It’s only Wednesday and the emotions in the Indycar family have been riding a roller coaster since Sunday. The joy of Pato o’Ward’s victory was tempered with the news of Bobby Unser’s death. But yesterday, two of the nicest guys in the paddock had great days. Robert Wickens drove a car at speed for the first time since his horrific crash at Pocono in 2018. Stefan Wilson confirmed he has a ride for the Indianapolis 500.
Andretti Autosport announced Stefan Wilson as the driver of car 25 in the 105th running of the Indianapolis 500. Wilson’s entry will be the sixth car in the Andretti stable. The announcement from the team:
05.04.21
• Wilson and LOHLA SPORT to complete Andretti Autosport’s six-car Indy 500 lineup
• Premier women’s golf lifestyle brand LOHLA SPORT to make their debut in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and Indianapolis 500 for Wilson’s third start at the Greatest Spectacle in Racing
Andretti Autosport announced today that Stefan Wilson and new partner LOHLA SPORT will join the five-time Indianapolis 500 winning team for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 to complete the team’s six-car lineup. Wilson, who ran the 102nd Running of the Indianapolis 500 with Andretti Autosport and competed for the team in Indy Lights, will team up with the new premier women’s golf lifestyle brand to run the No. 25 LOHLA SPORT Honda.
“We’re excited to not only welcome Stefan back to the team, but also to have a new partner in LOHLA SPORT come on board to experience their first Indy 500,” said Michael Andretti, Chairman and CEO, Andretti Autosport. “We have a great history with the Wilson family and we’re hopeful we can build on successes we’ve had in the past this May.”
“After leading laps with Andretti Autosport at the Indianapolis 500 in 2018, I’m hungry to return and finish the job. I’ve worked tirelessly to make this return happen and I am so thankful that LOHLA SPORT has believed in me to represent them,” said Wilson. “It’s a dream come true to rejoin Andretti and also partner with Honda once more in the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. The icing on the cake is we get to do this with a brand new company in LOHLA SPORT, a premium women’s apparel brand already captivating the golf lifestyle scene. Among the fans and partners involved with the Indianapolis 500, we have a huge amount of golf enthusiasts, so I’m excited to get them exposed to what LOHLA SPORT is all about. None of this would have happened without Don and Carolyn Cusick, who are avid racing and golf enthusiasts and also shareholders in LOHLA SPORT. This program also represents the birth of Cusick Motorsports, and I am hopeful the 2021 Indianapolis 500 will be a springboard to many exciting opportunities for the Cusick Motorsports brand in the future. Lastly, I am thankful to have Expedia Group’s VIP Access join the effort, along with Menlo Ventures, VSRS and Liberty Group.”
Debuting in January of 2021, LOHLA SPORT has quickly captivated the golf, country club and resort market. The brainchild of recognized fashionista Lisa O’Hurley, former Golf Channel and GOLFINO executive with more than two decades in the industry, the brand’s impeccable sense of style features colorful, on-trend European designs with Los Angeles flair. Formal collaboration with London-based Paul Rees – renowned creator of countless Burberry, Aquascutum and GOLFINO hits – has LOHLA SPORT in roughly 100 exclusive golf shops coast to coast.
“Taking this cool, market-broadening road to Indy doesn’t happen every day,” said O’Hurley. “LOHLA SPORT is proud to support women who love golf and love all sports as our outfits are fit for the course, court, racetrack and everywhere between.”
Also joining the effort is Cusick Motorsports, created by Don and Carolyn Cusick as a business incubator in racing; VIP Access, Expedia Group’s network of premium, invitation-only properties; VSRS, specializing in forging exclusive relationships in the automotive sector; Menlo Ventures, an investment firm having backed 70+ public companies and Liberty Group, specializing in wealth management, tax planning and estate law.
