Dennis Hauger Dominates Indy NXT Qualifying Once Again
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Dennis Hauger from Norway secured yet another pole position in the Indy NXT series, showcasing his flawless qualifying record this season. The young driver set the pace during the mixed conditions at Barber Motorsports Park, clinching the pole for the Grand Prix of Alabama with a blistering lap time of 1 minute, 12.7705 seconds.
Hauger, driving the No. 28 Rental Group car for Andretti Global, has been a force to be reckoned with since his debut in the INDYCAR development series, where he not only claimed the pole but also emerged victorious in the race at St. Petersburg, Florida.
Qualifying at Barber Motorsports Park proved to be a test of adaptability as changing weather conditions forced drivers to navigate a damp track. Divided into two groups, the field faced varying challenges with the first group opting for rain tires while the second group seized the opportunity to switch to slick tires as the circuit dried up.
Despite the disparity in track conditions, series rules dictated that the grid positions would alternate based on the quickest times from each group. This rule favored Hauger, who will be joined on the front row by Caio Collet, despite Collet’s time being over 12 seconds slower than Hauger’s best lap.
The trend of faster times from the second group continued throughout the lineup, with odd-numbered grid spots dominated by drivers from the drier, faster group, while even-numbered starters hailed from the wetter, slower group.
Hauger’s dominance was evident as he not only secured the pole but also improved his best time on his final lap. With a display of skill and precision, Hauger expressed his confidence in the Andretti team and his excitement about starting in the top spot for the race.
Amongst the impressive qualifiers was Evagoras Papasavvas, making his series debut and securing the third spot on the grid. Papasavvas, at just 17 years old, showcased his talent with a strong qualifying performance. Lochie Hughes and Myles Rowe also put up commendable performances, securing their spots in the second row for the race.
As the stage is set for an exhilarating race day, all eyes will be on Hauger as he aims to convert his pole position into another victory in the highly competitive Indy NXT series.
