INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, April 9, 2021) – Josef Newgarden has won the NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship twice in the last four years, so he freely admits winning the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is the biggest box left to check in his racing career.

If the speed chart from the second day of the Indy 500 Open Test on Friday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is any indication, that dream could become reality this May.

Newgarden, from Nashville, Tennessee, was the fastest driver today and overall from two days of testing, turning a top lap of 226.819 mph in the No. 2 Team Penske Chevrolet under mostly sunny skies on the 2.5-mile oval. That easily eclipsed the top speed from the rain-hampered first day Thursday, 224.427 by Sebastien Bourdais in the No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet.

“It was a pretty good day,” Newgarden said. “I was happy enough with the car. I think we still need some work, for sure, but to just get an initial read on where we’re at is good. Obviously, there are a lot of new parts and differences to the last couple of years, so we’re just trying to assess what we need to really work on these last couple of weeks before we get back here in May. But I’m pretty happy.”

Indy 500 winners and INDYCAR SERIES champions dominated the top of the speed chart. Two-time and reigning Indy 500 winner Takuma Sato was second at 226.369 in the No. 30 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda, with two-time Indy winner and 1999 CART champion Juan Pablo Montoya third at 226.123 in the No. 86 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet.

Six-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion and 2008 Indy 500 winner Scott Dixon was fourth at 225.906, while Graham Rahal rounded out the top five at 225.644 in the No. 15 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda.

RLL was the only team to power two drivers into the top five today, and Rahal was the fastest driver without the benefit of an aerodynamic tow in traffic, at 221.949. Sato won the 104th Indianapolis 500 last Aug. 23, with teammate Rahal third.

The speed limit increased today in more favorable conditions and larger, more aerodynamic packs. The top 12 drivers laid down laps faster than Bourdais’ chart-topper Thursday.

Passing raindrops and track inspections only briefly interrupted the nine-hour session. Rookie Scott McLaughlin turned 195 laps in his No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet, more than any driver and just five laps shy of the full 500-mile race distance.

Up next for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES is the 2021 season opener, the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by AmFirst on Sunday, April 18 at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama. NBC and the INDYCAR Radio Network will provide live coverage starting at 3 p.m. (ET).

The 105th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is scheduled for Sunday, May 30 at IMS.

