Wednesday’s second day of practice ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 saw a familiar name atop the speed charts.
None other than Alex Palou.
The Chip Ganassi Racing driver posted the fastest speed during a rain-interrupted second day of practice, hitting 227.546 miles per hour in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. Palou’s speed has been the fastest through two rainy days at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“We did a little bit of (running in) traffic,” Palou said in a post-practice media report. “It’s always tough when people are in different run plans. A couple of good traffic runs. The car is feeling good. You always want it to feel a little bit better, but so far, so good.
“This is the biggest race, and that’s what we work so much toward. So, we’re going to try and chase that win.”
Palou enters the Indianapolis 500 leading the IndyCar standings, as he seeks his third consecutive title and fourth overall. However, one item still missing from his incredible racing resume is a win on an oval, including in the Indianapolis 500.
Checking that box off his to-do list would be a massive accomplishment for the Chip Ganassi driver.
Will Power, the winner of the 2018 Indianapolis 500, was second on Tuesday as he hit 227.026, and followed that with another second on Wednesday with a mark of 225.584 in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet.
Speaking in a press conference after practice to the media, including SB Nation, Power noted the consistency he has seen so far during practice.
“Yeah, I think we’ve got a reasonable package right now. Seems very difficult to pass when you are in the back of the pack, but car stayed really consistent through the rounds, yeah,” said the Penske driver.
Practice resumes today ahead of qualifying for the Indianapolis 500, which begins on Saturday and finishes on Sunday with the Top 12 qualifying, Last Chance qualifying, and finally with the Firestone Fast Six that will set the front end of the grid for the 109th Indianapolis 500.