Pato O'Ward and the #5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet team endured a difficult start to the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on Saturday morning, placing 13th overall in an opening practice session defined by massive bumps, blended track surface irregularities and stifling humidity.
The 27-year-old Mexican driver set a best lap of 58.2334 seconds around the newly designed 1.7-mile, 7-turn temporary street circuit wrapping around the National Mall. O'Ward ended the session 0.8590 seconds adrift of pace-setter Kyle Kirkwood, who posted a top flyer of 57.3744s. [UPDATE - He was fifth in the second practice session, 0.2591s behind Alex Palou's 56.6145s]
