I have witnessed many wild last days of qualifying, and May 18, 2025, will go down as one of the wildest. A rookie on pole for the first time in 42 years, a top team failing to get on track to try for the pole, a top contender crashing in practice made for a day of swirling emotions.

Robert Shwartzman, a rookie driver on a rookie team, will lead the field to the green flag next Sunday. He struggled to find speed the first three days of practice and was on most people’s list to be the bumped car.

The day began with Scott McLaughlin crashing heavily in turn two. The impact tore the left rear wheel off of the car and gouged the track. McLaughlin was cleared to drive, but the car would not be ready in time. to qualify.

Penske’s woes were not over. Josef Newgarden’s car failed tech and was excluded from qualifying. Will Power’s car was also withdrawn for the same issue. The teams had violated a rule by modifying the attenuator. They had filled in the seams. Team Penske will start in the fourth row. McLaughlin will start10th, Newgarden 11th, and Power 12th.

Shwartzman’s run to the fast 12, then the Fast Six, is an incredible tale. At the media availability after qualifying, Shwartzman said he dreamed of winning the pole, but then told himself to “get back to reality.”

Iwill have more on him tomorrow in my Qualifications wrap up. Thanks for following along this weekend.