Ahead of the Verizon IndyCar Series’ triumphant return to Watkins Glen after a six-year absence on September 4, a number of drivers and teams have been putting in the laps during the latest collective test on Thursday.
The test saw a number of current drivers take to the track as well as a handful of those hoping to make the step up to IndyCar in the future.
Indy Lights drivers Ed Jones (Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing), Dean Stoneman, Shelby Blackstock and and Dalton Kellett (all Andretti Autosport) enjoyed track time alongside the majority of the IndyCar grid. Eight teams were present in total.
Running was cut short late in the day due to rain, although some did brave a few laps through the tricky conditions.
Here’s a round-up of the social media posts from Watkins Glen on Thursday.
Huge turnout and a beautiful morning for today's @IndyCar test! #IndyCarGP pic.twitter.com/mv2jPrY9UF
— Watkins Glen International (@WGI) August 11, 2016
.@Edjonesracing strapping in. #IndyCarGP pic.twitter.com/HOj2Oa4P0r
— Watkins Glen International (@WGI) August 11, 2016
1 hour and 30 minutes into testing, speeds are picking up as more rubber is put down. #IndyCarGP pic.twitter.com/ESMaNUJQbA
— Watkins Glen International (@WGI) August 11, 2016
Hauling through The Carousel. #IndyCarGP pic.twitter.com/mmRXyhJj1h
— Watkins Glen International (@WGI) August 11, 2016
.@josefnewgarden the first to get a feel for the rain tire after a light shower rolled through. #IndyCarGP pic.twitter.com/MN1xglBTOT
— Watkins Glen International (@WGI) August 11, 2016
Bring on the rain! #IndyCarGP pic.twitter.com/gv8Yj1kCk6
— Watkins Glen International (@WGI) August 11, 2016
Looks like practice today will end early due to the rain @WGI pic.twitter.com/dRgDnola2X
— Scott Dixon (@scottdixon9) August 11, 2016
Rolling out. First run in an @indycar was amazing. Looking forward to getting some more laps in this afternoon! pic.twitter.com/ccazFLZzdO
— Dalton Kellett (@Dalton_Kellett) August 11, 2016
Thank you to @RyanHunterReay for letting me try your @FollowAndretti @IndyCar machine today #MRTI #TeamCooperTire pic.twitter.com/zkEqQjxZK7
— Dean Stoneman (@TheDeanStoneman) August 11, 2016
The teams also ran with decals paying tribute to Bryan Clauson on their cars following the three-time Indy 500 starter’s death last Sunday.
With the number of people carrying BC on their cars, he's going to hit 200 in no time. #ParkedIt #BCStrong pic.twitter.com/0pGBa3wTx7
— James Hinchcliffe (@Hinchtown) August 11, 2016
Seb is back out this afternoon at @WGI - today we have a little something extra on the 11 car #StillChasing200 pic.twitter.com/msOq0A9C7e
— KV Racing Technology (@kvracingtech_) August 11, 2016