After a week’s break, IndyCar are back racing, this time in Madison, Illinois for the Bommarito Automotive Group 500. This is the second oval race of the season and will be held at the Worldwide Technology Raceway.
Last Year’s Race
Last year saw an action packed race at the Worldwide Technology Raceway. There were 5 caution periods totaling 57 laps under caution and a red flag at the end of the race. 10 drivers retired from the race, including two of the race leaders: Malukas and Power. Many penalties were handed out. Four cars (Dixon, Palou, Legge, and Rosenqvist) received a 9-place grid penalty after having unapproved engine changes. Whereas, 2 cars (Siegel and Ferrucci) received a drive-through penalty during the race for speeding on pit road.
Despite the on-track drama, there were 11 drivers who led the race. Newgarden took the lead on Lap 242 and went on to win the race; his fifth victory at this track. Rookie Lundqvist managed to overtake Herta for the final podium position on lap 255, taking his second IndyCar podium. The full top ten last year was:
1st: Josef Newgarden (Team Penske).
2nd: Scott McLaughlin (Team Penske).
3rd: Linus Lundqvist (Chip Ganassi Racing).
4th: Alex Palou (Chip Ganassi Racing).
5th: Colton Herta (Andretti Global).
6th: Felix Rosenqvist (Meyer Shank Racing).
7th: Nolan Siegel (Arrow McLaren).
8th: Marcus Armstrong (Chip Ganassi Racing).
9th: Sting Ray Robb (A.J. Foyt Enterprises).
10th: Rinus VeeKay (Ed Carpenter Racing).
2025 Bommarito Automotive Group 500 race
We return to Madison, Illinois this year as the 8th round – a lot earlier in the season compared to last year. Despite being in Madison, the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 is also known as the St. Louis race due to the proximity to the city.
This is also the first weekend where we shall see the high line practice. This is a shortened practice session where drivers are encouraged to drive on the high line of the track. Giving a chance to lay rubber on the track, it increases the grip which in turn provides easier running and more overtaking opportunities.
The track is 1.25 miles (2.01km) long and the race is 260 laps – a total race distance of 325 miles (523 km). As an oval track, banked corners return in a unique track layout that is reminiscent of the oval at Twin Ring Motegi in Japan.
You can see the track map below:
The Schedule:
All times are in CEST:
Practice 1: 14th June, 17:00.
Qualifying: 14th June, 21:00.
High Line Practice: 14th June, 23:45.
Final Practice: 15th June, 00:30.
Race: 17th June, 02:15.
Since its inauguration in 2017, the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 race has been a driver and fan favourite. It is a race that never fails to deliver action, making it a race not to be missed.