O’Ward Claims Dramatic Victory at Iowa Speedway
Iowa Speedway – Pato O’Ward delivered a stunning performance to secure his first win of the 2025 IndyCar season at the Sukup 275 on Saturday, overcoming a commanding lead held by Josef Newgarden of Team Penske. O’Ward’s victory in his 100th race marks a significant milestone, making him the first Chevrolet driver to win this year.
O’Ward executed a strategic overcut during the final round of pit stops, allowing him to cycle ahead of Newgarden, who had dominated the race by leading 232 of 275 laps. Newgarden started from pole position and maintained control until lap 233, when his team called him to pit road. O’Ward and competitors opted to stay out, giving the Mexican driver a critical advantage.
“I knew I had to be spot-on with my in-laps to beat him at his own game,” O’Ward stated post-race. “It’s incredible; to win here again means a lot to me.”
In the closing laps, Newgarden closed the gap significantly, finishing just 0.2352 seconds behind O’Ward. “O’Ward got track position, and it was game over,” said Newgarden.
The podium was rounded out by Will Power in third, with Scott McLaughlin impressively charging from 27th to finish fourth, and Alex Palou completing the top five to maintain his championship lead.
The race featured multiple cautions, including incidents involving Colton Herta and Kyle Kirkwood. Ultimately, only 15 of the 27 starters finished on the lead lap.
O’Ward expressed confidence heading into the next race, aiming for a double victory. “We have another chance tomorrow; it’d be sweet to double up,” he remarked.
Next Race: The IndyCar field returns to action on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET for the Farm to Finish 275.
