Qualifying Brings More Drama
There was already some added drama this morning, when it was announced that points leader Alex Palou would sustain a 9-spot grid penalty for an unapproved engine change. Then the other title contender, Will Power, did what he had to do and qualified fourth – not outstanding, but not disastrous. Being the current points leader, Alex Palou was the last to make his qualifying run.
Knowing the best he could do was start tenth, Palou could have still won a valuable point by winning the pole. Instead, he qualified fifteenth – meaning he will actually start twenty-fourth. I know he’s got a thirty-three point lead going into Sunday’s race, but that has to put pressure on him. Not only does he have to avoid someone else’s mistake, but then he has to carve his way back up for that magical Top-Ten finish that will guarantee him the championship.
Keep in mind, starting that far back puts Palou back in the pack with many less experienced, but eager drivers that are driving for their employment next season. When you are trying to win a championship; that has to make you uneasy.
Oh, by the way – Andretti Autosport’s Kyle Kirkwood won the pole – his first on an oval, while Josef Newgarden qualified second, and Felix Rosenqvist will start third. After Power, Santino Ferrucci will start fifth. The rest of the Top-Ten featured David Malukas, Conor Daly, Pato O’Ward, Scott McLaughlin and Linus Lundqvist, who happened to be the fastest Ganassi car in the field.
The fastest of the Rahal cars was Christian Fittipaldi, who qualified nineteenth. Graham Rahal qualified twenty-second, and Christian Lundgaard qualified twenty-fourth in his farewell performance with the team, before he heads to greener pastures with the No. 7 car at Arrow McLaren.
Speaking of the No. 7 that is currently occupied by Alexander Rossi, he qualified twentieth, but will also be penalized nine grid spots – along with Palou and Scott McLaughlin.
I had forgotten what a nice facility this is. There is ample parking and the Media Center is one of the nicest I’ve been to. It is located just behind the pits and Victory Lane is attached to the building. Of course, this is the first time I’ve been in this media center, as all of the races I attended in the 2000s were before I started this site in May of 2009. There are permanent garages for the teams to work on the cars. There are no walls like at Indianapolis, but teams aren’t working under tarps like they do at many tracks.
Between practice and qualifying, I rode the fan shuttle over the fan zone behind the main grandstands. Mrs. Oilpressure had requested a specific hat to wear tomorrow during the race as she watches from her hospital bed. Being the dutiful husband I am, I went over and got it for her.
As I have been typing, the Indy NXT qualifying was going on – but then the rains came. They ultimately cancelled Indy NXT qualifying.
This also postponed the High-line practice originally scheduled for 4:15. Then we were told that 6:15 would be the target after two hours of drying. At 6:10, it started raining again. I have waited until 7:00. I have an idea they will eventually cancel it, but I have to get back and visit Mrs. Oilpressure in the hospital, In short, I’m giving up for the night.
I will be back here in the morning, when the forecast is much better. Please check back here then.
George Phillips
Oilpressure 
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