SPEEDWAY — More than 2,000 laps of practice were turned on Tuesday – the opening day of practice for the 106th Indianapolis 500.
Following the drop of the green flag by Indiana Pacers player Oshae Brissett, drivers quickly got up to speed.
Seven Indy 500 rookies took much of the spotlight on opening day as they worked their way around the famed oval.
This year’s rookie class is headlined by 4-time Brickyard 400 and 7-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson.
As a member of Chip Ganassi Racing, Johnson is teamed up with defending series champion Alex Palou and Indy 500 champions Scott Dixon and Tony Kanaan.
Johnson, who was seen spending time with Kanaan on the pit wall throughout the day was asked about what tips Kanaan has offered him so far.
“With Tony, you never talk about racing,” Johnson said. “It is always something else. So we told a few lies and a few stories. But I certainly appreciate his friendship and the way he keeps me laughing.”
Johnson turned the third fastest lap of the day with a speed of 227.722 mph.
Takuma Sato, a 2-time Indy 500 champion, topped the charts at a speed of 228.939 mph.
Drivers return to the track for day two of practice for the 106th running of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” on Wednesday. Practice begins at noon.
-
Johnson County Community Foundation awards nonprofit organizations
The Johnson County Community Foundation awarded $162,000 to help nonprofit organizations with transportation and other support.Duke Energy rate payers could see another rate hike in the near future
The increase stems from an approved rate increase last year, and bills could climb again if a new proposal is approved.Bloomington hopes to prevent spotted lanternflies by cutting down invasive trees
The plant known as Tree of Heaven is known to feed the spotted lanternfly, which is invasive and deadly for fruit and soybean crops.Viral video shows fight inside Indianapolis Walmart: witnesses, others speak out
A viral video showcases a fight at a north side Indianapolis Walmart, sparking witnesses and others to speak out about the violence and why it sparked a viral sensation