The Pit Window by Mike Silver

IMS Sunday- Eyes on the Skies

May 19, 2019 thepitwindow

The weather looks iffy as clouds are thickening in the southwest. Fast Nine practice is scheduled to begin in about five minutes, but the last row cars are now practicing.

The cars still trying to make the race have a scheduled practice at 10:45 and then their qualifying session is at 12:15. The order for the Last Row qualifications:

Hinchcliffe

Chilton

Alonso

Karam

O’Ward

Kaiser

The pressure will be more on the last three to go out as they will have a target speed to beat.

For the Fast Nine, cars go out in reverse order of yesterday’s results. The field as it stands after yesterday:

Back later with an update.

Last Chance for Hinch and Alonso; Weather May Determine Pole

May 19, 2019 thepitwindow

Today is the last chance for popular drivers James Hinchcliffe and Frenando Alonso to get into the 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500. Both have had massive crashes this week. Hinchcliffe’s crash yesterday could not have come at a worse time. The 2016 pole winner is on the verge of missing his second straight 500 and third since 2015. he also missed a week of practice in 2014 recovering from a concussion he suffered in the first Indycar Grand Prix.

indy5day2 041

Will they make the race?

Alonso and McLaren have struggled since he crashed on Tuesday. Electrical issues have plagued the team. Yesterday each of Alonso’s five attempts followed the same pattern- two good laps followed by a significant drop in speed on the last two. I think McLaren came here with the attitude that they would easily get into the field. They wanted to mostly do Indy on their own. The way the series is now, that is difficult. I would have thought with their budget that they would have had a better performance despite the accident.

Other drivers looking for one of the three open grid spots are Pato O’Ward, Kyle Kaiser, Sage Karam, and Max Chilton. If Alonso and Hinchcliffe succeed in qualifying for the race, only one of these four gets in. I think Karam makes the race. He had a difficult day yesterday. J. R. Hildebrand drove his car Friday to make sure it was okay.

The forecast isn’t looking promising at the moment. Steady rain appears to be moving in around 10 am and may last most of the day. In that event, the last row will be determined tomorrow and the Spencer Pigot will have won the pole.

It seems that each time the Speedway os series changes the qualifying format, an important day gets rained out. It would also be a shame to have a rainout of the NBC broadcast.

Back later this morning with an update on the weather and any time adjustments.

Quick Thoughts- Indianapolis 500 Qualifying

May 18, 2019 thepitwindow

Above: Spencer Pigot is on the provisional pole, beating Will Power by 11 ten thousandths of a second. Photo: Kyle McInnes

I find it difficult to get excited about the Fast Nine or being in the top 30 when there is still a chance to make the field tomorrow. Granted, it’s a small chance, but today isn’t the end of the world.

The cars are behaving consistently in crashes, which I think is a good thing. It shows the safety features built in are performing correctly. The wrecks have looked very scary, but the drivers have all walked away from the cars.

The time used for the Fast Nine could be better used to give those trying to make the field multiple chances. Trying to make the last row shootout like the Fast Nine really hurts the smaller teams.

James Hinchcliffe cannot buy a break at IMS. This is his second major incident in five years.

I still think if a driver wants to requalify I think they should withdraw their time. That alone adds drama to the day.

It was quite an accomplishment for Juncos to get their car on track and make a qualifying run. It will be a great story if Kaiser gets in the race.

Because of the continuous qualifying attempts, teams haven’t had time for practice. They need to make a qualifying run to get some track time.

It was nice to see Pippa Mann at a press conference for a much better reason than why she attended one last year.

Ed Carpenter, who has all three drivers in the top nine for the second straight year, was asked if there will be team orders during the Fast Nine tomorrow. He answered, ” If there were team orders I would have been fastest today.”

Best Stories of the Day

Kyle Kaiser getting his car on track and making a qualifying run.

Hinchcliffe returning in his backup car. he’s still struggling to get into the top 30.

Colton Herta qualifying fifth as the fastest Honda.

Pippa Mann making the race after last year’s disappointment. Congratulations to Clauson Marshall, a new team, for earning a spot in the field.

Ben Hanley and Dragonspeed getting solidly in the race.

