The weekend at the Milwaukee Mile is set for a doubleheader, but a late‑session collision involving Kyle Kirkwood has already reshaped the weekend’s outlook.
Kirkwood and Rasmussen tangle during final practice
With 24 minutes left in a 90‑minute run, the No. 27 Sam’s Club Honda driven by Kirkwood and the No. 21 Splenda Chevrolet fielded by Ed Carpenter Racing made contact on the high line. Rasmussen’s car was hugging the outside wall when Kirkwood’s machine moved to his left. The exact timing of the turn‑in remains disputed, but the impact sent both vehicles into the outer barrier, leaving them in a twisted heap.
Kirkwood said, “He started to turn in really early, and I don’t know if his spotter didn’t tell him that I was still there on the inside or if he expected me to turn down early… it’s unfortunate.” Rasmussen added, “To me, it felt like he just kind of never turned in… I think his rear tire probably touched mine.” Both drivers walked away unhurt, and crews began rebuilding the machines for Saturday’s qualifying.
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The incident forced both teams to shift resources toward repairs, a task made more urgent by the back‑to‑back races scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.
Title chase complicated by Palou’s engine penalty
Meanwhile, Alex Palou entered the weekend needing a strong finish to clinch his fourth straight championship. A nine‑position grid drop for an unapproved engine swap will apply to Race 1, meaning he must finish ahead of his rivals by a sizable margin. After Saturday’s race, Palou will need a lead of at least 108 points; after Sunday’s event, a 54‑point advantage would seal the title.
Palou’s current total sits just 91 points ahead of Kirkwood, who still has a mathematical shot if he can win the final event at Laguna Seca. The penalty thus adds a layer of complexity, turning the Milwaukee Mile into a key battleground for the championship.
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In the broader picture, the situation highlights how a single practice mishap can ripple through a tightly contested points race, especially when the calendar leaves little room for recovery. Teams must balance the urgency of repairs with the need to keep their cars competitive, a juggling act that often decides a season’s outcome.
Other drivers also posted notable times. Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden topped the leaderboard with a lap of 22.9191 seconds at 159.430 mph, edging rookie Dennis Hauger of Dale Coyne Racing by 0.0075 seconds. Earlier in the session, Arrow McLaren’s Nolan Siegel spun into the Turn 2 SAFER barrier on his second lap but emerged unharmed.