IMS Open Test
Results of Session
Practice 3
Rank Car Driver Name C/E/T Time Speed Diff Gap Best Lap Total Laps
1 2 Newgarden, Josef D/C/F 00:39.6792 226.819 –.—- –.—- 60 121
2 30 Sato, Takuma D/H/F 00:39.7534 226.396 0.0742 0.0742 47 60
3 86 Montoya, Juan Pablo D/C/F 00:39.8013 226.123 0.1221 0.0479 43 68
4 9 Dixon, Scott D/H/F 00:39.8395 225.906 0.1603 0.0382 65 126
5 15 Rahal, Graham D/H/F 00:39.8859 225.644 0.2067 0.0464 40 157
6 47 Daly, Conor D/C/F 00:39.8868 225.639 0.2076 0.0009 119 137
7 12 Power, Will D/C/F 00:39.9112 225.501 0.2320 0.0244 51 162
8 60 Harvey, Jack D/H/F 00:39.9527 225.266 0.2735 0.0415 139 140
9 5 O’Ward, Pato D/C/F 00:39.9790 225.118 0.2998 0.0263 108 156
10 06 Castroneves, Helio D/H/F 00:39.9868 225.074 0.3076 0.0078 105 128
11 22 Pagenaud, Simon D/C/F 00:39.9999 225.001 0.3207 0.0131 104 184
12 28 Hunter-Reay, Ryan D/H/F 00:40.0091 224.949 0.3299 0.0092 119 134
13 26 Herta, Colton D/H/F 00:40.1422 224.203 0.4630 0.1331 42 164
14 20 Carpenter, Ed D/C/F 00:40.1524 224.146 0.4732 0.0102 144 146
15 10 Palou, Alex D/H/F 00:40.1545 224.134 0.4753 0.0021 20 112
16 7 Rosenqvist, Felix D/C/F 00:40.1835 223.973 0.5043 0.0290 112 126
17 18 Jones, Ed D/H/F 00:40.1956 223.905 0.5164 0.0121 15 104
18 3 McLaughlin, Scott (R) D/C/F 00:40.2131 223.808 0.5339 0.0175 151 195
19 27 Rossi, Alexander D/H/F 00:40.2440 223.636 0.5648 0.0309 117 136
20 45 Ferrucci, Santino D/H/F 00:40.2650 223.519 0.5858 0.0210 85 137
21 16 De Silvestro, Simona D/C/F 00:40.2760 223.458 0.5968 0.0110 50 92
22 29 Hinchcliffe, James D/H/F 00:40.2760 223.458 0.5968 0.0000 87 127
23 48 Kanaan, Tony D/H/F 00:40.3404 223.101 0.6612 0.0644 38 99
24 24 Karam, Sage D/C/F 00:40.3415 223.095 0.6623 0.0011 71 81
25 98 Andretti, Marco D/H/F 00:40.3923 222.815 0.7131 0.0508 113 138
26 14 Bourdais, Sebastien D/C/F 00:40.4263 222.627 0.7471 0.0340 119 125
27 59 Chilton, Max D/C/F 00:40.4935 222.258 0.8143 0.0672 3 114
28 8 Ericsson, Marcus D/H/F 00:40.5159 222.135 0.8367 0.0224 147 188
29 51 Fittipaldi, Pietro (R) D/H/F 00:40.5509 221.943 0.8717 0.0350 135 144
30 4 Kellett, Dalton D/C/F 00:40.8727 220.196 1.1935 0.3218 63 97
31 52 Ware, Cody (R) D/H/F 00:41.2017 218.438 1.5225 0.3290 25 58
(R) Rookie Total Laps: 3956
(C)hassis: D=Dallara | (E)ngine: C=Chevy, H=Honda | (T)ire: F=Firestone

Day 2 Rookie Orientation/Refresher Results
Results of Session
Practice 2
Rank Car Driver Name C/E/T Time Speed Diff Gap Best Lap Total Laps
1 06 Castroneves, Helio D/H/F 00:40.7241 220.999 –.—- –.—- 27 29
2 59 Chilton, Max D/C/F 00:40.7376 220.926 0.0135 0.0135 28 28
3 86 Montoya, Juan Pablo D/C/F 00:41.1100 218.925 0.3859 0.3724 29 35
4 51 Fittipaldi, Pietro (R) D/H/F 00:41.1654 218.630 0.4413 0.0554 13 26
5 16 De Silvestro, Simona D/C/F 00:41.1686 218.613 0.4445 0.0032 19 30
6 29 Hinchcliffe, James D/H/F 00:41.2154 218.365 0.4913 0.0468 5 21
7 24 Karam, Sage D/C/F 00:41.3675 217.562 0.6434 0.1521 7 17
8 18 Jones, Ed D/H/F 00:41.3897 217.445 0.6656 0.0222 16 23
9 52 Ware, Cody (R) D/H/F 00:41.4281 217.244 0.7040 0.0384 20 29
10 4 Kellett, Dalton D/C/F No Time No Speed 0.0000 0.0000 0 0
11 14 Bourdais, Sebastien D/C/F No Time No Speed 0.0000 0.0000 0 0
(R) Rookie Total Laps: 238

Track Activity To Resume at 9 a.m. (ET) Friday

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, April 8, 2021) – Sebastien Bourdais of AJ Foyt Racing was the fastest among 32 drivers who turned laps Thursday at the 105th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge Open Test, which included a rain delay of more than five hours at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Frenchman Bourdais was among a group of 11 drivers who took to the 2.5-mile oval in the final 70 minutes of track activity for veteran refresher tests and the Rookie Orientation Program, and he turned a top lap of 224.427 mph in the famous No. 14 ROKiT Chevrolet fielded by legendary four-time Indy 500 winner A.J. Foyt.

