https://shop.fervogear.com/cart
Pato O’Ward Surges to Lead Late in WWTR Opening Practice
Highlights
- Pato O’Ward topped practice with 172.696 mph lap speed.
- Alex Palou finished second, aiming for first WWTR podium.
- Felix Rosenqvist placed third in first oval race since Indy 500.
- Rinus VeeKay crashed but was unharmed; car damaged.
- Qualifying scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET today on FS2.
- Bommarito 500 race starts Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on FOX.
Pato O’Ward leads opening practice at World Wide Technology Raceway with 172.696 mph in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, setting an early benchmark for Bommarito Automotive Group 500 weekend.
The Mexican sets the tone after a consistent run of fourths and fifths this season, as profiled in Fast Friday coverage, seeking a first podium since winning Toronto last July.
O’Ward sets 172.696 mph to lead WWTR practice.
Points leader Alex Palou clocks 172.238 mph for second in the No. 10 HRC Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, still seeking a first WWTR podium after fourth place last year.
Palou reports his best feel yet at this venue, and sees the WWTR challenge as a fresh opportunity in a title defense defined by relentless consistency.
Felix Rosenqvist resumes oval running for the first time since his Indianapolis 500 victory, third fastest at 172.073 mph for Meyer Shank Racing.
Teammate Marcus Armstrong briefly headed the times, ending fourth on 171.925 mph in the No. 66 Honda after a late shuffle.
Palou P2 at 172.238 mph, still chasing a first WWTR podium.
Marcus Ericsson completes the top five with 171.671 mph for Andretti Global, while teammate Kyle Kirkwood is ninth on 171.250 mph and second in points, 62 behind Palou.
The 60-minute session features a single incident as Rinus VeeKay spins in Turn 3, contacting the SAFER Barrier and damaging the Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet’s rear.
VeeKay escapes unhurt and explains the car stepped out at the apex. He expects straightforward repairs, having run fourth on the charts before the crash.
VeeKay unhurt after Turn 3 crash; team expects straightforward repairs.
Qualifying for the NTT P1 Award starts today at 4:30 p.m. ET on FS2, followed by high-line and final practice from 8 to 10 p.m. ET on FS1.
Sunday’s 260-lap Bommarito 500 begins at 9 p.m. ET on FOX, with additional coverage on FOX One and INDYCAR Radio.
Expect strategy to hinge on clean air management and track position, with teams maximising tyre life across long green runs on the 1.25-mile oval.
Recent technical dialogue from the motorsports engineering symposium underscores setup priorities of efficiency and stability on short ovals.
Qualifying 4:30 p.m. ET on FS2; race Sunday 9 p.m. ET on FOX.
Visual Summary
⏱️ 172.696 mph
Pato O’Ward (No.5)
Pato O’Ward (No.5)
FAST FRIDAY BLAST
2️⃣
Alex Palou
172.238 mph
Alex Palou
172.238 mph
3️⃣
Felix Rosenqvist
172.073 mph
Felix Rosenqvist
172.073 mph
4️⃣
Marcus Armstrong
171.925 mph
Marcus Armstrong
171.925 mph
?
VeeKay spins into Turn 3 wall. Car repair needed, driver OK.
VeeKay spins into Turn 3 wall. Car repair needed, driver OK.
??
O’Ward’s last podium: July, Toronto.
6 top-5s, no trophies since.
O’Ward’s last podium: July, Toronto.
6 top-5s, no trophies since.
?
Palou: points leader, still chasing first WWTR podium.
Palou: points leader, still chasing first WWTR podium.
⏰ Next:
Qualifying: 4:30pm ET
Final Practice: 8–10pm ET
Race: Sunday, 9pm ET
Qualifying: 4:30pm ET
Final Practice: 8–10pm ET
Race: Sunday, 9pm 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.
