IndyCar Series Preview: Snap-On Milwaukee Mile 250

Location: Milwaukee Mile, Wisconsin State Fair Park (West Allis, WI)
Distance: 250 miles (250 laps) on the 1.015-mile oval
Broadcaster: FOX Sports (Race at 2 PM ET); FS1 (Practice/Qualifying)

Race Overview & Track History

The Snap-On Milwaukee Mile 250 returns for its second year under a three-race contract, marking the 16th of 17 points-paying events in the 2025 NTT IndyCar Series. First used for motor racing in 1903, the historic one-mile oval saw a doubleheader comeback in 2024 and now hosts a stand-alone 250-mile contest loaded with strategic pit stops, pack dynamics, and drafting battles.

Championship Implications

Alex Palou (Chip Ganassi Racing) clinched his third consecutive IndyCar championship but still seeks his first Milwaukee win.

Pato O’Ward (Arrow McLaren) aims to lock down second in the standings and keep pace with Palou.

Christian Lundgaard (Arrow McLaren) looks to secure a top-three series finish alongside O’Ward.

Louis Foster (Rahal Letterman Lanigan) and Robert Shwartzman (PREMA Racing) remain locked in the tightest Rookie of the Year battle in years, separated by only six points for their first oval triumphs.

Top Contenders

Driver	Team	Key Stats & Notes
Will Power	Team Penske	Former Milwaukee winner; excels in teamwork–drafting; previewed the race alongside O’Ward & Ericsson.
Pato O’Ward	Arrow McLaren Chevrolet	Two-time 2024 Milwaukee winner (doubleheader); strong oval résumé; previewed the race with Power & co.
Marcus Ericsson	Chip Ganassi Racing	Consistent top-10 finisher at Milwaukee; excels in traffic; part of the JSONline driver panel preview.
Colton Herta	Andretti Global Honda	Results mixed on short ovals but lightning-fast in practice; driver panel pick to upset the favorites.
Scott Dixon	Chip Ganassi Racing	2009 Milwaukee winner; six podiums in last eight visits; chasing his 60th career win to tie A.J. Foyt.

Team & Manufacturer Trends

Chevrolet has swept all six Milwaukee races since the introduction of the twin-turbo 2.2 L V6 engine, including wins by O’Ward and Scott McLaughlin in 2024.

Honda teams have three winners in 2025 but remain winless at Milwaukee—an area they’ll target for redemption.

Penske and Chip Ganassi Racing lead the pack in Milwaukee laps led and race wins, underpinning their oval dominance.

Dark Horses & Watchlist

Tyler Reddick (RLL Racing Honda): Strong short-oval rookie season; starting mid-pack but quick in traffic.

Alex Palou (Chip Ganassi Racing): Undefeated champion seeking redemption; watch for late-race strategy.

Christian Lundgaard: Yet to win an oval; could surprise if the frontrunners duel.

Louis Foster: Indy NXT graduate; strong qualifying speed; rookie points leader.

Robert Shwartzman: Best non-rookie oval form; needs a clean pit sequence to challenge.

Practice & Qualifying Schedule

Practice 1 (Saturday): 11:00 AM–12:00 PM ET (FS1)

Practice 2 (Saturday): 4:30 PM–6:30 PM ET (FS2)

Qualifying (Saturday): 2:00 PM–3:00 PM ET (FS1)

Race (Sunday): 2:00 PM–4:30 PM ET (FOX)

Expect a high-speed chess match in the pack, with Packers drafting alliances, fuel strategy gambits, and a possible late-race overtime. Keep an eye on Chevrolet’s oval mastery and rookie standouts who can exploit chaos. Whether it’s a familiar winner like Power or a surprise from the mid-pack, Sunday’s Snap-On Milwaukee Mile 250 is set for edge-of-the-seat drama.