Thursday Afternoon Update from PIR

With temperatures in the high 60s, a slight breeze and nary a cloud in the sky, it is a gorgeous Thursday afternoon here at Phoenix International Raceway. The Verizon IndyCar Series teams are currently unloading their haulers in the paddock area and beginning to set up their work areas in preparation for Saturday's Desert Diamond West Valley Phoenix Grand Prix. As I look out from the media center straight across from start/finish line, Firestone, Cosworth and the Verizon Pit View crews are preparing their work stations on pit road.

If you haven't been to PIR, I highly recommend giving it a try sometime. This is my first time, and I can say television doesn't quite do it justice. Its a picturesque setting for a race.

You know that IMS is expecting a larger crowd for this year's 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Presented by PennGrade Motor Oil. However, we have heard that Hulman and Co., CEO Mark Miles expects the grandstand seats for the race to sell out. Apparently, once the grandstand seats are sold out, the plan is to open the race for general admission to the public.

Speaking of IMS, there will be a test next Thursday from 9-5 p.m. featuring 19 drivers, no rookies. The south end of the track will be open to fans for viewing. We'll pass along a list of drivers shortly.

That is all for now. Check back in to AR1 throughout the weekend for updates from PIR.

Brian Carroccio reporting from Phoenix International Raceway