Sunday Morning Update from Pocono (Update)
Also, the crowd is looking as if it will be pretty good. We spoke to some track officials this morning, who said they were budgeted for 25,000 people, and expect to easily exceed that. Of course, considering how big the track is, it may not look like a huge crowd on television. However, every indication is the crowd will be better than anticipated, and the event will be a success.
You probably also saw the Hot News Update about the reshuffled grid after the engine penalties. The #18 car, which features Pippa Mann this weekend, was amongst those taking the penalty. Remember, Ana Beatriz took a penalty at Iowa prior to the race.
Starting two places ahead of Mann, will be Ryan Briscoe driving the #4 National Guard Chevrolet. Remember, Briscoe, who didn't turn a qualifying lap yesterday yet he is starting ahead of five other drivers. That doesn't make much sense to me.
Last, the cars are starting to lineup on the grid. Check back later for updates.
Brian C. and Mark C. reporting from Pocono
07/07/13 Good morning from Pocono Raceway. It's about 8:30 a.m., approximately three and a half hours from the scheduled green flag for the Pocono IndyCar 400 Fueled by Sunoco.
Over breakfast this morning, I reviewed my notes from yesterday, and noticed something I omitted from my reports yesterday.
Numerous drivers were asked whether previous Indy car races at Pocono had any relevance to the race today. Generally speaking, all of them said no, pointing out that the track now is much smoother than it was when IndyCar was last here in 1989. Also, only three of the teams in today's field (Team Penske, A.J.Foyt Enterprises, and Dale Coyne Racing) participated in the 1989 race.
Penske drivers Danny Sullivan and Rick Mears finished 1-2. A.J. Foyt and Dale Coyne each drove for their own teams. Foyt finished 21st, Coyne 27th.
As for today, there is cautious optimism regarding the crowd for today. Around 8 a.m., there were some small (emphasize small) backups entering the Raceway. There is also a decent camping crowd in the infield, and we have to presume local product Marco Andretti winning pole may help with the walkup crowd.
One thing that won't do the walkup crowd any favors is the heat. Although I do not have the latest weather report, let me just say: it's hot already.
We'll have updates throughout the day, not only here but on the AR1 Twitter feed @autoracing1.
Brian C. reporting from Pocono