The Month Of May Roars To Life At Indianapolis Motor Speedway

INDIANAPOLIS, May 3, 2015 - Twenty-seven drivers hit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval for the first time this year to prepare for the 99th Running of the Indianapolis 500.

Opening day at IMS also marked the first day for superspeedway aero kits, the bodywork enhancements that allow for easier distinction between manufacturers Honda and Chevrolet and encourage faster speeds. Every race so far in the Verizon IndyCar Series has been on road/street courses, which feature different aero kits.

Faster speeds were the order of the day. Juan Pablo Montoya, winner of the 2000 Indianapolis 500, topped the speed chart with a lap at 226.772 mph (39.6874 seconds) late in the afternoon.

"We struggled a little bit this morning with the balance. We made a few changes, a couple of good things," said Montoya. "We're all trying different things. Each car has its own program so we will be trying to make the car better."

Montoya ran 95 laps on the day, tied with 2013 Indianapolis 500 champion and Chip Ganassi Racing driver Tony Kanaan for the most on Day 1. A total of 1,845 laps were turned on the 2.5-mile oval.

"It's a new kit. We're still trying to figure out what to do, every day at the racetrack is a good day," said Kanaan. "We had a smooth day, that's what counts."

Rookie Gabby Chaves placed 13th on the Opening Day speed chart with a lap at 224.718 mph.

"This was a very special day for me to be out there in an Indy car and to work with the new aero kits. The car felt great, very comfortable," Chaves said. "This is the first time I have gone over 200 miles per hour. It's very different. When you're running 30 miles per hour faster than you have ever gone before, everything comes at you a lot quicker."

Second fastest behind Montoya was three-time "500" champion Helio Castroneves, at 226.468 mph.

"We feel great. It's always awesome to be here," Castroneves said. "The fans are incredible, just to see everyone (is) already excited. It's a great opportunity to have an extra day to run with the new aero kit."

When the drivers return to IMS on Thursday, their cars will be in road course configurations as practice begins for the second annual Angie's List Grand Prix of Indianapolis. Admission is free and gates open at 8 a.m.