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Source - Indy Racing League
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Wednesday, 09 July 2008 22:48 |
 Nashville Superspeedway is the only track with a concrete surface and the only track that is 1.33 miles in length : -
 IndyCar Series drivers and teams will make their eighth visit to Nashville Superspeedway July 10-12, the only track with a concrete surface and the only track that is 1.33 miles in length. Those factors present unique challenges.
“The track is definitely a challenge because it's concrete,” said Helio Castroneves, who has four top five finishes in six starts at the track. “So definitely for the drivers and for the engineers, it's a challenge to find grip, but once you have it there's a great chance you'll be in good shape.”
Only 12 of the 26 drivers entered in the event have competed at the track before. Rookies and transition drivers will have a two hour practice session July 10, and all drivers will have two hours, 45 minutes of practice July 11.
“From what I hear it’s pretty tough,” said Justin Wilson, who will make his first start at the track. “You are close to being flat-out driving around on your own. I guess in the race I might have to start lifting though because there will be a lot of traffic. I have been to a few racetracks that have concrete sections on them. It’s generally very bumpy and quite difficult to drive on, so it’s very challenging. On an oval I can only imagine what that does. I can imagine that once the rubber goes down, it starts to lay some grip down there and it would start to get quite grippy. It will be interesting to see what kind of concrete it is and how it affects things.”
The driver and team that find the right combination for the Firestone Indy 200 will take home one of the most unique trophies in racing, a Gibson guitar.
“It's a unique trophy,” Castroneves said. “I really cherish and I really want to have that in my collection, so hopefully this year will be the year.”
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