Kanaan, Munoz top final practice for Indianapolis 500
Reporting from INDIANAPOLIS — Tony Kanaan, the veteran Brazilian seeking his second Indianapolis 500 victory, topped the speed chart Friday in the final practice for the 100th running of the legendary race.
Kanaan, who reached 226.280 mph during his fastest lap , is a 41-year-old fan favorite who finally won the Indy 500 in 2013 after 11 failed attempts.
“I’m very happy with my race car,” Kanaan said. “We can do this. We’re ready to go.”
Carlos Munoz of Colombia was second-fastest, with a speed of 224.772 mph at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He was followed by Scott Dixon of New Zealand, a three-time Verizon IndyCar Series champion who won the Indy 500 in 2008.
The racing at Indianapolis has been extremely close in recent years, and Friday’s session indicated that would continue Sunday.
Several times there were six to eight cars nose to tail as they moved around the 2.5-mile, rectangular speedway, with cars taking turns passing for position.
“There was a race out there today, that’s for sure,” said Kanaan, who drives for Chip Ganassi Racing.
Kanaan will start 18th in the 33-car field and he said, “Obviously I have to pass 17 people to get really happy with my car. I can’t wait until Sunday.”
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