Alex Palou, the Chip Ganassi Racing driver, recorded the fastest speed during the second day of practice for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Despite rain interruptions, Palou hit an impressive 227.546 miles per hour in his No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, maintaining the top spot on the speed charts through two wet days. This performance not only highlights Palou’s speed but also fuels his pursuit of a historic oval victory at one of motorsport’s largest events.
Palou, who currently leads the IndyCar standings and is aiming for his third consecutive championship and fourth overall, has yet to win on an oval track, a key milestone missing from his otherwise remarkable career. With the Indianapolis 500 fast approaching, securing a victory on this iconic oval would mark a significant achievement for the talented driver and the Chip Ganassi team.
“We did a little bit of (running in) traffic,”
Palou said after practice.
“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.”
His remarks reflect a determined focus as he prepares for the demanding race weekend ahead.
Close behind Palou, 2018 Indianapolis 500 winner Will Power continued to show strong pace, running second in practice with a top speed of 227.026 miles per hour on Tuesday and 225.584 on Wednesday in his No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet. Speaking to the media, Power noted the consistent nature of his car and the challenges drivers face on this fast track.
“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,”
he explained, adding valuable insight into the competition’s intensity.
Practice sessions will continue as drivers prepare for qualifying, which starts Saturday and concludes Sunday with the Top 12 qualifying, Last Chance qualifying, and the Firestone Fast Six shootout. These rounds will determine the front grid positions for the historic race. With Alex Palou leading the charge through practice, fans and competitors alike are eagerly awaiting to see if he can convert his speed into a triumph that has eluded him so far in his oval racing career.
