Josef Newgarden, the two-time defending Indianapolis 500 champion, showcased his dominance once again by topping the speed charts during Thursday's practice session at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. With a blistering speed of 226.632 mph, Newgarden outpaced his competitors, including Scott Dixon, who trailed by over a mile per hour.

Key Highlights from Practice

• Newgarden's Performance: Newgarden completed just 35 laps but managed to set the fastest time, demonstrating the strength of the Penske team.
• Scott Dixon's Pursuit: Dixon, aiming for his sixth Indy 500 pole, clocked a best lap of 225.457 mph, the only Honda-powered car in the top five.
• Honda Engine Changes: Honda announced plans to change engines for all its full-time entries ahead of qualifying, with Dixon facing a penalty for his second engine change.
• Incident with Rasmussen: Christian Rasmussen had a close call but managed to avoid serious damage after spinning in front of Kyle Larson.

Competitors' Insights

• Pato O'Ward: "They're two different beasts you're trying to make go fast. Just because you have a good traffic car doesn't mean you'll have a good qualifying car, and vice versa."
• Kyle Larson: The NASCAR star is preparing for "the Double" and expressed satisfaction with his progress, stating, "We're getting our car better."

Looking Ahead to Fast Friday

As teams gear up for "Fast Friday," where cars receive a horsepower boost, the competition is expected to intensify. Newgarden's current form suggests he is a strong contender for pole position, but as Dixon noted, "Lots of things can change."

Speed Chart Highlights

The stage is set for an exhilarating qualifying weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with Newgarden leading the charge and the competition heating up.