INDIANAPOLIS — Josef Newgarden‘s chances to win a third straight Indianapolis 500 look even better, as he was the fastest in Thursday’s (May 15) practice session.
Newgarden turned a lap at 226.632 mph, more than a full mile per hour faster than runner-up Scott Dixon (225.457 mph). Indiana native Conor Daly surprised by rounding out the podium.
Fan-favorite Pato O’Ward was fourth in the session, while Ryan Hunter-Reay took fifth. Points leader Alex Palou was sixth after turning the fastest the fastest lap on Wednesday (May 14). Palou’s speed of 227.546 mph on Wednesday remains the fastest in the combined results.
Colton Herta, Christian Rasmussen, David Malukas and Scott McLaughlin completed the top 10.
Newgarden was also quickest in the non-tow speeds at 222.555 mph, with Kyle Kirkwood closely behind.
PRACTICE 4 RESULTS
For the first time all week, rain did not interrupt a practice session. Many teams elected to practice qualifying runs in the final hour, with qualifying in just two days, on Saturday, May 17.
There was one incident in the session, as Rasmussen went for a loop, but the Danish driver saved the car.
RASMUSSEN SAVES IT! 😳 pic.twitter.com/f94I1yG7n2
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) May 15, 2025
The 34 entrants turned a total of 2,213 laps, with Kyffin Simpson leading the way with 119 laps.
Fast Friday, the final practice before qualifying, will take start at noon ET on Friday, May 16. The first four hours will be broadcast on FOX Sports 2, while the final two hours, 4-6 p.m. ET, will be on FOX Sports 1.
Michael Massie joined Frontstretch in 2017 and has served as the Content Director since 2020.
Massie, a Richmond, Va., native, has covered NASCAR, IndyCar, SRX and the CARS Tour. Outside of motorsports, the Virginia Tech grad and Green Bay Packers minority owner can be seen cheering on his beloved Hokies and Packers.