On a blustery Saturday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Alex Palou once again showed why he’s the man to beat in the 2025 INDYCAR season. With a flawless four-lap qualifying run, the Chip Ganassi Racing driver topped the timesheets on the first day of qualifying for the 109th Indianapolis 500 and placed himself as the favorite heading into the final fight for pole position.
Palou’s average speed of 233.043 mph came during his only run of the day and stood untouched throughout a hectic afternoon. Despite gusty winds and shifting conditions, the three-time series champion delivered yet another performance of controlled aggression and surgical precision.
“We struggled a bit in the morning. I couldn’t even complete a full sim run,” Palou said post-run. “But when it mattered, everything came together.”
His confidence—and speed—signal that he may be on his way to capturing a second career Indy 500 pole.
Fast 12: Familiar Rivals and Fresh Surprises
Palou leads a field of 12 who will battle on Sunday for the coveted front row, with six eventually advancing to the Firestone Fast Six shootout for pole.
Close behind are Team Penske teammates Scott McLaughlin and Josef Newgarden, both clocking average speeds just thousandths slower than Palou. McLaughlin, last year’s pole winner, looked especially sharp once again.
The day also highlighted a standout performance from rookie Robert Shwartzman, who stormed into sixth with a commanding display on his oval qualifying debut. Calm and consistent over four laps, his top-speed run marks him as one to watch—not just for Rookie of the Year honors, but potentially for a front-row surprise.
Daly’s Daring Run Falls Short
Few moments were as dramatic as Conor Daly’s last-minute attempt to sneak into the Fast 12. Already in the field, Daly rolled out late in the session to try and better his time and fight for a shot at pole.
He was on pace—until the final lap. A small misstep in car balance control cost him just over five hundredths of a second across 10 miles. The result: 13th fastest, painfully close.
“I really thought we had it,” Daly said, visibly emotional. “It’s on me. Just pushed a little too far.”
Herta Bounces Back After Scary Crash
Colton Herta suffered one of the day’s scariest incidents when his car flipped after making contact in Turn 1. The crash, which saw his machine barrel-roll before coming to a stop, halted his early attempt.
Astonishingly, the Andretti Global crew rebuilt the car in record time, and Herta returned to the track in the afternoon to qualify solidly in 29th. His resilience, and the team’s fast turnaround, drew admiration across the paddock.
The Last-Chance Showdown Awaits
While the top 12 focus on pole, a handful of drivers now face the nerve-wracking reality of Last Chance Qualifying. Among them is Marco Andretti, who failed to secure a spot in his four attempts and will now fight for one of the final three grid positions on Sunday.
Marcus Armstrong, after crashing during practice, will also return for another try in a rebuilt machine. With weather playing unpredictable games, every small detail could be the difference between making or missing the field.
Manufacturers Battle for the Top
As Sunday approaches, the battle between Chevy and Honda is intensifying. Both power units are represented across the Top 12, with Honda leading thanks to Palou and Dixon, while Penske’s Chevrolet trio looms large in contention.
The question now isn’t just who will win the pole—it’s which brand will rise when it counts.
Sunday’s Schedule: Final Fights Ahead
- Top 12 Qualifying: 4:05 p.m. ET
- Firestone Fast Six: 6:25 p.m. ET
- Last Chance Qualifying: 5:15–6:15 p.m. ET
The final grid will be locked in by Sunday evening, setting the stage for the biggest race of the year on May 25.
written by Philipp Kraus / Media Credit: Penske Entertainment
