IndyCar have confirmed that they will use the single-car qualifying format for the Fast Six on street courses across the remainder of the 2026 season.
The series debuted the format at Arlington as they look to add to the qualifying show this year. Having finished up P6 in the Fast 12, Marcus Ericsson ran first and would go on to take his first pole position in IndyCar. Running later in the queue seemed to be less beneficial, although Alex Palou did stick his Chip Ganassi Racing machine on the front row.
For Long Beach this weekend and the rest of the street courses in 2026, IndyCar is allowing the fastest driver in the Fast 12 to choose when to run, providing a much fairer opportunity for those who set the pace in that segment.
A tweak to the tyre selection has also been made as well to speed things up and try to make it a more balanced Fast Six.
- Choice of qualifying order based on Segment 2 results | The fastest qualifier from Segment 2 will be the first to choose which position they would like to make their Fast Six qualifying run with subsequent choices made for the remaining positions based on the order of Segment 2 results.
- Lining up at pit out following tyre declaration | Once the qualifying order is determined, teams will make their tyre selection – primary or alternate tyres – prior to lining up in single-file and in order of their qualifying run, at pit out to await their qualifying attempt.
IndyCar President J. Douglas Boles on single-car qualifying to come on street courses across the rest of 2026:
“The debut of single-car Firestone Fast Six qualifying in Arlington was extremely popular and well received.
“Following the event, we reached out to stakeholders to help evaluate the format and look into ways to improve an already exciting session. This slight update will provide the fastest from the Top 12 an earned advantage of choosing when they would like their run in the Fast Six, while tyre selection before lining up at pit out will save time and more closely equalise the session.
“With continued input from teams, drivers and our partners at FOX Sports, we believe these updates will further highlight the close competition and perfection it takes to start at the front of the grid.”
