Pato O’Ward Secures IndyCar Pole Position Amidst Lundgaard’s Stunning Penalty Drama!
In a jaw-dropping twist at Portland International Raceway, Pato O’Ward has claimed pole position for the highly-anticipated BITNILE.com Grand Prix, while Christian Lundgaard, who clocked the fastest lap in qualifying, faces a shocking setback due to a grid penalty. This electrifying development sets the stage for an exhilarating race in the final road course showdown of the 2025 NTT IndyCar Series season!
Lundgaard, who dazzled fans with a blistering time of 58.3939 seconds, was initially the talk of the town as he dominated the qualifying charts. However, his triumph was short-lived as he was hit with a six-place grid penalty after being one of three drivers—including Josef Newgarden and Santino Ferrucci—to incur sanctions for unapproved engine changes. The 24-year-old Danish driver expressed disbelief at his own speed, stating, “As I crossed the line, I still didn’t really expect it. I just felt like I had a big push in turn 5, a big push in turn 6. I didn’t really think that was it.” Despite the disappointment, Lundgaard remained optimistic, declaring, “I’m just proud of this team,” highlighting the resilience and performance of his crew.
With Lundgaard relegated to the seventh spot, it was O’Ward who seized the opportunity, posting a commendable lap time of 58.5343 seconds to snatch the pole position. The talented Mexican driver is determined to maintain his momentum in the championship race, currently sitting second in points. “I’m happy with this great qualifying session, and we’ll be leading the field to green. It’s the best view into turn 1,” O’Ward exclaimed, reflecting on the hard work of his team. “This was really our toughest road course last year. Great step forward.”
Felix Rosenqvist followed closely behind, securing the third starting position, while Will Power and David Malukas rounded out the top five. Alex Palou, who is in a fierce battle for the championship, faced a minor setback after a late-session mishap where he locked up his brakes and collided with the tire barrier. “I just tried a bit too hard,” Palou admitted, recognizing the tight competition for pole.
The qualifying session was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing dramatic moments as Rosenqvist and Lundgaard made their moves in the critical final seconds. Alexander Rossi came dangerously close to knocking Malukas out of contention, demonstrating the fierce rivalry and high stakes involved.
As the final qualifying results came in, fans were left buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming race. The Fast 12 had its fair share of drama, with Marcus Armstrong, Newgarden, and Scott Dixon making the top 10, while the likes of Marcus Ericsson and Kyffin Simpson faced elimination.
With qualifying now in the rearview mirror, the IndyCar teams are gearing up for the final practice session at 7:30 p.m. ET, setting the stage for what promises to be an action-packed race day. Don’t miss the BITNILE.com Grand Prix of Portland, going live Sunday at 3:00 p.m. ET on FOX, where O’Ward will lead a fiercely competitive field into battle!