ELKHART LAKE, Wis. – Pato O’Ward of Arrow McLaren SP was the fastest driver in Saturday morning’s practice session at Road America for Sunday’s Sonsio Grand Prix at Road America.
The NTT IndyCar Series driver from Monterrey, Mexico lapped the 4.0144-mile, 14-turn Road America course in 1:45.2681 in the No. 5 Chevrolet.
“We did a lot of work over the night and didn’t know if it would work or not,” O’Ward said. “We got it in the window. It’s such a long track, if you are struggling in the balance issue, you are going to lose a lot. But if you get it in the window and hustle around the track, you can gain a lot.
“I’m happy with our session.”
Team Penske driver and last week’s Detroit race winner Will Power was second at 1:45.3849 in the No. 12 Team Verizon Chevrolet for Team Penske.
Alex Palou’s No. 10 American Legion Honda was third at 1:45.4062 for Chip Ganassi Racing.
“The car is good,” Palou said. “The American Legion car is fast, and we’ll be ready for qualifying.
“On Friday, the alternates were really good for everybody. Today, the track was grippier and we saw the times. I still think the Red tires are going to be faster.”
Despite clutch issues, Alexander Rossi’s No. 27 NAPA/AutoNation Honda was fourth at 1:45.5576. Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden rounded out the top five at 1:45.5744 in the No. 2 Team Penske Chevrolet.
Back in the pack, Jimmie Johnson was 23rd fastest in the No. 48 Honda and Simona De Silvestro was last in the 27-car field at 1:48.4582.
Qualifications for Sunday’s race are scheduled for Saturday at 1:45 p.m. Eastern Time.
Keyword: O’Ward Tops Second Practice At Road America