2025 Sukup INDYCAR Race Weekend

2025 Sukup INDYCAR Race Weekend logo

Iowa Speedway
July 12–13, 2025

Use the tabs or menu above to view session results, schedule, entrant facts, weather forecast, track facts and history.

Race Top Five

Race 2

PosNo.DriverLapsPoints
110Alex Palou27554
29Scott Dixon27540
366Marcus Armstrong27535
44David Malukas27532
55Pato O'Ward27530

Race 1

PosNo.DriverLapsPoints
15Pato O'Ward27551
22Josef Newgarden27544
312Will Power27536
43Scott McLaughlin27532
510Alex Palou27531

Vie the Results tab for full results.

Passing Analysis

Race 2

Miles Completed5220.07
Passes382
Passing Index*7.32
Position Passes229
Position Passing Index*4.39
* Passing Index (PI) is number of passes per 100 miles completed. Position Passing Index (PPI) is number of position passes per 100 miles completed. For historical passing analysis, visit the History tab.

Race 1

Miles Completed6266.05
Passes260
Passing Index*4.15
Position Passes179
Position Passing Index*2.86
* Passing Index (PI) is number of passes per 100 miles completed. Position Passing Index (PPI) is number of position passes per 100 miles completed. For historical passing analysis, visit the History tab.

Post-Race Analysis

Race 2

Box ScoreView PDF
Event SummaryView PDF
Lap ChartView PDF
Leader Lap SummaryView PDF
Pit Stop SummaryView PDF
Top Section TimesView PDF
Section ResultsView PDF

Race 1

Box ScoreView PDF
Event SummaryView PDF
Lap ChartView PDF
Leader Lap SummaryView PDF
Pit Stop SummaryView PDF
Top Section TimesView PDF
Section ResultsView PDF

Sukup INDYCAR Race Weekend Preview:
Iowa Speedway Hosts High-Speed Doubleheader

The NTT IndyCar Series storms into Newton, Iowa, for the Sukup INDYCAR Race Weekend, a high-stakes doubleheader at Iowa Speedway on July 12-13, 2025. Rounds 11 and 12 of the 2025 season, the Synk 275 powered by Sukup (Saturday) and Farm to Finish 275 powered by Sukup (Sunday), will test 27 drivers on the 0.894-mile oval dubbed "The World's Fastest Short Track." With championship leaders, past winners and rising talents in the field, this weekend could reshape the title race.

Track and Race Details

Iowa Speedway's 7/8-mile oval demands precision and strategy, with both races spanning 275 laps (245.85 miles). Hybrid energy deployment allows unlimited activations up to 125 kilojoules per lap, adding a tactical layer. Teams receive 13 Firestone tire sets for the weekend, plus one for Friday's high-line session. Qualifying on Saturday at 11:05 a.m. CT uses a two-lap format: Lap 1 sets the grid for Race 1, Lap 2 for Race 2.

David Malukas (No. 4 Clarience Technologies Chevrolet) noted the challenge: "I remember my first qualifying I did in Iowa … by the time I was ready to go and do some qualifying laps, I heard on the radio they were saying checkered flag. It went by a lot quicker than I was expecting."

Defending Champions and Past Winners

Team Penske ruled Iowa in 2024, with Scott McLaughlin (No. 3 XPEL/Gallagher Insurance Chevrolet) winning Race 1 and setting the one-lap qualifying record (188.248 mph) and Will Power (No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet) taking Race 2. Josef Newgarden (No. 2 Astemo Team Penske Chevrolet), with six Iowa wins (2016, 2019, 2020 Race #2, 2022 Race #1, 2023 Race #1 and 2023 Race #2) and 1,847 laps led, remains the driver to beat. Pato O'Ward (No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet), the 2022 Race 2 winner, rounds out the active Iowa victors.

Championship Contenders

Only three drivers have won in the first 10 races of 2025: Alex Palou (No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda), Kyle Kirkwood (No. 27 Andretti INDYCAR Honda) and Scott Dixon (No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda). Palou, with six victories including the Indianapolis 500, leads the championship and has led 104 laps at Iowa. Kirkwood, fresh off an oval win at World Wide Technology Raceway, is a threat. Dixon, despite no Iowa wins, has 13 top-five finishes in 21 starts and recently notched his 59th career victory at Mid-Ohio, extending his record for consecutive seasons with a win (21).

Teams to Watch

Team Penske, with nine Iowa wins, including eight of the last 10, fields Newgarden, Power and McLaughlin. Andretti Global, with seven victories, relies on Colton Herta (No. 26 Gainbridge Honda), Kirkwood and Marcus Ericsson (No. 28 Delaware Life Honda). Herta, the 2024 Race 1 pole sitter, has led 86 laps at Iowa. Chip Ganassi Racing, with two wins, banks on Palou, Dixon and Kyffin Simpson (No. 8 Journie Rewards Chip Ganassi Racing Honda).

AJ Foyt Racing, bolstered by a technical partnership with Penske, brings momentum with Malukas and Santino Ferrucci (No. 14 Sexton Properties/AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet). Malukas highlighted the partnership's value: "The more data that we can get, especially when it comes to as many drivers as possible, that's better for me, for my driving performance, and for us."

Milestones and Storylines

  • Scott Dixon: Extends his INDYCAR record with his 350th and 351st consecutive starts, chasing his first Iowa win.
  • Graham Rahal: Hits 250 and 251 consecutive starts (No. 15 One Cure Honda), third all-time in series history.
  • Pato O'Ward: Marks his 100th career start in Saturday's Synk 275.
  • Callum Ilott: Reaches his 50th start in Sunday's Farm to Finish 275 (No. 90 Prema Racing Chevrolet).
  • Rookies: Louis Foster (No. 45 Droplight Honda), Jacob Abel (No. 51 Abel Construction Honda) and Robert Shwartzman (No. 83 Prema Racing Chevrolet) aim to shine.

