ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Roger Penske and IndyCar have carved out an exciting new venue in Jerry Jones’ backyard, creating a fresh street course designed to reestablish the series in the bustling Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Almost three years have passed since IndyCar last graced the fast 1.5-mile oval of Texas Motor Speedway, located roughly 30 miles from the scene. Now, the engines roar on a new 2.73-mile, 14-turn circuit that winds through Arlington, set against the backdrop of the home stadiums of both the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and MLB’s Texas Rangers.
“It’s iconic because we are here between the Cowboys and the Rangers real estate. To have this as our playground for a weekend is amazing,” Penske remarked. “This is an unparalleled commitment we experience here compared to other locations. The investment from our partners alongside IndyCar is phenomenal.”
The Grand Prix of Arlington kicks off the first of three new street races on the IndyCar calendar this season. This event marks the start of a collaboration that blossomed through partnerships between influential figures in the business world. Their connections trace back to when Penske chaired the host committee for the Super Bowl in Detroit in 2006, five years before a similar event at Jones’ flashily constructed stadium.
A powerhouse partnership
The 89-year-old Penske acquired the racing series in January 2020. This year celebrates his 75th year in motorsport, a journey that boasts over 650 major race victories and 48 championships in various series. Meanwhile, Jones, a three-time Super Bowl champion owner, has remained a force in sports, with his Cowboys competing in the venue affectionately dubbed “JerryWorld.”
AT&T Stadium has played host to myriad major events, including the College Football Playoff era, an NCAA men’s Final Four, and an NBA All-Star Game. This inaugural race arrives just three months ahead of the first of nine scheduled World Cup matches, a first for any of the 16 host cities this year for the globe’s most-watched sporting event, while preparations inside the stadium continue for a grass field installation.
“Certainly we know what the World Cup’s going to be. But it is amazing what we’re going to do with IndyCar,” Jones expressed. “You can’t present an event in a more engaging or classier way than what we have right here.”
Racing around the stadiums
During a special ribbon-cutting ceremony this week for IndyCar’s longest street course, Jones marveled at how everything fell into place. The track features vibrant paint schemes that celebrate the NFL and MLB franchises, along with grandstands and hospitality venues throughout Arlington’s vibrant entertainment hub. This prime location sits just off Interstate 30, conveniently situated between the downtowns of Dallas and Fort Worth, covering a metroplex with over 8 million residents.
“This event has been organized flawlessly, with no detail overlooked,” said Jones, radiating excitement for its promising future. “Roger Penske ensured they wanted to make a fantastic first impression.”
A double-sided pit area has been established on the roadway running between AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field, where the Rangers are gearing up for their seventh season. The layout includes curves leading into a horseshoe turn in the Cowboys’ parking lot, leading into a 0.9-mile straight stretch where speeds may reach 190 mph, all while racing between the MLB team’s current and former stadiums. Both venues have hosted remarkable events.
“I think this sets a new benchmark. IndyCar needs to maintain this standard,” said six-time series champion Scott Dixon.
“The attention to detail is impressive. This really enhances the profile of IndyCar racing,” said driver Marcus Ericsson.
IndyCar has extensive history in DFW market
The Texas Motor Speedway previously hosted a total of 36 IndyCar races from its inception in 1997 through April 2, 2023, including the latest competition in 2022. The series experienced twice-yearly races on that high-banked track from 1998 to 2004, culminating in six consecutive season finales there.
The last 10 IndyCar races at TMS were won by five drivers who will compete in Arlington this weekend.
“I have countless fond memories,” Dixon reflected, who triumphed in three races at that venue and five overall.
“It’s fantastic to be back. While I loved racing at Texas Motor Speedway, I wish we could race at both places. Knowing this event is happening brings me joy,” said three-time TMS winner Newgarden, who previously competed in Phoenix. “I’m certainly thrilled with their preparations here.”
Pole and earlier start
Ericsson, now in his eighth IndyCar season with 117 starts, will take the pole position for the first time after clocking in at 104.158 mph during Saturday’s final round of qualifying. He had yet to secure a pole in any of his 97 Formula 1 races between 2014 and 2018.
The green flag for Sunday’s race has been moved to 11 a.m. local time (CDT), earlier than the previously scheduled 12:20 p.m., due to forecasts predicting wind gusts between 25-35 mph, with the potential for stronger gusts of 40 mph or more.
___
AP auto racing:
