Indy 500 cars on track.
Qualifying is complete at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the grid now determined for the 2024 Indy 500.
Following an exhilarating first day of qualifying, the positions from 13 to 30 on the grid were established. However, the excitement was far from over as the battle for the top spot and the struggle to avoid missing out on the upcoming Sunday’s racing extravaganza intensified. The determination to secure the Indy 500 polesitter position remained, while the Last Chance qualifying scramble added to the thrill.
Scott McLaughlin claims pole for the 2024 Indy 500
The initial stage was the Top 12 qualifying round, where grid positions 7-12 were determined. Meanwhile, the top six contenders would continue their pursuit of the pole position and progress to the Firestone Fast Six round.
Leading the way in the Fast Six during P1 was Scott McLaughlin, with Will Power, Josef Newgarden, Alexander Rossi, Kyle Larson, and Santino Ferrucci also securing their spots in the next stage of qualifying.
Following that, the competition for a spot on the grid commenced, with notable participants including ex-Sauber and Caterham F1 racer Marcus Ericsson, Nolan Siegel, Graham Rahal, and Katherine Legge.
One person was destined to be excluded, while 2022 Indy 500 champion Ericsson experienced a dreadful start. He became confused and prematurely lifted off during his first attempt, causing his wires to get crossed.
The Swede had only one opportunity remaining to escape the misery of being bumped, and he seized it without hesitation. He achieved a remarkable average of 230.027, securing his position on the starting grid. Siegel, on the other hand, had an opportunity to retaliate, but unfortunately, the rookie’s valiant effort ended in a crash, resulting in his exclusion from the Indy 500 lineup.
The attention then returned to the front of the grid and the Firestone Fast Six, where the polesitter for the 2024 Indy 500 would be decided.
Rossi, a former F1 driver with Marussia, had secured provisional pole position after half of the field had completed their run in Arrow McLaren.
However, he was resigned to taking the second position since Team Penske’s McLaughlin claimed the pole for the 2024 Indy 500, resulting in a complete front row lockout by Penske.
Firestone Fast Six times
1. Scott McLaughlin – 234.220 average speed
2. Will Power – 233.917
3. Josef Newgarden – 233.808
4. Alexander Rossi – 233.090
5. Kyle Larson – 232.846
6. Santino Ferrucci – 232.692
Last Chance qualifying times
31. Katherine Legge – 230.092 average speed
32. Marcus Ericsson – 230.027
33. Graham Rahal – 229.974
Nolan Siegel Bumped
Top 12 qualifying times
1. Scott McLaughlin – 233.492 average speed
2. Will Power – 233.483
3. Josef Newgarden – 233.286
4. Alexander Rossi – 233.071
5. Kyle Larson – 232.788
6. Santino Ferrucci – 232.723
7. Rinus VeeKay – 232.610
8. Pato O’Ward – 232.584
9. Felix Rosenqvist – 232.305
10. Takuma Sato – 232.171
11. Kyke Kirkwood – 230.993
12. Ryan Hunter-Reay – 230.567
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