By: Spencer Neff
April 10, 2024

In just 34 days, cars will begin preparations for the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge with Opening Day of practice. While the calendar is still on April, preparations for next month’s race will begin to ramp up today and tomorrow.

The 34 confirmed entrants for the May 26th race will have their first crack at the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. ET.

Following a five-minute allowance for installation laps, oval veterans (drivers who competed an INDYCAR event on an oval after last year’s race or have completed their Rookie Orientation Program).

That program requires each driver to complete 10 laps at 205-210 mph, 15 laps at 210-215 mph and 15 laps at over 215 mph. Veterans (drivers who have not competed on an oval since last year’s Indianapolis 500) are required to pass the final two phases.

Before this morning’s sessions, here’s a look at some of the headlines.

Rookies and Refreshers

Indianapolis 500 Rookies who completed their Rookie Orientation before today include the Chip Ganassi Racing duo of Linus Lundqvist and Marcus Armstrong, Meyer Shank Racing’s Tom Blomqvist and Arrow McLaren’s Kyle Larson.

Needing to complete their ROP (Rookie Orientation Program) will be Dale Coyne Racing’s Nolan Siegel, Ed Carpenter Racing’s Christian Rasmussen and Chip Ganassi Racing’s Kyffin Simpson.

Drivers needing to complete the refresher portion include Dale Coyne Racing with Rick Ware Racing’s Katherine Legge, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Pietro Fittipaldi and Marco Andretti of Andretti Global.

Ilott continues fill-in role

Following David Malukas’ offseason mountain bike accident, the Arrow McLaren driver was sidelined for at least six weeks. As he continues to recover, Callum Ilott will fill in as driver of the No. 6 car.

Will Foyt alliance bolster Penske’s run

Following Josef Newgarden’s victory at last year’s Indianapolis 500, Team Penske extended their record to 19 victories. Following last year’s announcement of a technical alliance with A.J. Foyt Racing, Penske’s chances will be even stronger.

With help from Lead Engineer Michael Cannon, both Foyt Cars qualified Top 12 with Santino Ferrucci earning a career-best third-place finish in the race.

Penske will also look for their record 19th pole and their first Top 9 start since 2019.

Can Ganassi’s run continue

After earning a third consecutive pole, this time from Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing fell just over a tenth of a second short of seeing Marcus Ericsson repeat as Indianapolis 500 winner.

Ericsson has moved on to Andretti Global for 2024 but Ganassi’s roster features Palou and 2008 race winner Scott Dixon. Although his bid for a record third consecutive poles fell short, Dixon will look to equal Rick Mears’ six career poles at the Indianapolis 500.

Header Image By Alex Skillman/IMS