Courtesy of the Verizon IndyCar Series

Rookies get valuable seat time at Sebring test: The learning process for Verizon IndyCar Series rookies Spencer Pigot and Alexander Rossi began in earnest this week.

The two American drivers drove their race cars for the first time as part of a two-day test March 1-2 at Sebring (Fla.) International Raceway as teams prepared for the March 13 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg that opens the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series season.

“It’s been a positive day and a half, so far,” said Rossi, who is transitioning back to the American open-wheel racing scene after spending the last several years climbing the European ladder series to Formula One. “The car is pretty similar to other things I’ve driven. There’s quite a bit of downforce, which is fun for a driver to have. At the end of the day, it’s an enjoyable car to drive and I’m looking forward to racing it next week.”

Both drivers tested on March 1 along with Team Penske’s quartet of Helio Castroneves, Will Power, Juan Pablo Montoya and Simon Pagenaud, KVSH Racing’s Sebastien Bourdais and Rossi’s Andretti Autosport teammates Marco Andretti, Ryan Hunter-Reay and Carlos Munoz. Most of the rest of the series field tested with Rossi and Pigot on March 2.

“The first set of tires was a bit of a learning experience, but I think by mid-morning yesterday, we were on pace with everyone else,” said Rossi, driving the No. 98 Andretti Autosport Honda. “The adaptation came pretty quick, now it’s just working on test items. I think we’re pretty pleased with the way the team has come together and performed as a whole.”

While it wasn’t the first time Pigot, the 2015 Indy Lights champion, had driven an Indy car, he was working with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing for the first time in the No. 16 Honda he is scheduled to drive at St. Petersburg and in the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis and the 100th Indianapolis 500. He spent much of the time out of the car talking with engineer Neil Fife and with teammate Graham Rahal and his engineer, Eddie Jones.

“Really enjoying working with everyone and we’ve really improved the car over the last two days,” Pigot said. “There’s a lot of things for me to get used to with the car and the way the team operates, but they’ve been doing a great job getting me comfortable.

“Even though I’ve driven a car before, it’s been so long since that test day that I had to re-learn everything anyway. The amount of speed you can carry through the corners because of the downforce and the grip of the tires is really impressive.”

Cheap Trick to perform at Long Beach Rock-N-Roar Concert: Just a week after their April 8 induction into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the classic rock band Cheap Trick will celebrate by starring in the Rock-N-Roar Concert at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. The concert, held on the Long Beach Convention Center outdoor stage inside the track, follows racing activities on April 16 and is free to race ticket holders.

The band has produced a series of timeless classics since its debut, including “I Want You to Want Me,” “Dream Police,” “Surrender” and the late-1980s favorite, “The Flame.” The band’s newest album – “Bang Zoom Crazy…Hello” – is scheduled for release in April on Big Machine Records. It will be the band’s 17th studio album and their first in five years.

Ticket prices for the 42nd annual grand prix, set for April 15-17, range from $53 for a Saturday general admission ticket that includes the Rock-N-Roar concert to $142 for a three-day ticket that includes reserved seating in grandstand upper levels. Ticket information is available at gplb.comor by calling (888) 827-7333.

Of Note: Reigning Verizon IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon of Target Chip Ganassi Racing will be part of the “Guys Tell All” segment on NBC’s “TODAY” with Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford on March 8. The segment is scheduled to air at 10:22 am ET. Dixon will be on a panel with comedians Chuck Nice and Jared Freid and former “Bachelor” star Bob Guiney. … Andretti Autosport driver Ryan Hunter-Reay will serve as honorary ambassador March 5 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Bike MS: Breakaway to Key Largo. The fundraiser bike ride in South Florida is marking its 30th year raising money to help fund research and provide financial assistance and educational programs for those afflicted with MS. DHL, the primary sponsor on Hunter-Reay’s No. 28 Honda, is showing its support by presenting a $10,000 check to the National MS Society and fielding a team to participate in the event. … Gerald McCoy, a four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle for the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has been named grand marshal of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg that opens the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series schedule March 11-13. Members of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders squad will also join in the festivities to serve as grid girls. “This is a marquee event that unites our community with the racing world, and I’m blessed to have the chance to take part,” said McCoy, who will issue the command for drivers to start their engines for the race. “I can’t wait to kick off the race and look forward to seeing everyone in downtown St. Pete for the festivities.” For ticket information, visit www.gpstpete.com or call (877) 725-8849. … Global electronic music icon Skrillex will headline the Indy 500 Snake Pit presented by Coors Light during the monumental 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil. Fast-rising superstar Martin Garrix and popular acts Zeds Dead and DJ Mustard will join Skrillex on stage. General admission and VIP tickets are on sale for $20 and $85, respectively, atwww.ims.com and www.Indy500SnakePit.com. All Snake Pit ticket holders must also hold a valid Indy 500 general admission or reserved seat ticket. … The Hoosier Lottery is teaming up with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to launch the official scratch-off game of the 100th  Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, marking the first time fans will have the opportunity to purchase Indianapolis Motor Speedway-themed Hoosier Lottery merchandise. The tickets, priced at $5 apiece, are available at Hoosier Lottery retailers in Indiana and feature six different collectible scenes commemorating the 100th running. Players can win instant cash prizes up to $100,000 and epic race experiences through the second-chance promotion.