Armstrong completed all three phases of his rookie orientation around the famous oval. Photo: IndyCar – Joe Skibinski
Marcus Armstrong was one of three drivers that completed his Indy 500 Rookie Orientation Program on Wednesday, and he labeled the experience as ‘special.’
He took to the famous 2.5-mile oval at nearly 220 MPH in his Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, running 93 laps and earning the approval of IndyCar officials to compete in next year’s Indy 500 with no restrictions.
Speaking after nearly four hours of on-track time, Armstrong described the feeling of racing around the banking at one of the most famous race tracks in the world.
“Yeah, it was special, honestly,” said Armstrong after his runs. “I didn’t know what to expect in many ways coming here. I’ve obviously done a few laps around Texas before. So having not a lot of oval experience, coming here, it’s not easy.
“It’s very high speeds, a lot of nuances to this track, a lot of details. So if I’m honest, I wasn’t nervous about doing it. It was more so just about trying to get the first run out of the way so we know what to do better next time.
“But, yeah, to drive on this circuit at proper speeds after phase three, I would say still it’s a long way off quali speed, but it was incredible, you know.
“I have watched this place since I was a kid. So to drive around here in anger at flat-out is pretty crazy. It’s pretty special.
“But I don’t really want to think about that when I’m driving because that’s never a good thing. I can reflect on it now, but when I was in the moment, it was quite smooth sailing,
“Not a lot of nerves, to be honest. But it was good to get this Rookie Orientation out of the way so we can sort of crack on when it all kicks off next year.
“It met my expectations, with honors, so it was a lot of fun. I must say it was perfect conditions. No wind, cold, and obviously our car was pretty rock solid today. So it wasn’t difficult circumstances. But yeah, I loved it.”
Armstrong rose through the European ladder system, including a three year stint in F2, and has had no prior oval racing experience.
He plans to contest the full IndyCar season next year, which means he will need to familiarize himself with the varied disciplines that the American open wheel series demands.
Armstrong had no trouble with his #11 CGR Honda during the test. Photo: IndyCar – Walt Kuhn
Armstrong officially completed his orientation in the morning session on Wednesday, and went back on track in the afternoon to complete more running at full speed.
The 23-year-old was happy to have the extra practice time available, and soaked up as much knowledge as he could in the time he had available.
“Yeah, [running again in the afternoon] was ideal, really,” continued Armstrong. “When they told us that we could do a few more laps after we finished the three phases.
“Obviously we’re fairly limited on tires, but it was enough to do quite a decent run. I think we got — yeah, we got quite a few laps in. I think the more laps the better. Especially when you haven’t driven here.
“Even if we are circulating at just flat out, every lap you are learning something.”
The first official practice sessions for the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 will take place the week of May 13, with the race itself scheduled for May 26.
Keyword: Armstrong pleased with ‘special’ first laps around Indianapolis