Mon May 19 01:30:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Kyle Larson secured a 21st starting position for the Indianapolis 500 after the first day of qualifying at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This allows him to pursue the “Double,” racing in both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Alex Palou led the qualifying speeds, while notable incidents included crashes involving Marcus Armstrong and Colton Herta. The top 12 qualifiers will compete on Sunday to determine the pole sitter, and four drivers will battle for the final three spots on the grid.

**News Article:**

**Larson Qualifies 21st for Indy 500, Set for “Double” Attempt**

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Kyle Larson locked in a 21st starting position for the upcoming Indianapolis 500 after a solid qualifying performance Saturday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The NASCAR Cup Series leader is now set to attempt the rare “Double,” competing in the Indy 500 on May 25th before immediately flying to Charlotte to race in the Coca-Cola 600.

Larson, driving the No. 17 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, recovered from a “Fast Friday” practice incident to secure his spot in the 33-car field. While his qualifying position doesn’t put him in contention for the pole, it guarantees him a chance to make history.

“We’re P21, so we’re in the race,” said Larson. “Obviously, we would have loved to have been in the Fast 12 again but overall, a good day.”

Alex Palou topped the qualifying charts with an impressive four-lap average speed of 233.043 mph. Scott McLaughlin and Josef Newgarden also qualified strongly, advancing to Sunday’s Top 12 qualifying session.

The qualifying day wasn’t without incident. Marcus Armstrong and Colton Herta both experienced crashes, though both teams were able to repair their cars for qualifying attempts. Herta qualified 29th after his team managed to repair his flipped car.

Sunday’s qualifying action will determine the pole sitter and the final three positions on the grid, with the Last Chance Qualifier featuring Marco Andretti, Marcus Armstrong, Rinus VeeKay and Jacob Abel.

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