After IndyCar completes the event at Mid-Ohio this weekend, the paddock will take a trip to Iowa Speedway for a double-header on the 7/8-mile oval.
Many teams completed a test on the track in Newton, Iowa in recent weeks, and drivers are talking about how physical the upcoming event is likely to be.
Last year, qualifying speeds topped 188 MPH, and the recent test unofficially saw speeds 7 MPH below that mark. Despite the difference, drivers reported that there is an extra element of strength needed for this year’s visit.
Will Power was the first to describe just how much grip the cars have with a new downforce package this season.
“The challenge is being able to hold on for a stint,” said Power. “They’ve just added so much downforce. It’s so stuck that it’s actually painful.
“I did half stint, and I’m like, man, I didn’t know if I could actually continue. I think there’s going to be people like stopping just because it’s so painful. It’s too much, too much grip.”
Colton Herta was present at the same media briefing, and was seen nodding along with everything the veteran was describing.
He added his thoughts, saying that completing two races in as many days is going to test drivers’ physical limits.
“Yeah, I agree,” said Herta. “It’s going to be extremely physical.
“Maybe that changes in the race. Maybe people save fuel a little bit more. The race pace will slow down from what we’re doing at the test, but how much — because we have to do it twice.
“It’s going to be a rough one.”
The Iowa Speedway double-header takes place on July 12-13, and is part of a busy summer stretch on the IndyCar calendar that sees drivers tackle five races in four weekends.
