Will Power in the No.12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet says the team has a pretty good baseline following a strong opening day of testing at IMS.
The Australian set a fastest speed of 227.026MPH. Power, who was the only driver to break the 227MPH said:
I think we’ve got a pretty good baseline. “My teammates are pretty good. I learned a thing or two off them. It’s (Indianapolis 500) almost its own championship in itself. You’ve got to look for your weaknesses and improve.
Scott McLaughlin in the No.3 Pennzoil Team Penske Chevrolet was fifth with a speed of 225.005MPH.Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Pennzoil Team Penske Chevrolet:
“Happy we were able to get out today after the rain seemed like it wouldn’t stop. The Pennzoil Chevy came off the truck quick and now we have a good baseline to attack the rest of the week. Having Simon (Pagenaud) on the timing stand today is something you can’t put a price on, and it means a lot to me that he is here. He has been a tremendous help to me on ovals and he’s someone whose advice I value a lot.”
Simon Pagenaud, former Team Penske driver and current Team Chevy simulation consultant:
How can you help McLaughlin?
“I’ve been here much longer than he has, and I’ve had the chance to run the race at the front and win it. Scott came to me, which is rare to go to another driver and ask for the tools to get stronger. Scott is extremely talented, but he’s always looking for something else. We have this common trait and, he said would you mind coming to the (Indianapolis) 500 with me this year. I said, of course I would. Last year was so exciting with the pole. He can do it, he just needs a little bit more experience and I’m just trying to transfer all of my knowledge to him and to help him speed up his learning process.”
What is like being on this side of pit wall?
“It’s different. It’s been two different years for me. It’s confusing on the emotional side of things. I want to be driving, but I can’t. I’ve been very fortunate to have opportunities like this to transfer my knowledge and give back to someone that has the same values as me and to my old team. I’m happy that I can help in some ways and be part of the community and contribute to someone’s great talent.
Practice continues on Wednesday.