Palou takes stunning Indy 500 pole for Ganassi: ‘I have no words’

Talk about a masterclass in speed! On Sunday at the Brickyard, Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou clinched pole position for next weekend’s 110th running of the Indianapolis 500, setting up the ultimate defense of his 2025 victory!

The four-time and reigning NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion secured his second career Indy 500 pole with a blistering four-lap average speed of 232.248 mph in his No. 10 DHL Honda, taking home the NTT P1 Award and a cool $100,000 bonus.

"I have no words," an ecstatic Palou shared. “So, that was incredible. It just feels incredible. Great start to the Month of May. Did not expect it.

“You could see the celebration was really high (after winning the pole) because this morning when we woke up, we did not expect this speed.”

The Spaniard overcame a late 31st qualifying draw that initially put him at a disadvantage in the rising heat, but his crew tuned the car beautifully, making him the first reigning "500" winner to claim pole since 2010.

It was a dramatic afternoon at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as the Firestone Fast Six shootout pushed six different teams into the top six spots.

Joining Palou on the front row are 2016 winner Alexander Rossi, who grabbed a career-best second for Ed Carpenter Racing, and Team Penske newcomer David Malukas in third.

Pole favorite Felix Rosenqvist dominated the earlier sessions but ultimately placed fourth for Meyer Shank Racing, followed by Santino Ferrucci in fifth for A.J. Foyt Enterprises, and Pato O’Ward rounding out the top six for Arrow McLaren.

With six brilliant drivers pushing the limits in the final shootout, the grid is set for an absolute thriller. The countdown is officially on for "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" this Sunday, May 24!