Breakout Candidate: David Malukas

Malukas, 23, enters his 55th and 56th career starts, matching the milestone where Josef Newgarden won his first race. Coming off a second-place finish at the 2025 Indianapolis 500 and leading 67 laps at Gateway, Malukas is optimistic about Iowa, where he's earned two top 10s and a second-row start.

"The racing has just been chaotic," he said. "You're passing so many cars and you don't even know what position you're in. You're just having a good time."

With AJ Foyt Racing on an "upward trajectory," Malukas sees a win as transformative: "If we could come out with a win this weekend, that would be a big turnaround for us and make the confidence just skyrocket."

Why It Matters

The Iowa doubleheader, the third and fourth oval races of 2025, is a critical juncture. Team Penske's dominance faces challenges from Andretti, Ganassi and a resurgent AJ Foyt Racing.

Malukas noted the physical demands: "It's going to be a tough race … a trifecta of longer races, a heavier package and heat."

With new aero and tire packages adding unknowns, strategy and adaptability will be key. Newgarden, Palou and McLaughlin are favorites, but Malukas and others could steal the spotlight in Iowa's chaotic, high-speed battles.

Sessions

Results

Race 2

PosStart PosNo.DriverTeamLapsLaps LedPit StopsElapsed TimeAverage SpeedStatusPoints
1110Alex PalouChip Ganassi Racing275194401:48:39.2641135.761Running54
289Scott DixonChip Ganassi Racing275--401:48:39.7921135.750Running40
31266Marcus ArmstrongMeyer Shank Racing w/ Curb-Agajanian275--401:48:42.0077135.704Running35
434David MalukasA.J. Foyt Enterprises275--401:48:43.2648135.677Running32
595Pato O'WardArrow McLaren275--401:48:44.0891135.660Running30
6227Christian LundgaardArrow McLaren275--401:48:45.7019135.627Running28
7260Felix RosenqvistMeyer Shank Racing w/ Curb-Agajanian275--401:48:46.1662135.617Running26
81721Christian RasmussenEd Carpenter Racing275--401:48:47.0995135.598Running24
91183Robert ShwartzmanPREMA Racing275--401:48:48.3098135.573Running22
1042Josef NewgardenTeam Penske27572401:48:49.3941135.550Running21
112551Jacob AbelDale Coyne Racing275--401:48:51.0763135.515Running19
122618Rinus VeeKayDale Coyne Racing275--301:48:51.0958135.515Running18
13188Kyffin SimpsonChip Ganassi Racing275--301:48:52.6707135.482Running17
141645Louis FosterRahal Letterman Lanigan Racing275--401:48:53.8116135.458Running16
152014Santino FerrucciA.J. Foyt Enterprises274--401:48:51.5595135.012Running15
16776Conor DalyJuncos Hollinger Racing274--401:48:52.0537135.002Running14
171520Alexander RossiEd Carpenter Racing274--401:48:54.3555134.955Running13
182127Kyle KirkwoodAndretti Global2749301:48:54.8519134.944Running13
191015Graham RahalRahal Letterman Lanigan Racing272--401:48:40.8258134.248Running11
201926Colton HertaAndretti Global252--301:37:16.2420138.966Contact10
211390Callum IlottPREMA Racing173--201:07:32.3124137.399Contact9
221428Marcus EricssonAndretti Global127--100:48:59.6159139.044Contact8
232477Sting Ray RobbJuncos Hollinger Racing48----00:19:01.5353135.329Contact7
24612Will PowerTeam Penske21----00:15:15.168073.851Mechanical6
252330Devlin DeFrancescoRahal Letterman Lanigan Racing------00:00:04.14020.000Contact5
26273Scott McLaughlinTeam Penske------00:00:04.43840.000Contact5
2756Nolan SiegelArrow McLaren------00:00:00.00000.000DNS3
— Race 2: Results (PDF) | Back to the session list

Palou Prevails in Farm to Finish 275, Extends Championship Lead at Iowa

Alex Palou solidified his grip on the 2025 NTT IndyCar Series championship, dominating the Farm to Finish 275 powered by Sukup at Iowa Speedway. The Chip Ganassi Racing driver, in his No. 10 DHL Honda, led 194 of 275 laps from pole to claim his seventh win of the season and first at Iowa, beating teammate Scott Dixon by 0.5260 seconds. Marcus Armstrong's third-place finish marked Meyer Shank Racing's second podium of 2025, while David Malukas and Pato O'Ward rounded out the top five. A crash-filled race, with five cautions and six lead changes, showcased the 0.894-mile oval's chaos, as Palou noted: "I was passing so many cars I felt like I was Lightning McQueen." The doubleheader's finale, following Pato O'Ward's Synk 275 win, set a high bar for Toronto.

Saturday's rain-disrupted schedule and O'Ward's 0.2352-second victory over Josef Newgarden set the stage for a frenetic Sunday under sunny 77-degree skies. Nolan Siegel's absence, after a Lap 248 crash in Race 1 sidelined him, left Arrow McLaren's No. 6 Chevrolet parked. "There's no place I'd rather be than out there driving today," Siegel said, praising his crew's efforts.

The race began at 12:15 p.m. CT with former Iowa Hawkeye Jay Higgins giving the command, but Lap 1 chaos saw Devlin DeFrancesco and Scott McLaughlin collide in Turn 4, triggering a yellow. Both were cleared by INDYCAR's medical team, but McLaughlin's second straight 27th-place start ended early.

Palou led early, but Newgarden, starting fourth, surged to the front on Lap 65, leading 72 laps. "Josef was driving excellent towards the end of the stints," Palou said, recalling their fierce battle, including slight contact in Turn 1.

