THIS is the latest in a series of briefings with Justin Wilson, driving for Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing, as he prepares for the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500 in the US on May 25.
INDIANAPOLIS, May 15 – The weather in Indianapolis this week has been gloomy, drizzling and windy, which is enough to remind Britain's Justin Wilson of his homeland!
"Kind of, but not in a positive way," the 29-year-old Woodall man admitted Thursday after running 95 practice laps at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in winds estimated at upward of 25 knots.
"It was pretty bad," Wilson said. "The car was getting blown all over the place. We have to work on it a little bit just in case it's that way for the race, but at the same time we're hoping that race day is going to be a little bit calmer and will allow us to drive the cars a little better."
Wilson was the 17th fastest of 35 drivers Thursday, which included most of the 11 who qualified last Saturday for the May 25 Indianapolis 500. The field of 33 cars is expected to be filled Saturday prior to Bump Day on Sunday.
Wilson's quickest lap Thursday was 221.261 miles an hour, which came on the fifth of his 95 laps.
"For me, Turn 4 was one of the worst," said Wilson, describing the winds. "The car would sort of straighten up halfway through (the corner). You'd look for the wall and have to get out of the throttle."
Even though he is yet to qualify Wilson's car was set-up in full race trim with no laps dedicated to a qualifying set-up.
"We were trying to drive in traffic and get a feel for what it was like, so there are no surprises on race day," he said. "I was comfortable. We made a few changes and the car was feeling pretty good, so I'm happy with the way it's going. But, we feel like we need a little bit more out of it yet."
At the end of a full and busy day of practice, Will Power was fastest of the non-qualified drivers with a speed of 222.657 miles an hour. John Andretti was second quick at 222.474 mph and Bruno Junqueira was third with a lap of 222.303.
Practice continues today. Qualifications to fill positions 12 through 33 will be Saturday and Bump Day is Sunday. The 92nd Indianapolis 500 will be televised lived on ABC at 1pm EDT on Sunday, May 25.
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