Alex Palou Climbs to Top of Speed Charts on Another Damp Day at Indy
Not even the rain can slow down Alex Palou this month at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES points leader delivered the fastest lap of the week so far during a rain-shortened second day of practice for the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. Clocking in at 227.546 mph in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, Palou topped the speed charts and made a powerful statement ahead of this weekend’s qualifying.
“This is the biggest race, and that’s what we work so much toward,” said Palou. “We’re going to try and chase that win.”
Palou, who is chasing his first oval victory despite a dominant start to the 2025 season with four wins in five races, continues to build momentum heading into „The Greatest Spectacle in Racing“ on Sunday, May 25.
Weather Woes Continue at the Speedway
Wednesday’s practice was delayed multiple times due to rain, cutting the scheduled six-hour session to just 3 hours and 43 minutes. Despite the setbacks, all 34 drivers managed to log a combined 2,555 laps (6,387.5 miles), focusing heavily on traffic runs and fine-tuning their race-day setups.
Team Penske, Ganassi Stay Strong
2018 Indy 500 winner Will Power posted the second-fastest time of the day at 225.584 mph, while his teammate Josef Newgarden—the two-time defending Indy 500 champion—was close behind in third at 225.545 mph. Newgarden is aiming to make history by becoming the first driver to win three consecutive Indy 500s.
Scott Dixon, another former “500” winner and six-time series champion, held steady in fourth at 225.092 mph, with Conor Daly rounding out the top five at 224.931 mph in the No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet.
Solo Speed: Kirkwood Shines Without a Tow
While most of the fastest laps came from drivers running in traffic and benefiting from aerodynamic tows, Kyle Kirkwood once again stood out. The Andretti Global driver recorded the fastest “no-tow” lap for the second day in a row, reaching 222.760 mph in solo conditions—an encouraging sign ahead of qualifying.
Kanaan Prepares as Larson’s Backup
Thursday’s schedule will begin at 10 a.m. with a refresher test for 2013 Indy 500 winner and current Arrow McLaren Team Principal Tony Kanaan, who is on standby to replace Kyle Larson should weather interfere with Larson’s attempt at the Indy/Charlotte “Double” on May 25.
Practice resumes for all drivers at noon and will be broadcast live on FS2 and FS1, as well as the FOX Sports app and the INDYCAR Radio Network.
written by Philipp Kraus / Media Credit: Penske Entertainment