Today’s Schedule. All times Eastern

7 a.m.-8 p.m.: Public gates open

9:30-10 a.m.:  Pennzoil 150 at the Brickyard presented by Advance Auto Parts NASCAR Xfinity Series Practice

10-11 a.m.: Pennzoil 150 at the Brickyard presented by Advance Auto Parts NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Verizon 200 at the Brickyard NASCAR Cup Series Practice

12:30-1:30 p.m.: Verizon 200 at the Brickyard NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying

2:30 p.m.: Gallagher Grand Prix NTT INDYCAR SERIES Race (85 laps) USA, Peacock, Indycar Radio

5:30 p.m.: Pennzoil 150 presented by Advance Auto Parts NASCAR Xfinity Series Race (62 laps)

Another friendly reminder that the over the air broadcast is on USA Network. The final three races of the year will be on NBC.

Weather may be a factor in the race this afternoon. We just had a brief shower on the northwest side of Indianapolis with thunder. This storm should clear out by mid-morning, but there is a chance of rain around the time of the green flag.

The starting grid is intriguing. Graham Rahal will try to turn his first pole in six years into his first win in the same amount of time. It will not be easy. Alex Palou should have no trouble getting to the front from eighth. Rahal’s teammate Christian Lundgaard starts second. Lundgaard has started on the front row for both IMS road courses in 2023.

Romain Grosjean and Pato O’Ward are still looking for their first wins of the season, and today may be their last good chance for victory.

The Curious Case of Alex Palou

It is time for summer reruns. In 2022, reports circulated that Palou was going to McLaren this year. An announcement, which Palou said he did not approve came out. Then Palou admitted that yes, he was moving from Ganassi. In the end, he stayed at Ganassi and is on the verge of clinching his second Indycar title in three years. The consensus was that he would go to McLaren in 2024.

Jenna Fryer of the Associated Press reported yesterday that McLaren CEO Zak Brown sent an email to company staff saying that Palou would not be joining McLaren in 2024.

I like Alex, but these contract games he plays are getting a little hard to take. I hope to find out more today about this. My guess is that the Ganassi lineup in 2024 will look just the same as this year’s lineup.

I will be back with tire selections in a bit. if you’re going to the track, br prepared for rain and remember to hydrate. it will still be warm.