IndyCar at Portland: Penske Sweeps Qualifying with Scott McLaughlin on Pole as Dixon Struggles | IndyCar

Last week Roger Penske’s team learned a lot during their test at Portland. They were able to apply that knowledge this weekend, which has put the rest of the paddock on notice. McLaughlin earned pole position and Josef Newgarden was just behind him, with points leader Will Power in 3rd. The three drivers have been at the top of every practice and qualifying session this weekend.

“Credit to everyone at Team Penske,” McLaughlin said. “We weren’t great here last year but we’ve come back here with three hotrods. We’re all pushing each other – Will, Josef and myself. To get pole is obviously a great thing. The Freightliner Chevy feels good. The Chevy power is great. I’m looking forward to the race tomorrow.”

The biggest surprise today was Christian Lundgaard leading the charge for Honda. The RLL Racing driver qualified 4th, once again leading the way for the three-car team. This was his first visit to Portland, and the rookie has really been performing well over the last few races. Following his runner-up result on the IMS road course, he finished 8th after qualifying 3rd at Nashville.

Reigning series champion and defending Portland race winner Alex Palou qualified 5th today, leading the way for Chip Ganassi Racing, as his three teammates struggled around the 12-turn, 1.964-mile natural road course. His future teammate (possibly) Pato O’Ward was just behind him in 6th in the final round of qualifying.

Felix Rosenqvist just missed out on advancing to the Firestone Fast Six by 0.0094 seconds. Still, the Arrow McLaren SP driver will have a solid starting position, as he will actually start alongside his teammate O’Ward on Row 3 as Newgarden (8th) will be serving a six-place grid penalty for an engine change.