IndyCar Parity Continues, But Palou Regains Dominance at Barber

Alex Palou claims pole position as Scott McLaughlin and Will Power crash in Saturday practice and qualifying

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:22am

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The NTT IndyCar Series continues to showcase parity, with three different winners in the first three races and seven different teams represented in the top seven qualifiers for Sunday's Children's of Alabama Indy Grand Prix. However, it appears Alex Palou, the winner at Barber Motorsports Park last season, has regained his dominant form, claiming pole position for the upcoming race.

Why it matters

The IndyCar Series has been marked by unpredictability and parity so far this season, with multiple teams and drivers emerging as contenders. Palou's return to the front of the field at a track where he has previously dominated could signal a shift in the championship battle, as he looks to reassert himself as a top title contender.

The details

Palou covered the 2.3-mile permanent road course in 1 minute, 6.2341 seconds at 125.011 mph, leading the morning practice session that was cut short due to a crash by Scott McLaughlin. McLaughlin's 'little misjudgment' sent his Team Penske car backwards through the Turn 1 fencing, although he was uninjured. Meanwhile, Will Power also crashed in qualifying, bringing the opening group to a halt when his rear brakes failed entering the Turn 5 hairpin.

  • Palou led the morning practice session that was cut short due to McLaughlin's crash.
  • Palou recorded his 13th overall pole position and the first of the 2026 season.
  • Sunday's 90-lap race will air live on FOX, FOX One, the FOX Sports app, and IndyCar Radio starting at 1 p.m. ET.

The players

Alex Palou

The Chip Ganassi Racing driver, the winner at Barber Motorsports Park last season, will lead the field again after claiming pole position.

Scott McLaughlin

The Team Penske driver crashed hard in Saturday morning practice, sending his car backwards through the Turn 1 fencing, but he was uninjured.

Will Power

The Andretti Global driver crashed in qualifying when his rear brakes failed, bringing the opening group to a halt.

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What they’re saying

“'Honestly, one of the best cars I've driven. This morning (in practice) I already felt the car was really, really good, really well-balanced. We just wanted to start up front, capitalize on a really good car we had today, and see for tomorrow. Really happy to get our first pole this year.'”

— Alex Palou

“'It looked worse than it felt. I knew I was done. I dropped the right rear and spun, so I just tried to brace myself a bit. I'm gutted for my Odyssey Battery guys.'”

— Scott McLaughlin

“'The car felt good. A little bit loose this morning. Cold temps were making it a bit different. But I feel good and love this place.'”

— Scott McLaughlin

What’s next

Sunday's 90-lap race at Barber Motorsports Park will air live on FOX, FOX One, the FOX Sports app, and IndyCar Radio starting at 1 p.m. ET.

The takeaway

The IndyCar Series has been marked by parity and unpredictability so far this season, but Alex Palou's return to the front of the field at Barber Motorsports Park, a track where he has previously dominated, could signal a shift in the championship battle as he looks to reassert himself as a top title contender.