Indy 500 2025: Qualification Order Set by Random Coin Draw for the 109th Race
The NTT IndyCar Series has set the stage for the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 with the qualification order determined by a random coin draw, based on Fast Friday (May 16, 2025) speed results. Marcus Ericsson, the 2022 Indy 500 champion now with Andretti Autosport, drew the first spot in the qualifying order, followed by Pato O’Ward and Kyffin Simpson. Kyle Larson, who spun into the wall during Fast Friday practice but still posted a competitive speed, will attempt to qualify 19th, while defending IndyCar champion Alex Palou is slotted at 25th.
Qualifying kicks off on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where all 34 entries will get at least one four-lap run to set their average speed. Positions 1-30 will be determined, with positions 13-30 locked in after the day. Teams can opt for additional attempts using two lanes: Lane 1 (priority) requires withdrawing a previous time for faster track access, while Lane 2 allows cars to improve their position without withdrawing. With more than 33 entries, any car outside the top 30 after Saturday will need to fight for the final spots on Sunday.
On Sunday, May 18, 2025, the top 12 from Saturday will run to set positions 7-12, followed by the Firestone Fast Six, where the fastest six battle for pole and positions 1-6. A Last Chance Qualifying session will also determine positions 31-33, with the slowest car missing the race. Track conditions, including wind and temperature, will be crucial, as they affect downforce and grip at speeds exceeding 230 mph. Below is the full qualification order:
| Position | Driver | Position | Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marcus Ericsson | 18 | Will Power |
| 2 | Pato O’Ward | 19 | Kyle Larson |
| 3 | Kyffin Simpson | 20 | Helio Castroneves |
| 4 | Robert Shwartzman | 21 | Takuma Sato |
| 5 | Alexander Rossi | 22 | Ed Carpenter |
| 6 | Ryan Hunter-Reay | 23 | Marco Andretti |
| 7 | Jack Harvey | 24 | Jacob Abel |
| 8 | Christian Lundgaard | 25 | Alex Palou |
| 9 | Marcus Armstrong | 26 | Louis Foster |
| 10 | Graham Rahal | 27 | Scott McLaughlin |
| 11 | Nolan Siegel | 28 | Sting Ray Robb |
| 12 | Conor Daly | 29 | Christian Rasmussen |
| 13 | Felix Rosenqvist | 30 | Kyle Kirkwood |
| 14 | Scott Dixon | 31 | Devlin DeFrancesco |
| 15 | Colton Herta | 32 | Callum Ilott |
| 16 | David Malukas | 33 | Josef Newgarden |
| 17 | Santino Ferrucci | 34 | Rinus VeeKay |
Fans are eager to see if early runners like Ericsson can set a strong pace, or if late runners like Josef Newgarden at 33rd can capitalize on potentially better track conditions. With the stakes high and the field packed with talent, this weekend’s qualifying promises to be a thrilling battle at the Brickyard.