Grand Prix of Sonoma Advance
Indianapolis, Ind. (Sept. 13, 2018) – Josef Newgarden and Spencer Pigot will compete in the Verizon IndyCar Series’ (VICS) season finale this weekend at Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, California.
In 2017, Rising Star Racing’s (RSR) Newgarden started the Grand Prix of Sonoma first and finished the race second – claiming his first VICS title.
Newgarden is currently fourth in the season’s point standings, 81 points behind Chip Ganassi Racing’s (CGR) Scott Dixon. There are a maximum of 104 points available at Sonoma, forcing the season finale to be a ‘winner-take-all.’
“It’s been a very up-and-down season; but, we’re ready to do everything that we can to make a run at the championship,” Newgarden said. “Some races have gone our way, and some have not; but, we’re going to forget about all that and put a strong effort forward with the No. 1 Verizon Chevrolet.”
RSR’s Pigot sees the season finale as ‘bittersweet.’
“Going to Sonoma Raceway is always a little bittersweet because it’s such a great area and track; but, it’s the last time we get to race this year, which is a shame,” Pigot said. “It’s a very difficult track to manage outright speed and tire degradation, so we will need to develop a plan very quickly once we start practice.”
Art Wilmes, RSR’s Founder and CEO, reflects on the season and his odds for another championship.
“Josef has earned three wins and four poles, he’s worked really hard all season. I am not discounting his odds for a repeat [championship]; but, knowing that he’s fourth, I look for him to finish the season in the top-5, Wilmes said. “Spencer has proven himself this season, it’s been very telling, and I look for him to be even stronger this next season.”
Newgarden and Pigot will compete Sunday, Sept. 16. The pair will battle the 2.385-mile permanent road course across 85 laps.
Friday’s practice for the Grand Prix of Sonoma will be made available on the; Advance Auto Parts IndyCar Radio Network, indycarradio.com, SIRIUS 216, XM 209, indycar.com, the official Verizon IndyCar mobile app and on racecontrol.indycar.com and on IndyCar YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/indycar).
Saturday’s qualifying session for the Grand Prix of Sonoma will be made available on the; NBCSN, Advance Auto Parts IndyCar Radio Network, indycarradio.com, SIRIUS 216, XM 209, indycar.com and IndyCar mobile app beginning at 3:00 p.m. (PDT).
Sunday’s Grand Prix of Sonoma race will be made available on the; NBCSN, Advance Auto Parts IndyCar Radio Network, indycarradio.com, SIRIUS 216, XM 209, indycar.com, the official Verizon IndyCar mobile app and on racecontrol.indycar.com beginning at 3:30 p.m. (PDT).
To learn more about the weekend’s event(s); visit, www.indycar.com.