Will Power Dominates Qualifying for the Bommarito Automotive Group 500
In a thrilling display of speed and precision, Will Power secured the top spot in qualifying for the Bommarito Automotive Group 500, clocking in at an impressive 49.9088 seconds with a two-lap average speed of 180.329 mph. This achievement marks Power’s fifth pole position at the 1.25-mile oval and his 71st overall, further solidifying his record for the most poles in IndyCar racing history. This qualifying session was particularly significant for the two-time IndyCar champion as it was his first time topping the charts since August 2024 during the qualifying rounds at Portland International Raceway.
A Strategic Approach
Power articulated his approach to the qualifying session, emphasizing the need for aggressive driving. "I sent it a lot," he remarked, referring to his effort during the run. He recognized the necessity of maintaining speed through turns 3 and 4, admitting that while he wasn’t completely flat, he came very close to achieving that. The excitement was palpable as he reflected on his performance, stating, "It’s been a while since I’ve had a pole, so I’m really excited for the Verizon 12 car. Chevy did a great job, good power. Hopefully we can execute in the race. It’d be awesome to get a win here."
Team Penske’s Dominance
The qualifying session showcased an impressive performance from Team Penske as they occupied the front row. This success was complemented by Josef Newgarden, who led the opening practice session and finished strong in qualifying. Scott McLaughlin, another teammate, fell short by a mere 0.1515 seconds compared to Power’s time. Although Newgarden was unable to match the pace of his teammates during qualifying, he still secured a commendable fifth place by the end of the session.
As the qualifying unfolded, Team Penske was keen on breaking a season-long win drought, particularly against Honda drivers Alex Palou and Kyle Kirkwood, who have been dominating the season thus far. The Chevrolet team presented a formidable lineup with several frontrunners eager to clinch a victory at Gateway. The Bowtie brand managed to place all five of its drivers within the top qualifiers, which included notable performances from Pato O’Ward and David Malukas.
Honda’s Performance
On the other side, Meyer Shank Racing’s Marcus Armstrong emerged as the fastest among Honda drivers, securing sixth place. His teammate, Felix Rosenqvist, followed closely behind. Completing the top ten were Colton Herta, Alex Palou, and Kirkwood, with Honda drivers taking spots six through eleven, including Scott Dixon.
In terms of championship implications, Christian Lundgaard faced a challenging qualifying session, finishing in a disappointing 14th place. This result was especially significant considering Lundgaard is a contender for the championship and needed a strong performance to maintain his position. He finished ahead of his teammate Nolan Siegel, who landed in 20th, but was unable to capitalize on a lackluster performance from Palou, who is currently leading the championship standings.
The Challenges of Qualifying
Rookie Robert Shwartzman, who had previously stunned everyone with a remarkable Indianapolis 500 pole run, did not replicate that success in this session. The Prema Racing driver faced difficulties during his run, resulting in a 24th-place finish.
The qualifying format for this race was unique, as it was based on two-lap averages, and the drivers qualified in reverse order of the current points standings in the series. This added an extra layer of strategy for teams and drivers alike. The session experienced a delay of two hours due to lingering storms that caused light rain in the morning and early afternoon, affecting the track conditions. As the skies transitioned from sunny to overcast, the track temperature dropped, benefiting those who qualified later in the session.
Track Conditions and Preparation
Prior to the IndyCar qualifying, practice sessions for the USAC Silver Crown Series took place. However, the session was marred by incidents, including a blown motor that impacted the early qualifiers. Conor Daly from Juncos Hollinger Racing expressed his frustrations about the conditions, stating, "Cars blowing up just before we go and qualify is really a shame for us. I like to turn in really late into turns 3 and 4. That’s exactly where the oil dry is, and a bunch of sand. Our safety team does a great job doing that, but it’s still slick."
As the evening progressed, the IndyCar participants were set for a late night, with final practice scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET. The anticipation built as fans prepared for the race, which was slated to go live on FOX at 8:00 p.m. ET the following day.
The Road Ahead
As the teams and drivers geared up for the race, Team Penske’s strong qualifying performance positioned them favorably for the competition. With Will Power leading the charge, there was a sense of optimism within the team as they aimed for their first victory of the 2025 season. The presence of several fast Chevrolet cars added to the competitive atmosphere, as they sought to disrupt the Honda drivers’ dominance thus far in the season.
The Bommarito Automotive Group 500 promised to be an exciting race, with the stakes high for both individual drivers and teams. The blend of experienced drivers like Power and Newgarden, along with rising stars aiming to make their mark, set the stage for a thrilling contest on race day.
Fans eagerly awaited the outcome of the race, hoping to see if Will Power could convert his pole position into a victory and if Team Penske could finally break through against the formidable Honda contingent. As teams finalized their strategies and prepared for the challenges ahead, the excitement surrounding the event continued to build, marking another chapter in the storied history of IndyCar racing.
