By: Spencer Neff
March 19, 2022
During the first 60-minute session in preparation for Sunday’s XPEL 375, Meyer Shank Racing’s Simon Pagenaud led the way. Making his oval debut with the team, the 2016 INDYCAR Champion posted a best lap of 223.087 mph (23.2376 seconds) on the 1.44-mile Texas Motor Speedway.
With TMS opting for resin instead of the PJ1 during last year’s NASCAR race, the foundation began for a second racing grove. During the past two years, drivers had struggled with grip on the outside lanes in the corners.
Prior to Saturday afternoon’s final session, seven drivers will take to the outside lane with added downforce and will be given an extra set of tires in a 30-minute “special session”.
Those participating include Ed Carpenter (Ed Carpenter Racing), Helio Castroneves(Meyer Shank Racing), Pato O’Ward and Felix Rosenqvist (Arrow McLaren SP), Will Power (Team Penske), Graham Rahal(Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing) and Takuma Sato (Dale Coyne Racing with Rick Ware Racing)
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At-track schedule (All times local/Central Time):
Saturday, March 19
10-11 a.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice, Peacock Premium
1 p.m. Qualifying for the NTT P1 Award (Single car, cumulative time of two laps), Peacock Premium (Live) (Qualifying Order)
4-4:30 Special Practice
4:45-5:45 p.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES final practice, Peacock Premium
Sunday, March 20
11:30 a.m. NBC on air
11:40 a.m. “Drivers, start your engines”
11:45 a.m. XPEL 375 (248 laps / 372 miles), NBC (Live)
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Header Image By Joe Skibinski/INDYCAR