Dennis Hauger Secures Barber Indy NXT Pole Amid Challenging Conditions

In the world of Indy NXT by Firestone, Dennis Hauger has proven his mettle once again. The Norwegian driver secured the pole position for the Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park.

This marks another milestone in Hauger’s flawless season. He continues to dominate under varying weather conditions.

The qualifying sessions were dramatic, with weather playing a crucial role. The sessions featured changing conditions that affected the outcomes.

This article covers the key moments of the qualifying rounds. It also highlights the strategies used by the drivers and previews the upcoming race.

Hauger’s Stellar Performance

Dennis Hauger’s performance this season has been spectacular. Driving the No. 28 Rental Group car for Andretti Global, Hauger clinched the pole with a best lap time of 1m12.7705s.

This adds to his earlier success at St. Petersburg, Florida, where he secured the pole and won the race in his series debut. Hauger’s quick decisions and adaptability to mixed weather have been key to his success.

The Qualifying Drama

The qualifying sessions were split into two groups due to changing weather. The first group faced damp track conditions and used Firestone Firehawk rain tires.

As the track dried, the second group switched to faster Firestone slick tires, creating a big gap in lap times. Despite the challenges, Hauger improved his best time on his last lap, securing pole position.

Series rules set the grid by alternating the quickest times from each group. Although Caio Collet’s top time of 1m24.8394s was over 12 seconds slower than Hauger’s, he will join Hauger on the front row.

This alternating setup resulted in a unique lineup. All odd-numbered grid spots went to drivers from the drier, faster second group, while even-numbered starters came from the wetter, slower first group.

Key Performances and Standouts

Several drivers delivered strong performances in qualifying. Evagoras Papasavvas, making his series debut, will start third with a top lap of 1m13.3669s in the No. 24 HMD Motorsports car.

Lochie Hughes of Andretti Global will start fourth with a time of 1m25.4437s in the No. 26 McGinley Clinic/USF Pro Championship car.

Other Notable Qualifiers

• Myles Rowe: Qualified fifth with a time of 1m13.4377s in the No. 99 Abel/Force Indy machine of Abel Motorsports.
• Bryce Aron: Will start sixth after his run of 1m25.5923s in the No. 9 Chip Ganassi Racing car.

Max Taylor, a rookie, faced a tough session. He spun off track late, causing a red flag and losing his two fastest laps.

This incident showed how unpredictable qualifying can be. Maintaining focus under pressure is crucial.

Strategic Decisions and Team Efforts

Hauger’s success is due to both his driving and his team’s strategy. When the track was drying, Hauger pitted for slick tires.

This move allowed him to maximize his performance in the final laps. Hauger credited the Andretti team and the No. 28 crew for their excellent work.

The Role of Weather

Mixed weather added complexity to qualifying. Drivers had to adapt quickly, making tire and strategy decisions on the fly.

Reading the track and making the right calls was crucial for grid positions.

What to Expect in the Grand Prix of Alabama

The 35-lap race at Barber Motorsports Park promises excitement. It is scheduled to start at 11:30 a.m. ET on Sunday.

The race will be broadcast on FS1, the FOX Sports app, and the IndyCar Radio Network. Fans can expect intense competition as drivers tackle the 17-turn, 2.3-mile circuit.

Anticipated Highlights

• Hauger’s attempt to maintain his perfect season and secure another victory.
• The performance of newcomers like Evagoras Papasavvas and how they handle the pressure of their debut race.
• The impact of weather conditions on race day and how teams adapt their strategies accordingly.

The Grand Prix of Alabama is set to be an exciting chapter in the Indy NXT by Firestone series.

This race features both experienced drivers and promising newcomers.

Fans can expect plenty of action and excitement on the track.

For more details on the qualifying sessions and updates on the race, visit the official report on Racer.