Dixon and McLaughlin tried out racing side by side during final practice. Photo: Kevin Dejewski
Shortly after IndyCar’s two-lap qualifying took place midday Saturday, the field of drivers were back out on track again to complete their final practice session.
With many of the 28 cars on track together once again, time was spent getting the car comfortable in traffic rather than searching for outright speed.
Scott Dixon put his Chip Ganassi Racing Honda into the top spot of the timesheets, lapping the 1.5-mile oval in 23.3117 seconds. He was the only driver to break through the 222 MPH barrier, a feat that was possible due to the drafting that everyone was doing.
Josef Newgarden clocked the second fastest time of the afternoon, and was followed closely by Takuma Sato.
Sato did a remarkable job to get used to his own CGR Honda, having joined the team on a part time basis this year.
Scott McLaughlin and Colton Herta rounded out the top five, each driver logging considerably better results than their qualifying effort earlier in the day.
The first portion of the session was dedicated to running on the high line in the corners, continuing a new trend of setting aside time to put a fresh bit of Firestone rubber down where it is needed most.
By time practice was over, many drivers were looking comfortable up in the second groove, and it seems like side by side racing will be more than possible on Sunday.
Conor Daly had the wildest ride of the day, losing control of his Ed Carpenter Racing Chevy on the exit of turn 4. Incredibly he did not hit the wall, but did complete three full spins and kicked up a bit of the infield grass in the process.
His crew was able to clean up his car, changed the front wing, and Daly went back out to complete 49 laps. He was still not comfortable behind the wheel, and will likely have a tough day on Sunday.
Helio Castroneves was the only driver not to participate in the final practice session, though that was not by choice. His Meyer Shank Racing team found a problem with the car’s gearbox, and it was not repairable before time ran out on the session.
His team-mate Simon Pagenaud had his practice time cut short by race officials because he missed the weigh-in deadline. The penalty was served completely during practice, and he will not carry over any setbacks into tomorrow’s race.
All three drivers of the Rahal Letterman Lanigan team continued to lap in the lower half of the field, and their pit stands were packed full with engineers as they all tried to figure out where they have gone wrong.
The next time any driver sees the track, it will be with a green flag waving from the starter’s stand. The race is scheduled for 11:00 AM Central Time on Sunday.
Keyword: Final Texas practice places Dixon on top over Newgarden