Ganassi’s Third Consecutive Indy 500 Pole

In an astonishing feat of speed and precision, Alex Palou seizes the third consecutive Indianapolis 500 pole for Chip Ganassi Racing, outpacing the competition with a record-breaking four-lap average of 234.217 mph.

Palou clinches Chip Ganassi Racing’s third straight Indy 500 pole. Alex Palou led Chip Ganassi Racing and Honda to their third consecutive pole position in the Indianapolis 500, clocking the fastest time in a trio of drivers who were separated by a mere 0.0676s over 10 miles.

Despite being considered an unexpected contender for the pole, Palou’s average speed of 234.217mph, traversing four laps and 10 miles in just 2m33.7037s, remained unmatched by subsequent drivers.

While his final lap experienced a significant slowdown, Palou acknowledged it over the radio, but his performance still held up and broke the record for the quickest four-lap pole run, outpacing Scott Dixon’s effort from the previous year.

Reacting to his achievement, an elated Palou expressed, “It means the world to me.”

Felix Rosenqvist of Arrow McLaren was ahead in three out of four laps, but a slowed last lap left him in the third position, as Palou looked on.

Despite securing the fastest time in the top 12 qualifying session and being the last car on the track, Rosenqvist could not overshadow Palou’s day.

Rinus VeeKay, who has an impressive history of fourth, third, and second place starts in his four attempts, will line up ahead of Palou, representing the top Chevrolet team, Ed Carpenter Racing.

Following Rosenqvist, one of the highlights of the month was Santino Ferrucci, who provided the underdog AJ Foyt team with an extraordinary start. It marked the team’s best start since 2001, and it was Ferrucci’s best qualifying performance yet.

Despite never starting better than 15th, Ferrucci has always finished in the top 10 in his four Indy 500 appearances. Starting further up the grid is a significant opportunity for the American racer.

Pato O’Ward will start the Indy 500 from his best-ever position, fifth, for Arrow McLaren, placing ahead of Dixon. They were among the initial runners and, while they couldn’t compete for the pole position, they secured a strong starting place, crucial for the Indy 500.

The teams will have practice sessions on Monday and Friday ahead of the race the following Sunday. Earlier in the day, in a last-minute bump day Last Chance qualifying effort, Jack Harvey ousted Rahal Letterman Lanigan team-mate Graham Rahal.

Starting grid Indy 500 2023

Ganassi Indy 500 Pole 2023 Ganassi Indy 500 Pole 2023 Ganassi Indy 500 Pole 2023 Ganassi Indy 500 Pole 2023 Ganassi Indy 500 Pole 2023

Takuma Sato shines with fastest time in Indianapolis 500 practice

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