Will Power acknowledged Honda’s overwhelming advantage during the first practice session of the IndyCar race weekend at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on Friday, July 5. Despite Chevrolet’s presence, the No. 12 Team Penske driver struggled, highlighting Honda’s continued dominance this season as the reigning champion Alex Palou and rookie Kyle Kirkwood have combined to win all nine races to date.
Chevrolet-powered drivers found it challenging to keep pace, with Power finishing 21st out of 27 drivers in practice 1. The top ten times featured seven Honda-powered cars and only three Chevys, with Kirkwood setting the fastest lap in his No. 27 Honda. Power’s results underscored the gulf between the two engine manufacturers, as Honda remains a clear favorite heading into the weekend.
Will Power Reflects on Chevrolet’s Chances at the Honda Indy 200
Following the session, Power was asked at the IndyCar press conference if he believed Chevrolet could end Honda’s winning streak at the Honda Indy 200 this Sunday. The two-time IndyCar champion was frank in his assessment.
“No, this is a Honda track, so I have zero… I don’t know. I don’t know. Maybe we… I don’t know. I would have said like four races ago, we were going to win one. It’s a bit shocking that we haven’t. It’s very difficult to say. We’ll do our best.”
— Will Power, IndyCar driver
Chevrolet’s best recent chance came at the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 on the WWTR short oval, where Team Penske drivers delivered strong qualifying performances, including Power securing pole position. Unfortunately, mechanical issues and incidents led to all three Penske Chevys failing to finish, allowing Kirkwood to claim victory despite starting from 10th. Chevy’s Pato O’Ward finished second, showing some signs of competitiveness.
Mid-Ohio Practice Slump Exposes Handling Challenges of New IndyCar Model
The first practice for the 2025 Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio was marked by numerous spins and crashes caused by difficulties managing the new, heavier hybrid-powered cars. Power experienced his own close call late in the session when he ran wide onto the grass at Turn 4 but managed to avoid spinning out or hitting the barriers.
Afterward, Power explained the problem drivers face controlling these vehicles once traction is lost.
“It’s really hard to catch the car once it gets to a certain point,” he said. “With that weight, it just, phew! Just keeps going. You keep sliding, and then you get to the edge of the dirtiest part of the line. Had it happen at Elkhart Lake (Road America), just so much weight to control and catch.”
— Will Power, IndyCar driver
Several drivers struggled during practice 1, with IndyCar rookie Jacob Abel among the first to spin. David Malukas crashed into the barriers and became stuck in the gravel, while Colton Herta endured two separate incidents, including a collision with the barriers. Pato O’Ward and Scott McLaughlin also spun but escaped without damage.
Upcoming Qualifying and Race Schedule at Mid-Ohio
Qualifying for the Honda Indy 200 is set for 2:30 PM ET on Saturday, with live race coverage beginning at 1 PM ET on Sunday. As Honda continues to demonstrate superior performance, Chevrolet teams and drivers face mounting pressure to improve their competitiveness ahead of the weekend’s events. How they adapt to the challenges presented by the Mid-Ohio circuit and the hybrid car’s handling will be crucial in determining if Chevy can break Honda’s current winning streak.
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