Team Chevy Drivers Shine in IndyCar Practice at Long Beach

McLaughlin, Lundgaard, and O'Ward post strong times in first session on street course

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:22pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, with rapid brushstrokes capturing the raw energy and speed of an IndyCar racing through the streets of Long Beach.Chevrolet-powered IndyCars race through the iconic streets of Long Beach, their engines roaring and tires smoking as they push the limits of grip and speed.Long Beach Today

Chevrolet-powered drivers had a strong showing in the first practice session for the IndyCar Grand Prix of Long Beach, with Scott McLaughlin, Christian Lundgaard, and Pato O'Ward all posting top-10 times. McLaughlin was the quickest Chevy driver overall before a late incident, while Lundgaard and O'Ward also had impressive pace on the 1.968-mile street circuit.

Why it matters

The Long Beach Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious events on the IndyCar calendar, and a strong performance here can be a boost for Chevy teams and drivers as they look to challenge for the championship. The first practice session provides an early indication of which manufacturers and teams have the speed to contend for the win.

The details

McLaughlin was the quickest Chevy driver in the opening 40-minute session, setting the sixth-fastest time overall on the primary Firestone tires. Arrow McLaren teammates Lundgaard and O'Ward also cracked the top 10 in that session. When the field split for the second 12-minute segment on the alternate red-sidewall tires, McLaughlin was immediately quick, setting the fastest lap before a late incident ended his session early. Lundgaard was third-fastest in that second session, while Malukas and Rossi also showed strong pace for Chevy.

  • The first practice session was split into two 12-minute segments, with the full field running the initial 40 minutes.
  • McLaughlin set the fastest lap for Chevy in the second 12-minute session before his late incident.

The players

Scott McLaughlin

A three-time IndyCar race winner, McLaughlin was the quickest Chevrolet driver in the first practice session before a late incident ended his day early.

Christian Lundgaard

The Arrow McLaren driver was sixth-fastest in the opening session on the primary tires and third-quickest in the second segment on the alternate red-sidewall tires.

Pato O'Ward

The Mexican driver led the way for Chevy in the first 40-minute session, posting the seventh-fastest time overall on the primary tires.

David Malukas

The Verizon Team Penske driver showed strong pace, setting the quickest times in the first two sectors of his best lap in the second session before encountering traffic.

Alexander Rossi

The ECR Liquid Science Orange Chevrolet driver was fifth-fastest in the opening session and fourth-quickest in the second segment on the alternate tires.

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What they’re saying

“I felt like I got a denied downshift. It was a bit unfortunate, going in there, you're committing pretty high. Looking back on it now, I probably should have. Looking back on it now, I probably didn't have as much time because it was sliding for a long time. I grabbed a gear and it just locked the rear tires and I was a bit of a passenger. The car was super good. I was just trying to test those AAA tow trucks and figure if we could get some help; they were right there on the job. Excited for the AAA Travel Team Chevy. We've got a rocket ship this weekend; it's just a matter of putting it together.”

— Scott McLaughlin

What’s next

The teams will return to the track on Saturday for qualifying, which will determine the starting order for Sunday's Grand Prix of Long Beach.

The takeaway

Chevrolet-powered drivers showed strong pace in the opening practice session, with McLaughlin, Lundgaard, and O'Ward all posting top-10 times. This early speed indicates Chevy teams could be in contention for the win on the iconic Long Beach street circuit.