Amidst fourth straight pole position, Alex Palou remains hesitant on performance at WWT Raceway

Jeffrey Hrunka - INDYCAR Contributor

Riley Ogle (Motorsports Today, 2026)

Alex Palou continued to dominate on the timing sheets, earning his fourth straight NTT INDYCAR SERIES pole position. He outpaced championship adversaries David Maulkas and Kyle Kirkwood, who line up second and third for the Bommarito Automotive Group 500.

Even with the pole, Palou remained hesitant on his pace for the Bommarito 500. Yet, it was his increased preparation and focus around the track that made all the difference.

“I think this pole, it actually means a lot more than what people might think. People might think it's just another pole. For me, means a lot,” Palou said. “I've been preparing a lot for this race and for this qualifying. I'm very, very happy that it worked out.” 

The lack of confidence was echoed throughout Saturday's practice and qualifying sessions. Before on-track action began this weekend, Palou believed his St. Louis struggles were a skill issue.

“Talent. I lack talent here (smiling),” Palou said. “I don't know what to say. If I knew, I would fix it right away. I don't know. Just confidence-wise I struggle [at WWT Raceway].”

Although Palou prefaced he isn’t a shoo-in for tomorrow’s race win, his recent results make him one of the favorites.  His career-best finish at World Wide Technology (WWT) Raceway was a fourth-place effort in 2024. He also enters the weekend with four straight top-10 finishes at the raceway

Palou gave significant props to Chip Ganassi Racing teammates and allied organization Meyer Shank Racing for the pace he showed during his two-lap average. Four of the five cars in the alliance: Alex Palou (51.62s), Felix Rosenqvist (52.037s), Marcus Amrstrong (52.179s), and Scott Dixon (52.181s) qualified inside the top 10. 

Kyffin Simpson, driver of the No.8 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, was the sole car of this group outside the top 10, qualifying 14th with a time of 52.635 over two laps.

“It's always huge when you have the advantage of going last, not only because of track evolution but also just to see what your teammates do,” Palou said. “I knew what they were running and what they said on the radio. Everybody can hear it, but nobody drives the same car.”

Bommarito Automotive Group 500 Qualifying Results (Top-10):

1. Alex Palou #10 (LEADER) -51.62s

2. David Maulaks #12 - 51.95s

3. Kyle Kirkwood #27 -51.962s

4. Felix Rosenqvist #60 -52.37s

5. Scott McLaughlin #3 -52.063s.

6. Marcus Armstrong #66 -52.179s

7. Scott Dixon #9 -52.181s

8. Josef Newgarden #2 -52.2s

9. Pato O’ Ward #5 -52.328s

10.  Alexander Rossi #20 - 52.514s *Drivers ran two laps in qualifying to set the fastest time. Times are two-lap times.

Palou will lead the NTT INDYCAR SERIES field to green in the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at WWT Raceway on FOX at 9:25 pm EST.