IndyCar Xpel Grand Prix 2025: Road America Qualifying Results & Start Time

The IndyCar XPEL Grand Prix at Road America is shaping up to be one wild weekend. Qualifying is done, and the starting lineup looks stacked with talent, all set to tackle the tricky Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin circuit.

This blog post digs into the best moments from qualifying, which drivers look hot, and what fans might see once the green flag drops.

Qualifying Highlights at Road America

Qualifying for the IndyCar XPEL Grand Prix at Road America? Absolutely electric. This 4.048-mile, 14-turn road course is famous for its technical corners and those long, fast straights.

Drivers love it, fans love it, and the session got heated fast. Everyone brought their A-game, fighting for every inch and every tenth of a second.

Scott Dixon led the field and grabbed pole with a blistering lap. Watching Dixon put it all together was something else—he just kept finding more speed, lap after lap.

Josef Newgarden landed second on the grid, right on Dixon’s tail. Alex Palou slotted into third, keeping the pressure on.

Top Performers in Qualifying

A few drivers really stood out during qualifying:

• Scott Dixon: Blazed to pole—just a stunning lap.
• Josef Newgarden: Second place, never let up, looked sharp all session.
• Alex Palou: Locked in third with calm, steady laps.
• Pato O’Ward: Showed real speed, cracked the top five.
• Colton Herta: Rounded out the top five, looked smooth and confident.

Drivers to Watch on Race Day

Looking ahead to race day, a few drivers seem ready to shake things up. Here’s who I’d keep an eye on:

Scott Dixon

Dixon starts up front, and he’s the one everyone’s chasing. He’s got so much experience on these kinds of tracks, and you just know he’ll push hard from the jump.

Josef Newgarden

Newgarden’s right there on the front row. He’s aggressive, smart, and not afraid to take risks. Expect him to go for it early—he doesn’t like waiting around.

Alex Palou

Palou’s been rock-solid all season. With a third-place start, he’s set up for a podium run if he keeps things clean and pounces when he sees an opening.

Dark Horses

Of course, it’s not all about the front row. A few others could easily shake up the order:

• Pato O’Ward: He’s fearless when it comes to overtaking. If he gets a good launch, watch out.
• Colton Herta: Herta’s got raw speed and guts. If the leaders slip, he’ll be right there.
• Romain Grosjean: The ex-F1 guy has flashes of brilliance—maybe this is his weekend to put it all together.

What to Expect on Race Day

The IndyCar XPEL Grand Prix at Road America should deliver some real drama. This track’s tough, the field’s tight, and between weather and strategy, anything could happen.

Here’s what I’d keep tabs on:

Weather Conditions

Weather can flip the script in a heartbeat. If rain shows up or the conditions change, drivers who adapt fastest could steal the show. The forecast? Still up in the air.

Pit Strategy

Pit stops might decide it all. Teams have to juggle tire wear, fuel, and timing—get it right, and you’re golden. Miss it by a lap, and you’re toast.

Track Position and Overtaking

Road America’s got plenty of passing zones, especially at the end of those monster straights. The best battles usually pop up at Turn 5 and Canada Corner. If someone’s feeling bold, that’s where you’ll see it.

Conclusion

The IndyCar XPEL Grand Prix at Road America is shaping up to be something special. This field looks stacked, and the track itself? It’s a real test for everyone out there.

Maybe you’re rooting for Scott Dixon, who’s starting up front. Or maybe Josef Newgarden, who always seems to find another gear when it counts.

Don’t count out Pato O’Ward either—he’s got that unpredictable spark. Honestly, it’s anyone’s guess who grabs the spotlight this time.

If you want a full breakdown of the qualifying results and starting lineup, IndyStar’s got you covered with all the details.

We’ll keep an eye on things and share more thoughts as race day gets closer. Here’s hoping for a wild, memorable showdown.