“As a lifelong INDYCAR fan I have always wanted to attend the Indianapolis 500 live, but never found my way there until now,” said Don Cusick. “Thankfully the stars aligned this year, meeting Stefan Wilson and creating this amazing partnership. From casually asking Stefan if he had any contacts for great seats at Indy and half-jokingly telling him the best seat would have him driving in it. As it turns out I’m getting the second-best seat in the house as the sponsor of the number 25 Andretti Autosport Indy car driven by Stefan. LOHLA SPORT is a company I am invested in, owned by our family friend Lisa O’Hurley. I couldn’t be more excited for the month of May and this opportunity to sponsor Stefan Wilson, one of the truly great people in motorsports.”
The No. 25 LOHLA SPORT Honda and Wilson will make their 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES debut on with Opening Day on May 18 before the green flag waves for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Sunday, May 30 with broadcast on NBC.
Photo from my 1968 program, autographed by Unser at a 100th running event at the IMS Museum
I loved Bobby Unser. Yes, I am an unabashed A. J. Foyt fan. After Foyt, Bobby was my man. He was like A. J. in many ways- bold, brash, not caring what people thought, but with a genteel edge and charm. His biography is well documented in the IMS press release I posted earlier. I probably have more photos of Booby Unser’s cars than i have of Foyt’s cars. What follows are some personal thoughts on my second racing hero.
My first memory of Unser was at Indianapolis 1963. He was a 29 year old rookie driving the famed Novi. I thought a driver had to pay his dues to drive that car, and here was this newcomer in it. I was skeptical. He did well, qualifying 16th. Unfortunately, he slid into the fourth turn wall after just two laps.
The next year, 1964, Unser fared even worse, as he was caught up in the tragic first lap accident involving Eddie Sachs and Dave McDonald. With his car on fire, Unser accelerated to put out the flames, but his day was done.
In 1966 Unser began to hit his stride with his first of four straight top 10 finishes in the 500.
In 1968, he seemed to have the best chance against the powerful turbine Lotuses. I picked him to win the race. Unser started third and looked good early. He faltered a bit when he lost sixth gear. On a late restart, Unser regained the lead when Joe Leonard’s car stopped in the first turn. Booby Unser had conquered the turbines.
Unser would win the 500 two more times, in 1975 and 1981. He is one of two drivers to win the 500 in three different decades.
I also loved his mastery of the Pike’s Peak Hill Climb. He won 13 times in an event his family dominated. It was a race I wish I had been able to attend.
After Unser retired from racing, he did race commentary on television. I loved his folksy manner, and his subtle way of disagreeing with Sam Posey. Bobby did not pull many punches when asked about what was going on.
In he broadcast booth and when he gave talks, Unser just seemed like a regular race fan. He connected with people on a personal level.
In his later years, he gave talks and interviews reflecting on his career. I loved listening to his stories. I’m sure they were embellished some, but they were always unfiltered and never boring.
We now have one less living legend. Many are close to Unser’s age. Only Paul Goldsmith, in his 90s, I believe is older than Bobby was.
Today I celebrate the life of one of my heroes. This May I will make an extra effort to talk to A. J., Mario,and any other divers of that era I happen to see, just to say thanks.
