The NTT IndyCar series is hosting a two-day test session at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, giving all the teams and drivers a chance to get back in the groove before next weekend’s opening round.
Rain affected the schedule, however, and teams were only able to get on track for less than two hours before the umbrellas were brought out and the cars brought back to the garage.
The day got off to a rough start for Rinus VeeKay, who wrecked his Ed Carpenter Racing Chevy just 10 minutes into the day’s running and broke a finger in the process.
Last year’s Rookie of the Year was the first driver to attempt a full-speed lap around the 2.5-mile oval, but he lost control in the middle of turn 1 and impacted the barriers hard after a 360-degree spin.
“I’m ok,” VeeKay told NBC Sports after being cleared from the medical center. “My hand’s a little beat up, but I’m alright. I can drive again.
“First of all, I wanted to say ‘sorry’ to the team. I wanted to do as many laps as possible. Very unfortunate.
“It was a very weird moment. I was just building speed. It should be safe going flat out into 1 with a headwind. I did that and it felt good on entry and then the front dipped down and I lost it.
“Once that happens, you’re a passenger.”
As soon as the track was cleared of debris, the veterans resumed their session and quickly began setting ever faster times in the breezy and cool conditions.
Ed Carpenter Racing reversed its fortunes from earlier in the day and was able to place the team’s other two drivers Conor Daly and Ed Carpenter in the top two spots of the timesheet.
They were followed by Scott Dixon, Felix Rosenqvist, and Pato O’Ward who each were able to manage average speeds above 220mph.
In all, 21 drivers were able to set at least a few fast laps before the rain moved in later in the morning and put a stop to any further on-track action.
This included the postponement of planned sessions for rookies and other drivers who have been away from ovals long enough to need a refresher before running at full speed.
There is still hope that some running can still be done later this afternoon before darkness sets in, but as of the time of this publication the track remains wet with more rain in the area.
The forecast looks better for tomorrow, and drivers and teams alike will be hoping for more time to pack in the remainder of their preseason checklist on the last day of preseason testing.
