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Kiwi trio set the pace in opening Indy 500 practice
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • May 13th, 2026 2:16 pm
Marcus Armstrong Indy 500, 2025 | Photo: Photosport
Kiwis Scott McLaughlin, Scott Dixon and Marcus Armstrong have each finished inside the top 10 at Wednesday's (NZ time) first Indy 500 practice, marking the start of 'the greatest spectacle in racing' - and the bricks wait to be kissed.
Armstrong finished second fastest, just 0.042 mph behind reigning Indy 500 champion Alex Palou.
Armstrong held a steady lead while Palou endured mechanical issues for the majority of the session, however got back on track in the final 10 minutes to knock the New Zealander off the top spot.
Dixon finished fifth and Scott McLaughlin was eighth fastest of the 33-car field.
After heartbreak in last year's edition of the iconic race, redemption is on the cards for each of the NZ trio.
Scott Dixon celebrates in traditional fashion after winning the Indy Car 500 back in 2008 | Photo: Photosport
McLaughlin qualified sixth but lost control while warming up his tyres on the out lap, resulting in a crash which ruled him out of the race.
Dixon started fourth before suffering severe brake issues and a fire, ruining his shot at contention.
Armstrong finished the race 18th from grid 30, following a nasty crash in qualifying that saw him leave the track on a stretcher.
Dixon is the only Kiwi to have won the Indy 500, having won in 2008 from pole position.
Wednesday's session was the first of three consecutive practice days, followed by two days of qualifying.
Qualifying begins on Sunday, where starting positions 16-33 will be locked in, while Monday will see the top 15 advance to a shootout to also lock in final positions.
The 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 takes place on May 25.
