Today’s question: There are many new elements this weekend at the Java House Grand Prix of Arlington. A new event on a new circuit, the first race with single-lap qualifying in the Firestone Fast Six, the second race with mandatory use of two sets of alternate Firestone Firehawk tires and more. What intrigues you the most about the race this weekend?

Chevrolet Grand Prix of Detroit

Curt Cavin: I’m interested to see this version of the split pit road in action. I thought it was a genius idea when it debuted in Detroit (photo, above), and this is the second opportunity to try it. It makes for a great on-site viewing experience, and the blend point can be thrilling. I can’t see that it has put either side of the pitters at a competitive disadvantage, which obviously is important. If this one goes well, as expected, I’d expect all future street circuit designers to strive for it if space permits.

Scott McLaughlin

Eric Smith: I’m especially intrigued by how the Firestone Fast Six session will unfold. While the knockout format of Segments 1 and 2 remain unchanged, the Firestone Fast Six shifts to single-car, single-lap qualifying, beginning with the sixth-fastest driver from Segment 2 and working toward the fastest. Drivers have widely supported the change -- and it’s rare to see so many race car drivers on the same page. What intrigues me most is that each of the six drivers gets just one lap, one opportunity to make a run at the NTT P1 Award (photo, above). A slight mistake, a common occurrence on street circuits due to tight confines and the push to extract a perfect lap time, could be the difference between a front-row start and Row 3. Even though it’s just one lap, a lot can happen.

Paul Kelly: I’m paying close attention to something that has very little to do specifically with this exciting debut event – the continued development of the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES rookie class. I think this year’s group is one of the most exciting in recent years, as Dennis Hauger (photo, top), Caio Collet and Mick Schumacher are all worthy of their full-time rides due to their talent, not their checkbook. Hauger and Collet honed their chops in INDY NXT by Firestone as the top two drivers in the INDYCAR development series last season, while Schumacher has full-season experience in two elite series, Formula One and the World Endurance Championship. In some seasons, the rookie race has a clear favorite early due to one driver with more winning experience or driving for a clearly better team than his first-year rivals. But this year? I have no clue who will end up as the top rookie, but the race will be very compelling. And don’t be surprised if all three drivers are in the hunt in September at the season finale at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.