LEXINGTON, Ohio – Battling for the NTT IndyCar Series championship, Pato O’Ward loves the position that he’s in.
He enters Sunday’s Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio 28 points behind leader Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing.
“I love it, man,” said the 22-year-old from Mexico. “This is why we race. This is why we do this. I’m here to do a job and want to do it the best I can.
“So far, I’m making my bosses proud. But we can always improve.”
RESULTS: Honda Indy 200 At Mid-Ohio Practice No. 2
O’Ward’s No. 5 Chevrolet was the fastest in Saturday morning’s practice session at the 2.258-mile, 13-turn Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course with a fast time of 1:06.0911 for a speed of 122.984 mph.
“I was very happy with the car, and we made a few changes with the car,” O’Ward said afterwards. “We’re right where we started yesterday, but it’s going to be tight, man.
“It’s going to be a good shootout, but I’m happy with my car. I think we’re in a good position.”
O’Ward will attempt to win the pole later Saturday in qualifications.
Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden was second in the No. 2 XPEL Chevrolet at 1:06.0993 (122.979 mph). Honda driver Colton Herta was third at 1:096.1839 (122.821 mph) followed by Graham Rahal’s No. 15 Honda at 1:06.3348 (122.542 mph).
Andretti Autosport’s Ryan Hunter-Reay was fifth in a Honda at 1:06.3657 (122.485 mph).