An action shot from Indy 500 qualifying weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The Indy 500 qualifying rounds always deliver intense action, high speeds, and a blend of triumph and heartbreak. In 2025, the anticipation reached new heights as drivers and teams gave everything for a place in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Here's a comprehensive look at what unfolded during the 2025 Indy 500 qualifying—from jaw-dropping crashes to the all-important pole position fight.

Indy 500 Qualifying: Highlights and Top Performers

Qualifying for the Indy 500 isn’t just a battle for speed—it's a test of courage, engineering skill, and consistency. As the first day concluded, several familiar names were in contention for pole. Leading the pack was Álex Palou, who blistered the track in his Honda-powered entry averaging 233.043 mph. This performance placed him ahead of Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin and Josef Newgarden, last year’s race winner.

According to ESPN’s detailed recap, McLaughlin’s lap was just 0.03 mph slower than Palou’s, and Newgarden was right behind. Crucially, these three would be able to rest until the fast-12 shootout, while others faced a much tenser Sunday.

Battles for the Bubble: Nerves and Last Chances

Qualifying is unforgiving. Some of the sport’s top names, like Marco Andretti, found themselves on the bubble—facing the frightening possibility of failing to qualify. A single tough run can put both veterans and rookies at risk.

Another driver making headlines was Marcus Armstrong. Armstrong's morning practice ended dramatically after a heavy crash in turn one, caused in part by winds near 30 mph. Despite the frightening scene, Armstrong climbed from the wreck and gave a thumbs up as he was stretchered to the care center. Yahoo Sports reported he was alert and healthy, but the crash forced his team to scramble for a backup car. Armstrong had to clear IndyCar’s concussion protocol before returning to the competition.

The Fast 12 and Notable Qualifying Incidents

This year’s fast-12 shootout saw seven former Indy 500 winners and a fierce battle between Chevrolet and Honda-powered entries. Among the drivers, Palou, McLaughlin, Newgarden, Pato O’Ward, Scott Dixon, and rookie Robert Shwartzman all advanced. Heavy winds and tricky conditions also led to a terrifying crash for Colton Herta, whose car flipped onto its side. Luckily, he escaped serious harm and qualified later in a rebuilt machine.

Check out the dramatic photo gallery from IndyStar for a visual journey through a day filled with tension, speed, and resilience, including shots of teams working on damaged vehicles and fans celebrating trackside.

Qualifying positions 13 through 30 were locked after Saturday, but the bottom four drivers—which included Armstrong, Andretti, Rinus VeeKay, and rookie Jacob Abel—had to fight for the final three grid spots Sunday. One would not make the field when the dust settled.

What’s Next: The Road to the Indy 500

With the grid nearly set, all eyes turn to the final shootout and the main event itself. The Indy 500 qualifying in 2025 has already delivered edge-of-your-seat moments, nail-biting drama, and proof that anything can happen at the Brickyard.

Want more inside stories and live visuals? Explore ESPN’s full qualifying analysis and the IndyStar’s live photo coverage.

Stay tuned for updates as we get closer to race day, and don’t miss a moment of this year’s thrilling Indy 500!