Just released from Indianapolis Motor Speedway:
| Fans Set To Attend 105th Indianapolis 500 at 40 Percent of Venue Capacity |
| Vaccination Days To Continue at IMS throughout May INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, April 21, 2021) – Fans will attend the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, with up to 40 percent of venue capacity permitted, totaling approximately 135,000 fans. The plan for the Sunday, May 30 race at the world’s largest sporting facility was developed in close consultation with state and local health officials and has been approved by the Marion County Public Health Department. In addition to limited attendance, further key health and safety measures at the 2.5-mile track include: Face coverings will be required and enforced throughout the venue. Temperature checks will be administered upon public gate entry. There will be spacing between customer groups in the grandstands. In addition, spacing will be enforced throughout the venue. Spectator viewing mounds will be closed to the general public throughout the Month of May, with no Race Day General Admission tickets sold. Frequent cleaning and sanitation processes will be in place, with hand sanitizer and washing stations readily available. “Our fans mean everything to us, and we can’t wait to welcome them ‘Back Home Again’ for this year’s Indy 500,” Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles said. “The city and state have worked with us to identify the appropriate health and safety precautions so that we can successfully host a limited but very enthusiastic crowd. The health and safety of everyone coming to IMS, along with Central Indiana and the Hoosier State, have been paramount throughout this process.” “The number-one thing fans can do to ensure a great Race Day is get vaccinated as quickly as possible,” Penske Entertainment President & CEO Mark Miles said. “We continue to offer vaccinations at IMS and will be extending our mass vaccination clinic throughout the Month of May. This is all part of the effort to continue getting Indiana back on track.” In addition to the planned vaccination days at IMS from April 24-30, vaccinations will now be available on select days from May 1-27, with additional details forthcoming. IMS and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES will unveil a media campaign to encourage Race Day attendees – and all Hoosiers – to get vaccinated immediately. “The COVID-19 vaccine is the best tool we have to help us return to the activities we love and have missed over the last year, and every day, more members of our community receive the lifesaving protection it offers thanks in part to community partners like Roger Penske and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway,” said Dr. Virginia Caine, director and chief medical officer of the Marion County Public Health Department. “Our vaccination rates, combined with the outdoor nature of the event, make it possible for fans to return to these hallowed grounds for the Indy 500 this year. We are grateful to the IMS team for their collaboration throughout this planning process and appreciate their work to ensure vaccines reach our neighbors. I continue to invite everyone in our community 16 and older to visit ourshot.in.gov or call 2-1-1 to sign up for the vaccine.” Additional items of note include: Fans who do not currently have Indy 500 tickets and are interested in attending can apply online at ims.com. If additional tickets are available, these fans will be given first opportunity to finalize purchases. Tickets for all other on-track days remain available, and the same health precautions for gate entry and grandstand access will be in place. With no General Admission access to the infield during the Month of May, the Friday, May 28 Carb Day concert, the Saturday, May 29 Legends Day concert and the Sunday, May 30 Snake Pit concert have all been canceled. IMS customers still have the option to roll their 2021 purchase into 2022, receiving an IMS event credit rather than attending this year’s race. A fan FAQ with additional details about Month of May and Indy 500 items has been posted to IMS.com/PlanAhead. Fans will continue to receive ongoing event information and plan-ahead updates from IMS in the weeks leading into the race. What They’re Saying About the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb: “Roger Penske and everyone associated with Penske Entertainment and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway have been incredible partners with us throughout the pandemic. It is high time for fans to return to the greatest motor speedway in the world with this safety plan in place. We’re going to have a great Month of May, so let’s go racing.” Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett: “Today’s announcement demonstrates our continued commitment to safely hosting major events and showcases the strong collaboration between the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and public health partners. We’re excited to have Race Day back in May, welcoming fans as we continue to promote vaccination for residents and visitors alike.” State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box: “IMS has been thoughtful and thorough in its approach to ensuring the safety of fans, teams and all who will visit the Speedway during the Month of May. The organization’s commitment to getting thousands of Hoosiers vaccinated is helping us all with a return to normalcy. The state Department of Health is grateful for the efforts of IMS and its partners.” |
Conor Daly and Ed Carpenter Racing revealed Daly’s car for the Indianapolis 500 this morning. The car is a tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen. I’m happy to see this squadron recognized at the 500. The car will keep the number 47 that it ran in the 500 last year.
The US Air Force posted a video about the Tuskegee Airmen. Copy the link below:
As a homage to the original trailblazers, the Tuskegee Airmen, our newest paint scheme isn’t just a visual cue, but a reminder that great things can happen when we celebrate our differences. https://t.co/Lguc9b5vUS
And then there were (maybe) two. Dreyer and Reinbold Racing announced their entry for the 105th running of the Indianapolis 500 Monday. The car will carry sponsorship from AES, the power company which serves Indianapolis. There may be two more entries for the race. The most likely is a sixth car from Andretti Autosport. Top Gun Racing is still trying to obtain an engine lease from Chevrolet.
