I'm a retired educator and lifelong racing fan. I hope to return to fostering greyhounds in the near future. Living mainly in Indy and wintering in Florida. I attend about 10 Indycar races a year as well as some sports car events
There is a limerick by Edward Lear with the line, “…It is just as I feared,” and I recalled it Saturday when i saw the following blurb from Adam Stern:
“Beginning with the 2027 IndyCar Series season, entry fields at all races outside of the Indianapolis 500 will be limited to chartered teams only. This decision was reached after thoughtful consideration with key stakeholders and, in particular, series suppliers who are making plans for the upcoming season as all parties look to build the series’ health and on-track competition.”
This scenario was one of my first concerns when IndyCar announced its charter system which took effect with the 2025 season. I had a feeling that charters would eventually lead to a closed shop and here we are, beginning next year
If a team doesn’t have a charter, they will not be allowed to race at any event other than the Indianapolis 500. The team known as Prema will likely not be seen again, unless its new owners decide to enter the 111th running of the 500.
Dreyer and Reinbold’s plans of someday entering races other than Indianapolis have been dashed. They will remain an Indy only team for as long as they wish, but no more. It’s a hollow reward for a team that has been loyal to the series and previously ran full time.
Non charter teams entering the Indianapolis 500 receive only $100,000 for making the race unless their car does extremely well in the race. How many will reconsider since they will take a loss?
I’m not sure this move adds value to the charters as IndyCar believes it will. Charter teams are guaranteed a spot in every race other than Indianapolis. Leaders’ Circle money won’t increase, and an owner who really wants out will probably take a lower price just to be done with it.
Othe unintended consequences I see:
Third OEM Less Likely
Chevy and Honda were each granted a charter beginning in 2028 and will pair with an existing two car team. A third OEM would want the same deal, raising the grid to 28. Does engine number three take a charter from the worst performing team? Does IndyCar ask for volunteers?
I don’t see this situation as attractive to another brand. The brevity of the IndyCar statement leaves a lot of contingencies unanswered.
New Blood
IndyCar could lose a generation of young drivers under the new policy. Does this undermine the value of an Indy NXT championship? There is very little room the champion of the top ladder series to enter the grid now. Linus Lundqvist still hasn’t found a full time home. Andretti Global has had to loan out its last two Ondy NXT champs, Kyle Kirkwood and Dennis Hauger, to other teams until the team had an opening.
Safer cars, which I am grateful for, have prolonged careers. I can see two former Indianapolis 500 winners driving in their final race May 24.
Current drivers aren’t getting any younger. Will Power and Scott Dixon are 45 years old, and Romain Grosjean is 38,
Five of the eight one-off drivers in this year’s 500 are receiving adds for their AARP cards. Helio Castroneves will be 50 by race day, Takuma Sato is 49, and Ryan Hunter-Reay, Ed Carpenter, and Katherine Legge are 45 years old,
With no seats available, the younger drivers will turn to other series, and likely will not return to IndyCar.
Adding Charter Value While Keeping Things Open
As my three readers know, I enjoy spending IndyCar’s money. Here I go again with some ideas to make the charters more valuable while allowing open entries all season.
For the 500: A minimum of $200,00 for one-off entries; a minimum of$300,000 for charter teams.
For the season: Expand the leaders’ Circle to include all charter teams and give performance bonuses based on the season standings. Pay any non-charter entrants who qualify for a race a minimum amount.
The Indianapolis 500 has always been an open event except for the IRL years. IndyCar has always welcomed all comers to their events. The open philosophy is something the series should embrace, not try to eliminate.
INDIANAPOLIS, April 27, 2026 —Veteran driver Katherine Legge has been entered by HMD Motorsports with AJ Foyt Racing for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 (Indy 500). She will once again be fueled by primary sponsor e.l.f. Cosmetics, a brand from e.l.f. Beauty (NYSE:ELF), the bold disrupter with a kind heart. As the only woman entered in this year’s 500-mile race, Legge continues a legacy that traces back to trailblazer Janet Guthrie — and uniquely, to four-time Indy 500 winner and team owner A.J. Foyt.
