After the fast guys of the Fast 12 were done, the slowest cars of yesterday’s qualifying were up to slug it out for the final three spots on the grid during the Indy 500 Last Chance Qualifying. Formerly known as Bump Day, yesterday’s slowest drivers will get an hour to make it into the 33-car field.
First up was Marcus Armstrong, being the fastest of the four yesterday. His guaranteed attempt ended in a 229.091 mph four-lap average, a stark contrast with his team mate Felix Rosenqvist.
Marco Andretti was the second one out for his guaranteed run. The 2020 pole sitter goes to 31st with a 229.741 mph average.
Rookie Jacob Abel is next, but despite his “Spin & Win” tribute livery he only manages a 227.112 mph average.
The last guaranteed run is done by Rinus VeeKay. The Dutchman had a 3.8 average starting position until this year and is now fighting to make the field. His four-lap average is 227.740 mph is enough for now, despite issues with the hybrid system.
Abel takes to the track with a little over 20 minutes to go in the Indy 500 Last Chance Qualifying to do a cool-down run. The goal is to cool the engine as much as possible, as it increases performance.
VeeKay is the first to blink with about seven minutes to go, to be sure that he is not dependent on Abel’s second run. With help of the hybrid power he now manages only a 226.913, opening the door for Abel to improve and make the grid.
His team mate starts his run with just a little over a minute to go, but he only manages a 226.394, meaning he is out of the Indy 500.
Indy 500 Last Chance Qualifying results
- Marco Andretti
- Marcus Ericsson
- Rinus VeeKay
- Jacob Abel
