By Steve Wittich

Patricio O’Ward led Aaron Telitz and Santi Urrutia, a pair of Belardi Auto Racing drivers, in the lone Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires practice session of the weekend. Victor Franzoni and Colton Herta were the other drivers in the top five.

The sole 45-minute Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires practice session began at 1:30 PM with perfect weather. The ambient temperature was 76F, with low humidity. The track temperature was 113F.

Most of the running involved group running, with drivers trying differing lines behind other cars. I spent some time at both ends of the track watching the action. It appears that the drivers are willing to use the low line in Turns 1 and 2, but that the bumps in Turn 3 and Turn 4 move them up to the second line.

There was a single yellow during the session for debris. The AMR INDYCAR Safety Team picked up some debris on the back straight.

O’Ward’s quick lap at 160.875mph was turned at the very end of the session.

A pair of the seven entries is partaking in their first Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires action at Iowa Speedway.

Patricio O’Ward has raced at the 0.894-mile tri-oval in Pro Mazda, starting sixth and finishing third as a 16-year-old rookie in 2015.

Reigning Pro Mazda Presented By Cooper Tire champion Victor Franzoni will be making his first race start at Iowa Speedway. The Juncos Racing pilot did complete a test program with the new PM-18 Pro Mazda last year.

Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires Practice #1 Results

RANK CAR NO. DRIVER QUICK LAP DIFF. TOTAL LAPS
1 27 Pato O’Ward 20.006 –.—- 57
2 9 Aaron Telitz 20.079 0.0739 74
3 5 Santi Urrutia 20.170 0.1647 67
4 23 Victor Franzoni 20.325 0.3192 65
5 98 Colton Herta 20.391 0.3857 53
6 28 Dalton Kellett 20.525 0.5190 60
7 48 Ryan Norman 20.559 0.5535 65

Indy Lights will back on track at 5 PM for qualifying.

Don’t miss any of the action:

The Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires race will air on NBCSN at 11 PM (ET) on Sunday, June 8th.