Scott Dixon, a six-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion, showcased his exceptional driving skills on Wednesday by setting the fastest lap during the Indianapolis 500 Open Test. With a blistering speed of 225.182 mph, Dixon secured the top spot on the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval. This remarkable performance during the first day of testing is a promising step as Dixon eyes a return to victory at the Indianapolis 500, a race he last won in 2008.
Amidst a competitive field, Dixon’s achievement was notable for its timing and precision. His decisive lap came in the final hour of testing, driving the No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. “It’s testing – just trying to get through the test list, lots of changes,” Dixon commented. “We didn’t do the October test, so first time with the hybrid here, which definitely adds some elements to it and makes it pretty interesting.”
The day wasn’t just about speed; it was a strategic challenge with new elements introduced by the hybrid system, which added interesting dynamics to the test. Dixon noted its potential impact on future races, stating, “It is going to determine a lot race-wise, maybe even for the shootout at the end. I think it could determine that.” His focus was on understanding these new situations to ensure preparedness for various strategic approaches during qualifying.
Dixon’s main competitor on the day, Josef Newgarden, a two-time reigning race champion, finished second with a lap of 225.125 mph in the No. 2 Shell V-Power NiTRO+ Team Penske Chevrolet. Newgarden, aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive win at the prestigious race on May 25, expressed satisfaction with his performance. “Today was really solid just to start out,” he shared. “The big thing is you come here with a new car or an existing car that you’re taking apart and completely rebuilding it.”
Sharing the competitive spirit, Takuma Sato placed third at 225.069 mph with his No. 75 AMADA Honda, presenting a vigorous start to his ‘one-off’ Indianapolis 500 effort. Marcus Armstrong showcased the strength of Meyer Shank Racing, achieving a solid fourth place with a speed of 224.987 mph. Meanwhile, Colton Herta, driving the No. 26 Gainbridge Honda, completed the top five with a lap at 224.857 mph.
Of significance were the powerful performances by Honda-powered engines, with nine of the day’s ten fastest laps achieved by Honda drivers. Among the highly competitive group, Newgarden stood out as the sole Chevrolet competitor to disrupt the Honda dominance.
The performance was further underscored by results from the “no-tow” test—a measure of driving performance without aerodynamic benefits from slipstreaming. Felix Rosenqvist, driving for SiriusXM Honda, led this category at 220.835 mph, sharing company with champion Alex Palou, who set a speed of 220.354 mph in Chip Ganassi Racing’s No. 10 DHL entry.
Testing will continue with enhanced turbo boost levels, a format simulating conditions found on “Fast Friday” and Armed Forces Qualifying sessions. Pato O’Ward, running a 222.775 mph lap for Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, remarked on the intriguing challenge of the newly integrated hybrid de elements. “I think everybody is kind of playing a guessing game now, so we’ll see what’s the best one tomorrow,” O’Ward said, reflecting the adaptive challenge facing the teams.
All 34 drivers were actively engaged on the track, logging a total of 2,805 laps, with the newcomer, rookie Robert Shwartzman, leading the charge with 133 laps in his No. 83 PREMA Racing Chevrolet. Despite being relatively inactive, championship contender Alex Palou completed just 46 laps yet still maintained a sixth-place standing, emphasizing the competitive and dynamic nature of the test.
One notable incident involved Graham Rahal, who experienced a brush with the SAFER Barrier in Turn 3 twice, forming the sole caution of the day’s extensive practice session. Fortunately, Rahal emerged unscathed, maintaining focus on refining strategy for his No. 15 United Rentals Honda in preparation for the upcoming race.
As preparations advance towards the Indianapolis 500, Scott Dixon’s commanding day-one performance has set a formidable benchmark as teams calibrate their strategies heading into the competitive month of May. His remarkable speed and strategic acumen mark him as a principal contender, holding promise for an exhilarating race season ahead.
