Honda Racing–Dixon Paces Friday Practice at SonomaScott Dixon and his Honda-powered Dallara led the 25-car IZOD IndyCar Series field during practice

Scott Dixon and his Honda-powered Dallara led the 25-car IZOD IndyCar Series field during practice Friday in preparation for Sunday’s GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma, heading the time sheets in the second and quicker of two practice sessions on the challenging Raceway at Sonoma.

Dixon’s Target Chip Ganassi Racing teammate, Dario Franchitti, was fifth-quickest on Friday, despite limiting his on-track runs in an effort to conserve his tires for Sunday’s race.  Justin Wilson finished the day sixth, with Graham Rahal eighth and Simon Pagenaud 10th,as Honda-powered drivers claimed five of the top ten times in practice.

Activities at the Raceway at Sonoma continue tomorrow with final practice, followed by qualifying at 5:30 p.m. EDT.  Sunday’s 85-lap race, the 15th round in the 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series, starts at 4:30 p.m. EDT, with live television coverage on the NBC Sports Network. 

Scott Dixon(#9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Honda Dallara) quickest in practice Friday:  “It’s different here this year.  The window [for the best tire performance] is really quite small.  After just three or four laps, you can feel the car go off a bit [lose handling], so it’s all about keeping it together and getting the most out of those first few laps with new tires.  That should make for a very interesting race on Sunday, where anything can happen as everyone’s handling changes as the race progresses.”