| CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval Speedway, Indiana Media Day May 21, 2026 Row 6 – Christian Lundgaard THE MODERATOR: Joined by row 6 on the big white couch, changing up the vibe a little bit. Christian Lundgaard starts 18th. How is your Media Day so far?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: This is my beginning. I’ve done a bunch of signatures so far. THE MODERATOR: A light start.CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yep. THE MODERATOR: How much work do you have for tomorrow? Ready for Sunday.CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yeah, I mean, it’s an interesting day ’cause you want to go out and learn the last bit of piece, but you also want to keep your race car safe, right? Last practice. There’s more to lose than there is to gain.Last year it worked out for Ryan Hunter-Reay. His car burnt down at Carb Day, they had to get his pit stop car and it ended up being a great race car.For the 5 car, they’re going to go out and figure out how the new car is. Q. Christian, after finishing seventh last year, what did you have to work on to make this year better than last year?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Going faster is really the easy answer. Q. Was it a traffic thing?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: I think we were a little slower this year than we anticipated to be in qualifying trim. I think if you speak to any driver, everyone is going to echo that. Pretty much the conditions were pretty tough on qualifying day.I think we just seemed to lack more pace than we thought we had. In race pace, I think we were better than we were last year. I think we are in a better position.I feel a lot more comfortable this year. I think we gained something very early in the week Tuesday and Wednesday just from a comfort level of being happier with the rear of the car moving a lot more than usual. If that’s the tires this year, if it’s just the track condition, not really sure.Again, I think what Marcus said, one of the Marcuses, obviously Monday the track felt pretty good, but obviously very gusty and windy.I think it all comes down to what the conditions are going to be on Sunday, yeah. Q. You started to struggle about number 29 the other day.THE MODERATOR: Wow, calling you out.CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Post qualifying. Q. Christian, with most of your success coming on street and road courses, what are you looking to try to figure out on ovals and specifically here?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Well, survive, first of all. I mean, what am I going to try to figure out? Obviously road courses and street courses comes more natural. I think we’ve had some decent results. How we get there is what we need to get better at in many ways.I think I’ve had so many good results on street courses or road courses where I didn’t really feel like I deserved them, then I’ve had some where I feel like I deserved more. I think that’s the same for ovals.At the end of the day around here you have to be in the race and many things can happen. But for sure we do need to find some more speed, some more natural speed. Q. Christian, how much did you learn last year? The first few times you were here, maybe you struggled in the machine you were in. With McLaren, how much did you learn competing more towards the front?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Definitely had to unlearn a lot of things, undo many things. I think last year was kind of not a year but at Indy specifically just a learning process of trying to figure some stuff out.Interestingly enough, I think Ryan verified a lot of things that not necessarily I was complaining about last year, but trying to figure out that was different between the Rahal car and the McLaren car. I think we’re working a lot closer together now. I think it’s very good that we have Ryan for all of us to really verify some of the things. He has a tremendous amount of credibility but also just experience. He knows what’s car is supposed to feel like.We all know Pato can drive whatever. You can probably take a wheel off and he’s still going to wheel the thing. We’re not really in that mindset.Obviously the team is pretty much built around that, which makes a lot of sense. Pato has been there for, what, seven years now. We’re obviously trying to improve as a team. I think we’re a lot better this year. Obviously Ryan coming in is a great addition for us, and a great addition for me, as well. Q. You all come from European racing backgrounds. Ovals aren’t too big. What were your impressions of this when you were racing in Europe? What were the surprises or differences you learned when you came over?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: I think we all probably share knowing what speed feels like, but I think there is a different level to qualifying boost around here. When I moved over here, the way that I always explained it to other European drivers is it’s driving at Monza at the end of the straight, just turn hard left but don’t lift.Obviously the feel is very different in the car. I think we all know what the Indy 500 was before we came here. I knew how big of an event it is, how incredibly hard and tough it is to win. I think we all enjoy that challenge and we want to be a part of that history. THE MODERATOR: Guys, thanks for coming up. Have a great day tomorrow, even better day on Sunday. |
