The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown at the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, as five NTT INDYCAR SERIES race winners and a rookie prepare to compete for the coveted NTT P1 Award as pole winner. This thrilling event follows a dramatic Top 12 Qualifying session that showcased remarkable talent and unexpected twists.
Felix Rosenqvist emerged as the fastest driver during the Top 12 session, achieving a stunning four-lap average speed of 232.523 mph in the No. 60 SiriusXM Honda, fielded by Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb-Agajanian. Rosenqvist's impressive performance places him in a prime position for the pole position award.
Joining him in the Firestone Fast Six, scheduled for 6:25 p.m. ET, are talented competitors: Pato O’Ward with a second-fastest speed of 232.186 mph, rookie sensation Robert Shwartzman at third with 232.008 mph, followed by Scott Dixon (fourth, 231.971 mph), Alex Palou (fifth, 231.800 mph), and Takuma Sato (sixth, 231.686 mph). The order of the final six will see each driver take one qualifying attempt, starting from the slowest, Sato, to the fastest, Rosenqvist.
Among the contenders, Scott Dixon, the 2008 Indianapolis 500 winner, and Alex Palou, the current series points leader, are both past pole winners at this prestigious event. Their experience and skill will be crucial as they vie for a strong starting position in what is often referred to as "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."
The Top 12 session was not without its surprises, particularly for Team Penske. Both Josef Newgarden and Will Power, key drivers for the team, were unable to make qualifying attempts after failing the pre-qualifying technical inspection. This incident stemmed from a violation of INDYCAR Rule 14.7.8.16, related to an unapproved body fit on the rear attenuator of their cars. Consequently, they forfeited their positions during this crucial qualifying round.
Scott McLaughlin, another Team Penske driver, faced a setback earlier in the weekend, crashing heavily in Turn 2 during pre-qualifying practice in the No. 3 Pennzoil Team Penske Chevrolet. Thankfully, McLaughlin was unharmed, but his car sustained significant damage, prompting the team to focus on preparing a backup car for Monday's practice session.
The three Team Penske drivers will occupy Row 4 on the starting grid, with McLaughlin slated to start 10th, Newgarden in 11th, and Power in 12th, based on their four-lap average speeds from the first day of PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying.
As anticipation builds for the 109th Indianapolis 500, fans and teams alike are eager to witness who will take home the prestigious pole position and set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable race.