No. 11 e.l.f. Cosmetics Chevrolet RenderingNearly 50 years ago in May 1976, Guthrie fought to earn her place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). After facing skepticism and extraordinary scrutiny, Guthrie was given a pivotal opportunity when A.J. Foyt allowed her to test one of his backup cars — a moment widely credited with changing perceptions of what women could achieve in motorsport. One year later, Guthrie became the first woman to qualify for and compete in the Indy 500, the same race in which Foyt won his record-setting fourth 500. Now, in a full-circle moment, Foyt’s team will field Legge’s entry — marking a powerful continuation of that legacy.
Legge is looking to make her fifth Indy 500 start in the No. 11 e.l.f. Cosmetics Chevrolet, after becoming just the ninth woman to qualify for the race in 2012. In 2023, she became the fastest woman to ever qualify for the race, posting an average speed of 231.07 mph. She remains one of the most accomplished female drivers in global motorsport—including being the first woman to win a major open-wheel race in North America, the first to lead laps in Champ Car, and the first to lead the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
The British driver enters the 2026 race following a 2025 campaign in NASCAR, where she became the first woman to qualify for a NASCAR Cup Series race since Danica Patrick’s 2012 debut, and the first woman in seven years to start a Cup race. Across 14 events spanning ARCA, the Xfinity Series (now O’Reilly), and the Cup Series, Legge recorded two top-20 finishes at the Cup level and the highest finishing position among rookie drivers in her debut race.
In a world where women receive just 1% of sports sponsorships, account for only 4% of drivers on tracks, and are twice as likely to feel forced out of racing within the first five years,* e.l.f. is committed to the belief that anything is e.l.f.ing possible when you fuel the women who are rewriting the rules. That’s why e.l.f. is bringing eyes.lips.fuel. to the Indy 500, showing up in a big way both on the track and in the Fan Zone at the largest single-day sporting event in the world.
Inspired by e.l.f.’s Glow Reviver Lip Oil Stick, the eyes.lips.fuel activation will be featured trackside at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The experience reimagines the garage — a space that has historically belonged to the men — and making it a space for every eye, lip, and face. The activation includes:·
A full-size replica of Katherine’s race car, giving fans an up-close, in-person look at the machine she’ll drive on track·
A museum-style showcase of real artifacts from Legge’s career — from her first race suit, to her helmet and earliest karting trophies — celebrating the milestones of a trailblazer in the making·
A “Kiss the Bricks” wall, allowing fans to participate in one of motorsport’s most iconic traditions and send Legge their well wishes·
A personalization station where fans can customize e.l.f. products and receive exclusive e.l.f. merchandise.
Legge was e.l.f.’s first empowered.legendary.female leading the way for a growing group of women athletes including Billie Jean King, Kendall Coyne Schofield, Ally Sentnor, Jaedyn Shaw, Jess Carter, Lo’eau LaBonta, and Flau’jae Johnson, all united by their shared commitment to positivity, inclusivity, and accessibility, and their refusal to let anyone tell them where they don’t belong
.AJ Foyt Racing, one of the most iconic teams in the history of American motorsport, has played a defining role in shaping the sport across generations. The team continues to carry forward a legacy of grit and opportunity, fielding two full-time entries in the NTT INDYCAR Series with veteran Santino Ferrucci and rookie Caio Collet—giving Legge two teammates to work alongside during “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
Foyt’s partnership with HMD Motorsports began in 2025 in the junior formula ranks, fielding multiple entries in the INDY NXT by Firestone championship. Since entering the series in 2019, HMD has established itself as a powerhouse program—earning a team championship, two driver titles, multiple Rookie of the Year honors, and advancing several drivers to the NTT INDYCAR Series
.The Indy 500 remains the largest single-day sporting event in the world and one of racing’s ultimate tests—500 miles at speeds exceeding 230 mph, where precision, endurance, and mental resilience are pushed to their limits. Legge will begin preparations for the event with the Indy 500 Open Test (April 28–29), followed by official practice beginning May 12 and qualifications set for May 16–17. The race will be held May 24, with coverage beginning at 10 a.m. EDT on FOX
.Off the track, Legge continues to expand her platform across media and storytelling. Throttle Therapy with Katherine Legge returned earlier this year for Season 2 on iHeart, where she recently welcomed AJ Foyt Racing President, Larry Foyt. She is also the author of the children’s book Kat’s Magic Helmet, published in 2025.
