Wednesday’s Verizon IndyCar Series aero kit test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway went much better than expected. With low temperatures, gusty winds, and heavy rain in the forecast, the rain drops dodged IMS for most of the day. There were 15 drivers that put in more than 500 laps around the famous 2.5 mile oval before the weather ended the day only about two hours early.

There were many different configurations of the Chevrolet and Honda super speedway aero kits that were on display at today’s test. Despite the weather, IndyCar Vice President of Competition Bill Pappas was pleased with the information they were able to gather. “We ran through quite a bit of different combinations as part of the aero kit configuration test,” he said. “The conditions weren’t ideal, but we did get a lot of information to go over and look through over the next couple of days to get ready for the month of May.”

Combined Aero Kit Test Results

Marco Andretti had the fastest lap of the day at 223.427 mph, but the Andretti Autosport driver didn’t believe everyone was putting their best foot forward.

Each car that ran today were fitted with the domed skid plates, which is a safety initiative mandated on super speedways this year by IndyCar. Many drivers have voiced their opinion on the skid plates, and today the reining IndyCar Champion Scott Dixon voiced his. “On the safety standpoint of the domed skid, it’s a big improvement, especially in the 90-degree yaw. We’ve got to look at safety before anything. Yes, it’s going to make the car maybe a little more difficult (to drive), but every car has a pedal and we have more downforce to put on to compensate for the loss.”

Still, anytime you’re at IMS with IndyCars turning laps, it’s always a good time.

Below some quick videos from today’s test.

There were more Hondas on out on the track today, as a result of the Chevrolet teams of Chip Ganassi and Team Penske running in private tests earlier in the week. One of those Honda drivers was James Hinchcliffe, who returned to the IMS oval for the first time today since his serious crash during practice last year. “The good news is we all seem to be working toward the same thing,” Hinchcliffe said. “We are all genuinely trying to make a safer car but a car that still races well. I think there is a way to appease both sides of that argument. “Hopefully by the time we show up here for practice week, we’ve found that compromise and everybody can be relatively happy.”

The new Firestone Indy 500 tires were also used during today’s test, which look incredible.

The next race on the IndyCar schedule is the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 17. NBC Sports Network will provide coverage for the event, which begins at 4 PM ET next Sunday.

Test Photos via IndyCar