INDIANAPOLIS (May 11, 2015) – The chase for speed and unlocking the secrets of the new superspeedway aero kits began in earnest with the second day of practice for the 99th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. Thirty cars logged nearly 1,100 laps on a day abbreviated by an early afternoon shower, with Sage Karam posting the fastest lap (225.802 mph) in the No. 8 Comfort Revolution/Big Machine Records Chevrolet.
“It’s only the first day, so it’s not about how fast you are today,” said Karam, who finished an impressive ninth as a 19-year-old rookie in the 2014 Indianapolis 500. “It’s about how fast you are on Sunday in two weeks. It definitely feels good, though. It’s the first time I’ve ever been P1 at the (Indianapolis Motor) Speedway so it’s a good feeling.”
Two of Karam’s Chip Ganassi Racing teammates, Scott Dixon and Tony Kanaan, were second (225.293) and third (225.217) on the speed chart, respectively. Marco Andretti led the Honda contingent, fourth overall at 225.184 mph in the No. 27 Snapple Andretti Autosport machine.
Chevrolet and Honda developed the aerodynamic bodywork packages that attach to the Dallara IR-12 chassis in the offseason. The aero kit components for road/street courses and short ovals were used in the first five Verizon IndyCar Series races of the season, with the superspeedway kit components unveiled May 3 at the opening day practice for the May 24 Indianapolis 500.
“We have a lot of work to do,” Karam said. “The car’s not anywhere near where we want it to be for race day or qualifying. I’ve got a great team. They worked really hard. They are making it a lot easier on us drivers by being as prepared as they are. We are picking this new aero kit apart and we’re figuring it out every time we go out.”
Also today, Stefano Coletti (No. 4 KV Racing Technology Chevrolet) completed all three phases of the rookie orientation program, while Townsend Bell rolled through the veteran refresher program in his first Indy car action since last year’s “500.”
When asked about his first-ever oval experience today on the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Coletti said, “It’s really fast … and fun.”
“I’ve been waiting for three months to be on this oval,” said Coletti, 26, the first native of Monaco to drive in an Indy car race since Louis Chiron competed in the 1929 Indianapolis 500. “I’ve always watched (the Indy 500) since I was a kid and I’ve always wanted to race in the ‘500.’ The atmosphere and all the people here look incredible on TV, and being here is a dream come true.”
Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk was in Coletti’s pit to offer guidance.
“When I coach somebody, it’s almost as exciting as driving yourself because it’s nice to see somebody pick up the pace quickly and pick up the lines around the track quickly,” said Luyendyk, who 25 years ago won his first Indy 500. “So far, I’m happy with the lines he’s taken because that’s really important here.”
Practice resumes Tuesday through Friday (noon-6 p.m. ET), with two days of qualifying scheduled Saturday and Sunday to determine the 33-car field for the race.
