By Roy J. Akers- (Detroit,Mich.) www.skyviewsports.net
Herta’s Rebound
Colton Herta would love to forget The Indy 500 and Detroit is the bumpy elixer that might make him do the trick as he is the pole winner for Sunday’s race. “A complete 180 and just super happy for the team,” Herta said of his rebound from Indianapolis disappointment. “They worked their tails off in the Month of May. To come back with some redemption, it feels good.”
Joining Herta on the front row is Detroit Grand Prix Champion and two-time NTT Indy Car Champion Alex Palou. Palou said he likes the ‘bumpy Detroit track.’ He tells me why. (Below right) vv
Starting up Front
Other drivers that will start with optimal position on this bumpy and very narrow track are reigning two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden. Newgarden unexpectedly signed a contract renewal with Team Penske to drive the No.2 Hitachi Astemo team by qualifying third. His teammate Scott McLaughlin will join him in Row 2 after qualifying fourth at 1:01.3344 in the No. 3 Gallagher Team Penske Chevrolet.
Six-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Scott Dixon will start fifth after a best lap of 1:01.3905 in the No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.
Kirkwood rounded out the Firestone Fast Six at 1:04.2926 in the No. 27 AutoNation Honda. He was third on the provisional grid, but his best two laps were erased as a penalty for overshooting Turn 1 and stalling on his final flying lap, triggering a red flag.
Drivers starting in the last third of the field include Marcus Armstrong, who is 15th in 2024 NTT Indy Car Points. He will start 20th. Helio Castroneves will start 26th and Jack Harvey will start last in 27th place.
Reigning two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden celebrated his contract renewal with Team Penske by qualifying third at 1:00.9607 in the No. 2 Hitachi Astemo Team Penske Chevrolet. His teammate Scott McLaughlin will join him in Row 2 after qualifying fourth at 1:01.3344 in the No. 3 Gallagher Team Penske Chevrolet.
Six-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Scott Dixon will start fifth after a best lap of 1:01.3905 in the No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.
Kirkwood rounded out the Firestone Fast Six at 1:04.2926 in the No. 27 AutoNation Honda. He was third on the provisional grid, but his best two laps were erased as a penalty for overshooting Turn 1 and stalling on his final flying lap, triggering a red flag.