Full Breakdown
2026 Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio: Practice Sessions Set Stage for Weekend
7/4/2026, 2:37:10 PM
Background & Track Significance
The 2026 Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio, presented by the 2027 CR-V Hybrid, is the 43rd edition of Ohio’s premier IndyCar race. The event caps a weekend that also features INDY NXT, USF Pro 2000, USF2000 and USF Juniors. Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is a 2.258-mile, 13-turn permanent road circuit in Lexington, Ohio, known for elevation changes, a narrow 40-foot racing ribbon and a demanding pit lane. The 90-lap race will start at 12:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 5.
Practice Session Overview
Friday’s first practice in 95-degree heat saw Andretti Global dominate. Will Power (No. 26) posted the quickest lap at 1:05.5540, with teammate Kyle Kirkwood (No. 27) second at 1:05.6674. The top five also featured Alex Palou (1:05.7557), Christian Lundgaard (1:05.8924) and Pato O’Ward (1:06.0340). Conditions are expected to remain hot through Saturday’s qualifying.
Key Drivers & Team Performances
Power and Kirkwood’s 1-2 practice cemented Andretti Global’s early momentum. Championship leader Alex Palou, 60 points ahead of David Malukas, stayed in the top five, while Arrow McLaren’s Christian Lundgaard and Pato O’Ward kept their road-course form. Meyer Shank Racing’s Marcus Armstrong, signed to a multiyear 2027 deal, suffered a rear-end failure that sent him into Turn 2, finishing 24th. Felix Rosenqvist was seventh fastest. Scott Dixon, in his final year with Chip Ganassi after 25 seasons, posted a 15th-place lap; Romain Grosjean slid into the tire barrier without injury.
Data & Statistics
Fastest lap: Will Power – 1:05.5540; second: Kyle Kirkwood – 1:05.6674. Alex Palou leads the championship by 60 points over David Malukas. Schedule: Practice 1 – July 3, 3 p.m. ET; Practice 2 – July 4, 10 a.m. ET; Qualifying – July 4, 2:30 p.m. ET; Race – July 5, 12:30 p.m. ET (broadcast on FOX, FOX One, FS1).
Official Statements & Responses
Event organizers named Brigadier General Darren Hamilton as Grand Marshal, highlighting the race’s community ties. The official schedule confirms FOX as the broadcast partner, with live coverage on FOX, FOX One and streaming via FS1.
What's Next
Second practice starts at 10 a.m. ET Saturday, followed by qualifying at 2:30 p.m. ET. The 90-lap race begins at 12:30 p.m. ET Sunday, July 5, on FOX.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree on timing, lap times and schedule; no contradictions identified.
