Dennis Hauger is inching nearer to feeling extra snug working 230mph across the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The Norwegian comes into the a hundred and tenth Operating of the Indianapolis 500 as a rookie, however, regardless of qualifying a lowly twenty ninth, he set the third-fastest pace (224.554mph) in Monday’s rain-shortened post-qualifying observe.
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It’s been a trial by hearth for Hauger, the 2021 Formulation 3 champion and former Purple Bull junior, as he continues to get acclimated to ovals, with the Indy 500 serving as simply his second profession oval begin in IndyCar. The observe self-discipline isn’t utterly unknown to him, having gained some familiarity final season en path to claiming the Indy NXT title.
Altering consolation levelsDennis Hauger, Dale Coyne Racing Honda
Dennis Hauger, Dale Coyne Racing Honda
Even so, although, the Brickyard is an entire completely different beast, and the driver shared his consolation stage on a scale of 1-10.
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“Actually it actually will depend on the session, the day,” mentioned Hauger, 23. “Qualifying, I did not actually really feel snug. We have been actually on the restrict with the automobile.
“It was fairly unfastened, however we stored it flat, and I really feel like I maximized that in addition to I might and skilled how a automobile is round there within the qualifying stint combating it so long as I can keep flat, which is cool.
“I imply, out of 1 to 10, in all probability, like, (Monday) was in all probability, like, an eight. We nonetheless have stuff to work on for certain, nevertheless it’s in all probability one of the best I’ve felt to this point.
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“Yeah, I feel it is nearly protecting it clear, as we mentioned earlier, and constructing momentum. If in case you have these small moments or lose some confidence within the automobile and it goes within the unsuitable course, it may well harm you a large number. So it is nearly chipping away.”
Bettering the setupRinus VeeKay, Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet, Dennis Hauger, Dale Coyne Racing Honda
Rinus VeeKay, Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet, Dennis Hauger, Dale Coyne Racing Honda
As for what would assist enhance his consolation, whether or not it’s merely expertise or one thing concerning rear stability and the setup of his #19 Honda, Hauger offered some perspective.
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“I really feel like we have been getting a bit higher and higher on setup and stuff,” mentioned Hauger, a five-time race winner in Formulation 2.
“This has been one of many weak tracks for Dale Coyne Racing prior to now three years. I feel it is the primary time my automobile has certified within the final three or 4 years. I do not bear in mind.
“So I really feel like we’re undoubtedly within the higher spot. We all know qualifying was not good, nevertheless it’s a totally completely different sport if you get to the race. So I really feel like we have gotten higher on setup.
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“I’ve obtained extra snug. Clearly, my first time right here. However the race day is at all times a bit completely different. I will simply do what I at all times do, research arduous to verify I am up to the mark earlier than I get onto the observe, and hopefully we are able to have a great day.”
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