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Pato O’Ward Dominates Road America Practice to Regain Momentum
Highlights
- Pato O’Ward sets fastest lap in Road America pre-qualifying practice.
- Marcus Armstrong posts second-fastest time despite battling the flu.
- Alex Palou leads championship, aims for fourth Road America victory.
- Qualifying for NTT P1 Award scheduled today at 2 p.m. ET.
- Sunday’s 55-lap race starts at 2 p.m. ET with live coverage.
Pato O’Ward sets the pace in Saturday’s pre-qualifying practice for the XPEL Grand Prix at Road America, topping the times with a 1:44.0029 in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet.
The lap provides timely encouragement. O’Ward chases his first win of 2026 after a standout 2025 campaign, when he finished runner-up with two victories and consistent scoring.
He sits fifth in the standings, 103 points behind leader Alex Palou. Recent pace hints at momentum returning, underscored by his work since Pato O’Ward leads WWTR.
Pato O’Ward tops practice with a 1:44.0029, signaling renewed one-lap authority for Arrow McLaren.
Marcus Armstrong responds impressively despite flu symptoms, clocking 1:44.1097 for Meyer Shank Racing. He also led Friday’s opening session, as detailed in Marcus Armstrong at Road America.
Scott McLaughlin places third on 1:44.3108 for Team Penske. Team-mate David Malukas follows with 1:44.4142, continuing his progress discussed in David Malukas’ title hunt.
Rookie Caio Collet takes fifth for AJ Foyt Racing with 1:44.4166, a noteworthy effort given fractured ribs sustained in last month’s Indianapolis 500 incident.
Marcus Armstrong runs second despite flu, having already topped Friday’s first practice.
Championship leader Alex Palou ends sixth on 1:44.5117 for Chip Ganassi Racing. He targets a record fourth Road America win, having taken three victories here since 2020.
Palou’s Friday baseline is strong, third in opening practice, reinforcing confidence over the 14-turn, 4.014-mile layout’s balance demands and heavy-braking windows.
Alex Palou pursues a record fourth Road America victory after three wins since 2020.
Arrow McLaren’s one-lap performance is encouraging after uneven race days. Penske’s two cars in the top four suggest a robust window, particularly on out-lap preparation and tire warm-up.
Qualifying execution will hinge on track evolution and traffic management into Turn 1. O’Ward’s early rotation stability should translate, provided McLaren nails peak window on the alternate tire.
Qualifying for the NTT P1 Award is today at 2 p.m. ET on FS1, FOX One, and INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls.
Sunday’s 55-lap race starts at 2 p.m. ET with coverage on FOX, FOX One, FOX Deportes, and INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls.
Visual Summary
⬆️
Pato O’Ward
Fastest Lap:1:44.003
First in Practice
Fastest Lap:1:44.003
First in Practice
O’Ward Fires Up Road America Practice
Championship dream reignited after Friday struggles
1
O’WARD
2
ARMSTRONG
3
McLAUGHLIN
4
MALUKAS
5
COLLET
6
PALOU
⚡
“Momentum Shifts” — Can O’Ward close Palou’s 103-point gap?
?
Qualifying: 2 p.m. ET (FS1, FOX One, INDYCAR Radio)
55-lap Race: Sunday 2 p.m. (FOX, FOX One, FOX Deportes)
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.
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