Marco Andretti and PJ Chesson complete ROP source: irl.racing-live.com - ORS / CAPSIS International The Indianapolis Motor Speedway opened for Rookie Orientation Practice, though just six drivers would turn laps today. Running through a quick "refresher" program today, Michael Andretti turned the fast lap of 220.999miles per hour during a relaxed five hour session held under nearly perfect spring weather conditions. "It came right back to me," said Michael Andretti who last ran here in 2003 and has led 426 laps but remains winless at the Brickyard. "I was a little nervous this morning. After the first run, I was like, 'oh, that feels just like the way I left it.' Very happy!" With temperatures in the 60's (F), Michael would go just 0.0789seconds quicker than son Marco who completed his Rookie Orientation Program in a mere 37 laps. The ROP program generally requires 10 laps at each of four speed phases, this year set at 195mph, 200mph, 205mph and finally 210mph. IRL officials have some discretion and can advance a driver though a particular speed phase in less than ten laps if they are comfortable with the drivers line and performance. "Things definitely went well," said the third generation driver. "I was happy when they told me I passed the test. That means now we can start working on the data. I wanted to try to make it as quick as possible so we had more time to really work on the car. I think that happened." PJ Chesson was the other rookie who completed ROP today after turning 53 laps in his Hemelgarn Racing machine. Unlike the Andretti's, Chesson did not elect to return to the track late in the day to work on speed.
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