O'Ward, Palou claim poles for Milwaukee Mile IndyCar doubleheader

Pato O’Ward secured pole position in the first round of the Milwaukee Mile IndyCar doubleheader on Aug. 29, with only three hours remaining in qualifying. Despite starting the session fourth-fastest, O’Ward was able to claim the pole as drivers Scott McLaughlin, David Malukas, and Alex Palou all received grid penalties for unauthorized engine modifications, forcing them to drop to the rear of the field.

McLaughlin, who also won the second half of the doubleheader in 2024, led all drivers in qualifying with a time of 22.0738 seconds (165.536 mph) on his initial lap. Palou, who is poised to secure his fifth series title and fourth consecutive win, took the pole for Sunday’s Snap-on Milwaukee Mile 250, while O’Ward secured the other front-row starting spot for that race.

Rookie Mick Schumacher displayed a surprising performance by qualifying fourth for the second race. Kyle Kirkwood, Palou’s main championship rival, managed to qualify 22nd and 24th among 25 drivers after being involved in a crash during the weekend’s sole practice session. The Snap-on Makers and Fixers 250 is set to take place at 1:50 p.m. on Saturday, August 30, while the main event, the Snap-on Milwaukee Mile 250, is scheduled for 12:20 p.m. on Sunday, August 30.

Television coverage will be provided by Fox. A potential afternoon rain shower is forecasted for August 29.