The “Month of May” has officially arrived at the Racing Capital of the World. As engines roared to life at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the first official day of preparation for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500, a familiar name climbed to the top of the pylon. Alex Palou, the three-time series champion, signaled his intent early by topping the speed charts on opening day, and the Palou Indy 500 practice results immediately became the headline talking point across the paddock.
For fans following the Indy 500 opening day results, this session is more than just a speed contest; it is the first chapter of a high-stakes tactical battle. The early Palou Indy 500 practice results highlight just how strong his setup looks compared to the field, reinforcing his status as a serious contender. Palou’s Indy 500 practice performance sets the tone for a grid of IndyCar drivers in 2026 that is perhaps the most competitive in the sport’s history.
Whether you are tracking IndyCar practice times today or looking ahead to the Memorial Day weekend classic, the opening day speeds provide the first real data on who has the aero-kit and engine mapping dialed in for the 2.5-mile oval, with the Palou Indy 500 practice results serving as an early benchmark for everyone else chasing the top spot.
Palou Leads Opening Day Practice
Alex Palou, driving the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, wasted no time establishing his dominance. He posted a fastest lap of 226.937 mph during the afternoon session, utilizing a late-day “tow” to leapfrog the competition.
Track conditions were near-perfect on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, with mild temperatures allowing teams to log significant mileage. While early Indy 500 practice results today often feature drafting speeds, Palou’s “no-tow” speeds (laps set without the aerodynamic aid of a car in front) were equally impressive, ranking him in the top three of that critical category as well.
Teams spent the majority of the day focused on “race trim”—testing how the cars handle in dirty air and heavy traffic. “The car felt balanced right out of the trailer,” Palou noted after the session. “But it’s only Wednesday. The track will change significantly by the time we get to Fast Friday.”
Full Indy 500 Practice Results (Opening Day)
The following table represents the top performers from the opening day of practice at IMS.
| Position | Driver | Team | Top Speed (MPH) |
| 1 | Alex Palou | Chip Ganassi Racing | 226.937 |
| 2 | Scott McLaughlin | Team Penske | 226.541 |
| 3 | Pato O’Ward | Arrow McLaren | 226.112 |
| 4 | Josef Newgarden | Team Penske | 225.890 |
| 5 | Colton Herta | Andretti Global | 225.402 |
| 6 | Scott Dixon | Chip Ganassi Racing | 225.118 |
| 7 | Kyle Kirkwood | Andretti Global | 224.903 |
| 8 | Alexander Rossi | Ed Carpenter Racing | 224.655 |
| 9 | Marcus Ericsson | Andretti Global | 224.221 |
| 10 | Will Power | Team Penske | 224.009 |
Top IndyCar Drivers on Opening Day
Beyond Palou, the top IndyCar drivers showed that the usual powerhouses are ready for battle. Team Penske looked formidable, with Scott McLaughlin and Josef Newgarden sandwiching Pato O’Ward in the top four. Newgarden, the back-to-back 500 winner (2023-2024), appears to be focused strictly on race stability rather than outright “glory runs.”
Scott Dixon, often called the master of fuel saving and consistency, sat quietly in P6. Dixon’s approach to opening day is legendary for its patience; he rarely chases the fastest lap, preferring to ensure his car can pass in any lane. Meanwhile, Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward was the most aggressive driver on track, frequently testing the limits of the turn 1 and turn 3 aprons to see how much downforce he could trim out.
What This Means for Indy 500 Qualifying
Opening day is the foundation for Indy 500 qualifying. Over the next 48 hours, teams will transition from high-downforce “race setups” to ultra-lean “qualifying trim.”
- Drafting vs. No-Tow: While Palou’s 226 mph lap included a draft, engineers are looking at the “no-tow” list. This indicates the raw speed of the car when it’s alone on the track—essential for the four-lap qualifying average.
- Tire Degradation: Drivers noted that the 2026 Firestone compounds are showing slightly higher wear in the heat. This makes IndyCar race strategy even more complex, as drivers must balance raw speed with saving their right-rear tire.
How to Watch Indy 500 Practice & Race
For fans asking where to watch the IndyCar race today or how to catch the remaining practice sessions, the 2026 season sees a major broadcast shift.
- Practice & Qualifying: Live coverage is available on FS1 and FS2.
- The 110th Indy 500: The race will air live on FOX on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
- Live Stream: Every session, including practice and qualifying, can be streamed live on the FOX Sports App with a valid cable subscription or through the IndyCar Live platform in select international markets.
IndyCar Drivers to Watch in 2026
The IndyCar drivers 2026 lineup features a fascinating mix of generational talents and hungry newcomers.
- The Favorites: Palou, Newgarden, and Dixon remain the “Big Three.”
- The Rookies: Keep an eye on Louis Foster and Robert Shwartzman. Both looked composed during their rookie orientation programs, with Foster posting a respectable 221 mph lap today.
- The Dark Horse: Christian Lundgaard has shown incredible road-course pace; if his Arrow McLaren team can give him a stable oval car, he could be the surprise of the month.
IndyCar Standings & Championship Context
Entering the Indianapolis 500, the IndyCar standings 2026 are incredibly tight. The Indy 500 remains a “double-points” equivalent event in terms of prestige and its impact on the season-long IndyCar driver points race.
- Alex Palou: 237 pts
- Kyle Kirkwood: 210 pts
- David Malukas: 185 pts
A win at Indy for Palou could effectively create a “safety gap” in his quest for a fourth title, while a poor showing for Newgarden could derail his championship hopes entirely.
Indy 500 Practice Explained
For those new to the sport, how IndyCar works during practice week is unique. Teams aren’t just “driving in circles.”
- Installation Laps: Checking for leaks and sensor accuracy.
- Group Runs: Simulating the draft to see how the car reacts to the “dirty air” coming off the car in front.
- Trim Level: Adjusting the “wicker” and wing angles to find the perfect balance between speed and grip.
FAQ Section
Who was fastest on Indy 500 opening day practice?
Alex Palou was fastest with a top speed of 226.937 mph.
What time is IndyCar practice today?
Practice sessions typically run from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM ET during the Month of May. Check the FOX Sports app for real-time updates.
Where can I watch Indy 500 live?
The race airs on FOX, while practice and qualifying are on FS1/FS2 and the FOX Sports App.
Who are the top IndyCar drivers in 2026?
The current leaders include Alex Palou, Josef Newgarden, Scott Dixon, and Pato O’Ward.
Conclusion: Palou vs. Other Top Contenders
While Palou holds the top spot today, the gap between him and Scott McLaughlin is less than half a mile per hour. The IndyCar driver rankings are incredibly fluid at this stage. Palou has the consistency, but Newgarden has the “oval-savvy” aggression that often wins out on race day. As we move closer to qualifying, watch for the Penske and Ganassi rivalry to hit a boiling point. The road to the Borg-Warner Trophy is just beginning.
References:
Palou Takes Top Spot on Opening Day of Indy 500 Practice
Indy 500 Day 1 Practice Results: Alex Palou Leads the Way
Armstrong Second as Palou Goes Quickest on Opening Day at Indy
Official Results: 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 – Practice 1
