The NTT IndyCar Series held its qualifying session Saturday afternoon, with drivers taking to the 2.258-mile course.
Qualifying was delayed nearly three hours for thunderstorms that built over the track, necessitating teams and track workers to take shelter.
The storms left relatively quickly, and the lightning hold meant that the wet track was nearly completely dry by time drivers were allowed to turn laps.
READ MORE: IndyCar Mid-Ohio – Full Qualifying Results
At the end of three knockout rounds, it was Christian Lundgaard who earned pole with a time of 1:04.8396.
The Danish driver won the previous race at Road America and has been making quite the statement at a time when it appears his seat at Arrow McLaren is not safe.
Lundgaard’s Arrow McLaren team-mate Pato O’Ward was second quick, making for a papaya front row for Sunday’s race.
Five of the six drivers in the Fast Six were powered by Chevrolet, and the only Honda representative was Will Power.
The veteran was third quick in his Andretti Global machine, helping him feel more comfortable in his new home.
David Malukas was fourth quick, earning a place on the second row in his Team Penske Chevy.
Rinus VeeKay and Christian Rasmussen each used a set of their soft tires in the early rounds, which meant they did not have a fresh set for the final round.
They used their used tires to earn qualifying positions five and six and will fill the third row.
Veterans knocked out
There were more than a few surprising named knocked out in the second round, with none more surprising than Alex Palou.
The reigning champion had earned five consecutive poles coming into the weekend, but was not able to repeat this weekend.
Palou could not match the pace of others around him, and earned the eighth grid position.
He blamed a driver mistake for his lap time, and felt he can move through the field on Sunday.
Marcus Ericsson was just a hair quicker, but still slow enough to miss the cut for the final round. He will start in seventh.
Josef Newgarden was next in the order, and earned the ninth starting position while he continue to battle with an ailing left foot.
Kyle Kirkwood was 10th quick after having been near the top of the timesheets earlier in the weekend. Caio Collet and Graham Rahal rounded out the Fast 12 session.
Making mistakes
Although there were no incidents to stop the action once it was started, a few drivers found themselves suffering consequences for their mistakes.
The most costly mistake was completed by Scott Dixon, who was caught blocking Romain Grosjean in the first round.
Dixon’s two fast laps were disqualified, and he was forced to take up the 23rd position near the back of the grid.
Grosjean was unable to get another run going after being blocked, and will start from one row ahead in 21st position.
Scott McLaughlin was one of a few drivers that struggled to find the right grip and balance combination, leading to him feeling unsure of his car as he blasted through the high-commitment corners.
He was the only Team Penske driver to be eliminated in the first round, and earned the 16th starting position.
Felix Rosenqvist was also relegated in the first round, struggling to get pace through his Meyer Shank Racing Honda. He earned the 13th spot on the grid.
Drivers will return to the track on Sunday at12:30 PM eastern time, although more scattered storms are forecast to roll through the area, which has the potential to delay proceedings.
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