ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Colton Herta led the time sheet in the second practice session for the 2023 NTT IndyCar Series season-opening race on the streets of St. Petersburg.
The Californian turned a fastest lap of 1 minute, 0.0779 seconds around the 14-turn, 1.8 mile street circuit that makes up the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The No. 26 Andretti Autosport Honda won at St. Petersburg in 2021 and is looking to win again this year.
Scott McLaughlin was second in the No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet ahead of Rinus VeeKay in the No. 21 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet.
The session had three red flags for accidents. Romain Grosjean spun after locking up his brakes heading to the hairpin at Turns 13/14, becoming stranded in the grass outside of Turn 14.
RED FLAG@RGrosjean is off-track after this incident in practice 2.
? @Peacock #INDYCAR // #FirestoneGP pic.twitter.com/X7PTnnmlVJ
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) March 4, 2023
Sting Ray Robb had several incidents of wall contact within a few seconds of each other. The No. 51 Dale Coyne Racing with Rick Ware Racing Honda had right front suspension damage going through Turn 3 and hit the outside wall with the left side of the car before going across the track and hitting the wall with the right side of the car.
Another incident in practice 2. @sting_ray_robb with contact in turn 3.
? @peacock #INDYCAR // #FirestoneGP pic.twitter.com/dVBzVw5bCx
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) March 4, 2023
First practice session pace setter Scott Dixon spun heading to Turn 4 and tore the rear wing off of his No. 9 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. The car hit the tire barrier with the left rear corner hitting first and Dixon got out of the car under his own power.
.@scottdixon9's session is done after contact with the tire barrier. #INDYCAR // #FirestoneGP pic.twitter.com/tzLgcGO2wH
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) March 4, 2023
Robb and Dixon were both seen and released by the IndyCar medical unit. Qualifying will take place at 2:15 p.m. ET.
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