Hunter McElrea third in Indy Lights debut as Benjamin Pedersen tops IMS test
Kiwi Hunter McElrea has finished third fastest in the Indy Lights test in Indianapolis, with Benjamin Pedersen topping the timesheets.
Kiwi Hunter McElrea was third fastest in his Indy Lights debut. (Road To Indy)
Pedersen set the unbeaten lap of the 2021 Chris Griffis Memorial Open Test on Saturday ahead of McElrea.
"It was a great two-day test," said Pedersen.
"Yesterday, both sessions that we did we were P1 so the car was working really well."
McElrea, looking to graduate into Indy Lights after two years in Indy Pro, was second-fastest on Saturday.
His time was bested only by Kyffin Simpson who set the fastest lap on Sunday, dropping the New Zealander down a peg in the order.
"It was a little bit of tire strategy today," said Pedersen about the Sunday running.
"We were saving some sets for the last session, so on used pace today we were still the fastest which was really good."
"The last session, we tried some things that didn’t work out but we knew where we were yesterday."
Forty-four drivers took part in the test across three categories. (Road To Indy)
The HMD Motorsports driver finished his rookie Indy Lights campaign in fourth, and continued his strong run throughout the test.
"Overall, really happy to finish the test fastest."
"We are just trying to continue our momentum and work hard on focusing on our own program."
"I’m excited to continue this pre-season and get the new year going."
McElrea said he relished the chance to step up to the next category.
“Having my first taste of Indy Lights this weekend with Andretti Autosport.
“Super cool, it's a lot bigger, a lot more power.”
“Just looking forward to a lot more learning this weekend and hopefully getting pretty comfortable by the end of it.”
Louis Foster set the fastest lap in Indy Pro 2000 while Jagger Jones topped the USF2000 running.
Forty-four drivers took part in the test across the three categories.
