For the first time in 2017, all of the full-season entries in the Verizon IndyCar Series gather this week for the open test at Phoenix Raceway.
Twenty-one cars are entered for the two-day test Friday and Saturday on the 1-mile oval in Avondale, Arizona, steeped in Indy car history. From 1964-2005, 61 races were contested on the track, with legendary names the likes of A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, Al and Bobby Unser, Johnny Rutherford and Rick Mears among the winners.
For the Phoenix Raceway open test entry list, click here.
The Verizon IndyCar Series made a much-anticipated return to Phoenix Raceway in 2016 with another great, Scott Dixon, etching his name into the victory ledger. The driver of the No. 9 Chip Ganassi Racing entry recorded his 40th career Indy car win that night, moving the Kiwi into sole possession of fourth place on the all-time chart.
Dixon is among the open test entries this week, his four-car Ganassi team making its first public showing since switching to Honda engines and aero kits for this season. Other notable changes for the test will see Josef Newgarden making his public debut with Team Penske in the No. 2 Chevrolet, while teammate Simon Pagenaud turns his first laps in the No. 1 Chevy signifying his stature as the reigning Verizon IndyCar Series champion.
Carlos Munoz (No. 14 car) and Conor Daly (No. 4) will take to the track in AJ Foyt Racing’s ABC Supply-sponsored entries, now part of the Chevrolet contingent. Reigning Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires champion Ed Jones is the only current fulltime rookie in the field and is paired with Sebastien Bourdais at Dale Coyne Racing.
Test sessions both days run from 3-6 and 8-11 p.m. ET. Saturday is free to the public, with gates opening at 2 p.m. ET and with an all-driver autograph session taking place between practices. Live video streaming (without commentary) of all practice sessions will be available at racecontrol.indycar.com.
SOURCE: INDYCAR