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IndyCar Series Preview: Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio

The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio returns for its traditional Fourth of July weekend slot, bringing high-speed drama to one of North America’s most technical and beloved road courses. With championship leader Alex Palou on pole and a hungry field behind him, the 90-lap showdown promises to be a pivotal moment in the 2025 IndyCar title race.

Race Details

EventHonda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio
DateSunday, July 6, 2025
Green Flag1:22 PM ET
VenueMid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, OH
BroadcastFOX, Peacock Premium, SiriusXM 205, IndyCar Mobile App
Laps90 laps (203.22 miles / 327.05 km)
Tire Allotment5 sets primary, 5 sets alternate (1 of each must be used)
Push-to-Pass200 seconds total, max 20 seconds per use

Track Profile: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

  • Length: 2.26 miles
  • Turns: 13
  • Key Sections: The Keyhole (Turn 2), Thunder Valley, and the Carousel
  • Passing Zones: Turn 2 (Keyhole exit) and Turn 4 (end of back straight)

Mid-Ohio is known for its elevation changes, narrow racing lines, and limited overtaking opportunities—making qualifying and pit strategy critical.

Starting Grid – Top 10

PositionDriverTeam
1Alex PalouChip Ganassi Racing
2Christian LundgaardArrow McLaren
3Kyffin SimpsonChip Ganassi Racing
4Colton HertaAndretti Global
5Pato O’WardArrow McLaren
6Scott DixonChip Ganassi Racing
7Kyle KirkwoodAndretti Global
8Marcus ArmstrongMeyer Shank Racing
9Rinus VeeKayDale Coyne Racing
10Felix RosenqvistMeyer Shank Racing

Drivers to Watch

Alex Palou (Chip Ganassi Racing)

  • Championship leader with 386 points
  • Has finished 3rd, 2nd, 1st, and 2nd at Mid-Ohio since 2021
  • Looking for his 7th win of the season after dominating at Road America

Scott Dixon (Chip Ganassi Racing)

  • 2025 winner at Mid-Ohio, capitalized on Palou’s late mistake
  • One of the most successful drivers in Mid-Ohio history
  • Still searching for his first win of the 2025 season

Pato O’Ward (Arrow McLaren)

  • Won here in 2024
  • Currently 3rd in the standings with 275 points
  • Needs a strong result to stay in the title hunt

Christian Lundgaard (Arrow McLaren)

  • Excellent on road courses
  • Starting P2 and looking for his first win of the season
  • Finished 3rd in the 2025 Mid-Ohio race

Championship Standings – Top 5

RankDriverPoints
1Alex Palou386
2Kyle Kirkwood293
3Pato O’Ward275
4Colton Herta262
5Scott Dixon258

Strategy & Storylines

  • Hybrid System Anniversary: Mid-Ohio marks one year since the hybrid system was introduced. While its impact has been subtle, it adds a layer of energy management strategy.
  • Pit Strategy: With limited passing zones, undercuts and clean air will be crucial. Expect 2–3 pit stops depending on tire degradation.
  • Weather: Sunny skies and high 80s forecasted—tire wear and track temps will be a factor.

Drive Odds

DriverWin Odds
Alex Palou+150 (favorite)
Pato O’Ward+400
Scott Dixon+500
Colton Herta+600
Christian Lundgaard+750

Forecast:
Winner: Alex Palou
Runner-up: Scott Dixon
Third: Christian Lundgaard
Best Bet: Palou to win +150, Top 3 for Lundgaard

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