The first race is in the bag, and an official test at Barber Motorsports Park just wrapped. Are the St. Petersburg results a one-off? Or is that only the beginning of the status quo for the 2017 IndyCar season? We look back at both in this week’s TrackTalk.
We’re ONE day away from the first practice session of the 2017 Verizon IndyCar season. After a long offseason, we look at some key facts about the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
INDIANAPOLIS (March 1, 2017) – Green Savoree Racing Promotions (GSRP) today extended its partnership with Piloti, makers of performance, luxury and casual driving shoes and apparel. Piloti will outfit race staff at both the 2017 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and 2017 Honda Indy Toronto as a result of the expanded program.
NASCAR kicks off this weekend, and their crown jewel- the Daytona 500, happens to be the first race of their season. IndyCar drivers have a history of competing in the Daytona 500. We take a look at some of the IndyCar drivers who tried their hand at competing at Daytona.
What is the Paddock?
The Paddock is like the locker room by comparison to hockey, football, basketball or baseball.
It is also known as the GARAGE area in the racing industry. Whenever the cars are not on the race track during an event weekend, they will be found inside the Paddock. Race teams are assigned a space for housing each car and its accompanying equipment, and the impressive, purpose-built transporter trucks that transform into a fully functional temporary garage for race weekend.
A real hub of buzzing activity, this is where all of the backstage action goes down. Race teams and drivers use this area as their 'office' for the weekend. Team meetings are held to strategize and review performance while mechanics vigorously make precise adjustments to the cars between on-track sessions, looking for every little tweak to improve the cars performance.
What is a Paddock Pass?
It's rare in the professional sporting world for fans to have 'game day' access to the locker room, athletes and equipment, but the Paddock Pass allows fans to be in the heart of the action amongst drivers, mechanics, officials, team owners and, of course, the 'other' stars of the show - the mighty machines themselves - the very Indy cars that will take to the track at record speeds in the main event.
Fans with a Paddock Pass can gain access and explore the Paddock throughout the event weekend. The best times to visit the NTT INDYCAR SERIES Paddock are following on-track practice or qualifying sessions, when the area will be a buzz of activity. Fans are encouraged to snap an #indyTO selfie, or snag an autograph from a passing IndyCar driver!
This unprecedented access can be purchased for $75 giving you insider looks all weekend long. Get your Paddock Pass today!
What are the Pits?
A lot happens in the Pits. It’s where the teams and crews watch and guide their drivers via radio communications during the race. It’s where drivers make "pit stops" to have their tires can be changed and cars refueled, and it’s where teams try to fix any car problems that may happen during the race. The Pits are action packed and exciting!
What can I see with a Pit Pass?
You’ll get up close and personal with the cars, directly behind the pit boxes. You'll be able to watch the race team crew members at work from executing pit stops to tracking the race on their various monitors (they’re crazy technological). You’ll also be walking on restricted areas of the official race course, with access so 'behind-the-scenes' that these passes are sold in MINIMAL quantities, with MAXIMUM potential for jealousy-inducing Instagram posts!
What can I see with a Paddock Pass?
All Pit Pass purchasers will also receive a Paddock Pass. This pass provides access to the locker room of motorsports - the Paddock - also known as the garage area. Whenever the cars are not on the race track during the weekend, they will be found inside the Paddock.
When can enter the Pits with my Pit Pass?
Our HOT Pit Pass allows access to the Pits during ALL support series on-track racing action and for IndyCar practice, qualifying and Pre-race. This means that during the Sunday afternoon IndyCar race you will have to clear the pits, for your own safety as the pits get super hectic as the cars come squealing in and out. Don’t worry- you won’t miss out, there is plenty of pit action throughout the three day event you'll have up-close access to!
Other notes:
Pit Pass holders must visit Enercare Centre, Salon 110 to sign a waiver and collect their Pit credential before being granted access to Pit Lane and must be 18 years of age or older.
Want to get in on all the action in the Pits? Get your Pit Pass today.
Football is done, which means racing season is right around the corner! We’re less than a month away from the first practice session in St. Petersburg. We recap the latest news and notes from the IndyCar paddock in this week’s Track Talk.
INDIANAPOLIS (February 7, 2017) - Green Savoree Racing Promotions (GSRP) announces a new partnership with PPG Industries, naming the company as the official paint sponsor of all three GSRP race properties, which include Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Honda Indy Toronto and the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course which hosts The Honda Indy 200 in Lexington, Ohio.
The American racing season officially kicks off this weekend with the first round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship- the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Many IndyCar drivers dust away the off-season rust by landing one-off rides at Daytona. But as we’re about to see, the connection between IndyCar racing and the 24 Hours of Daytona goes well beyond the drivers racing this weekend.
