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Alexander Rossi and Pato O’Ward Confident with Backup Cars on Carb Day
Highlights
- Rossi and O’Ward used backup cars after Monday’s crash.
- Rossi placed 31st with a top practice lap of 222.291 mph.
- O’Ward ranked 20th, adjusting to a different backup car.
- Grosjean returned, posting 11th-best lap after crash repairs.
- Newgarden led practice with top speed of 228.342 mph.
- Indianapolis 500 airs Sunday at 10 a.m. ET on FOX.
Alexander Rossi and Pato O’Ward run Carb Day in backup cars at Indianapolis, four days after a heavy Turn 2 crash, sharpening race trim before Sunday’s 110th Indianapolis 500.
Rossi stays composed. His No. 20 Java House Chevrolet records 222.291 mph for 31st, yet he starts second. He was cleared after minor surgery on his finger and ankle.
Rossi logs 222.291 mph for 31st but keeps P2 grid slot for Sunday.
O’Ward’s No. 5 Arrow McLaren places 20th at 224.202 mph. The backup differs from his primary, demanding setup work. His Fast Friday form underlines his baseline potential.
Both crews use almost the entire session to correlate the backups. Last year’s oval mileage helps, yet every chassis carries nuances that shift balance, ride, and aero response.
O’Ward adapts to a different backup car, improving to 224.202 mph for 20th in practice.
Romain Grosjean returns after Monday’s impact. Dale Coyne Racing rapidly rebuilds his No. 18 Honda. He posts 225.151 mph for 11th and starts 24th.
Josef Newgarden tops Carb Day at 228.342 mph, underscoring Penske’s pace. His practice performance leads Christian Rasmussen at 227.474 mph for ECR, validating speed alongside Rossi.
Newgarden sets the benchmark at 228.342 mph as Penske heads into race day in form.
From a competitive view, the shakedown matters more than headline speeds. Confidence in traffic, pit execution, and tire management will decide whether the backups mirror primary-car performance.
Starting positions remain strong for both contenders. Rossi lines up second, and O’Ward sixth. Clean stints on Sunday could convert conservative practice running into strategic track position.
The rain-free session supplies critical data on balance and fuel windows. The 200-lap Indianapolis 500 airs Sunday at 10 a.m. ET on FOX and INDYCAR Radio.
Visual Summary
Crash, Surgery & Comebacks:
Rossi, O’Ward & Grosjean rebound for Indy 500
Rossi, O’Ward & Grosjean rebound for Indy 500
From Turn 2 collision
to new hope in backup cars:
Minor surgery, repairs & focus send all back into the fight for Indy glory.
to new hope in backup cars:
Minor surgery, repairs & focus send all back into the fight for Indy glory.
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Alexander Rossi
| Surgery, backup car
P31 in practice, starts P2
| Surgery, backup car
P31 in practice, starts P2
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Pato O’Ward
| Adapting backup car
P20 in practice, starts P6
| Adapting backup car
P20 in practice, starts P6
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Romain Grosjean
| Rebuilt, P11 in practice
| Rebuilt, P11 in practice
Josef Newgarden
P1
228.3 mph
228.3 mph
C. Rasmussen
P2
227.5 mph
227.5 mph
Back on Track
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Crashes repaired, focus renewed. All eyes on Sunday’s Indy 500 — live 10am ET.
Brian Thompson focuses on IndyCar Series news, from qualifying speeds at Indianapolis Motor Speedway to street-course race strategy. He delivers concise feature stories and technical breakdowns on chassis setups, tire choices, and championship standings for open-wheel enthusiasts.
