Friday Barber Wrap-Up
So, we are now two practices in and Honda is still showing signs of life. What’s even more astounding is that the two cars of AJ Foyt Enterprises were both at the top of the speed charts for the session and the day. Takuma Sato turned a lap at 1:07.2157 and Jack Hawksworth was just slightly behind at 1:07.2197. It looks as if the changes that Foyt made on the Hawksworth team during the week have worked. James Hinchcliffe completed the Honda trifecta for the second session.
Sébastien Bourdais, who topped the first session, was the fastest Chevy driver and fourth quickest of the day, but was only tenth quick in the afternoon session. Will Power was the quickest Chevy of the second session, but still only good for fourth quick.
As predicted, the bottom fell out of the sky in between the two practice sessions. The media center flooded (for the third year in a row) and the internet was out for a long while. Finally when the storms cleared, Susan and I took the tram across to the wooded area of the backstretch to watch the second session.
It’s become a punch line over the years, but this really is a beautiful facility. I’ve said it many times, but there is something odd about having race cars in such a tranquil setting.
As usual, it’s been a fun day at the track. But as it approaches 6:00 down here, I’m starting to fade. So I’ll wrap this up for the night, but we’ll be here first thing in the morning. Check back then.
George Phillips
Oilpressure 
April 22, 2016 at 8:45 pm
Having been there I take note of the elevation of the various turns and straightaways. I would think that if you aren’t careful that beautiful and tranquil track will bite you in the ass. The Barber track looks awesome on television and seems to produce terrific racing. As for the practice session, I have a question, why is Foyt finding speed with their Honda equipment? Good on Larry!
April 23, 2016 at 9:13 am
Why is the Foyt team out front? One word: sandbagging. Penske’s boys aren’t showing their hands until quals.
April 22, 2016 at 8:47 pm
Because there is always a hammer and screwdriver to take to an engine. It is in the Foyt DNA.
April 23, 2016 at 4:13 am
That seating spot on a viewing mound beneath the trees looks pretty unique. Knowing a place as special as that one, it is no surprise that you and Susan have been returning to Barber Motorsports Park so regularly for the Verizon IndyCar race held there.
But weepers recurring every year in the media center? Aren’t weepers the main reason why Kentucky Speedway is now being resurfaced? 😉
April 23, 2016 at 5:35 am
One thing is should clarify. The media center here is a temporary structures. It is essentially a tent in a parking lot. For a tent, it’s nice – with air conditioning and massive generators. But when a downpour comes, water runs into the flooring. – GP