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The Live Sport Bible is here!McLaughlin and Dixon secure top-10 Indy 500 starts, Armstrong faces fight from 17th
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • May 18th, 2026 4:32 pm
Photo: AP
New Zealand's Scott McLaughlin will start 9th and Scott Dixon 10th for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500, while fellow Kiwi IndyCar driver Marcus Armstrong will line up 17th after mechanical failure in qualifying on Monday (NZ time).
Former Supercars Champion McLaughlin will be the one to keep your eyes on next week as he looks to redeem himself following last years race ending warm-up lap crash.
McLaughlin who was meant to start on pole in 2025 said on Instagram, "We didn’t quite hit the balance today, but we can no doubt win the race from 9th with our car! Can’t wait for next week!”
Scott Dixon | Photo: Photosport
Dixon, who will start just one position behind McLaughlin was promoted to start grid 10 after Caio Collet's results were disallowed due to technical inspection penalties, forcing him to start at the rear.
In 2025, Dixon's hopes of winning his second Indy 500 literally went up in smoke after his brakes caught fire after starting from grid 4.
He however remains the only New Zealander to have won the prestigious race, kissing the famous bricks in 2008.
Kiwi driver Marcus Armstrong | Photo: Photosport
Despite a strong performance across practice days, Armstrong’s car came to a near halt after exiting pit lane for his qualifying laps, but he was able to get it restarted and complete his runs, ultimately qualifying 17th.
His teammate Felix Rosenqvist however put on a strong performance, claiming the fastest time in Fast 12.
Reigning Indy 500 champion Alex Palou will start pole after turning the quickest lap times, however having near mirrored times with Armstrong in practice one.
The 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 takes place on May 25 (NZT).
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