At the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Team Penske‘s qualifying highlights included Scott McLaughlin taking pole position, while rookie Dennis Hauger and Dale Coyne Racing grabbed attention with standout performances. The opening round of the NTT Indycar Series showcased a blend of veteran skill and new talent on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla., setting the stage for an unpredictable season start.
McLaughlin Clinches Pole Amid Close Competition
Scott McLaughlin delivered a rapid lap time of 1:00.54, narrowly outpacing his closest rivals by less than a quarter of a tenth. This achievement marks his twelfth career NTT Indycar pole and his third pole on the streets of St. Petersburg. Andretti Global’s Marcus Ericsson nearly captured his maiden pole, but will line up alongside McLaughlin on the front row, leaving him waiting for another opportunity to claim his first Indycar pole.
Dale Coyne Racing Rises with Rookie Talent
Dale Coyne Racing made a strong impression as both their drivers advanced to the Firestone Fast Six. Rookie Dennis Hauger demonstrated his potential by securing third on the grid, drawing significant attention as he outqualified several seasoned competitors. Teammate Romain Grosjean, returning after a sabbatical from Indycar, claimed the sixth starting spot. This performance is especially notable for Dale Coyne Racing, who finalized their driver lineup later than other teams but still managed to break into the top group in qualifying.
Defending Champion and New Faces in Top Five
Reigning champion Alex Palou will begin his title defense from fourth on the grid, marking his personal best starting position at this tricky street circuit. David Malukas impressed in his first race appearance for Team Penske, achieving a solid fifth place start. His strong result supports Team Penske’s decision to bring him aboard in place of veteran Will Power for the 2026 campaign.
Qualifying Round Two: High Stakes and Missed Opportunities
The second round of qualifying saw none of the McLarens, including Pato O’Ward and Christian Lundgaard, progress to the Firestone Fast Six, as both struggled to find the necessary speed. Meyer Shank Racing drivers also ended their qualifying efforts in this round, despite putting forth considerable effort. Marcus Armstrong came close to advancing further but ultimately starts seventh, while his teammate Felix Rosenqvist will begin from 11th. Rising prospects Louis Foster and Kyffin Simpson each secured top ten starts, comfortably making up row five for their teams.
A Shaky Start for Veterans in First Round
In a surprising development, Josef Newgarden secured only the 23rd starting position after a mishap in the final corner of his hot lap left him unable to record a better time. Both Andretti Global’s Kyle Kirkwood and new teammate Will Power exited early, with Kirkwood starting 15th and Power lining up just ahead in 13th. Scott Dixon also suffered disappointment, failing to advance beyond the first round for the first time at St. Pete since 2013, and will begin from 16th. Dale Coyne Racing’s late-confirmed lineup shone by advancing to the fast twelve, including a rookie and a veteran returning after a year away from the series. Both Meyer Shank Racing machines mirrored this achievement, making it into the top group and highlighting their collective investment ahead of the 2026 campaign.
Looking Ahead to the Season Opener in St. Petersburg
The starting lineup sets the tone for an intriguing opening round of the NTT Indycar Series. With Team Penske’s qualifying highlights featuring a blend of established stars and promising new entrants like Dennis Hauger, expectations are high for a compelling battle on the iconic street circuit. The grid reflects both the unpredictability and competitiveness that have come to define Indycar, signaling a season where established names and impressive newcomers are likely to shape the championship narrative from the very first green flag.
