4:30 pm Eastern FS2
I disagree with IndyCar’s policy of using entrant points to determine oval qualifying order. Practice results should dictate the order. It will create another X factorin the wwekemd.
Sultry summer days have come to the St. Louis area early as the temperature is already 86 degrees with a discomfort index of 91 degrees. A chance of rain still exists for around qualifying time this afternoon.
The schedule: Central time
Cars are firing up forpractice 1. The rest of the day will go with whatever the weather dictates. If you are coming to the track, hydrate and use sunscreen.
I’ll be back after practice with results and to set the qualifying order.
And just like that, the IndyCar season reaches the halfway mark. Sunday’s 10th edition of the Bommarito 500 is the ninth race of the 18-race calendar for 2026, It just seems wrong to be halfway done with the year before mid to late June.
The good news is the series takes a short but welcome break after this weekend. The next race is June 21 at Road America. Teams and drivers have been going for five consecutive weeks. After Road America, the July schedule lightens up before a packed August.
Your intrepid reporter, however, has a very busy June ahead, covering this race and Road America on site, then taking a short trip to Ireland for a real vacation..
The focus for World Wide Technology is on the drivers, mainly Alex Palou, Josef Newgarden, and David Malukas. This track is one of Palou’s worst tracks statistically. The two drivers with any reasonable chance at catching the four-time champion, Malukas and Kyle Kirkwwood, hope his record here continues. Kirkwood won this race last year, while Malukas seeks his first series win. Many expect him to get that victory Sunday.
The Bommarito Automotive Group 500 is the only night race in 2026. Night racing on an oval is IndyCar’s best product. the series needs to add at least one more in the future. After sundown the track cools, and cars that were quick in the afternoon slow down while others come into their comfort zone. The green flag is schedule right at sundown. The first 30 minutes will be run during twilight.
Josef Newgarden has won this race five times, and he was well on his way to victory in 2025 before a wild crash ended his night. He comes into the 2026 race still nursing a foot injury suffered in the Indianapolis 500. Newgarden finished 10th at Detroit aft6er starting 21st. I still think he should be a contender at Gateway.
Kirkwood is the defending winner. he was in contention at Phoenix and should be strong this weekend. He needs to gain as many point as he can on Palou Sunday.
Malukas has performed well at This venue. He has two second place finishes, and he challenged Team Penske in a Dale Coyne car a couple of years ago. Is this race his breakthrough win?
Weather could throw a wrench into what looks to be another outstanding race in front of a packed grandstand. While Saturday’s forecast has improved to the point that only the final practices may be iffy, Sunday is still Monday morning, the dynamics will be drastically different. Fingers crossed.
If everything is on schedule, I think David Malukas gets his first IndyCar win, and it may not be his last in 2026.
From ECR:
| ECR’s No. 21 Chevrolet Will Be Piloted by INDYCAR Race Winner in 2027 and Beyond |
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| (INDIANAPOLIS) June 4, 2026 – ECR announced today that Christian Rasmussen will remain the driver of the No. 21 Chevrolet for the 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season and beyond as part of a multi-year agreement. The 25-year-old joined ECR in 2024 and has spent the entirety of his Indy car career with the Indianapolis-based team. Rasmussen and ECR earned their first NTT INDYCAR SERIES win together at the Milwaukee Mile in 2025 and will continue to work toward more victories in the years to come. “I’m excited to extend my partnership with ECR for 2027 and beyond. I’ve enjoyed my time with the team so far and believe in the future of ECR,” said Rasmussen. “We have undergone a lot of changes over the last couple years, and it has been a privilege to witness them firsthand, and to play a part in them. I’m confident that together we will continue to take ECR to its fullest potential.” Rasmussen began racing at just five years old and claimed his first karting championship in his home country of Denmark. He arrived in the United States in 2018 and joined the Road to Indy the following year. He is only the second driver in history to earn a championship in each division that currently feeds the NTT INDYCAR SERIES — USF2000 (2020), USF Pro 2000 (2021), and INDY NXT (2023). Rasmussen’s first role with ECR in 2024 was road and street course driver of the No. 20 Chevrolet and the driver of the team’s third entry in the Indianapolis 500. He was the highest-finishing rookie in the 500-mile race and later competed in the No. 20 for the final three oval races of the season. His impressive rookie campaign led to him being named the full-time driver of the No. 21 Chevrolet beginning in 2025 as part of a multi-year agreement. Following a new contract extension, Rasmussen will now remain with ECR through 2027 and beyond. ECR Owner and Chairman Ted Gelov joined the team