Nelson Philippe became the fifth rookie to pass the Indianapolis 500 Rookie Orientation Program, completing the final phase of the four-step process in the first 35 minutes of practice. Less than 15 minutes later, a persistent rain moved in, forcing the cancellation of the remainder of on-track activity.

With the final scheduled ROP session cut short, Thursday's schedule has been expanded to begin at 9:30 a.m. instead of noon. Stanton Barrett, the final rookie with two more phase of ROP to pass, will have one hour of track time before the track opens for all cars at 10:30 a.m.

Philippe completed 18 laps Wednesday with a best lap of 41.3436 seconds, 217.688 mph on the 2.5-mile oval. Barrett and Alex Lloyd were the only other drivers to turn laps, combining for 16 before the rains came.

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Rain interrupts Opening Day at Indy

Heavy rains have hit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, closing down the track on the official Opening Day of practice for the Indianapolis 500.

The Rookie Orientation Program started up on time at 9 a.m., but the arrival of rain brough ROP to a halt 45 minutes later. Full practice is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., weather permitting.