Scott McLaughlin topped the times in opening day NTT INDYCAR SERIES presented by Cooper Tires practice for the Hy-VeeDeals.com 250 at Iowa Speedway, but it was Helio Castroneves who came away impressed.
McLaughlin, driving the No. 3 Dallara-Chevrolet for Team Penske, set the fastest time of the session with a lap at 180.250 mph around the 0.894-mile oval shortly before the checkered flag flew at the conclusion of the 75-minute practice.
McLaughlin acknowledged he is still learning the nuances of oval racing but was pleased with his performance to date.
Obviously, I’m still learning a lot, but it’s really cool, said McLaughlin, the 2021 INDYCAR SERIES champion making his third career oval start this weekend. I’m just trying to build up to it and get a feel for the car. There’s so much grip here. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
Castroneves, driving the No. 06 Dallara-Honda for Meyer Shank Racing, was second fastest at 180.053 mph. He won from the pole here in 2008 and is third on the all-time Iowa wins list with three.
This is a very technically demanding track where experience matters, Castroneves said. It’s very easy to make mistakes. You have to be very precise with your lines, and you can’t overshoot the corners.
Tony Kanaan was third fastest at 179.898 mph in the No. 1 Dallara-Chevrolet for Chip Ganassi Racing.
Reigning NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Alex Palou was fourth fastest at 179.813 mph in the No. 10 Dallara-Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing.
Will Power rounded out the top five at 179.753 mph in the No. 12 Dallara-Chevrolet for Team Penske.
There were two incidents during the practice session. Marcus Ericsson spun in the No. 8 Dallara-Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing with about 30 minutes remaining. He was able to drive the car back to the pits, but the car sustained heavy damage.
Romain Grosjean spun in the No. 28 Dallara-Honda for Andretti Autosport with about 10 minutes remaining. He was able to continue without damage.
Qualifying for the Hy-VeeDeals.com 250 will be held at 5:30 p.m. ET Saturday, July 23. The race will be held at 3 p.m. ET Sunday, July 24. Both will be televised on NBCSN.
