Chip Ganassi Racing once again showed strong pace, this time in a race simulated Indianapolis 500 practice with Alex Palou topped the charts.
Starting second in this year’s Indy 500, the 25-year-old Spaniard logged 31 laps with a fastest single lap speed average at 229.441 mph clocking a time of 39.2257s after heading out onto the track in the latter half of the session.
Scott Dixon was second quickest with a one lap average at a speed of 229.000 mph. The pole-sitter put a time down that was 0.0756s slower in the tow.
The top three sweep for the organization was secured with Jimmie Johnson, who completed the most laps out of their stable with 67. The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion reached a speed of 228.467 mph, 0.0917s back of the session’s fastest time.
Ganassi’s Hondas took time to actually hit the asphalt on Monday as their is no rush when they have the fastest cars in the field currently.
Takuma Sato placed fourth fastest in the speed charts, showing his No. 51 Dale Coyne Racing with Rick Ware Racing Honda to be quite fast in race trim. Another CGR driver, Marcus Ericsson rounded out the top five.
Coming off the weekend of Fast Friday and qualifying, teams and drivers are back in the racing mindset and the session had plenty of passing. Rookie, Callum Ilott wasn’t afraid to step out of line and make moves.
Nearing the halfway point, Ilott was getting through traffic following Rinus VeeKay as he tucked underneath and passed Will Power into Turn 3. Once again in the same corner, the No. 77 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet trailed Jack Harvey making a move on fellow rookie, Devlin DeFrancesco with a powering outside pass.
A little action occurred on pit-road as well with Scott McLaughlin going for a spin. Upon leaving his pit-box, the No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet whipped around, sitting in the middle of pit-road with nothing hit.
With just over 30 minutes left until teams take a three-day break from on-track action, the first accident of the month of May took place. Dalton Kellett slammed into the Turn 1 wall, leaving major damage to his No. 4 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet.
Up Next: Carb Day returns for the ninth practice on Friday at 11 a.m. ET, live coverage on Peacock and IndyCar Radio.
