(Photo courtesy google.com)
It has been eleven long years since last these high speed, rear engined, high tech rocket ships have been at Phoenix International Raceway for a scheduled race. Well wait no more race fans, because the Verizon IndyCar Series has returned to The Valley of The Sun for their version of the game known as “the high speed chess match”!
When last we were watching these high tech racing machines race at this facility George W. Busch was living at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the housing market was in the early stages of it’s crash, the series was sanctioned by Tony George’s Indy Racing League, the pole speed was 176.612 mph, and the race winner was Sam Hornish, Jr.
Fast forward to about a month ago, February 26 and 27 to be exact, the Verizon IndyCar Series came to PIR for a two day test session, one thing became very clear and it was these cars were going to destroy the old track record. Helio Castroneves, driver of the Team Penske No. 3 turned in the fastest lap time of 190.89 mph during the Saturday night test session! That speed smashed the old IndyCar track record of 183.599 at PIR held by Arie Luyendyk (March 23, 1996).
Today there is no doubt that Phoenix International Raceway’s pole winner will proclaim a new track record with it’s “PIR Speed King” award and his crown.
So race fans,the action will be fast and furious this weekend, therefore grab your most comfortable easy chair, pull your gloves up, flip your visor down, pull your belts down tight, and let’s go IndyCar racin’!
TIL NEXT TIME, I AM STILL WORKING ON MY REDNECK!
