Rosenqvist supplied the fireworks in a tense qualifying session that noticed him beat out Crew Pesnke’s Will Energy by 0.0039s on a set of used softer alternate tires to take the highest spot for Sunday’s Grand Prix of Lengthy Seashore.
Whereas it was the sixth pole of Rosenqvist’s profession, however this one got here in simply his second points-paying race with MSR. Along with qualifying second within the season-opening Grand Prix of St. Petersburg final month, he additionally put within the second-fastest general – first in Group 1 qualifying to take Warmth 1 pole – time in Thermal.
“It is actually epically huge,” Shank instructed Motorsport.com.
“We have a look at numbers, we have a look at individuals as we go into the season to verify we acquired everyone that we will. With Felix, it was how do we discover out who’s going to be subsequent? And with him, we checked out numbers and talked to a number of individuals.”
Michael Shank, Crew Proprietor, Tom Blomqvist, Meyer Shank Racing
Photograph by: Meyer Shank Racing
Rookie Tom Blomqvist was a straightforward alternative for Shank to place into one in every of his two full-time IndyCar entries following their success collectively within the IMSA SportsCar Championship from 2022-23.
“Tom’s accomplished an unbelievable job for us,” Shank stated. “By the best way, he certified as the best rookie at this time (fifteenth).
“The sequence is so exhausting, however that lap Felix did on outdated delicate tires is simply off the charts. “I could not be extra proud, extra completely satisfied. That is three high entrance rows — relying on the way you rely Thermal — instantly. It isn’t at all times going to be that good.”
The early success that has been established rapidly between Rosenqvist and MSR has additionally include some teaching by Shank.
“I’ve at all times stated, ‘Man, simply be cool and let no matter it brings, it brings,’” Shank added.
Shank went on to notice that the pep talked included telling Rosenqvist there isn’t “any strain” and he has “acquired a job for a number of years, so let’s simply get a strong basis.”
This pole for MSR comes after the staff certified second on 4 events, together with three when Jack Harvey was with the staff from 2017-2021 (Indy Grand Prix, Street America, 2020; St. Petersburg, 2021).
“We’re tremendous happy with the group,” Shank stated.
“I do not know what the long run has, however what I can inform you is that we made a giant acquire and we’re proud to be right here.”
And from the sounds of it, the end result on Saturday even stunned Rosenqvist.
“It’s kind of sudden,” Rosenqvist stated.
“I did not assume I had it. I do know everyone seems to be so on it right here, particularly contemplating Q2, I needed to nail it.
“I had a giant second out of (Flip) 5. I do not assume I misplaced quite a lot of time, however I used to be nonetheless apprehensive. We completed fairly early as properly. We had been sitting within the automobile ceaselessly ready. So excited to get it.”
Pole sitter Felix Rosenqvist, Meyer Shank Racing Honda
Photograph by: Michael L. Levitt / Motorsport Pictures
It was solely the third closest margin for a entrance row begin since 2016, behind final Could’s Indy Grand Prix on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway highway course and the 2021 race at Mid-Ohio.
“Simply a few thousandths in entrance of Will,” Rosenqvist stated.
“Means rather a lot to beat this man for pole. He is acquired a pair underneath his belt. It is tight on the market. You bought to be your greatest self each lap on the market.”
Rosenqvist has just one victory in IndyCar, which got here at Street America in 2020. MSR’s solely win up to now got here within the 2021 version of the Indianapolis 500 with Helio Castroneves.
And there’s a confidence each of these data could possibly be added to after 85 laps on Sunday on the 11-turn, 1.968-mile momentary road circuit.
“The staff has simply been behind me,” Rosenqvist stated. “I really feel like they consider that I can do it. That makes me consider that I can do it in a method.
“Everybody’s simply on the identical web page. I am actually happy with them. I feel they have been shut a pair occasions previously.
“Clearly, we nonetheless have that win to get, each for me and the staff. They gained the five hundred in ’21. My final win was in 2020. We nonetheless have that to get that accomplished once more.”
