As the sun baked the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Fast Friday presented by Turtle Wax, the 2.5-mile oval turned into a high-stakes battleground for speed and survival. With the 109th Indianapolis 500 just days away, drivers pushed the limits on a hot, windy track that demanded skill, bravery, and precision. The stakes couldn’t be higher as teams prepared for PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying, the gateway to securing a coveted spot in the legendary race.
Scott McLaughlin Blazes Fastest Lap Amidst Intense Conditions
The highlight of the day came from Scott McLaughlin, the 2024 Indy 500 pole sitter, who turned the fastest lap not only of Fast Friday but the entire event so far, clocking an impressive 233.954 mph in his No. 3 Pennzoil Team Penske Chevrolet. McLaughlin’s blistering pace was fueled by increased engine boost levels that added roughly 100 extra horsepower, translating to eye-popping speeds on the notoriously challenging Indianapolis oval.
Despite punishing track temperatures peaking at a record 138 degrees in Turn 1 — the hottest measured since Firestone began tracking in 2015 — and gusty winds topping 20 mph, McLaughlin’s car sliced through the heat haze. His best lap was aided by an aerodynamic tow early in the six-hour session, showcasing his team’s strategic timing. Yet, the challenge was far from over; the qualifying day ahead promised more pressure and unpredictability.
Scott Dixon Shows Steely Resolve in Qualifying Simulation
Not far behind was 2008 Indy 500 winner Scott Dixon, who laid down the second-fastest lap of the day at 232.561 mph in the No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. Unlike McLaughlin, Dixon ran his qualifying simulation alone in the final half-hour, proving his ability to adapt and maintain speed without drafting help. His consistent four-lap average of 232.561 mph was the quickest qualifying simulation posted on Fast Friday, underscoring his readiness for the weekend battles.
Dixon, a two-time Indy 500 champion and six-time INDYCAR series champion, expressed cautious optimism about the conditions and his car’s potential. “We were very worried about conditions, especially after what happened to Kyffin,” he noted, referencing a heavy crash earlier in the day. “The car is really smooth, and I think there’s still speed left. Qualifying here is tough, but that’s what makes it special.”
Crashes Rattle Kyffin Simpson and Kyle Larson — Both Drivers Walk Away
Fast Friday was also a reminder of the razor-thin margin for error at Indianapolis, as two drivers suffered hard crashes during qualifying simulations but fortunately escaped serious injury.
Kyffin Simpson’s crash in Turn 4 at 12:50 p.m. was one of the day’s most dramatic moments. The Chip Ganassi Racing rookie spun and collided hard with the SAFER Barrier on the left side. His No. 8 Journie Rewards Honda briefly lifted off before landing on its side, rolling back upright, and sliding across the track with a secondary brush against the inside pit wall. Though shaken, Simpson was unharmed, and his team quickly announced they would switch to a backup car for the upcoming qualifying rounds.
Later in the afternoon, NASCAR Cup Series star Kyle Larson, competing in his first Indy 500, experienced a frightening loss of control in Turn 3. Larson’s No. 17 HendrickCars.com Arrow McLaren Chevrolet spun nearly three-quarters of a lap before slamming the front end into the SAFER Barrier and skidding to a halt with additional contact in Turn 4. Like Simpson, Larson walked away without injury and was able to return to the track late in the session for a shakedown run after repairs.
Larson’s ambitious “double” weekend—racing in both the Indy 500 and the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 on the same day—will test his endurance and adaptability, with Fast Friday offering a glimpse of the challenges ahead.
Qualifying Weekend Preview
With Fast Friday complete, all eyes turn to Saturday’s PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5:50 p.m. The day will feature a practice session followed by two groups vying to set times that will determine positions 13 through 30 on the starting grid. Sunday will then bring the Last Row Shootout, the Top 12, and the Firestone Fast Six, where the pole winner will be crowned.
Two-time reigning NTT INDYCAR Series champion Alex Palou, boasting four wins in the first five races this season, posted the third-fastest lap on Fast Friday with a 232.528 mph in his No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. Andretti Global teammates Kyle Kirkwood and Colton Herta also impressed, rounding out the top five fastest laps with speeds just over 232 mph.
Every driver and team will look to capitalize on their setups and strategies amid the challenging conditions, knowing that every fraction of a mile per hour counts in the quest to race at the front on Memorial Day weekend.
