Scott McLaughlin takes pole position for IndyCar finale at Laguna Seca

Scott McLaughlin secured the pole position for the IndyCar season finale at Laguna Seca, clocking a lap of 1:09.136. He outpaced newly crowned champion Alex Palou by 0.018 seconds during the Firestone Fast Six qualifying session. While Palou has already clinched his fifth series title, the upcoming race remains significant for determining the final standings for second place and Rookie of the Year honors. Felix Rosenqvist qualified third, followed by Alexander Rossi in the fourth position. Grid penalties impacted several drivers, including Christian Lundgaard and Caio Collet, who each incurred six-spot sanctions for engine changes. The race is scheduled for Sunday with coverage beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET.

• 1:30 PMYahoo Sports — IndyCar starting lineup for race in Laguna Seca in September 2026
• 2:05 AMYahoo Sports — IndyCar Monterey Grand Prix Starting Lineup: Full Grid at Laguna Seca