The official announcement:
Sage Karam will team again with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing to drive an entry for the 105th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, in a partnership with the 500 Festival Foundation, AES Indiana and Omaze.
Karam, from Nazareth, Pennsylvania, will attempt to make his eighth career Indy 500 start and seventh with Indianapolis-based DRR in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” on Sunday, May 30.
The No. 24 Chevrolet-powered car will feature a new livery with branding from the 500 Festival Foundation, AES 500 Festival Parade, retail electric service company AES Indiana and fundraising platform Omaze.
“The 500 Festival is near and dear to me, and the whole team, as we have always admired and supported the work that the non-profit organization does in our community as well as the traditions it upholds for the Indy 500 and the entire month of May,” said Dennis Reinbold, DRR team owner and former 500 Festival board director. “We are grateful to longtime sponsor WIX Filters for working with us to create a platform to highlight AES Indiana, the AES 500 Festival Parade and the 500 Festival Foundation on our No. 24 car, and not to mention draw attention to the awesome Omaze prize that will benefit the 500 Festival Foundation.”
Omaze will support the 500 Festival Foundation on its unique fundraising platform this May with a sweepstakes that will allow Indy 500 fans to enter for the chance to win a very special prize and a dream-come-true package.
Due to unique challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 AES 500 Festival Parade will not be held this year. Longtime parade title sponsor, AES Indiana (formerly Indianapolis Power & Light Company), has teamed up with the 500 Festival to create a unique partnership that will highlight the community initiatives of the 500 Festival and support the 500 Festival Foundation.
Photo of Josef Newgarden by Joe Skibinski, Indycar
On a day that I wish we could save for may, 31 cars hopeful of making the field for the 105th running of the Indianapolis 500 completed the second day of open testing. Josef Newgarden, two time NTT Indtcar Series champion, had the quickest time of the two days, 226.819 miles an hour.
The first hour of the morning allowed the rookies, Pietro Fittipaldi and Cody Ware, to complete their rookie tests, and the drivers who needed to complete their refresher tests to co mplete their two phase runs.
Conor Daly led the veterans session from 10-11 before all cars were turned loose on the track. The day was interrupted twice for brief rain sprinkles and the afternoon action stopped for some track inspections.
Newgarden summed up his day in a zoom call with media after the session finished.
“It was a pretty good day,” Newgarden said. “I was happy enough with the car. I think we still need some work, for sure, but to just get an initial read on where we’re at is good. Obviously, there are a lot of new parts and differences to the last couple of years, so we’re just trying to assess what we need to really work on these last couple of weeks before we get back here in May. But I’m pretty happy.”
He responded to questions about the duifference between this year’s car and last year’s car. he likes the changes and thinks the racing will be better.
“Yes, definitely. It’s easier to follow. It’s still tough. You’ll still get a big front wash in traffic. 10 cars back, it’s always going to b e difficult. But I think they’ve made the ability to follow better. That balance separation between clean air and dirty air is definitely reduced.Some of them are tricky to drive, some of these parts. I think you’re seeing some split camps here along pit lane. Not everybody is running the same stuff. That’s been interesting to watch. There’s more downforce on the car. I think the balance shift in traffic is less.Yeah, the ability that we’re going to have to race compared to last year will be better.
I think you have a better opportunity this year looking at the amount of downforce we have, the balance shift in and out of traffic. I think you have a better opportunity to fight for the win in the third or fourth car inline.I think more than that, you are a quick car during the race,you somehow find yourself in the back, I think you have abetter opportunity of making your way forward. Those two elements will automatically help the show. But you don’t want to have it so easy where we’re packed up the entire field the entire time. I think that’s something that you would want to avoid.It’s a balancing act. I think it will be a lot better than last year as far as the ability to race up front. Time will tell. But I think you’ll have a better show.”
Juan Pablo Montoya, two time Indianapolis 500 is returning to the race after a three year absence. He gave his thoughts on the Arrow McLaren SP Chevy he drove in the test to the Indycar he last drove.
