Series points leader Juan Pablo Montoya set the pace as speed soared during the afternoon session on the lone day of aero kit testing in preparation for the 99th running of the Indianapolis 500.
The 2000 Indianapolis 500 champion lapped the 2.5 mile oval in 39.6874s (226.772 mph), eclipsing last year’s opening day speed by three miles an hour. Teammate Helio Castroneves flanked him with a lap of 39.7407s (226.468 mph). Marco Andretti led the charge for Honda and recorded the third quickest lap of 39.7759s (226.268 mph).
Chevrolet claimed the next two positions with 2008 500 winner Scott Dixon in fourth place and Simon Pagenaud made it three Penske cars in the top 5 with the fifth quickest time.
Three Hondas and two Chevrolets rounded out the top 5 with Takuma Sato leading Simona de Silvestro, Ed Carpenter, Ryan Hunter-Reay and Sage Karam.
Gabby Chaves also successfully completed the three stage rookie orientation program while Simona de Silvestro, James Jakes, Oriol Servia, Sage Karam and Conor Daly completed the required refresher course.
