After a thrilling qualifying session, drivers contended with highline and final practice. An uneventful session saw drivers trying to improve the grip on track, test tyre degradation, and commentators discuss the season. Scott Dixon took a late lead in the session, giving hope for Chip Ganassi Racing and Honda ahead of tomorrow’s race.
One Last Push
With the final race looming, this was the final chance for drivers to test on track. The final practice session was preceded with a 30 minute session where drivers looked to lay down rubber and improve grip on the high-line. When the practice session rolled around drivers were aiming to test tyre wear in preparation for tomorrow.
Drivers were running long on both sets of tyre compounds to help inform potential strategies. Unlike most oval tracks, which see one set of tyres, Nashville sees drivers have to use both the soft and hard tyres in a move meant to liven strategies up. With most drivers running 60-80 laps, teams were testing how long a stint might last.
Falling behind Arrow McLaren and Chevrolet earlier today, Scott Dixon and Chip Ganassi Racing showed potential during the session. All three drivers made the top 10 and Dixon topped the times.
Testing the High Line
Following high-line practice, drivers were testing this line and overtaking opportunities. For some, they made it work. For others, it was costly.
Pole sitter Pato O’Ward had an almost devastating moment as he ran high and over the marbles. His car was quick but his reactions were quicker and he was able to keep the no. 5 out of the wall.
His teammate Nolan Siegel however was not as lucky. As he was battling Rinus VeeKay, he also got onto the marbles. In contrast to O’Ward, Siegel hit the wall and ruined his suspension. A brief caution period followed and Siegel was able to make it back to pit lane under his own steam.
“Just super marbled up there … there’s just no grip.”
~ Nolan Siegel after his crash.
2 more caution periods came out nearing the end of the session for Callum Ilott and Will Power. Both followed Siegel’s footsteps in trying to use the high-line but both also made contact with the wall.
Commentators Have Their Say
Throughout the uneventful session, the Fox commentators (Will Buxton, Townsend Bell, and James Hinchcliffe) used the time to discuss the drivers and teams. They looked at the highs and lows as well as discussing rumours on what the grid could look like next year.
One of the biggest potential moves rumoured ahead of next year is David Malukas to Team Penske, replacing Power. The commentators all praised Malukas’ speed and talent, but questioned if he was ready for a seat in a ‘big three team’. Hinchcliffe concluded that “It’s not for us to decide.”
“I’m out of superlatives for the man who continues to write and rewrite the record books in this championship.”
~ Will Buxton about Alex Palou.
Dixon Tops the Final Session
The weekend was slow starting for Chip Ganassi Racing but their luck changed in the closing minutes of practice. Finishing practice 1 with only Dixon in the top 10, they finished final practice with all three drivers at the top. After leading the session early on, Dixon was denied of the top spot by both Josef Newgarden and Marcus Armstrong. But in the final 5 minutes, Dixon was able to take it back.
The top ten of the final practice session were:
There’s only one session left of the 2025 IndyCar season. One race remains and then we head to the winter break. Whilst the 2026 grid looks pretty complete, how many of the rumours are true? We will find out in the months to come, but for now, tune in to the race to see the last hurrah.