Bourdais turned his top lap in the last few minutes of the final session, which resembled the “Happy Hour” of an Indy 500 practice day with cars running in aerodynamic packs. He was among the veterans who needed to complete the two-phase refresher test since he didn’t race in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” in 2020.

“Pretty good refresher for the A.J. Foyt No. 14,” Bourdais said. “That ROKiT car was pretty good. It always feels a little different when you start at low speeds and the car’s never really settled, but we got through both phases and are ready to go tomorrow and start working properly. It’s all good.”

Rain halted the opening veterans-only session at 12:30 p.m. (ET). A second heavy shower around 3:15 p.m. delayed track activity until the track reopened at 6:03 p.m. under blue skies and sunshine.

Track activity will take place from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (ET) Friday, with live broadcast coverage on Peacock. Rookie Orientation and refresher tests will take place from 9-10 a.m., with veterans back on track from 10-11 a.m. The track will open for all drivers from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Conor Daly was the second-fastest driver overall and the fastest in the morning session of 90 minutes before heavy rain arrived in Indianapolis. Daly’s top lap was 222.714 in the No. 47 U.S. Air Force Chevrolet fielded by Ed Carpenter Racing, also with the help of an aerodynamic tow.

Sage Karam was third overall at 222.408, with his best lap in the No. 24 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Chevrolet also coming during the final session after the rain left town.

Three-time Indy 500 pole winner Ed Carpenter was fourth at 221.296 in the No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet. Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves rounded out the top five at 221.097 in the No. 06 Meyer Shank Racing Honda.

2020 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Rookie of the Year Rinus VeeKay suffered a broken finger in a crash in Turn 1 just 11 minutes into track activity in his No. 21 Sonax/Autogeek Chevrolet fielded by ECR. He was cleared to drive.

VeeKay’s car dipped low into the grass inside Turn 1 and did nearly a full clockwise spin before hitting the SAFER Barrier in Turn 1 with the right front and right side of the car. The car then spun twice and slid through the short chute before stopping at the entrance of Turn 2 with heavy damage.

“I wanted to do as many laps as possible to be successful,” VeeKay said. “I’m very sorry. It was a weird moment.”

The 105th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is scheduled for Sunday, May 30. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES season opens April 17-18 with the Honda Indy Grand Prix presented by AmFirst at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama.

Fearless and Unapologetic, INDYCAR Athletes Narrate Story of Defiance

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, April 7, 2021) – The NTT INDYCAR SERIES unveiled its brand campaign – “Defy Everything” – for the 2021 season that highlights the daring, unapologetic and all-around badass mindset of its elite athletes.

“Defy Everything” was created in partnership with Chicago-based agency Schafer Condon Carter (SCC) and appeals to both diehard race fans, who live to see these athletes put it all on the line every week, and casual sports fans, who will find the sweat and sacrifice from NTT INDYCAR SERIES athletes every time they enter the cockpit captivating.

Highlighting this launch is the release of the anchor video showing the odds-defying, risk-taking, all-or-nothing moments that are commonplace in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES each season. From daring passes by Rinus VeeKay to breathtaking moments involving Colton Herta and near-misses by Graham Rahal, this video encapsulates what makes North America’s premier open-wheel series must-see action. Click here to view.

“This campaign reflects the risks our athletes take at incredible speeds in order to compete at such a high level, offering fans a look at the defiant personality it takes to be an NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver,” said SJ Luedtke, INDYCAR vice president of marketing. “Showcasing their bold athleticism and sheer skill will resonate with sports fans across the globe, but we hope their defiant nature and unapologetic personalities will inspire anyone looking to beat the odds and turn the tables on the status quo.”

Fans can experience this digital-first campaign throughout the season on NTT INDYCAR SERIES and driver/team social media channels through stories of defiance, driver highlight packages, video content features and graphics.

