Dennis Hauger is inching nearer to feeling extra snug working 230mph across the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The Norwegian comes into the one hundred and tenth Operating of the Indianapolis 500 as a rookie, however, regardless of qualifying a lowly twenty ninth, he set the third-fastest velocity (224.554mph) in Monday’s rain-shortened post-qualifying follow.
It’s been a trial by fireplace for Hauger, the 2021 System 3 champion and former Pink 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 monitor self-discipline isn’t fully unknown to him, having gained some familiarity final season en path to claiming the Indy NXT title.
Altering consolation ranges
Dennis Hauger, Dale Coyne Racing Honda
Picture by: Michael L. Levitt / Lumen by way of Getty Photos
Even so, although, the Brickyard is an entire completely different beast, and the Dale Coyne Racing driver shared his consolation degree on a scale of 1-10.
“Actually it actually is dependent upon the session, the day,” stated Hauger, 23. “Qualifying, I did not actually really feel snug. We had been actually on the restrict with the automotive.
“It was fairly free, however we saved it flat, and I really feel like I maximized that in addition to I may and skilled how a automotive 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, most likely, like, (Monday) was most likely, like, an eight. We nonetheless have stuff to work on for positive, but it surely’s most likely the very best I’ve felt to this point.
“Yeah, I believe it is nearly holding it clear, as we stated earlier, and constructing momentum. You probably have these small moments or lose some confidence within the automotive and it goes within the mistaken course, it will possibly damage you a large number. So it is nearly chipping away.”
Enhancing the setup
Rinus VeeKay, Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet, Dennis Hauger, Dale Coyne Racing Honda
Picture by: Penske Leisure
As for what would assist enhance his consolation, whether or not or not it’s merely expertise or one thing relating to rear stability and the setup of his #19 Honda, Hauger supplied some perspective.
“I really feel like we have been getting a bit higher and higher on setup and stuff,” stated Hauger, a five-time race winner in System 2.
“This has been one of many weak tracks for Dale Coyne Racing up to now three years. I believe it is the primary time my automotive has certified within the final three or 4 years. I do not bear in mind.
“So I really feel like we’re positively within the higher spot. We all know qualifying was not good, but it surely’s a very completely different recreation if you get to the race. So I really feel like we have gotten higher on setup.
“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, examine laborious to ensure I am up to the mark earlier than I get onto the monitor, and hopefully we will have a superb day.”
Learn Additionally:
We wish your opinion!
What would you wish to see on Motorsport.com?
– The Motorsport.com Crew
