Rain Halts Indy 500 Rookie Practice

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Rain has halted rookie practice for the Indianapolis 500.

Only three drivers made it onto the track for about 45 minutes Wednesday. After a steady rain for the next five hours, the track was officially closed.

Drivers Nelson Philippe completed the mandatory rookie test before the rain hit. That leaves Stanton Barrett to finish his test to be eligible for the start of qualifications on Saturday.

Philippe, a 22-year-old Frenchman, also was the fastest in the abbreviated session at 217.668 mph. Rookies Mike Conway, Robert Doornbos, Alex Tagliani and Raphael Matos completed their tests Tuesday.

The third driver on the track Wednesday was veteran Alex Lloyd, who was allowed to practice with the rookies because he has not driven a race this season.

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