Alex Palou Dominates Qualifying at Milwaukee Mile in IndyCar Series

In an exhilarating display of speed and skill, Alex Palou has shown that he is not easing up even after securing the NTT IndyCar Series title. The excitement reached a peak at the Milwaukee Mile as Palou achieved an impressive two-lap average speed of 162.971 mph, completing the run in just 44.8422 seconds. This remarkable performance not only clinched him the pole position for the upcoming Snap-on Milwaukee Mile 250 but also marked his sixth pole of what has been a truly dominant 2025 season. With a chance at his ninth victory of the year, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the talented Spaniard.

David Malukas’ Near Miss

Hailing from Chicago, just an hour south of the Milwaukee Mile, David Malukas had high hopes of capturing his first career pole position. He spent a significant portion of the second half of the qualifying session at the top of the leaderboard, only to see his dreams dashed by Palou’s stunning final laps. Malukas completed his two laps in 45.04 seconds, averaging a speed of 162.256 mph, placing him in a strong second position for the race.

Pato O’Ward and the Competitive Field

Pato O’Ward also made a mark during qualifying, posting an average speed of 162.078 mph, which secured him third place on the grid. The competition was fierce, with Scott McLaughlin and Scott Dixon rounding out the top five. Behind them, Will Power, Kyle Kirkwood, Josef Newgarden, Conor Daly, and Christian Rasmussen filled the remaining spots in the top ten, showcasing the depth of talent in the IndyCar Series.

However, it’s essential to note that Scott Dixon, alongside Kyffin Simpson from Chip Ganassi Racing and Louis Foster from Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, will face a nine-place grid penalty. This penalty comes as a result of unapproved engine changes exceeding the four allowed for the season. Consequently, Graham Rahal, who qualified in 11th place, will benefit from this situation and secure a spot in the top ten.

Qualifying Dynamics and Challenges

In the IndyCar Series, especially at oval tracks, the qualifying format can significantly impact the race outcome. With no doubleheader scheduled for this event, the qualifying session relies on the two-lap average speed to determine the starting grid. Palou’s consistent performance throughout the session left little doubt that he had the fastest car on the track.

The qualifying session started smoothly, but it wasn’t long before the tension escalated. Colton Herta, who took the track shortly after Malukas’ impressive pole run, faced a setback when he lost control of his vehicle in turn 2. His spin occurred at the exit of the corner, resulting in a disappointing end to his qualifying effort. Despite avoiding a collision with the wall, Herta will start the race from 26th position—a challenging spot that will require a strategic approach on race day.

Reflecting on his misfortune, Herta expressed his frustrations while watching a replay of the incident. “That’s frustrating,” he noted. “It looks like we were just too loose right from the beginning, and as soon as we touched that lower pavement, it just kind of goes around.” Herta also mentioned that his teammate Marcus Ericsson seemed to have a better line during practice, which he attempted to replicate during qualifying. Unfortunately, that line didn’t yield the desired results.

Continuing the Session

After Herta’s incident, the session resumed, allowing other drivers to make their mark. Meyer Shank Racing’s Marcus Ericsson had a smooth run, but the same could not be said for his teammate, Felix Rosenqvist. Rosenqvist struggled with handling issues, ultimately losing the rear end of his No. 60 Honda and crashing into the turn 4 wall. The incident underscored the challenges drivers face in balancing speed and control on the oval track.

With the qualifying session concluded, the focus now shifts to the final practice session scheduled for later in the day. The IndyCar field will reconvene at the Milwaukee Mile for a low-line practice at 4:30 PM ET, with coverage available on FS2. The anticipation builds as fans and teams prepare for the race, which will kick off at 2:00 PM ET on Sunday and will be broadcast live on FOX.

The Road Ahead for IndyCar Teams

As teams finalize their preparations for the race, strategizing becomes pivotal. The dynamics of the Milwaukee Mile, combined with individual driver strengths and weaknesses, will play a crucial role in determining the race outcome. For Palou, maintaining his momentum and navigating any challenges that arise will be key to securing yet another victory in his impressive 2025 season.

Conclusion

The qualifying session at the Milwaukee Mile not only highlighted Alex Palou’s exceptional talent but also set the stage for an exciting race ahead. With a competitive field filled with skilled drivers, the Snap-on Milwaukee Mile 250 promises to deliver thrilling action and unexpected twists. Fans will undoubtedly be on the edge of their seats as the best in IndyCar racing vie for supremacy on this historic oval track.

As the race day approaches, the excitement continues to build, and all eyes will be on Palou and the other drivers as they aim for glory in the NTT IndyCar Series. The Milwaukee Mile is ready to host an unforgettable race, and fans can expect nothing short of spectacular performances from these elite athletes in motorsport.