Saturday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was a day filled with highs and lows for the Arrow McLaren team led by Gavin Ward. The team experienced a series of unusual and challenging events that tested their resilience and determination.
Kyle Larson’s Misfire
The day started with a setback for Kyle Larson when an “engine event” occurred during his first qualifying attempt. A fire in the turbo plenum reduced the power of his No. 17 Arrow McLaren/Hendrick Chevy, forcing him to abort the run and return to the garage for repairs.
Callum Ilott’s Disqualification
Callum Ilott initially put in a strong qualifying performance, but it was disqualified after the post-run technical inspection revealed that the left-rear wheel offset on his No. 6 Chevy was illegal. This unexpected disqualification was a significant blow to the team’s early momentum.
Pato O’Ward’s Delayed Start
Pato O’Ward’s No. 5 Chevy was scheduled for its first qualifying attempt, but the team decided to keep the car in the garage for further checks after noticing something amiss. This decision delayed O’Ward’s run and added to the day’s tension.
Alexander Rossi’s Success
Despite the challenges faced by his teammates, Alexander Rossi managed to achieve the fourth-fastest speed of the day in the heat, driving the No. 7 Chevy. His performance provided a much-needed boost for the team.
O’Ward’s Engine Trouble
When O’Ward finally made it to the track, he too encountered an “engine event,” which left him with one of the slowest averages of the day at that point. However, the team persevered, and after additional adjustments, O’Ward managed a respectable position.
Larson’s Comeback
Larson, after his initial setback, returned to the track with a recalibrated machine and flew to the sixth position, showing the team’s ability to bounce back from adversity.
Ilott’s Recovery
Ilott faced suboptimal conditions but managed to salvage his run, placing him 18th. Despite the earlier disqualification, he demonstrated resilience and determination.
Final Positions
By the end of the day, Rossi was in fourth, Larson in sixth, and O’Ward in tenth, all securing spots to compete for the pole position on Sunday in the Fast 12. Ilott, despite his troubles, ended up 15th, ensuring a solid presence for the team in the competition.
Gavin Ward’s Reflections
Team leader Gavin Ward reflected on the challenging day, acknowledging the difficulties but also expressing pride in the team’s performance. “We feel like we made hard work for ourselves today, but at the end of the day, we were confident that we would get some good [qualifying] runs and be where we think we deserved to be,” he told RACER. Ward praised the team’s resilience and the collective effort that went into overcoming the day’s obstacles.
Love for Racing
Ward emphasized the unique thrill and excitement of qualifying at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, describing it as “the coolest day in motor racing.” Despite the stress and challenges, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete at such a high level. “It’s just fun to see a team of racers come together who love to do this,” he said. “You’ve just got to appreciate you get to do this for a living. I love it man.”
Looking Ahead
The team’s strong finish on Saturday sets them up well for the final round of qualifying. With Rossi, Larson, and O’Ward all in contention for the pole position, the Arrow McLaren team remains optimistic and focused on achieving success in the upcoming races.
Summary
In summary, Saturday was a day of mixed fortunes for the Arrow McLaren team at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. They faced significant technical challenges and setbacks but showed resilience and determination. By the end of the day, they had positioned themselves well for the final round of qualifying, demonstrating the spirit and perseverance of the team.