Most Drivers Complete Indy 500 Rookie/Refresher Program

On the first day of the Indy 500 open test, most drivers successfully completed either the Rookie Orientation Program or the Refresher Program. Eight drivers were required to gradually build up speed through this program, five of whom managed to complete all phases.

The program is designed to help drivers acclimate to the high speeds of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway under relatively light track conditions. In addition to rookies, it is also intended for experienced drivers who have not competed in any other oval races in the IndyCar Series since last year’s Indy 500.

Rookies Louis Foster, Robert Shwartzman, and Jacob Abel took part, along with veterans Marco Andretti, Takuma Sato, Devlin DeFrancesco, Callum Ilott, and Kyle Larson. Ryan Hunter-Reay and Hélio Castroneves were not required to complete the program, as they had already participated in a test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway following the conclusion of the 2024 IndyCar season.

Larson’s day got off to a rough start due to technical issues with his McLaren early in the session. The driver, who hopes to attempt “The Double” next month, was unable to complete Phase 3 as a result. Andretti also logged relatively few laps and was likewise unable to check off the final phase.

The driver who struggled the most to get up to speed was Dale Coyne Racing’s Jacob Abel. With 70 laps completed, the rookie was the most active driver of the session, but he too fell short of finishing Phase 3.

The three drivers who have yet to complete the third phase are still allowed to participate in full-field sessions alongside the rest of the grid. However, they must still demonstrate that they are fast enough to qualify for the race.

Full ROP/Refresher practice results