Head Scratchers

I expected a better showing from the Andretti cars. Alexander Rossi and Marc o Andretti were strong but no match for the Chevys.

Arrow Schmidt Peterson has performed below expectations all season. I hope they can find an answer overnight.

Dreyer and Reinbold has struggled all week. It took a strong late run from J. R. Hildebrand to get one car in the field.

I will have more thoughts on qualifying tomorrow morning.

Quick Thoughts Indianapolis 500 Qualifying

May 18, 2019May 18, 2019 thepitwindow

Above: Spencer Pigot is on the provisional pole, beating Will Power by 11 ten thousandths of a second.

The time used for the Fast Nine could be better used to give those trying to make the field multiple chances. Trying to make the last row shootout like the Fast Nine really hurts the smaller teams.

James Hinchcliffe cannot buy a break at IMS. This is his second major incident in five years.

I still think if a driver wants to requalify I think they should withdraw their time. That alone adds drama to the day.

It was quite an accomplishment for Juncos to get their car on track and make a qualifying run. It will be a great story if Kaiser gets in the race.

Because of the continuous qualifying attempts, teams haven’t had time for practice. They need to make a qualifying run to get some track time.

It was nice to see Pippa Mann at a press conference for a much better reason than why she attended one last year.

Best Stories of the Day

Kyle Kaiser getting his car on track and making a qualifying run.

Hinchcliffe returning in his backup car. he’s still struggling to get into the top 30.

Colton Herta qualifying fifth as the fastest Honda.

Pippa Mann making the race after last year’s disappointment. Congratulations to Clauson Marshall, a new team, for earning a spot in the field.

Ben Hanley and Dragonspeed getting solidly in the race.

Head Scratchers

I expected a better showing from the Andretti cars. Alexander Rossi and Marc o Andretti were strong but no match for the Chevys.

Arrow Schmidt Peterson has performed below expectations all season. I hope they can find an answer overnight.

Dreyer and Reinbold has struggled all week. It took a strong late run from J. R. Hildebrand to get one car in the field.

I will have more thoughts on qualifying tomorrow morning.

500 Qualifications Update- 19 Qualifiers, Pigot Currently First

May 18, 2019 thepitwindow

Nineteen cars have completed qualifying runs at this time. currently is at the top of the pylon. Pole contenders yet to make their runs are Helio Castroneves, Josef Newgarden, Scott Dixon, Graham Rahal, and Ryan Hunter-Reay.

“Pigot’ s run with a four lap average of 230.083 with a best lap at 230.8.

Will Power just missed getting the top spot with a 230.081 average.

Ed Jones had the fastest lap so far at 231.015, but his past lap dropped to 227.

More after q.ualifying

Back after the field is full and the fight to be in the top 30 begins.

Qualifying Update

May 18, 2019 thepitwindow

Qualifying order:

The cars early in the draw may have an advantage as the wind is expected to pick up this afternoon. The temperature will be 5-6 degrees warmer by the middle of the order.

There have been few takers in the practice groups so far. Kyle Kaiser is on track. What a great effort by the Juncos crew.

More later.

Qualifying Day- Weather Could Make This Pole Day

May 18, 2019 thepitwindow

Today’s schedule:

Coverage of practice and qualifications until 5 pm will be on NBC Gold. The last hour will be on NBCSN.

All 36 cars will make qualifying runs today. The fastest 30 are locked in to the race. Tomorrow, weather permitting, the fastest nine will each get one attempt to determine the staring order of the first three rows.

The six slowest cars from today will then each get one attempt to make the field. The fastest three will be the last row a week from Sunday. The 500 no longer has alternate starters.

The latest weather forecast calls for sunny and 82 degrees today. Tomorrow there is a 90% chance of rain with a possible severe thunderstorm. If Sunday is completely washed out, the slowest six will make their attempts on the next available track day. There will be no Fast Nine runs for the pole. Today’s order will be official.

Going for the Pole

As I said yesterday, look for the usual suspects. The teams in last year’s Fast Nine should make up the first three rows. Drivers who could crash the party are Alexander Rossi, Takuma Sato, and I wouldn’t count out Marco Andretti, who has been fast all month.

