By: Spencer Neff
May 13, 2025
Following a delay of more than two hours, the 34 drivers vying for a spot in the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge made their way to the track for opening practice.
After weather forced both a delay as well as the early completion of practice, Team Penske’s Will Power ran the fastest lap of the day. The 2018 race winner turned a lap of 227.026 mph (39.643 seconds) on the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Teammatte Josef Newgarden was .0097 of a second back of his teammate. He is looking for an un precedented third consecutive win in this race. Power is still in search of his first career pole at the “500” to add to his INDYCAR-record 71 career poles.
Points leader Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing was the fastest Honda in third with teammate and 2008 winner Scott Dixon in fourth. 2024 pole winner Scott McLaughlin bookended the Top Five for Penske, placing fifth.
Nolan Siegel of Arrow McLaren was the fastest among the four designated rookies in the field. After failing to qualify last year, he’ll look to make his debut in this race among the field of 33.
Extended preparations delayed the on-track debut for PREMA Racing during today’s practice. The newest INDYCAR team would make their way on track and record laps with drivers Callum Ilott and Robert Shwartzman.
Although no-tow speeds will not be at their most prevalent until the boost gets increased on Friday in advance of qualifying weekend, Kyle Kirkwood of Andretti Global notched the best lap of the day on that front.
The Long Beach winner’s best lap that diid not have any cars within 10 seconds of him was a 219.497 mph effort (41.0028 seconds). Newgarden was also second on that chart with Dale Coyne Racing rookie Jacob Abel in third.
Despite the weather issues and two cautions for track inspections, Tuesday’s practice was completed without incident.
Up Next
Tomorrow, 2013 Indianapolis 500 winner Tony Kanaan will hit the track at 10:00 a.m. ET for his refresher program.
Kanaan, who is currently Team Principal for Arrow McLaren, will serve as backup driver for the No. 17 entry should Kyle Larson be unable to compete in the race on May 25.
Full-field practice his scheduled for 12-6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
IndyCar1909 will be on-site and credentialed for all on-track activities. Stick with IndyCar1909 and our social media for the latest on the Indianapolis 500 and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
Header Image By Chris Jones/INDYCAR
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