Alex Palou Turned the fastest lap as session 2 came to a close as teams and drivers made final preparations for qualifiying for the GMR Grand Prix. The practice was green the entire time.

Helio Castroneves lost an engine about halfwaythrought the session but was able to get his car to a spot off track to avoid a red flag. The engine was a new one the team had plannee to use for qualifying for themIndianapolis 500.

Pato O’Ward, who led the morning practice, was third this afternoon. All four Ganassi cars again ended in the top 10,with rookie Marcus Armstrong fourth.

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing continued their strong morning with Christian Lundgaard in second and Jack Harvey fifth. harvey also ended the morning round in fifth. The IMS road course is site of Harvey’s best career finish, a third place in2017.

Castroneves’ engine is the second problem today for an Andretti autosport related car. Kyle Kirkwood has led the team in both sessions. He was 12th this mornng and 13th this afternoon.

A New Look in the Plaza

In 2022 the Speedway and Caesar’s made a splashy announcement of a Caesar’s betting parlor on the south side of the plaza. My undertanding is that there was a multi year deal in place. As I walked through the Pagoda Plaza this afternoon, I noticed the caesar’s space is now a Grab nGo Market. Ilearned that Caesar’s decided not to come back. It appeared to be a popular spot last May.

Next uo is qualifying at 4 pm Eastern. Qualifying groups should be out soon.

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