As has been the pattern all week, a driver set the fast time of the day early. Today it was Pato O’Ward’s turn to lead the field with a lap of 227.308 mph. O’Ward is the third different driver to lead at the end of a practice day.

“We got a race run in, we got some qualifying simulations in, and the car is in good balance,” O’Ward said. “Tomorrow when the boost comes up, it does change quite a bit. Yeah, so far it’s been very smooth.”

“Today, we noticed (reaching top speeds) over the course of two corners or like half a lap, but tomorrow you’ll go from the start of the exit of (Turn) 2 to the entry of (Turn) 3 almost like full beans, so it’s cool,” O’Ward said.

O’Ward and his number 5 Arrow team had struggled on Tuesday, but found what6 they needed today.

Tomorrow could be a different story for everyone when the extra boost will increase speeds by 5 or 6 mph.

I don’t want top jinx anything, but we have had 18 incident free hours of running. The only stoppages have been for track inspections and debris.

Conor Dly was 25th Thursday after leading Wednesday and having a spot in the top 10 Tuesday. Kyle Kirkwood was 14th, and Alex Palou, Tuesday’s leader, ended the day with the 25th fastest time.

Alexander Rossi turned the most circuits, 68.

Notes

Attendance has been very strong each of the first three days this week. I’m anticipating an even larger turnout tomorrow on Fast Friday.

David Maluykas took time to sign autographs for fans in Gasoline Alley after he finished a run.

If rain interferes with qualifying on Saturday, I’m interested in what the contingency plans are for Sunday. I hope @Indyca_Wxman can keep the rain away.

Results

Today’s session. combined results, and Practice 3 non-tow results: