Rookie Robert Shwartzman captures Indy 500 pole
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A most unlikely driver will lead the 33-car starting lineup to the start line in the May 25 race. Here is the full starting grid.
A rookie will be sitting on the pole for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500. Robert Shwartzman claimed the NTT P1 Award on Sunday, coming in with an average speed of 232.790 mph.
Twelve drivers have a chance at the pole position today, and four others are still trying to earn a spot in the race.
Facts and figures about the starting field for the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 25 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Robert Shwartzman has received praise from IndyCar fans online after FOX Sports' commentator Will Buxton revealed that the rookie does not have a backup car for the Indy 500.
Starting positions that have never produced a winner: 18, 23, 24, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 (that's bad news for Devlin Defrancesco, Callum Ilott, Helio Castroneves, Nolan Siegel, Colton Herta, Graham Rahal, Marco Andretti, Marcus Armstrong, Rinus Veekay).
Top 12 fight for pole position Sunday, May 18, 2025, during second day of qualifying for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500.
Josef Newgarden didn't get a chance to make a run for the Indianapolis 500 pole position, so he went for a run. The two-time defending race winner was spotted jogging Sunday afternoon at Indianapolis Motor Speedway not long after his car and that of teammate Will Power failed tech inspection.