“They’re a little harder to drive, I think. I think the difference between clear air and dirty air is a little bigger. I think the changes from what INDYCAR did, from what everybody says, it’s a little harder as before, but not that bad.”
As for adjusting to the aeroscreen, Montoya felt the aeroscreen was similar to the sports cars he drove the last three years.
“It wasn’t too bad to get used to it. I thought it would be a little more intrusive. It’s definitely a pain in the butt to get in and out of the car, and it’s a lot hotter. I know like here it hasn’t been that bad in the oval. I did a test in Laguna. In a road course, you don’t get a lotof air. That was kind of shocking.Yeah, I mean, it’s kind of weird because, like, you’re really in a little bubble. It feels a little bit once you’re driving like a sports car.”
Andretti Autosport seemed to be struggling a bit as they did last year. The team did not have a driver in the top 10 today.
Takuma Sato and Graham Rahal look to be right wher they were last year with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. Sato won the 2020 race and Rahal finished third.
Montoya and Helio Castroneves were quick in their first outing in cars not owned by Roger Penske. It’s still odd seeing them in non-Penske cars.
Arrow McLaren SP could be a factor in the 500 as well as during the rest of the season. Montoya’s input should help push the team up a notch this year.
Today’s results, followed by the no tow time sheet:
| RANK | CAR NO. | DRIVER | TEAM | ENGINE | SPEED | LAPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | Josef Newgarden | Team Penske | Chevy | 226.819 | 121 |
| 2 | 30 | Takuma Sato | Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing | Honda | 226.396 | 60 |
| 3 | 86 | Juan Pablo Montoya | Arrow McLaren SP | Chevy | 226.123 | 68 |
| 4 | 9 | Scott Dixon | Chip Ganassi Racing | Honda | 225.906 | 126 |
| 5 | 15 | Graham Rahal | Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing | Honda | 225.644 | 157 |
| 6 | 47 | Conor Daly | Ed Carpenter Racing | Chevy | 225.639 | 137 |
| 7 | 12 | Will Power | Team Penske | Chevy | 225.501 | 162 |
| 8 | 60 | Jack Harvey | Meyer Shank Racing | Honda | 225.266 | 140 |
| 9 | 5 | Pato O’Ward | Arrow McLaren SP | Chevy | 225.118 | 156 |
| 10 | 6 | Helio Castroneves | Meyer Shank Racing | Honda | 225.074 | 128 |
| 11 | 22 | Simon Pagenaud | Team Penske | Chevy | 225.001 | 184 |
| 12 | 28 | Ryan Hunter-Reay | Andretti Autosport | Honda | 224.949 | 134 |
| 13 | 26 | Colton Herta | Andretti Autosport | Honda | 224.203 | 164 |
| 14 | 20 | Ed Carpenter | Ed Carpenter Racing | Chevy | 224.146 | 146 |
| 15 | 10 | Alex Palou | Chip Ganassi Racing | Honda | 224.134 | 112 |
| 16 | 7 | Felix Rosenqvist | Arrow McLaren SP | Chevy | 223.973 | 126 |
| 17 | 18 | Ed Jones | Dale Coyne Racing With Vasser-Sullivan | Honda | 223.905 | 104 |
| 18 | 3 | Scott McLaughlin | Team Penske | Chevy | 223.808 | 195 |
| 19 | 27 | Alexander Rossi | Andretti Autosport | Honda | 223.636 | 136 |
| 20 | 45 | Santino Ferrucci | Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing | Honda | 223.519 | 137 |
| 21 | 16 | Simona De Silvestro | Paretta Autosport | Chevy | 223.458 | 92 |
| 22 | 29 | James Hinchcliffe | Andretti Steinbrenner Autosport | Honda | 223.458 | 127 |