Cautions defined the race: Sting Ray Robb's quarter-spin in Turn 2 on Lap 50, Marcus Ericsson's Turn 4 contact on Lap 130, Callum Ilott's Turn 4 spin on Lap 177 and Colton Herta's backstretch crash on Lap 254. All drivers were cleared medically, but the 48 laps under yellow disrupted strategies.

"I think today for most people it was about catching the caution," Dixon said, noting their overcut success. Palou regained the lead on Lap 248 after Newgarden pitted just before Herta's yellow, a move that echoed Race 1's pivotal pit cycle: "He kind of had a super big lead … I did not expect him to pit that lap," Palou said.

Dixon, starting eighth, emerged from his final pit stop in third and passed Armstrong for the second position on Lap 265 and maintained it to the finish, extending his record with his 145th podium: "We could run low, we could run high, which definitely helped."

Armstrong, starting 12th, capitalized on Meyer Shank's pit work: "They were especially good on pit lane today."

Malukas, starting third, finished fourth, chasing Palou closely: "We got side by side for … three different times," Palou said, praising Malukas's fairness. O'Ward, starting ninth, climbed to fifth, continuing his recovery trend: "I find my ways in recovery drives," he said post-Race 1. Christian Lundgaard, starting 22nd, gained 16 positions to sixth, while Felix Rosenqvist faded from second to seventh. Newgarden, despite leading, settled for 10th, frustrated by strategy: "We just needed to maintain position," he said after Race 1.

The new aero package — less downforce, more drag, reduced horsepower — produced 382 on-track passes (229 for position), surpassing Race 1's 260. "Today was definitely good. You saw a ton of cars passing," Dixon said, contrasting last year's single-file racing.

Power, out early with a mechanical issue (21st), had predicted better racing: "Everyone will run two lanes." The 1:48:39.2641 race, averaging 135.761 mph, tested physical and mental limits, with Palou noting, "It's more mentally … you need to be aware of what's going on." Armstrong, earning his best oval finish, reflected: "There's so much to learn about oval racing."

Palou's win, Honda's first 1-2-3 at Iowa, widened his points lead to 129: "We started racing not thinking about the points," he said, eyeing A.J. Foyt's 10-win record. With 13 Firestone tire sets and hybrid energy (125 kilojoules per lap), strategy was key, as Barry Wanser noted: "Alex gives us all the options." As IndyCar heads to Toronto, Palou's dominance, Dixon's consistency and Armstrong's breakthrough signal a fierce championship fight.

Race 1

PosStart PosNo.DriverTeamLapsLaps LedPit StopsElapsed TimeAverage SpeedStatusPoints
155Pato O'WardArrow McLaren27533401:46:00.6760139.146Running51
212Josef NewgardenTeam Penske275232401:46:00.9112139.140Running44
3712Will PowerTeam Penske2753401:46:01.8888139.119Running36
4273Scott McLaughlinTeam Penske275--401:46:03.0336139.094Running32
5410Alex PalouChip Ganassi Racing2754401:46:03.6780139.080Running31
61921Christian RasmussenEd Carpenter Racing275--401:46:04.2978139.066Running28
7276Conor DalyJuncos Hollinger Racing275--401:46:04.4480139.063Running26
8914Santino FerrucciA.J. Foyt Enterprises275--401:46:04.7698139.056Running24
91166Marcus ArmstrongMeyer Shank Racing w/ Curb-Agajanian2753401:46:05.6645139.037Running23
1069Scott DixonChip Ganassi Racing275--401:46:06.2023139.025Running20
111415Graham RahalRahal Letterman Lanigan Racing275--401:46:06.8702139.010Running19
12104David MalukasA.J. Foyt Enterprises275--401:46:07.0379139.007Running18
132326Colton HertaAndretti Global275--401:46:07.9117138.987Running17
141245Louis FosterRahal Letterman Lanigan Racing275--501:46:08.6502138.971Running16
151528Marcus EricssonAndretti Global275--501:46:08.9270138.965Running15
162518Rinus VeeKayDale Coyne Racing274--401:46:10.2009138.432Running14
17360Felix RosenqvistMeyer Shank Racing w/ Curb-Agajanian274--401:46:10.5434138.425Running13
18228Kyffin SimpsonChip Ganassi Racing274--401:46:10.9150138.417Running12
192030Devlin DeFrancescoRahal Letterman Lanigan Racing274--401:46:11.4778138.405Running11
201683Robert ShwartzmanPREMA Racing274--401:46:12.4396138.384Running10
21217Christian LundgaardArrow McLaren274--401:46:13.1868138.367Running9
222477Sting Ray RobbJuncos Hollinger Racing274--401:46:13.5326138.360Running8
231790Callum IlottPREMA Racing261--601:44:13.8232134.318Contact7
2486Nolan SiegelArrow McLaren246--301:29:37.2607147.236Contact6
251320Alexander RossiEd Carpenter Racing236--301:26:54.4474145.661Mechanical5
261827Kyle KirkwoodAndretti Global151--100:54:37.5217148.276Contact5
272651Jacob AbelDale Coyne Racing72----00:25:43.0217150.176Contact5
— Race 1: Results (PDF) | Back to the session list

O'Ward Outduels Newgarden in Thrilling Synk 275 at Iowa Speedway

Pato O'Ward turned chaos into triumph at Iowa Speedway, outsmarting Josef Newgarden in a dramatic pit sequence to win the Synk 275 powered by Sukup on Saturday, July 12, 2025. The Arrow McLaren driver, starting fifth in his No. 5 Chevrolet, led 33 of 275 laps to claim his first win of the 2025 season, his second at Iowa and his eighth career victory, edging Newgarden by 0.2352 seconds.

"I knew we had to be perfect," O'Ward said, reflecting on his battle with the six-time Iowa winner. A rain-disrupted weekend, five cautions, and a red flag amplified the intensity of Round 11, setting the stage for Sunday's Farm to Finish 275.

