O’Ward leads 17-car IndyCar test at Texas
Arrow McLaren SP-Chevrolet driver Pato O’Ward continued his strong form in IndyCar off-season testing by topping the speed charts at Texas Motor Speedway today.
The 21-year-old who won the Indy Lights title in 2018 and finished fourth in last year’s NTT IndyCar Series – his first full season at this level – lapped the 1.44-mile Speedway in 23.325sec, an average speed of 222.25mph.
That means the Arrow McLaren SP-Chevrolet driver has now led the last three group tests, lending credence to the theory that his blend of pace and consistency will make him a title threat.
In this instance, he was 1.4mph faster than the second fastest driver of the day, Alexander Rossi of Andretti Autosport-Honda – although naturally the picture is blurred by the draft effect, as in who did and didn’t get a tow, and to what extent.
Third fastest went to Jack Harvey of Meyer Shank Racing-Honda, one of seven drivers to take part in yesterday’s test to explore different downforce options.
Simon Pagenaud led Team Penske-Chevrolet teammate Will Power in fourth and fifth respectively, the latter turning the most laps of the day at 247.
Felix Rosenqvist ensured both Arrow McLarens were in the top six, as he led the man he beat to the 2019 Rookie of the Year title, Colton Herta of Andretti Autosport-Honda.
The Ed Carpenter Racing-Chevys of Rinus VeeKay and Ed Carpenter were eighth and 11th, sandwiching Josef Newgarden (Penske) and Sebastien Bourdais, driving for AJ Foyt Racing-Chevy on his team boss’s home territory. Trackside Online reported that Bourdais suffered a minor incident with a brush of the Turn 2 wall.
Scott McLaughlin got the fourth Penske into the top 12, ahead of his oval racing debut when the series returns to TMS for the double-header on May 1-2. He turned 233 laps and finished up ahead of several race-winning series veterans including defending Indy 500 winner Takuma Sato, Ryan Hunter-Reay, James Hinchcliffe and Graham Rahal.
Tomorrow will see Dale Coyne Racing on track, with Ed Jones being accompanied by Pietro Fittipaldi who is returning to IndyCar action in preparation for his four races as oval sub for Romain Grosjean and is required to do a refresher test.
Cody Ware, son of race entry co-owner Rick Ware, is also expected to carry out his oval Rookie Orientation Practice.
| RANK | # | DRIVER | TEAM | ENGINE | BEST | MPH* | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | Pato O’Ward | Arrow McLaren SP | Chevrolet | 23.325 | 222.25 | 146 |
| 2 | 27 | Alexander Rossi | Andretti Autosport | Honda | 23.473 | 220.85 | 178 |
| 3 | 60 | Jack Harvey | Meyer-Shank Racing | Honda | 23.505 | 220.55 | 205 |
| 4 | 22 | Simon Pagenaud | Team Penske | Chevrolet | 23.515 | 220.46 | 224 |
| 5 | 12 | Will Power | Team Penske | Chevrolet | 23.520 | 220.41 | 247 |
| 6 | 7 | Felix Rosenqvist | Arrow McLaren SP | Chevrolet | 23.556 | 220.07 | 136 |
| 7 | 26 | Colton Herta | Andretti Autosport | Honda | 23.604 | 219.62 | 197 |
| 8 | 21 | Rinus VeeKay | Ed Carpenter Racing | Chevrolet | 23.608 | 219.59 | 208 |
| 9 | 2 | Josef Newgarden | Team Penske | Chevrolet | 23.680 | 218.92 | 219 |
| 10 | 14 | Sebastien Bourdais | A.J. Foyt Racing | Chevrolet | 23.700 | 218.73 | 166 |
| 11 | 20 | Ed Carpenter | Ed Carpenter Racing | Chevrolet | 23.707 | 218.67 | 162 |
| 12 | 3 | Scott McLaughlin | Team Penske | Chevrolet | 23.762 | 218.16 | 233 |
| 13 | 30 | Takuma Sato | Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing | Honda | 23.800 | 217.815 | 184 |
| 14 | 28 | Ryan Hunter-Reay | Andretti Autosport | Honda | 23.807 | 217.75 | 167 |
| 15 | 29 | James Hinchcliffe | Andretti Autosport | Honda | 23.838 | 217.47 | 160 |
| 16 | 15 | Graham Rahal | Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing | Honda | 23.895 | 216.95 | 207 |
| 17 | 4 | Dalton Kellett | A.J. Foyt Racing | Chevrolet | 23.922 | 216.70 | 140 |
Related video
Ed Carpenter Racing reveals Daly’s USAF B-2 livery for 2021
“A bloody good day!” says McLaughlin after Texas IndyCar test
Ranking the top 10 IndyCar drivers of 2021
In an enthralling 2021 IndyCar campaign, the series bounced back from its COVID-19 truncated year prior and series sophomore Alex Palou defeated both the established order and his fellow young guns to clinch a maiden title. It capped a remarkable season with plenty of standout performers
How Marcus Ericsson finally unlocked his potential in IndyCar
Marcus Ericsson enjoyed a breakout year in the IndyCar Series in 2021, winning twice and finishing sixth in points with Chip Ganassi Racing. How did he finally unlock the potential that was masked by five years of toil in Formula 1 with Caterham and Sauber/Alfa Romeo?
Remembering Dan Wheldon and his last and most amazing win
Saturday, Oct. 16th, marks the 10th anniversary Dan Wheldon’s death. David Malsher-Lopez pays tribute, then asks Wheldon’s race engineer from 2011, Todd Malloy, to recall that magical second victory at the Indianapolis 500.
Have Harvey and RLL formed IndyCar’s next winning match-up?
Jack Harvey’s move to Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing sparked plenty of debate, but their combined strength could prove golden, says David Malsher-Lopez.
Why Kyle Kirkwood is America's new IndyCar ace-in-waiting
Kyle Kirkwood, the record-setting junior formula driver, sealed the Indy Lights championship last weekend. But despite an absurdly strong résumé and scholarship money, his next move is far from clear. By David Malsher-Lopez.
2021 IndyCar title is just the start for Ganassi's newest star
Alex Palou has captured Chip Ganassi Racing's 14th IndyCar drivers' championship, and in truly stellar manner. David Malsher-Lopez explains what made the Palou-Ganassi combo so potent so soon.
Why Grosjean's oval commitment shows he's serious about IndyCar
One of motorsport’s worst-kept secrets now out in the open, and Romain Grosjean has been confirmed as an Andretti Autosport IndyCar driver in 2022. It marks a remarkable turnaround after the abrupt end to his Formula 1 career, and is a firm indication of his commitment to challenge for the IndyCar Series title
IndyCar’s longest silly-season is still at fever pitch
The 2021 IndyCar silly season is one of the silliest of all, but it’s satisfying to see so many talented drivers in play – including Callum Ilott. David Malsher-Lopez reports.