How cold did it get in Texas? Too frigid for IndyCar test laps at TMS in Fort Worth
Several IndyCar drivers, including Jimmie Johnson and Scott Dixon, had to cancel test runs at Texas Motor Speedway on Monday because it was too cold.
For safety reasons, test laps were called off. Teams from Penske and Ed Carpenter Racing might try to return for a test on Thursday.
Johnson, of Ganassi Racing, will be making his IndyCar oval track debut at TMS on March 20 in the XPEL 375. His teammate, six-time IndyCar champion Dixon, was a little frustrated with the weather. Temperatures were in the 30s Monday morning, making the track too dangerous for test laps.
“I was a little shocked to see flurries this morning in Texas,” Dixon said. “Yesterday was nice, it was nice and warm, but it was pretty windy. It’s frustrating in these days with such limited testing. You kind of have to pick a day that’s going to be worthwhile. It’s unfortunate for everybody who came to test, but you can’t do anything about the weather.”
Alex Palou said if similar conditions occurred on race day it might’ve been canceled.
“It’s hard to say but I think it would be tricky,” he said. “Hopefully we don’t get these conditions on race day.”
Firestone has an ambient temperature formula that decides whether IndyCar tracks are safe to run. The combined temperature of air and track surface must total 100 degrees.
It was about 40 degrees at noon Monday and it’s expected to be colder Tuesday morning.
Team Penske’s Will Power, Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin, and Ed Carpenter Racing’s Rinus VeeKay and Conor Daly all hope to return Thursday when the temperature is expected to warm up.
Red Cross blood drives
The Red Cross is sponsoring two blood drives that have ties to the March 20 NTT IndyCar Series XPEL 375 race at Texas Motor Speedway. All presenting blood donors who register to give at either drive will receive a complimentary digital ticket to the race.
On Tuesday, March 8, Speedway Children’s Charities will have a blood drive from noon to 5:30 p.m. at the Lone Star Town Condo Clubhouse (3575 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth, TX 76177). The following day, Wednesday, March 9, Billy Bob’s “81 Club” will hold their drive from noon to 6 p.m. at the 81 Club (2525 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, TX 76164).
Interested donors can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: celebrate2021 to make an appointment.
In addition to the ticket, donors will also receive a $10 e-gift card, thanks to Fanatics. They will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2022 MLB All-Star Game in Los Angeles.
This story was originally published March 7, 2022 at 2:53 PM.