Rain washed out Friday's practice, cramming preparation into Saturday's hectic schedule under sunny 80-degree skies. Qualifying saw Newgarden (183.999 mph) and Conor Daly (183.714 mph) lock out the Race 1 front row, but O'Ward's 183.096 mph lap secured fifth, while teammate Nolan Siegel started eighth before a late crash. Scott McLaughlin, after spinning in qualifying, started 27th, a blow to his bold pre-race claim: "I guarantee (a Chevrolet win)." The 245.85-mile race, official after 138 laps, began at 4:15 p.m. CT with Iowa State basketball star Joshua Jefferson giving the command. Christian Lundgaard's engine hiccup delayed his start, but he rejoined in 21st.

Newgarden dominated early, leading 232 laps and pulling away from Daly by over a second by Lap 25. "Our car was really good," Newgarden said, crediting Team Penske's setup. A Lap 1 yellow for Colton Herta's spin set the tone for a chaotic race, with 260 total passes (179 for position) across five cautions totaling 47 laps. Jacob Abel's Turn 2 crash on Lap 75 brought the first major caution, followed by Kyle Kirkwood's Turn 2 contact on Lap 153. Both drivers were cleared by INDYCAR's medical team. Siegel's Turn 4 crash on lap 248 triggered a red flag at 5:57 p.m. CT for track repairs, halting the field until 6:08 p.m. Callum Ilott's Turn 2 contact on Lap 262 added a final yellow, setting up a tense five-lap sprint.

The pivotal moment came during the Lap 233-243 pit cycle. Newgarden pitted first, but O'Ward stayed out, pushing hard to close the gap. "I was saving more fuel than he was," O'Ward explained, noting Newgarden's defensive strategy. Arrow McLaren's slick pit stop and O'Ward's aggressive out-lap secured the overcut, giving him the lead on Lap 244.

"It was all Pato there on the out lap," team principal Tony Kanaan said, admitting he couldn't watch the final laps: "I sat down just because I couldn't watch."

Newgarden, battling a flat-out car, couldn't close the gap: "He pushed me up in (Turn) 3 on the restart … I was flat out. Couldn't do anything different." The 1:46:00.6760 race, averaging 139.146 mph, saw O'Ward's fastest lap (178.631 mph) on the final lap seal the deal.

Will Power, starting seventh, climbed to third, leading three laps and praising the emerging second lane: "Conor Daly kind of showed us the way when he just rolled the outside … Much better than last year."

McLaughlin's remarkable recovery from 27th to fourth, gaining 23 positions, earned high praise: "To be where he was is pretty impressive," Power said. Alex Palou finished fifth, trimming his points lead to 105 despite a "bad race" being fifth: "The guy just doesn't have any bad races," O'Ward noted of the championship leader. Christian Rasmussen surprised in sixth for Ed Carpenter Racing, while Daly faded to seventh after a slow pit stop. Santino Ferrucci (eighth), Marcus Armstrong (ninth), and Scott Dixon (10th) rounded out the top 10.

The new aero package — less downforce, more drag, reduced horsepower — delivered better racing than 2024, with Power noting a "true two lanes" by race's end: "You can put your tires just on that black seam … It was good."

With 13 Firestone tire sets and hybrid energy (125 kilojoules per lap) to manage, strategy was key. Kanaan highlighted Arrow McLaren's teamwork: "Chevy needed this… It was kind of a little easier to say I think we're going to get that win."

O'Ward, eyeing a doubleheader sweep from ninth in Race 2, said, "I've never doubled up … I'd love to be a part of that list."

As Palou starts on pole for Sunday's 12:20 p.m. CDT race on FOX, with Malukas third and Newgarden fourth, Iowa's second lane and tight battles promise more drama. "Everyone will run two lanes, so it'll be just better racing," Power predicted, setting up a thrilling Round 12.

Qualifying — Race 2

RankNo.DriverTeamTotal TimeAverage Speed
110Alex PalouChip Ganassi Racing00:17.4900184.014
260Felix RosenqvistMeyer Shank Racing w/ Curb-Agajanian00:17.4937183.975
34David MalukasA.J. Foyt Enterprises00:17.5515183.369
42Josef NewgardenTeam Penske00:17.5566183.316
56Nolan SiegelArrow McLaren00:17.5683183.194
612Will PowerTeam Penske00:17.5800183.072
776Conor DalyJuncos Hollinger Racing00:17.5924182.943
89Scott DixonChip Ganassi Racing00:17.6192182.664
95Pato O'WardArrow McLaren00:17.6211182.645
1015Graham RahalRahal Letterman Lanigan Racing00:17.6361182.489
1183Robert ShwartzmanPREMA Racing00:17.6406182.443
1266Marcus ArmstrongMeyer Shank Racing w/ Curb-Agajanian00:17.6439182.409
1390Callum IlottPREMA Racing00:17.6627182.214
1428Marcus EricssonAndretti Global00:17.6686182.154
1520Alexander RossiEd Carpenter Racing00:17.6985181.846
1645Louis FosterRahal Letterman Lanigan Racing00:17.7025181.805
1721Christian RasmussenEd Carpenter Racing00:17.7146181.681
188Kyffin SimpsonChip Ganassi Racing00:17.7235181.589
1926Colton HertaAndretti Global00:17.7350181.472
2014Santino FerrucciA.J. Foyt Enterprises00:17.7611181.205
2127Kyle KirkwoodAndretti Global00:17.7635181.181
227Christian LundgaardArrow McLaren00:17.7891180.92
2330Devlin DeFrancescoRahal Letterman Lanigan Racing00:17.8143180.664
2477Sting Ray RobbJuncos Hollinger Racing00:18.1132177.683
2551Jacob AbelDale Coyne Racing00:18.1682177.145
2618Rinus VeeKayDale Coyne Racing00:18.8407170.822
273Scott McLaughlinTeam PenskeNo Time--
— Race 2 Qualifying: Results | Back to the session list