*Sources: BBN, Autoweek, More Than Equal
QUOTE BOARD
Katherine Legge, Driver of the No. 11 e.l.f. Cosmetics Chevrolet Dallara: “We worked incredibly hard to be back at this year’s Indianapolis 500, and I don’t take a single moment of it for granted. I’m beyond grateful to e.l.f. Cosmetics for believing that women deserve to take up space in every arena—including this one. Together, we’re proving that when you invest in a woman’s dream, there’s no limit to what she can achieve. It honestly feels like Christmas being back at the 500. Every time I return, I gain a deeper appreciation for what it takes—not just to compete here, but to earn the opportunity to be here in the first place. I’m reminded that I’m a small part of this enormously storied event. To the AJ Foyt Racing organization, HMD, Chevrolet, IndyCar, and my team at BRANDed Management—thank you for fighting tirelessly to make this possible.”
Patrick O’Keefe, Chief Integrated Marketing Officer, e.l.f. Beauty: “Together with Katherine Legge, we’re fueling a movement for the next generation of dreamers. eyes.lips.fuel. isn’t just a tagline – it’s our commitment to every eye, lip and face watching who needs to see that they belong on that track, behind that wheel, and in any arena they choose. We’re democratizing access to sports by showing our community exactly what’s possible when someone believes in you and fuels your journey.”
Larry Foyt, President, AJ Foyt Racing: “AJ Foyt Racing has always been about giving racers a real shot. The collaboration with our partners at HMD and e.l.f. Cosmetics has helped bring this program to the grid. Katherine has earned this opportunity, and we’re committed to giving her a strong, competitive platform.”Mike Maurini, President, HMD Motorsports: “This is a tremendous opportunity for HMD Motorsports and an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved with our organization. We have worked hard to establish HMD as a leader in driver development, and to now be part of an Indianapolis 500 program alongside AJ Foyt Racing and Katherine Legge is something very special. Katherine brings a wealth of experience, AJ Foyt Racing brings unmatched history, and together we believe we have assembled a program that can make a strong impression throughout the Month of May.”
ABOUT KATHERINE LEGGEKatherine Legge is a trailblazing British racing driver and one of the leading women in international motorsports. She is the fastest woman to ever qualify for the Indianapolis 500 and has earned historic firsts across open-wheel, sports car, and stock car racing. Legge became the first woman to win a major open-wheel race in North America in 2005, the first woman to lead laps in Champ Car, and one of the few women to compete across NASCAR, INDYCAR, IMSA, and global endurance events, including the 24 Hours of Daytona and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. A vocal advocate for representation in motorsport, Legge has appeared on TODAY, CBS Mornings, The Drew Barrymore Show, Ellen, The Tamron Hall Show, 60 Minutes, Modern Marvels, and Jay Leno’s Garage. For more information, visit http://www.katherinelegge.com.
ABOUT E.L.F. COSMETICSe.l.f. Beauty (NYSE: ELF) is fueled by a belief that anything is e.l.f.ing possible. We are a different kind of company that disrupts norms, shapes culture and connects communities through positivity, inclusivity and accessibility. e.l.f. Cosmetics, our global flagship brand, makes the best of beauty accessible to every eye, lip and face by bringing together the best of beauty, culture and entertainment. Our superpower is delivering universally appealing, premium quality products at accessible prices that are e.l.f. clean and vegan, all double- certified by Leaping Bunny and PETA as cruelty free. We are proud to have products made in Fair Trade Certified facilities. Learn more at http://www.elfcosmetics.com.
No one knew what to expect on the first race day after the end of Worl War II. That there was in fact a 1946 race was a miracle. In late 1945 Wilbur Shaw pe4rwsuaded Tre Haute businessman Tony Hulman to buy IMS from Eddie Rickenbacker.
The track sat through the war years unused, neglected, and deteriorating. Trees grew on the front stretch. The garages were in bad shape. With six months to get the facility ready to run the 500 mile race took a Herculean effort. It wasn’t perfect on May 30, but a war weary crowd came out to enjoy a day at the track.
