SONOMA, California — Mike Conway again led the field on Thursday, as 13 IndyCar® Series drivers completed a full day of testing at Infineon Raceway in advance of the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma, Aug. 21-23.
More than 200 fans turned out to watch as Conway (Dreyer & Reinbold Racing) led the charts for the second consecutive day with a lap of 1 minutes, 17.48 seconds. He was followed closely by Ryan Briscoe (Team Penske) at 1:17.76 and E.J. Viso (HVM Racing) at 1:17.94.
“Yesterday was more of a shakedown for us to make sure we don’t have any problems today. On these test days it’s really crucial that you can really back-to-back things because on a race weekend you don’t get enough time,” said Conway. “I think we should be looking okay for next weekend, and I’m looking forward to coming back.”
Panther Racing’s Dan Wheldon (1:17.98) and 2008 IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon (Target Chip Ganassi Racing, 1:18.09) rounded out the top five times of the day. Defending Infineon Raceway champion Helio Castroneves clocked in at 1:18.25 for Team Penske.
Other times posted during the test included: Justin Wilson (Dale Coyne Racing, 1:18.25); Robert Doornbos (HVM Racing, 1:18.26); Raphael Matos (Luczo Dragon Racing, 1:18.34); Ryan Hunter-Reay (A.J. Foyt Racing, 1:18.37); Frank Montagny (Andretti Green Racing, 1:18.91); Nelson Philippe (Conquest Racing, 1:19.32); and Milka Duno (Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, 1:23.3). All times were reported by Honda.
The drivers return to the Sonoma Valley road course for the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma, Aug. 21-23. The event has featured four different winners (Tony Kanaan, Marco Andretti, Dixon and Castroneves). Castroneves snapped the longest winless streak of his career (30 races) when he took the checkers in Sonoma in 2008.
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Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma Weekend
WHAT: Big O Tires Racing Season Presents: Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma
WHEN: Aug. 22-23
CIRCUIT: 12-turn road course
2008 POLE WINNER: Helio Castroneves (Team Penske)
2008 WINNER: Helio Castroneves (Team Penske)
NOTABLE: The weekend will also feature Formula DRIFT, as well as the Firestone Indy Lights Series, featuring Sausalito native J.R. Hildebrand.
TICKETS: $10-$65 single day/$65-$85 weekend; parking is FREE and kids 12 and under are FREE (Saturday only). Garage passes are available for purchase.
INFORMATION: 800-870-RACE, www.infineonraceway.com, www.ticketmaster.com
