Searching for a first-time 2026 winner at World Wide Technology Raceway

The question hanging over the paddock is simple yet enticing: who will break their duck this Sunday at the 1.25-mile oval? As we head to the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 Presented by Axalta and Valvoline, our panel of experts is divided on who has the pace to finally claim a trophy.

David Malukas is a popular choice for his first career INDYCAR SERIES win, especially given his deep history at this venue. Having finished second in 2022, third in 2023, and showing consistent speed there in 2024 and 2025, he is now in the seat of a Team Penske machine. It is a poetic turn for a driver who once looked at the Penske cars in disbelief while driving for Dale Coyne Racing. Others are banking on Pato O'Ward, the Arrow McLaren driver who is arguably overdue. Despite a season defined by consistency—six top-five finishes—O'Ward remains without a podium and has four second-place finishes at this specific track to his name.

Then there are the dark horses. Christian Rasmussen is being eyed to provide a much-needed boost for ECR, while Marcus Armstrong—who has blossomed on ovals with Meyer Shank Racing w/ Curb Agajanian—is carrying the momentum of a recent Indianapolis 500 win. Whether it is the raw speed of Malukas or the sheer persistence of O'Ward, Sunday night promises a compelling battle on the track formerly known as Gateway.