Herta Secures Pole Position at Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix
Detroit, MI — Colton Herta clinched his 15th career pole at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix, clocking a remarkable lap of 1:00.477 in the No. 26 Andretti Global Honda. This achievement marks his consecutive pole at the venue, demonstrating his strong performance this season.
“It was a big relief. We were close a few times this year. Happy to do that. Happy to be P1,” Herta remarked after the session.
AJ Foyt Racing’s David Malukas emerged as the standout performer, securing second place with a time of 1:00.649 in the No. 4 Chevrolet. “Really good session. The mood’s really lifted up on us. We’re on a good run here. Very happy run,” said Malukas.
Kyle Kirkwood of Andretti Autosport was trending towards a top time but tragically hit the wall, damaging the right-rear suspension of his No. 27 Honda. Despite this setback, he managed to qualify third. “I’ve never been more disappointed with a third in my life. Threw away a pole,” Kirkwood expressed.
Christian Lundgaard from Arrow McLaren took fourth with a lap of 1:00.893, while Graham Rahal, despite qualifying fifth in the No. 15 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda, will start from 11th due to a six-position penalty incurred following the Indianapolis 500.
“It’s nice to have a fast car. Two years ago we were awful here. To see that gain, I did not expect that at all,” Rahal stated.
Championship leader Alex Palou, driving the No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, qualified sixth but will start fifth after adjustments. “To be sixth now feels like a pole,” he noted, acknowledging the demanding week following his Indy 500 victory.
The knockout qualifying format resulted in several unexpected outcomes, including Will Power leading the first round. Notable drivers failing to advance included Marcus Ericsson (P13) and Felix Rosenqvist (P15).
In the second round, Josef Newgarden sustained rear suspension damage, hampering his performance during a critical lap. Ultimately, the final quick six were composed of Herta, Malukas, Rahal, Kirkwood, and Scott Dixon.
Herta’s fierce competition for pole saw his fastest lap (1:00.456) narrowly separate from Rahal’s (1:00.685) by just 0.229 seconds. Herta’s victory in qualifying sets the stage for an exciting race on Sunday, which will air live on FOX at 12:30 PM ET.
Race Results (Top Qualifiers):
- Colton Herta (Andretti Global Honda) – 1:00.477
- David Malukas (AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet) – 1:00.649
- Kyle Kirkwood (Andretti Autosport Honda) – 1:00.681
- Christian Lundgaard (Arrow McLaren Chevrolet) – 1:00.893
- Graham Rahal (Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda) – 1:00.500 (will start 11th)
- Alex Palou (Chip Ganassi Racing Honda) – 1:00.993 (will start 5th)
