Top rookie status for Foster in strong Indy 500 showing

Louis Foster was the top finishing rookie in the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500, one of the world’s biggest and most prestigious races.

The event lasts for most of the month of May, with a week between qualifying and the race. The race itself features fly-overs by jets and helicopters plus massive celebrity names walking a red carpet and a host of traditions that make the event unlike any other on the racing calendar.

With his family watching on for the massive achievement of even making it to the Indy 500, Foster - driving the #45 Desnuda Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda - started from the 20th spot on Sunday and steadily made his way forward on race day to run inside the top 10. 

Unfortunately, two drive-through penalties robbed him of the top 10 finish his pace deserved. Many veteran drivers struggled to get their cars slowed down for the pits in the cool conditions, and Foster was caught speeding. The second penalty was more difficult to understand, there was an issue with his pit speed limiter causing him to exceed the limit again.

Finishing 15th on track is still a massive achievement for any rookie at the 500 as many crash out or even struggle to qualify for the race. He was the only rookie finisher of the four that started the event.  Post race penalties for 3 cars that finished ahead of Foster means he was promoted to a finishing position of 12th.

“I think it was a good race,” said Foster, who is backed by Copart, a global leader in online auto auctions.

“I was the top rookie and finished 12th for my debut 500 so I have to be happy with that. 

“I definitely think we had a car to be inside the top 10 today if it weren’t for the drive-through penalties. We’ll just put those down to rookie issues. 

“I just misjudged my brake zone on the first one and on the second one, we had an issue with the pit speed limiter. 

“I seem to have sped midway down pit lane and I’m not sure how that’s possible. But as I said, it’s P12 and we were the top rookie. I’m happy. We go home with all four cars and some good results.”

After impressing many people through the month with his speed and measured approach to his first 500, there’s a feeling of accomplishment.

“On my helmet this month I ran some of the names of people who have impacted my career, and competing in the Indy 500 certainly makes you aware of the accomplishment in your career and all the people who made it possible," he added.

“I want to thank all our partners, from those who joined us for the 500 to the people who have been there from the start.”

Foster now moves on to Detroit with no break before the next race, which is a tight and twisty street course through Downtown.

“We’ve qualified well this year and the last two races we’ve finished in the top 15, which is closer to the race results we’re aiming for,” added Foster.

“Detroit’s a tricky track and there have been some eventful races there in recent years, so the main goal is to qualify well and stay out of trouble in the race to keep our momentum going.”

Detroit street course (times ET unless stated)

Friday May 30 

Practice 1 - 1500 (2000 UK) FS2, Sky Sports F1 in UK

Saturday May 31

Practice 2 - 0900 (1400 UK) FS1, Sky Sports Mix in the UK

Qualifying - 1200 (1700 UK) FS1, Sky Sports F1 in UK

Sunday June 1

Practice - 0930 (1430 UK) FS1, Sky Sports Mix in the UK

Race - 1230 (1730 UK) FOX, Sky Sports F1 in the UK