Pole record for Alex Palou

Moving up to third position in the Fast Six, Álex Palou set a record pole at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for this edition of the 500 Miles.

While Felix Rosenqvist was in the fight until the end, the pole for the 2023 edition of the Indianapolis 500 goes to the Spaniard of Chip Ganassi Racing. With an average speed of 234.217 mph Álex sets a record pole at the Indy 500.

At the end of the Fast 12, Felix Rosenqvist, Santino Ferrucci, Rinus VeeKay, Álex Palou, Scott Dixon and Pato O’Ward finish in the first six places and compete for pole position in the most prestigious race of the season.

Pato O’Ward hits first with four laps averaging 233.158 mph. Moments later, Scott Dixon failed in his quest to become the first driver in history to score three poles in a row at the 500 Miles. The New Zealander can’t do better than an average of 233.151 mph.

Álex Palou erased the four-lap qualifying record from the shelves by improving on the performance set last year by his Chip Ganassi Racing teammate, Scott Dixon (234.046 mph – editor’s note).

It means a lot to me. The whole team did a great job to give me the fastest car. Waiting was harder than doing those four laps. We knew we had to be very aggressive while being very consistent. It’s a very difficult race, but we’re going to celebrate this pole.

Alex Palou

Three Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing drivers against one from Dale Coyne Racing, such was the poster of the Last Chance Qualifying. After each driver’s first pass, Jack Harvey is the eliminated driver by far. His four laps are at 228.477 mph on average, against 229.159 mph on average for last-qualified Graham Rahal.

Jack Harvey canceled his attempt to get back on the track, but this new attempt was aborted, the next one was also unsuccessful and his hopes of qualifying were practically dashed.

However, one minute from the gong signifying the end of the session, Jack Harvey takes to the track for a final attempt. This will be the right one and 30 years after his father Bobby, Graham Rahal fails in his quest to qualify for the 500 Miles.