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Last updated on Thursday, May 10, 2012
(INDIANAPOLIS) - On-track activity begins today at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the Rookie Orientation Program.
Eight rookies are entered for the 96th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 27th. Those rookies include Jean Alesi, Rubens Barrichello, Bryan Clauson, Wade Cunningham, Ketherine Legge, James Jakes, Joseph Newgarden and Simon Pagenaud. Michel Jourdain Junior, who has not participated in the '500' since 1996, will also need to go through ROP.
Veteran driver Sebastien Bourdais will need to pass a refresher test. The four-time Champ Car World Series champion has not raced at Indianapolis since 2005.
New INDYCAR President of Competition Beaux Barfield has condensed ROP from four speed phases to three, but has maintained the total of 40 laps required for completing the program.
Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk will oversee ROP along with Barfield and current IZOD IndyCar Series driver Tony Kanaan.
Drivers must complete the first two phases today or during rookies-only sessions to be scheduled by INDYCAR this Saturday and Sunday. The third phase can be completed at any time while the track is open for practice.
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