2025 IndyCar at WWT Raceway: Preview and predictions for the Bommarito Automotive Group 500
With the IndyCar Detroit Grand Prix ending with Kyle Kirkwood winning his second race, the 27-car grid is slated to move to the World Wide Technology Raceway for its next fixture on the racing calendar. The race weekend will begin on Saturday, June 14, with the main race on the subsequent day.
The tale of 2025 has been one of dominance. Alex Palou won five races in the early phase of the season. Kyle Kirkwood has been the sole driver to have broken the Spaniard's stronghold of the top step of the podium.
As recent as 2021, the series witnessed seven different drivers taking to the victory lane in the first seven races. This is the first time since IRL and CART's merger that such a situation of two-driver dominance has occurred in the premier open-wheel racing series in the United States.
On the other hand, fans have longed for a new winner to grace the sport in 2025. With the next one at the World Wide Technology Raceway just outside of St. Louis, the remaining 25 drivers will hope to reach victory lane come Sunday.
2025 IndyCar Bommarito Automotive 500: Full Preview
Oval race around the 1.25-mile track
The WWT is the second fixture after the Indy 500 that takes IndyCar racing back to its roots, i.e., oval racing. Though the track is shaped like an egg, it is known to produce high-quality overtakes and racing, with the race having 260 scheduled laps.
Low-line racing would be the motto
Low-line racing refers to drivers hugging the inside line throughout the length of the track to reduce the distance they need to drive, which comes into effect after dozens of laps have been completed. Though IndyCar has scheduled a High Line Practice session after qualifying, to lay down rubber on the upper groove, this would still not be enough.
Witnessing the past trends, the rubber on the upper groove only helps racing in the initial 30 or so laps. After this, marbles (bits of rubber flying off from the race tires) start to cover the upper groove, which makes it less grippy.
This would discourage the drivers from taking the high line and stick to racing on the lower line.
Predictions for the 2025 IndyCar Bommarito Automotive Group 500
Team Penske will emerge victorious
Though the rear-attenuator scandal and the might of Alex Palou have curbed any threats from the Team Penske trio so far, the WWT is seemingly the hunting ground for the Mooresville-based squad. Josef Newgarden has won five races at the fabled track and is the reigning champion in Illinois.
On the other hand, Will Power also has a sole victory at the 1.25-mile track, which reduces the odds of any Chip Ganassi Racing or Andretti driver taking home the victory at the oval racecourse.
Robert Shwartzman will soar headlines with his result at the WWT
Last time around at an oval-racing fixture, Robert Shwartzman bagged the pole position for the Indy 500 as a rookie. This has showcased his prowess at oval racetracks, despite his inexperience at racing on one.
Though his Indy 500 attempt came to a premature end, Shwartzman can redeem himself at the race outside of St. Louis to possibly bag the first top-10 finish for the PREMA Racing outfit.