Penske Struggles In Qualifying For The 2021 Indy 500
Photo: Chris Jones / IndyCar Media
It’s finally here. IndyCar has hit the track to qualify for the Indianapolis 500, which will take place next weekend. There’s been action, there’s been drama, and we’ll get you up to speed on what you need to know.
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Today, qualifying set positions 10-30, which includes everything but the first three and the final rows on the grid. So, all 35 drivers took to the grid to make an effort.
If you need a quick reminder on how Indy qualifying runs, I don’t blame you it’s way different than it is at any other track. Instead of one fast lap, drivers run four fast laps. The average of those lap speeds is your qualifying speed (and obviously, the faster you go, the higher you’ll qualify). This is a carry-over from the older days, but it’s a lot of fun because it requires drivers and teams to create a longer-run setup. If you have a single bad lap, your whole qualifying atte
Scott Dixon slammed the brakes on IndyCar's current youth movement by winning his fourth Indianapolis 500 pole by a mere 0.03 seconds on Sunday. The six-time IndyCar champion was the ninth and final driver to make his four-lap qualifying attempt around Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and he had to beat a pair of IndyCar's rising young stars to grab the pole. Colton Herta, the 21-year-old American signed just last week to a contract extension with Andretti Autosport, made his attempt moments before Dixon.
RC Enerson, Charlie Kimball Miss Indianapolis 500
The Field of 33 is set. Icon SportswireGetty Images
Runs have ended in last row qualifying for the Indianapolis 500. The Field of 33 is set.
Five drivers were at risk of missing the race before today s session: Sage Karam (Dreyer & Reinbold Racing), Will Power (Penske Racing), Simona de Silvestro (Paretta Autosport), Charlie Kimball (AJ Foyt Racing), and RC Enerson (Top Gun Racing). Karam, Power, and de Silvestro showed competitive speed yesterday and were heavy favorites to advance. Even after some on-track misfortune, they will do so.
Power s team, in particular, had a stressful last row shootout. Power hit the wall on one of his laps hard enough to leave a mark. But he never lifted, knowing that a lift would lead to the same result as a crash anyway. Power finished the run, setting an average time of 228.876 MPH, and qualified 32nd of 33 who will race next Sunday. Karam had a cleaner and easier run, qualifying at 229.156. S
Will Power was wide open around Indianapolis Motor Speedway, unwilling to let off the gas, even when he brushed his car against the wall. The 2018 Indianapolis 500 winner was one of five drivers fighting for a spot in the final row of the May 30 race. A Team Penske car never should have been on the bubble, and yet on Sunday, Power desperately tried to avoid becoming the first Roger Penske driver sent home from the Indy 500 since 1995.