We saw a lengthy delay to practice 1 of the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 due to heavy rain. We were able to get away 2 and a half hours after the scheduled time. Once we went green, it was a relatively smooth practice session. Team Penske driver Josef Newgarden topped the times early on and stayed there.
Newgarden Was Untouchable
This is historically a strong track for Penske driver Josef Newgarden. After flying top top spot with a fastest speed of 178.243 mph before practice was even halfway through, no other driver could get close. With him winning 5 out of the 9 previous races here, Newgarden is one to look out for throughout the weekend.
Yellow Flags For Debris
After a few teams, including ECR, noticed holes in their tyres, yellow flags and a caution period came out with 38 minutes to go. The AMR Safety Team was released so they could clean the track of any debris. The track was cleared and after ten minutes, the session went green again with 28 minutes to go.
Who To Watch In Qualifying
Keep an eye on the Penske drivers in qualifying – Newgarden and McLaughlin topped the session and with the most amount of pole positions at this race, you can’t count Power out either.
Malukas is another to watch. He finished the session in P3 and this track is where he got his first two podiums, in 2022 and 2023. The A.J. Foyt driver likes this track and his results here show it.
Rain Caused A Schedule Shakeup
With the rain causing a significant delay, the day’s schedule has been shaken up. Qualifying is next up but high line practice has been cancelled. Final practice will now take place tomorrow morning (2.15am CEST) – this will allow drivers to test the track at a similar time to when the race will be.
Qualifying for the 2025 Bommarito Automotive Group 500 is next, at 11.30pm (CEST). Will Josef Newgarden remain on top or will another driver find something extra?