The weather was cloudy for the start of the day at the 40th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. First out The Pirelli World Challenge Series car had their fifteen-minute warm up and then had the rest of the day off until its 4:30pm race. Next up was the half-hour warmup for Verizon IndyCars, and then the opening ceremonies for the hour-long race for Indy Lights Series presented by Cooper.
The fastest PWC drivers were: GT-ANTHONY LAZZARO/No.61 Ferrari Motorsports 458 Italia GTS;GT GTS-LAWSON ASHENBACH/No.1 Blackdog Racing Chevrolet Camaro; and GT-A – NICK MANCUSO/No.16 Ferrari Motorsports 458 Italia GT3.
JOSEF NEWGARDEN/No.67 Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing Honda was fastest IndyCar at 1;08.3447. The ambient temperature was 59 degrees F, with track temperature at 69F. All 23 cars were out. Times weren’t important, as the teams were practicing pit stops and scuffing tires. JUSTIN WILSON/No.19 Dale Coyne Racing Honda was the only car seemingly with a problem. He only turned one lap while the crew beavered away.
Meanwhile all around the track various activities were taking place, including the traditional Ugly Hawaiian Shirt Contest in Grandstand 31, lots of interactive displays and exhibits in the Convention Center, Arena and Exhibition Hall.
Something for everyone. What’s not to like.
