0.0000 seconds separate Robert Wickens and Tony Kanaan at the end of Practice 1 for the DXC Technology 600 at Texas Motor Speedway Friday afternoon. The two drivers posted identical best lap times of 23.5621 sconds as well as top speeds of 220.014 mph to top the weekend's first session.
The unique situation is made even more impressive for Wickens, who will be making only his third start on an oval Saturday night. With a background in circuit racing across various European series including GP3 and DTM, Wickens has impressed in his Verizon IndyCar Series rookie season partially due to his quick adaptation to oval racing, including a podium at ISM Raceway and Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year honours.
Kanaan’s pace is also promising for the eight-time podium finisher at Texas. The defending runner up and 2004 race winner is on the hunt for A.J. Foyt Enterprises’ first IndyCar victory since Long Beach in 2013.
Losing out on a strong performance in the Indianapolis 500 due to an accident that took him out of the race, Kanaan will be looking to improve on his strong oval pace in Texas.
Alexander Rossi is looking to bounce back from a lost victory opportunity in Detroit, running fourth fastest in Practice 1. Behind him, the Harding Racing Chevrolet of Gabby Chaves ran fifth fastest as the team is looking for a breakthrough in their first full season of competition. Chaves finished P5 in the 2017 Texas race.
Points leader and defending Texas winner Will Power was mid-pack in Practice 1, posted the 15th fastest time. Farther back, Detroit Race 2 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay will be looking to pick up the pace in qualifying after an 18th fastest showing.
Qualifying for the DXC Technology 600 begins at 4pm ET at Texas Motor Speedway.
