ROP is postponed because of weather forecast
“We have been monitoring the weather reports in Indianapolis to make sure the conditions would be suitable for ample on-track activity," INDYCAR president of operations and strategy Brian Barnhart said. “With the strong chance for rain and the lower ambient temperatures, we felt it was best to postpone our Rookie Orientation Program until a later date."
Officials will announce the rescheduled date for ROP soon. AJ Allmendinger (Team Penske), Conor Daly (A.J. Foyt Racing), Carlos Munoz (Andretti Autosport) and Tristan Vautier (Schmidt Peterson with Curb-Agajanian) are scheduled to participate.
Allmendinger and Vautier are entered in the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 19-21, while Munoz will compete in the Firestone Indy Lights race on the temporary street course. Daly, who most recently completed preseason GP3 testing and made his GP2 debut in Malaysia, will make his IZOD IndyCar Series debut in the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.
Following Long Beach is the fourth Sao Paulo Indy 300 in Brazil on May 5.
Drivers must complete two of the three phases on the designated ROP day, when the 2.5-mile oval is open only to rookies, to join in practice on Opening Day (May 11). The third phase may be completed on any of the practice days before Pole Day (May 18). Phases include 10 laps at 200-205 mph, 15 laps at 205-209 mph and 15 laps at 210-plus mph.
IZOD IndyCar Series driver stewards Arie Luyendyk and Johnny Unser will oversee the program that puts a premium on car control, placement and a consistent driving pattern.