DIXON LEADS THE WAY ON DAY 2
New Zealander Scott Dixon was fastest on the second day of Indy 500 practice, while compatriot Scott McLaughlin and Australian Will Power placed further back in the field.
Dixon’s lap was the best so far at 226.829mph to lead three Chip Ganassi Racing entries within the top five.
Carlin’s Conor Daly and ECR team owner Ed Carpenter completed the top three runners, while ex-Formula 1 driver Marcus Ericsson led Chip Ganassi Racing teammate, former Indy 500 winner Tony Kanaan.
After topping the times yesterday, Power ended the day 15th with a 224.785mph lap, 1.7mph slower than the previous day as Team Penske completed race runs.
His Kiwi teammate and reigning Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin ended the day 17th and was placed top rookie.
Track temperatures increased compared to the previous day as Dixon admitted he was more comfortable compared during opening practice.
“I felt like I was little more comfortable yesterday,” said Dixon. “Obviously, track conditions are different. The wind direction, especially (Turns) 2 to 4, swaps pretty big. The track temp was up today.”
On the opening day, Dixon was eighth fastest when he lapped the 2.5-mile track at a speed of 224.988mph.
“Once it gets a bit hotter, I think everybody has a bit of washout, and it’s harder to stay closer,” Dixon believes.
“We’ll see with the race, but it looks right now like the race will be pretty cool, which will definitely make for a pretty robust race for people to watch. It’s going to be tight.
“There are so many competitive cars out there, so, as always, it’s going to be a very tough race. Happy all the Ganassi cars are fast. Nice to see the #9 up top.”
Outside of the top five, Sebastien Bourdais, Arrow McLaren SP driver Pato O’Ward, Alex Palou, Sage Karam and Marco Andretti rounded out the top 10.
Just outside was last weekend’s race winner Rinus VeeKay, Andretti Autosport steerer Alexander Rossi and veteran Helio Castroneves.
During the six-hour session, 34 drivers combined to complete a total of 3,326 laps and due to the nature of the conditions aerodynamic tows were essential for a quick time.
Former Indy 500 winner Rossi was the fastest driver without the aid of a tow, completing a 221.114mph lap, more than 5mph slower than Dixon.
Rookie RC Enerson completed his rookie orientation program in his Top Gun Racing Chevrolet in a special session before the track opened for practice after an engine failed during his attempts yesterday.
However, Enerson elected not to set a lap time in the six-hour open practice session.
Tomorrow (Thursday in America) is the final day of action before boost levels are increased ahead of qualifying.
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