From IMS
Six IZOD IndyCar Series drivers turned laps on the 2.5-mile oval of Indianapolis, and engineers from teams and Firestone pored over the extensive data with the long-term goal of developing tires that will help drivers break the all-time speed records for "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" set in 1996 by Arie Luyendyk.
Drivers participating in the test were three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti (Target Chip Ganassi Racing), reigning 500 Mile Race winner Tony Kanaan (KV Racing Technology), Will Power (Team Penske), Marco Andretti (Andretti Autosport), Simon Pagenaud (Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports) and Justin Wilson (Dale Coyne Racing). Hulman and Company Chief Executive Officer Mark Miles and INDYCAR President, Operations & Competition Derrick Walker in May announced the intent to see Luyendyk's four-lap (236.986 mph) and one-lap (237.498 mph) qualification records surpassed. The goal is to challenge those speed records during the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 in 2016.
While the teams participating in the test are looking to gather all the information possible to gain an advantage for next year's Indianapolis 500, the tire data they accumulate at IMS will benefit all teams in the IZOD IndyCar Series. A surprising element during the test is unseasonably warm temperatures in the low 90s. "We expected it to be a lot cooler," Dario Franchitti said. "We've tested this time of year before, and it's not that relevant, really. (But) with 90-plus degrees and humidity, we're learning a lot. Firestone is going to learn a lot, too, and Honda is finding stuff, as well, so it's really a win for everybody. When you're asked to come and do these things, it's a request you can't turn down."
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