Jimmie Johnson: ‘My chances are good’ in Indianapolis 500 debut

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Over the previous twenty years, Jimmie Johnson by no means jumped behind the wheel on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway keen to concede something wanting a win.

Forward of his anticipated first begin within the Indianapolis 500 on Could 29, Johnson’s swagger at the Racing Capital of the World seems to be again at a degree solely NASCAR followers are acquainted with within the Circle Metropolis.

“I really feel the extra aggressive I’m, the brighter that focus will develop into, and I hope that sucker is as vibrant as potential,” Johnson mentioned. “I do know I’ve the workforce, Chip Ganassi Racing. I’m surrounded by nice teammates. My likelihood is good. I hope to take advantage of that and benefit from it.”

Following a crisp displaying at Wednesday’s Indianapolis 500 open automobile testing, which included Johnson’s driving in site visitors, the 46-year-old gave an evaluation of his second expertise in an IndyCar on the oval in Indianapolis. 

The 1-10 scale didn’t suffice.

“Let’s go along with an 11,” Johnson advised Information 8. “It’s so a lot enjoyable on the market. What an honor it’s to be right here in IndyCar and to go that quick round this race monitor. Actually having fun with it.”

Johnson turned 21 laps on Wednesday and posted speeds towards the underside of the 26-car open check discipline.

This previous month at Texas, Johnson completed sixth throughout his IndyCar oval monitor debut at Texas.

The robust displaying backed up the notion that Johnson’s dominance on NASCAR ovals would carry over rapidly to IndyCar.

Castroneves crashes

Through the last hour of Wednesday night’s open check, Helio Castroneves discovered the Flip 2 wall and the No. 6 machine suffered important injury to its proper facet.

Castroneves was leaving pit lane and re-entering the monitor exterior of Flip 2 when he spun and almost bumped into Marcus Ericsson, who was turning by Flip 2. Castroneves was not injured. 

It stays to be seen if Meyer Shank Racing could make repairs in time to move again out for day two of the open check Thursday.