Kyle Larson advances to Fast Six, qualifies 5th for Indy 500

Expectations are rising for Kyle Larson, a standout talent in NASCAR. The Hendrick Motorsports driver, who is racing in his first Indianapolis 500 this season, secured his spot in the prestigious race during Saturday’s qualifying. Remarkably, Larson not only qualified but also advanced to the Fast 12.

On Sunday, Larson went even further by advancing to the Fast Six. With an impressive four-lap average of 232.846 mph in the Fast Six qualifying round, Larson clinched a top-five starting position in his debut Indianapolis 500.

After exiting his No. 17 Arrow McLaren race car, Larson expressed gratitude to his IndyCar team and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports for their support and efforts in making the car so competitive, allowing him to fulfill a personal dream.

Kyle Larson will start in the middle of the second row at the 2024 Indianapolis 500, while the battle for the pole position was fiercely contested by Team Penske teammates Scott McLaughlin, Will Power, and Josef Newgarden during Fast Six qualifying.

Newgarden was the first of the trio to qualify in the final round, achieving an impressive four-lap average of 233.090 mph. However, his time was soon surpassed by his teammates. Power posted an average lap speed of 233.917 mph, but McLaughlin outdid them all, breaking the 234 mph barrier with a four-lap average of 234.220 mph, securing his first Indianapolis 500 pole. This run set a record for the fastest pole-winning average in Indianapolis 500 history.

Alexander Rossi will start next weekend’s Indy 500 from the fourth position, while Santino Ferrucci will start from the sixth.

Before the Fast Six qualifying round, six drivers were eliminated from contention for the Indianapolis 500 pole during the Fast 12.