Will Power finds his rhythm in Detroit qualifying

Seventy-one poles. That is the record Will Power is sitting on, a mark that feels like it might last forever. While he couldn't quite snatch his 72nd in Detroit, falling just short of the lightning-fast Alex Palou, he delivered his strongest qualifying performance of the year. Lining up second for Sunday's 100-lap race is a massive relief for a driver who has spent this season fighting an uphill battle.

It has been a rough start for Power, sitting 17th in the standings with an average starting position of 16.6. Transitioning to Andretti Global after 17 seasons with Team Penske has been anything but simple, and he’s been candid about the struggle. "Never feel comfortable," he admitted, noting that even moments he thought would be strong, like the Indy 500 where he finished 29th, have gone sideways. Yet, here he is, finally starting from the front row for the first time since last year's Bommarito Automotive Group 500.

There is reason to believe the tide is turning. Power loves this street circuit, and his experience with its brutal, uneven surface plays right into his hands. "The car is never perfect; it’s how you attack the corner," he explained. Having secured a 1:02.1249 lap to lock in his spot, he knows he left just a little bit of time on the table compared to his earlier 1:01.3554 effort in Round 2. If he can bring that same aggression to Sunday's race, he’s got a real shot at his 46th series victory.