The seven-time NASCAR Cup champion has tested at Barber Motorsports Park, Sebring and Laguna Seca, and has found that aside from trying to exploit his Chip Ganassi Racing-Honda’s aerodynamic grip, he’s also been too “gentle” on his tires on out-laps. He described an IndyCar as “a monster – that's the best way I can put it. There's so much power, so much downforce, so much grip. It's wild to drive.” To help convert from more than two decades of stock car experience, he has added to his IndyCar experience with Formula 3 outings – something he has found rewarding on more than one level. “One big challenge I'm dealing with is trying to get the tires up to their peak pressure and peak temperature when there's still enough grip in the tire,” said the 45-year-old Californian who accrued 83 wins in NASCAR Cup. “I'm more delicate with the car than I need to be, so my fast lap is two to three laps after the desired fast lap, when the tire has the most ability in it. “Being able … [Read more...] about Johnson: Tire temps a big challenge in “monster” IndyCar
Johnson jimmy
Palou says he has better chance to win than Alonso or Sainz
Sainz has moved from McLaren to Ferrari in the off-season for his seventh year in F1, while two-time World Champion Alonso returns to F1 to join the Alpine team after a two-year-hiatus which included WEC Championship, a second Le Mans victory and a triumph in the Rolex 24 Hours. However, neither Alpine (formerly Renault) nor Ferrari won a grand prix last year, whereas Chip Ganassi Racing captured five wins and the NTT IndyCar Series championship in 2020, and Palou says he’s expecting to win races and contend for the championship in his sophomore IndyCar season. Asked by a Spanish reporter, “Who of these three drivers do you think has a bigger chance to win a race this year? Alex Palou… Fernando Alonso… Carlos Sainz?” Palou replied: “Me! I have to say me, right? Yeah, me, no doubts about it.” Quizzed on whether he will be able to fight for victories even this first year with Chip, he responded, “100 percent, yep.” Read Also: Sainz coy on rumoured crash in Jerez … [Read more...] about Palou says he has better chance to win than Alonso or Sainz