What Is 2013 Indy Grand Prix of Alabama

Overview

The 2013 Indy Grand Prix of Alabama was the second round of the 2013 IndyCar Series season. Held on April 7, 2013, at the 2.3-mile Barber Motorsports Park road course, the race featured 24 drivers competing over 90 laps.

Will Power secured victory after starting from pole position, marking his first win of the season. The event drew over 70,000 spectators across the weekend and was broadcast live on ABC, highlighting its growing popularity.

• Will Power won the race driving for Team Penske, marking his first victory of the 2013 season and his third career win at Barber Motorsports Park.
• The race consisted of 90 laps, covering a total distance of approximately 225 miles on the technical 17-turn road course layout.
• Power started in first position after securing pole during qualifying, becoming the first driver to win from pole at Barber since the track’s debut in 2010.
• Scott Dixon finished second, just 1.8 seconds behind, with Ryan Hunter-Reay completing the podium in third place.
• The event marked the fourth running of the Indy Grand Prix of Alabama, which has been part of the IndyCar Series calendar since 2010.

How It Works

The Indy Grand Prix of Alabama is structured as a timed and lap-limited race with qualifying sessions determining starting positions. The format includes practice, qualifying, and a main race event over a weekend.

• Qualifying Format: The session used a three-stage knockout system. The first round included all drivers, with the top 12 advancing to the second round, and the top six to the final round.
• Pole Position: Will Power recorded a lap time of 1:07.6457, securing pole position and becoming the first to win from pole at Barber since 2010.
• Race Duration: The race lasted approximately 1 hour and 48 minutes, with average speeds reaching 98.7 mph due to the technical nature of the course.
• Caution Periods: There were three caution periods during the race, totaling 15 laps under yellow, primarily due to minor crashes and debris.
• Points System: Drivers earned points based on finishing position, with 50 points awarded to the winner and 1 point for leading at least one lap.
• Team Strategy: Pit stops for fuel and tire changes were critical, with most teams executing three pit stops to manage tire degradation and fuel consumption.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2013 race compared to prior years at Barber Motorsports Park:

The table shows a trend of increasing dominance by Will Power at Barber, with four wins between 2010 and 2014. His 2013 performance was notable for leading the most laps of any winner up to that point, showcasing superior pace and strategy. Attendance also steadily increased, reflecting growing fan interest in the spring race.

Why It Matters

The 2013 Indy Grand Prix of Alabama was significant for both the series and the local economy. It highlighted the importance of road course racing in the IndyCar Series and boosted regional tourism.

• The race contributed an estimated $12 million to the local economy through hotel stays, dining, and event spending.
• Will Power’s win helped him climb to second in the championship standings, narrowing the gap to early-season leader Helio Castroneves.
• Barber Motorsports Park continued to gain recognition as one of the premier road courses in North America, praised for its design and facilities.
• The event featured strong TV ratings, with 2.1 million viewers tuning in on ABC, up from the previous year’s broadcast.
• It marked the first time all 24 entries finished on the lead lap, a rare feat in modern IndyCar racing, emphasizing improved reliability.
• The success of the 2013 race led to a multi-year extension of the event’s contract, securing its place on the calendar through 2017.

The 2013 Indy Grand Prix of Alabama solidified its status as a cornerstone event in the IndyCar Series, combining competitive racing with economic and cultural impact for the Birmingham region.