Indianapolis, Ind. (15 May 2023) – After rain hindered the majority of the first day of Indianapolis 500 practice on Tuesday and Wednesday morning, Meyer Shank Racing’s (MSR) stable of three drivers finally got to turn some laps on Wednesday afternoon in preparation for the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500.
Entering the Month of May for the first time as a three-car team, Meyer Shank Racing got off to a positive start despite track activity being limited due to weather. Rookie Tom Blomqvist turned his first official laps with traffic on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in his No. 66 AutoNation / Arctic Wolf Honda.
Blomqvist took full advantage of the track time available, clocking in the most laps (117 laps) out of the 34 car field between Tuesday and Wednesday.The British racer got acquainted with a new track and new style of racing and closed out the second day of Indy 500 practice 28th in the order with top speed of 223.950 mph.
Heading into the Month of May fifth in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES points standings, Felix Rosenqvist is hoping to continue the momentum that he has had on road courses and bring that to IMS this month. The Swede got of off to a quick start, finishing the second day of testing 15th in the order.
Helio Castroneves goes into the Month of May once again on a mission to a historical Drive for 5 and become the first driver to win a fifth Indianapolis 500. Castroneves comes into the month with a new look and new colors on his No. 06 Cleveland-Cliffs Honda, but the goal still remains the same. Castroneves sits 12th on the timing sheets at the end of the day on Wednesday after completing 64 total laps.
MSR is hoping to get as much running as it can get in on Thursday, with near ideal weather conditions forecasted. Thursday will be the final day of practice before engines are turned up for “Fast Friday” in preparation for qualifying this weekend.
Meyer Shank Racing Driver Quotes:
Tom Blomqvist No. 66 AutoNation / Arctic Wolf Honda: “The first time, properly, on track for me with a load of other cars. I learned so much today and it was really about focusing on myself and not necessarily all about the car. I’ve got a bunch of really great teammates so I can lean on them for set up advice. I’ve just been trying to build up that confidence, it’s just so new to me. I’m feeing better and better with every lap.”
Felix Rosenqvist, No. 60 AutoNation / SiriusXM Honda: “It was a pretty productive day, I think we only missed out on about half the day because of the rain. I think the car is in the window, it feels good in traffic and in clean air. Now we’ll go back and look at everything and talk to our teammates and see what we can improve for tomorrow.”
Helio Castroneves, MSR w/ Curb Agajanian No. 06 Cleveland Cliffs Honda: “We were able to avoid a little bit of the weather. The car is brand new and it seems to be going in the right direction which is great. This whole team is new and have never really worked together, but you would never know that. Everyone is really gelling and working well together. I’m looking forward to hopefully avoiding the rain tomorrow so that we can continue working and get ready for Fast Friday.”