Lundqvist delivers an exceptional performance on a challenging track to secure his first place on the starting grid.
The qualifying session for the IndyCar race at Road America on Saturday proved to be difficult due to wet conditions, causing drivers to struggle to set the fastest laps.
The 4.01-mile circuit was completely wet when qualifying began, but as the rain subsided, cars gradually created a drier racing line on the track.
Throughout the elimination sessions, lap times improved progressively, although rain tires were still needed until the Firestone Fast 6 shootout, where drivers showcased their skills by switching to slick tires on their final attempts for pole position.
As lap times continued to drop, rookie Linus Lundqvist managed to complete his fastest lap just before the red flag was raised, securing his first career pole position.
Lundqvist had anticipated the possibility of rain and was ecstatic to emerge victorious on the day.
Colton Herta clocked the second fastest time and will start alongside the rookie in Sunday’s race.
Marcus Armstrong and Kyle Kirkwood completed the second row, both demonstrating impressive pace so far over the weekend.
During the final lap of qualifying, Josef Newgarden suffered a serious crash while navigating the high-speed corner at the back straight.
In an attempt to use the curbing, Newgarden lost control due to water remaining on the edge of the track, resulting in a heavy collision with the wall.
Despite the extensive repairs his team will have to make, Newgarden is expected to start from the third row.
Will Power also had difficulties to keep control of his #12 Team Penske car and went off track during his first lap in the final session.
Due to needing assistance from safety officials early on, Power had to settle for sixth place.
Alex Palou nearly made it to the Fast 6, coming within three tenths of a second with a time of 2:00.9290. He will share the fourth row with Scott McLaughlin, who collected debris on his sidepod after going through the gravel on one of his laps.
Chip Ganassi Racing had an impressive performance, with two drivers in the Fast 6 and all five drivers securing spots in the Top 12.
Scott Dixon will start in 10th position, while Kyffin Simpson will start in 12th, making it a successful afternoon for the team.
Helio Castroneves was one of the few drivers who needed assistance during qualifying, as he went off track in the runoff area of turn 5.
As a result, Castroneves lost his fastest laps and will start Sunday’s race from the back row.
The weather forecast for Sunday does not predict rain, offering fans the prospect of a smoother race. The 55-lap XPEL Grand Prix will start at 2:45 central time.
