In the Notebook this week, we have all the news about the Rainguard Water Sealers 600 taking place at Texas Motor Speedway, June 9-11.
Gutierrez denied Texas
Esteban Gutierrez was denied the chance to run at Texas Motor Speedway by IndyCar President of Competition and Operations Jay Frye. Frye said that it was in the best interests of all parties if Gutierrez didn’t compete in Fort Worth. The reason being there was no time to test the 25-year-old for oval approval.
Tristan Vautier to replace Gutierrez at Texas for Dale Coyne Racing
The 27-year-old Frenchman who qualified P18 for eventual Indy 500 runner James Davison will replace Gutierrez for Texas. Vautier filled-in for Davison at this year’s Indy 500 qualifying due to Davison encountering a scheduling conflict with another series. Due to IndyCar Series rules the #18 that Vautier qualified in was moved from P18 to last when Davison raced. Vautier has experience at Texas Motor Speedway, competing in 2013 with Schmidt Peterson Motorsports and in 2015 with Dale Coyne Racing.
Drivers worry about tyre strategy after Texas Motor Speedway resurfacing
Texas Motor Speedway’s recently repaved 1.5-mile race surface has drivers discussing tyre strategy. Unlike Formula 1, where Pirelli are allowed to do extensive tyre testing, the IndyCar Series rely on drivers and teams for feedback on tyres. With the recent resurfacing of TMS, this will be the drivers first excursion on the new surface in race trim. When the teams tested at Texas in April, many thought there was more to gain. With the aero packages selected for the weekend, drivers are wary of how the new surface, the Firestone tyres, and aero will work at speed.
Gabby Chaves expects tougher Texas race
Harding Racing debuted and finished an impressive P9 at this year’s Indy 500 with Indy Lights champion Chaves. Chaves however is expecting a different story for the team’s second of three race entries for 2017. Chaves says the tight scheduling for Texas will put Harding at a disadvantage. Coupled with the track’s new race surface Harding will have many question marks for race night.
