Alex Palou dominates at World Wide Technology Raceway for pole position

It is difficult to describe just how clinical Alex Palou has become. As the very last driver to hit the track at World Wide Technology Raceway, the Spaniard laid down a two-lap average of 174.353 mph in his No. 10 HRC Chip Ganassi Racing Honda to seize the NTT P1 Award. He didn't just win; he punished the field, clearing his closest rival by more than 1 mph on the 1.25-mile oval.

This is a man currently operating on a different level. By securing his fourth consecutive pole, Palou has become the first driver to achieve such a streak since Will Power did so in 2011. It is a stunning bit of history for the four-time reigning champion, who managed this feat even at a venue where he historically admits to having struggled. "My car was on rails today; it was incredible," Palou noted after the session.

Behind him, David Malukas proved his pace for Team Penske, slotting his No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet into second with a 173.244 mph average. Kyle Kirkwood, looking to defend his 2025 victory, secured third in his No. 27 Sam's Club Honda for Andretti Global, while Felix Rosenqvist put the No. 60 Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian Honda on the outside of the second row. Further back, Josef Newgarden—the master of this circuit with five career wins here—could only manage eighth in the No. 2 Astemo Team Penske Chevrolet.