Pato O’Ward Dominates to Win Pole at IndyCar Thermal Grand Prix, Penske Cars Struggle

The IndyCar Series has officially kicked off its 2025 season with an exciting twist at the Thermal Club in Thermal, California. For the first time, this high-end road course, nestled in the picturesque Coachella Valley, is hosting a points-paying race, making it a major milestone in the sport’s history.

The Thermal Club, which previously hosted a non-points exhibition race and served as a testing ground, is now fully compliant with IndyCar’s pit box standards, thanks to recent upgrades. This transformation allowed for the track to become an official venue for the first time in the series. As the drivers lined up for qualifying, the spotlight was on the dynamic battle for pole position, and it was Pato O’Ward, driving for Arrow McLaren, who rose to the occasion.

In a dramatic session that saw high hopes dashed for some of the sport’s top drivers, O’Ward secured his sixth career pole position, an impressive achievement that shows his growing dominance in IndyCar. As his teammates Christian Lundgaard and the rest of the grid took their places, the race weekend was set for a thrilling start.

This article delves into the events of qualifying day, the struggles of some teams, and what to expect from the upcoming race at the Thermal Club.

Pato O’Ward’s Road to Pole Position

Pato O’Ward, the talented Mexican driver, has had a remarkable rise in the IndyCar Series. With a reputation for being a fierce competitor, O’Ward’s performance during qualifying at the Thermal Club showcased his skill and resilience. Despite not having the best start to his day, with Q1 proving a bit of a struggle, he and his team made strategic adjustments that helped bring the car to life in Q2, ultimately securing him pole position for Sunday’s race.

“I would say we didn’t start the day amazing,” O’Ward admitted in the post-qualifying press conference. “Q1 was kind of getting there. We just made a bit of an adjustment, and it just brought the car alive in Q2. It felt good.” This honest reflection highlights the importance of strategy and adaptability in racing, where small tweaks can make a huge difference on the track.

As the driver for Arrow McLaren, O’Ward’s pole position sets him up perfectly for a strong performance at the Thermal Club Grand Prix. With Christian Lundgaard qualifying in second, it will be an all-McLaren front row—a significant achievement for the team, which has shown steady progress in recent years.

While the top two spots are occupied by McLaren drivers, it’s worth noting that Arrow McLaren’s third car, driven by Nolan Siegel, qualified in 16th. While not ideal, this still places Siegel in a decent position to work his way up during the race.

Penske’s Challenges: A Rare Struggle

It was a day to forget for Team Penske, as none of their drivers advanced to the second round of qualifying. This marks a significant departure from their usual dominance in IndyCar, and the team’s trio—Josef Newgarden, Scott McLaughlin, and Will Power—found themselves grappling with a series of issues that hindered their performance.

Scott McLaughlin, who had been confident heading into qualifying, experienced a spin on primary tires, which put him at a disadvantage. When he switched to alternate tires, traffic further delayed his efforts, resulting in a starting position of 25th. McLaughlin, known for his aggressive driving, will certainly be looking to make up for lost ground during the race, but starting from the back row presents a major challenge.

Josef Newgarden, the two-time Indy 500 winner, couldn’t quite pinpoint what went wrong during qualifying, but he acknowledged the team’s confidence in rebounding from this setback. Starting in 17th, Newgarden will be eager to fight his way through the field and prove why he’s a two-time champion.

Will Power, the 2014 IndyCar champion, faced a similar struggle. Despite solid performances in the earlier sessions, Power couldn’t quite get the job done in the final round. “We were good in every single session but the only one that counted,” Power said, clearly frustrated with the outcome. Power, who is also in a contract year, will have to dig deep to perform well and maintain his place in the sport.

For the Penske team, Sunday’s race will be a test of both speed and strategy. If anyone can make up ground from the lower grid positions, it’s these seasoned drivers, but the team’s lack of pace during qualifying suggests they will face an uphill battle.

Alex Palou: A Strong Challenger

Amidst the McLaren and Penske storylines, Alex Palou, the championship leader entering the weekend, is in a prime position to challenge for the win. After a dominant victory in last year’s $1 million All-Star race at Thermal, Palou’s consistent form has made him a standout competitor for the 2025 season.

Starting in third, Palou is the highest-placed driver from Chip Ganassi Racing, with no other Ganassi cars in the top 10. His impressive showing in St. Petersburg earlier this season—where he took the season-opening win—has placed him at the forefront of the championship race.

Palou’s experience at the Thermal Club gives him a slight advantage, as he knows the track well and has shown he can handle the unique challenges of this venue. With an all-McLaren front row, Palou will need to make the most of his qualifying position and stay ahead of the rest of the pack to secure a strong result. With his confidence and speed, Palou remains a top contender for the win.

What to Expect on Race Day

As the drivers prepare for the race, Sunday promises to deliver plenty of action. With Pato O’Ward and Christian Lundgaard leading the field, McLaren has a strong chance to extend its dominance. However, with experienced drivers like Palou, Newgarden, McLaughlin, and Power, the race is expected to be anything but predictable.

Strategy will play a critical role in determining who comes out on top at the Thermal Club. The track, with its unique layout and challenging corners, requires precision and quick decision-making. Pit stops will also be crucial, as teams have learned that even the smallest mistake can cost valuable time.

The Thermal Club’s status as a new points-paying race adds an element of unpredictability. With some teams still adjusting to the track and the new race format, the grid is wide open for surprises.

Conclusion

The IndyCar Thermal Grand Prix is shaping up to be an exciting race, full of potential upsets, unexpected twists, and intense competition. Pato O’Ward’s pole position is a strong statement of intent, but with formidable drivers like Alex Palou and the Penske trio, nothing is guaranteed.

The changes at the Thermal Club have made it a thrilling venue for IndyCar racing, and with this being the first points-paying event, it’s clear that the future of this track in the series is promising. Fans can look forward to a race filled with high-speed action and tight battles for position.

As for the teams, Sunday’s race will serve as an important opportunity to recover from the challenges of qualifying, make adjustments, and see who has the true racecraft to succeed.

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