Every driver who competes in the Indy 500 for the first time has to complete the speedway’s Rookie Orientation Program before being allowed to test the rest of the month and eventually qualify. The program is meant to get new drivers up to speed at Indianapolis’ 2.5 mile oval and show they can run laps safely and consistently before they are sent out with other drivers.
The program has three phases.
First, the driver has to run 10 laps in a range of 205-210 mph, followed by 15 laps at the 210-215 mph range. The final phase is 15 laps at 215+ mph.
The Rookie Orientation Program for this year’s Indy 500 will take place May 15th from 1-3 p.m. for Claman De Melo who has not already completed it. Wickens, Leist, and Kaiser completed the program earlier in the month.
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Photo courtesy of Chris Owens/IndyCar
by Drew
The Single Seater 