“Everything is positive,” says Leist after two strong IndyCar tests

The AJ Foyt Racing-Chevrolet rookie was sixth fastest of 12 runners around Sonoma roadcourse on Monday, while today he topped the IndyCar session at Phoenix held for those new to IndyCar and/or Phoenix.

Leist raced on three ovals last year in Indy Lights – Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Iowa and Gateway – and won the first two, going on to finish fourth in the Lights championship. However, prior to today he had not tried any car at ISM Raceway, nor had he driven an IndyCar on any oval.

After 52 laps of the 1.022-mile track, he told Motorsport.com: “It was good fun. First time here in Phoenix, first time on an oval in these cars, so there was a lot to learn.

“But yeah a lot of fun because the car is fast and a big jump from Indy Lights, but it needs pretty much the same technique as Lights so that’s good for me.

“I’m just trying to learn as much as I can as fast as I can. I did pitstops for the first time ever – that’s a big thing! But I’ll be fine by St. Pete, I’m sure.”

Leist, who last year did half a day of testing with the manufacturer aerokit-equipped IndyCar at Road America with Andretti Autosport, said the new car is suiting his style, and that the Lights experience has proven useful.

“The Indy Lights car is pretty similar to this one – obviously with less of everything, like downforce and power, and braking force and grip. But it’s kind of the same technique to drive, so I think the guys coming from Indy Lights to this new IndyCar are going to find it a bit easier than they would in other years.

“I did two days of testing at Sebring, my first contact with the car, but I went to Sonoma which is such a different track, and we ran a different tire compound, and it was my first time there. But it was really good.

“The track was a bit slippery but we managed to improve the car a lot from the start of the day to the end of the day, so that was pretty encouraging for the whole team. Tony [Kanaan, teammate] did a lot of testing new stuff for the team, and that was helpful.

“So honestly it’s just positive and fun and I can’t wait for the season to start. I’m living the dream!”