Dixon fastest on Indy 500 opening day

Published May. 14, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Scott Dixon has Chip Ganassi's team right back where it ended last May - atop the Indianapolis 500 speed charts.

Dixon is one of three drivers who topped 224 mph in the first hour of Saturday's opening practice session, going 224.491. Rookie JR Hildebrand is second at 224.433. Defending 500 champ Dario Franchitti is third at 224.107.

Dixon and Franchitti are teammates with Target Chip Ganassi and have combined to win three of the last four 500s. Hildebrand, of Panther Racing, passed his rookie test Thursday.

Rain is forecast for later Saturday, threatening to end practice before the scheduled 6 p.m. conclusion.

Practice is scheduled to continue all week in Indy with qualifying set for May 21-22. The race is May 29.