| 23 | 48 | Tony Kanaan | Chip Ganassi Racing | Honda | 223.101 | 99 |
| 24 | 24 | Sage Karam | Dreyer & Reinbold Racing | Chevy | 223.095 | 81 |
| 25 | 98 | Marco Andretti | Andretti Herta-Haupert w/Marco & Curb-Agajanian | Honda | 222.815 | 138 |
| 26 | 14 | Sebastien Bourdais | AJ Foyt Enterprises | Chevy | 222.627 | 125 |
| 27 | 59 | Max Chilton | Carlin | Chevy | 222.258 | 114 |
| 28 | 8 | Marcus Ericsson | Chip Ganassi Racing | Honda | 222.135 | 188 |
| 29 | 51 | Pietro Fittipaldi | Dale Coyne Racing w/Rick Ware Racing | Honda | 221.943 | 144 |
| 30 | 4 | Dalton Kellett | AJ Foyt Enterprises | Chevy | 220.196 | 97 |
| 31 | 52 | Cody Ware | Dale Coyne Racing w/Rick Ware Racing | Honda | 218.438 | 58 |
Indianapolis 500 test – Friday all-skate – no-tow timesheet
| RANK | CAR NO. | DRIVER | TEAM | ENGINE | SPEED |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 | Graham Rahal | Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing | Honda | 221.549 |
| 2 | 3 | Scott McLaughlin | Team Penske | Chevy | 221.153 |
| 3 | 27 | Alexander Rossi | Andretti Autosport | Honda | 220.889 |
| 4 | 28 | Ryan Hunter-Reay | Andretti Autosport | Honda | 220.490 |
| 5 | 12 | Will Power | Team Penske | Chevy | 220.405 |
| 6 | 20 | Ed Carpenter | Ed Carpenter Racing | Chevy | 220.263 |
| 7 | 26 | Colton Herta | Andretti Autosport | Honda | 220.242 |
| 8 | 22 | Simon Pagenaud | Team Penske | Chevy | 220.099 |
| 9 | 59 | Max Chilton | Carlin | Chevy | 219.922 |
| 10 | 60 | Jack Harvey | Meyer Shank Racing | Honda | 219.881 |
| 11 | 7 | Felix Rosenqvist | Arrow McLaren SP | Chevy | 219.670 |
| 12 | 2 | Josef Newgarden | Team Penske | Chevy | 219.668 |
| 13 | 5 | Pato O’Ward | Arrow McLaren SP | Chevy | 219.621 |
| 14 | 9 | Scott Dixon | Chip Ganassi Racing | Honda | 219.558 |
| 15 | 98 | Marco Andretti | Andretti Herta-Haupert w/Marco & Curb-Agajanian | Honda | 219.518 |
| 16 | 14 | Sebastien Bourdais | AJ Foyt Enterprises | Chevy | 219.293 |
| 17 | 30 | Takuma Sato | Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing | Honda | 219.175 |
| 18 | 4 | Dalton Kellett | AJ Foyt Enterprises | Chevy | 219.174 |
| 19 | 6 | Helio Castroneves | Meyer Shank Racing | Honda | 219.027 |
| 20 | 24 | Sage Karam | Dreyer & Reinbold Racing | Chevy | 218.431 |
| 21 | 47 | Conor Daly | Ed Carpenter Racing | Chevy | 218.424 |
| 22 | 29 | James Hinchcliffe | Andretti Steinbrenner Autosport | Honda | 218.014 |
| 23 | 8 | Marcus Ericsson | Chip Ganassi Racing | Honda | 217.991 |
| 24 | 16 | Simona De Silvestro | Paretta Autosport | Chevy | 217.880 |
| 25 | 10 | Alex Palou | Chip Ganassi Racing | Honda | 217.670 |
| 26 | 51 | Pietro Fittipaldi | Dale Coyne Racing w/Rick Ware Racing | Honda | 217.619 |
| 27 | 86 | Juan Pablo Montoya | Arrow McLaren SP | Chevy | 217.600 |
| 28 | 48 | Tony Kanaan | Chip Ganassi Racing | Honda | 217.563 |
| 29 | 45 | Santino Ferrucci | Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing | Honda | 217.068 |
| 30 | 18 | Ed Jones | Dale Coyne Racing With Vasser-Sullivan | Honda | 216.992 |
| 31 | 52 | Cody Ware | Dale Coyne Racing w/Rick Ware Racing | Honda | 215.776 |
Conor Daly once again had the fastest time in the veterans only session which just comcluded. The veterans took to the track at 10 am following a one hour session for the Rookies and veteran refresher tests.
