IndyCar Mid-Ohio starting lineup: Pato O’Ward on pole position as title contenders struggle

LEXINGTON, Ohio — The IndyCar championship race faces a major shakeup at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, where several top title contenders are buried in the starting lineup, and Pato O’Ward won the pole to match a series mark set in 1961.

O’Ward became the ninth different pole winner through nine races this season – the first time that’s happened in 61 years – and the Arrow McLaren SP driver now has a shot at the IndyCar points lead.

The modern-day record for different drivers winning the pole to start a season is 10 in 1952.

“This is huge man, it’s a track position race,” O’Ward said of the difficulty to pass on Mid-Ohio’s 13- turn, 2.258-mile course. “It’s a long race. A lot can happen but we have a great starting position.”

QUALIFYING RESULTS: Click here for the full report from Mid-Ohio l Round 1, Group 1 l Round 1, Group 2 l Round 2 l Fast Six

INDYCAR AT MID-OHIO: How to watch Sunday’s race, schedules, entry list

The championship leaders will start Sunday’s race mired in deep traffic.

Marcus Ericsson, Will Power and Josef Newgarden all failed to advance out of the first group of Saturday qualifying, then reigning series champion Alex Palou was knocked out of the second round.

“IndyCar, man,” shrugged Palou.

RETWEET to congratulate @PatricioOWard on winning the pole at @Mid_Ohio!

The @ArrowMcLarenSP driver will lead the field to green Sunday on @NBC and @peacockTV and becomes the ninth different pole winner in nine races! pic.twitter.com/qc7t40bRuo

— INDYCAR on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) July 2, 2022

It created a huge opportunity for O’Ward and Scott Dixon to make up serious ground in the championship race. O’Ward and Dixon were the only two drivers ranked in the top six of the championship standings to advance to the final