Arie Luyendyk

In May 1996 Dutch driver Arie Luyendyk qualified for the Indianapolis 500 with a four-lap average of 237.498 mph (382.2 km/h) around the 2.5-mile oval, the fastest qualifying run in the race's history. Pole speeds in 2026 were still well below it.

Rule changes since 1996 reduced engine power and speeds, and the record has stood for 30 years. The 2026 pole run, by Alex Palou, averaged 232.248 mph.