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Larson shows speed in Indy test

By Thomas Miles

Date posted: April 11, 2024

Rookie Kyle Larson finished an impressive second in a rain-shortened opening day of testing for the Indianapolis 500.

Reigning Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden remained on top by setting the fastest time in the morning session by clocking 39.338s and 228.811mph around the famous 2.5m oval.

Being four tenths faster then the rest, it could be an ominous sign considering the Penske driver also led the Open Test last year when he tasted the milk, while he also topped the times in 2022.

“We’re not trying to do it because I had no idea,” Newgarden said of leading the Open Test for a third straight year.

“I didn’t know it was three years in a row. We want to check off things on our list. 

“Obviously, it’s been right at the front, which is a good sign.”

While it was little surprise to see Newgarden atop the speed chart, the second-fastest driver raised eyebrows and anticipation in equal measure.

NASCAR star Larson showed no signs of struggling to adjust to life behind the wheel of the McLaren Chevrolet at Indianapolis, surging to second with 226.384mph.

In addition to the Indy 500, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion will also attempt the “Hendrick 1100” double of racing at Indy and in the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 26.

“Getting in some traffic and feeling the turbulent air,” Larson recalled. 

“The first time I got in traffic, I think my tires still had good grip, so I was surprised. It didn’t feel that different in traffic. 

“Then the last time, I was building understeer, and Newgarden got by me and I was super tight behind him.

“I’m just trying to learn all that and process all that and knowing what I can do in the car to cope with that. 

“I’m just trying to figure out any bit of racecraft today, which I know is tough. Just get notes in my head and all that.”

Experienced Kiwi Scott Dixon joined them in the top three with a 39.7622s, which just edged out Alex Palou as less than a tenth separated positions 2-5.

Penske star Scott McLaughlin was sixth with a 39.9328s, while Marcus Armstrong and Will Power were 13th and 16th respectively.

Cars will return to Indianapolis for practice on Tuesday, May 14.

Indianapolis 500 Open Test results

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