INDIANAPOLIS – Marco Andretti has a plan, and he’s sticking to it: Stay invisible until Lap 200.
Considering he wasn’t necessarily focused on qualifying and still put his car in the third row for the start of Sunday’s 101st Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil, lying low is a working strategy.
“I feel better than I did last year,” Andretti said as he prepared for his 12th Indy 500. “Last year we were completely under the radar. We had just cracked the top five when we had a pit mistake. I was right where I needed to be. This year, I’m definitely under the radar, and I’m fine with that until Lap 200. That’s my plan.”
When your last name is Andretti, anonymity isn’t always realistic or attainable – especially at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The 30-year-old son of Michael Andretti and grandson of Mario Andretti has felt the pressure of living up to the family legend. He has since his first 500 in 2006, when Sam Hornish Jr. caught him at the finish line to win by just 0.0635 of a second.
This time, though, it seems different. Instead of trying to prove himself during each practice session, Andretti sought the proper balance in the No. 27 United Fiber & Data Andretti Autosport Honda. After rattling the cage with the fastest lap during the first day of practice on May 15, he settled in to the task of fine-tuning a car so it wasn’t just fast but could race effectively.
“This is one year that I haven’t been as focused on the time sheets,” Andretti said. “Normally in the past I’ve wanted to be the quickest. Now I’m really focused on getting a good race car. I wasn’t really even that focused on qualifying, (but) I’m happy to be in Row 3. I think we’re definitely close enough to the front in a good enough race car to pull it off.”
From a racer who’s naturally good on the 2.5-mile IMS oval, that’s saying something. Since that heartbreaking runner-up finish in ‘06, Andretti has finished third three times (2008, 2010 and 2014) and fourth once (2013). In 11 Indy 500s, his average finish is 11th, he has led 141 laps and completed 92.6 percent of the laps.
This time, the goal is to be within range as the laps wane down.
“You need to be in the top five near the end,” Andretti said. “The way it seems, when you’re following four or five cars, it’s tougher to pass because they have enough of a tow. Top three at the end is ideal. I’ve lost this race because I trimmed (downforce out of the car), and I’ve lost this race because I didn’t trim. We’re hoping this year we make the right decision.”
He’s also picked the right time to fly under the radar. With Fernando Alonso’s one-off added to Andretti Autosport’s menu this month, Marco has been quietly going about business. Part of that has been helping set up Alonso’s car and that of rookie teammate Jack Harvey.
“Maybe some different perspectives at times you get from them, especially Fernando coming, this being his first oval and stuff,” Andretti said during a team press conference last week in which Alonso and defending winner Alexander Rossi – not Andretti – were the focal points. “It's been interesting, but it's still early days. Still a lot to learn for all of us.”
And Rossi’s unusual victory last year remains a topic of conversation as the 101st running of the 500 approaches. Rossi prevailed with a unique fuel strategy, barely willing the car across the finish line after it ran dry.
Andretti would prefer to avoid that strategy if possible, but everything is in the playbook before Sunday’s start.
“There are so many variables, like how many caution laps,” he said. “It’s risk versus reward, right? If you’re struggling, then you take a gamble. If you’re not, then you try to win it on pace. You don’t want to go off strategy if you have the pace to win it outright. Just knowing when to gamble and when not to is key.”
But the crucial objective – balance – has already been achieved.
“Getting a good, comfortable balance underneath you is key,” Andretti said. “Whoever carries the most throttle during the race in traffic is going to be looking good. We’ll see. If the car is anything like it’s been, we’ll be good. … This year there are probably 15 guys who can win it. I still count myself as a strong one of those.”
Live coverage of the 101st Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil begins at 11 a.m. ET Sunday on ABC and the Advance Auto Parts INDYCAR Radio Network.
For more information about Honda Racing, visit http://hpd.honda.com/.