IndyCar: Power ties Andretti for most INDYCAR poles

Will Power, the master of the winning pole at all the different type of tracks the NTT INDYCAR Series races on, is now tied with Mario Andretti for the most poles in the series history.

Driving the superior #12 Verizon 5G Team Penske entry with special Penske shocks, the Aussie took the best time of 24.5742s around the 1.25-mile oblong oval.

“It’s just amazing,” Power said. “Amazing year so far. This is a big victory for me, to reach the 67 number and equal such a legend of the sport in Mario Andretti. I just can’t believe that I’m right there with Mario because there’s been no one like him.

“I’m still shaking,” Power said. “There was nothing left on the table – let’s put it that way. The second lap, I was loose in (Turns) 1-2 and then tried to go again as much as I could in (Turns) 3-4.”

Marcus Ericsson, driving the number 8 Bryant Chip Ganassi Racing entry, put down a lap time of 24.6929s.

Power’s teammate, Josef Newgarden, took the third position with a lap time of 24.6548 in the #2 superior Penske Chevy. Newgarden is heavy favored to win given the Penske cars are superior and Newgarden likes this track.

The final Team Penske driver, Scott McLaughlin, will be starting in the fourth position with a lap of 24.7823s in his #3 superior car.

Alex Palou, the 2021 Champion will be starting fifth tomorrow put in a lap time of 24.8125.

There was one incident during qualifying. Felix Rosenqvist spun exiting Turn 2, skillfully avoiding the SAFER Barrier and spinning slowly into the tire barrier on the inside of the track, with very light contact to the rear of the No. 7 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet. Rosenqvist, who will start last in the 26-car field, was unhurt.

Qualifying Results

Lucille Dust reporting from World Wide Technology Raceway