IZOD IndyCar Drivers Get a New England 101
IZOD IndyCar Series point leader, Will Power, along with top female racer, Simona De Silvestro and British motorsports sensation Justin Wilson joined NHMS executive vice president and general manager Jerry Gappens at The Fours Restaurant for a luncheon and question-and- answer session.
"Three of the best INDYCAR drivers were able to make the trip today after a busy qualifying weekend for the Indy 500," said Gappens. "All three will be part of one of the most anticipated events this season bringing the fastest racing on four wheels back to NHMS, during the Aug. 14 INDYCAR 225."
In preparation for the series first visit back to New England in 13 years, Gappens gave the drivers a tune up in New England culture and even demonstrated how to eat a lobster, one of the region's most notable traditions.
Gappens, a Hoosier originally from Indiana, gave the drivers some insight in Yankee-isms that he quickly learned after moving to the northeast over four years ago.
"They all definitely have rookie stripes when it comes to eating lobster," he said.
Power pilots the No. 12 Team Penske Honda and currently leads the IZOD IndyCar Series points. So far this season he has two wins, one at the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama and the other at Itaipava Sao Paulo Indy 300. Power struggled a bit earlier in the week but rallied back and will start fifth during Sunday's race.
"I expected to be running for the pole," he said. "For some reason our car just wasn't fast at first but I am very happy to be starting on the second row." Union Leader