Written by Adrian Beecher
Four years after scoring his first-ever IndyCar victory at Barber Motorsports Park, Alex Palou returned to the rolling hills of Alabama and reminded the paddock why he’s still the man to beat. On Saturday, the two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion powered his No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda to pole position for Sunday’s Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix, clocking a fastest lap of 1:07.2918 during the Firestone Fast Six.
“What an amazing day for the 10 car,” said Palou following qualifying. “This is such a special place for us here. We got our first race win in INDYCAR back in 2021.”
Palou’s lap came in the closing moments of the session, as the battle for pole tightened with multiple drivers trading fast times in the final minute. But the Spaniard held firm, delivering when it mattered most.
“It was super close,” Palou admitted. “I don’t think my first lap [in the Fast Six] was very good. I was just hoping to get a perfect lap on the second one on the alternates. So, yeah, cannot wait for tomorrow now.”
Joining Palou on the front row is Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin, who posted a 1:07.4387 and came within striking distance of the top spot. Colton Herta (1:07.4576) and Will Power (1:07.5616) will start third and fourth respectively, while Rinus VeeKay and rookie Nolan Siegel round out the top six after both drivers impressed in earlier rounds.
Palou heads into Sunday’s race as the championship leader, thanks to a dominant start to 2025 that’s seen him notch two wins and a runner-up finish in the first three rounds. With pole now secured, he’s in prime position to chase his third career win at Barber—a circuit that continues to play a pivotal role in his story.
Though calm and composed as always, Palou’s confidence is clear. And when he’s on pace this early in the weekend, history tends to favor him.
“We’ve had a great car all weekend. It’s about putting everything together, and today, we did just that.”
The Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix goes green Sunday at 1:30 p.m. ET. With Palou leading the field and momentum fully in his corner, all signs point to another heavyweight Sunday drive from the defending champ.
Image Credit: Mitch White/SkyBoat
