2006 Indy 500 Rookie Orientation * Day One

INDIANAPOLIS, Sunday, May 7, 2006 - Marco Andretti and P.J. Chesson each passed through the four phases of the Rookie Orientation Program on the Opening Day of preparations for the 90th running of the Indianapolis 500.

Andretti, driving the No. 26 NYSE Group Dallara/Honda/Firestone, lapped the 2.5-mile oval in 40.8122 seconds, 220.522 mph.

"I think it started out pretty good," Andretti said. "It was easier than I thought to get up to speed. At some points, I was quicker than they wanted. But things definitely went well. I was certainly happy when I found out I passed my rookie test. I wanted to pass it early so we could spend the day working on the car and the set-up. I was comfortable with different lines all around the track. We stayed pretty consistent with the downforce on the car and were working on car comfort. I think we ended up pretty comfortable."

Several veteran drivers turned laps as part of refresher tests, including Michael Andretti, Al Unser Jr., Townsend Bell and Arie Luyendyk Jr.

Michael Andretti led all drivers with a fast lap of 40.7241, 220.999 mph.

"It was really a special day for sure," the elder Andretti said. "It started out special as we kicked off the ceremonies. To have my dad on the right side and my son on the left was neat for sure. I'm happy with the car. We got up so speed right away. I'm really happy with the way I felt in the car. Marco also got some speed out of his car, too. It was a good day for both us. So far so good."

Rookie Orientation and driver refresher tests continue May 8. The first practice open to all veterans of the Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for May 9.

FASTEST SPEEDS OF DAY

Pos. Car Name              C/E/T  Speed

1   1 Michael Andretti   D/H/F 220.999 mph
2  26 Marco Andretti     D/H/F 220.572 mph
3  91 P.J. Chesson       D/H/F 214.302 mph
4  61 Arie Luyendyk Jr.  P/H/F 206.468 mph
5  31 Al Unser Jr.       D/H/F 206.387 mph
6  90 Townsend Bell      D/H/F 113.065 mph

On this date in 1990, Rick Mears led Day 3 of practice for the second consecutive year. Mears recorded a lap of 224.389 mph in his Team Penske machine.

In celebration of the 90th Running of the Indianapolis 500, various personalities associated with the "Greatest Spectacle of Racing" will give their favorite 500 memories. Here's today's memory.

TOM ANDERSON (co-owner and managing director, Fernandez Racing): "I was there with Team McLaren. We brought three cars. We had two cars and a backup car. The drivers were going to be Chris Amon and Denny Hulme. The first day the track opened, which back then was May 1, we brought all three cars out for the morning warm up and Bruce McLaren drove the third car. All three cars went out on the racetrack together and there were several experienced Indy-people behind them. They all said, 'Oh my God, they brought three cars and they all run on the first day.'"

Did you know?: If both Michael and Marco Andretti make the field for the 90th Indianapolis 500, it will mark only the fourth time in Indianapolis 500 history that a father/son combination has competed against each other. (Mario and Michael Andretti, Mario and Jeff Andretti and Al Unser Sr. and Al Unser, Jr.)