Extensions of the campaign include customized video content, narrated by the drivers themselves, that showcases their audacious personality and thrilling on-track moments. From the insatiable desire to take 5G’s to the neck just for fun to the ambitious mentality it takes to train to react down the millisecond and the fearlessness it takes to push 240 mph just 2 inches from the ground, this content will show how these drivers were born fearing nothing and are willing to “Defy Everything.”

“Defy Everything” video content is told through the lens of “Do Bad Well,” an original song from DJ/producer KSHMR, who has been named one of the Top 100 DJs in the world by DJ Mag each of the last five years and was 12th on the rankings in 2020.

Race fans can see these drivers’ audacious athleticism in action when the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season opens Sunday, April 18 with the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by AmFirst (3 p.m. ET, LIVE on NBC, INDYCAR Radio Network) at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama.

Expanded Activation in 2021 Includes Three-Race Primary Sponsorship of No. 2 Chevy Driven by Two-Time Series Champ Josef Newgarden

MOORESVILLE, N.C. / SAN ANTONIO, TX (April 8, 2021) – XPEL (NASDAQ: XPEL), a leading provider of protective films and coatings, announced today it will increase its presence in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES through an enhanced partnership with Team Penske and two-time series champion Josef Newgarden. 

XPEL will be the primary sponsor of the No. 2 Chevrolet for three races during the upcoming 2021 season, increasing its primary presence from two races in 2020 – the company’s first year as an INDYCAR SERIES partner. With its distinctive yellow and black design, the No. 2 XPEL Chevy will be driven by Newgarden during the May 1-2 doubleheader at Texas Motor Speedway (TMS), including the second race of the weekend – the XPEL 375 on Sunday afternoon. Newgarden will also race the XPEL Chevrolet on August 14 in the series race on the road course at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway. XPEL will also be an associate sponsor for Newgarden and the No. 2 Chevy throughout the 2021 INDYCAR SERIES season.

“We are proud to see our partnership with XPEL continue to grow as they build on their INDYCAR presence,” said Roger Penske. “XPEL can help reach its business goals by connecting with fans of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and Josef has been a great representative for the company on and off the track. We look forward to continued success with XPEL and the No. 2 Dallara/Chevrolet team this season.”

Newgarden helped welcome XPEL to the Team Penske INDYCAR SERIES partner family in 2020 when he won the pole position at TMS in what turned out to be the opening race of a season that was delayed by COVID-19.

“Last year, the XPEL brand had the perfect INDYCAR debut with Team Penske and Josef Newgarden,” said Ryan Pape, XPEL CEO. “This year we are thrilled to see Josef suit up for a third race driving the No. 2 XPEL  INDYCAR and are especially excited to see him race at the XPEL 375.”

Since joining Team Penske prior to the 2017 INDYCAR SERIES season, Newgarden has won a series-leading 15 races as the native of Hendersonville, Tenn. captured the series championship in 2017 and 2019 before finishing as series runner up last season. The American star has produced strong recent results on the 1.5-mile TMS oval, as he led 54 laps and won during his championship season of 2019 before he produced a third-place Texas finish last season.

“I was a customer of XPEL even before they became a partner on the No. 2 Chevrolet at Team Penske,” said Newgarden. “They are a first-class company with top-notch products, and their support of Team Penske has been amazing. We will certainly be working hard to deliver a win for them in their home state at the XPEL 375.”

About XPEL

XPEL is a leading provider of protective films and coatings, including automotive paint protection film, surface protection film, automotive and commercial/residential window films, and ceramic coatings. With a global footprint, a network of trained installers and proprietary DAP software, XPEL is dedicated to exceeding customer expectations by providing high-quality products, leading customer service, expert technical support and world-class training. XPEL, Inc. is publicly traded on Nasdaq under the symbol “XPEL.”  https://www.xpel.com/

About Team Penske
Team Penske is one of the most successful teams in the history of professional sports. Cars owned and prepared by Team Penske have produced more than 550 major race wins, over 650 pole positions and 40 Championships across open-wheel, stock car and sports car racing competition. Over the course of its 55-year history, the team has also earned 18 Indianapolis 500 victories, two Daytona 500 Championships, a Formula 1 win, overall victories in the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring along with a win in Australia’s legendary Bathurst 1000 race. In 2021, Team Penske will compete in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. For more information about Team Penske, please visit www.teampenske.com.

INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, April 6, 2021) – A robust lineup of international broadcast partnerships will help deliver the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to a growing global audience in 2021. A series of renewals and expanded broadcast and streaming relationships will bring the stars of North America’s premier open-wheel racing series to many markets across Europe, Asia and more.

Existing and renewal partnerships will bring the action of the series and its defiant athletes to Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Nordic countries, Latin America, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom and Vietnam. New broadcast partners in other nations and regions will be announced soon.

Coverage also will increase in some nations, such as Australia, where Fox Sports Australia and Kayo will broadcast practices, qualifying and live telecasts of every race to fans eager to follow Australian Will Power and three-time Australian V8 Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin of New Zealand.

Sky Sport will continue to be the broadcast partner in New Zealand, focusing on Kiwi sporting legend and six-time series champion Scott Dixon of Chip Ganassi Racing.

“The new commitment is massive,” Team Penske rookie McLaughlin said. “I have a lot of support back home and not only for myself but for Will Power and Scott Dixon. For our friends and fans to see every session is fantastic. It’s going to be awesome.”

Canada’s Sportsnet returns to televise the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, putting Canadians James Hinchcliffe of Andretti Steinbrenner Autosport and Dalton Kellett of AJ Foyt Racing into the spotlight.

“The support we’ve had from Canada has been incredible,” Toronto native Hinchcliffe said. “The fans are passionate. They’ll be excited to know where they’ll be able to watch the NTT INDYCAR SERIES this year.”

GAORA SPORTS will continue coverage in Japan, which has a passionate INDYCAR fanbase that follows reigning and two-time Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge winner Takuma Sato of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.

“Our fans have always wanted to have more information,” Sato said. “GAORA offers such great support. I’m really grateful.”

France’s CANAL+, the Netherlands’ Ziggo Sport and Viaplay in the Nordic countries also are back to support their countrymen competing in the series.

“It’s hard for fans in the Netherlands to follow the series without Ziggo Sport,” said Netherlands native and 2020 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Rookie of the Year Rinus VeeKay of Ed Carpenter Racing. “I can really see the interest grow. It’s great and convenient for all of the fans back home.”

Said Swedish driver Felix Rosenqvist, who competes for Arrow McLaren SP: “We have a lot of INDYCAR fans in Sweden ever since Kenny Brack drove (1996-2005). You can really see that interest is waking back up when Marcus (Ericsson) and I joined the series. Viaplay has a good platform and good commentary, and it’s crucial for young drivers to help grow the passion in our country.”

Sky Sports F1 will televise the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in the United Kingdom, a hotbed of passionate racing fans.

“It’s mega,” said Englishman Jack Harvey, who drives for Meyer Shank Racing. “For fans in England to see how high a level and a premium the NTT INDYCAR SERIES really is, it’s super important.”

Additional 2021 renewals include Supersport, which covers South Africa and pan-sub-Saharan Africa, and Viasat Sport East in Russia, which has broadcast INDYCAR events since 2013.

The 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES begins Sunday, April 18 at the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by AmFirst at Barber Motorsports Park.

Broadcast partners offering continuing NTT INDYCAR SERIES coverage in 2021 are listed below and available here.

