NTT IndyCar Series to Crown Pole Sitter at 109th Indianapolis 500

The NTT IndyCar Series has announced that five experienced winners and a rookie competitor will be vying for the coveted P1 Award, which grants the pole sitting privilege for the highly anticipated 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. The prestigious award is one of the most sought-after honors in the IndyCar series, and its winner will have a significant advantage in securing a strong starting position at the iconic Brickyard.

The Contenders

The list of contenders includes five seasoned winners who have previously taken home the top spot on the grid:

• Tony Kanaan: A two-time Indy 500 pole sitter, Kanaan is known for his exceptional driving skills and ability to adapt to different track conditions.
• Ryan Hunter-Reay: A former IndyCar champion, Reay has demonstrated his prowess in qualifying, consistently delivering strong performances throughout his career.
• Scott Dixon: A four-time Indy 500 winner, Dixon is one of the most successful drivers in IndyCar history. He boasts an impressive track record in qualifying and is widely regarded as a master of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
• Josef Newgarden: A two-time IndyCar champion, Newgarden has shown remarkable talent and consistency on the grid. His ability to qualify quickly will be crucial in securing the pole sitter position.
• Simon Pagenaud: The 2016 Indy 500 winner, Pagenaud is known for his exceptional driving skills and ability to navigate challenging track conditions.

The Rookie

Rounding out the list of contenders is a rookie competitor making his debut in the first oval race of his life:

• Zachary Claman DeMelo: A talented young driver with a strong background in karting, Claman DeMelo will be looking to make a lasting impression in his IndyCar debut. With his exceptional driving skills and aggressive qualifying style, he may pose a surprise challenge to the experienced contenders.

Qualifying Strategies

As the grid begins to take shape, drivers will need to carefully consider their qualifying strategies to maximize their chances of securing the pole sitter position. This could involve employing different tire compounds, adjusting their car settings, and pushing themselves to the limit in search of a strong lap time.

With only a few days left before qualifying, tensions are already building among the contenders. The NTT IndyCar Series drivers will need to stay focused and composed if they hope to emerge victorious and claim the coveted P1 Award.

The History of the Indianapolis 500 Pole Sitter

Securing the pole sitter position at the Indianapolis 500 is one of the most prestigious honors in the IndyCar series. The winner of the qualifying session will earn a significant advantage, as they will start from the front of the grid and have the opportunity to set the tone for their entire racing campaign.

Throughout the history of the Indianapolis 500, several notable drivers have secured the pole sitter position, including:

• Ralph Dewey: The first-ever Indy 500 pole sitter in 1911, Dewey set a record that would stand for over 50 years.
• A.J. Foyt: A four-time Indy 500 winner, Foyt is one of the most iconic drivers in Indianapolis Motor Speedway history. He secured his first pole sitter position in 1963 and went on to win multiple championships throughout his career.
• Mario Andretti: The 1969 Indy 500 winner, Andretti is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in IndyCar history. He secured multiple pole sitter positions throughout his career and won numerous championships.

Conclusion

The NTT IndyCar Series has announced an exciting lineup of contenders vying for the coveted P1 Award at the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. With five experienced winners and a rookie competitor in contention, this year's qualifying session promises to be an intense and thrilling battle for pole sitting privilege. As the drivers prepare to take on the iconic Brickyard, one thing is certain: only the strongest will emerge victorious and claim the P1 Award.

Timeline

• Qualifying Session: The NTT IndyCar Series qualifying session will take place on [Date] at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
• Pole Sitter Announcement: The pole sitter for the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge will be announced shortly after the conclusion of the qualifying session.
• Indianapolis 500: The 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is scheduled to take place on [Date] at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Getting Involved

For fans interested in following the action leading up to the 109th Indianapolis 500, be sure to stay tuned for updates and insights from the NTT IndyCar Series. The event promises to be an exciting and unpredictable battle for pole sitting privilege, with a talented lineup of contenders vying for the coveted position.

Track Information

• Indianapolis Motor Speedway: The iconic Brickyard will host the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.
• Qualifying Session: The qualifying session will take place on [Date] at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
• Event Schedule: The event schedule, including practice and qualifying sessions, can be found on the official NTT IndyCar Series website.

Social Media

Stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates from the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge through the following social media channels:

• Twitter: @NTTIndyCar
• Instagram: @indycar
• Facebook: @NTTIndyCar