Mid-day update from St. Pete

– The noon practice session is over. Topping the charts are Dixon, Briscoe, Power, and Franchitti. Top Lotus-powered car was Oriol Servia, in 19th. The Chevys and Honda pretty much spliit up the top 18 spots evenly.

– The new car continues to be the story. In the pits, long-time IndyCar fans are struck with the low volume levels of the new motors at idle, and the overwhelming smell of new parts being run for the first time. Oh, and did I mention the huge front and rear wings?

– The new car has been crash tested. While Dallara did crash test the tub (years ago), and computer-simulated crashes with the rest, the entire package has yet to be crashed. Today, Charlie Kimball nosed this new Dallara into the tires in turn 10.