Qualifying at the NTT IndyCar Series BITNILE.com Grand Prix of Portland on Saturday ended with a surprising twist, as Christian Lundgaard received a penalty that altered the top starting positions. Although Lundgaard posted the fastest time on the 1.964-mile Portland International Raceway, his unapproved engine change after Friday’s practice forced him to drop to seventh on the grid. This decision elevated his Arrow McLaren teammate Pato O’Ward to the pole position for Sunday’s 110-lap, 216.04-mile race.
Alex Palou’s mishap during Fast Six qualifying impacts championship prospects
Championship leader Alex Palou encountered difficulties in the Fast Six round, running off the course and hitting the Turn 11 tire barrier. Palou, who has claimed victory in eight of the 14 races this season, remained optimistic despite the crash. He said,
“Happy that we had pace. Obviously not happy that I went looking for mushrooms there in the Fast Six.”
Palou heads into Sunday’s race holding a 121-point advantage over O’Ward as he aims for his third consecutive series title and fourth in five years.
Race implications and broadcast details
The starting grid changes due to the Christian Lundgaard IndyCar penalty could have significant impacts on the championship outcome, especially with the title fight tightening between Palou and O’Ward. The 110-lap event will be broadcast live on FOX at 3 p.m. ET, with fans eagerly watching to see how these developments influence the season’s trajectory.
