NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Scott Dixon of Chip Ganassi Racing was the fastest driver in Sunday morning’s warmup for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix.
Dixon’s best lap in the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda was 1:15.6050 around the 11-turn, 2.1-mile temporary street course.
“Yeah, clear track,” Dixon said. “Yesterday, the 28 (Grosjean) ruined our session. It was frustrating for the PNC Bank crew. We are starting in the back and hopefully we can get to the front.”
Colton Herta’s No. 26 Gainbridge Honda for Andretti Autosport was second at 1:15.6760. He was followed by pole winner Scott McLaughlin’s No. 3 Chevrolet at 1:16.0134 followed by Kyle Kirkwood’s Chevrolet at 1:16.1015 and Alex Palou’s Honda at 1:16.2629.
Defending winner Marcus Ericsson, who starts 18th for the second year in a row, was 12th quick at 1:16.8581 in the No. 8 Huski Chocolate Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing.
“I think it’s pretty good,” Ericsson said. “We made some improvements in qualifying and then this morning, we made even more improvements. Eighteenth is not the best place to start, but we started 18th last year and that worked out for us.
“I’m looking to go two-for-two.”
Because of the high heat and humidity, IndyCar officials have mandated that all teams run the upper front air scoop at the front leading edge of the aeroscreen to help circulate air in the cockpit.
Keyword: Dixon Leads Morning Warmup In Nashville