Morning update from Sonoma (Update)

UPDATE With the warm up completed, I asked about pit stops for the race. The drivers this weekend have constantly remarked that the alternative tire falls off very quickly. And the black tires are also too soft and fall off sooner than at most races. I asked what the teams will be concerned with during the race, tires or fuel and was told that most teams will try and use the fuel strategy and not worry as much about tire wear. I heard that you lose 3 seconds a lap after the reds fall off.

With the exception of Marco Andretti, Sebastian Saavedra, Mikhail Aleshin, Takuma Sato, Oriol Servia and James Jakes, all other drivers will start the race on the red tires.

08/30/15

The Astor Cup will be handed out this afternoon

It is a perfect sunny day here at Sonoma Raceway. Temperatures are a bit cool but will get to 80 some degrees today. The traffic flow was not bad at 7:30 a.m. but I can see that it is getting more backed up as the start time for the race is nearing.

The teams are busy in the garage getting the Indy cars ready for the final race of the season. With the championship being decided with the today's race. There are a number of scenarios and I'll defer to AR1 columnist Brian Carroccio on that one. Brian should have a scenarios update for you before the race on Hot News.

It is interesting to note that Team Penske's Will Power has been the only driver to win a race starting from the pole this season at the Angie's List Grand Prix of Indianapolis. The win at Indy for Power was also the last time a driver won a race starting higher than 7th.

Stefan Wilson, brother of Justin, is here at the track. I was able to extend my sympathies to him this morning.

I will update you more after the warm-up this morning around 10:00 a.m. local time.

Lucille Dust reporting from Sonoma Raceway