Day Two at IMS–That’s More Like It
It didn’t take long for Scott Dixon to make a statement. The first official practice got underway at Noon today, and I think by about 12:06 – Scott Dixon put up a time of 229.174 mph. It was reported later that that speed was the fourth-highest speed on Opening Day in history.
When I saw that big number posted, I knew it was most likely from a massive tow, but that was an impressive speed – especially for Day One. I wondered if we were looking at a day eye-opening speeds. We weren’t. Dixon’s speed stood until about 4:35 pm, when his Chip Ganassi Racing teammate, Takuma Sato topped the scoring pylon with a speed of 229.439 mph.
It’s hard to come away with too many concrete thoughts of who has speed and who doesn’t, but one thing is pretty apparent after six hours of running – the Ganassi cars are fast. All four Ganassi cars were in the Top-Seven. Dixon’s time was good for second and Alex Palou was fourth. Foyt driver Santino Ferrucci inserted himself into the Ganassi party with the third-fastest time. While reigning Indianapolis 500 champion Marcus Ericsson had the seventh quickest time of the day.
Other notables were Scott McLaughlin with the fifth quickest time, and the fastest car for Team Penske. Colton Herta was the fastest for Andretti Autosport with the4 sixth quickest time of the day. Ryan Hunter-Reay for Dreyer & Reinbold as eighth, Josef Newgarden ran ninth and Marco Andretti rounded out the Top-Ten.
At the other end of the spectrum, Callum Ilott picked up where he left off at the Open Test in April – dead last. At least his speed wasn’t as far off the pace as it was in April. His quickest time of the day was 223.409 mph.
That’s going to do it. I’m headed to Dawson’s to have dinner with John Oreovicz. I sound like I’m name-dropping, but if I just said “a friend” with my wife not in town, some people would think the worst.
It was a beautiful day at the track. Tomorrow promises to be even better. Please check back tomorrow.
George Phillips
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