It’s been two years since the 2021 Indy 500, the 105th edition of the race, and the anticipation for the 2023 race is already beginning to build. Fans from all around the world will be tuning in to see who will take the checkered flag and secure a spot in the record books. Before the race begins, though, drivers, teams, and crew must practice in order to be ready for the main event. Here’s a look at the results of the 2021 Indy 500 practice runs, so you can get a feel for who might be leading the pack come race time.
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The Practice Runs
The practice runs for the 2021 Indy 500 began on April 20, 2021, and ran until May 1, 2021. During this time, teams and drivers had the opportunity to test their cars and get a feel for the track. During the practice runs, teams and drivers were able to adjust their cars to the track’s conditions, as well as practice their race strategy.
The practice runs are split into two sessions, the first being the morning session and the second being the afternoon session. The morning session usually runs from 9am to 12pm, while the afternoon session runs from 2pm to 5pm. During the practice runs, teams and drivers are able to adjust their cars, test different strategies, and make sure that everything is in order for the race.
The Results
The results of the 2021 Indy 500 practice runs were very impressive, with some teams and drivers showing off their skills and strategy. The top five teams during the practice runs were Chip Ganassi Racing, Andretti Autosport, Penske Racing, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, and Ed Carpenter Racing.
Chip Ganassi Racing was the top team during the practice runs, with their drivers Scott Dixon and Felix Rosenqvist setting the fastest lap times. Andretti Autosport came in second, with drivers Alexander Rossi, Ryan Hunter-Reay, and Marco Andretti setting the second and third fastest lap times.
Penske Racing was the third fastest team during the practice runs, with drivers Will Power, Simon Pagenaud, and Helio Castroneves setting the fourth, fifth, and sixth fastest lap times. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing came in fourth, with drivers Takuma Sato and Graham Rahal setting the seventh and eighth fastest lap times. Ed Carpenter Racing rounded out the top five, with drivers Ed Carpenter, Rinus Veekay, and Conor Daly setting the ninth, tenth, and eleventh fastest lap times.
Takeaways from the Practice Runs
The practice runs for the 2021 Indy 500 gave fans a glimpse into who might be in contention for the win come race time. Chip Ganassi Racing looks to be the team to beat, with drivers Scott Dixon and Felix Rosenqvist setting the fastest lap times. Andretti Autosport also looks to be in contention, with drivers Alexander Rossi, Ryan Hunter-Reay, and Marco Andretti setting the second and third fastest lap times.
Penske Racing, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, and Ed Carpenter Racing are also in contention, with drivers Will Power, Simon Pagenaud, Helio Castroneves, Takuma Sato, Graham Rahal, Ed Carpenter, Rinus Veekay, and Conor Daly all setting impressive lap times. With the results of the practice runs in, fans will be eagerly awaiting the start of the 2021 Indy 500 to find out who takes home the checkered flag.
