The 2022 IndyCar season reaches the midpoint this weekend in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The iconic Road America circuit hosts 27 drivers and thousands of race fans in what has become one of the most popular stops on the schedule. All of the action began today with the first practice session around the 4.048-mile, 14-turn permanent road course.
Andretti Autosport had the quickest two drivers today, with Alexander Rossi (1:45.6027) and Colton Herta (1:45.7361) both taking turns at the top of the speed chart. Before most of the drivers went to the faster Firestone red tires, the team had three drivers inside the top four.
Michael Andretti’s team should be in for a solid weekend, as this is the site of Rossi’s last victory back in 2019. The driver of the No. 27 Honda nearly pulled off a sensational victory last weekend at Belle Isle, but needed just one more lap to complete his charge to the front of the field. His teammate Romain Grosjean is also quite fond of Road America, as the track has many European qualities to it that he can relate to.
“I love Road America, it reminds me of Spa Francorchamps,” Grosjean said. “The atmosphere and the fans at the track are some of the best. It’s a really high-speed track with some great opportunities for overtaking and racing. I’m very much looking forward to the weekend.” This could be an opportunity for Andretti to come up with a much-needed podium sweep.
Herta has been incredible at Road America, despite never leading a lap in his four starts. He has qualified on the front row three times, including pole position in his first race in 2019. He has finished 8th, 5th, 5th, and a career-best 2nd last year, in hopes of improving that on Sunday.
Indianapolis 500 winner Marcus Ericsson was 3rd fastest today, leading the way for Chip Ganassi Racing. Will Power was the fastest Chevrolet today in 4th while reigning series champion Alex Palou rounded out the top five on Friday.
There are several other contenders to keep…
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