11 IndyCar drivers turned laps around Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday, completing an Autumn test session on the 2.5-mile oval.
One driver was put forward by each team in the series, and were given six hours of track time to further test the new hybrid system and work on their setups for next year’s Indianapolis 500.
Despite taking place in mid-October, nearly four weeks after the conclusion of the 2024 season, the weather was pleasant in Indianapolis and air temperatures reached 80°F.
After six hours of open track time, Alex Palou was able to put his name at the top of the time sheets.
The newly crowned three-time series champion completed a lap at 224.342 MPH late in the afternoon session, and was the only driver to top 224 MPH on the day.
The two-time reigning Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden was fastest for much of the day and ended up with the second fastest time in his Team Penske Chevy, completing 101 laps throughout the day.
Drivers spent a majority of the day testing in groups, but some solitary running was done as well. Newgarden set the fastest no-tow speed with a lap averaging 220.241 MPH.
Alexander Rossi completed the most laps of anyone in the six hours of available time, with 133 to his name out of the 1,123 total run by all 11 drivers.
A couple drivers took part in the test despite not yet having confirmed rides for next season.
Conor Daly piloted the Juncos Hollinger Racing entry and Rinus VeeKay stepped into the #18 Dale Coyne Racing Honda.
Neither driver and neither team have yet to finalize their plans for the 2025 season, and used the opportunity to weigh potential partnerships ahead of the long offseason.
New Drivers with New Teams
The test day also served as an opportunity for a couple drivers to turn their first laps with a new team.
Christian Lundgaard was behind the wheel of an Arrow McLaren Chevy for the first time, and completed 88 laps total.
Alexander Rossi piloted his new #20 entry as well, getting accustomed to the environment at Ed Carpenter Racing after parting ways with Arrow McLaren.
“Hard to complain when you’re at IMS in an IndyCar,” said Rossi. “It’s great to be back so quickly after the season ended and to be back at the best track that we have.
“It was kind of plug and play, honestly, which is nice. I wouldn’t expect anything less of Ed Carpenter Racing. They’ve been strong seemingly forever.
“I jumped right in. Felt familiar, felt like home, we’re just getting to work now.”
Both Rossi and Lundgaard will be working over the winter to integrate with their new teams ahead of the 2025 season debut on the streets of St. Petersburg in early March.
Newly-hired IndyNXT champion Louis Foster did not take to the track, but he was on hand at IMS to learn from his new Rahal Letterman Lanigan team while veteran Graham Rahal turned laps.
Another young driver Nolan Siegel was also present, and was allowed to turn laps in his #6 Arrow McLaren entry the day before Friday’s test.
Siegel completed the Rookie Orientation Program, which sets him up to be able to take part in future testing and event running for next year’s Indy 500.
With the Autumn test out of the way, drivers and teams will truly settle into their Winter schedule now as they wait for the opening round of the season in nearly five months’ time.
| # | Driver | Time | Avg. Speed (MPH) | Laps Complete |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alex Palou | 40.1173 | 224.342 | 96 |
| 2 | Josef Newgarden | 40.1834 | 223.973 | 101 |
| 3 | Rinus VeeKay | 40.2896 | 223.383 | 113 |
| 4 | Graham Rahal | 40.4221 | 222.650 | 108 |
| 5 | Marcus Ericsson | 40.4814 | 222.324 | 127 |
| 6 | Helio Castroneves | 40.5268 | 222.075 | 100 |
| 7 | Alexander Rossi | 40.8155 | 220.504 | 133 |
| 8 | Santino Ferrucci | 40.8814 | 220.149 | 63 |
| 9 | Conor Daly | 40.9096 | 219.997 | 103 |
| 10 | Ryan Hunter-Reay | 40.9175 | 219.955 | 91 |
| 11 | Christian Lundgaard | 40.9900 | 219.566 | 88 |
