O’Ward Survives Toronto Crash-Fest, Cuts Palou’s Lead

Toronto Heat Sparks Wild IndyCar Street Show

By all accounts, the 2025 Indy Toronto was a crash-filled circus. But in the chaos, Pato O’Ward saw opportunity—and seized it. The Arrow McLaren driver survived a demolition-derby-like afternoon to win his second race in just eight days.

Colton Herta, who started from pole, seemed poised to dominate. But as always in racing, talent only goes so far—luck does the rest. And in Toronto, Herta had none. The bright sunshine was the only consistent thing all weekend. Everything else? Utter madness.

O’Ward’s win trimmed Alex Palou’s massive championship lead by 30 points. The gap now sits at 99 with four races left. O’Ward started 10th, but with clever strategy and well-timed pit stops, he climbed to the top. The biggest omen of his day? A bird “gift” that landed on his car before the race.

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“That’s going to be a good day,” O’Ward joked. He wasn’t wrong. His win marked his ninth career victory and his first ever in Toronto. The Mexican driver called the bumpy street course “the most challenging circuit” for his team in years. Yet this time, the streets gave back.

Behind him, chaos ruled. Dale Coyne Racing’s Rinus VeeKay finished second—a season highlight. Kyffin Simpson, from Chip Ganassi Racing, landed third, securing his first career podium.

Meanwhile, Herta’s fast start turned into a frustrating fourth-place finish. Teammates Marcus Ericsson and Kyle Kirkwood followed in fifth and sixth.

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Team Penske’s weekend was a nightmare. Scott McLaughlin hit the wall after a lost wheel nut. Josef Newgarden was crushed—literally—when rookie Jacob Abel’s car landed on top of his. Later, Will Power hit the wall after battling side-by-side in Turn 3.

None of Penske’s drivers finished in the top 10. They placed 11th (Power), 23rd (Newgarden), and 26th (McLaughlin).

Ed Carpenter Racing fared no better. Both Christian Rasmussen and Alexander Rossi hit the wall hard.

The race ended fittingly—under caution. Felix Rosenqvist spun, was rear-ended by Nolan Siegel, and that was that.

Only 26 cars started. Santino Ferrucci was sidelined after crashing in morning practice. His car was too damaged, and his hand too bruised, to race.

As entertaining as it was, the broadcast needed a geography lesson. FOX Sports’ host referred to Toronto as the USA. Someone, kindly, tell them: Canada is Canada.

Next up is Laguna Seca. Palou has dominated there before. But after Toronto’s madness, nothing feels certain anymore.

One thing is clear: O’Ward’s title fight is still alive. And in this series, survival matters as much as speed.