IRLblog.com

The IndyCar Series just took to the track for what is the first evening of a two evening test down here at Homestead Miami Speedway.  Teams were anxious to get on track after setting the cars up over the past two days and the drivers were sure to hurry back to the garage after the drivers meeting.   Scott Dixon for the first two hours of testing has been the fastest turning in a lap at 211.024 mph.  Ryan Briscoe has been jumping between the #6 and Will Power’s #3.  The majority of the drivers are in the 207-208 mile range.  With this just being the first hour of 12 hours of testing over the next two days, I expect the speeds to pick up and the new teams and drivers to start adjusting and settling in a groove.  One thing I have noticed is that we have an abundant amount of red cars this year.  Perhaps the other teams think Target Chip Ganassi and Penske (technically orange) luck and skill with rub off.  Milka Duno is testing tonight but it has been reported that her deal with Newman Haas Lanigan Racing has not been finalized yet.  The same goes for Justin Wilson at Dale Coyne Racing.  You can follow the live timing and scoring and watch a live video feed from Homestead Miami Speedway by clicking on the links below.

IndyCar live timing and scoring

Live Homestead Miami Speedway video stream

Photo from IndyCar.com

Well not only The Power of Penske, but Power to Penske…  I know, sounded lame…sorry.  It is reported however that Will Power will be on deck at Penske Racing if Helio can’t run this season due to his pending trial.  He will be in the car during the off-season testing according to IndyCar.com  I would have honestly chosen Ryan Hunter-Reay but who am I to argue with Roger Penske.  Their is no doubt in my mind that The Captain knows what he is doing.  Everyone doubted Briscoe when Penske picked him up after his abysmal season with Target Chip Ganassi in 2005, but who can doubt the season that he had in 2008 with 3 wins.   We already know Will Power is a hell of a road course driver.  I myself am anxious to see him this year on the ovals.    After all, with a name like Will Power, how can you lose…

Eric Cowdin, the engineer for the #11 7-11 car driven by Tony Kanaan quit Friday at Chicagoland Speedway.  He helped Tony obtain his 2004 IndyCar Series championship along with 13 race wins, and 10 pole starts which includes the 89th running of the Indianapolis 500.  Eric Cowdin has been Tony Kanaan’s engineer for the previous 10 seasons.  It is thought that Cowdin left Andretti Green Racing to head to Team Penske to engineer for Ryan Briscoe.