Week 2
Monday May 12
Another cool and windy day saw 18 cars practice. Arie Luyendyk continued his dominance, and led the practice chart for already-qualified drivers. Off the track, A. J. Foyt announced that he was working on a deal for John Andretti to replace Scott Sharp in the #1 entry. In addition, Billy Boat started getting Foyt's #11 car up to speed.
Tuesday May 13
Arie Luyendyk sat out practice for the day, allowing Buddy Lazier to lead the speed chart. Of the non-qualified cars, Billy Boat was over 214 mph, over 4 miles per hour faster than the others.
Off the track, A. J. Foyt Enterprises announced that John Andretti would not attempt to qualify, as his NASCAR Winston Cup Series commitment with Cale Yarborough Racing would not provide the necessary travel time. Johnny O'Connell was named to replace Scott Sharp in the #1 car.
Wednesday May 14
Buddy Lazier and Billy Boat repeated their efforts from the previous day, as the fastest already-qualified, and fastest non-qualified cars of the day.
Thursday May 15
Most of the cars that took to the track were among those not yet qualified. Several veterans sat out the afternoon. Sam Schmidt found his way to the top of the speed chart, at over 211 mph.
Friday May 16
The final full day of practice saw heavy activity among qualified and non-qualified drivers. Tony Stewart led the speed chart, while Arie Luyendyk sat out for the fourth day in a row. During the first hour, Johnny O'Connell, driving for Foyt Racing, lost an engine and crashed hard in the southchute. He suffered a foot and ankle injury, and was sidelined for the rest of the month.
Read more about this topic: 1997 Indianapolis 500, Practice
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