It’s the Month of May at IMS!
Well, we almost made it. We were pretty much running on time, but as we were on our way to The Workingman’s Friend, we got caught behind a slow train that lasted for quite a while. By the time it moved on, The Workingman’s Friend was packed!
We were able to get the last available table. They were extremely busy, but the food did not disappoint. It was just as good as I remembered. I’m not sure why it was so busy (other than the good food), because we went there at about the same time on GP Friday, and it wasn’t packed at all. Maybe today was the exception.
With the 1:10 pm start of the second practice, we were still in good shape when we left lunch. But a long line at the admin building to pick up our credentials for the month. As we got up to the window, I could see on the monitors in there (and hear through the walls) that cars were rolling out of the pits.
By the time we parked and carried our stuff to the Media Center and said our hellos to friends, there was only about 15 minutes left in Practice Two. So I decided to put out the first trackside post of the month.
Practice is now over. Christian Lundgaard of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLLR) led the session qwith a time of 1:09.5588. Will Power was second, while Scott Dixon was third. Scott McLaughlin and Felix Rosenqvist rounded out the Top-Five.
Josef Newgarden has had problems throughout the day. he was fourteenth quick in the morning session and only improved to tenth quick in the afternoon session. Sting Ray Robb was dead last in the second session with a time of 1:11.2435.
Now the teams head back to Gasoline Alley to make final adjustments for qualifying, which will air live on Peacock at 4:20 pm EDT. It should be interesting.
In the meantime, we are going to go explore. I am hopeful the gift shop directly below the Media Center is open. There are a few items I am wanting for May.
Please check back later, after qualifying.
George Phillips
Oilpressure 
May 10, 2024 at 1:36 pm
Christian Lundgaard was my first gut feeling to win the 500 this year and I made the wager weeks ago on DraftKings along with Sato because I have a feeling RLL racing will show up on race day in 2024 at the #IMS. Felix Rosenqvist has some moxy so far this season and has been fast. The team and driver seem to be over the target so far this season and now it’s showtime. Let me know about any new concessions items and “Change is Bad” snippets this May.
May 10, 2024 at 1:52 pm
Honda reliability seems to be a big question mark at the moment following the two brand new engine failures in session one today. In light of Honda’s statement early this year about the possibility of leaving the series at the end of the current contract, there may be even more drama, or maybe not.