INDY NXT QUALIFYING REPORT: INDY NXT by Firestone at World Wide Technology Raceway

No. 26 Andretti Global Dallara

• After placing fourth in morning practice, Lochie Hughes and the No. 26 crew dialed in the car to take on the St. Louis oval and lock in his first pole position of the 2026 season.
• Today’s performance marks Hughes’ first pole position of the 2026 season and his first career INDY NXT pole on an oval.
• The last time that Hughes started a race on the pole was in Race 2 of the 2025 Indianapolis Grand Prix, where he drove to victory.

“I’m happy with the pole today. I knew that it was pretty good two laps, but I felt like I just left the tiniest little bit of margin out there, so I was a little bit nervous because I knew I probably could have gone a bit quicker. It’s just that it’s so easy to overdo it as well, so I’m happy that things played out like they did today. It’s been a rough start to the year, and my mind’s been a bit like a pretzel, so I am relieved to have a pole position. Hopefully, we can back it up with a win. That’s what we need. It’s the momentum going the right way. Thank you to McGinley Clinic, Roadpod and everyone who’s supporting me.”

Seb Murray

No. 27 Megatron Dallara

• Following an impressive afternoon practice session where he clocked the ninth-quickest lap, Seb Murray made his second career INDY NXT oval qualifying attempt tonight at World Wide Technology Raceway.
• As the 17th driver to make their qualifying attempt, Murray started his warm-up lap strong, but went in too deep into Turn 1 on his first timed lap, setting him back slightly.
• Despite the minor setback, Murray recovered well to lock in the 10th starting position for tomorrow’s race, three spots better than his starting position at WWTR last season.

“The No. 27 Megatron crew put together a fantastic car for qualifying. Massive thank you to those guys. The pace was really good. I made a mistake going into Turn 1 on my first lap, which didn’t help, but the pace was still strong. I’m really confident in the car for tomorrow, so hopefully we can build from there”

No. 28 Susan G. Komen Dallara

• Starting the day off with a fastest-lap time in the top five in practice this afternoon, Max Taylor made his WWTR qualifying debut this evening.
• Going out directly after Hughes, Taylor improved on his pace for practice, breaking into the top three quickest laps and securing a spot in the second row for tomorrow’s race.
• Today’s result marks Taylor’s INDY NXT career-best qualifying result on an oval.

“I underestimated the amount of grip that was out there. It was really quick. The No. 28 car was really fast, and it’s only my second time doing oval qualifying in INDY NXT, so it’s pretty hard. I’m still shaking a little bit right now. It’s the most nerve-wracking thing you’ll do, but it was a good run. The oval stuff is cool and I’m having a lot of fun. I’m happy with where we ended up today. I know the car is strong and we can fight from the second row.”

No. 29 Starchive Dallara

• Making his 11th INDY NXT career oval qualifying run this evening, Josh Pierson used his extensive experience to lock in a spot alongside teammate Taylor to lock out the second row for tomorrow’s race at WWTR.
• Pierson executed a solid run that held onto the provisional pole position for six consecutive qualifying attempts.
• Today’s result marks Pierson’s INDY NXT career-best qualifying effort on an oval.

“It was a really good day. Andretti Global and everybody on this No. 29 car, Starchive, TigerPLY and The Crypto Company have done an amazing job. Ovals were kind of a struggle for me last year, especially at Milwaukee and Nashville, but we weren’t bad here today. I’m happy to be where I am, and the team did a great job. The balance was good, and I didn’t have to work on the bars too much. I just made a little shift toward the front, but overall it was really solid.”

“What a great job by the Andretti INDY NXT team today. All four drivers did a tremendous job in qualifying. They have been working hard and have executed the goals they came in with. I’m really happy with Lochie’s pole-winning performance today. We really needed this, and it helps give him a little boost. Then Max and Josh are right behind him there at the front, which is great for the team. I’m also happy with the way that Seb has progressed at this track. Hopefully, we can have a really good race tomorrow and come away with some points.”