IndyCar qualifying results: Who takes pole at the Freedom 250?

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two practice sessions are in the books on the streets of the nation’s capital.

But who will take pole position for the IndyCar Freedom 250?

Kyle Kirkwood topped the timing sheets during the first practice session, ahead of Alex Palou, the driver he is chasing in the IndyCar standings. But it was Palou who led the way in the second session, just 0.0766 seconds ahead of Kirkwood.

Scott Dixon and the Arrow McLaren pair of Nolan Siegel and Pato O’Ward rounded out the top five from the second practice session. Their Arrow McLaren teammate Christian Lundgaard posted the sixth-fastest time.

Speaking with the media, including SB Nation, following the first practice session Palou talked at length about the 1.7-mile track that winds around the National Mall, with landmarks such as the Washington Monument and the United States Capitol Building helping to round out the backdrop.

“It’s a blast, super fun. Very bumpy, huge bumps heading into turn two and turn six. Massive bumps that are going to spice things up,” described Palou.

“I think it’s actually going to create good racing just because it’s quite tough to go over there and have good braking and also have good traction when the bumps are on exits. Yeah, really fun. Incredible to see the Capitol Hill, exit of seven, just incredible experience. Yeah, so far super happy.”

Now focus turns to the qualifying session later today. How will the grid line up at the start tomorrow? We will find out in a few short hours.

Freedom 250 provisional starting order

Here is the provisional starting order for the Freedom 250, which will be filled in throughout the session: