IndyCar Drivers Showcase Their Skills During the Indianapolis 500 Open Test
As the Indianapolis 500 approaches, the excitement is palpable among fans and drivers alike. The official Open Test held on April 24 served as a significant platform for drivers to demonstrate their capabilities on the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This event marked the beginning of the month-long lead-up to the prestigious race, with top competitors making their mark in distinct sessions.
During the morning session, Scott McLaughlin emerged as the standout performer, clocking an impressive speed of 232.686 mph in his Penske Racing car. Utilizing a qualifying engine setup, McLaughlin’s performance was commendable, and he expressed satisfaction with the two-day testing event. “We had two really solid days,” he noted. “The morning session was a bit chaotic with yellow flags and track debris, but we managed to establish a strong base as we head into May.”
In contrast, the afternoon session saw Alex Palou, the reigning two-time champion, taking the spotlight with a speed of 223.993 mph in his Ganassi Racing machine. Palou highlighted his team’s ongoing efforts to improve their performance, stating, “We continue to search for more comfort in traffic and additional speed on our own. This car gives me a real chance to win, without a doubt.”
Notable performances were also delivered by Takuma Sato, who clocked in at 232.565 mph, securing the second-fastest time of the morning session. However, Sato faced a setback later in the day when he crashed into the wall at Turn 1. “I lost the car, it just slipped away from me. I’m okay, but the car… it’s heartbreaking,” he lamented after the incident.
Completing the top five in the morning session were Will Power, Felix Rosenqvist, and Alex Palou, all of whom showcased elevated boost settings. The afternoon simulation of race conditions brought forth a competitive environment, with Kyle Kirkwood, Conor Daly, and Josef Newgarden joining Palou and Rosenqvist among the fastest drivers, all maintaining speeds around 223 mph.
The day wasn’t without its challenges, as Kyle Larson, a NASCAR driver attempting the ambitious “double” on May 25—racing at both Indianapolis and Charlotte on the same day—also crashed in the same section of the track as Sato. Fortunately, Larson exited the incident without injury.
Over the course of the two-day event, all 34 participating cars collectively completed a staggering total of 5,804 laps, which translates to an impressive 14,510 miles of testing. This level of activity underscores the rigorous preparation drivers and teams undergo leading up to the Indianapolis 500.
With the Open Test concluded, the focus now shifts to the upcoming events in May, starting with the Alabama Grand Prix on May 4, followed by the Indianapolis Grand Prix on May 10, and culminating in the iconic Indianapolis 500 on May 25. The excitement surrounding these events is heightened by the anticipation of thrilling performances and the relentless pursuit of victory.
In the United States, fans can catch all the action live, with coverage provided by FOX and the IndyCar Radio Network. Meanwhile, in Brazil, broadcasts will be available through TV Cultura, ESPN4, and Disney+.
Combined Results from the Indianapolis 500 Open Test
The combined results from the testing sessions were a testament to the drivers’ skills and their teams’ preparations. Below is a summary of the top performers during the Open Test, including their speeds and total laps completed:
- Scott McLaughlin (D/C/F) – 00:38.6788, 232.686 mph, 220 laps
- Takuma Sato (D/H/F) – 00:38.6988, 232.565 mph, 98 laps
- Will Power (D/C/F) – 00:38.7467, 232.278 mph, 201 laps
- Felix Rosenqvist (D/H/F) – 00:38.7764, 232.100 mph, 172 laps
- Alex Palou (D/H/F) – 00:38.8193, 231.843 mph, 152 laps
Among the notable performances, Scott Dixon and Kyle Kirkwood also showed strong pace, finishing inside the top ten, further emphasizing the competitiveness of the field.
Non-Tow Speeds Highlighted
Additionally, the non-tow speeds during the session provided insights into how drivers can perform without the aerodynamic advantage of drafting, a critical factor in race conditions. The standout in this category was Takuma Sato, who achieved a non-tow speed of 232.565 mph. The significance of this figure cannot be understated, as it reflects the raw speed drivers can achieve on their own.
- Takuma Sato – 00:38.6988, 232.565 mph
- Kyle Kirkwood – 00:38.8829, 231.464 mph
- Scott McLaughlin – 00:39.0823, 230.283 mph
Looking Forward
As the IndyCar series gears up for a packed May schedule, the performances observed during the Open Test provide a glimpse into the fierce competition that awaits in the Indianapolis 500. Each driver is determined to secure a place in history during this prestigious event, and fans can look forward to exhilarating races filled with high speeds and strategic battles.
With the stakes higher than ever, teams will continue to refine their setups and strategies in the lead-up to the big day. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will undoubtedly witness thrilling moments as drivers push the limits of their machines, all vying for the coveted Borg-Warner Trophy and the title of Indianapolis 500 champion.
The excitement is building, and as May approaches, the anticipation for the Indianapolis 500 is reaching a fever pitch. Fans and teams alike are ready for what promises to be an unforgettable month in the world of motorsport.
