PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Santino Ferrucci won the first pole of his IndyCar career on Saturday and secured the top starting position for AJ Foyt Racing at Portland International Raceway.
Ferrucci, who benefits from the first-year alliance between Foyt and Team Penske, achieved the surprising result by outperforming Penske driver Will Power – the best qualifier in IndyCar Series history – in qualifying.
It was Foyt’s first pole since Takuma Sato won the top spot in Detroit a decade ago. Team president Larry Foyt waited until his post-qualifying media obligations were over before calling his 89-year-old father at home in Texas about the pole.
“It’s huge. I think you could see how happy everyone is because a few years ago it was quite a struggle,” Foyt said. “We just continued to build this team, keep hiring better people and that’s what led to all of this.”
Ferrucci couldn’t stop grinning after his run.
“I think it’s no secret how hard we’ve worked this year,” said Ferrucci. “My first pole in IndyCar career, and I’m not exactly known for being the best qualifier. Today we just felt it. We rolled off the trailer unbelievably.”
“It’s been a year of hard work and progress and we’ve really shown some speed at times. It feels great to get it all done, man. Oh my God. We did it.”
Ferrucci will start from pole on Sunday in his 74th career start and said it means “everything” to him.
“Hell, I have a little more negotiating power for next year,” said Ferrucci, who does not have a contract with Foyt for 2025. David Malukas recently signed with the two-car team and Larry Foyt has not yet decided who the second driver will be.
Ferrucci is already driving his second season for Foyt, Sting Ray Robb is in his first year with the team.
“I think it’s no secret that I’ve found a home here with Larry and AJ Foyt, so I want to stay and I think that’s possible here,” Ferrucci said. “Obviously, a lot still has to happen and it’s a pretty important offseason, but getting the pole today definitely doesn’t hurt.”
Power, who still has a mathematical chance to win the IndyCar championship, qualified second while Chevrolet made the first two stops. Power waited until Ferrucci finished his interviews to congratulate him with a hug.
“Great job, man, I’m proud of you,” Power said. “I hope you executed my setup.”
Power said it would be beneficial for him to start alongside Ferrucci.
“His lap was very good, he did a good job,” Power added later. “It’s great to be on the front row with something like a teammate. Santino, we’re exchanging some information, so we can talk about the start.”
Larry Foyt said the alliance with Team Penske was a crucial help to the once powerful Foyt organization.
“They’ve been great to work with and I’ve learned a lot. I can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done to help us achieve this and get to where we want to be,” Foyt said. “A fantastic organization to be a part of.”
Alex Palou, a two-time Portland winner who clinched the championship with his win at this track last season, qualified third despite going off track early in the final group. The Spaniard has a 59-point lead in the standings and is seeking his third IndyCar title in four years.
He doesn’t think this season is a sure thing, because there are three races left after Portland, and they’re all on oval tracks that Palou has never raced on. He’s also never won a race on an oval track.
“Ultimately, we need to continue to finish ahead of Palou,” said Power. “I can be more aggressive at the start than he does. I have a lot to lose, but less than him, and we’ll just focus on winning the race.”
Christian Lundgaard qualified fourth for Rahal Letterman Lanigan – two spots ahead of teammate Graham Rahal, who will serve a grid penalty for an unauthorized engine change at the start of Sunday’s race.
Kyle Kirkwood qualified fifth for Andretti Global, while Honda entries took four of the top six spots. But it was Chevrolet, Ferrucci and Power who took the two most important spots.
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AP Auto Racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press
