Promoter Test on Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval
• Initial on-track sessions on the oval with the new superspeedway aerodynamic bodywork packages designed, manufactured and supplied by Chevrolet and Honda in preparation for qualifications May 16-17 and the 99th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on May 24.
• Participant list ... Note that some teams might share cars among multiple drivers
• On-track schedule, May 3 (all times Eastern):
9:30-10:45 a.m. - veteran drivers
10:45 a.m.-noon - rookie orientation test and refresher test
1-5 p.m. - all drivers
• Twitter: @IMS, #INDY500; @IndyCar, #IndyCar
• For spectators: $15 admission for adults. Children under 12 are free. Bronze badges will be accepted for admission. CLICK HERE for Indianapolis 500 tickets and information
• Web: Live streaming video of the Verizon IndyCar Series sessions, in conjunction with real-time Timing & Scoring, is available on RaceControl.indycar.com
Oval: 2.5 miles with banking of 9 degrees in turns (counter-clockwise direction)
Tires: Four sets of Firestone Firehawks for each entry. Participants in the rookie orientation test will receive three additional sets. Participants in refresher test will receive two additional sets.
Rookie orientation test: Rule 4.3.8.3 of the Verizon IndyCar Series rulebook states that in addition to car control, placement and a consistent driving pattern, the rookie orientation test shall consist of three phases, totaling 40 laps: Phase One 10 laps at 205-210 mph, Phase Two 15 laps at 201-215 mph and Phase Three 15 laps at 215+ mph. The laps do not have to be consecutive. The phases and corresponding speeds may be adjusted based on track/weather conditions. Rookie drivers must successfully complete a minimum of two of the three phases to be eligible to participate in the Promoter Test session and/or practice when practice for the event begins. No rookie driver will be eligible for a qualifications attempt prior to completing the final phase.
Refresher test: Rule 4.3.8.6. of the Verizon IndyCar Series rulebook states that if a driver has not participated in an oval event with the Verizon IndyCar Series since the prior year’s Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, INDYCAR will determine if any additional testing shall be required. In addition to car control, placement, and a consistent driving pattern, the refresher test consists of the 30 laps that make up the second and third phases of the rookie orientation Test. No such driver will be eligible for a qualifications attempt prior to completing the refresher test.
Of note: All engines for the Promoter Test will have the Indianapolis 500 Race Day turbo boost setting of 130 kPa. Boost level for qualifications is 140 kPa. ... If inclement weather washes out the day, the test will not be rescheduled. The rookie orientation test would be conducted May 11 -- opening of practice for the Indianapolis 500. Refresher test can be done any time before qualifications. ... NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon was announced this week as the honorary pace car driver. ... Teams will switch back next week to the road/street course and short oval aero packages for the May 7 Promoter Test (11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3-4:40 p.m. ET) on the 2.439-mile, 14-turn Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course in preparation for the May 9 Angie's List Grand Prix of Indianapolis. CLICK HERE for Angie's List Grand Prix of Indianapolis tickets and information.