Monterey, CA (September 19, 2019) – The 2019 NTT IndyCar Series season is coming to an end this weekend at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and Dale Coyne Racing rookie Santino Ferrucci is hoping to accomplish at least one more feat during the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey, that of taking home the IndyCar Rookie of the Year title.
Ferrucci currently sits second in the Rookie of the Year standings, 26 points out of first place. While it won’t be an easy feat, there are multiple scenarios in which he can still clinch the rookie title thanks to the season finale paying double points.
The Dale Coyne Racing driver has scored 339 points in 16 starts so far this season, on the strength of an impressive rookie campaign. Ferrucci picked up his best street/road course result at the season opening race in St. Petersburg earlier this year with a ninth-place, and then scored his best NTT IndyCar Series career finish with a fourth place at Texas Motor Speedway.
The rookie then matched his best result at Pocono Raceway and again at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway. In addition to his seven top 10 finishes this year, a best starting position of sixth (Gateway) and 118 laps lead, Ferrucci picked up the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year title thanks to his seventh-place finish in what was his first ever oval race.
The driver of the #19 Cly-Del Manufacturing Honda is also placed second in the most laps completed standings with 1989 out of possible 2002, only one lap short from being tied for the lead.
This weekend will mark Ferrucci’s first official appearance at the 2.238-mile, 11-turn track that features a 300-foot elevation change. However, the 21-year-old driver from Woodbury, Connecticut did test at the track earlier this year and will again have the opportunity to take part in six hours of testing during an open test on Thursday.
“I’m very much looking forward to going back to Laguna Seca after visiting the track earlier this year,” said Ferrucci. “Unfortunately, we weren’t able to do as much testing that day with our #19 Cly-Del Manufacturing Honda as we would have liked due to conditions. Fortunately, we have a full test day on Thursday this week before official practice begins so that will be beneficial. I think it will help us in our fight for the rookie championship. It’s been a great year but I’m a little sad that it’s already the last race of the season. Hopefully we can make the best of it and do our best to take home Rookie of the Year honors.”
In addition to Thursday’s test day, drivers will get two practice sessions on Friday, September 20. Qualifying will take place on Saturday, September 21 and will be broadcast live on NBCSN from 1:30pm local time (4:30pm ET).
The final round of the NTT IndyCar Series, the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey will be broadcast live on NBC starting at 11:30am local time (2:30pm ET) on Sunday, September 22.
All practice sessions will be streamed live on the NBC Sports Gold App.
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