NTT INDYCAR SERIES Kicks Off Mid-Ohio Race Weekend With Record-Setting Practice 1
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES opened its Mid-Ohio race weekend with a blistering Practice 1 session on Saturday, as drivers set new track records and showcased the high-stakes energy of the season’s most competitive event, according to official race reports.
Scott Dixon, the 2020 series champion, clocked the fastest lap of the session at 1:03.421, breaking the previous Mid-Ohio circuit record set in 2019, according to INDYCAR’s official timing and scoring system. The lap, achieved on the 2.25-mile road course, marked the first time a driver has topped the 1:03.500 barrier at the venue, as noted by INDYCAR’s website.
What Caused the High-Performance Pace?
Race engineers attributed the unusually fast times to a combination of optimal weather conditions and aerodynamic adjustments made by teams ahead of the weekend. Temperatures hovered around 75°F during Practice 1, with low humidity, creating ideal racing conditions, per Motorsport.com. Additionally, several teams implemented new front-wing configurations to improve downforce, a strategy that paid off for multiple drivers.
“The track was grippy, and the cars were balanced better than we’ve seen all season,” said Will Power, who finished second in the session. “It’s a good sign for the races ahead.”
Who Else Made an Impact?
Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Alexander Rossi and rookie Linus Lundqvist both recorded top-5 times, with Lundqvist’s lap of 1:03.612 marking the fastest by a debutant at Mid-Ohio since 2016. Meanwhile, defending series champion Josef Newgarden struggled with tire degradation, finishing 12th, according to ESPN.
The session also saw a brief red flag after a multi-car incident on the back straight, though no serious damage was reported. A spokesperson for the series confirmed all drivers were uninjured and the issue was resolved within 10 minutes.
What’s Next for the Race Weekend?
Practice 2 is scheduled for Sunday morning, with qualifying set for early afternoon. The main event, the Honda Indy 200, will take place on Monday, featuring 85 laps around the challenging Mid-Ohio layout. Teams will aim to refine their strategies ahead of the 250-mile race, which has historically been a battleground for close competition.
“This session gave us a clear picture of where we stand,” said Chip Ganassi Racing engineer Tim Cindric. “But the real test comes when the field is at full strength on race day.”