This weekend the NTT IndyCar Series makes it's way to the Pocono Raceway for the final Super Speedway race of the season. Here is everything you need to know ahead of the ABC Supply Co. 500 at Ponoco Raceway.
Rossi vs Newgarden
The championship points chase had major implications after Mid-Ohio. Following Newgarden's accident on the final lap, Rossi was able to gain ground on the Team Penske driver. With a 16 point gap now in the dossier, Rossi is now within striking distance. With the next two races coming on ovals, Newgarden finds himself in familiar territory. Having won at Texas in the summer, Newgarden needs to gain as many points as possible heading into the final two races on the road courses.
For Rossi, it's a different story. Rossi has been dominant on the road courses but has seen some constant improvements on ovals. Rossi has one super speedway win under his belt at Pocono, that being the race one year ago. Rossi will need to show some speed and do whatever it takes to keep Newgarden in his rear-view mirror.
Plenty of Emotion for Schmidt-Peterson
Despite the news of SPM's involvement with McLaren next season, SPM will come into Pocono Raceway with heavy hearts. It was one year ago, the SPM driver Robert Wickens was paralyzed after a horrifying collision with Ryan Hunter-Reay and the catchfence. Fans have been following along with Wickens' amazing recovery on social media. As the team returns to the site of the crash, you can expect current SPM drivers Marcus Ericsson and James Hinchcliffe to drive extra hard and try to win one for their team-mate.
Will Power on Point at Pocono
Even though Power has been mathematically eliminated from Championship contention, it won't stop the Australian from trying extra hard to win. Pocono's winningest driver scored back to back wins in 2016 and 2017, Power looks to play spoiler on what has seemed to be a Newgarden/Rossi show all year.
Power has had a forgettable 2019 campaign for now, but a win at Pocono could create some much needed momentum for a final push into the remaining three races.
Carlin's new lineup
Carlin will bring a pair of cars with them to Pocono this week. In the line-up will be Conor Daly, who replaced Max Chilton on the oval tracks following his DNQ in the Indy 500. Daly will be joined by surprise driver Charle Kimball. Kimball was supposed to run a full season, however that was dashed after funding problems. The driver of the No.23 Chevy has competed in three grand prix this season but hasn't raced since Texas back in June.
Carlin will hope this pairing can give them a much needed push to get their first win in the series.
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