Thoughts From the Open Test

A few items from Wednesday’s open test for the 103^rd Indianapolis 500 on May 26:

 

Photo credit: Joe Skibinski/Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Takuma Sato at speed.

Takuma Sato had the fastest lap in Wednesday’s open test, with a speed of 226.993 mph. For reference, Ed Carpenter took the pole last year with a speed average of 229.618 mph over his four-lap, 10-mile qualification run.

The 2017 500 champ said his No. 30 Mi-Jack/Panasonic Honda was nowhere near trimmed out. “We have more downforce because of the cooler conditions,” he said. “The car performed out of the box, so I was very happy and enjoyed a few laps."

Weather was an issue throughout the day. Just 11 minutes into the session, rain caused a four-hour delay. Veteran drivers who have raced in the NTT IndyCar Series this season then got about an hour and a half of track time before more moisture hit. After an hour delay, rookies and veterans needing to take a refresher test received a similar amount of time until a final shower ended the day about 7:30 p.m. Eastern time.

Star-studded refresher list

Drivers who aren’t regular participants in the NTT IndyCar Series need to take a two-phase refresher test before they’re eligible to qualify. This includes two-time Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves.

Photo credit: Jeff Majeske

Fernando Alonso (center).

Because of the rain delays, they were unable to complete their tests and will have to wait until the opening day of practice, May 14, to finish. Alonso needs to turn 10 more laps at 215-plus mph, while Castroneves needs three laps at 215-plus. JR Hildebrand and Oriol Servia also need to finish; Conor Daly wrapped up his test and is ready to go.

“Even though we were unlucky with the weather and also had some issues with the car, we still got in some laps and the adrenaline driving around here is unique, so I feel happy,” Alonso said.

Alonso made an impressive debut in 2017, leading 27 laps before being sidelined with mechanical failure. He looks to build on that performance this May.

“This time the Indy 500 feels different for me,” he said. “I know the race, I know the length and we should be a bit more ready especially on the emotional side. Now it's just about making sure the car is fast. We have two weeks and a lot of work to do, but I'm confident we'll keep moving in the right direction."

Alonso is driving the No. 66 McLaren Racing Chevrolet. The No. 66 recognizes McLaren’s first win at Indianapolis with Mark Donohue in 1972.

Kanaan keeps chin up

The rain and mechanical difficulties combined to cut short Tony Kanaan’s day. The 2013 winner ran just three laps, with a “best” speed of 20.794 mph in his No. 14 ABC Supply Chevrolet. Kanaan, a dedicated runner, cyclist and triathlete, probably can ride his bike faster than that.

Photo credit: Joe Skibinski/
Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The popular Brazilian took it all in stride.

“It was a brand-new car and a very unexpected problem, actually,” he said. “We had a leak and we fixed the leak, then a leak appeared somewhere else. It's one of those things that I don't think it's anybody's fault. It's a brand-new car.”

Kanaan, in his second season driving for A.J. Foyt, proved he’s still a contender at Indianapolis by leading 19 laps last year before spinning on Turn 2 and crashing.

“I’ve been around for too long; the boss has been around for too long,” he said. “If you panic here, you get in trouble."

Kanaan is seeking his 18^th consecutive start in the Indianapolis 500, second only to Castroneves among active drivers. (Castroneves is going for 19 straight this year.) Impressive as it is, it pales to Foyt, who holds the record with 35 consecutive starts spanning 1958 to 1992.

Herta fastest rookie

Colton Herta, the early favorite for Rookie of the Year after winning in the series’ debut at Circuit of the Americas, was the fastest rookie at 226.108 mph, fourth-best of the day.

Photo credit: Chris Jones/IMS

Colton Herta.

The son of five-time starter Bryan Herta had to go easy at first as he completed his three-phase rookie orientation. “Once they kind of run at 215-plus on the third stage, it was pretty awesome,” the younger Herta said. “Definitely a dream of mine for a long time to be able to run an Indy car here. Even though it's just testing, it's still really sentimental.”

Unlike Bobby Rahal, who is part owner of son Graham’s car, Bryan Herta is not involved with Colton’s team. Instead, he’s on the pit box for Marco Andretti’s team (take a breath): Andretti Herta Autosport with Marco Andretti & Curb-Agajanian.

Rolls right off the tongue, doesn’t it?

Herta drives the No. 88 for Harding Steinbrenner Racing. Steinbrenner is George Michael Steinbrenner IV, grandson of George Steinbrenner, who had a successful and colorful reign as owner of the New York Yankees from 1973-2010.

Winner’s circle

In addition to Sato, Kanaan and Castroneves, four other former 500 champions are expected to be entered: Scott Dixon (2008), Ryan Hunter-Reay (2014), Alexander Rossi (2016) and last year’s winner, Will Power. All participated in Wednesday’s session.