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Megennis Continues Strong May with Freedom 100 Pole

May 23, 2019 | By Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Robert Megennis won the pole Thursday for the Freedom 100 presented by Cooper Tires at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, continuing his roll through the Month of May in the Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires series.

Megennis, from New York, drove to the top spot for the race Friday with a two-lap average speed of 194.206 mph in the No. 27 Cybersecurity Dallara fielded by Andretti Autosport. He won the first of two road races for Indy Lights at IMS during the INDYCAR Grand Prix on May 10 for his first victory of the season. 

“It’s amazing to get pole for the Freedom 100,” Megennis said. “It’s a dream come true. I never expected it. I knew we could do it, but it’s not something you expect. The car was great. It didn’t change much from the first to second lap. I can’t thank Andretti Autosport enough for that and all my partners for getting me here.”

The 17th annual Freedom 100 starts at 1:05 p.m. (ET, live on NBCSN) Friday on Miller Lite Carb Day.

Megennis’ pole completed a sweep of the first two rows for the 40-lap race for Andretti Autosport. Oliver Askew qualified second at 194.067 in the No. 28 Index Invest Dallara.

“I’m excited to start up front with my teammates,” Megennis said. “Andretti cars are starting 1-2-3-4, so hopefully we can get away and control the race.”

Ryan Norman was third at 193.033 in the No. 48 EVO Dallara. Jarett Andretti of Indianapolis, son of Indianapolis 500 veteran John Andretti, qualified fourth at 192.822 mph for his first career Indy Lights start.

Series points leader Rinus VeeKay, who won the second road race May 11 at IMS, qualified ninth at 192.124. Two-time USAC National Champion Chris Windom qualified 10th at 191.557 in the No. 17 NOS Energy Drink entry for his Indy Lights debut.