By: Spencer Neff
June 6, 2026

Practice Results Qualifying Order

Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward ran the best lap in the first practice for tomorrow night’s Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at Worldwide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois. O’Ward, who earned his fourth runner-up at the 1.25-mile oval in 2025, posted a best lap of 172.696 mph (26.0574 seconds) in the waning seconds of the hour-long session.

Following O’Ward’s Chevrolet-powered entry was a quartet of Hondas. NTT INDYCAR SERIES points leader Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing was .0692 of a second back from O’Ward’s best lap. The Meyer Shank Racing duo of Indianapolis 500 winner Felix Rosenqvist and Marcus Armstrong were third and fourth. Andretti Global’s Marcus Ericsson would complete the Top Five.

Last year’s race winner and Ericsson’s teammate Kyle Kirkwood was ninth during the session. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Mick Schumacher was best among the rookies in 17th among the 25-car field.

Schumacher qualified fourth in his oval debut at Phoenix Raceway in March and was named Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year two weeks ago following an 18th-place finish.

With less than 20 minutes remaining in the session, Rinus VeeKay got loose entering Turn 3 and spun before making contact with the outside retaining wall. The Juncos Hollinger Racing driver climbed from his car unhurt but his car did endure substantial damage, particularly to the rear-end.

VeeKay’s contact was the lone major incident of this morning’s practice.

Hunter-Reay named Arrow McLaren Sporting Director

On Saturday morning, Arrow McLaren announced Ryan Hunter-Reay as the organization’s Sporting Director.

Hunter-Reay, who qualified 22nd before crashing on Lap 18 and finishing 32nd at the Indianapolis 500, takes over a role previously held by current Team Principal Tony Kanaan.

“Some of my best memories in racing go back to my time working together with Ryan in 2010,” Kanaan said of their year as teammates with (then) Andretti Autosport.

“He played a big role in helping get that team pointed in the right direction and building a group that could compete for championships. We’re at a similar point now, and I’m excited to welcome him in this official role to help lead the team as we continue pushing this organization forward.”

Hunter-Reay has won seven poles in 296 INDYCAR starts dating back to the 2003 ChampCar Series campaign. Included among his 18 career victories is the 2014 Indianapolis, he also won the INDYCAR Championship in 2012.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to join Arrow McLaren as Sporting Director,” Hunter-Reay exclaimed.

“After 23 years competing at the highest level of American open wheel racing, I’m eager to bring my experience, passion and insight to contribute pushing this ambitious team forward, and I’d like to thank (CEO) Zak (Brown), Tony Kanaan and Arrow McLaren board members for this opportunity,” he added.

“Arrow McLaren has shown tremendous potential and possesses all the ingredients necessary to continue fighting for championships and Indy 500 wins as well as the coveted Triple Crown that McLaren Racing is aiming to achieve once again. Together with the talented drivers, engineers and crew, I will work relentlessly to help elevate our performance and deliver the results this iconic team, its fans and partners deserve.”

Arrow McLaren won last month’s Sonsio Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course with Christian Lundgaard.

Up Next

Here is the remaining schedule for the weekend at Worldwide Technology Raceway. Stay with IndyCar1909 and our social media platforms for all the latest on the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. 

At-track schedule (all times local):

SATURDAY, JUNE 6

3:35 p.m. – Bommarito Automotive Group 500 NTT P1 Award qualifying (single car/cumulative time of two laps), FS2

7-8 p.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES high-line session (two groups/two 10-minute sessions each), FS1

8-9 p.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES final practice, FS1

SUNDAY, JUNE 7

8 p.m. – FOX on air

8:20 p.m. – “Drivers, start your engines”

8:25 p.m. – Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline (260 laps/325 miles), FOX (Live)

Header Image By James Black/INDYCAR, Fast Facts By INDYCAR

Header Image By INDYCAR