CONCORD, N.C. - With the #H1100 looming just around the corner, Kyle Larson pushed the limits during the first two practices at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Both practice sessions were hindered by rain. Despite that, Larson was still able to put up a combined 152 laps.
Rain hindered cars from taking to the track at the beginning of practice on Tuesday, May 13. Once the precipitation subsided, Larson clocked 45 laps on track as he got a feel for his handling.
He ended the day with the 24th-best fast lap with a speed of 221.207 mph.
"I thought yesterday went good," Larson said during media obligations on Wednesday. "I thought our car balance was better than it was a couple of weeks ago, so yeah, I thought it was a great first day. Everything went smooth, the radios worked. It was a good day, definitely a good starting spot to build on."
What is the IndyCar hybrid system?
As Larson is getting more comfortable with his car, a new feature he is learning is IndyCar's new hybrid engine system, specifically the boost given by the electrical capacitor.
Acting like the push-to-pass system IndyCar has used since 2009, the new battery system allows drivers to use stored energy to give their cars a boost. Unlike the push-to-pass system, there is no limit to how often drivers can use it, however in order to recharge the battery, drivers must slow down to give the engine a chance to recharge.
The new feature adds a new layer to race strategy and on-track battles.
This is the first time the system is being used in the Indianapolis 500, so Larson is not alone in getting adapted.
"I'm definitely still trying to figure it out and I don't even think the teammates have a grasp on the most efficient way to use it all," Larson said during an interview on Wednesday. "So that's another area that's new to me and just trying to figure it out."
Indy 500 practice results: Day 2
Wednesday's practice session began on time, with Larson more than doubling his lap count, notching 107 laps around the 2.5-mile oval. He ended the day with a top speed of 223.985 mph, good enough for 13th best.
"I love to race," Larson said during media obligations. "I love to compete in big events, and I love to try and learn new things and challenge myself and I've looked up to Tony Stewart, he's done it a few different times, so all of that would be reasons I want to do (the #H1100)."
Larson's got three more practices before IndyCar's qualifying session on Saturday to set the field for the 500-mile race.
Here is the remaining schedule ahead for qualifying and the race:
Indy 500 TV schedule
(All times listed in eastern time)
Friday, May 16
- Noon - Practice, FS2
Saturday, May 17
- 8:30 a.m. - Practice, FS2
- 11 - Qualifying day one, FS1
Sunday, May 18
- 1 p.m. - Practice, FS2
- 4:05 - Top 12 qualifying, FOX
- 5:15 - Last chance qualifying, FOX
- 6:25 - Firestone Fast Six, FOX
Monday, May 19
- 1 p.m. - Practice, FS1
Friday, May 23
- 11 a.m. - Final practice (Carb Day), FS1
Sunday, May 25
- 12:30 p.m. - Indianapolis 500, FOX
How many laps is the Indianapolis 500?
The Indianapolis 500 is 200 laps.