On Thursday morning at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Tony Kanaan completed the steps needed to potentially compete in this year’s Indianapolis 500.
Kanaan climbed into Kyle Larson’s car and drove laps around the famous oval with the track all to himself.
After a quick installation lap, he completed 15 laps around the circuit between 210-215 MPH with no dramatic incidents.
Kanaan’s final requirement was to complete 15 laps at full speed over 215 MPH. He did so easily, averaging 217.102 MPH in the process.
With 22 Indy 500 races under his belt, Kanaan likely did not need the refresher course to be safe and competitive.
But IndyCar officials insisted that he re-acclimatize himself to the ultra-fast speeds after having been out of the car for nearly two years.
The veteran driver does not plan to race in the #17 Arrow McLaren / Hendrick Motorsports entry unless needed.
The entry’s primary driver Kyle Larson will only forego his second attempt at the Indy 500 if weather delays the race and he is forced to leave for Charlotte before the race begins.
His primary duties lie with NASCAR, where he is a full time entrant and current points leader. Which means the Coca Cola 600 is the 32-year-old’s top priority if there is a conflict.
If that scenario takes place and Larson has to leave Indianapolis before his second Indy 500 attempt, Kanaan is now cleared to step in as a backup driver.
In the meantime, Kanaan will continue to serve as the Arrow McLaren Team Principal and will help direct the team from on the pit wall.
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