Chip Ganassi Racing led a 1-2 in opening practice at Pocono, but it was Charlie Kimball and Sage Karam who led the way instead of stalwarts Scott Dixon and Tony Kanaan. Both Kimball and Karam were quick from the outset and spent much of the session in the top five. Simon Pagenaud and Juan Montoya made it a Penske 3-4 in opening practice, while Takuma Sato showed impressive form to end the session in fifth.

Title contender Graham Rahal languished below 20th for much of the session, did manage to climb up to 11th by the end of practice. Other contenders Dixon, Castroneves, and Power ended the session 16th, 7th, and 12th.

The lone incident came at the very end of practice when Stefano Coletti made light contact with the outside wall exiting turn three and crossed the track to make similar contact with the inside wall. Damage was minimal, but it brought an end to his session.

Qualifying rolls off at 2:00 p.m. EST.

Pocono