According to reports in the Indianapolis Star the traffic back up was the worst the police had ever seen on Race Day. Some drivers reported that it took three hours to drive to IMS from downtown.
The cars, many of which ran in 1941, the last race before the war, showed their age and the effects of idleness. Only nine cars were running at the finish. The 10th place car of Billy DeVore went out after 167 laps with a throttle issue.
George Robson
George Robson, starting his third 500 in 15th place, led 138 to win. He had not finished higher than 23rd in his first two starts. Robson described his victory in a column he wrote in the Indianapolis Star on May 31:
Pole winner Cliff Bergere never led as Mauri Rose led the first lap from ninth. Rose, the defending 500 winner, had a short day. He crashed on lap 40. Rose was the only former winner in the field.
Robson’s brother Hal also competed. He started 23rd and finished 25th after losing a connecting rod.
The Indianapolis 500 had made a triumphant return, under the vision of Tony Hulman, transformed into the racing grounds we have today. Hulman and his family would own the track 74 years, selling it to Roger Penske in 2019, ironically on almost the same date Hulman purchased it.
Notes
Robson enjoyed his win for just a short time. he was killed in a racing accident in Atlanta in September of 1946.
Driver Duke Nalon described the track in early May as “rougher than hell.” The remedy was to pour used motor oil on the track, then coat it truckloads of rubber dust from Firestone and knead it into the oiled surface. High line practice was still several years away.
Ted Horn drove the Boyle Maserati, the car Wilbur Shaw took to Victory Lane in 1939 and 1940, to third place. The car would be in the race through the end of the decade, finishing in the top five twice more. The Maserati also had a part in the changing of the guard, as Bill Vukovich took his rookie test in it in 1950. By then its technology had been outpaced, and Vukovich didn’t try to qualify it.
50 year old Ralph Hepburn set the fastest qualifying time in the Novi, but started 19th as he didn’t qualify on Day One. Hepburn led 44 laps before retiring on lap 121, finishing 14th.
INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, April 21, 2026) – Veteran motorsports officiating and competition executive Scot Elkins has been named managing director of officiating (MDO) by the Independent Officiating Board (IOB) of INDYCAR Officiating. In December 2025, INDYCAR Officiating – a new independent and not-for-profit organization – was established and governed by the three-person board of Raj Nair, Ray Evernham and Ronan Morgan. Working with the established team in race control and technical inspection, Elkins will oversee those areas and report directly to the IOB – with no oversight from INDYCAR or Penske Entertainment officials – and provide officiating governance and management.
Indiana native Elkins, 56, assumes his new role in a return to INDYCAR SERIES racing after having served as the technical director, operations for the Champ Car World Series from 2005-08. During that time, he led the technical operations and competition management as he created and enforced competition rules and developed safety protocols before coordinating the INDYCAR merger and transition period in 2008. In addition to his INDYCAR experience, Elkins provides over 25 years in race officiating, competition management and technical regulations across FIA Formula E, FIA Formula One, NASCAR and IMSA. Since 2014, he has served as the president of The Elkins Group, a leading consulting firm in race officiating, competition management and technical regulations, and safety leadership, working with Extreme E, DTM, Formula E, Formula One, NASCAR, FIA Rally Cross, FIA World Endurance Championship and X Games .Previously, Elkins was the vice president, competition and technical regulations (2013-14) and chief operating officer (2008-13) for IMSA, and prior to his INDYCAR experience he served as an adjunct professor of motorsports management at Indiana State University (2006-08), manufacturing engineer at Toyota (2004-05) and an engineering team manager at Robert Yates Racing in NASCAR (2000-04)
.“INDYCAR Officiating already has something truly special, teams in race control and technical inspection who are exceptional at what they do and have earned the deep respect of this paddock,” Elkins said. “Together with the Independent Officiating Board, our mission is to build on that foundation, bringing greater transparency and consistency to an operation that this sport and its competitors depend on.“
]Having worked across some of the most respected motorsport series internationally and here in North America, I have seen first-hand what world-class officiating looks like, and it looks like INDYCAR. Growing up in Indiana with the Indianapolis 500 as part of my life for as long as I can remember, I could not be more proud or more motivated to serve this sport.
