By: Spencer Neff
April 24, 2025

Practice 4 Results | Practice 5 Results | Practice 4 No-Tow Results  | Overall Test Results

Following yesterday’s session that sandwiched Veteran Refresher and Rookie Orientation programs for eight drivers between an “Oval Veterans” and “Full-Field” practice for 26 and 34 entrants respectively, the second day of the Open Test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was split between differing sessions.

During the first 150 minutes, teams were able simulate boost levels they all use for qualifying weekend in the lead-up to the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. During Fast Friday, boost levels will be increased from 1300 mbar to 1500 mbar and will remain so throughout qualifying weekend.

Just over an hour into the running, Arrow McLaren’s Kyle Larson drifted high exiting Turn 1, smacking the outside retaining wall. The 2024 Rookie of the Year saw his car stop toward the entrance in Turn 1.

Minutes after the session resumed, Takuma Sato crashed in the same area where Larson had his contact.

Both drivers would be seen and released from the infield care center following their crashes. They would not make it back on track for any further running. Before the incident, Sato posted the fastest no-tow lap of the session and fastest among the Honda entries(232.565 mph-38.6986 seconds).

His lap was second overall to 2024 pole winner Scott McLaughlin (232.686-38.6788 seconds). Following them was McLaughliin’s teammate and 2018 race winner Will Power.

Meyer Shank Racing’s Felix Rosenqvist and 2023 pole winner Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing rounded out the Top Five.

Sato’s teammate Louis Foster was fastest among the rookies in 11th.

Palou tops second test session

Following a two-hour break, the field returned to the track with pre-Fast Friday and Race Week level boost win place. During the three-hour session, Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou ran the quickest lap.

The 2023 Indianapolis 500 pole winner and current NTT INDYCAR SERIES points leader turned a best lap of 223.993 mph (40.1798 seconds).

Rosenqvist was second-fastest, .1128 of a second behind Palou. Kyle Kirkwood of Andretti Global completed a 1-2-3 for Honda with three different teams representing the engine manufacturer.

Conor Daly of Juncos Hollinger Racing and Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden rounded out the Top Five as the fastest Chevrolet entries. Newgarden is attempting an unprecedented third consecutive Indianapolis 500 victory this year.

Nolan Siegel of Arrow McLaren finished the day 14th as he looks to make his first Indianapolis 500 following last year’s DNQ (Did Not Qualify). Jacob Abel of Dale Coyne Racing was 22nd, best among the drivers making their first attempt at qualifying for the Indianapolis 500.

Up Next

The series will be back in action at Barber Motorsports Park for the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix. 

Opening practice is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on May 2.

Second practice is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. ET and qualifying at 2:30 p.m. ET on May 3.

The final warmup will be at 10:00 a.m. ET on May 4 and the 90-lap race will be at 1:30 p.m. The race will be broadcast on FOX with first practice on FS2. All other weekend sessions for the series will be on FS1. 

Stay with IndyCar1909.com for all the latest on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

Header Image By James Black/INDYCAR