The Snap-on Milwaukee Mile 250: A Race of Triumphs and Setbacks

The 2025 NTT IndyCar Series has already crowned its champion heading into the high-stakes race at the Milwaukee Mile, but the day still held plenty of excitement. While reigning champion Alex Palou was on the hunt for yet another victory to etch his name into the history books, many other drivers were eager to seize their own moment—whether that meant achieving a long-awaited win, improving their standings, or simply proving their worth as the season draws to a close. The Milwaukee Mile, known for its challenging 1.015-mile oval, would test the mettle of every competitor. Here’s a closer look at the highlights and lowlights of the Snap-on Milwaukee Mile 250.

ECR’s Day of Dual Success

For Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR), the day turned out to be a remarkable one, as both of their drivers enjoyed a standout performance. Alexander Rossi and Christian Rasmussen have had their share of individual successes this season, but they struggled to achieve shared glory until this race. Rossi made a smart strategic call by opting for a short pit during the opening stint, allowing him to gain valuable track position. He managed to maintain this position until the end, finishing impressively.

Rasmussen, on the other hand, faced several challenges but managed to keep his car clean and joined Rossi in the top 10 as the race progressed. The race took an unexpected turn when a light rain shower hit the track, providing Rasmussen with a golden opportunity. He capitalized on fresh tires, storming ahead to secure his first career victory, which came as a surprise to many. Rossi’s fourth-place finish complemented Rasmussen’s win, marking the first time both ECR cars finished in the top ten—and the top five—together this season.

A Setback for Alex Palou

Alex Palou entered the Milwaukee Mile race with high expectations, having started from pole position and looking nearly unbeatable during the early laps. He commanded the race, even catching a timely yellow flag during the second round of pit stops, which allowed him to hold his lead comfortably. However, fortune quickly turned against him when a sudden sprinkle of rain affected his team’s strategy.

Palou’s crew opted to prioritize track position rather than changing to fresh tires, a decision that ultimately cost him the chance at his ninth victory of the season. While he still finished in a respectable second place, the missed opportunity meant he would not tie the record for the most wins in a single IndyCar season, held by legends A.J. Foyt and Al Unser Sr. Palou’s disappointment was palpable as he reflected on his performance, especially given his previous mistake at Mid-Ohio that also resulted in a lost opportunity.

Scott McLaughlin’s Return to the Podium

Scott McLaughlin of Team Penske had a rough patch earlier in the season, going over three months without a podium finish, a streak that was uncharacteristic for the talented driver. Entering the penultimate race of the season, McLaughlin was determined to break this dry spell. He showcased his skills by qualifying fourth and maintaining a strong position throughout the race.

Despite a late-race tire strategy that didn’t fully work in his favor, McLaughlin still managed to cross the finish line in third place, which was a gratifying outcome for him and his team. This performance not only marked his return to the podium but also reaffirmed his status as a formidable competitor in the IndyCar series.

David Malukas Faces Pit Road Misfortune

David Malukas had a promising start to the race, running in the top three early on. However, his day took a disappointing turn due to a pit gun malfunction during his second stop. The failure caused a significant delay, resulting in Malukas losing a lap to the leader, Palou. Although a timely caution allowed him to rejoin the lead lap for the remaining 96 laps, Malukas could only manage to finish eighth.

Frustration likely loomed large for the young driver, as he would have felt that he had the potential for a much better finish had it not been for the pit road mishap. His teammate’s victory only amplified the feeling that this could have been his moment in the spotlight.

Arrow McLaren’s Steady Performance

Arrow McLaren’s competitors, Pato O’Ward and Christian Lundgaard, had a steady yet uneventful race day. Both drivers spent the majority of the race in the top ten, showcasing their consistency and skill as they crossed the finish line in fifth and sixth place, respectively.

For O’Ward, this result solidified his position as a strong contender, ensuring he would finish the season in second place in the championship standings behind Palou. Lundgaard, while not guaranteed a top-three finish in the overall standings, demonstrated that he would be in a close battle with veteran Scott Dixon for that coveted spot as the season approaches its finale.

Will Power’s Disappointing Outcome

Veteran driver Will Power had a rollercoaster season and found himself in a precarious position regarding his future with Team Penske. After a triumphant win in Portland, Power faced a stark contrast in Milwaukee. He narrowly avoided disaster earlier in the race but ultimately succumbed to misfortune.

While fighting for a top-five position, Power lost control while trying to pass Kyffin Simpson, ending up in the marbles and sliding into the wall in Turn 2. The incident led to him hitting the barriers again in Turn 3, forcing him to retire from the race in 26th place. This unfortunate turn of events only added to the uncertainty surrounding his future in the series.

The Milwaukee Mile’s Resurgence

The Milwaukee Mile has a storied history, having hosted races since 1939, but its future has sometimes appeared uncertain. Last year’s return to the circuit brought a decent crowd, but there were concerns that the excitement might not last beyond the initial resurgence. Thankfully, the 2025 race saw another strong turnout, as both fans and participants showed up to witness what turned out to be an exhilarating event.

With Rasmussen’s impressive performance and celebratory burnout marking his first victory, the event solidified the Milwaukee Mile’s place as a significant venue in the IndyCar circuit once more.

Nolan Siegel’s Early Exit

Nolan Siegel has faced challenges throughout his first full year with Arrow McLaren, and the Milwaukee race was no exception. After qualifying in a disappointing 18th place, Siegel struggled for speed during the opening laps. In an attempt to find traction on the lower lane, he lost control of his No. 6 Chevrolet and crashed into the wall.

The incident marked Siegel’s third DNF in the last five races, continuing a troubling trend for him on oval tracks. He has only managed to finish one oval race this year, where he placed 19th at World Wide Technology Raceway. The young driver expressed his disappointment, feeling the weight of missed opportunities and the pressure of performance as he navigates his rookie season in the highly competitive IndyCar series.

The Snap-on Milwaukee Mile 250 was a race that showcased both the triumphs and tribulations of the NTT IndyCar Series drivers. From historic wins to unexpected setbacks, the event highlighted the unpredictable nature of racing, where fortunes can change in an instant. As the season draws closer to its conclusion, every driver will be looking to capitalize on their remaining opportunities to secure their legacy in the sport.