For race fans, the moment one
season ends the countdown to the start of the next begins. But, as the
checkered flag fell on the 2019 NTT Data Indycar finale at Laguna Seca, nobody
could have imagined they would be counting for quite so long. Eight months on,
as Indycar tentatively emerges from its corona virus enforced hiatus, series
rookie Oliver Askew explains how lockdown has helped him prepare for the
challenges of making his debut on the super-fast Texas Motor Speedway this
weekend.
Reigning
Indy Lights champion Oliver Askew laughs as he suggests he must now hold some
kind of record for the longest time being an Indycar driver without actually
starting a race. “It’s been like six or seven months, so we’re definitely
ready to go,” he adds.
The
23-year-old, who joined the newly formed Arrow McLaren SP team alongside Pato
O’Ward for the 2020 season, admits that although the extended break has been
testing at times, it has brought some advantages too.
“I
think it’s been hard for everyone to stay motivated. But I’m sure once the
season starts, I’ll be able to get into that zone again. To be honest lockdown
hasn’t affected me too much, as I’ve just used the time to get myself more
prepared physically than I was before [planned season opener] St Pete. I think
I needed that extra time. I know what my weaknesses are and that’s my
motivation, to make sure they don’t hinder my performance this year.”
“It’s
also been good for the guys at the shop, as we’ve had more time to learn and
grow together,” he
continues. “Our practice pitstops are faster now than prior to St Pete too,
so hopefully we’ll be able to capitalise on that this weekend.”
Although
it’s created varying levels of controversy for some drivers, Askew has found the
lockdown Sim Racing sessions to be helpful with his real-life preparations. “We
really didn’t have anything better to do through those weeks, but it’s actually
been good for me to get used to racing around the Indycar drivers I haven’t
competed against before. Obviously, it’s not the same as reality by any means,
but just to be around those names has helped my confidence. Again, being able
to work with the guys on the AMSP pit stand has been a big positive too. We
were able to kind of emulate what the strategy would be like in real life, and
how the spotters would be talking to me, relaying information. So, for that
kind of thing it was very beneficial.”
Nothing
beats real racing though and the young American is more than ready to join his
fellow drivers on the grid for the Genesys 300 this Saturday. Though it’s fair
to say that making his debut on the super-fast, high banked Texas Motor
Speedway, with a condensed schedule, under lights and the brand new aeroscreen
to contend with, is a far cry from the introduction to Indycar he was
expecting.
“It’s
going to be my first Indycar race, first Indycar speedway…. and with the
condensed schedule as well, it’s probably going to hurt the rookie drivers and
help the veterans. I don’t feel any added pressure, as the expectations are
already pretty measured for both Pato and myself. You know he’s never even been
to the track, and I’ve only spent a day there for my rookie evaluation” explains Askew. “I’m going in thinking
of it as more of a glorified practice day. But if we have a good qualifying,
which I really think we can make happen, then stay on the lead lap and out of
trouble, I think we could have a top ten easily. Ovals are kind of strange that
way, where you just circulate where you have to and stay out of trouble, and
that usually turns into a good result.”
The
Florida born driver has a strong record on ovals, having won both races on last
year’s Indy Lights schedule, including the Freedom 100 at the iconic
Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“I’m
also undefeated on the Texas iRacing oval as well, winning there during quarantine!”
he laughs.
“I
know it’s not the same but having that alongside my two Indy Lights oval wins
last year most definitely gives me confidence. I enjoy the challenge of racing
on ovals and think they kind of suit my style, in the way it requires smooth
input and a methodical approach.”
Though
he’s competed in night races while karting, the sunset finish under lights at
Texas will be yet another new experience for Askew on Saturday. But as he
rightly points out, the fact that the new aeroscreen safety device introduced
this season has yet to be tested at night suggests it will be a learning
process for all the drivers. “None of us have the answers to how it’s going
to be, so it’ll be interesting finding out. I guess we’re all just going to be in
‘show up and race’ mode.”
“To
be honest, I don’t really know what the challenges are going to be this
weekend, but I will be focused on not making any mistakes and executing when I
need to. The heat will obviously be a big factor, and I’m curious to see how I
feel in the car at the end, because it’s going to be really hot. I hope I can
perform at my best through the whole race. Beyond that I just have to figure it out as the
challenges present themselves. That’s one thing I love about racing in general
though, as you never really know what’s going to happen.”
Signing
for the Arrow McLaren SP team has been one of Askew’s proudest moments in his
racing career so far, alongside clinching the Indy Lights title with seven wins
last year.
“Driving for AMSP means a lot to me. Ever since I was a little
kid racing national go-karts and starting to win championships, I began
envisioning myself becoming a professional Indycar driver. Even then it was a
long shot, and it’s been a lot of work to get here. It’s easy to be engulfed in
the present moment and always looking forward to the next race, but I think
it’s important to look back and realise how far we’ve come too. Opportunities
like this don’t come around too often, especially to rookies. So, I’m happy to
be around such knowledgeable personnel and representing brands like Arrow
Electronics and McLaren.”
Askew
proudly goes on to explain that one member of the AMSP team has been a particularly
big help, support, and influence on him as he's adapted to the team and Indycar. “Robert
Wickens has been a lot of help to me. I like to call him a good friend and I can
go to him with anything really. He understands the challenge that’s in front of
me now, as he went through the same thing and has such relevant experience in
Indycar. He’s a great person to have on our side. I think he’s probably the
best mentor in the paddock right now because of his recent knowledge of the
series.”
Wickens’
advice and support will certainly be a vital asset heading into the unknowns of
the Texas race this weekend and beyond. Asking about his goals for the season,
Askew is typically focused and measured in his response.
“Right
now, the goal is to win Rookie of the Year, but I don’t really have any
expectations. I’ll just try to take every weekend as they come and as a team,
we’ll do our best to execute with what we have. That’s been my MO for the past
few years, just take every race as it comes and focus on getting better. I
think this is going to be steepest learning curve that I’ve come across in my
racing career, and the people around me understand that. So, we’ll just focus
on the weaknesses and trying not to make the same mistake twice.”
Given
his impressive record through the Road to Indy ladder system and measured
preparations for the challenges ahead, it’s hard not to imagine this rising US
racer turning his ‘virtual’ successes into reality on the track.
The Genesys 300 Indycar season opener take place at Texas Motor Speedway on 6th June.
