Penske team shakes off bad vibes from qualifying with strong Carb Day

The best medicine to make a week of controversy and distraction go away at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is speed, and that’s precisely what Team Penske enjoyed on Friday.

“Good final run here,” said Josef Newgarden, who topped the final two-hour practice session with a best lap of 225.687mph in the No. 2 Chevy. “Excited to check the car off again and work with the team. I’m really excited for Sunday. The main show. Everything we work for. I can’t wait to get back on track with Team Chevy and our entire group.”

The defending, two-time Indy 500 winner will start from 32nd on Sunday, next to teammate Will Power in 33rd.

More IndyCar

Legge Indy 500 entry confirmed with Foyt in partnership with HMD

Arrow McLaren, Legacy Motor Club join Indy 500 forces on Hunter-Reay entry

33 cars expected for Indy Open Test, set to stream live on YouTube

“As far as the engine goes, we were all good,” Power said of the No. 12 Chevy which posted the fifth-fastest lap at 224.419mph. "The track changed and the wind changed, which will be different again on race day. Probably some minor changes to the car and then go.”

Penske’s Scott McLaughlin was the slowest of the trio on Carb Day in 27th but has the best starting spot of 10th with the No. 3 Chevy and was satisfied with the day’s work. As well, three Penske drivers got their first chance to settle in with the revised race strategists and engineers assigned to their cars for the 200-lap contest.

“A really good final practice for us,” McLaughlin said. “We’ve got a really good balance with the car and this backup car feels exactly like the last one. We played with some fuel savings and got through a lot of things. We’re in a good spot.”