Newgarden, Palou Claim Iowa Poles as Qualifying Chaos Sets Stage for Doubleheader

A rain-soaked Friday at Iowa Speedway forced a condensed Saturday, but the NTT IndyCar Series delivered a thrilling qualifying session for the Sukup INDYCAR Race Weekend under mostly cloudy 78-degree skies. Josef Newgarden and Alex Palou emerged with poles for the Synk 275 and Farm to Finish 275, respectively, mastering the 0.894-mile oval's two-lap format. Newgarden's 183.999 mph lap secured Race 1's top spot, while Palou's blistering 184.014 mph run claimed Race 2's NTT P1 Award. Yet, a crash, surprise front-runners, and a compressed schedule amplified the stakes for Rounds 11 and 12 of the 2025 season. "The racing has just been chaotic," David Malukas noted pre-race, and qualifying's twists — capped by Scott McLaughlin's shock crash—proved him right.

With Friday's practice washed out, teams squeezed installation laps, high-line sessions, and a 50-minute practice into Saturday morning before qualifying at 12:30 p.m. CT. The unique two-lap format — Lap 1 setting Race 1's grid, Lap 2 determining Race 2's — tested precision on a track where Malukas once noted, "By the time I was ready to go and do some qualifying laps, I heard on the radio they were saying checkered flag." Newgarden, a six-time Iowa winner, set the tone with a 17.4914-second Lap 1, edging Juncos Hollinger Racing's Conor Daly (183.714 mph) for Race 1's pole. Felix Rosenqvist (183.635 mph) and Palou (183.596 mph) followed, while Pato O'Ward (183.096 mph) rounded out the top five. For Race 2, Palou's 17.4900-second Lap 2 nipped Rosenqvist (183.975 mph) by 0.0037 seconds, with Malukas (183.369 mph) and Newgarden (183.316 mph) close behind. "Our short oval package is just really good," McLaughlin said pre-weekend, but his Team Penske teammate Newgarden stole the spotlight.

Daly's front-row start for Race 1 was a stunner, marking Juncos Hollinger's best qualifying effort this season. Daly's 182.943 mph Lap 2 secured seventh for Race 2, reinforcing his pace. Malukas, a breakout candidate with AJ Foyt Racing, cracked the top 10 for both races — 10th (182.596 mph) in Race 1, third in Race 2—fueling his optimism: "If we could come out with a win this weekend, that would be a big turnaround." Rookie Robert Shwartzman, eyeing a pole repeat from Indy, landed 16th (181.319 mph) and 11th (182.443 mph) for Prema Racing, admitting the track's intensity: "You have literally no rest. You're always turning." Armstrong, with Meyer Shank Racing, was consistent at 11th (182.483 mph) and 12th (182.409 mph).

The session wasn't without drama. McLaughlin, who topped practice at 183.514 mph and predicted a Chevrolet win, spun on his first lap in Turn 1 at 1:04 p.m., hitting the SAFER Barrier with rear and left-rear contact. He climbed out unharmed but recorded no time, relegating him to 27th for both races — a crushing blow for the 2024 Race 1 winner. Kyle Kirkwood, already hampered by a practice crash, struggled to 18th (181.130 mph) and 21st (181.181 mph) after Andretti Global repaired his No. 27 Honda. Will Power, under contract pressure, secured seventh (182.824 mph) and sixth (183.072 mph) for Team Penske, aiming for clean runs.

The new aero package — less downforce, more drag, reduced horsepower — shaped the session, with Power noting its challenges: "If you make a mistake, you really take a long time to get back up." Sting Ray Robb, starting 24th (178.885 mph) and 24th (177.683 mph), explained its goal: "They've taken downforce away to make it more difficult, but they've added more drag … it'll be a bit more racy." Kyffin Simpson, still learning short ovals, landed 22nd (179.966 mph) and 18th (181.589 mph) for Chip Ganassi Racing, admitting, "I've never been good at short ovals." Scott Dixon, chasing his first Iowa win, took sixth (182.924 mph) and eighth (182.664 mph), while rookies Louis Foster (12th, 16th) and Jacob Abel (26th, 25th) showed promise but trailed.

As the Synk 275 kicks off at 4:20 p.m. CDT on FOX, followed by the Farm to Finish 275 at 12:20 p.m. CDT Sunday, tire management (13 sets for the weekend) and hybrid energy deployment (125 kilojoules per lap) will be critical. Newgarden and Palou's poles position them as favorites, but Daly's surge, Malukas's momentum and McLaughlin's recovery from the back add intrigue. With Iowa's chaotic racing and a tight championship, the doubleheader could reshape the season. "You get the second lane, you have a good race," Power said, and fans await whether IndyCar's tweaks deliver multi-lane battles.

Qualifying — Race 1

RankNo.DriverTeamTotal TimeAverage Speed
12Josef NewgardenTeam Penske00:17.4914183.999
276Conor DalyJuncos Hollinger Racing00:17.5185183.714
360Felix RosenqvistMeyer Shank Racing w/ Curb-Agajanian00:17.5261183.635
410Alex PalouChip Ganassi Racing00:17.5298183.596
55Pato O'WardArrow McLaren00:17.5777183.096
69Scott DixonChip Ganassi Racing00:17.5942182.924
712Will PowerTeam Penske00:17.6038182.824
86Nolan SiegelArrow McLaren00:17.6055182.807
914Santino FerrucciA.J. Foyt Enterprises00:17.6104182.756
104David MalukasA.J. Foyt Enterprises00:17.6258182.596
1166Marcus ArmstrongMeyer Shank Racing w/ Curb-Agajanian00:17.6367182.483
1245Louis FosterRahal Letterman Lanigan Racing00:17.6466182.381
1320Alexander RossiEd Carpenter Racing00:17.6894181.939
1415Graham RahalRahal Letterman Lanigan Racing00:17.7344181.478
1528Marcus EricssonAndretti Global00:17.7358181.463
1683Robert ShwartzmanPREMA Racing00:17.7499181.319
1790Callum IlottPREMA Racing00:17.7560181.257
1827Kyle KirkwoodAndretti Global00:17.7685181.13
1921Christian RasmussenEd Carpenter Racing00:17.7707181.107
2030Devlin DeFrancescoRahal Letterman Lanigan Racing00:17.7717181.097
217Christian LundgaardArrow McLaren00:17.8825179.975
228Kyffin SimpsonChip Ganassi Racing00:17.8834179.966
2326Colton HertaAndretti Global00:17.9528179.27
2477Sting Ray RobbJuncos Hollinger Racing00:17.9914178.885
2518Rinus VeeKayDale Coyne Racing00:18.1669177.157
2651Jacob AbelDale Coyne Racing00:18.3641175.255
993Scott McLaughlinTeam PenskeNo Time--
— Race 1 Qualifying: Results | Back to the session list

