IndyCar: Palou Fastest in Practice 1 for Big Music City Grand Prix

Alex Palou was first in Practice 1 with a lap of 199.862mph, just a tick faster than his Ganassi Racing teammate Scott Dixon, who put in a lap of 199.847mph.

Dixon won on this 1.33-mile track in 2006, 2007, and 2008.

Andretti Global’s Colton Herta was third fastest with his quick lap of 199.686 mph.

Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward was fourth fastest with a lap of 199.180 mph.

Herta’s teammate, Kyle Kirkwood, rounded out the top five with a lap of 199.031mph.

The session started with a  31-minute stoppage for repair of the SAFER Barrier in Turn 4 after Nolan Seigel spun between Turns 3 and 4 and made rear contact with the wall.

The drivers are experiencing a bump between Turns 3 and 4, where the tunnel leading to the infield is located. Three Indy NXT by Firestone drivers also hit the barrier in the same area during their first practice session this morning.

Following his practice incident, Arrow McLaren’s No. 6 entry will now have a nine-position grid penalty for an unapproved engine change.

More to Follow….

Lucille Dust reporting live from Nashville