Coletti makes oval debut at IMS

Stefano Coletti

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – May 11, 2015 – KV Racing Technology's rookie Stefano Coletti finally got a taste of driving on an oval today, when he took part in the Rookie Orientation Program (ROP), which is a mandatory for all rookies who want to take part in the Indianapolis 500.

Under the guidance of two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, Arie Luyendyk, and 1996 IndyCar Series champion and team co-owner Jimmy Vasser, Coletti was able to cruise through the first two phases of ROP in the allotted time period. Driving the No. 4 KV Racing Technology car on the 2.5-mile super speedway, Coletti ran a fast lap of 214.077 mph (42.0410 seconds) and will now complete the final stage with the "Veterans" in this afternoon’s practice session.

Talking about his first oval experience today, Coletti said, "I have been waiting for three months to get on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval. I didn't get to do the first ROP (Rookie Orientation Program) because I was stuck in Europe because of my visa. I finally got to go out on track and I am very happy. It is very fast. I'm also happy because I got through the first two phases of my rookie test. I still have one more phase to go, which I can now do with the other drivers on track. I am very excited to be at Indy. It is my first time on an oval and I want to thank all the guys at KV Racing for helping me. I also want to thank Arie Luyendyk. He took me around the track this morning and gave me some tips, which really helped today."

The Rookie Orientation Program (ROP) requires that a Rookie Driver at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway must pass three phases, totaling 40 laps. Rookie Drivers must successfully complete a minimum of two of the three phases to be eligible to participate in the Promoter Test session and/or practice when practice for the Event begins. No Rookie Driver will be eligible for a qualifications attempt prior to completing the final phase.

The three phases are:
Phase One 10 laps at 205-210 mph
Phase Two 15 laps at 210-215 mph
Phase Three 15 laps at 215+mph

The laps do not have to be consecutive. The phases and corresponding speeds may be adjusted based on track/weather conditions.

Qualifying for the 99th Running of the Indianapolis 500 is May 16-17 and you can catch all the action of the race on Sunday, May 24th by:

TV Broadcast: ABC at 11:30 a.m. ET
Radio Broadcast: XM 209 & IMS IndyCar Radio Affiliates
Online: IndyCar.com & Verizon INDYCAR15 app.

KV Racing Technology