”Elkins’ other officiating and industry leadership experience include board memberships with the International Council of Motorsport Sciences (2021-present), Motorsport Safety Foundation (2015-present) and ACCUS-FIA (2009-15).
“After a diligent and thorough search for the MDO position, it was clear that Scot’s credentials were an ideal fit,” IOB chairman Nair said. “The depth and breadth of his experience are primed to greatly contribute to INDYCAR Officiating. We know that he will successfully integrate with the current INDYCAR Officiating personnel and provide strong leadership and guidance for this crucial group as we move this mission forward.”
IOB members will work with Elkins to ensure a seamless onboarding and successful integration for a Monday, May 11 start. The next INDYCAR race weekend is on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course for the Sonsio Grand Prix, race six of the 18-race 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Race coverage Saturday, May 9 begins at 4:30 p.m. ET on FOX, FOX One and the FOX Sports app. INDY NXT by Firestone races its second doubleheader of 2026 at 4 p.m. Friday, May 8 (available on FS2) and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9 (FS1), with both races also available on FOX One and the FOX Sports app. Audio coverage of all on-track sessions is also provided by the INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls via SiriusXM Channel 218 and the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA.
Abel Motorsports returns to the Greatest Spectacle in Racing for the first time since 2023.- Jacob Abel returns for his first NTT INDYCAR SERIES action of 2026, after spending time racing in IMSA and the Asian Le Mans Series.
Speedway, Ind. (April 20, 2026) – Abel Motorsports announced today their entry into the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on Sunday May 24with Louisville Kentucky driver Jacob Abel behind the wheel of the No 51. Abel Motorsports will again be partnered with Chevrolet, marking their second venture together at the Speedway, and Jacob Abel’s first foray with the Chevrolet family.
“I am excited and grateful to be able to return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to have a shot at the Indianapolis 500. It’s been a lifelong dream to compete in that race and to have the opportunity to do it with Abel Motorsports and Chevrolet makes it even more special,” said Jacob Abel.2024 was both a breakout year for Abel Motorsports and Jacob Abel as the pairing scored three pole positions and three wins on their way to second in the INDY NXT drivers’ championship. That propelled Jacob Abel to the premier North American open-wheel racing series, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2025.
“The Indianapolis 500 is the greatest race in the world and the teams that compete reflect that. Having won races and competed for championships with Abel Motorsports over my whole career, I am very confident in the program that they put together.”
“It is going to be amazing to share this experience with not only my actual family, but the team that has become my family over the years. The preparations have been ongoing for some time, and I’m eager to finally get on track,” exclaimed the 25-year-old.
As Bill Abel’s team continued to grow alongside his son’s career, the opportunity to have Jacob back in the mix at Abel Motorsports and on the biggest stage the Indianapolis 500, was something the elder Abel was determined to make happen.
“We’re all beyond excited to have Jacob back with us at Abel Motorsports and ecstatic to be returning to the Greatest Spectacle in Racing! It takes a lot of special people to make this happen, and I can’t thank Chevrolet and INDYCAR enough for their help and belief in bringing this to life,” stated Team Owner Bill Abel.
“We have a tremendous group at Abel Motorsports, with a lot of NTT INDYCAR SERIES experience and we really feel like we are in a great spot to give Jacob everything he needs. To have the opportunity to compete in the Indianapolis 500 in 2023 with RC Enerson was so cool and I’ll never forget the moment immediately after we qualified and put RC in the show… it was really emotional and special to me. Now, to have the opportunity to come back here with Jacob as our driver, it doesn’t get any better than that!”
For veteran Team Manager John Brunner, the opportunity to run Jacob Abel with the Abel Motorsports team is something that brings a smile to his face.
“The opportunity to enter a car in the Indy 500 is always an exciting adventure but this is quite special to do it with Jacob as the driver. The Abel’s hired me in 2021 to help build on the team that they had already assembled and to help Jacob with the next levels of his open-wheel journey. The Indy 500 was our goal and we are here thanks to the support of our crew and families, INDYCAR, Firestone, and Chevrolet,” said Brunner.