Practice 

RankNo.DriverTeamBest TimeBest SpeedBest LapDifferenceGapTotal Laps
13Scott McLaughlinTeam Penske00:17.5376183.5144--.------.----47
26Nolan SiegelArrow McLaren00:17.6211182.645650.08350.083567
320Alexander RossiEd Carpenter Racing00:17.6339182.512140.09630.012859
45Pato O'WardArrow McLaren00:17.6454182.393260.10780.011553
52Josef NewgardenTeam Penske00:17.6526182.31950.11500.007271
621Christian RasmussenEd Carpenter Racing00:17.6652182.189130.12760.012634
710Alex PalouChip Ganassi Racing00:17.6823182.01370.14470.017165
876Conor DalyJuncos Hollinger Racing00:17.7169181.65770.17930.034671
966Marcus ArmstrongMeyer Shank Racing w/ Curb-Agajanian00:17.7218181.607260.18420.004950
109Scott DixonChip Ganassi Racing00:17.7221181.604500.18450.000354
1128Marcus EricssonAndretti Global00:17.7450181.369470.20740.022953
1214Santino FerrucciA.J. Foyt Enterprises00:17.7696181.118430.23200.024662
1326Colton HertaAndretti Global00:17.7773181.040280.23970.007733
144David MalukasA.J. Foyt Enterprises00:17.7883180.928330.25070.011041
1512Will PowerTeam Penske00:17.8164180.64330.27880.028138
1690Callum IlottPREMA Racing00:17.8352180.452350.29760.018860
1783Robert ShwartzmanPREMA Racing00:17.8371180.433600.29950.001964
187Christian LundgaardArrow McLaren00:17.8539180.263350.31630.016853
198Kyffin SimpsonChip Ganassi Racing00:17.8669180.132440.32930.013056
2060Felix RosenqvistMeyer Shank Racing w/ Curb-Agajanian00:17.8749180.051670.33730.008068
2115Graham RahalRahal Letterman Lanigan Racing00:17.8800180.000540.34240.005156
2230Devlin DeFrancescoRahal Letterman Lanigan Racing00:17.9074179.725200.36980.027445
2345Louis FosterRahal Letterman Lanigan Racing00:17.9278179.520600.39020.020469
2477Sting Ray RobbJuncos Hollinger Racing00:18.0061178.739300.46850.078344
2518Rinus VeeKayDale Coyne Racing00:18.0674178.133470.52980.061347
2651Jacob AbelDale Coyne Racing00:18.4128174.791380.87520.345444
— Practice 1: Results (PDF) | Back to the session list

McLaughlin Leads Chaotic Iowa Practice as Rain Reshapes Schedule

Rain washed out Friday's plans at Iowa Speedway, forcing the NTT IndyCar Series to cram installation laps, high-line sessions, and a 50-minute all-cars practice into a hectic Saturday morning before the Sukup INDYCAR Race Weekend's doubleheader. Scott McLaughlin, the 2024 Race 1 winner, topped the practice charts with a blistering 183.514 mph lap in his No. 3 XPEL Team Penske Chevrolet, signaling Team Penske's intent to dominate Rounds 11 and 12.

"Our short oval package is just really good," McLaughlin said pre-weekend, and his pace — 0.0835 seconds ahead of Arrow McLaren's Nolan Siegel — proved it. But a crash, spins, and penalties in a condensed session under sunny 73-degree skies hinted at the chaos awaiting in the Synk 275 and Farm to Finish 275.

The revised schedule kicked off at 8:55 a.m. CT with installation laps, followed by two 15-minute high-line sessions for Groups A and B. Kyle Kirkwood's day ended early when his No. 27 Andretti Global Honda smacked the Turn 4 SAFER Barrier at 9:12 a.m., damaging the right front and rear. Kirkwood climbed out unscathed, with INDYCAR's medical team clearing him, but his car missed the all-cars session, leaving Andretti Global scrambling before qualifying at 12:30 p.m. CT.

"The racing has just been chaotic," David Malukas noted pre-race, and Iowa's short 0.894-mile oval lived up to that billing as four drivers — Marcus Ericsson, Pato O'Ward, Jacob Abel and Christian Rasmussen — triggered yellows, each earning five-minute penalties for causing cautions.

Siegel's 182.645 mph lap secured second, showcasing Arrow McLaren's speed alongside teammate O'Ward, who was fourth at 182.393 mph despite a spin at pit exit. Alexander Rossi (No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet) took third at 182.512 mph, while Josef Newgarden (No. 2 Team Penske Chevrolet), a six-time Iowa winner, rounded out the top five at 182.319 mph.

Will Power, the 2024 Race 2 victor, struggled to 15th (180.643 mph), but his focus remains on clean runs: "Let's use the speed we have and get a bloody result without a mistake."

