Saturday’s IndyCar qualifying event at The Thermal Club was a shocker, not for who made it through, but for who didn’t. Team Penske, known for their track prowess, experienced an unusual setback as all three of their veteran drivers were unable to advance beyond the first round. This sudden derailment from their usual success has left many stunned and searching for answers.
While Team Penske didn’t lead the pack during the early stages of the weekend, their performance was far from the lackluster display that was witnessed Saturday afternoon. The time sheets painted an unflattering image of a team struggling to find their groove. Josef Newgarden, despite his best efforts, secured the highest starting place among the trio, but that was a disappointing 17th position.
Newgarden, after exiting his car, expressed his bewilderment to FOX, stating, “We just weren’t quick. None of us looked fantastic for our group.” He continued, “Despite the need for speed improvements, I was confident heading into the qualifying. Our car was in a promising position. Nevertheless, now we need to find that elusive speed for tomorrow’s race.”
An apparent issue for all three drivers was struggling with softer red-walled tires. The trackside cameras did not spare viewers the sight of their cars skidding wildly across the tarmac. The Thermal Club track is notorious for its rough surface, often compared to a cheese grater, which makes gripping a challenge for all drivers. However, Team Penske seemed to regress even further in this area during the first qualifying session.
Scott McLaughlin and Will Power, the other two members of the team, faced their own unique hurdles. McLaughlin suffered a spin on the main straight during his first push lap, narrowly avoiding a collision with the gravel and Armco barriers. He managed to continue but had difficulty assessing the current grip levels, resulting in a lowly 25th place in the qualifying.
Power, on the other hand, had to deal with dust on the track from another racer’s off-road mishap, which forced him to abort his first lap. He also struggled to achieve the right temperature in the soft rubber tires, hindering his final attempt. Power earned the 21st starting position, noting that they were “good in every single session except the one that counted.”
This qualifying stumble by all three Team Penske drivers is a rarity. The last time none of the team’s drivers made it into the Top 12 was at Portland in 2021, breaking a streak of over 40 road course events. The diverse complications that led to the subpar results suggest that finding a comprehensive solution before Sunday’s race could be a daunting task.
Nonetheless, one can’t discount Team Penske’s proven ability to bounce back from setbacks, thanks to their methodical approach to each race weekend. Their current predicament may seem dire, but if any team can turn things around, it’s Team Penske. Their next move will be one to watch closely.
