Indianapolis, Indiana – As the 2024 Indianapolis 500 approaches, two of the most familiar names in racing have emerged as the drivers to watch after the final day of the Indianapolis 500 Open Test. The day, split into two sessions with distinct engine performance setups, saw Scott McLaughlin and Alex Palou shine at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, setting the stage for an exciting Month of May.
McLaughlin, who stunned fans last year with his pole-winning performance at the Indy 500, was the fastest in the morning session, which featured the higher turbo boost levels typical of the “Fast Friday” practice and the PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying in mid-May. The driver of the No. 3 Pennzoil Team Penske Chevrolet posted a blistering 232.686 mph, marking the fastest lap of the two-day testing session.
“We had a really good day, a good couple of days,” McLaughlin said. “Felt like we got through a lot from a hybrid perspective. Then I felt like the morning qualifying session – the high-boost session – was a bit of a crapshoot. There were a couple yellows, and when the track got better, it was a bit dirty from some of the shunts, as well. Then everyone was trying to cram a lot into 40 minutes. But overall, a really solid car balance to kick off the Month of May.”
Despite the favorable conditions, the session was not without its risks. As drivers pushed the limits of their cars with high-boost setups, the track became more unpredictable. Still, McLaughlin’s performance stood out, solidifying his place as a top contender for the pole during qualifying week.
The afternoon session, featuring the lower boost levels that will be used on Race Day for the Indianapolis 500, saw reigning IndyCar champion Alex Palou top the speed charts with a lap of 223.993 mph in his No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. This performance placed Palou firmly in the spotlight, as the current championship leader showed impressive consistency and speed in race trim.
“You need to keep on always chasing it and trying to make it better,” Palou said. “Trying to make it more comfortable when running in traffic, trying to make it faster when you’re alone. That’s the car that gives me a chance (to win), for sure.”
Palou’s performance, while impressive, highlighted the difference between qualifying speeds and race-day conditions. The lower boost levels in the afternoon meant that drivers had to focus more on handling, tire management, and drafting, as opposed to sheer speed. Palou’s adaptability in these conditions is a testament to his skill and strategy.
Takuma Sato, a two-time Indy 500 winner, had a strong morning performance, running second fastest with a lap of 232.565 mph in the No. 75 AMADA Honda of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. This lap was the fastest of the test without the benefit of the aerodynamic tow from a leading car, a feat that demonstrated Sato’s confidence and capability in the high-boost session. However, his success was short-lived. On just his eighth lap, Sato lost control of his car and slammed into the SAFER Barrier in Turn 1, bringing his session to an early end.
“I lost it; I simply lost it,” Sato said, visibly disappointed. “It’s hard. My body is fine. It’s just the car … I lost the car. That’s heartbreaking.”
Sato’s crash served as a reminder of the thin line between success and disaster in IndyCar racing, especially when pushing the limits during high-speed qualifying simulations. Fortunately, Sato walked away unscathed, but his team now faces the challenge of repairing the car before qualifying.
2018 Indianapolis 500 winner Will Power followed Sato in third place in the morning session with a lap of 232.278 mph. Other notable performances included Felix Rosenqvist, who recorded a lap of 232.100 mph in the No. 60 SiriusXM Honda for Meyer Shank Racing. The session was a strong showing for Chevrolet, with the American manufacturer placing two cars in the top five. By contrast, Honda engines dominated Wednesday’s testing, but Chevrolet powered through in Thursday’s high-boost session.
In the afternoon, the field focused on race conditions, with many drivers testing their cars in traffic, mimicking the conditions they will face on race day. Palou, along with Rosenqvist, was one of the few drivers to remain in the top five across both sessions, a promising sign for the upcoming race.
Rosenqvist, who finished second in the afternoon session with a lap of 223.366 mph, has shown remarkable consistency throughout the test. Long Beach winner Kyle Kirkwood also impressed in the afternoon, securing third place with a lap of 223.362 mph in the No. 27 Andretti Global Honda. Conor Daly, representing Juncos Hollinger Racing, and two-time Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden rounded out the top five in the afternoon, with lap times of 223.298 mph and 223.255 mph, respectively.
The afternoon session was marred by another crash, this time from NASCAR star Kyle Larson. Larson, who is attempting to race in both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25, made contact with the SAFER Barrier in Turn 1 before hitting the wall again in Turn 2. Larson, who is a rookie at the Indy 500, was unharmed, but his car sustained enough damage that he was unable to return to the track for the remainder of the day.
The two-day open test saw 34 drivers combined to complete 5,804 laps, equating to a distance of 14,510 miles. The event was a crucial part of the preparation for the Indianapolis 500, providing drivers and teams with valuable data ahead of the official practice sessions later in May.
For the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the focus now shifts to the Month of May, which will be packed with action, including three major races. The first race of the month will be the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix at Barber Motorsports Park on May 4, followed by the Sonsio Grand Prix on the IMS road course on May 10. The 109th Indianapolis 500, widely regarded as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” will take place on Sunday, May 25.
With the top contenders already showing their potential during testing, fans can expect a thrilling lead-up to the Indianapolis 500. The drama of qualifying, combined with the strategic battles of the race itself, promises another exciting chapter in the history of the Indy 500. As always, FOX, the FOX Sports app, and the INDYCAR Radio Network will provide live coverage of all three races, ensuring fans won’t miss a moment of the action.
The Indianapolis 500 is fast approaching, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With McLaughlin, Palou, and other top drivers in the mix, the race for the win is set to be a thrilling spectacle.
