RACER has you covered with a series of trackside reports from Houston on Friday as teams deal with the heat and prepare for this weekend’s Shell & Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston Verizon IndyCar Series double-header.

Houston Bumps and Track Grinding Report

Ryan Hunter-Reay, Justin Wilson and Will Power weigh in on the track grinding done to the Houston street circuit for 2014 and whether it has made life any easier for Verizon IndyCar Series drivers.

Drivers on Houston’s Heat and Humidity

Juan Montoya raced Formula 1 cars in Malaysia’s extreme heat and humidity, roasted inside stock cars, and compares the conditions to what drivers have this weekend in Houston. Helio Castroneves, Justin Wilson and Josef Newgarden also offer their thoughts on the physical challenge it presents.

Simon Pagenaud Fastest Friday at Houston

Simon Pagenaud led the timesheets Friday at Houston and also leads the list of free agent drivers being pursued for 2015. He speaks with The RACER Channel’s Robin Miller about leading the field by 0.5 seconds and what it’s like being pursued by a bigger team.

Sebastien Bourdais On Houston Cooling Tweak

The Verizon IndyCar Series allowed its teams to cut a slit in the nose of the Dallara DW12s to flow air through the cockpit–Sebastien Bourdais tells The RACER Channel whether he can feel the difference in Houston’s heat.

Robin Miller with Luca Filippi

Italy’s Luca Filippi is back with a vengeance, leading the Rahal Letterman Lanigan team Friday at Houston, where he spoke with The RACER Channel’s Robin Miller about his impressive first day with the team. 

Helio Castroneves on Prototype Wrist Protection Device

Team Penske’s Helio Castroneves tells The RACER Channel about a prototype wrist protection device the Verizon IndyCar Series is considering to help minimize injuries in crashes and other wheel-jarring events. 

Ryan Hunter Reay on Standing Start Practice

The Verizon IndyCar Series allowed its drivers to practice standing starts on the front straight – where they’ll start Saturday’s race at Houston – for the first time. 2014 Indy 500 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay tells The RACER Channel whether it will make a difference in helping more cars get off the starting line.