Two of the most popular motorsports formats in the U.S., NASCAR and IndyCar, are often compared with each other. While both competitions promise high-action racing, their dynamics are drastically different.
Along with different cars, skillsets, and strategic acumen, even the qualification criteria for both competitions are different, at least in some races. NASCAR drivers racing for chartered teams do not have to worry about their starting spot in a points race. While this is also true for IndyCar drivers, except for the Indy 500.
For the Indy 500, every driver must earn their place. Marco Andretti, a veteran of the competition, recently had a tough time securing his starting place. However, after landing one of the last spots, he was positive about the race ahead.
Marco Andretti’s Qualification Drama for the Indy 500
Despite being a part of more than a handful of Indy 500s, this year, Andretti struggled to qualify for the race.
In his initial attempt on May 17, Andretti, even with all his experience, narrowly missed the cut in the top 30 starting positions. Following this, Andretti had one more shot to make it with the Last Chance Qualifying.
However, he had three more drivers alongside him who were eyeing a spot. Marcus Armstrong, Rinus VeeKay, and Jacob Abel were all fighting for the last three spots in the Indy 500.
On Sunday, VeeKay of Dale Coyne Racing averaged 226.913 mph in four laps behind the wheel of his No. 18 askROI Honda to grab the last spot in the race. Above him, Armstrong clinched the 32nd spot after recovering from his crash and averaging 229.091 mph.
Andretti, with his four-lap average speed of 229.741 mph, ended up with the 31st starting position for the Indy 500. Veekay’s teammate, Abel, after clocking 226.394 mph, failed to qualify for the competition.
Marco Andretti’s Reaction After Qualifying for the Indy 500
Andretti, who debuted in IndyCar in 2006, has raced in the competition every year since his debut. Even though he has participated 19 times in the Indy 500, he is yet to register a win at Indianapolis.
After qualifying for the race on Sunday, Andretti took to X to express his feelings about the feat. He confessed that he never imagined being happy after grabbing the 31st starting spot for the Indy 500. However, he was thankful for it and thanked his No. 98 team crew. Andretti ended his post with, “Now we go try to win the Indy 500!”
Never thought I’d be happy with 31st but today I am. Proud of the 98 group! Now we go try to win the Indy 500! 😤
— Marco Andretti (@MarcoAndretti)
Coming from a family of racers, Andretti has big expectations for himself at this year’s Indy 500. He is the grandson of IndyCar legend Mario Andretti, who won the championship title four times, along with the 1969 Indy 500. His father, Michael Andretti, is also a legend in the karting circuit.
As for chart toppers for the Indy 500, Russian-Israeli driver Robert Shwartzman holds the pole position, followed by Takuma Sato of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.