Indy 500 Qualifying: Bump Day Drama and Pole Position Showdown

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Indy 500 Qualifying Today: Pole Position, Starting Grid, Bumping, Weather, TV, Tickets, Streaming

Indy 500 Qualifying

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Exciting Developments in Indy 500 Qualifying

This year’s Indy 500 qualifying is set to take place at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. As of today, the top 12 qualifiers have gathered to compete for the coveted pole position for the May 25 race. Interesting dynamics are at play, with twelve drivers eyeing the pole and an additional four others desperate to secure a spot on the 33-car starting grid.

Qualifying Schedule for May 18

Here’s what motorsport fans can expect today:

  • 10 a.m.: Gates open
  • 10:45 a.m.: Enlistment ceremony
  • 1-2 p.m.: Top 12 practice
  • 2-3 p.m.: Last chance practice
  • 4:05-5:05 p.m.: Top 12 qualifying
  • 5:15-6:15 p.m.: Last chance qualifying for Row 11
  • 6:25-6:55 p.m.: Fast Six qualifying for pole position

Television coverage will be provided on FS2 from 1-3 p.m. and then on Fox from 4-7 p.m.

Fast 12 Qualifiers and Their Performances

The excitement is palpable as the top 12 qualifiers are ready to showcase their skills. All three drivers from Team Penske—Scott McLaughlin, Josef Newgarden, and Will Power—are in the fast 12. Additionally, drivers from Chip Ganassi Racing and Arrow McLaren are also featured prominently.

The top contenders for the pole position include:

  • Alex Palou (Chip Ganassi Racing, Honda) – 233.043 mph
  • Scott McLaughlin (Team Penske, Chevrolet) – 233.013 mph
  • Josef Newgarden (Team Penske, Chevrolet) – 233.004 mph
  • Pato O’Ward (Arrow McLaren Racing, Chevrolet) – 232.820 mph
  • Scott Dixon (Chip Ganassi Racing, Honda) – 232.659 mph
  • Robert Shwartzman (Prema Racing, Chevrolet) – 232.584 mph
  • David Malukas (A.J. Foyt Racing, Chevrolet) – 232.546 mph
  • Felix Rosenqvist (Meyer Shank Racing, Honda) – 232.449 mph
  • Takuma Sato (Rahal Letterman Lanigan, Honda) – 232.415 mph
  • Will Power (Team Penske, Chevrolet) – 232.144 mph
  • Marcus Ericsson (Andretti Global, Honda) – 232.132 mph
  • Christian Lundgaard (Arrow McLaren Racing, Chevrolet) – 231.809 mph

With Scott McLaughlin hoping to secure his second consecutive pole position and Scott Dixon aiming to tie Rick Mears for the record of six pole starts, the competition is fierce.

Last Chance Qualifying

Four drivers who didn’t make the initial cut will also get one last opportunity to qualify for the race:

  • Marco Andretti (Andretti Global, Honda) – 229.859 mph
  • Rinus Veekay (Dale Coyne Racing, Honda) – 229.249 mph
  • Jacob Abel (Dale Coyne Racing, Honda) – 226.483 mph
  • Marcus Armstrong (Meyer Shank, Honda) – no 4-lap speed

Three out of these four will earn spots on Row 11, while one will miss the cut for the race.

Expectations for Today

As the clock ticks down to qualifying, fans and drivers alike hold their breath in anticipation of the drama that unfolds on the track. Indy 500 qualifying promises to be an enthralling event, and everyone is eager to witness who will secure pole position and who will be left behind.

Tags: Indy 500, pole position, qualifying, starting grid, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Team Penske, Chip Ganassi Racing, last chance qualifying, Pato O’Ward, Scott Dixon

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