IPS: Phoenix: Cory Witherill preview

Witherill and Hemelgarn/Johnson team prepared for Phoenix.

Phoenix, AZ -- Hemelgarn/Johnson Motorsports driver Cory Witherill is set to race in the Phoenix 100 on March 22 at Phoenix International Raceway. It will be the inaugural event for the Infiniti Pro Series, the official development series of the Indy Racing League.

After a disappointing season opener in Miami, Witherill has high hopes of a strong finish at the famous 1-mile desert oval. A podium would launch Cory solidly into the top-ten in points and put him back on track toward claiming his first Pro Series championship title.

Witherill, a Navajo, will pilot the No. 92 WSA Healthcare Dallara/Infiniti/Firestone entry.

Witherill on Phoenix:

"I like Phoenix and am looking forward to the race. I tested at Phoenix during the Test in the West and felt quite comfortable in the car. It is a fun track and definitely tricky. Turn 1 is tight with lots of banking, while Turns 3 and 4 are wider turns with not as much banking. It is a more technical track as far as getting the right setup. After our test, I feel that my team and I left with a good baseline. We should be able to pick right up where we left off. My crew and I are working together and making a few changes so that we can have a strong race and make up a few points. It would be nice to be on the podium."

The Phoenix 100 Infiniti Pro Series race starts at 2:45 pm (MST) March 22. Pole qualifying will begin at 3:40 pm March 21. Infiniti Pro Series practice sessions start at 9:15 am and 1:55 pm March 21 and 8:40 am March 22.

Highlights from the Miami 100 Infiniti Pro Series race will be televised at 1 pm (EST) March 28 on ESPN2.

-h/jm-