Allmendinger trails leaders in first IndyCar test at Sebring
AJ Allmendinger returned to open-wheel racing with Penske at Sebring, but finished his first IndyCar test session 12th on the timesheets, 0.7 seconds off the pace.
AJ Allmendinger completed his first IndyCar test with Penske Racing at Sebring International Raceway, marking his return to open-wheel racing after a six-year stint in NASCAR. The 31-year-old American last drove an open-wheel car in 2006 before moving to NASCAR, where he spent the next several seasons honing his skills in stock cars. The Sebring test provided Allmendinger with his first opportunity to reacquaint himself with the unique demands of single-seater racing.
Allmendinger Returns to Open-Wheel Racing
Allmendinger’s participation in the test was a significant step as he adjusted back to the world of open-wheel racing. The transition from NASCAR, with its heavier and less responsive cars, to the lighter and more agile IndyCar presented a considerable challenge. The Sebring International Raceway, with its notoriously bumpy surface and technical layout, only added to the difficulty of this comeback.
Performance at Sebring Test
During IndyCar’s first pre-season test session, Allmendinger piloted Penske Racing’s #2 car and finished 12th on the unofficial timing sheets. He was 0.7 seconds slower than the fastest driver of the session, which placed him well down the order compared to established front-runners. This performance highlighted the challenge of adapting to the different dynamics and higher speeds of an IndyCar after several years away from the category.
| Driver | Team | Unofficial Position |
|---|---|---|
| Will Power | Penske | Top 10 |
| Helio Castroneves | Penske | Top 10 |
| Scott Dixon | Ganassi | Top 10 |
| Dario Franchitti | Ganassi | Top 10 |
| Charlie Kimball | Ganassi | Top 10 |
| AJ Allmendinger | Penske | 12th |
The Sebring test was not just about lap times. For Allmendinger, it was an important opportunity to regain familiarity with the car and begin building a foundation for further progress. He acknowledged that the first few runs were intense, with the car feeling like it was in control rather than the driver. With each run, his confidence and comfort behind the wheel gradually returned.
Strong Field at Sebring
The test session at Sebring featured a strong line-up from both Penske and Ganassi, two of the top teams in the series. Alongside Allmendinger, Penske’s confirmed drivers Will Power and Helio Castroneves participated, both of whom have extensive experience and multiple wins in IndyCar. The Ganassi team brought Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti, and Charlie Kimball to the test, adding further depth to the field. In total, at least ten drivers from the 2013 IndyCar Series grid took part, providing a competitive benchmark for Allmendinger as he worked to close the gap to the front-runners.
- Will Power (Penske)
- Helio Castroneves (Penske)
- Scott Dixon (Ganassi)
- Dario Franchitti (Ganassi)
- Charlie Kimball (Ganassi)
- AJ Allmendinger (Penske)
- At least four other 2013 IndyCar Series drivers
Testing alongside such accomplished drivers offered Allmendinger valuable reference points. Comparing data and on-track performance with teammates and rivals is a crucial part of pre-season preparation, and the presence of so many top-level competitors at Sebring made the session an important learning opportunity.
Team Environment and Support
Allmendinger expressed gratitude for the welcome he received from his Penske teammates. Will Power and Helio Castroneves offered support and advice as he settled into the team environment. Such backing is vital for a driver returning to a series after a long absence, helping to accelerate the adaptation process. The test also gave Allmendinger the opportunity to meet IndyCar legend AJ Foyt, the driver he was named after, for the first time at the Florida circuit. Meeting a figure of Foyt’s stature was a memorable moment in Allmendinger’s return to the series.
Implications for the Season Ahead
For both Allmendinger and Penske Racing, the Sebring outing was a first step in a larger process. While the lap times showed there is still ground to make up, the session provided valuable mileage and data to inform future progress. Penske will be looking for Allmendinger to continue closing the gap to the leaders as he gains more experience in the car and works with the engineering team to refine his approach.
For Allmendinger, the test underlined the scale of the challenge ahead. The transition from NASCAR back to top-level open-wheel racing is not straightforward, but with more running and the support of experienced teammates, he aims to improve his pace and adapt fully to the demands of the IndyCar Series in the coming weeks. The pre-season test at Sebring will serve as a foundation for further development as he targets a successful return to the category.
