Kanaan fastest in final practice for 100th Indy 500

INDIANAPOLIS — Tony Kanaan was so frustrated during qualifying that he was simply relieved once it was over.

Now, his attitude has turned to full-blown optimism.

Kanaan was the fastest in the final round of practice for the 100th Indianapolis 500 on Friday, posting a lap of 226.280 mph to highlight a frantic Carb Day that saw Pippa Mann slam the wall midway through the session.

Carlos Munoz spent most of the hour-long practice, later extended by 10 minutes, atop the speed charts. But the popular Kanaan bumped the Honda driver late in practice to give Chevrolet the top spot in what is shaping up to be an intriguing battle between the two engine manufacturers.

Munoz had a lap of 224.772, followed by Scott Dixon, Will Power and Ryan Hunter-Reay.

“I’m happy with my car. Obviously I have to pass 17 people before I get really happy with my car,” said Kanaan, who will start 18th for Chip Ganassi Racing on Sunday. “After the struggle in qualifying, we really focused on the race. Anybody who counted us out will be sorry.”

Kanaan started 12th when he won the Indy 500 three years ago.

He is hardly the only big name who will have to work his way through the field, though. Kanaan pointed out that defending winner Juan Pablo Montoya will start alongside him, and veterans such as Marco Andretti, teammate Charlie Kimball and two-time pole winner Ed Carpenter will surround him.

“There are very experienced guys back there. Sometimes that’s not the case,” Kanaan said. “I plan to start the race, if there’s a gap I’ll go for it, and then I’ll probably just look how the race plays out. Patience will be a big factor here because it’s not as easy to pass it is was in previous years.”

There was plenty of passing during Friday’s practice session, which took place under sunny skies and with temperatures soaring into the mid-80s — similar to what is in the forecast for race day.

That could give an advantage to Kanaan and the other Chevrolet drivers. Their cars have been better when the weather has been warm, the track is slick and the cars are harder to handle.

“I’d like it to be really hot,” said IndyCar points leader Simon Pagenaud, who will start eighth for Penske Racing. “I think it would make our car better.”

Pole sitter James Hinchcliffe, who was involved in a life-threatening wreck during practice a year ago, was 12th in practice with a top lap of 223.925 mph. But after hopping out of his car and getting a surprise hug from his brother, who had flown in from England, he professed himself ready for Sunday.

“Honestly it’s the best it’s been,” he said. “Every time I got in traffic, it’s getting better and better.”

There was plenty of traffic as teams took advantage of their first chance to practice in five days, and their final opportunity to tweak anything before the historic race. Mann was fortunate to avoid catching anyone else when she got loose in Turn 4 and backed into the wall, skidding back across the track.

Montoya was just behind Hinchcliffe in practice, with Graham Rahal right behind him. The son of 1986 winner Bobby Rahal will start 26th on Sunday but believes this is his best chance to win the race.

“I’m just really pleased,” he said. “I feel good about our car. If we’re running second, even third, I feel like we’ve got a good shot at winning. If it comes down to battling, we’re not going to give up.”

Sounding less optimistic was Marco Andretti, who is once more trying to end his family’s long dry spell in the race. He qualified 14th but was just 21st in final practice.

“Before this session we just wrote ourselves big signs that said, ‘Don’t panic,’ and that went right out the window. We didn’t get going until right at the end,” he said after a lap of 222.821 mph. “You know, I think we need to make the right decisions for the race.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.