Indy 500 Practice Day 3: Newgarden Sets the Pace Amidst Rising Tensions
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The third day of Indy 500 practice saw intensified rivalries and fierce competition, culminating in Josef Newgarden of Team Penske claiming the top timesheet at 226.632 mph. Although Newgarden’s speed was lower than previous sessions, it positions him as a key contender ahead of the Fast Friday session. Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon followed closely, clocking in at 225.457 mph, while Conor Daly impressed with a third-place finish at 224.893 mph in the Juncos Hollinger Racing car.
“Pretty solid week so far,” Newgarden commented, emphasizing his team’s preparedness. “We’re still going through the motions – can’t get ahead of ourselves. We’re excited for Fast Friday.” He acknowledged the anticipated heat that would affect strategies heading into the weekend.
Key Results and Driver Reactions
The speed charts saw notable placements from Pato O’Ward in fourth, Ryan Hunter-Reay in fifth, and Alex Palou in sixth. Other notable finishes included Colton Herta, Christian Rasmussen, David Malukas, and Scott McLaughlin rounding out the top ten.
However, not all drivers benefited from the day. Santino Ferrucci expressed frustration with his performance, remaining among the slowest, achieving an average speed below 220 mph and incurring a drive-through penalty for crossing a white line after overtaking.
Graham Rahal echoed concerns regarding car balance, stating, “Something doesn’t feel right” as he experienced rear-end instability throughout the session.
On-Track Incidents and Tension
The day was not without controversy. A late move by Rasmussen drew ire from Nolan Siegel, leading to an expletive-laden exchange between the competitors. Rasmussen later faced a spin exiting Turn 2, grazing the wall but avoiding major damage. He attributed the incident to tire wear and was relieved by the car’s minimal damage, indicating, "We still have fast cars around here… it’s a positive day."
Despite the earlier chaos, the final hour of practice calmed significantly, as teams mainly engaged in qualifying simulations. Newgarden once again led, turning a non-tow speed of 222.555 mph, while Kyle Kirkwood, who had previously dominated the non-tow speeds, settled for second in that category.
Upcoming Challenges
With Fast Friday approaching, teams are set to make critical adjustments as they ramp up their competitive edge. “We will see the fastest speeds yet as drivers apply boost in preparation for qualifying this weekend,” noted industry experts.
As the stakes rise, all eyes will be on the strategic decisions teams make in the final days leading up to the iconic Indy 500.
