Some thoughts on an amazing race yesterday at Road America:
We may never see a road course that good again, but I hope the XPEL Grand Prix 2026 edition becomes the gold standard for road racing in IndyCar. Typical races here are rather pedestrian with cars strung out over the four plus mile circuit. Sunday saw passes for the lead, a variety of pit strategies, game changing cautions, and frustrated drivers. A race fan can’t ask for more than they received this Father’s Day.
Yesterday’s event is a candidate for the best race of the year, along with the three oval races to date.
The breakdown-
A Resilient Drive from Lundgaard
I thought Christian Lundgaard’s day was over by turn three. Punted by Scott Dixon, the McLaren driver needed to pit to replace the front wing and take on a new set of tires. Lundgaard fortunately stayed on the lead lap, ahead of leader Alex Palou.
He said in the post-race press availability that his car seemed faster after the repairs. Lundgaard passed David Malukas for second place and went after leader Marcus Armstrong. He was catching Armstrong, but it appeared his chase would end just short. Armstrong’s engine let go with just two laps to go, and Lundgaard claimed his second win of the season.
Lundgaard has quietly become the team leader at McLaren. He is fourth in the standings, just 17 points out of second place.
Heartbreak for Armstrong
It’s late in the race. Marcus Armstrong leads David Malukas as both drivers seek their first career win in IndyCar. Armstrong’s margin over Malukas is healthy one, but then Malukas gets passed by Lundgaard, who is mounting a charge. Will he snatch victory from Armstrong?
We will never know if he would have, as Armstrong began slowing om lap 52. His Honda engine expired the next lap, leaving the Meyer Shank driver stopped on the side of the road, his first victory gone up in smoke.
It was clear all weeke3nd that Armstrong had the strongest car, and he backed it up for all but the final couple of laps, when it counted the most.
What we are seeing is the Meter Shank Racing team becoming a force to deal with in the series. While they are still not in the top tier conversation, the team has made significant headway this season. Felix Rosenqvist won the Indianapolis 500, while Armstrong led tthe penultimate lap.
Rosenqvist and Armstrong combined to lead 32 of the 55 laps on Sunday.
Is There a Caution Rule That Satisfies Everyone?
The short answer is no. Last year when cautions were held for pit stops or not thrown for cars or debris “off the racing line,” there wer some unhappy teams and drivers complaining about thye advantage the policy gave the leaders.
In 2026, cautions have abounded, for the most part, I think they were necessary. Participants are still confused, wondering if or when the yellow will wave. We have seen several teams caught out by yellows. Rosenqvist’s team owner Mike Shank was quite upset after the race by the yellow that may have cost the 500 winner a chance at the win.
No matter what the rule or enforcement policy is, as long as it is consistent, I’m fine with it. I’ was not a fan of the old rule, and I like what is going on this season with it.
No matter which way the series goes, people will be unhappy if a particular instance hurts them. Well, that’s racing. There is an element of luck involved. The same rule may be to your advantage in the next race. It will all balance out.
Notes
I saw Will Power’s onboard of the last lap incident with Graham Rahal. It appeared Rahal moved over in front of Power, and Will could not avoid contact. This one is on Graham.
A massive crowd saw a great race. We may see even more fans at road America in 2027.
How big was the crowd all weekend? This is the first year I had trouble finding a spot to park my golf cart anywhere (First World problems, i know).
Grandstands that are normally half empty, even on race day, were full for the morning warmup yesterday and for morning practice on Saturday.
Thanks for following along this past weekend. The Pit Window will be on hiatus until July2, as I take a little journey to Ireland. There will be some Mid-Ohio coverage remotely when u get back. I’ve not heard of any racing over there during my visit.
The Pit Window by Mike Silver 