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.
-
Indianapolis woman shares story after surviving a rare SCAD heart attack
An Indianapolis woman who survived a rare heart attack is sharing her story ahead of the Go Red for Women Luncheon, where survivors and advocates will raise awareness about women's heart health.
Lawrence Central’s Lola Lampley selected for McDonald’s All-American Games
Lawrence Central senior Lola Lampley became the only Indiana player, male or female, selected to play in the 2026 McDonald's All-American Game.
Creators sue Trump Admin officials for removing ICE monitoring platforms
Several app creators are suing Trump Administration officials, challenging the removal of ICE monitoring platforms on social media sites and citing their first amendment right to free speech.
Crews cleaning up after melting snow in Marion County reveal a lot of litter
Beneath the melting snow in Marion County, litter has been piling up, but crews are stepping in to clean it before we get to spring.
