Dixon tops opening Indy 500 practice

The first official Indy 500 practice session is in the books, with Scott Dixon leading the charge.

Dixon’s fastest lap saw him average 227.119 mph around the hallowed Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The 2008 winner of the race was pursued by Chip Ganassi teammate Marcus Ericsson, a meagre 0.154 mph slower.

The day ran without any caution periods or incidents, giving teams and drivers a full two hours to tune their speeder.

One of those teams who needs all the practice they can is Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, which only competes in the 500 every year.

However, the part-timers looked right at home straight off the bat. Their two drivers for the race, Sage Karam and Santino Ferrucci, were third and sixth fastest.

Scott McLaughlin was the lead Penske car in seventh, posting a 225.330 mph time. You have to cast your eye down to 12th to find the next Penske-run car in Josef Newgarden.

Often, non-tow times are just as, if not more important, to look at during practice. These times reflect what might be seen come qualifying time.

Leading the charge on this occasion is Tony Kanaan, who set an unassisted 221.662 mph lap.