Weather cancels IndyCar practice

With Indy 500 qualifications scheduled for this weekend, every practice counts.

Unfortunately for the qualifying field, drivers lost a day of practice after rain caused a cancellation of Wednesday’s practice run.

Rain also played a factor Tuesday, canceling practice at 2:47 p.m. because of the poor conditions.

Before the cancellation, 31 drivers were able to participate in practice, with Team Penske’s Helio Castroneves running 56 laps, the most of any driver who was able to get on the track before it was closed down for the day.

“It was another great day for Pennzoil Chevrolet,” Castroneves said. “We did what we needed to do before the rain came in.

When the track goes green,”  Castroneves continued, “We will be ready. We are getting close to qualifying, and that is what we are starting to think about.”

Of the drivers to practice Tuesday, E.J. Viso led the field with an average speed of 224.488 mph.

Viso was selected to take over for James Hinchcliffe, who suffered a concussion in the Indy Grand Prix Saturday.

“I’ve taken on the full role for James,” Viso said. “Whatever his crew and engineer had planned to test and experience, I’ve been doing.”

After recording an average speed of 225.025 mph Monday, which was the highest of any driver, Ryan Hunter-Reay finished practice Tuesday with a speed of 223.612 mph, making him the fourth fastest car during practice.

Monday, Hunter-Reay and the other drivers for Andretti Autosport ran in a pack during practice in order to simulate what the actual race will feel like.

“Just getting a feel for downforce levels and race (simulation),” Hunter-Reay said.

“It was fun, we got through a lot of work today and it’s only Monday.”

If the weather is clear, practice is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. today.

The first day of qualifying is set to take place at 11 a.m. Saturday.

Positions 10-33 will compete for positions on Sunday, while Fast Nine qualifying will begin at 2 p.m.