Pietro Fittipaldi and Cody Ware completed their rookie tests and all refresher tests are complete as well.
A light sprinkle has the track closed at the moment but the sun has returned and cars should be running again soon.
The speed chart from the veteran’s session:
If you are watching on Peacock, please let me know what you think. I’m impressed with the picture resolution.
Back later with a wrap up of today’s action.
Today’s schedule at IMS:
9-10 Rookie orientation and Refresher tests
10-11 Veterans
11-6 All cars
Broadcast on Peacock
| Photo: Sebastien Bourdais From Indycar, a summary of Thursday’s Open Test |
| Track Activity To Resume at 9 a.m. (ET) Friday INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, April 8, 2021) – Sebastien Bourdais of AJ Foyt Racing was the fastest among 32 drivers who turned laps Thursday at the 105th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge Open Test, which included a rain delay of more than five hours at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Frenchman Bourdais was among a group of 11 drivers who took to the 2.5-mile oval in the final 70 minutes of track activity for veteran refresher tests and the Rookie Orientation Program, and he turned a top lap of 224.427 mph in the famous No. 14 ROKiT Chevrolet fielded by legendary four-time Indy 500 winner A.J. Foyt. RESULTS: Veteran session | Rookie Orientation/Refreshers Bourdais turned his top lap in the last few minutes of the final session, which resembled the “Happy Hour” of an Indy 500 practice day with cars running in aerodynamic packs. He was among the veterans who needed to complete the two-phase refresher test since he didn’t race in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” in 2020. “Pretty good refresher for the A.J. Foyt No. 14,” Bourdais said. “That ROKiT car was pretty good. It always feels a little different when you start at low speeds and the car’s never really settled, but we got through both phases and are ready to go tomorrow and start working properly. It’s all good.” Rain halted the opening veterans-only session at 12:30 p.m. (ET). A second heavy shower around 3:15 p.m. delayed track activity until the track reopened at 6:03 p.m. under blue skies and sunshine. Track activity will take place from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (ET) Friday, with live broadcast coverage on Peacock. Rookie Orientation and refresher tests will take place from 9-10 a.m., with veterans back on track from 10-11 a.m. The track will open for all drivers from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Conor Daly was the second-fastest driver overall and the fastest in the morning session of 90 minutes before heavy rain arrived in Indianapolis. Daly’s top lap was 222.714 in the No. 47 U.S. Air Force Chevrolet fielded by Ed Carpenter Racing, also with the help of an aerodynamic tow. Sage Karam was third overall at 222.408, with his best lap in the No. 24 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Chevrolet also coming during the final session after the rain left town. Three-time Indy 500 pole winner Ed Carpenter was fourth at 221.296 in the No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet. Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves rounded out the top five at 221.097 in the No. 06 Meyer Shank Racing Honda. 2020 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Rookie of the Year Rinus VeeKay suffered a broken finger in a crash in Turn 1 just 11 minutes into track activity in his No. 21 Sonax/Autogeek Chevrolet fielded by ECR. He was cleared to drive. VeeKay’s car dipped low into the grass inside Turn 1 and did nearly a full clockwise spin before hitting the SAFER Barrier in Turn 1 with the right front and right side of the car. The car then spun twice and slid through the short chute before stopping at the entrance of Turn 2 with heavy damage. “I wanted to do as many laps as possible to be successful,” VeeKay said. “I’m very sorry. It was a weird moment.” The 105th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is scheduled for Sunday, May 30. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES season opens April 17-18 with the Honda Indy Grand Prix presented by AmFirst at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama. |
