In an electrifying display of speed and skill, Team Penske asserted their dominance on the opening qualifying day for the Indianapolis 500. Led by Will Power, the team secured the top two positions, with Rinus VeeKay of Ed Carpenter Racing delivering a sensational late run to capture everyone's attention.

Power, the 2018 Indy 500 winner, unleashed a blistering 234.030mph opening lap, setting the pace for an impressive performance. His four-lap average of 233.758mph secured him the top spot. Scott McLaughlin followed closely in second place with a four-lap average of 233.332mph, further solidifying Penske's hold on the field.

Defending Indy 500 champion Josef Newgarden also showcased his skill, earning a third-place spot with a four-lap average of 233.293mph. Arrow McLaren had a tumultuous day but ended on a high note as Alexander Rossi produced a remarkable four-lap effort of 233.069mph, despite challenging track conditions.

Kyle Kirkwood of Andretti Global displayed the fastest pace among the Honda drivers, taking the fifth spot with a combined speed of 232.764mph. Kyle Larson showed resilience after encountering an issue earlier in the day, rebounding to secure the sixth position with a four-lap average of 232.563mph.

Seventh place went to Felix Rosenqvist of Meyer Shank Racing, while Santino Ferrucci of AJ Foyt Racing claimed eighth. Two-time Indy 500 winner Takuma Sato rounded out the top nine with a strong performance, recording a speed of 232.473mph in his Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda.

Pato O'Ward of Arrow McLaren Chevrolet made a late surge to secure the tenth position with a four-lap average of 232.434mph, hailing it as their best run of the day. O'Ward expressed his gratitude to the team for quickly resolving an issue that had earlier impacted their performance and allowing them to make the necessary changes.

However, the true highlight of the day came from Rinus VeeKay. After a crash on his initial attempt, the young driver showcased immense determination and skill, pulling off a dramatic run in the final seconds. With a rebuilt car, VeeKay achieved a sensational speed of 232.419mph, securing the 11th position and leaving spectators in awe of his resilience.

The final transfer spot in the top 12 was claimed by Ryan Hunter-Reay, the 2014 Indy 500 winner, with a four-lap average of 232.385mph. Unfortunately, Colton Herta fell just outside the cut-off line after VeeKay's late surge, landing him in the 13th starting position.

The stage is now set for the remaining drivers to battle for the last row and secure a place in the highly anticipated Indianapolis 500. Notable names in this group include Marcus Ericsson, Katherine Legge, rookie Nolan Siegel, and Graham Rahal, who finds himself in this position for the second consecutive year.

As the temperature soared above 120F on the track, several drivers faced interruptions to their late runs due to unforeseen issues. Conor Daly, rookie Christian Rasmussen, and Agustin Canapino were among the drivers affected, hindering their chances of securing a favorable starting position.

With Team Penske leading the charge, the excitement and anticipation for the Indianapolis 500 continue to build. The qualifying day showcased the incredible talent and determination of these drivers as they vied for their positions on the grid. The stage is now set for the pinnacle of American motorsport, promising an unforgettable race day at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.