O’Ward Secures Pole Position for Music City Grand Prix
Nashville, TN – Pato O’Ward delivered a stunning performance in qualifying for the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway, clinching pole position with a remarkable average speed of 202.621 mph in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevy. This marks O’Ward’s seventh career pole and his first on an oval.
David Malukas of AJ Foyt Racing initially led the qualifying session with an impressive two-lap average of 201.922 mph. “I was driving a beauty,” Malukas remarked, expressing disappointment at being edged out, “I wanted a pole position sticker.”
Christian Lundgaard, also from Arrow McLaren, secured third place with an average speed of 201.713 mph, showcasing team strength alongside O’Ward. Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou qualified fourth in the No. 10 Honda, clocking in at 201.603 mph, followed closely by teammate Scott Dixon with a 201.437 mph average. Josef Newgarden rounded out the top six, averaging 201.390 mph in the No. 2 Chevy.
Several notable drivers struggled during qualifying. Will Power qualified 12th, Kyle Kirkwood 13th, and Colton Herta, last year’s winner, ended up in 15th. Christian Rasmussen, fresh off a victory, placed 16th, while Conor Daly faced challenges, qualifying 25th.
O’Ward, reflecting on his qualifying run, stated, “The car was great; felt really comfortable. I’ve never won a race from pole. That’s on my to-do list this weekend.”
As the field prepares for the 225-lap race, questions linger about the performance of some high-profile competitors and their ability to regain speed during the race.
Final Practice Session: Set for today from 5:30-6:30 PM ET.
Qualifying Results
- Pato O’Ward – Arrow McLaren – 202.621 mph
- David Malukas – AJ Foyt Racing – 201.922 mph
- Christian Lundgaard – Arrow McLaren – 201.713 mph
- Alex Palou – Chip Ganassi Racing – 201.603 mph
- Scott Dixon – Chip Ganassi Racing – 201.437 mph
- Josef Newgarden – Team Penske – 201.390 mph
Upcoming Events
- Final Practice: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM ET
