QUALIFYING REPORT: Bommarito Automotive Group 500

• After rounding out the top six in the weekend’s opening practice earlier today, Colton Herta was eager to bring that speed into qualifying this afternoon. Going out 19th in the single-car oval qualifying format, Herta delivered a two-lap average to lock in an eighth-place starting position for tomorrow’s race.
• Today’s qualifying result marks Herta’s second-best starting position on the St. Louis oval after starting on the front row in 2021 and 2023, and the third time he will roll off the grid in the top eight at World Wide Technology Raceway. 
• Herta concluded the day 10th on the leaderboard for Final Practice.

“Overall, it was a pretty good day for the Gainbridge Honda. We knew it was going to be tough to match the pole pace, but I thought we could still put up a strong fight. I might have left a little on the table in the first lap, but overall, I’m happy with the run. Around here, the margins are really close. We’ll be ready to race tomorrow.“

• Finishing ninth in this afternoon’s opening practice, Kyle Kirkwood was the last Andretti driver to qualify at World Wide Technology Raceway, with the field lining up in reverse Championship order. 
• Kirkwood’s two-lap average run placed the No. 27 Siemens Honda in the fifth row for tomorrow’s 260-lap event. This marks the American driver’s second-best starting position at World Wide Technology Raceway after starting fifth in last year’s race.
• Kirkwood concluded the day in 15th during Final Practice.

“It was a good run for the Siemens Honda. We’ll go back through the data and see exactly where we’re losing time, but overall, where we’re starting isn’t bad. Andretti Global has always been strong here. We had cars capable of winning last year. Now it’s just about executing and doing everything right to stay in the fight.”

• Making his eighth qualifying attempt at World Wide Technology Raceway this afternoon, Marcus Ericsson was the first Andretti INDYCAR driver to take on today’s qualifying session.
• The Swede showed impressive speed after climbing to the top of the leaderboard following his run. However, as the session came to a close, the Fresh Connect Central Honda ultimately locked in a 13th-place starting position.
• Starting in Row 7, Ericsson will look to add his second oval victory to his resume when he takes on the St. Louis circuit tomorrow.
• Ericsson went on to lock in a P21 result during Final Practice.
  

“The No. 28 Fresh Connect Central Honda felt really good out there. It was right on the limit, and there are always a few things you could improve. But overall, I think we put together two solid laps. I know we’ve got a strong car, and this track is always a fun one to race on, so I’m feeling confident about our chances tomorrow.”

“It has been a long day, but I’m glad we got everything in. Qualifying was a bit disappointing, but I think we’ve got good cars. I was happy with the speed we showed in Final Practice, and I’m looking forward to the race tomorrow.”