The NTT IndyCar Series wrapped up a two day test session on Thursday, with the final three hours open for all drivers to turn laps in race trim.
Traffic was more of an issue in the late afternoon than it was at any other time in the test, and drivers were constantly battling to find clean air.
When they were in a pack, however, the tow helped to propel speeds nearly up to the 224 MPH barrier.
The fastest single lap of the day was completed by Alex Palou, who completed a circuit of the 2.5-mile oval in 40.1798 seconds at 223.993 MPH.
Palou has been in the top 10 of all sessions run throughout the test, showing that he has real pace in his #10 DHL Honda.
Felix Rosenqvist and Kyle Kirkwood set the second and third fastest times respectively, with each also taking advantage of punchy setups from their teams.
Kirkwood noted after the session that he was able to get through his entire test program, and that he was extremely pleased with how his car handled with the added weight of the hybrid.
There was one harrowing moment during the afternoon runs when Rinus VeeKay suddenly ran out of fuel with a group of cars behind.
VeeKay slowed with no warning while navigating Turn 2, with Pato O’Ward, Santino Ferrucci, and Helio Castroneves having to take evasive action.
Luckily there were no collisions and all drivers were able to continue, and the #18 entry was able to coast all the way around to his pit box without causing a yellow.
Two drivers did not participate in the final session at all, as the cars of Kyle Larson and Takuma Sato were still being repaired after their morning accidents.
Total over two days, including the qualifying simulations on Thursday morning, there were 5,804 laps completed by all competitors.
The series will return to the famous oval for official Indy 500 practice beginning May 13, but first will head to Alabama for a race around Barber Motorsports Park on May 4.
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