Scott McLaughlin finishing on pole after qualifying this afternoon for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The finish marked his 11th pole position in his IndyCar career. The pole marked Team Penske’s 699th pole position across all motorsports series and the 70th Team Penske pole for McLaughlin across his career with the team. “Huge amount of respect; we have so much trust in each other, and they trusted I could do the job today,” McLaughlin said. “The guys and girls on this team, they’re stars. I had to repay them. I made a little silly mistake there, and I was glad to come back with them. I just wanted to get pole first race of the year. Good vibes. It’s just great vibes – immaculate vibes, we like to say. I’m very excited.”
Multiple high profile drivers failed to advance. Eliminated in the first round were two-time series champion Will Power, who has won the pole nine times in the last 15 years at this race, and defending race winner Pato O’Ward. Power will start 13th in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet, while O’Ward will take the green flag from the 23rd starting spot in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet.
Full Qualifying Results