FAST FACT
A single right rear Firestone Firehawk race tire can withstand a radial load of 2,800 pounds — that’s roughly the weight of a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze.
The Inaugural Grand Prix of Indianapolis marks the first time the cars and drivers of the Verizon IndyCar Series will race on the road course at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Who will be the first driver to claim victory in the event and begin a new tradition at Indy? John Cote/IMS Photo
WHAT TO WATCH FOR THIS WEEKEND: MIKE CONWAY AIMS FOR VICTORY AT IMS: Mike Conway was a surprise winner at Long Beach, inheriting the lead with three laps remaining and returning Ed Carpenter Racing to the winner’s circle. Now, the Englishman looks for another milestone — helping the team win its first entrant championship. Can Conway win again and help the Indianapolis-based team stay near the top of the standings?
POWER LOOKS TO CONTINUE HOT STREAK: With three-straight top-five finishes to start the 2014 season, Team Penske’s Will Power leads the Verizon IndyCar Series point standings as the series heads to Indianapolis for the Month of May. Can he continue his strong start to the 2014 season by scoring another win at Barber?
HUNTER-REAY GOES FOR BACK-TO-BACK WINS: Ryan Hunter-Reay rides the momentum of another win at Barber Motorsports Park into the Grand Prix of Indianapolis. Hunter-Reay trails Will Power by 18 points heading into the inaugural race. Can Hunter-Reay make it two-in-a-row at IMS?
SCOTT DIXON OFF TO STRONG START IN TITLE DEFENSE: Target Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon has shown he’s a contender to repeat as Verizon IndyCar Series champion. The New Zealand native won the Indianapolis 500 in 2008. Can Dixon continue his strong start to 2014 and claim his first victory on the IMS Road Course? 2014 VERIZON INDYCAR SERIES POINT STANDINGS (TOP 5 AFTER 3 OF 18 EVENTS)
1. WILL POWER Team Penske 125
2. RYAN HUNTER-REAY Andretti Autosport -18
3. SIMON PAGENAUD Schmidt Peterson Hamilton Motorsports -33
4. SCOTT DIXON Target Chip Ganassi Racing -38
5. MIKE CONWAY Ed Carpenter Racing -43