IndyCar Qualifying Report: Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio
Mid-Ohio, July 15, 2023 – The Honda Indy 200 showcased the next generation of IndyCar talent, with an average age of 22.8 years among the top qualifiers. Alex Palou, at 28 years old, claimed his third pole position of the season, narrowly leading a youthful Firestone Fast Six.
Joining Palou in the Fast Six were Christian Lundgaard (23), Colton Herta (25), and the standout duo of Kyffin Simpson (20) and Nolan Siegel (20), both securing their best starting positions in the series. Louis Foster, also 21, continues to impress after his recent pole at Road America, reinforcing his reputation in the Firestone Fast 12 during his rookie season.
Simpson remarked on his achievement, stating, “It was incredible… Just barely slipping through in sixth place… surprised, but very happily surprised.” He will start second, directly behind Palou.
Siegel echoed similar sentiments about his fourth-place start: “Really happy to be starting fourth; best IndyCar starting position… things are really turning around.”
Lundgaard led his Arrow McLaren teammate Pato O’Ward, who struggled to find pace, qualifying 15th. Foster, while content with sixth, expressed disappointment over missing out on new tires for the final round, indicating he believed he could have contended for pole: “It’s a little bittersweet… but it’s a good sign.”
The results underline a promising future for IndyCar, with both young and notable contenders shaping the competitive landscape.
