Marcus Armstrong Shines in Qualifying at World Wide Technology Raceway
In a striking display of talent, Marcus Armstrong has emerged as a formidable contender in oval racing, showcasing significant progress during the qualifying session at the World Wide Technology Raceway. The 24-year-old Kiwi, driving the No. 66 Honda for Meyer Shank Racing, secured the third fastest time overall, underscoring his rapid adaptation to the IndyCar Series after transitioning from the Formula 1 ladder.
Team Chevy dominated the qualifying, with Will Power claiming pole position for Team Penske. Teammate Josef Newgarden rounded out the top five, while Armstrong led the Honda contingent, marking his strongest qualifying performance to date.
Reflecting on the session, Armstrong noted, “It was a stable run and the car was really good. I’ve never done a short oval qualifying and not wanted more when I got out of the car. The car was mega and it felt really strong. Overall, I’m happy with our position and the No. 66 Honda will be ready to race tomorrow.”
Armstrong’s performance was particularly noteworthy given his previous qualifying results on short ovals, including a 13th place at World Wide Technology Raceway last year. He demonstrated consistent improvement, with additional noteworthy starts in his rookie season.
Felix Rosenqvist, driving the No. 60 Honda, expressed satisfaction with his own performance, stating, “Pretty clean run and no big mistakes. I think the second lap was competitive. I’m looking forward to high-line practice tonight. I truly think the high-line works here, and I hope we can get some two-lane racing."
Armstrong’s ascent not only signifies his individual skill but also highlights the collaboration with Chip Ganassi Racing, which provides engineering support to Meyer Shank Racing. His performance positions him as a key driver to watch in the upcoming race.
