The team's strategic decision to send its drivers out early from 9-11 am not only allowed them to familiarize themselves with the track but also provided invaluable insights on how to fine-tune their cars for the highly anticipated competition.

Defending champion Alex Palou, behind the wheel of the No. 10 Honda, wasted no time in setting the pace. On his fourth lap, Palou clocked an impressive time of 1m39.515s. This early feat allowed the Spaniard, along with a select few who joined him at the start of the two-hour session, to gain a significant advantage by experiencing the same conditions they are expected to face on Sunday morning for the first heat race.

Palou's fast lap put him at the top of the leaderboard, but he was closely followed by Christian Lundgaard of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, who trailed by a mere 0.182s. Chip Ganassi's Marcus Armstrong secured the third position, just 0.216s behind Palou, creating a Honda 1-2-3 lineup at the forefront. Close behind them, Alexander Rossi and Pato O'Ward of Arrow McLaren emerged as the leading Chevy runners, with respective time differences of 0.241s and 0.396s.

The impressive performance of Chip Ganassi Racing was further highlighted by Linus Lundqvist's sixth-place finish, securing a dominant presence for the team as he trailed Palou by only 0.405s. With temperatures hovering in the mid-70s for the majority of the session, drivers were able to adapt to the conditions and gain valuable data for further car adjustments.

The opening test session at The Thermal Club provided a clear indication of Chip Ganassi Racing's strength and determination to defend their championship title. As the team's drivers showcased their exceptional skills and set the bar high, it remains to be seen if they can carry their momentum into the all-star heat races on Sunday. Racing enthusiasts eagerly anticipate an exhilarating competition that promises to deliver the thrilling spectacle they desire.