Mick Schumacher is quickly adapting to the world of NTT INDYCAR SERIES racing, posting a stunning qualifying performance Saturday at Phoenix Raceway.
The former Formula One driver qualified fourth for the Quality Ranchers 250, a remarkable result for a rookie making his oval track debut. Schumacher initially expressed uncertainty after his first qualifying run, saying, “Hopefully we won’t be starting too far in the back.”
Schumacher’s two-lap average of 173.667 mph initially stood as the fastest time, but he acknowledged the disadvantage of being the first car to qualify – typically lacking the benefit of tire rubber laid down by previous drivers. He likewise admitted to the challenges of being a series rookie navigating a new discipline.
However, Schumacher’s speed proved resilient. Six drivers subsequently attempted to surpass his time, but only Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing teammate Graham Rahal (173.993 mph) managed to do so. Team Penske drivers David Malukas (175.383 mph) and Josef Newgarden (174.540 mph) ultimately qualified ahead of Schumacher, showcasing their experience on short ovals.
By the end of qualifying, Schumacher and the No. 47 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda secured the fourth-fastest time, with RLL placing both cars on the second row. Rahal’s qualifying position marked his best oval start since the 2012 race at Texas Motor Speedway.
“That’s a big step,” Rahal said of the team’s progress on oval tracks. “We knew that short ovals are our Achilles’ heel – that’s got to get better.”
Rahal praised Schumacher’s performance, stating, “I thought Mick did a top-tier job. He’s silky smooth with his feet, way smoother than me or Louis (Foster). That’s a big benefit.”
While Schumacher remained measured in his assessment of the 1-mile desert track, he is eager to compete in Saturday’s race (3 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One, FOX Sports app, INDYCAR Radio, powered by OnlyBulls).
“It’s interesting,” the 26-year-old German said when asked about the unique challenges of short oval racing. “I do like the whole variable of corners and stuff. In its own way, it’s special and unique.”
“I think Graham was the first one to tell me – and a lot of people have told me – when the car is good, oval racing is fun, and it’s not good when (the car) is real awful. That we can agree upon.”
