The results of the Indy 500 qualifying are without a doubt one of the most exciting parts of all of motorsports. Drivers risk everything on the famous 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) during four-lap runs that often go over 230 mph. They do this to get the pole position and guarantee a spot in the iconic 33-car field for ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’.
The 110th Indianapolis 500 will take place on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. ET, and you can watch it live on NBC. The qualifying weekend is set for May 16-17, 2026, which is the usual time. Practice will start earlier in the month. The NTT IndyCar Series is already heating as of March 2026. Alex Palou won the season opener in St. Petersburg, and David Malukas took pole position in Phoenix. But everyone in the paddock is looking forward to one date: Indy 500 qualifying.
This full guide has everything you need to know about the 2026 Indy 500 qualifying results. It covers the current format, the top contenders, our predicted grid, how USA fans can watch live, and a look back at historical records, including unbreakable marks set by legends like Arie Luyendyk and the fastest recent poles. This has everything you need, whether you’re betting, playing fantasy, or just love the drama.
How Indy 500 Qualifying Works in 2026
The format is still one of the most intense in open-wheel racing:
Teams fine-tune their setups and try to go faster as the track conditions get better during Practice Week (May 12-15 and May 18).
Weekend of Qualifying (May 16–17):
On Saturday, all the entered cars run to establish baseline times. The top 12 overall move on to the shootout on Sunday, and positions 13–33 start to get locked in.
The Firestone Fast 12 shootout on Sunday decides who gets the first 12 spots. The top six spots, including pole, are decided by the Fast Six. Last Chance Qualifying, a race to determine the final qualifying spots, could select cars 31–33 if more than 33 cars enter.
There is no passing; it’s all about the four-lap average speed and mastering the oval. There will be some small safety changes for 2026, like tyre flaps on superspeedways during all sessions, but the main format will stay the same, ensuring that the qualifying process remains competitive and exciting for both drivers and fans. Bump Day drama is very likely if 34 or more cars show up.
The Best Candidates for the 2026 Indy 500 Qualifying Results
These drivers are likely to do well in the Indy 500 qualifying results based on their past performance at IMS and in early 2026:
- Alex Palou (No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda) is the current series champion and is incredibly fast on ovals, averaging over 233 mph.
- Scott McLaughlin (No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet) is a pole specialist who always goes really fast.
- Josef Newgarden (No. 2, Team Penske Chevrolet) is a two-time winner of the Indy 500 (2023–2024) and a fan favourite at the Speedway.
- Pato O’Ward (No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet) is always fast in shootouts and still has work to do at Indy, particularly in improving his consistency during the race and mastering the track’s unique challenges, which include navigating the varying weather conditions and adapting to the different racing lines used by competitors.
- Scott Dixon (No. 9 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda) has won many poles, has a lot of experience, and stays calm under pressure.
- Up-and-coming stars to watch include Robert Shwartzman (PREMA Racing), David Malukas (Penske), Mick Schumacher, Kyle Kirkwood, and Christian Lundgaard.
Bump Day can always be changed by new drivers, one-time entries, and surprise packages, which can significantly impact the qualifying results and the overall competition for the Indy 500.
Top 12 Grid for the Indy 500 Qualifying Results in 2026:
The official results won’t be out until May, but based on this season’s speed, team strength, and IMS history, here is our early prediction:
| Position | Driver | Team | Predicted 4-Lap Avg Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Pole) | Alex Palou | Chip Ganassi Racing | ~233.5 mph |
| 2 | Scott McLaughlin | Team Penske | ~233.2 mph |
| 3 | Josef Newgarden | Team Penske | ~233.0 mph |
| 4 | Pato O’Ward | Arrow McLaren | ~232.8 mph |
| 5 | Scott Dixon | Chip Ganassi Racing | ~232.6 mph |
| 6 | Robert Shwartzman | PREMA Racing | ~232.5 mph |
| 7 | David Malukas | Team Penske | ~232.4 mph |
| 8 | Will Power | Team Penske | ~232.3 mph |
| 9 | Kyle Kirkwood | Andretti Global | ~232.2 mph |
| 10 | Christian Lundgaard | Rahal Letterman Lanigan | ~232.1 mph |
| 11 | Felix Rosenqvist | Meyer Shank Racing | ~232.0 mph |
| 12 | Takuma Sato | Rahal Letterman Lanigan | ~231.9 mph |
Graham Rahal, Rinus VeeKay, Colton Herta, and other veterans will make up the rest of the 33-car field, along with some possible surprises. Expect the average speed of the whole pitch to be around 231–232 mph again.
Memorable Moments and Historical Indy 500 Qualifying Records
Some of the best stories in racing have come from the Indy 500 qualifying results:
The all-time four-lap record of 236.986 mph, set by Arie Luyendyk in 1996 in a Reynard/Ford Cosworth, is still standing after almost 30 years.
The fastest one-lap time ever is 237.498 mph by Arie Luyendyk in 1996.
Scott McLaughlin (2024) holds the record for the fastest eligible pole speed in recent years at 234.220 mph.
Recent Pole Winners & Speeds:
- 2025: Robert Shwartzman (rookie) – 232.790 mph (PREMA Racing Chevrolet)
- 2024: Scott McLaughlin – 234.220 mph
- 2023: Alex Palou – 234.217 mph
- 2022: Scott Dixon – 234.046 mph (record at the time)
- 2021: Scott Dixon – High drama with soaring field averages
Most Poles: Rick Mears – 6 (1979, 1982, 1986, 1988–89, 1991). Fastest Fields (Average Speed): 2023 (232.184 mph), 2024 (231.943 mph), 2025 (231.207 mph – third-fastest ever).
Famous Moments:
- Scott Brayton took the provisional pole at 233.718 mph in 1996 but, sadly, died during practice. Tony Stewart moved up after Luyendyk’s backup car was disqualified.
- Fans cried over Bump Day heartbreaks in the 2010s.
- It is very rare for a rookie to get a pole position. Shwartzman in 2025 was the first since Teo Fabi in 1983.
These records show that aero kits, engines, and tires keep getting better, but Luyendyk’s 1996 marks are still the best.
How to Watch the Indy 500 Qualifying Results Live in the US
Watch every single run live:
TV: NBC or USA Network (check local listings for coverage on May 16 and 17).
Peacock Premium or INDYCAR LIVE Pass on indycar.com, lets you stream.
Real-Time Leaderboard: indycar.com/leaderboard—speeds and positions change right away.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s IMS Live Grid shows four-lap averages as they happen.
Mobile App: The INDYCAR App lets you get push notifications, telemetry, and alerts.
Follow @IndyCar and @IMS on X to get the latest news right away.
Why the Indy 500 Qualifying Results Are Important for Race Day
You get the best pit box if you start at the front, and you can avoid the huge mess in Turn 1 on lap 1. About 15% of Indy 500 winners come from the pole, but strategy, tyre wear, and luck are also very important. In 2026, when Palou tries to defend his title, expect some big fireworks.
Last Thoughts on the 2026 Indy 500 Qualifying Results
The results of the Indy 500 qualifying race start the magic of May. There could be record-breaking drama and unforgettable stories in 2026, with possible runs of 233 mph and fierce battles between Palou, McLaughlin, Newgarden, and rising stars.
Save this page as a bookmark. We’ll post the official results here after qualifying ends in May. Who do you think will take pole? Leave your guess in the comments!
For more IndyCar news:
Indycar.com has a live leaderboard and results.
For the full 2026 schedule, go to indycar.com/schedule.
Let’s get racing! 🏁🏎️
