Lochie Hughes Secures Pole Position at WWTR, Gaining Momentum for Season Lochie Hughes needed this. The series veteran earned his third career pole and first of the 2024 season for the INDY NXT by Firestone at World Wide Technology Raceway on Saturday, securing the front row with a two-lap average of 162.578 mph in the No. 26 Andretti Global entry. This marked his first pole on an oval track, a significant milestone in his career. Hughes expressed satisfaction with his performance but acknowledged the pressure of the moment. “I think I just left the tiniest bit of margin out there, so I was a little bit nervous because I knew probably could have gone a bit quicker. But it was a really good two laps. It’s so easy to overdo it, as well,” he said. The 28-year-old driver emphasized the importance of the result, noting that the season had started with challenges. “My mind has been a bit like a pretzel, so I’m relieved to have a pole position. Hopefully we can back it up with a win. That’s what we need. But this is nice. It’s some momentum going the right way.” The 75-lap race on the asymmetrical, 1.25-mile oval—marking the first oval event of the season for the series—will broadcast live on FS1, FOX One, and INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls starting at 5:30 p.m. ET on Sunday. The race promises high stakes, with the series leader and arguably its fastest driver on ovals starting from the back of the grid. Rookie Alessandro de Tullio continued his strong qualifying performance this season by securing the outside spot on the front row at 162.363 mph in the No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing machine. De Tullio, who has five poles and two second-place qualifying performances in eight starts this season, showcased his consistency and speed.#indycar #fs1 #lochie_hughes #world_wide_technology_raceway #andretti_global
