It's not that IndyCar's race at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach wasn't a decent run in the books, but in theory, had there been different requirements to change up team strategies, perhaps the California street course would have ended differently, and potentially been more exciting for fans. In preparation for the upcoming road course race in Indianapolis, truly kicking off the Indy 500's "Month of May" festivities, IndyCar is making a change to see if strategy can really shake things up going to the Indianapolis road course.
Starting at the Sonsio Grand Prix (Saturday, May 10), teams will be required to use two sets of alternate (red sidewall) tires and two sets of primary tires in the race, increasing the "minimum" use of each compound by one. This will essentially force race day strategy from a possible one-stop to a three stop for drivers. Tire usage guidelines remain the same, as stated in the rulebook that cars must complete two laps "once the Green Flag has been displayed to the Race Leader."
