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Josef Newgarden Dominates Portland Warmup Ahead of 4 P.M. Race
Highlights
- Josef Newgarden led warmup despite recovering from leg injury.
- Race starts today at 4 p.m. ET at Portland International Raceway.
- Rinus VeeKay qualified fifth and posted second-best warmup time.
- David Malukas, second in standings, finished fifth in warmup session.
- Pole sitter Felix Rosenqvist was sixth fastest in warmup laps.
- Race broadcast live on FOX, FOX Deportes, FOX One, and INDYCAR Radio.
Josef Newgarden sets the benchmark in Portland warmup, leading the 30-minute session with a 58.7183s lap on Sunday. The two-time champion continues despite a lower-leg injury sustained in May.
The Team Penske driver, in the No. 2 Astemo Chevrolet, rebounded from 15th on the grid after Saturday’s qualifying. That session formed part of the NTT P1 Award battle earlier in the weekend.
Portland’s 1.964-mile, 12-turn layout rewards braking stability and traction. Over 110 laps, track position, tire life, and safety-car timing typically shape the outcome more than pure warmup speed.
Rinus VeeKay, starting fifth, underlines Juncos Hollinger Racing’s form with 59.0794s for second in the No. 76 Chevrolet. That pace backs up his season-best qualifying performance.
Scott Dixon is third at 59.0963s for Chip Ganassi Racing. His consistency complements teammate Alex Palou’s recent long-run promise, highlighted in Portland practice running.
Newgarden tops the warmup at 58.7183s while managing a lingering lower-leg injury from the Indianapolis 500.
Rookie Dennis Hauger impresses with fourth at 59.1623s in Dale Coyne Racing’s No. 19 Honda. He starts 10th, his best since qualifying third at St. Petersburg.
David Malukas places fifth on 59.2349s for Verizon Team Penske. He remains second in the standings, 83 points behind Palou, with six races still to run.
The race begins at 4 p.m. ET with coverage on FOX, FOX Deportes, FOX One, and INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls.
Pole sitter Felix Rosenqvist is sixth at 59.2532s for Meyer Shank Racing. His qualifying strength is detailed in Rosenqvist’s Portland pole analysis.
Palou, starting alongside Rosenqvist, records 59.2741s for seventh in the No. 10 DHL Ganassi entry. He prioritizes race balance and championship risk management over outright warmup speed.
Malukas trails Palou by 83 points, keeping the title fight alive into the Portland afternoon.
Warmup mileage typically finalizes tire allocation, out-lap profiles, and push-to-pass deployment. With gaps minimal, execution on pit entry and clean racing at Turn 1 will be decisive.
With Newgarden’s recovery pace, VeeKay’s momentum, and the Rosenqvist–Palou front row, the field enters a strategically loaded 110-lapper. Margins look tight, and mistakes will be costly.
Visual Summary
Newgarden’s Inspiring Return
Fastest in Warmup at Portland despite injury
Fastest in Warmup at Portland despite injury
⚡ Comeback Lap Leader
1st
Newgarden
58.718
🚗
2nd
VeeKay
59.079
🚙
VeeKay
59.079
🚙
3rd
Dixon
59.096
🚗
Dixon
59.096
🚗
4th
Hauger 🆕
59.162
🚖
Hauger 🆕
59.162
🚖
5th
Malukas
59.235
🚘
Malukas
59.235
🚘
After a tough injury, Josef Newgarden storms to the top of Portland’s final warmup. VeeKay, Dixon, rookie Hauger, and Malukas line up close — setting the stage for a tense, technical battle. Pole sitter Rosenqvist and points leader Palou lurk just outside the top five.
🏆 2026 Title Chase: Palou vs Malukas
Malukas trails Palou by 83 pts — 6 races left
Race start 4pm ET • FOX, FOX Deportes, INDYCAR Radio
Portland International Raceway • 12 turns • 110 laps
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.
