Two NTT INDYCAR SERIES Rookies Test at World Wide Technology Raceway
Last Updated on April 28, 2025 by WWTR
Louis Foster and Robert Shwartzman test on the 1.25-mile oval. Photo by Joe Skibinski (Penske Entertainment)
MADISON, Ill. (April 17, 2025) – Two NTT INDYCAR SERIES Rookies took on the 1.25-mile oval at World Wide Technology Raceway on April 16. Louis Foster of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and Robert Shwartzman of PREMA Racing came out and tested for the nearing Bommarito Automotive Group 500.
The 2024 INDY NXT by Firestone Champion Foster is no stranger to the challenging oval at WWT Raceway. Last year, Foster dominated the 75-lap INDY NXT by Firestone race by remaining the leader the entire time and finishing with a 3.34-second victory over Jacob Abel.
“I really enjoy this one out of all the ovals I’ve driven so far in America,” said Foster. “I like the difference in corner banking. Like the difference in corner radius of both corners, it makes it interesting as driver.”
The short oval at WWT Raceway has proven to be competitive with 676 total passes, 254 position passes and 21 lead changes among 11 drivers at the 2024 Bommarito Automotive Group 500. The 2025 Father’s Day race will be one of four short ovals the NTT INDYCAR SERIES will take on this season.
“It, you know, promotes two lanes, which is a very big, big thing for INDYCAR,” said Foster. “Sometimes it gets tracks where there is only one lane, and you kind of sit there behind people and you can’t overtake, but here it does seem to be that there is some there’s some grip on that top lane.”
The use of the two lanes has been beneficial for five-time Bommarito Automotive Group 500 winner Josef Newgarden as he utilized the second lane to make passes at the 2024 event, where Newgarden took victory over his Penske teammate Scott McLaughlin.
The April test at the St. Louis Metro-East based track served as only the second oval fellow rookie Robert Shwartzman of PREMA Racing has driven on. Shwartzman and the brand new INDYCAR team tested in Nashville last month and they have yet to compete on an oval, so this test was crucial for them to test different configurations.
“We’re trying to figure out also the like, how to prepare the car, because we’re, you know, again, it’s, it’s new, not only just for me, but also for the team. So, they don’t know exactly how to put the car in the right, let’s say, condition,” said Shwartzman. “So well, we did couple of runs, it’s going step by step. We need to obviously improve and to learn, but the good thing is, we’re getting laps in. So just, you know, it’s also important for me to get more laps and get more confidence in the car.”
The two rookies will battle it out on track on June 15 as the NTT INDYCAR SERIES returns to WWT Raceway for the ninth annual Bommarito Automotive Group 500. Alongside the competitive on-track action, musical guests Soul Asylum, Sponge and Cracker will take the Midway stage throughout the weekend for the Celebration of 66 Fest presented by Discover Downstate Illinois Tourism.
For more information or to purchase tickets please visit wwtraceway.com or call the ticket office at (618) 215-8888 Ext. 1.
About World Wide Technology Raceway
World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) is the home of NASCAR, INDYCAR and NHRA racing in St. Louis’ Metro East region. Located just five minutes from downtown St. Louis and covering more than 700 acres, WWTR is the largest outdoor entertainment facility in the area. WWTR’s facilities include a 1.25-mile superspeedway; 1/4-mile drag strip; 2.0-mile road course; the Gateway Kartplex state-of-the-art karting facility; and the adjacent Gateway National Golf Links. WWTR and Owner & CEO Curtis Francois have been recognized with several awards, including: 2023 St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame induction; 2023 Innovation in Philanthropy Award by the St. Louis Business Journal; 2022 Explore St. Louis Hospitality Hero Recognition; 2022 Best in Show and Best Event & Festival from the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism; 2021 Comcast Community Champion of the Year; 2021 Jack Buck Award; 2020 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Track Award; 2018 Innovator Award from the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission; 2017 Outstanding Facility of the Year Award from the Race Track Business Conference; and the 2017 Spirit of St. Louis Award from the St. Louis Attractions Association. Our mission: We are committed to making a difference in our community, while providing first-class entertainment and memories that last a lifetime.
MEDIA CONTACT: Payton Buschhorn | pbuschhorn@wwtraceway.com | (314) 517-5125 (cell)
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