Pato O’Ward Leads Road America Practice

Pato O’Ward Leads Road America Practice

June 20, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Sports

Pato O’Ward led pre-qualifying practice Saturday for the XPEL Grand Prix at Road America Presented by AMR, recording a top lap of 1 minute, 44.0029 seconds. Driving the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, O’Ward is seeking his first win and podium finish of the season to close a 103-point gap behind series leader Alex Palou.

Why is Pato O’Ward’s practice performance significant?

The lead suggests a potential turnaround for O’Ward, who has struggled this season despite finishing a career-best second in the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES standings with two victories. He currently sits fifth in the standings, with three fourth-place finishes serving as his season best.

Why is Pato O’Ward’s practice performance significant?
Did You Know? Alex Palou is pursuing a record-setting fourth victory at the 4.014-mile, 14-turn Road America circuit since 2020.

Who are the top challengers at Road America?

Marcus Armstrong placed second with a lap of 1:44.1097 in the No. 66 Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian Honda. Armstrong, who led Friday’s practice at 1:44.2714, is competing while fighting the flu.

Team Penske secured two spots in the top four. Scott McLaughlin finished third at 1:44.3108 in the No. 3 XPEL Team Penske Chevrolet, followed by David Malukas in fourth at 1:44.4142 in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet.

AJ Foyt Racing rookie Caio Collet rounded out the top five at 1:44.4166 in the No. 4 Combitrans Amazonia Chevrolet. Collet is competing despite fractured ribs sustained during a crash at last month’s Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that O’Ward’s speed in practice creates a critical opportunity to disrupt the current points lead. The ability of drivers like Collet and Armstrong to maintain top-five pace while dealing with physical injuries and illness highlights the high stakes of the Road America weekend.

How does series leader Alex Palou compare?

Reigning champion Alex Palou fell to sixth place during Saturday’s session, clocking 1:44.5117 in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. This follows a third-place finish in Friday’s opening practice.

Extended Onboards // Pato O'Ward at the Sonsio Grand Prix at Road America

What happens next in the XPEL Grand Prix?

Drivers may determine their starting grid during the NTT P1 Award qualifying at 2 p.m. ET today, broadcast on FS1, FOX One, and INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls.

The 55-lap race is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET Sunday. Coverage will be available on FOX, FOX One, FOX Deportes, and INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Pato O’Ward’s fastest lap in Saturday practice?
O’Ward recorded a top lap of 1 minute, 44.0029 seconds.

What is the current points gap between Alex Palou and Pato O’Ward?
O’Ward is 103 points behind leader Alex Palou.

Which drivers from Team Penske finished in the top four?
Scott McLaughlin finished third and David Malukas finished fourth.

Do you think Pato O’Ward can translate his practice speed into his first win of the season?