INDIANAPOLIS — Callum Ilott and Juncos Hollinger Racing have to be concerned right now. Among the 34 cars here at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this week, they’re the one everyone has questioning if they can be among the 33 car field for next Sunday’s 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 (11 a.m. ET, NBC, INDYCAR Radio Network).
Ilott was battling a terrible handling race car during last month’s open test. They only turned 31 total laps that day and were slowest (33rd) among the 33 cars there. On Opening Day, the troubles continued. They were 34th out of 34.
They thought they made progress on the No. 77 Dallara-Chevrolet on Thursday, but were only 32nd. On Fast Friday, they were terrible again and figured it was time they made some changes. So, an early end was in store after just completing seven laps.
He was 3 mph off from the next best and at this rate, I fear he misses the show. So do they. They knew if they stayed status quo, they were going to be left behind, so they felt now was the best time to make a change.
The car is Agustin Canapino’s car from the April test. Canapino completed 38 laps in it with a top speed of 222.162 mph.
Ilott has turned 158 total laps this week and only 31 in the test. They’re WAY behind and struggling.
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