Confidence building for Will Power after leading Monday’s session. (Photo: Luis Torres | The Podium Finish)
SPEEDWAY, Ind. – Traffic, race pace and a heavy crash defined Monday’s practice session for the 107th Indianapolis 500.
As the 33-car field logged laps and searched for the necessary adjustments before Friday’s Carburetion Day, Will Power ran 88 laps and ended up fastest at 229.22 mph.
The 2018 Indy 500 champion will roll off 12th after being the only Penske driver who tried to make the Firestone Fast Six on Sunday. Now that qualifying is in the books, Power’s mind shifted on the session leading up to the race.
He explained that he was dealing with vibrations on his No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet, but was able to learn a lot in the two-hour session.
“I think we got somewhat on top of that, ran at the front, ran in the middle, ran in the back. I think the car is pretty good. I think we’re in a good spot, really good spot,” Power said.
Regarding the vibration on his Penske machine, he elaborated the left sides were softer as it degraded a lot easier. Vibrations are a pitfall that will be monitored with one more practice session before Race Day.
“I haven’t had a set without a vibration yet,” Power said. “I’ve had a couple that have been massive and you have to pit and I’ve had a couple — last one I just did a full stint, but it’s still there.
”It’s left side, left front, left rear. Depends which slides more.”
Come Sunday, Power feels the Chevrolet powered cars will come to play as he felt they have the upper hand on Honda when it comes to race trim.
This has the reigning INDYCAR champion feeling every bit of optimism that Chevrolet will return back to Victory Lane at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“I feel like we have good horsepower, and I think we’re in good shape. A lot of people who are extremely good, a lot of teams,” he said. “It’s almost going to be a day of no mistakes in the pits and just keeping out of trouble on track to give yourself a shot at the end. The package I have, you can run on the gearbox.”
Power looks to get his first INDYCAR win since Detroit last June. (Photo: Luis Torres | The Podium Finish)
One driver looking to finally win the Indianapolis 500 is Marco Andretti, who will be competing in his 18th Indy 500. Andretti ended up seventh fastest on the board at 226.632 mph, logging in 53 laps this afternoon.
Despite having a lot of work to do this Sunday by starting 24th, Andretti felt good about his No. 98 Honda and it is going to boil down how he can manage through traffic and race strategy.
“It’s pretty tough to pass three or four back. I’m sure there’s been a theme,” Andretti said. “I’m not sure what is actually causing that, but I think to be honest, the new aero rules just allow that snake to be even closer. When you get the runs on people, you pop into clean air and drag, and the car you’re trying to pass has a 20-car draft, so he beats you to the corner.
”So it makes it very tough to pass. I think adding the downforce made that snake on the straightaway that you see even closer. It makes it pretty difficult to make hay, but it is 500 miles, and we’ve seen this race end up crazy. We’re ready to fight. We have a car to fight.”
Marco Andretti was quickest out of the Andretti Autosport group. (Photo: Luis Torres | The Podium Finish)
A spot below Andretti during Monday’s session was the impressive rookie Benjamin Pedersen, driving for AJ Foyt Racing.
As the only rookie who made it into the Fast 12, Pedersen will start 11th in what has been a strong month for the freshman racer and the entire two-car organization. Although the spotlight has been on fourth-place starter Santino Ferrucci, Pedersen’s efforts has all but assured him Indy 500 Rookie of the Year honors.
But all eyes are on having a strong 200-lap race and keep AJ Foyt even more happy, especially coming into INDYCAR with minimal oval experience.
“It’s pretty surreal coming here as a rookie and have the month that we’ve had so far. As a team, that aside, just huge accomplishment with what we have as a goal,” said Pedersen. “Just learning a new oval, obviously different car, being in an INDYCAR, as well. Texas was helpful at the beginning of this year to learn what a superspeedway is like. Just loving it.”
Monday’s session was marred due to a two-car crash involving Stefan Wilson and Katherine Legge. As Legge was able to be checked and released from the infield care center, Wilson was transported to a local hospital for advanced imaging and further evaluation.
According to INDYCAR Medical Director Dr. Julia Vaizer, Wilson is in good spirits without any significant issues.
Katherine Legge and Stefan Wilson involved in a two-car accident at Indianapolis. (Photo: Luis Torres | The Podium Finish)
While everyone awaits for further updates, the next time the field hits the track will be Friday for Carb Day. Live coverage of the final two-hour session begins at 11 a.m. ET followed by the pit stop competition at 2 p.m. ET on Peacock.
Finally, coverage of the 107th Indianapolis 500 begins at 11 a.m. ET on NBC. INDYCAR championship leader Alex Palou will lead the 33-car field to green.
Top 10 Practice Results: Power (229.222 mph), Dixon (229.184), Sato (228.382) Palou (227.392), Kanaan (227.094), Daly (227.093), Andretti (226.632), Pedersen (226.302), O’Ward (226.263), Herta (225.943)
Top 3 “No-Tow” Practice Results: O’Ward (221.301), Palou (220.762), Rosenqvist (220.579)
