PREMA Racing’s Debut Test at Thermal Club Shows Promise
PREMA Racing made a strong impression during their first NTT INDYCAR SERIES preseason test at The Thermal Club in California. The test session featured notable performances from their drivers alongside competitors from Andretti Global and Dale Coyne Racing.
Driver Reactions and Performance
PREMA Racing Drivers
- Robert Shwartzman: Led PREMA’s testing efforts
- Callum Ilott: Provided valuable feedback on car performance
Other Notable Participants
- Andretti Global:
- Colton Herta
- Kyle Kirkwood
- Dale Coyne Racing:
- Jacob Abel
Team Performance Matrix
| Team | Drivers | Test Focus |
|---|---|---|
| PREMA Racing | Shwartzman, Ilott | Initial Setup, Track Familiarization |
| Andretti Global | Herta, Kirkwood | Performance Testing |
| Dale Coyne Racing | Abel | Race Simulation |
Series Background
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES stands as North America’s premier open-wheel auto racing series, featuring an elite international field of versatile drivers.
Current Champions
- Alex Palou: Three-time and reigning series champion
- Will Power: Two-time series champion
- Scott Dixon: Six-time series champion
- Josef Newgarden: Two-time series champion and current Indianapolis 500 winner
Future Broadcasting
A significant development for the series involves its broadcasting future:
Beginning in 2025, FOX Sports will become the exclusive U.S. television home for INDYCAR, including live coverage of the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500.
Testing Environment
The Thermal Club in California provided an ideal setting for the preseason test, allowing teams to:
- Evaluate car performance
- Test driver capabilities
- Fine-tune setups
- Gather valuable data for the upcoming season
The test session demonstrated PREMA Racing’s commitment to establishing a strong presence in the series, while established teams like Andretti Global and Dale Coyne Racing continued their development work. The variety of driver experience levels, from seasoned veterans to newcomers, helped create a comprehensive testing environment that will benefit all participating teams as they prepare for the upcoming season.
