Josef Newgarden edged ahead of Coltn Herta in the second half of Monday’s post-qualifying practice session with a lap at 226.238 mph. Herta was just 16 thousandths pf a second behind.

The two hour tune-up ran without incident on track, although there were some pit issues with stalls and what looked like an airgun problem on Ryan Hunter-Reay’s car.

Colton Herta and Pato O’Ward talked about their day afterwards.

Herta doesn’t think the tire degradation will be much different from last year’s race. O’Ward expressed concern that his car is slow, and the team can’t figure out why. He is worried about performing in the race if the car doesn’t improve.

Notes

It’s kind of bittersweet when Monday practice ends. The track is closed for three days. after on track activity for nearly a week straight, it’s hard to wait until Friday. I find it even harder during the years when the race is on May 26 or earlier. It feels as if We are getting gypped out of part of our May.

I’m still scratching my head over the fact that Will Power has never won the pole for the 500. What a weird mark on his resume should he retire without one.