Indycar 'rookies' Matos, Wilson fastest at Honda Indy Toronto

A great piece from "up north" on the first day of practice at the Honda Indy Toronto. The biggest news - Raphael Matos and Justin Wilson - both Atlantic/Champ Car stars who are finally getting a chance to show their stuff in the Indycars - topped the times. The second biggest news - the track, which was looking a little tired when Champ Car last raced there, is now bumpier than ever.

"It feels bumpier here," Wilson, who took his second career checkered flag last weekend at Watkins Glen, N.Y., told writer James Bisson. "I don't know if a couple more winters have made a difference, but . . . it's really bumpy. "You're getting thrown about, you're hitting your head on the headrest, and it makes it very difficult to see. It takes you a second or so to refocus after you hit your head like that, and it's every lap that you're doing it, in two or three spots on the track."

What's perhaps not too surprising is that behind former Champ Car drivers Matos and Wilson is another ex-Champ Car driver, Will Power, who took his first career victory back in 2005 at Toronto.

Local hero Paul Tracy, dubbed many years ago "The Thrill From West Hill," could only set the 13th fastest time.

"In the afternoon we tried a few things for the race setup that didn't work for the car, so we lost our way a little bit," said Tracy. "But that was what the practice session was for. We have another practice (Saturday) morning to get ready for qualifying and I'm confident that we can be back in the top five."

Some video from the Honda Indy Toronto Friday practice sessions:

Practice 1

Practice 2