Dixon Leads Rain-Interrupted First Practice for Indy 500

The first practice for the 108th edition of the Indianapolis 500 was interrupted by persistent rain. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was open for only 23 minutes, until 9:26 a.m. ET, before the weather forced activities to stop.

Despite the limited time, significant speeds were recorded. Scott Dixon achieved the best mark of the day with 229.107 mph. Marco Andretti, in the No. 98, was second with 228.399 mph, both taking advantage of aerodynamic tows due to the morning traffic.

Takuma Sato, in the No. 75, took third place with 225.551 mph. Pato O’Ward, was the fastest of the Chevrolet cars, registering 224.993 mph and finishing in fourth place. Christian Lundgaard completed the top five with 223.844 mph, highlighting Rahal Letterman Lanigan as the only team with multiple cars in the top positions.

A total of 219 laps were completed before the rain arrived, with 29 of the 34 cars entered on the track. No driver exceeded 13 laps.

Larson and His Double Race Challenge

Kyle Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion, managed to complete only two laps in the No. 17 Hendrickcars.com Arrow McLaren Chevrolet before the interruption. Larson aims to become the fifth driver to complete the “double” of racing in the Indianapolis 500 and the NASCAR Cup Series’ Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on the same day. Kurt Busch was the last to achieve this feat in 2014.

“I’m excited to finally be here for the Indy 500,” Larson commented. “I’ve been waiting for this double race attempt for a couple of years now, so it’s been a long wait. I’m happy to start this experience. The weather held us back today, but once it clears, everything should be fine.”

This is the second consecutive year that rain has affected the first day of practice. Last year, no laps were completed on the opening day.
Practice is scheduled to resume from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET on Wednesday. Qualifying will take place this Saturday and Sunday, with Race Day on Sunday, May 26.