IndyCar Pole Position Decided at Alabama Race

Defending champion Alex Palou to lead field at Barber Motorsports Park

Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Defending IndyCar Series champion Alex Palou won the pole position for the upcoming race at the Barber Motorsports Park road course near Birmingham, Alabama. David Malukas will start alongside Palou on the front row for the 90-lap event on the 2.3-mile, 17-turn circuit.

Why it matters

The Barber Motorsports Park race is an important early-season event on the IndyCar calendar, as drivers and teams look to gain an early advantage in the championship battle. Palou's pole position puts the defending champion in a strong position to repeat his 2025 victory at this track.

The details

Palou set the fastest lap in qualifying to claim the pole position, edging out David Malukas who will start alongside him on the front row. Scott McLaughlin, who had a major crash at this event last year, will start further back in the field as he looks to bounce back and earn his third Barber victory in four years.

  • The IndyCar race at Barber Motorsports Park is scheduled for Sunday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Alex Palou

The defending IndyCar Series champion, Palou won the pole position for the upcoming race at Barber Motorsports Park.

David Malukas

The young IndyCar driver will start alongside Palou on the front row for the race at Barber Motorsports Park.

Scott McLaughlin

The three-time Barber Motorsports Park race winner will start further back in the field as he looks to bounce back from a major crash at this event last year.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

With the defending champion on pole and young talent like Malukas starting up front, the stage is set for an exciting race at Barber Motorsports Park as the IndyCar Series season kicks into high gear.