LEEDS, Ala. — There is little that can slow down Alex Palou, the four-time NTT IndyCar Series champion and the defending winner of the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix.
The Chip Ganassi Racing driver won the pole for Sunday’s race with a fast lap of 1:06.234 for a speed of 125.010 mph in the No. 10 DHL Honda around the 2.3-mile, 17-turn Barber Motorsports Park. It was Palou’s 13th career pole and first in 2026.
His lap time was one second faster than the pole time that he recorded at Barber in 2025.
“No. 13 is not a good number, hopefully we can change that number on Sunday,” Palou said. “Obviously one of the best cars I have ever driven.
“This morning, I felt the car was really, really good. Very well balanced. We wanted to start up front, capitalize on a really good car today and start up front on Sunday. I’m really happy to get our first pole of the year.”
David Malukas of Team Penske was second in the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet at 1:06.3478 (124.797 mph). He was the only Chevy driver in the Fast Six.
“Satisfied for sure, but it still hurts because we would have gone for the pole,” Malukas said. “I overdid it and that is a little on me because I wanted to be aggressive and push it and keep the momentum from 2026 going.”
Graham Rahal of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing was third at 1:06.5181 (124.747 mph) in the No. 15 Honda. He was the only driver on used Firestone Red tires.
“I didn’t realize I was the only, but I felt we were in the hunt,” Rahal said. “I was glad we were able to make it in because I didn’t do well in Q2. I know we can race well here and I’m a little surprised the other drivers went with new Reds here.
“This is just a wonderful place. It’s physical and tomorrow will be a bruiser. Hopefully, we can take it to Alex. We’ll see.”
Marcus Armstrong of Meyer Shank Racing was fourth at 1:06.5312 (124.453 mph) in the No. 66 Honda followed by Kyle Kirkwood’s No. 27 Honda at 1:06.8326 (123.892 mph) and Roman Grosjean’s Honda from Dale Coyne Racing at 1:06.8363 (123.885 mph).
Grosjean and Rahal were the “rabbits” at the start of the session by turning fast laps, but Grosjean went off course and through the grass in Turn 9. He was able to continue, but it ruined his lap.
Rahal kept his foot on the throttle in an attempt win a pole for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
Palou’s No. 10 DHL Honda came on course with 1:30 left in the Fast Six with light fuel and soft tires as the Spaniard was well on pace for the fastest lap of the session.
It worked with a lap at 1:06.2341 around the 2.3-mile, 17-turn Barber Motorsports Park.
