Racer

19 hours ago | racer.com | Marshall Pruett

Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou was the fastest driver in the shortened first Indy Open Test session and teammate Scott Dixon went to the top of the longer session to close the day with a top lap of 225.182mph in the No. 9 Honda. “It’s testing – just trying to get through the test list, lots of changes,” Dixon said. “We didn’t do the October test, so first time with the hybrid here, which definitely adds some elements to it and makes it pretty interesting.

1 day ago | racer.com | Marshall Pruett

Josef Newgarden expects the first hybrid Indianapolis 500 to be settled among those who’ve mastered usage of the energy recovery systems. “I think the hybrid utilization here will be the most impactful of anywhere we’ve gone,” the winner of the last two Indy 500s told RACER. “It is going to be critical to use the hybrid correctly in race running compared to any other race we run. It’s just a process thing. You’re using the hybrid where it’s most efficient, and you’re doing it every lap here.

1 day ago | racer.com | Marshall Pruett

The run plan for a team at the annual pre-Indianapolis 500 test is fairly standard. Drivers are asked to assess a range of ride height changes, suspension adjustments to things like camber and toe, and downforce settings during group outings and solo qualifying simulations. A change is made, the driver heads out for a few laps to get a read and  return to give their opinion — while their engineers look through the onboard data –before moving onto the next change.

1 day ago | racer.com | Marshall Pruett |Chris Medland |Kelly Crandall

Welcome to the RACER Mailbag. Questions for any of RACER’s writers can be sent to [email protected]. We love hearing your comments and opinions, but letters that include a question are more likely to be published. Questions received after 3pm ET each Monday will be saved for the following week. Q: I know that alternates on the street courses are still an item under development, and are definitely a part of the push for sustainability, but they really need a rethink.

2 days ago | racer.com | Marshall Pruett

AJ Foyt Racing has partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association to promote the non-profit charity and research organization while increasing awareness of the disease. The partnership began at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach with logos placed atop the sidepods of Santino Ferrucci’s No. 14 Chevy and will move to the car’s nose for the remainder of the season. “It’s an honor to carry the Alzheimer’s Association logo on my car,” said Ferrucci.