Fittipaldi Eager to Make Superspeedway Debut

Pietro Fittipaldi

It took three months longer than planned but Dale Coyne Racing’s Pietro Fittipaldi will be making his first official appearance on a superspeedway this weekend as the Verizon IndyCar Series heads to Pocono Raceway for the ABC Supply 500, Round 14 of the 2018 season.

Fittipaldi was originally scheduled to take part in the Indianapolis 500 earlier this season but due to the injuries suffered in a sports car incident in early May, the rookie had to watch from the sidelines.

The driver of the #19 Paysafe Honda had the chance to familiarize himself with the 2.5-mile “Tricky Triangle" last week during a test day with the team in preparation for the 200-lap event.

“The test went really well. It was my first full day driving on a superspeedway. It’s definitely very different compared to a short oval. You’re doing much higher speeds down the straight and it’s a different aero package as well with smaller rear and front wings, so it was a new experience for me," shared Fittipaldi.

“It was also a fun track to drive on, but I now understand why they call it the Tricky Triangle. It’s definitely tricky! Every corner is different, the banking is different, the turning angle. For example, in Turn 1 you have a bit more understeer than in Turn 3 and you also have to turn in more than in Turn 2 so it’s very hard to find the perfect balance. I’ve always loved superspeedway racing so I’m looking forward to the race weekend in my #19 Paysafe car."

This weekend will be Fittipaldi’s third IndyCar Series start and second on an oval, after making his debut on the short oval at ISM Raceway in Phoenix earlier this season.

Drivers will get a one-hour practice session on Saturday, August 18 at 10:30am ET ahead of qualifying which takes place later that afternoon. Qualifying will be broadcast live on NBCSN from 1:30pm ET.

The ABC Supply 500 at Pocono Raceway will be broadcast live on NBCSN on Sunday, August 19 starting at 1:30pm ET. The 500-mile race can also be heard live on the Advance Auto Parts IndyCar Radio Network, including SIRIUS/XM 209/214.