Practice for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 begins on Tuesday May 12 and leads into qualifying on May 16th and 17th. The Indianapolis 500 Presented by Gainbridge goes green on Sunday May 24th with coverage beginning live on FOX at 10:00am ET. Keep up with Abel Motorsports all month long by following the team on social media, @abelmotorsports, or by visiting www.abelmotorsports.com
About Abel Motorsports: Abel Motorsports Team Principal Bill Abel began racing motocross in 1972, earning numerous championship titles as he continued the family motorsports tradition. In 2015, Abel Motorsports was launched starting in the USF2000 series and building their way up the junior open-wheel ladder. Abel Motorsports was able to capture the inaugural Formula Regional Americas Championship with driver Kyle Kirkwood. Today, Abel Motorsports is a leading force in the INDY NXT by Firestone Championship, the official development series of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, where the team operates as a multi-car organization focused on the future. 2024 was a breakout season for Abel Motorsports scoring three wins, three pole positions, and 12 podiums on their way to second in the entrant championship.Always looking towards the future, Abel Motorsports made their foray into the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2023 as the team entered the 107th running of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, the Indianapolis 500 with driver RC Enerson.
About Abel Construction Company: Abel Construction Company is a fourth-generation, family-owned builder headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, with offices in Simpsonville, Lexington, Nashville, Fort Myers, Naples, Indianapolis and Anderson. Specializing in automotive, industrial, and commercial construction, serving clients who require disciplined execution and long-term reliability.Our purpose is straightforward: help our clients achieve their goals. That focus carries through every phase of a project, from early planning through construction and ongoing facility support. As a family-owned business, we approach each engagement with accountability and continuity, bringing dedication, positivity, and integrity to the work. We design, build, manage, and maintain commercial and industrial facilities with a client-first mindset, emphasizing quality, consistency, and practical outcomes at every stage.
The result was inevitable. Ale4x Palou took the lead with 32 laps to go with a lightning quick pit stop to come out ahead of Felix Rosenqvist and won his third race of 2026. After a promising start to the year, which saw three different winners in three races and Palou second in the standings, we are back to 2025. Perhaps the month of May can salvage the season for the rest of the grid.
The processional race saw pole sitter Felix Rosenqvist jump to the lead and hold it except for five laps during the first pit stop round. When he shuffled back to the top, Rosenqvist maintained a 1.5 to 2 second lead over Palou until the pit stops under the day’s only caution flag.
When Palou exited the pits in first on the primary tires, it was game over. Palou is back in the points lead by 17 points over Kyle Kirkwood.
Awful Start: Long Beach is not known for great starts as the last rows are generally just rounding the hairpin when the green flies, but yesterday saw the worst start I’ve ever seen for this race. The first three rows were in formation followed by a large gap to an unorganized row four. The rest of the field wasn’t even in view. I don’t know why the star wasn’t waved off.
Either move the start line down the front straight a bit or have a standing start. The finish line can return to its current position. Another possibility is to start the race on Pine Street.
Soft tires too hard? The alternate tires lasted a full 30 laps. While the blistering was severe, the tire did not cause a big enough drop off to allow for any real racing. If the series wants the red tire used twice in a race, it has to force different strategies. The cars who made three stops didn’t have a chance.
Another Bad Break for Power: Will Power was enjoying his cleanest weekend of 2026. He did not contact anything on Friday or Saturday. He started seventh and spent the day in the top 10, even getting into the lead during pit stop shuffles. On the final stop, however, while exiting his pit box he made contact with a crew member of Caio Collet’s car. The drive through penalty sent him to the rear of the field. he recovered to finish 19th.
Good Days: Nolan Siegel finished 12th, his best result of the year. Siegel started last and rove a steady race.
Dennis Hauger improved to 11th from his 19th starting spot.
Alexander Rossi came home 9th after starting18th.
Obsession: Why FOX became so enamored with Josef Newgarden and spent innumerable laps showing him drive alone on a clear track is beyond me. Newgarden made an early pit stop and did cycle to the lead when the rest of the field made their first stops. It was clear that Newgarden would need two more stops while the leaders had a good chance to only need one more trip to the pits. His lead and chance for victory was ephemeral, but FOX kept up the narrative.
The more compelling story was how Rosenqvist could hold off Palou.
Final Thoughts: The Fast Six shootout was the highlight of the weekend. It was dramatic thanks to the tweaks in format that IndyCar implemented.
