In the first Indy 500 Open Test of the season, Kyle Larson was able to put down an impressively fast lap to go P2 on the board. Only Josef Newgarden posted a faster lap time than the NASCAR champion on Wednesday.
Unforutnately the Day 1 Open Test is all we are going to see this week. Inclement weather in the area rained out the end of Day 1 and completely canceled Day 2 of the test. So, Larson gets an extra day to get himself ready to race at Texas this Sunday.
Kyle Larson was able to put down great laps on his own. Then he got practice racing in the draft and a little bit in traffic. The Indy 500 has a lot of practice leading up to the big day. Yung Money is going to be very busy in the lead-up to this Double Duty.
“The first time I got in traffic I think my tires still had good grip so I was surprised,” Larson said after the test. “Like it didn’t feel that different in traffic and there that last time I was already building tight or understeer and then Newgarden got by me and I really was super tight behind him.
“So, just trying to learn all that and process all that and just knowing what I can do in the car to try to help cope with that and timing the runs behind me, just trying to figure out any big of like racecraft today which I know is tough, but just trying to get an idea of things and just get notes in my head and all that.
“You know, just getting comfortable on pit lane and pulling in the pit stall and out of it. I feel like I’ve gotten more comfortable with the clutch and all that. You know, it’s been so far so good and just good to get laps.
Wednesday was a learning experience for Kyle Larson at the Indy 500 open test.
— INDYCAR on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) April 11, 2024
The next time he’ll be on track is May 14, opening day of practice for the race. pic.twitter.com/MKJfcOXsMD
Kyle Larson is one of the most talented drivers in the country, if not the world. You can put his talent up against any other championship-level driver. His history and results speak for themselves.
There are few drivers who can adapt to a multitude of cars the way Larson does. From dirt, to stock cars, and now IndyCar, Larson picks things up quickly. Then, when he has a hold on the discipline, he is able to make huge gains. Larson went P2 on his first day at IndyCar school. He’s only going to get better from here.
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