By Luis Torres, Staff Writer
Following last week’s open test session at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the drivers shift their focus to Barber Motorsports Park, the final site before “The Month of May” kicks into high gear.
Although the race has a new name with Children’s of Alabama replacing Honda as the event title sponsor, the same action and intensity folks love about the road course remains the same.
A popular venue amongst drivers and fans, Barber is a venue where some competitors never forget if things fall short. Among those are Rinus VeeKay, who won the pole a year ago and was the class of the field.
But being held up by traffic on pit road allowed Pato O’Ward to catch him and ended up winning the race. Something he hasn’t forgotten to this day as he’ll look to get back to the top step of the podium.
When asked what’s bothered VeeKay from last year’s shortcoming at Barber, it’s “fuel for nightmares.”
“I’ve not been as close to winning all last year and since that moment,” said VeeKay.
“We had all the ingredients to win, and I didn’t make it happen when it mattered most. Really sucked. Also it’s a mistake I’m never going to make in the rest of my career.
“Mistakes happen for a reason. They’re good mistakes if you learn from them. I’m really, really sure I’m going to really not make the mistake any time any more.”
Like most INDYCAR races, all elements of a race must click. Otherwise, a competitor will fall behind and be out of contention for a win or a strong points day.
Especially, when the next venue is Indianapolis with the grand prix and 500-mile race in May.
By the Numbers
What: Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix, NTT IndyCar Series Race No. 4 of 17
Where: Barber Motorsports Park – Birmingham, AL (Opened: 2003, first INDYCAR event was 2010)
When: Sunday, April 30
TV/Radio: NBC 3:00 p.m. EST / INDYCAR Radio Network (SiriusXM Channels 85 & 160)
Track Size: 2.3-mile road course
Race Length: 90 laps, 207 miles
2022 Race Winner: Pato O’Ward – No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet (Started second, 27 laps led)
Track Qualifying Record: Pato O’Ward – No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet (65.5019 seconds, 126.409 mph – April 17, 2021)
From the Driver’s Seat
Rinus VeeKay – No. 21 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet
“I like the track layout. I like fast, flowy corners. But you need to have a car that does well. You can drive…
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