Territories – Channel
Australasia – Fox Sports Australia
Belgium – VOOsport
Canada – Sportsnet
France – CANAL+
Japan – GAORA SPORTS
Mexico – Claro
Myanmar – CANAL+
Netherlands – Ziggo Sport
New Zealand – Sky Sport
Nordics – V Sport and Viaplay
Pan LatAm – Claro Video
Portugal – Sport TV
Russia – Viasat Sport East
South Africa & SSA – Supersport
Sub-Saharan Africa – CANAL+
Spain – Movistar
UK – Sky Sports F1
Vietnam – VSTV

Testing Scheduled for April 8-9 at Racing Capital of the World

INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, April 5, 2021) – Nearly a full field of NTT INDYCAR SERIES participants will begin preparations for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge during an open test Thursday, April 8 and Friday, April 9 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Thirty-two car-and-driver combinations are scheduled to participate in the two-day session, which will stream live to race fans exclusively via NBCUniversal’s new streaming service, Peacock.

The open test at IMS creates a marquee launch for INDYCAR action on Peacock, featuring NBC Sports talent, exclusive content and interviews previewing the 17-race NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. Fans can sign up here for one week to view both days of testing at IMS, and enjoy live coverage of NTT INDYCAR SERIES qualifying and practice sessions, as well as coverage surrounding the 105th Indianapolis 500, Indy Lights races, race day warmups and full-event replays of the 2021 season on Peacock Premium for $4.99 per month.

“IMS and INDYCAR are working closely with NBC Sports to deliver what should be an exceptional show on Peacock during these two very important days of testing,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “Having the NBC Sports broadcasters, production quality and exclusive content will deliver an engaging viewing experience that builds even more anticipation for finally coming ‘Back Home Again’ to IMS in May.”

Said INDYCAR President Jay Frye: “The NTT INDYCAR SERIES offers the most competitive and daring racing on the planet. Peacock gives our most loyal fans access to key practice and qualification sessions while also showcasing our series alongside a compelling roster of major global sports leagues and competitions.”

A full stream of the test also will be available to international fans via the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA. Details on further global coverage of NTT INDYCAR SERIES race weekends, beginning with the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by AmFirst on Sunday, April 18, will be provided soon by INDYCAR.

The IMS test will be held from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (ET) Thursday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday. There will be no on-site public access. IMS remains focused on planning and preparing to host spectators during the Month of May. An advisory regarding media access will be forthcoming.

Star-Studded Field Set To Turn Laps at IMS

Reigning “500” champion Takuma Sato of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and six-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Scott Dixon of Chip Ganassi Racing headline the list of participants testing. Sato and Dixon were the top two finishers in last year’s race, held Aug. 23 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and they have combined to win Indy three times (Sato in 2017 and 2020, Dixon in 2008).

Nine former “500” winners have plans to test, including three-time champion Helio Castroneves (2001, 2002, 2009) in a car fielded by Meyer Shank Racing. Juan Pablo Montoya eyes his third “500” victory with as many teams. Montoya’s prior victories came with Chip Ganassi Racing in 2000 and Team Penske in 2015; this effort is with Arrow McLaren SP.

Other past “500” winners participating will be Chip Ganassi Racing’s Tony Kanaan (2013), Andretti Autosport’s Ryan Hunter-Reay (2014) and Alexander Rossi (2016), and Team Penske’s Will Power (2018) and Simon Pagenaud (2019). The record for former winners in a single “500” is 10, set in 1992.

Marco Andretti, who won the NTT P1 Award for pole at last year’s event, will be part of Andretti Autosport’s five participants. Andretti became the first member of his family to win the pole at Indy since his grandfather Mario in 1987. Mario won three “500” poles in his illustrious career.

Simona De Silvestro will make her return to IMS in the No. 16 Chevrolet of Paretta Autosport, a new NTT INDYCAR SERIES team. The Swiss driver last competed in the race in 2015. Pietro Fittipaldi, whose grandfather Emerson twice won the “500,” also will participate in the test in a bid to earn his first starting position in the famed event.

Honda will have 17 entries testing, Chevrolet 15.

Official practice for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” begins Tuesday, May 18, with more than 33 entries competing for a starting position. NTT P1 Award qualifying will be held Saturday, May 22 and Sunday, May 23. The “500” is Sunday, May 30.