Michael D’Orlando topped the leaderboard during the INDY NXT practice session on Saturday morning at Nashville Superspeedway, showcasing remarkable pace ahead of the Music City Grand Prix. This strong performance marks D’Orlando’s third start in the 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone series as he aims to capitalize on his renewed opportunity in the developmental racing series.
D’Orlando Leads Practice with Fastest Lap at Nashville
In the 50-minute practice session held on the 1.33-mile concrete oval track, Michael D’Orlando recorded the fastest lap at 186.473 mph while driving the No. 3 Priority/Rising Stars car for Andretti – Cape Motorsport. The New York native had limited INDY NXT experience, making his series debut last year but stepping away due to funding constraints. This season, he has returned for the last three races, including Portland, Milwaukee, and now Nashville, demonstrating a swift improvement in performance.
Key Competitors Close Behind in Practice Times
The morning session featured impressive lap times from several contenders, with Myles Rowe posting second-best speed at 186.210 mph in the No. 99 Abel/Force Indy entry. Rowe, who won earlier in the season at Iowa Speedway, continued to show strong form. Following closely was Lochie Hughes, securing third with a lap of 186.155 mph in the No. 26 McGinley Clinic/USF Pro Championships car under the Andretti Global banner.
Salvador de Alba placed fourth at 186.099 mph driving the No. 27 Grupo Indi car. De Alba secured his first win last weekend at Milwaukee, signaling his growing competitiveness in the series. Caio Collet completed the top five with a lap of 185.961 mph in the No. 76 HMD Motorsports car, although his session ended prematurely as his car stalled on pit road. After the session, Collet pushed his vehicle back to the pits on foot.
Dennis Hauger, who officially clinched the 2025 INDY NXT title last weekend at Milwaukee, was sixth fastest with a lap time of 185.910 mph in the No. 28 Nammo Global car. Notably, the top six drivers were separated by less than 0.08 seconds, indicating a highly competitive field.
Upcoming Qualifying and Race Schedule at Nashville
Qualifying for the Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway is set for 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday and will be broadcast on FS2, FOX One, the FOX Sports app, and the INDYCAR Radio Network. D’Orlando will aim to secure his first career pole position, building on his best starting position of fifth from last season and his recent eighth-place qualifying at Milwaukee.
The main event, a 65-lap race, will begin at 11:30 a.m. ET on Sunday and will be televised on FS1, FOX One, FOX Sports app, and covered by the INDYCAR Radio Network. This race is pivotal for drivers like D’Orlando as they look to demonstrate their readiness for INDYCAR’s top tier while wrapping up the INDY NXT season on a high note.
Significance of D’Orlando’s Performance and Next Steps
Michael D’Orlando’s rapid advancement in the Nashville practice session underlines his potential as a rising talent in the INDY NXT field, especially considering his limited starts this season. His ability to lead amidst strong competition from established drivers such as Rowe, Hughes, and defending champion Hauger speaks to his skill development and determination.
With qualifying imminent, D’Orlando has the opportunity to convert his practice speed into a strong starting position which could enhance his chances for a breakthrough result. For the broader INDY NXT series, performances like these highlight the depth of talent present within the developmental ranks and set the stage for an exciting conclusion at Nashville.
