The complexities of the Belle Isle track in Detroit, according to NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson, can’t be studied on a simulator.
Around the rough 2.35-mile parkland course, the Chip Ganassi Racing-Honda driver concluded the 75-minute Friday practice session 5.4 seconds off the fastest time.
Johnson, who hasn’t raced since the Indianapolis Grand Prix on the IMS road circuit a month ago, said, “Thankfully I tested at Road America last week so I kinda knocked the rust off there.
“But I’ve done a lot of sim work at home and at HPD and nothing got me ready for the experience here!
“I’m just floored by how technical this track is, how rough it is, how little grip there is. I have a huge challenge ahead of myself this weekend.”
“I’m just trying to find the limits of the car and of my ability,” he said of his practice spin.
“I just got into Turn 3 a little too fast, had a little too much rear brake in the car, and did a little lazy spin. It’s just one of those things that rookies do, and I’ll keep learning from those mistakes and get better.”
Despite IndyCar mandating air vents on top of the screen rim, the mid-80degF heat and significant humidity are predicted to be challenging for the drivers, given the aeroscreen.
John said “The heat wasn’t bad, just for an hour of practice”. “The implications of the heat are really going to show up on Sunday, mid-race. We’re used to it for one race, so Saturday, we’re prepared for that. It’s getting recovered and ready for Sunday that’s going to be tricky.”
NASCAR racing driver’s uniforms can be found at the following links:
Jimmie Johnson Shirt 2019 Racing Clothes Nascar
Danica Patrick Shirt 2018 Racing Clothes Nascar
Clint Bowyer Shirt 2017 Racing Clothes Nascar