The top 10 featured surprises like Conor Daly (No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet) in eighth at 181.657 mph and Marcus Armstrong (No. 66 Meyer Shank Racing Honda) in ninth at 181.607 mph, who credited his team's strategy: "The MSR crew has done a great job."

Championship leader Alex Palou (No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda) was seventh at 182.013 mph, while teammate Scott Dixon, still seeking his first Iowa win, was 10th at 181.604 mph. Kyffin Simpson, another Ganassi driver, lagged in 19th (180.132 mph), admitting short ovals aren't his strength: "I've never been good at short ovals."

Malukas, a breakout candidate with AJ Foyt Racing, was 14th at 180.928 mph, but his oval pedigree keeps him in contention: "If we could come out with a win this weekend, that would be a big turnaround." Rookie Robert Shwartzman (No. 83 Prema Racing Chevrolet) showed promise in 17th (180.433 mph), buoyed by a strong test: "We were quite close to the leader, so I think we should be quite good."

The compressed practice heightened the stakes for qualifying, where two laps determine the grids for both races. McLaughlin, wary of rain risks, stressed its importance: "I'm more worried about just trying to get qualifying in here because I don't really want to start on points."

The new aero package — less downforce, more drag, reduced horsepower — added complexity, with Armstrong noting it could ease following: "Probably just a bit easier to follow." Power warned of its challenges: "If you make a mistake, you really take a long time to get back up." Sting Ray Robb, hoping for a "double redemption" after past Iowa struggles, explained the package's intent: "They've taken downforce away to make it more difficult, but they've added more drag… it'll be a bit more racy."

The tight turnaround from Saturday's 4 p.m. CT Synk 275 to Sunday's 12:20 p.m. CT Farm to Finish 275 tests endurance, especially with 275-lap races and 13 Firestone tire sets to manage. Kirkwood's crash and the four penalties underscore Iowa's unforgiving nature, setting up a doubleheader where strategy and precision will be paramount. Watch qualifying on FS1 at 12:30 p.m. CT and the Synk 275 on FOX at 4 p.m. CT, as McLaughlin's pace, Penske's dominance, and underdogs like Malukas and Shwartzman vie to shake up the championship chase.

 

Green Flag
  • Race 1: 4:20 p.m. CDT * Saturday
  • Race 2: 12:20 p.m. Sunday
Drivers Start Your Engines
  • Race 1: 4:15 p.m. Saturday
  • Race 2: 12:15 p.m. Sunday
Race Broadcast
  • Race 1: 5 p.m. EDT Saturday on FOX, Fox Sports Deportes and Fox Sports App
  • Race 2: 1 p.m. EDT Sunday on FOX, Fox Sports Deportes and Fox Sports App
Qualifying12:35 p.m. 11:05 a.m. Saturday
Qualifying Broadcast12:30 p.m. 11 a.m. Saturday on FS1
Practice Sessions
  • High-Line Session: 2:35–3:20 p.m. Friday on FS2 Canceled due to weather
    • Install Laps: 2:35–2:40 p.m.
    • Group A: 2:40–2:50 p.m.
    • Group B: 2:50–3 p.m.
    • Group A: 3–3:10 p.m.
    • Group B: 3:10–3:20 p.m.
  • Practice: 3:30-5 p.m. Friday on FS2 Canceled due to weather
  • Install Laps: 8:55 a.m. Saturday
  • High-line session (Group 1): 9–9:15 a.m. on FS2
  • High-line session (Group B): 9:15–9:30 a.m. on FS2
  • Practice (all cars): 9:45–10:30 a.m. on FS2
  • Install Laps: 9:30–9:35 a.m. Sunday
Weekend ScheduleView PDF
Live Timing and ScoringINDYCAR Leaderboard and INDYCAR Mobile app (iOS, Android).
Radio BroadcastINDYCAR Radio Network, SiriusXM 218, IndyCar.com and on the INDYCAR Mobile app (iOS, Android).
* All times are in Central Daylight Time unless otherwise noted. View the Race 1 green-flag time in all time zones. View the Race 2 green-flag time in all time zones.

Starting Lineup
Qualifying OrderView PDF
Entry ListView Table
Spotter Guide
2025 Sukup INDYCAR Race Weekend spotter guide
View PDF
Pit AssignmentsView PDF
Firestone Tire AllotmentThirteen sets for use through the doubleheader weekend. An extra set will be available for the high-line session on Friday.
Hybrid Energy Deployment ParametersUnlimited activation with a maximum deployment of 125 kilojoules (kJ) per lap.

Starting Lineup — Race 2

SPCar No.DriverEngine
110Alex PalouHonda
260Felix RosenqvistHonda
34David MalukasChevrolet
42Josef NewgardenChevrolet
56Nolan SiegelChevrolet
612Will PowerChevrolet
776Conor DalyChevrolet
89Scott DixonHonda
95Pato O'WardChevrolet
1015Graham RahalHonda
1183Robert Shwartzman (R)Chevrolet
1266Marcus ArmstrongHonda
1390Callum IlottChevrolet
1428Marcus EricssonHonda
1520Alexander RossiChevrolet
1645Louis Foster (R)Honda
1721Christian RasmussenChevrolet
188Kyffin SimpsonHonda
1926Colton HertaHonda
2014Santino FerrucciChevrolet
2127Kyle KirkwoodHonda
227Christian LundgaardChevrolet
2330Devlin DeFrancescoHonda
2477Sting Ray RobbChevrolet
2551Jacob Abel (R)Honda
2618Rinus VeeKayHonda
273Scott McLaughlinChevrolet
(R) Rookie
— Starting Lineup: PDF

