Iowa Speedway Test Results: Conor Daly Tops the Field
On Wednesday at Iowa Speedway, Conor Daly emerged as the fastest driver among 21 participants in an IndyCar Series test, clocking an unofficial lap of 181.315 mph in the No. 76 Chevy for Juncos Hollinger Racing. Daly’s performance outpaced reigning champion Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing, who recorded a lap at 181.118 mph in the No. 10 Honda.
“This track is fantastic, and today was a great learning experience for us,” Daly remarked. He emphasized the importance of the test for race preparation, although he noted that the setup for race trim needs further analysis.
Last year’s Iowa doubleheader was marred by issues with tire performance, as the hybrid-spec tires failed to degrade adequately on the newly paved lower track surface. This resulted in a follow-the-leader scenario with little opportunity for overtaking. Daly highlighted improvements in tire design made by Firestone, suggesting that the new specifications provide a better match for the track’s bottom lane while calling for additional adjustments to enhance competitiveness for the upcoming race.
Meyer Shank Racing’s Felix Rosenqvist secured third place with a lap of 181.969 mph in the No. 60 Honda, followed closely by Andretti Global’s Marcus Ericsson, who recorded 180.972 mph in the No. 28 Honda. Colton Herta finished fifth at 180.661 mph in the No. 26 Honda, while Pato O’Ward rounded out the top six with a lap of 180.546 mph in the No. 5 Chevy.
Key contenders were evident throughout the test, with Andretti’s Kyle Kirkwood, who is close behind Palou in the championship standings, setting the ninth-fastest time at 180.305 mph in the No. 27 Honda. Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden marked the fastest run for his team in 11th place, at 180.222 mph in the No. 2 Chevy, whereas Indianapolis 500 polesitter Robert Shwartzman finished 12th at 180.186 mph.
Scott McLaughlin, the winner of last year’s first Iowa race, placed 15th at 179.429 mph in the No. 3 Chevy, while teammate Will Power, winner of the second race, followed closely in 14th at 179.535 mph in the No. 12 Chevy.
The test saw nearly 3,000 laps completed, leading IndyCar officials to cancel the second day of testing originally scheduled for Thursday. This decision reflects the extensive data gathered during Wednesday’s session, which will be crucial for teams as they prepare for the upcoming race at Iowa.
