Extreme Heat Forecasted for INDYCAR's XPEL Grand Prix at Road America

The upcoming XPEL Grand Prix at Road America, scheduled for June 22, 2025, is anticipated to present significant challenges due to extreme heat conditions. With air temperatures projected to reach the mid-90s Fahrenheit, the event is likely to be one of the hottest races in the history of the renowned Wisconsin road course. The 55-lap race promises intense competition, especially among Honda drivers, who have dominated the season thus far.
According to Louis Foster, the current NTT P1 Award winner, the heat will complicate race dynamics for all participants, including drivers and pit crews. "It's going to be a very, very tricky race tomorrow for the cars, the drivers, the pit crews, everyone around. Can't do anything about it. It's going to be hot. Just have to make the most of it," Foster stated in a press briefing on Saturday.
This year has been remarkable for Honda, which has secured victories in all eight races of the season, extending its winning streak from the previous season. The top three starting positions for the race will feature Foster, followed by Alex Palou and Kyle Kirkwood, both of whom are also Honda drivers.
The extreme heat is expected to challenge not only the vehicles' mechanical components but also the physical endurance of the drivers, who will race in fireproof suits under intense conditions that can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit inside the cockpit. Colton Herta, who qualified in 16th place, expressed concerns about how the heat might impact the performance of various teams differently. "The thing with the heat is that it could make a car that's really good kind of stand out a lot more than usual, or a car that's bad drop back more than usual," Herta explained.
Marcus Armstrong, starting in 15th, echoed this sentiment, indicating that the heat would likely bring out the strengths and weaknesses of both cars and drivers more than usual. "It just exposes weaknesses within the car and the driver," Armstrong noted.
Palou, a two-time defending INDYCAR SERIES champion, is prepared for the heat's challenges, citing his team's history of tire conservation and their previous successes at Road America. "It's great. I love it. It’s just going to make it tougher on tires and tougher on the race itself, tougher on drivers. So, I like that," Palou commented.
Foster's journey to the pole position has been remarkable, particularly after recovering from two significant crashes earlier this month. His team, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, worked tirelessly to repair his car, which faced severe damage in both incidents. "The boys have been working their rear ends off. Massive props to the boys. All credit to them because they worked endlessly these last two weeks. They’ve rebuilt the car twice," Foster stated.
Graham Rahal, who qualified sixth, is optimistic about his team's prospects, having secured three top-six starting spots in the last five races. He emphasized the importance of earning points, especially considering his team's recent performance.
Kyle Kirkwood, another rising star, is on the cusp of achieving a significant milestone by winning on all types of circuits within the INDYCAR SERIES. Although he has yet to win on a natural road course, he has shown consistent improvement and is hopeful for a strong performance.
The 4.014-mile Road America course is celebrated for its challenging layout, which includes high-speed corners and deep braking zones. Having rejoined the INDYCAR SERIES schedule in 2016, it has become a staple for fans and drivers alike. "This is such a marquee INDYCAR track. If you want to go to a place to see what an INDYCAR can do, it's like IMS and Road America," said Josef Newgarden, another veteran driver.
In conclusion, the XPEL Grand Prix at Road America is set to be a test of skill, strategy, and endurance under extreme heat conditions. With Honda drivers leading the pack and the intense competition expected, fans can look forward to an exhilarating race on Sunday. The implications of this race extend beyond mere points; it could significantly shape the championship landscape as the season progresses.
Advertisement
Tags
Advertisement