I don’t think we will see many 230 mph laps today with the heat. fewer than ten drivers reached that mark yesterday and today will be warmer. Those going out early will have a big advantage.

Juncos Update

The team has put in a lot of work to get the backup car ready. Crew from their Road to Indy program are helping out. NFP has increased their sponsorship. Other teams have offered parts. The Indycar family always comes through when a team is in need.

Needless to say, but Juncos racing and Kyle Kaiser will have a lot of fans today. Qualifying hasn’t had a true underdog to cheer for in a long time. Making the race after yesterday’s incident would show the true spirit of this race. should Juncos get in, we will have exhibit A for no guaranteed spots.

The Last Row

I haven’t seen anything to change my thoughts on the last three in and the three going home. Tomorrow’s weather may make the slowest six sweat out an extra 24 hours.

I plan to have an update after every 15 qualifiers as well as keeping you aware of the Juncos situation. This evening, look for my Quick Thoughts on the day and a full wrap-up after that.

Fast Friday Wrap-Up

May 17, 2019 thepitwindow

Above: The Spirit of Indy. Kyle Kaiser consoled r after his crash this morning. Thanks to @Breakinfree086 for sharing the photo.

The Sunday rain contingency plan: The last row shootout will run on the next available track day if the day is rained out. The first three rows will be set by Saturday’s times. No fast Nine Shootout will occur. This would make Saturday a true Pole Day, as it should be.

Just as happy hour began, Graham Rahal brushed the wall in turn two. He returned to the pits and the car went back to the garage to assess the damage. The right side tires had scuff marks on the sidewalls. Graham said in an interview they had lost some speed.

Juncos Racing is hard at work putting a car together. At least 20 crew member are assembling separate parts as they need to be on track for tomorrow morning’s practice.

The speeds as of 5:35:

Fastest Driver of the Day

Some Takes From Owners on Guaranteed Spots

This morning Team Penske, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, and Chip Ganassi Racing owners and drivers addressed the media in separate sessions. The question of guaranteed spots was asked of each owner. Their response:

Roger Penske- “If the people who invest in the sport and qare Building the sport today to where it is, I think we have great momentum from the press, from our TV partners, to commit to the full season, not have an opportunity to race here.. if you’re going to commit and run the whole season, you should have an opportunity to run in this race.”

Bobby Rahal- ” Ithink it’s amazing that we’re in the situation we are now, where we have more than the 33 entries…. personally i think it should be the way it’s always about, that the fastest 33 and that’s it… I think that (gauranteed spots) is loyal to the history of the Speedway and the history of the 500. I think it is the way it should be.”

Chip Ganassi-” My position is it should be the fastest 33. I’m not saying it’s not going to be that. there is a scenario where it won’t be the fastest 33. I just think that’s not right. It should be the fastest 33… If it’s not the fastest 33, then the full season participants should have some guarantee.”

Mike Hull had the most interesting comment of the morning:

“…for this race they ought to give us an extra engine and we should go faster.”

He went on to say that the only way speed come back is for engine power to go up.

Conor Daly set the fastest time of the day with three minutes left. His speed was 231.704. During the press conference he found out he will be the first driver out for qualifying tomorrow. The first hour is key to fast speeds. Those drivers whose turns come from about 12:30 to 5 will have a tough time in the heat of the day. the last 90 minutes should be a real scramble.

indy5day1 070 — Conor Daly set fast time of the day at 5:57 pm

Back tomorrow morning to set the stage. I will update after every 15 qualifiers.

Kaiser Unhurt in Crash; Andretti First to 230 MPH

May 17, 2019May 17, 2019 thepitwindow

Just before noon Kyle Kaiser spun and had hard contact with the thid turn wall. The car spun and rolled partway like Pato O’Ward did yesterday. The I’m pact put a small gouge in the track, which the IMS crew patched.

The car was destroyed. Juncos brought a second tub from their shop on Main Street in Speedway and will rebuild this car, which is primarily used for road courses. Juncos does not have a sponsor for the 500, but Kaiser had enough speed to easily be in the field.

Marco Andretti was the first driver to reach 230 mph, with a lap of 230.851. Three other drivers are also over 230. Conor Daly, Spencer Pigot, and Simon Pagenaud are second through fourth at the moment.