IMS Road Course Race Notes
The Andretti INDYCAR team wrapped up the two-day road course event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway today as the field of 27 took on the 85-lap race to kick off the month of May.
Colton Herta took the green flag from the back of the field and narrowly avoided an opening lap multi-car incident in Turn 1. A few turns later, Herta was involved in an on-track incident with his teammate that resulted in a penalty for the No. 28. The remainder of the race saw Herta lead the field in on-track passes with 31 and slowly work his way up 17 spots from his starting position, earning him the title of ‘Josten’s Biggest Mover’ of the race.
Kyle Kirkwood led the Andretti INDYCAR lineup in starting position, but was unfortunately involved in the multi-car incident on the first lap that dropped him to the back. Coming from 24th, Kirkwood steadily worked the AutoNation Honda forward to mid-field and took the checkered just outside the top 10. Kirkwood was fourth in on-track passes for the 85-lap race with 17.
Like Herta, Marcus Ericsson was able to avoid the early-race incident but contact with the No. 26 in Turn 4 resulted in an avoidable contact penalty that forced him to yield five positions. Ericsson worked to rebound throughout the race, cycling into the top 10 multiple times, but strategy didn’t play out for the No. 28 and Ericssion wasn’t able to finish higher than 16th.
Focus for the Andretti INDYCAR team will now shift to preparations for the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway transforms from the 14-turn road course configuration to the most famous four corners in motorsports. Opening Day for the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race will kick off on Tuesday, May 14 with practice streaming on Peacock all week.
Race Results
Colton Herta No. 26 Gainbridge Honda
P7
Started: P24
Standings: 4th (127pts)
“Overall it was a pretty solid day. I’m happy with the Gainbridge Honda – it was a really good recovery for us. I think there would have been a podium in the cards if we hadn’t gotten taken out by our teammate at one point, but you know, that’s the way it goes. So we’ll keep pushing. Everybody on the No. 26 crew did an incredible job today and had a great recovery here.”