Alex Palou Takes Pole Position at Detroit Grand Prix

Alex Palou claimed the NTT P1 Award for the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix, marking his third straight pole position of the season. He set a fastest lap time of 1 minute, 1.9017 seconds.

What happened

Palou secured the top spot in qualifying for the Detroit Grand Prix after achieving a strong performance in the Firestone Fast Six. Driving the No. 10 HRC Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, he expressed satisfaction with his lap, stating, “I felt really good with my lap. So happy to make it to the pole.” This victory marks the first time he has won three consecutive poles in his career, achieved across three different circuit types this month: the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, the IMS oval, and the downtown Detroit street circuit.

Why it matters

Palou leads the INDYCAR SERIES standings, holding a 37-point lead over second-place David Malukas. With this pole position, he is well-positioned to secure a fourth victory in eight races this season, bolstered by past successes at this venue. He will compete against a strong field, including two-time series champion Will Power, who qualified second.

Background

On May 20, 2026, Palou triumphed in the Sonsio Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, followed by his victory at the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. His recent string of qualifying success is crucial as the season progresses, showcasing the challenges he has faced and overcome in various racing formats.

What's next

Palou will participate in the 100-lap race on May 28, 2026, scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. ET, following a 30-minute warmup session at 9:30 a.m. ET.