Along with new Chevrolet aerodynamic components being tried out at the “it’s green in February and it’s never this green the later into the year we get” Sonoma Raceway, the other interesting storyline out of Wednesday’s six-car Verizon IndyCar Series test was that it marked Max Chilton’s testing debut with Chip Ganassi Racing in the No. 8 Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Chevrolet.
Chilton’s made the announcement, addressed the media and had his sponsor confirmed within the last week-plus.
But it was on Wednesday that the talking stopped and the driving restarted, for what was not only the 24-year-old Brit’s first time in an IndyCar but also his first time at Sonoma.
“It’s a bit of a shock today,” Chilton said, via a track-issued release. “I haven’t been in a racing car in six months and that was an Indy Lights car, so I’ve got to learn the track today and the car.
“But I think the morning went swimmingly well. I was quicker than I thought I would be. It’s a really nice kit and I can’t wait to explore it throughout the season.”
Here’s a few photos on social media, either ones he or the track shared, of his maiden day in an IndyCar.
Here it is in action, my number 8 @CGRTeams Indycar.
— M A X Chilton (@maxchilton) February 11, 2016
Great first day at Sonoma, mega downforce & challenging track. pic.twitter.com/f7CSwcIgTb
New guy @maxchilton getting after it here at @RaceSonoma for the @IndyCar test. pic.twitter.com/3xDRmHCoJd
— Sonoma Raceway (@RaceSonoma) February 10, 2016
.@maxchilton chatting it up with us this afternoon. "It's beautiful here" pic.twitter.com/EDzBl817rV
— Sonoma Raceway (@RaceSonoma) February 10, 2016
@RaceSonoma Thanks for letting us fans sit in on the testing. Cars are looking fast! pic.twitter.com/xZt0cbNgN5
— Gary Uyehara (@nascar20guy) February 10, 2016
Chilton’s next test comes later this week, still in California, at Auto Club Speedway for his first oval run in an IndyCar.
Chilton joined his three Chip Ganassi Racing teammates, Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan and Charlie Kimball, for the test. Team Penske’s Helio Castroneves and Simon Pagenaud also tested on Wednesday.