CGR's Kimball matches career-best finish at Indianapolis 500

Charlie Kimball, Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing Honda

Photo by: Michael C. Johnson

INDIANAPOLIS (May 28, 2012) – Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing (NNCGR) driver Charlie Kimball matched his career-best finish of eighth in the Indianapolis 500 and also his best finish on an oval. Kimball achieved his previous career-best at the Itaipava Sao Paulo Indy 300 on the Streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil last month. The finish came in his 22nd career IZOD IndyCar Series start and second at the Indianapolis 500.

The Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi team ran yet another aggressive race, starting from 14th position and achieving some of its fastest laps during the later stages of the 200-lap event. Kimball led a total of three laps on the 2.5-mile, oval track, marking the first time he has led laps at the Indianapolis 500. The 2012 Indianapolis 500 race had 10 different lap leaders, tying the 1980, 1995, 1998 and 2011 races for second-highest number of lap leaders along with a record 34 lead changes. Kimball held a top-five position for 23 laps. With only six laps to go, Kimball would advance three positions from 11th where he would hold his final position of eighth. In his two starts at the Indianapolis 500, Kimball has combined an impressive 21.0 average start with a 10.5 average finish.

As a result, Kimball holds on to 15th position in the IZOD IndyCar Series point standings with 96 markers, -104 points behind the leader.

Up next, Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing will compete in the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix on Sunday, June 3 (3:30pm ET on ABC).

NNCGR Quoteboard

Charlie Kimball: “All credit to the whole Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi team I know they’ve worked really hard and they did a great job. The No.83 NovoLog FlexPen car was quick from the word, “go.” Each time we got a re-start I learned a little more. We come through matching my career best of eighth. I am so pleased. The guys in the pits did a great job. All credit to the Honda Performance Development guys too. We did what we could, we stayed smart and we stayed out of trouble. I’ve got my head down, got my foot down and I’m ready to do it all again.”