Photo-My favorite Milwaukee moment, the start of the August, 1965, race.

As you read this, I am on my way to Milwaukee

The schedule: Times are Central. On Sunday there is a 15-minute warm up for IndyCar. before the IndyNXT race. It is not televised

IndyCar rides a huge wave of momentum into Milwaukee for the final two oval races of 2026. After last Sunday’s race In D. C., which attracted 3.282,000 viewers, the series hopes to continue to raise awareness. This weekend is test of how many repeat new viewers watch at least one of the races.

The Milwaukee Mile was a long time IndyCar staple, and it is a shame that the series had it off the schedule for a few years. I am happy that it has returned, and on Thursday title sponsor Snap-On signed a five-year renewal with IndyCar. The only thing better would be to return this event to its proper place on the weekend following the Indianapolis 500.

Both races are 250 laps. I have always thought that on a doubleheader weekend the races should be different distances, with the longer race on the first day. Saturday’s race should 275 laps and Sunday’s race could run 250 laps. We have 75 laps left over from Nashville to play with.

A Lot on the Line

Despite Paqlou’s commanding lead in the points, many drivers are still fighting for positions, jobs for 2027, and to earn their teams a paycheck of more than $1 million.

Milwaukee is likely Chevrolet’s last chance to grab another win before the end of the season. The Detroit based power plant has won only five times this year, two of their victories are on oval, both by Josef Newgarden. I think Chevy will win once this weekend.

Alex Palou could clinch his fifth IndyCar title Saturday should Kyle Kirkwood falter. Palou leads Kirkwood by 91 points after Kirkwood’s win in Washington last Sunday. I do not expect Palou to have another bad day.

Kirkwood has solidified his hold on second place. he leads Christian Lundgaard by 19 points. David Malukas has fallen to 51 points in arrears, nearly a full race, behind the Andretti driver.

At the other end of the standings, Christian Rasmussen and Caio Collet are tied for the final spot in the Leaders’ Circle. Mick Schumacher is only 10 points behind.

Dennis Hauger leads the rookie standings by 24 points over Collet. I think he is safe, but things happen on ovals.

Puzzling Things

Things I still wonder about that have not happened this year:

David Malukas still hasn’t won a race. His performances have seemed to have fallen off a bit since his crash in Nashville. Perhaps getting back on an oval is just what he needs.

Why has Marcus Armstrong faded since his near win at Road America/? Armstrong is another driver I thought might see the top step of the podium at some point in 2026. After strong showings at the 500 and Road America, the New Zealander has been plagued by engine issues and other problems. A doubleheader could be a tonic for him also.

Odd statistic- Andretti Global and Arrow McLaren have combined to win as many races -6- as Alex Palou has this season.

Kirkwood’s crash at Markham cost him at least 20 points. After how the race played out in D.C., we could have been looking at a possible title challenge over the final three races.

Picking winners– Picking a winner for a single race is tough, but picking two on t5he same weekend? In no particular order the race winners will be Will Power and Scott McLaughlin.