Friday Morning Update from Portland

Dixon fastest in the Test session

The Indycars are back at Portland International Raceway this weekend after an eleven year absence. The Grand Prix of Portland will be a 105 lap race on Sunday, running on Labor Day weekend instead of the traditional Father’s Day race that was held back in the CART days. And the weather is cooperating with the return with perfect temperatures in the mid 70s and no rain in the three day forecast.

The drivers were able to test at the track yesterday in two sessions totaling five hours.

Scott Dixon, the championship points leader, was the fastest in the two test sessions. Dixon only raced at Portland once, back in 2002. Dixon commented to the media about the track, “Totally different. The track itself is different, the surface is different. The cars are totally different. It’s almost like we are at a new track."

Will Power, driver of the number 12 Team Penske Verizon sponsored car, took the second fastest time in the session. Power remains in the championship hunt trailing Scott Dixon by 68 points. Winning the race at Gateway last Saturday night, the talented Aussie enters this weekend ready for the challenge.

‘My team has been working hard on the car since Sunday to make sure we’re in a really good spot for this weekend. I know getting more championship points and wins won’t be easy, but I know we’re really going to be able to run hard and give it all we’ve got."

Alexander Rossi, the Andretti Autosport driver of the number 27 NAPA Auto Parts entry, was the third fastest in the two test sessions Unlike Power or Dixon, Rossi has not ever raced at Portland. Rossi remarked about the new venue, “I can’t wait to be in Portland. Going to a new venue is incredibly exciting and shows the growth of the Verizon IndyCar Series. We are looking for a win for the NAPA team."

This weekend, there are 25 cars on the entry list. Carlos Munoz will be driving the number 6 Schmidt Peterson Motorsports entry for the injured Robert Wickens. Also adding an entry to SPM stable is Jack Harvey, driving the number 60 car with Meyer-Shank Racing with SPM. Dale Coyne Racing will increase their car count to three, adding the young Santino Ferrucci in the number 39 Cly-Del sponsored car. Junocs Racing will have Alfonso Celis, Jr driving their familiar number 32 entry.

There will be two practice sessions today for the Indycars, 10:45-11:30 am and 2:35 pm with pit stop practice at 3:40 pm-4 pm. All times are in Pacific Time.

Lucille Dust reporting