INDYCARNATION

Five things to note while watching the Honda Indy Edmonton on the 1.973-mile, 14-turn City Centre Airport circuit:

Better shape up

The course is one of the most physically-demanding tracks of the season, and drivers contend that they have to “shape up” to deal with the G forces.

“That's why we work so hard in the gym,” said Dario Franchitti, who will start on Row 2. “That's one of the reasons we get paid to do this. You've got to be physically fit enough to keep on going. It will be very tough. I don't think there are as many tracks as physical as Edmonton.”

Sweeping turns and a bumpy ride

The unique layout features some long, sweeping, turns including a long loop in Turn 6 that feeds into a fast straightaway before a tight, left-hand turn that then heads into another lengthy straight before another tight turn in 11. Because of the sweeping turns, the cars are able to remain at a high rate of speed but the G forces also pull on the driver.

“I think it reminds me a little of Cleveland somewhat because it is so bumpy, those long, long corners that keep pulling on your muscles,” Franchitti said.

Curb service

To add to the unique condition of this track are several big curbs that are in place to keep the cars from driving off course but the nature of any true IndyCar driver is to go as fast as possible. If that means hopping the curb to create a faster line then that is what they do. So keep an eye on which cars hop the curb in order to improve their racing line because the driver that wins this race is not only fast but also fearless.

“At Edmonton, there are some big curbs you got to hop and I'm not looking forward to that with the thumb thing going on,” said Ryan Hunter-Reay, referring to the thumb he injured in the May 30 Indianapolis 500.

No passing fancy

Because of the high speeds and the nature of this track, it is extremely difficult to pass, which is what makes qualifying so important. When the IZOD IndyCar Series arrived at Edmonton in 2008, there were an impressive nine lead changes among six drivers with Helio Castroneves leading twice for 35 laps. But last year’s race saw Will Power start on the pole and lead three times for 90 of the 95 laps. The other three drivers that led laps came when Power made his pit stops. That is why Power put so much emphasis on winning the pole Saturday as he hopes to make a return trip to Victory Lane.

“I know it is a difficult track to pass on and I think track position is important,” Power said. “So let’s see if we can get that Verizon car another win.”

Pinball arcade it shouldn't be

The wide-open nature of the venue and forgiving circuit should not re-create the pinball on-track incidents of last week's race on concrete canyon circuit of the streets of Exhibition Place in Toronto. Still, hopping curbs can throw off the car's balance and the sweeping corners tend to be slippery, so this race isn't likely to go the distance without at least a few caution periods.

 

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