What a weekend it was at the Texas Motor Speedway for IndyCar teams. A race that was supposed to run Saturday night got pushed back to Sunday because of persistent rain. The 600-kilometre event did begin in the afternoon but when the heavens opened up again, the series had no choice but to pack up and squish the finish into the schedule on August 27.
Despite an incomplete for the event, there were some interesting stories that emerged. Carlos Munoz scored his first-ever series pole when he clocked the fastest qualifying lap, surprised at the speed he achieved. We’ll find out in the weeks ahead if this is another confidence boost for the talented Colombian driver, who finished second at the Indianapolis 500.
During the 71 laps that were completed, there was plenty of action as cars ran two and three wide on the fast 1.5-mile oval. There was also one frightening crash when Conor Daly’s car got loose and, as he tried to correct the skid, collected Josef Newgarden and carried them both into wall.
It was a huge impact, ripping apart Newgarden’s car. He was transported to hospital with a broken clavicle and fracture in his right wrist. Without the impact-absorbing SAFER barriers, things could have been much worse.
When the race was stopped because of the weather conditions it was Oakville’s James Hinchcliffe who was out in front by virtue of pitting for tires and fuel later than many others. Although, Ryan Hunter-Reay believes he should be scored the leader.
The best story of the weekend, however, is what occurred as the weather delay dragged on into the evening on Saturday. While the crowd waited so patiently hoping that the track could be dried enough for racing, the drivers did a good deed and scored some major PR points. Led by Newgarden and Hinchcliffe, they took it upon themselves to head into the large grand stands at the speedway armed with Hero Cards and swag to sign autographs, take selfies and give away the goodies to the fans who were waiting out the delay.
Thanks for hanging in there guys! Sorry it didn't happen. Green tomorrow at 1:15CT. Was fun meeting the fans, though pic.twitter.com/ksFlRFpED4
— James Hinchcliffe (@Hinchtown) June 12, 2016
The IndyCar drivers were all over social media interacting with fans to give the best updates they could on conditions and answer questions. It was a fantastic sight of controlled chaos that fans were eating up, and a pleasure to witness the genuine fun and enjoyment that resulted.
Running the balance of this race in August between the 500-miler at Pocono Raceway and the event on Labour Day weekend at Watkins Glen Raceway will make for a busy stretch for the IndyCar teams.