The drivers of the NTT IndyCar Series completed their first practice session on Friday afternoon, turning laps at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
The weather was not only brutally hot, but it was humid as well, which tested the stamina of those behind the wheel.
After the one-hour session was complete, it was Will Power who topped the timesheets.
The veteran put in his quick lap towards the end of the session, as rubber built up on the track and temperatures dipped slightly.
His team-mate Kyle Kirkwood was second quick, and was only one tenth of a second off the top time.
Alex Palou was quick as well, powering his Chip Ganassi Racing Honda to a familiar position inside the top three of the standings.
Christian Lundgaard and Pato O’Ward grouped together in fourth and fifth respectively, placing a splash of papaya near the top as well.
There were two stoppages, and the first occurred when Marcus Armstrong slid through the gravel in Turn 2.
The driver with a newly-extended contract kicked up a handful of dust and ended up sliding into the tire barriers.
Armstrong might have been able to continue, but the contact broke his left front suspension and his car was lifted onto a crane.
Romain Grosjean also hit the wall after slipping off course in the fast and tricky Turn 9.
He damaged his rear wing and suspension enough to need assistance getting back to the pits as well.
A couple other drivers took trips through the grass, including Marcus Ericsson in the Andretti Global Honda, but were able to continue without assistance.
Drivers have one more practice session Saturday morning ahead of qualifying at 2:30 PM eastern time.
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