If Will Power was looking to go back into the NTT IndyCar Series points championship chase, he’s off to a good start in Nashville.
After the checkered flag dropped on Friday’s 1 hour and 15-minute practice session in preparation for Sunday’s Music City Grand Prix, two-time and reigning IndyCar series champion Power in his No. 12 Chevrolet completed 20 laps and on lap 17 put himself at the top of the timing charts late in the session laying down the quickest lap of the session of 1:16.4042 seconds outpacing current points leader Alex Palou in his No. 10 Honda by 0.2452 seconds. However, the Australian driver did make contact with the wall in Turn 1.
Contact in practice 1. But @12WillPower still went P1.
#INDYCAR // #MusicCityGP pic.twitter.com/V97hkynlxc— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) August 4, 2023
Following Power & Palou in the practice session were the two Arrow McLaren drivers, who flexed their muscles during the session. First, Alexander Rossi in his No. 7 Chevrolet put down his quickest lap when the session ended at 1:16.7192 placing him P3. Second, Pato O’Ward, whose trying to make a late push in the IndyCar championship standings, found himself P4 with a quick lap of 1:16.7778. Rounding out the top 5 was 2023 Toronto race winner Christian Lundgaard in his No. 45 Honda for Rahal Letterman Langian Racing with a lap of 1:16.9262 seconds. Hometown boy Josef Newgarden finished the session in 13th in his No. 2 Penske.
IndyCar Debut Lundqvist
The reigning INDY NXT Champion Linus Lundqvist is making his IndyCar debut this weekend with Meyer Shank Racing. The Swedish driver is filling in for Simon Pagenaud whose still recovering from the effects of a violent crash at the Mid-Ohio. Lundqvist has been waiting for an opportunity in IndyCar after not being able to secure a full time drive despite being INDY NXT Champion. The 24-year-old was very impressive ending up as the quickest rookie in P11.
Up Next: Practice #2, Saturday 11:40 AM / ET Peacock
