INDYCAR QUALIFYING REPORT: OnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland

Will Power

No. 26 TWG AI Honda

• After finishing in the top 10 in Practice 2 earlier this morning, defending race winner Will Power opened qualifying for the Andretti squad in Group 1, advancing to Round 2 after putting down the quickest lap time in the previous round.
• Power advanced through Round 2 to make his fifth Firestone Fast Six appearance at Portland International Raceway. While putting up the speed to challenge for pole, Power went off course in Turn 7 on his final run and ultimately finished the session third.
• With three wins, one pole and 247 laps led at Portland, Power will look to capture his third straight victory at the circuit tomorrow from the second row on the grid.

“On the exit of Turn 7, I had a big spin-up, and I definitely lost a 10th [of a second] there. It was still a very nice job by the team today. We had Marcus in the top six and Kyle in the top 12. So we’ve got good cars and, man, I’ve been close to pole a few times this year, so I’m getting there. I’m going to get a pole here soon, especially on a road or a street course. I love this stuff. So great job to Honda, TWG AI and all the guys on the team. I have a lot of fun on this team. Very enjoyable.”

Kyle Kirkwood

No. 27 Sam’s Club Honda

• As the sole Andretti driver in Group 2 for the opening round, Kyle Kirkwood entered today’s session eager to build on his recent road course momentum, following a podium finish at Mid-Ohio last month.
• Kirkwood comfortably advanced to Round 2 after finishing third-fastest in his group during the opening round.
• Showing strong initial pace in the Fast 12, Kirkwood hovered on the bubble of the Firestone Fast Six before ultimately being bumped from advancing as the checkered flag fell.
• Kirkwood will take the green flag from seventh tomorrow for a career-best INDYCAR start at Portland International Raceway.

“Andretti as a whole had one of our better qualifying sessions of the year with all three cars in the top seven. Unfortunately, we were on the back end of that. We had a really good car, pole capable, but got stuck in the wrong spot on track with traffic and didn’t complete a lap in the top 12. Nonetheless, we’re still starting in the top seven and can do something from there. Looking forward to the race tomorrow.”

No. 28 Delaware Life Honda

• Building on a strong sixth-fastest lap in Practice 2 this morning, Marcus Ericsson joined teammate Power in Group 1 for Round 1 of qualifying this afternoon. Ericsson posted the third-quickest time in his group to secure a spot and advance into Round 2.
• Rolling out in the second round as the sole driver on primary black tires to save a set of new alternate red tires for the Fast Six, the strategy paid off as Ericsson successfully advanced to the final round of qualifying.
• Setting out in sticker reds, Ericsson put together a strong final qualifying effort, securing his career-best INDYCAR qualifying result at Portland International Raceway in fourth.

“It was a really good team day with all three Andretti Global cars in the top seven. You always want a bit more, but still super happy with the whole day. The Delaware Life Honda was strong all day, and we’re looking good for the race. It is my best start in Portland and I am looking forward to tomorrow.”

“Solid effort today by everybody. It’s great to get all three cars in the top seven. It’s always disappointing when you’re so close and don’t get the pole, but we have extremely fast cars, and I think we’ll be in a good spot for tomorrow. Hopefully we can get all three on the podium and make sure one of these cars wins the race.”