By: Spencer Neff
March 14, 2026
After 117 qualifying sessions dating back to his 2019 debut, Andretti Global’s Marcus Ericsson notched a long-awaited first pole in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The Kumla, Sweden native will lead the 25-car field to green in Sunday’s inaugural Java House Grand Prix of Arlington.
Ericsson, whose previous best start was second at Gateway (WWTR) in 2022, Long Beach in 2023 and St. Petersburg two weeks ago, ran a best lap of 1m34.3562 (104.158 mph) during the final round of qualifying at the 2.73-mile, 14-turn street circuit in Arlington, Texas.
Starting the third race of 2026, his third season with Andretti Global, he is looking for his first win as part of the organization.
This marks Andretti Global’s 62nd INDYCAR pole, their last four have all been on street courses.
Three of Ericsson’s four career INDYCAR victories have been on street courses, including the inaugural street race at Nashville in 2021 and his most recent victory (St. Petersburg 2023).
Starting outside Ericsson will be Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou, who finished .4518 of a second back of Ericsson.
Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward and Will Power of Andretti Global start on the second row. Meyer Shank Racing’s Felix Rosenqvist and Marcus Armstrong round out the Fast Six on Row 3.
Round 3-Fast Six
Ericsson was first on track in utilizing the new format INDYCAR had implemented for this weekend’s race (subject to additional use later in 2026). Going out for single-lap qualifying attempts in reverse order from their second round times, he set the fastest lap right out of the box. Armstrong was second and posted a best lap of 1m35.6012 (102.802 mph).
Following Armstrong would be Ericsson’s teammate Power, who turned a lap at 1m35.0856-103.359 mph). After Power was Armstrong’s MSR teammate Rosenqvist with a lap of 1m35.1607).
O’Ward carried the banner for Chevrolet as their lone Fast Six representative and his lap was 1m34.8453 (103.621 mph). Palou was the final driver out for qualifying, just missing pole with a lap of 1m34.818 (103.651 mph).
Round 2-Fast 12
Palou (1m33.4049-105.219 mph) was fastest again during the second round of qualifying, leading the six drivers who advanced to compete for the pole. Following Palou into the Fast Six was O’Ward, Rosenqvist, Power, Armstrong and Ericsson.
Just missing out would be Kyle Kirkwood, Christian Rasmussen, David Malukas, Alexander Rossi, Josef Newgarden and Santino Ferrucci. They start in seventh through 12th.
Round 1
Group 1: Palou (1m33.7398-104.460 mph) led the first group during the opening round in qualifying. Making it with him to Round 2 were Rosenqvist, Rossi, Newgarden, Rasmussen and Ericsson.
Falling short of advancing would be Louis Foster, Romain Grosjean, Mick Schumacher, Dennis Hauger, Rinus VeeKay and Sting Ray Robb. Those drivers will line up inside rows 7-12.
Group 2: Kirkwood (1m33.9463-104.612 mph) led the second group after posting the best lap in the morning practice. He would advance to the Fast 12 with Malukas, Ferrucci, Armstrong, Power and O’Ward.
With just over two minutes remaining in the second group, Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin crashed in Turn, causing heavy damage to the left-front of his car. Per INDYCAR rule 8.3.7.1, he will start 25th, on the 13th row.
Unable to make it past Round 1 in addition to McLaughlin were Kyffin Simpson, Caio Collet, Christian Lundgaard, Scott Dixon, Nolan Siegel and Graham Rahal. They start outside rows 7-12. Collet was the highest-qualifying rookie in his A.J. Foyt Racing entry.
Up Next
Here is the NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule for race day (race has been moved up an hour due to wind concerns). Stay with IndyCar1909 and our social media for the latest on the Java House Grand Prix of Arlington and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
At-track schedule (All Times Local/Central Time):
Sunday, March 15
8:50-9:10 – NTT INDYCAR SERIES Warmup, FS1 (broadcast from 8:30-9:30)
10:30 a.m. – FOX Pre-Race Show on air
11:10 p.m. – “Drivers, start your engines”
11:17 p.m. – Java House Grand Prix of Arlington (70 laps/191.1 miles), FOX (Live)
Heard Image By Chris Owens/INDYCAR
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