| Indianapolis 500 Monday Practice Results |
| CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway ovalSpeedway, IndianaMedia DayMay 21, 2026 Row 6 – Christian Lundgaard THE MODERATOR: Joined by row 6 on the big white couch, changing up the vibe a little bit. Christian Lundgaard starts 18th. How is your Media Day so far?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: This is my beginning. I’ve done a bunch of signatures so far. THE MODERATOR: A light start.CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yep. THE MODERATOR: How much work do you have for tomorrow? Ready for Sunday.CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yeah, I mean, it’s an interesting day ’cause you want to go out and learn the last bit of piece, but you also want to keep your race car safe, right? Last practice. There’s more to lose than there is to gain.Last year it worked out for Ryan Hunter-Reay. His car burnt down at Carb Day, they had to get his pit stop car and it ended up being a great race car.For the 5 car, they’re going to go out and figure out how the new car is. Q. Christian, after finishing seventh last year, what did you have to work on to make this year better than last year?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Going faster is really the easy answer. Q. Was it a traffic thing?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: I think we were a little slower this year than we anticipated to be in qualifying trim. I think if you speak to any driver, everyone is going to echo that. Pretty much the conditions were pretty tough on qualifying day.I think we just seemed to lack more pace than we thought we had. In race pace, I think we were better than we were last year. I think we are in a better position.I feel a lot more comfortable this year. I think we gained something very early in the week Tuesday and Wednesday just from a comfort level of being happier with the rear of the car moving a lot more than usual. If that’s the tires this year, if it’s just the track condition, not really sure.Again, I think what Marcus said, one of the Marcuses, obviously Monday the track felt pretty good, but obviously very gusty and windy.I think it all comes down to what the conditions are going to be on Sunday, yeah. Q. You started to struggle about number 29 the other day.THE MODERATOR: Wow, calling you out.CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Post qualifying. Q. Christian, with most of your success coming on street and road courses, what are you looking to try to figure out on ovals and specifically here?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Well, survive, first of all. I mean, what am I going to try to figure out? Obviously road courses and street courses comes more natural. I think we’ve had some decent results. How we get there is what we need to get better at in many ways.I think I’ve had so many good results on street courses or road courses where I didn’t really feel like I deserved them, then I’ve had some where I feel like I deserved more. I think that’s the same for ovals.At the end of the day around here you have to be in the race and many things can happen. But for sure we do need to find some more speed, some more natural speed. Q. Christian, how much did you learn last year? The first few times you were here, maybe you struggled in the machine you were in. With McLaren, how much did you learn competing more towards the front?