Honda Continues To Pace Indianapolis 500 Practice

Honda Continues To Pace Indianapolis 500 Practice

  • Gabby Chaves, Dale Coyne Racing and Honda top Thursday speed chart
  • Honda drivers claim top four positions, 12 of fastest 16, for the day
  • Honda drivers, teams, have led all three practice days for the “500”

Called in as a replacement driver for Dale Coyne Racing only last Wednesday, Gabby Chaves went from the sidelines just one week ago to the top of the speed charts Thursday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, leading the field for Honda as preparations continued for the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 29.

Honda drivers claimed the top four positions on Thursday, once again held under near-perfect conditions, and 12 of the top 16 for the day. Andretti Autosport’s Townsend Bell and Carlos Munoz ended the day second and third, respectively, with Conor Daly rounding out the top four for Dale Coyne Racing. Honda drivers and teams have led all three days of practice at the “Brickyard” – Tuesday’s session was rained out – with Andretti Autosports Marco Andretti leading the way on Monday and teammate Ryan Hunter-Reay quickest on Wednesday.

Gabby Chaves (#18 Dale Coyne Racing Honda) fastest in Indy 500 Thursday Practice: ““It feels awesome to end the day P1 here. We showed that our car is strong, that we’re strong in traffic and we can definitely pass people. We have the speed to be up in first and that’s what we want to do. We want to know that the changes we’re making are giving us the results we want. We’ve focused mainly on traffic, trying to get our car handling well around other cars and I think we’re really happy with it. Obviously our fast lap is with a ‘tow’, but if you’re getting good lap times, it’s because your car is handling well around traffic. I feel very confident with the car, with the team and the changes we’re making. I can’t complain. It’s never a bad day when you’re at the top of the time charts around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.”