Starting Lineup — Race 1

SPCar No.DriverEngine
126Colton HertaHonda
23Scott McLaughlinChevrolet
310Alex PalouHonda
412Will PowerChevrolet
59Scott DixonHonda
65Pato O'WardChevrolet
77Alexander RossiChevrolet
814Santino FerrucciChevrolet
911Marcus ArmstrongHonda
1028Marcus EricssonHonda
1160Felix RosenqvistHonda
128Linus Lundqvist (R)Honda
1321Rinus VeeKayChevrolet
1466David MalukasHonda
156Nolan Siegel (R)Chevrolet
1678Agustin CanapinoChevrolet
1730Pietro FittipaldiHonda
1818Jack HarveyHonda
1927Kyle KirkwoodHonda
2077Romain GrosjeanChevrolet
2115Graham RahalHonda
222Josef NewgardenChevrolet
2345Christian LundgaardHonda
2441Sting Ray RobbChevrolet
2520Ed CarpenterChevrolet
2651Katherine LeggeHonda
274Kyffin Simpson (R)Honda
(R) Rookie
— Starting Lineup: PDF

Entry List

Car No.DriverHometownCar NameTeamEngine
2Josef NewgardenNashville, Tennessee, USAAstemo Team PenskeTeam PenskeChevrolet
3Scott McLaughlinChristchurch, New ZealandXPEL (Race 1) / Gallagher Insurance (Race 2)Team PenskeChevrolet
4David MalukasChicago, Illinois, USAClarience TechnologiesAJ Foyt RacingChevrolet
5Pato O'WardMonterrey, MexicoArrow McLarenArrow McLarenChevrolet
6Nolan SiegelPalo Alto, California, USAArrow McLarenArrow McLarenChevrolet
7Christian LundgaardHedensted, DenmarkArrow McLarenArrow McLarenChevrolet
8Kyffin SimpsonGrand Cayman, Cayman IslandsJournie Rewards Chip Ganassi RacingChip Ganassi RacingHonda
9Scott DixonAuckland, New ZealandPNC Bank Chip Ganassi RacingChip Ganassi RacingHonda
10Alex PalouBarcelona, SpainDHL Chip Ganassi RacingChip Ganassi RacingHonda
12Will PowerToowoomba, AustraliaVerizon Team PenskeTeam PenskeChevrolet
14Santino FerrucciWoodbury, Connecticut, USASexton Properties / AJ Foyt RacingAJ Foyt RacingChevrolet
15Graham RahalNew Albany, Ohio, USAOne CureRahal Letterman Lanigan RacingHonda
18Rinus VeeKayHoofddorp, NetherlandsaskROIDale Coyne RacingHonda
20Alexander RossiNevada City, California, USAECR Java HouseEd Carpenter RacingChevrolet
21Christian RasmussenCopenhagen, DenmarkECR SplendaEd Carpenter RacingChevrolet
26Colton HertaValencia, California, USAGainbridgeAndretti GlobalHonda
27Kyle KirkwoodJupiter, Florida, USAAndretti INDYCARAndretti GlobalHonda
28Marcus EricssonKumla, SwedenDelaware LifeAndretti GlobalHonda
30Devlin DeFrancescoToronto, CanadaLuther AutomotiveRahal Letterman Lanigan RacingHonda
45Louis Foster (R)Odiham, EnglandDroplightRahal Letterman Lanigan RacingHonda
51Jacob Abel (R)Louisville, Kentucky, USAAbel ConstructionDale Coyne RacingHonda
60Felix RosenqvistVärnamo, SwedenSiriusXMMeyer Shank RacingHonda
66Marcus ArmstrongChristchurch, New ZealandSiriusXM / Root InsuranceMeyer Shank RacingHonda
76Conor DalyNoblesville, Indiana, USAJuncos Hollinger RacingJuncos Hollinger RacingChevrolet
77Sting Ray RobbPayette, Idaho, USAJuncos Hollinger RacingJuncos Hollinger RacingChevrolet
83Robert Shwartzman (R)Tel Aviv, IsraelPrema RacingPrema RacingChevrolet
90Callum IlottCambridge, EnglandPrema RacingPrema RacingChevrolet
(R) — Denotes Rookie of the Year candidate
— Entry List: PDF

NEWTON WEATHER

Track TypeOval
Length0.894 miles
Race Distance275 laps (245.85 miles)
Number of Turns4
DirectionCounter-clockwise
Track Map
2025 Sukup INDYCAR Race Weekend track map
Credit: INDYCAR
Event Social Media Hashtag & Accounts

Past Driver PerformanceView PDF
Last Six Wins
  • 2024 Race 2: Will Power, Team Penske
  • 2024 Race 1: Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske
  • 2023 Race 2: Josef Newgarden, Team Penske
  • 2023 Race 1: Josef Newgarden, Team Penske
  • 2022 Race 2: Pato O'Ward, Arrow McLaren
  • 2022 Race 1: Josef Newgarden, Team Penske
Last Six Poles
  • 2024 Race 2: Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske (188.248 mph)
  • 2024 Race 1: Colton Herta, Andretti Global (187.655 mph)
  • 2023 Race 2: Will Power, Team Penske (181.426 mph)
  • 2023 Race 1: Will Power, Team Penske (181.578 mph)
  • 2022 Race 2: Will Power, Team Penske (178.013 mph)
  • 2022 Race 1: Will Power, Team Penske (178.099 mph)
Qualifying Lap Record188.248 mph (Scott McLaughlin of Team Penske on July 13, 2024)

Historical Passing

YearMiles CompletedPassesPI*Position PassesPPI*
20175132.453787.362554.97
20185406.0295517.672344.33
20195578.5657910.382634.71
2020 Race 14576.3964514.092034.44
2020 Race 24933.994589.282054.15
2022 Race 15566.9477213.873726.68
2022 Race 26536.9381212.422624.01
2023 Race 16089.93150224.663195.24
2023 Race 26048.80116819.313796.27
2024 Race 14991.201923.851002.00
2024 Race 25838.712043.49951.63
* Passing Index (PI) is number of passes per 100 miles completed. Position Passing Index (PPI) is number of position passes per 100 miles completed.