IndyCar drivers find June weather for testing session in Texas
IndyCar driver and owner Ed Carpenter arrived to a pleasant surprise Wednesday at Texas Motor Speedway.
June-like temperatures in October ensured a testing session in climes similar to those of the annual race here in the sixth month of the year.
Carpenter, winner of TMS’ Firestone 600 in 2014, was in Fort Worth with teammate/employee and serious upstart Josef Newgarden to test parts and kits for the 2016 season.
“We really lucked out on the weather today,” said Carpenter, 34. “It was a very productive day for us.”
Newgarden, 24, had a good 2015, winning twice and leading the series in total laps led while finishing tied for seventh in points for CFH Racing, the team formed last year through the merger of Ed Carpenter Racing and Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing.
In 2016, Newgarden will be seeking his first win on an oval track.
We really lucked out on the weather today. “It was a very productive day for us.
on the hot weather at Texas Motor Speedway
Carpenter, who competes strictly on oval tracks, will be entering his 14th season. He is the only driver on the circuit who is also a team owner.
The IndyCar Series will return to TMS for a 20th consecutive season in June.
“I think we were all really pleased with what we did in the first year,” Carpenter said of the new partnership. “Bring two groups that had been in existence for a while together, it’s not the easiest thing to do.
“To really have an off-season now, we’re beyond the merger, now it’s about getting better. I think we’re all excited about what we can do next year.”
Ed, what’s more stressful? Being the driver or the owner? The ownership side is more stressful. There’s obviously stress in driving, but at the same time it’s fun. Whether it’s out here on test day or at the Indy 500 it’s fun. When you’re in the car you forget about everything else, doesn’t matter what’s going on … if you’re having a bad week with the team or employee issues or whatever it may be, you get in the car, that’s a release and what we have fun doing.
What are your off-seasons like, now being an owner and a driver? When I was just a driver I had time off. As a driver-owner it’s like I’ve got to catch up on everything I wasn’t doing over the course of the season while driving. It’s been busy putting things together. We got Josef re-signed. That was a big win for us … moving forward with the team and with development.
...if you’re having a bad week with the team or employee issues or whatever it may be, you get in the car, that’s a release and what we have fun doing.
Carpenter on being an owner versus being a driver
Josef, do you think you’re poised for a breakout in 2015 and a first victory on an oval track? I hope so. Getting an oval win is really a priority. We were really close last season. We had a couple of second places. Seventh in points was good, but I think we’re capable of challenging for the championship. I think I can deliver a championship … I think this group [and team] can deliver a championship. That’s our vision going into the season.
Ed, you’re from Illinois. A Cubs fan? Is this the year? I am. They’re playing well right now. If they can continue to swing the bats like they are … . [He won’t be able to go to any games because] we’re in hockey season with the 6-year-old, my daughter is on a gymnastics team. It’s my off-season, but it’s the kids’ season.”
This story was originally published October 14, 2015 at 7:43 PM with the headline "IndyCar drivers find June weather for testing session in Texas."