While racing at Long Beach has never been great, yesterday’s contest was devoid of drama and action. Palou’s pass of Pato O’Ward on lap two was the only significant pass of the race.
The good news is that a week from tomorrow, the circus moves to IMS for an entire month. I can’t wait.
Qualifying produced an interesting starting grid which should make for a good race today. The polesitter wins less than 20% of the time4 at Long Beach. Since Kyle Kirkwood won from pole in 2025, Felix Rosenqvist’s chances are somewhat diminished. I think the winner comes from the first two rows.
Take a moment before the race to remember Jim Michaelian, who helped found the Long Beach event and guided it to the prestigious spot it holds on the IndyCar schedule as one the series’ Crown Jewels.
Kirkwood vs. Palou
If the pair is not contending for the win, keep an eye on where they are. Kirkwood leads the points by just 2, so where this duo finishes will determine the leader heading the IMS road course race in 20 days.
Another Charge for Lundgaard?
Lundgaard has not qualified particularly well this season, but he has made his way into the top 10 by the end of the day. From 1th on the grid, a top 5 result is very likely. He is my race sleeper.
Pato Vindication Tour
Pato O’Ward used very blunt terms to describe h at Barber, and he seems to be on a mission to avenge an embarrassing showing. From his front row spot, I give him the nod to park in Victory Lane today.
Pit Strategy
The race is very likely to be a three stop event, barring a mid-first stint yellow. The requirement to use two sets of the alternate tire could dictate the amount of pit visits.
Notes
Word I’m hearing is that A. J. Foyt Racing will be home for the 33rd entry for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500. Katherine Legge will drive the entry. Number and sponsor will probably be announced next week.
Mike Shank would have left IndyCar qualifying happy regardless of the outcome after one of his entries won the IMSA race at: Long Beach this afternoon. It was MSR’s first win at the prestigious track. But Felix Rosenqvist wasn’t ready to end the celebration there.
“That was nerve-wracking to watch,” Rosenqvist said. “My old buddy Pato there at end, that was close. That was a good lap.”
Rosenqvist tied his career best by finishing sixth in the standings last season, his second year with MSR. But he has endured a slow start to 2026, 14th in the standings after four races, which he said gave the team extra focus this weekend.
“It’s been a tough start of the year,” Rosenqvist said. “We said we wanted to do a little bounce-back here, and we did. Phenomenal day for us.”
In a dramatic Fast Six qualifying, Rosenqvist knocked defending series champion off the pole, then he watched nervously out as Pato O’Ward just missed beating him on the final run of the day. O’Ward missed by 0.04 seconds.
The former teammates will share the front row, while the top two in the standings, Palou and leader Kyle Kirkwood, will roll off in row 2. Full results are at the end of this post.
Tweaks Worked
At Arlington the debut of the single car qualifying was a flop in my opinion. The sixth fastest in Round 2 went first, a distinct advantage as his tires were still warm from the previous run. The other five drivers had little chance of catching Marcus Ericsson.
For Long Beach, the fastest driver had first choice of when to make his run, and the other drivers chose a spot in order of their Fast 12 finish. The only driver to pick out of order was O’Ward, who chose to go last instead of fifth.
Teams had the option of changing tires, but most stuck with the Round 2 set.
The result was a dramatic round with the top spot changing hands three times.
The format worked the way it was intended to.
FOX Still Not There
FOX displayed sector times, but only occasionally and infrequently during the Fast Six. In the final round, they had a running timer which switched from red to green depending on where the car was in relation to the driver on pole at the time. That was okay, but I want to know how far off the fastest pace the driver is.
I want to see running sector times for all six drivers and each driver’s deficit or advantage as they run. The network has the capability, I don’t understand why they are shortchanging the broadcast of a sport they partly own.
A Black Day for Racing
This morning we learned of the of sports car driver Juha Miettinen as a result of injuries sustained in a crash involving seven cars during a race at the Nürburgring in Germany. Any driver sport in any racing category is a tough blow to all racing fans. I’m thankful that racing fatalities are so few and far between in this era, but somehow it makes each one hurt more.
If you are going to a race tomorrow, or just watching at home, please take a moment to honor Juha Miettinen’s memory.
The Pit Window by Mike Silver 