A 24-year-old Swedish native, Lundqvist moved into the 20-lap, two-segment centerpiece that had a $500,000 reward on the line after a simple drive– beginning and completing 4th– in the 2nd heat race.
Lundqvist, the 2022 Indy NXT champ, out-lasted fellow very first year chauffeurs such as Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) team-mate Kyffin Simpson, 2023 Indy NXT titlist Christian Rasmussen (Ed Carpenter Racing) and existing Indy NXT full-timer Nolan Siegel, who was making his first-ever look in an IndyCar occasion. Furthermore, however, he was amongst the 3– of 5– CGR motorists to move into the centerpiece, with the obvious omission being six-time series champ Scott Dixon. Colin Braun (Dale Coyne Racing) and Tom Blomqvist (Meyer Shank Racing) were likewise amongst the list of novices.
The very first 10 laps of the last saw Lundqvist preserve 6th and not challenge in an effort to save tire destruction, the 2nd half saw him in the mix of several fights versus the likes of Colton Herta (Andretti Global), Josef Newgarden (Team Penske) and Alexander Rossi (Arrow McLaren).
In the end, Lundqvist could not fend of Herta, however did hold company versus a late dive by Rossi and ahead of Newgarden en path to gathering a sixth-place surface, straight behind team-mate Marcus Armstrong, the 2023 IndyCar Rookie of the Year, in the running order.
Race Start, Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, Marcus Armstrong, Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, Graham Rahal, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda, Linus Lundqvist, Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, Tom Blomqvist, Meyer Shank Racing Honda, Patricio O’Ward, Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, Callum Ilott, Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, Alexander Rossi, Arrow McLaren Chevrolet
Image by: Josh Tons/ Motorsport Images
“Yeah, it was an intriguing format,” Lundqvist informed Motorsport.com. He entered this occasion with just 4 IndyCar begins, consisting of 3 in 2015 with Meyer Shank Racing.
“Obviously, with 10 laps and stop and after that 10 laps once again, I believe you saw some various methods going on also; enormous tire conserving in the very first half to have it in the 2nd half. We were at the path end of that, not actually dedicating to either. I believe that’s where we were rate sensible this weekend. Pleased. Fantastic experience for me as a novice.”
An even larger advantage for Lundqvist than Sunday’s race was the 9 hours of checking the preceded it on Friday and Saturday.
“I’m still getting comfy with the vehicle, the group and getting utilized to IndyCar racing, normally,” he stated. “So, having 2 complete test days, certifying session and generally, 2 brief races, it’s benefited us.”
Attempting something various
When it pertains to his ideas on the occasion, Lundqvist was complimentary of IndyCar trying something various.
“I take pleasure in that IndyCar is taking some opportunities,” he stated. “Having this non points race provided the platform to attempt a lot of things and see distinctions.