prior to the 2025 season and continues to guide the organization through a rejuvenated era, highlighted by Rasmussen’s Milwaukee victory. “Christian has shown incredible talent, dedication, and adaptability since joining ECR. Nothing has changed our minds in that regard. Seeing Christian and the entire ECR organization battle adversity and emerge strong has strengthened our belief in him and this team,” commented Gelov. “Extending our partnership with Christian ensures that we continue building momentum with a driver who understands our team’s vision and culture. The best is yet to come for Christian and ECR.” Ed Carpenter, ECR co-owner and CEO, is well-known for having an eye for talent developed in the ladder series and continues to be impressed with Rasmussen’s progression as an NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver. “We are very excited to finalize this extension with Christian. Maintaining continuity with our driver lineup is something we feel that is an important element for ECR to reach its full potential. We have watched Christian develop over the past two seasons and firmly believe that the future is bright for Christian and ECR,” stated Carpenter. He continued, “There are plenty of opportunities to make our mark in 2026 and we are confident that strong results are right in front of us. Christian really made a breakthrough last season at WWT Raceway before getting his first win at the Milwaukee Mile, so this weekend is a great opportunity to get back to victory lane.” Rasmussen is midway through his third season as an NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver and is poised to build on a strong sophomore campaign. Last season, Rasmussen established himself as a formidable opponent on ovals. After recording a sixth-place finish in his second Indianapolis 500, he earned his first career podium at WWT Raceway, driving through the entire field twice and finishing 3rd. One year after making his first NTT INDYCAR SERIES start on a short oval at the Milwaukee Mile, he earned his first career victory. Rasmussen picked up right where he left off on ovals to begin the 2026 season as he was the class of the field at Phoenix Raceway. He charged from 21st to the front of the field and led 69 laps. Late-race contact with another competitor pushed his car into the wall and caused heavy suspension damage, but Rasmussen skillfully held the lead until eight laps to go. “It is great to know that Christian will continue to be part of the ECR family for 2027 and beyond. Maintaining a cohesive driver lineup is an integral element of our future success,” said ECR Team President Tim Broyles. “We look forward to Christian having a strong second half of the season and continuing to build on the progress he has made. We believe his best days in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES are still ahead of him, and we are excited to continue that journey together.” Rasmussen will become one of the longest-tenured drivers in ECR’s 15-year history. The team has demonstrated its versatility by earning nine victories across each style of track the NTT INDYCAR SERIES competes on – street and road courses, short ovals and superspeedways. ECR has recorded 45 Top 5 results to date, 26 of which have been podium finishes. In this year’s Indianapolis 500, Alexander Rossi’s 2nd starting position marked the team’s 10th front row start in the past 14 years. ECR competed exclusively in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES through 2025; in 2026, the team joined with Cape Motorsports in INDY NXT and Jay Howard Driver Development in the USF Pro Championships to create a direct pathway to INDYCAR. Sunday night’s race at WWT Raceway caps a stretch of five weekends of on-track activity for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, including three races in a row. An action-packed two days includes practice and qualifying on Saturday, June 6, followed by a 260-lap race under the lights on Sunday, June 7. Coverage of the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 begins at 9 p.m. ET (8 p.m. local) on Sunday. |
| About ECR ECR (Ed Carpenter Racing) first entered the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2012. The Indianapolis-based race team is led by owners Ted Gelov and Ed Carpenter and has proven its versatility by collecting wins across every type of track the series competes on – street and road courses, short ovals, and speedways. For the 2026 season, Indianapolis 500 champion Alexander Rossi will return as driver of the No. 20 Java House Chevrolet, while new NTT INDYCAR SERIES race winner Christian Rasmussen remains in the No. 21 Splenda Chevrolet. Carpenter, a three-time pole winner of the Indianapolis 500 (2013, 2014, and 2018), will round out ECR’s three-car lineup for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500. More information on ECR can be found at www.ecrindy.com. |
From IndyCar and IndyCar Officiating Board:
| INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, June 4, 2026) – Kevin Blanch, a longtime and respected member of the INDYCAR technical team and the technical director of INDYCAR Officiating, has announced his retirement. Nick Allen, who has served as the technical inspection manager for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, has been named technical director for INDYCAR Officiating. Allen was hired in January after 20 years of experience as an INDYCAR race team mechanic and chief mechanic. Blanch joined INDYCAR in 2003 after serving six-plus seasons with Panther Racing, where he served as the team’s crew chief. During his tenure there, the team won two INDYCAR SERIES championships and earned 11 victories and five pole positions. With INDYCAR, Blanch – nicknamed “Rocket” – added his experience and expertise as he oversaw the technical inspection process and provided technical oversight and ensured compliance of safety, aerodynamic and chassis regulations .“I have been contemplating retirement from the INDYCAR technical side for a while,” Blanch said. “Last winter when INDYCAR Officiating was formed, I was asked to continue in my role with an emphasis on completing a very hectic Month of May and the Indianapolis 500 and am glad I did. “After adding it up, I have been a part of INDYCAR for 36 years and have been involved in 555 straight races. I have simply poured my heart and soul into the sport I love and am very proud of the team I have worked alongside for over two decades. This is a very difficult decision, but I feel like now is the right time to take a step back.” The respect for Blanch and his work was universal in the INDYCAR paddock. One of his legacies in the garage will be the annual mechanics’ party he organized and hosted after each Indianapolis 500 Pit Stop Challenge. Race team crew members’ names were put into a hat and drawn to win their selection of gifted items from teams, drivers, manufacturers, vendors, suppliers and more. It’s estimated that over the last seven years, over $600,000 of merchandise was donated to hard-working mechanics .WHAT THEY ARE SAYING “I’ve known Kevin for nearly 30 years, dating back to the very first days at Panther Racing in 1997. His passion for INDYCAR and his work ethic are two of his highest qualities. He knows our cars inside and out and has been instrumental in the implementation of many safety and performance measures over the last 20 years.“His willingness to help INDYCAR Officiating transition through the first half of the 2026 season is another example of his heart for the best for our sport. We are grateful for his leadership, and I’m proud to call him a friend.” – J. Douglas Boles, INDYCAR president “On behalf of the INDYCAR Officiating Board, I want to thank Kevin ‘Rocket’ Blanch for his many years of dedicated service to INDYCAR and the competitors, teams and fans who make this sport so special. “Kevin’s professionalism, technical expertise and unwavering commitment to fair and consistent competition have earned the respect of everyone throughout the paddock. His contributions have played an important role in maintaining the integrity of our sport and supporting countless events over the years.“We are especially grateful that Kevin chose to remain with INDYCAR Officiating from the start of the season through the Month of May, one of the most demanding and important periods of our season. His willingness to support the transition process and work closely with Nick Allen to ensure a seamless handover reflects the professionalism and team-first attitude that have defined his career .“As Kevin begins this next chapter, we thank him for his service, his dedication and the lasting impact he has made on INDYCAR Officiating. We wish him and his family all the very best in retirement.” – INDYCAR Officiating’s Independent Officiating Board Chairman Raj Nair |
From IMS:
| INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, June 1, 2026) – Rick Treadway, who started the 2002 Indianapolis 500, died May 30 in a motorcycle accident. He was 56 .Indiana native Treadway, the son of 1997 Indianapolis 500-winning team owner Fred Treadway, started 17th and placed 29th in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” in the No. 5 Sprint/Kyocera Wireless/Airlink Enterprises G Force/Chevrolet fielded by his father’s team and as a teammate to two-time Indy 500 winner Arie Luyendyk. Treadway and Tony Kanaan were eliminated from the race in an accident in Turn 3 on Lap 90. The Indy 500 start was the highlight of Treadway’s INDYCAR SERIES career, which consisted of 11 races in the 2001 and 2002 seasons for his father’s teams Treadway-Hubbard Racing and Treadway Racing. He made his INDYCAR SERIES debut in 2001 at Kentucky Speedway and his final start in 2002 at the season finale at Texas Motor Speedway. His best finish was fifth at the 2001 season finale at Texas. Before joining the INDYCAR SERIES, Treadway competed in Formula 2000 junior formula racing and in various short-track open-wheel series, including the USAC Silver Crown and National Midget Series. He also raced in SCCA competition. Treadway, a graduate of Indiana State University, worked in business development and as a commercial pilot for his charter air service. He also served as an Federal Aviation Administration-certified flight instructor. |
All Times Central
In the end the race came down to pit strategy and how the cautions fell- just the way a race is supposed to play out. Alex Palou once again came out on the good side, and Kyle Kirkwood fell just short.