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Definitely had to unlearn a lot of things, undo many things. I think last year was kind of not a year but at Indy specifically just a learning process of trying to figure some stuff out.Interestingly enough, I think Ryan verified a lot of things that not necessarily I was complaining about last year, but trying to figure out that was different between the Rahal car and the McLaren car. I think we’re working a lot closer together now. I think it’s very good that we have Ryan for all of us to really verify some of the things. He has a tremendous amount of credibility but also just experience. He knows what’s car is supposed to feel like.We all know Pato can drive whatever. You can probably take a wheel off and he’s still going to wheel the thing. We’re not really in that mindset.Obviously the team is pretty much built around that, which makes a lot of sense. Pato has been there for, what, seven years now. We’re obviously trying to improve as a team. I think we’re a lot better this year. Obviously Ryan coming in is a great addition for us, and a great addition for me, as well. Q. You all come from European racing backgrounds. Ovals aren’t too big. What were your impressions of this when you were racing in Europe? What were the surprises or differences you learned when you came over?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: I think we all probably share knowing what speed feels like, but I think there is a different level to qualifying boost around here. When I moved over here, the way that I always explained it to other European drivers is it’s driving at Monza at the end of the straight, just turn hard left but don’t lift.Obviously the feel is very different in the car. I think we all know what the Indy 500 was before we came here. I knew how big of an event it is, how incredibly hard and tough it is to win. I think we all enjoy that challenge and we want to be a part of that history. THE MODERATOR: Guys, thanks for coming up. Have a great day tomorrow, even better day on Sunday. |
| Indianapolis 500 Monday Practice Results |
| Chevrolet History at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval General Motors Wins – 18 Chevrolet Wins – 13 2024 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2023 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2019 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske2018 – Will Power – Team Penske2015 – Juan Montoya – Team Penske2013 – Tony Kanaan – KV Racing Technology-SH Racing2002 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske1993 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske1992 – Al Unser, Jr. – Galles/Kraco1991 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1990 – Arie Luyendyk – Doug Shierson Racing1989 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Patrick Racing1988 – Rick Mears – Team Penske Oldsmobile Wins – 5 2001 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske2000 – Juan Montoya – Chip Ganassi Racing1999 – Kenny Brack – A.J. Foyt Racing1998 – Eddie Cheever, Jr. – Team Cheever1997 – Arie Luyendyk – Treadway Racing General Motors Poles – 20 Chevrolet Poles – 14 2025 – Robert Shwartzman – PREMA Racing2024 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2019 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske2018 – Ed Carpenter – Ed Carpenter Racing2015 – Scott Dixon – Chip Ganassi Racing2014 – Ed Carpenter – Ed Carpenter Racing2013 – Ed Carpenter – Ed Carpenter Racing2012 – Ryan Briscoe – Team Penske2002 – Bruno Junqueira – Chip Ganassi Racing1991 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1990 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske1989 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1988 – Rick Mears – Team Penske1987 – Mario Andretti – Newman Haas Racing Oldsmobile Poles – 5 2001 – Scott Sharp – Kelley Racing2000 – Greg Ray – Team Menard1999 – Arie Luyendyk – Treadway Racing1998 – Billy Boat – A.J. Foyt Racing1997 – Arie Luyendyk – Treadway Racing Buick Poles – 1 1992 – Roberto Guerrero – King Motorsports General Motors Podiums – 54 Chevrolet Podiums – 38 Chevrolet Driver Podiums – Emerson Fittipaldi (4), Helio Castroneves (3), Josef Newgarden (3), Pato O’Ward (3), Tony Kanaan (2), Arie Luyendyk (2), Rick Mears (2), Simon Pagenaud (2), Will Power (2), Al Unser Jr. (2), Michael Andretti (1), Ed Carpenter (1), Santino Ferrucci (1),Felipe Giaffone (1), Scott Goodyear (1), Ryan Hunter-Reay (1), Charlie Kimball (1), David Malukas (1), Juan Montoya (1), Carlos Munoz (1), Bob Rahal (1), Paul Tracy (1), Al Unser (1) Chevrolet Team Podiums – Team Penske (15), Arrow McLaren (3), A.J. Foyt Racing (2), Andretti Global (2), ECR (2), Galles Racing (2), KV Racing Technology (2), Patrick Racing (2), Chip Ganassi Racing (1), Doug Shierson Racing (1), Granatelli Racing (1), Kraco Enterprises (1), Mo Nunn Racing (1), Newman Haas Racing (1), Team Green (1), Walker Racing (1) Oldsmobile – 15 Oldsmobile Driver Podiums – Buddy Lazier (2), Jeff Ward (2), Michael Andretti (1), Billy Boat (1), Kenny Brack (1), Helio Castroneves (1), Eddie Cheever, Jr. (1), Gil de Ferran (1), Scott Goodyear (1), Steve Knapp (1), Arie Luyendyk (1), Juan Montoya (1), Eliseo Salazar (1) Oldsmobile Team Podiums – A.J. Foyt (3), Hemelgarn Racing (2), Team Cheever (2), Team Penske (2), Treadway Racing (2), Chip Ganassi Racing (1), ISM Racing (1), Team Green (1), Pagan Racing (1) Buick – 1 Buick Driver Podiums – Al Unser (1) Buick Team Podiums – Team Menard (1) General Motors Laps Led – 3709 Chevrolet Laps Led – 2699 Chevrolet Driver Laps Led – Emerson Fittipaldi (348), Mario Andretti (193), Simon Pagenaud (169), Ed Carpenter (144), Will Power (140), Tony Kanaan (133), Michael Andretti (132), Rick Mears (119), Helio Castroneves (98), Pato O’Ward (96), Danny Sullivan (95), Marco Andretti (90), Scott Dixon (87), Conor Daly (82), Josef Newgarden (69), Rinus VeeKay (65), Scott McLaughlin (64), Al Unser Jr. (52), Felix Rosenqvist (47), Arie Luyendyk (37), Bob Rahal (36), Bruno Junqueira (32), Alexander Rossi (30), Al Unser (27), Juan Montoya (26), A.J. Allmendinger (23), Sting Ray Robb (23), Ryan Briscoe (15), Gil de Ferran (13), Santino Ferrucci (12), Felipe Giaffone (12), James Hinchcliffe (12), Carlos Munoz (12), Alex Barron (10), Charlie Kimball (10), Christian Rasmussen (9), Robert Shwartzman (8), Spencer Pigot (7), JR Hildebrand (6), Callum Ilott (6), Oliver Askew (4), Kevin Cogan (4), Sage Karam (4), Kyle Larson (4), Jack Harvey (3), Scott Sharp (3), Rubens Barrichello (2), David Malukas (2) Chevrolet Team Laps Led – Team Penske (1019), Newman Haas Racing (325), ECR (306), Chip Ganassi Racing (179), Arrow McLaren (168), Patrick Racing (158), Andretti Global (140), Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (85), A.J. Foyt Racing (56), Galles Racing (56), KV Racing Technology (43), Doug Shierson Racing (37), Kraco Enterprises (35), Mo Nunn Racing (35), Juncos Hollinger Racing (18), King Motorsports (15), Prema Racing (8), Blair Racing (7), Kelley Racing (4), Team Cheever (3) Oldsmobile Laps Led – 996 Oldsmobile Driver Laps Led: Juan Montoya (167), Arie Luyendyk (129), Greg Ray (116), Kenny Brack (89), Tony Stewart (78), Eddie Cheever, Jr. (76), Helio Castroneves (52), Jeff Ward (52), Robby Gordon (50), John Paul, Jr. (39), Mark Dismore (29), Gil de Ferran (27), Buddy Lazier (27), Michael Andretti (16), Robbie Buhl (16), Billy Boat (13), Jimmy Vasser (5), Buzz Calkins (4), Sam Schmidt (4), Davey Hamilton (3), Scott Goodyear (2), Robbie McGehee (2) Oldsmobile Team Laps Led : Team Menard (207), Chip Ganassi Racing (185), Treadway Racing (137), Team Cheever (125), A.J. Foyt Racing (124), Team Penske (79), Team Pelfrey (39), Kelley Racing (29), Hemelgarn Racing (27), Genoa Racing (18), Team Green (16), Bradley Racing (4), Nienhouse Motorsports (3), Pagan Racing (3) Buick Laps Led – 14 Buick Driver Laps Led: Jim Crawford (8), Al Unser (4), Scott Brayton (1), Stephane Gregoire (1) Buick Team Laps Led: King Motorsports (8), Team Menard (4), Brayton Engineering (1), Formula Project (1) Manufacturer History at the Indianapolis 500 Wins (with competition) 27 – Offenhauser (1976, 1975, 1974, 1973, 1972, 1968, 1964, 1963, 1962, 1961, 1960, 1959, 1958, 1957, 1956, 1955, 1954, 1953, 1952, 1951, 1950, 1949, 1948, 1947, 1941, 1937, 1935)18 – General Motors 13 – Chevrolet (2024, 2023, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2013, 2002, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988)12 – Miller (1938, 1936, 1934, 1933, 1932, 1931, 1930, 1929, 1928, 1926, 1923, 1922)10 – Honda (2025, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2005, 2004)10 – Cosworth (1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978)8 – Ford (1996, 1995, 1971, 1970, 1969, 1967, 1965)5 – Oldsmobile (2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997)3 – Duesenberg (1927, 1925, 19243 – Peugeot (1919, 1918, 1913)2 – Mercedes (1994, 19152 – Maserati (1940, 1939)2 – Frontenac (1921, 1920)1 – Toyota (2003)1 – Foyt (19771 – Sparks (1946)1 – Delage (1914)1 – National (1912)1 – Marmon (1911) Earned Poles (with competition) 23 – General Motors18 – Offenhauser (1976, 1973, 1972, 1971, 1963, 1962, 1961, 1960, 1959, 1958, 1957, 1956, 1955, 1954, 1953, 1950, 1946, 1937)14 – Miller (1938, 1935, 1934, 1933, 1932, 1930, 1929, 1928, 1927, 1926, 1925, 1924, 1923, 1922)14 – Chevrolet (2025, 2024, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2002, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987)9 – Cosworth (1986, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978, 1977)9 – Honda (2026, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2016, 2005, 2004)7 – Ford (1993, 1970, 1969, 1967, 1966, 1965, 1964)5 – Oldsmobile (2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997)4 – Buick (1996, 1995, 1992, 1985)3 – Ballot (1921, 1920, 1919)2 – Foyt (1975, 1974)2 – Novi (1951, 1949)2 – Winfield (1948, 1940)2 – Maserati (1947, 1941)2 – Sparks (1939, 1936)2 – Wisconsin (1912, 1911)1 – Toyota (2003)1 – Mercedes (1994)1 – Pratt & Whitney (1968)1 – Cummins (1952)1 – Studebaker (1931)1 – Peugeot (1916)1 – Stutz (1915)1 – Sunbeam (1914)1 – Mercer (1913) |