Indy 500 2026 Qualifying: Pole Position, Top Performers & Full Starting Lineup Revealed

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Indianapolis, May 18, 2026 — The 2026 Indianapolis 500 qualifying concluded with a historic moment for Alex Palou, who secured pole position for the 110th running of the race, marking the first time a Honda-powered car has topped the starting lineup since 2004. The event, known as “Super Sunday,” drew massive attention as drivers battled for the coveted spot on the front row of the grid.

Palou’s achievement came after a dominant performance in qualifying, where he turned in the fastest time of the weekend. His victory on the track was matched by the significance of the moment—Honda’s return to pole position at Indy after a 22-year absence. The manufacturer’s success underscores a resurgence in the sport, with Honda’s engine program gaining momentum in recent seasons.

Palou’s Pole Position and the Honda Resurgence

Palou, driving for Chip Ganassi Racing, claimed pole with a time that left competitors struggling to match. His speed was a testament to both his skill and the performance of the Honda engine, which has been a key factor in IndyCar’s push for technological innovation. The victory also marked the first time a Honda-powered car has started on the front row since 2004, when Buddy Rice achieved the feat.

In a post-qualifying interview, Palou reflected on the historic nature of his achievement, stating:

It’s a huge honor to be on pole for the Indianapolis 500, especially in a Honda. This team and this engine have worked so hard to get to this point, and it’s a great feeling to be leading the field.

— Alex Palou, via Honda Newsroom

Honda’s success in qualifying was not limited to Palou. Multiple Honda-powered entries secured top-10 positions, further solidifying the manufacturer’s dominance in the field. The engine’s reliability and power output have been critical in IndyCar’s push for competitive balance and fan engagement.

A Mixed Bag of Emotions Among Competitors

While Palou celebrated, other drivers expressed a mix of disappointment and admiration. Alexander Rossi, who finished second in qualifying, acknowledged the challenge of competing with Palou’s pace but remained focused on race day.

Rossi told Motorsport.com:

It’s not often that you are happy with second place, but I know Alex had a great run. We’ll take it race by race now.

— Alexander Rossi

The top-10 qualifying lineup was finalized with a mix of veterans and rising stars, including Pato O’Ward, Scott Dixon, and Marcus Ericsson. The starting grid reflects the depth of talent in IndyCar, with drivers from multiple teams vying for victory on the iconic oval.

The Full Starting Lineup for the 2026 Indy 500

The complete starting lineup for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 has been confirmed, featuring 33 cars set to compete on May 29, 2026. The grid includes a mix of regular competitors and rookies, all aiming for the prestigious Borg-Warner Trophy.

Key highlights from the lineup include:

• Pole Position (1): Alex Palou (Chip Ganassi Racing, Honda)
• Row 1: Alexander Rossi (ARP-Myers-Shandwick Racing, Honda), Pato O’Ward (Arrow McLaren SP, Chevrolet)
• Row 2: Scott Dixon (Chip Ganassi Racing, Honda), Marcus Ericsson (Arrow McLaren SP, Chevrolet)
• Row 3: Josef Newgarden (Team Penske, Chevrolet), Will Power (Team Penske, Chevrolet)

The full list of drivers and their respective teams can be found on Beyond the Flag, with the complete qualifying results available for review.

What Comes Next: The Road to Race Day

With qualifying complete, attention now turns to the final preparations for the 2026 Indianapolis 500. Drivers will focus on refining their setups, practicing pit stops, and preparing for the physical demands of the 500-mile race.

The race itself is scheduled for May 29, 2026, with the traditional pre-race festivities, including the iconic “Backyard Brunch” and the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana,” set to take place in the days leading up to the event.

As the field gears up for the biggest race in American motorsport, all eyes will be on Palou, Rossi, and the rest of the competitors as they battle for the ultimate prize in IndyCar.

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