few changes to the NTT IndyCar Series paddock that will require its teams to work at a higher rate of speed and precision in comparison to …

racer.com

 

[captjohn67]

Helio +4000 (.05) . Thought about Josef top 3 +170 but passed. That’ll be it till after Q

 

[captjohn67]

Practice. Ambient temp 56, track 55

 

[captjohn67]

Rahal cars are straight trash. Penske, Ganassi and McLaren cars will all compare notes and be fine. Ilott will be with a new team next year. He’s still a little raw but damn he’s fast for the ride he’s in. They should easily break the pole record

 

[captjohn67]

They lost a good bit of speed with the warming. Track was over 25 degrees higher than the practice. McLaren 1,3 and 5.

 

[captjohn67]

11 of the last 14 winners came from the top 7 btw

 

[captjohn67]

From this last session I’m thinking the Penske or Ganassi cars are the ones to beat in race trim. Dixon says this is the least tire degradation here in 10 years. Rossi and Pato used the high line more than most and the general consensus is that it’s definitely better than last year. Should be a good one.

 

[captjohn67]

Helio had a bad bearing in his gear box and was going to lose the last ten minutes of the session anyway because of being late to the weigh in. Oh well. Hopefully we’ll have some good matchups

 

[captjohn67]

Still no matchups. Rumor is they’ll start it early to beat the rain which is 40% at 1pm. Sounds like bad weather too. Added Sato +2500 (.04) .

 

[captjohn67]

Start bumped back to 11:01 cdt btw

 

[captjohn67]

Palou -115 Herta

Power -115 Sato

 

[captjohn67]

I can’t attempt to pick the winners out of those groups. Hopefully we’ll get a few more, especially the bottom feeders

 

[captjohn67]

Oh well guess that’s all they’re putting up. Maybe they’ll get their shit together before long or hire me to post em. It’s not rocket science. Hope they stay safe and GLTA . Cheers.

 

[captjohn67]

Best race we’ve seen in Texas in a damn while. Arguably the best race since Fontana in 2015. Shame it was a caution but that’s ok. Still woulda loved to see that duel for a couple more laps. Incredible racing.