The Chevrolet Grand Prix of Detroit delivered an entertaining race, arguably the best race in the Motor City in a while. It was by far the best of the four races held at this edition of a downtown circuit.
Today’s race was the type of event that might keep the casual fan who tuned in today after watching last week’s Indianapolis 500 and saw plenty of action to maybe want to give Gateway a look next Sunday. It was not the post-500 buzzkill that we have often seen.
Here are my thoughts on seven topics from today’s race.
IndyCar officiating has been criticized for not throwing yellows when warranted. Today the yellow flew frequently, perhaps a bit too much. Three cautions were called for cars that spun but were able to restart and keep going. Only once did I think the flag was justified as the car was in the middle of the track.
The officials overcorrected their previous reluctance to make a call. I can give the race director a bit of a pass since this was the new IOB’s first street course event.
Did the yellows hurt some drivers? yes, Kyle Kirkwood among them, but that’s racing. I’m sure a middle ground will eventually be reached for when to wave the yellow flag and when not to.
Scott Dixon dropped out of the race, losing a top 10 finish because of a hybrid failure. He was not complimentary about the unit afterwards.
After nearly three years, I’m still not sure how the hybrid adds anything to the sport. The street racing especially has not been great since the hybrid’s introduction to IndyCar. The added weight has slowed speeds, as we saw at IMS last week.
Perhaps it is time to ditch this experiment with the 2028 car.
Graham Rahal earned his third podium of the season, the first time since 2020 that he has been on the podium that often. Rahal is ninth in points, just one point behind Josef Newgarden.
I’m glad to see Rahal once again competing at the top of the grid. RLL seems to have their road and street packages figured out. I hope the team can find a solution to their oval issues.
Josef Newgarden and Alexander Rossi raced despite their ailing lower extremities. For Rossi, it was his second race since his injury on May 18, and Newgarden was in his first race since hitting the wall last Sunday.
Newgarden started 21st, and Rossi rolled ff 14th. Rossi had made his way to second place near the end of the race before a penalty pushed him down to17th at the end.
Newgarden drove a steady race all day and finished 10th.
Two gutsy performances from these drivers. They should be in better shape for next Sunday’s oval race at Gateway.
There is nothing more annoying during the FOX broadcast that the chime the network uses to tell the audience that a radio communication is imminent. It sounds to me like a doorbell or the sound at a sports league draft to announce the next pick.
Is it too difficult for Will Buxton to say to just say, “Here’s what Barry Wanser just told Alex?”
The chime is the most unnecessary prop I have ever seen or heard on a race broadcast.
What does Will Power have to do to stay in a race and actually win? This morning I felt great about his chances to win today, and when he passed Palou for the lead during the first stint, I was sure it was his day.
He got behind on pit stops but was making his way back toward the front until co0ntact with Scott McLaughlin sidelined him. The New Zealander was not given a penalty, but he finished 19th after being in contention for the win, so justice was served.
I really hoped Power would win today, in a Honda, in Roger Penske’s backyard. what delicious irony that would have been.
No team will be happier to see the calendar turn to June 1 tomorrow than ECR. May has not been kind to them.
Both Christian Rasmussen and Alexander Rossi suffered machinal failures in the Sonsio Grand Prix, finishing 24th and 25th.
The highlight of May was rossi qualifying second for the Indianapolis 500. The joy was short lived as Rossi crashed hard in practice the following day, injuring his right ankle.
In the race Rasmussen fell out early with mechanical issues again, finishing 27th. Rossi led for a bit, but a pit fire dropped him the race and he ended the day in 30th place.
Today, in addition to Rossi’s late troubles, Rasmussen was the first car out with wall contact on lap 9.
It was good to see a decent race follow the 500 for once. Next Sunday’s Bommarito 500 should be another great show.
Thanks for following along this weekend.
Note: Mark Reuss of Chevrolet confirmed this morning that the engine issue was with the valve coating.
Warmup results
From earlier
The Pit Window by Mike Silver 