No doubt that the Watkins Glen and the Toronto IndyCar races were pretty good, but the oval products has definitely suffered this season. This is certainly NOT the case with the IRL’s feeder series, the Firestone Indy Lights (FIL). On all types of tracks this year, super speedways like IMS, short ovals like Iowa, road courses, street courses, the racing in the Indy Lights series has been fantastic. Sadly, the car count has diminished as the season has worn on, but with a strong core of highly talented drivers, the on-track package has been extremely entertaining and in my not-so-humble opinion, some of the best racing on the planet.
Next weekend, both the ICS and FIL are off to Edmonton, Alberta to race at the Edmonton City Centre Airport, although the track is now officially called the Rexall Speedway. Like most airport circuits, this is a fast course with some very wide straights and great sight lines for the fans. However, unlike most airport circuits there is a true permanent road course section to the circuit as well. Edmonton will play well into the fast and aggressive style of drivers like Saavedra and the young Canadian James Hinchcliffe, who claimed his third podium of the season last week in his hometown of Toronto. The road course section between Turns 2 through Turn 8 won’t allow for much passing, but it will allow a skilled driver to close a gap to those ahead, or stretch out a lead on those behind. A good exit out of Turn 9 will enable drivers to attempt to overtake in Turn 10, but the most critical turn on the circuit is Turn 12. A driver getting a good exit from Turn 12 will be able to out maneuver a competitor leading into Turn 13 and 14. The Turn 13/14 complex is a simple right/left that can be taken flat out, but racing line through it is very narrow. If a driver can secure the right side of the track coming out of Turn 12, they’ll have a serious advantage going into Turns 13 and 14 and be able to carry more speed down to Turn 1. Look for a LOT of action all along the front stretch from the exit of Turn 12 and into Turn 1 next weekend. Be sure to keep a sharp eye out for the two AGR/AFS cars of Saavedra and Hildebrand and for quick, aggressive drivers like Hinchcliffe.
Be sure to watch these young talented drivers race. It really is the best kept secret in all of motorsports. You can see the Firestone Indy Lights race online at IndyCar.com, or wait for the TV broadcast 4pm EDT on Versus.
This track is going to be very interesting! I can’t wait to see what The Hinch & Saavedra do on it!