Alessandro de Tullio Snares both Poles for INDY NXT by Firestone Events at Barber Motorsports Park

LEEDS, Ala. (March 28, 2026) -- Rookie Alessandro de Tullio swept the poles for both INDY NXT by Firestone races in the Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park. Driving the No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing entry, de Tullio also won the pole at the Grand Prix of Arlington. He finished 11th after being shoved wide in Turn 1 on the opening lap.

“It’s unreal, pole for both races,” said the Miami native. “What a start to the weekend! Arlington, we had the pace, but we had that unfortunate incident in the race. We knew we were contenders even from St. Pete, so to be back on pole here for both of the races is unreal. Now we just have to stay calm, get through the start and do a good job in the race.”

De Tullio enroute to his pole-winning runs.

Nicholas Monteiro, driver of the No. 4 AJ Foyt Racing entry, will start 16th in Race 1 on Saturday and 18th in Race Two on Sunday.

“I'm excited for the races,” Monteiro said. “It’s my first time racing here in Barber. Going to be starting 16th in the first race and 18th in the second. I just need to learn a little more of the track, get more laps in, and full push today and tomorrow.”

Monteiro at speed at Barber Motorsports Park.

Starting grids for both races were determined by each driver’s two quickest laps, with their best setting the lineup for Race 1 and second-best forming the grid for Race 2. De Tullio set a track record of 1 minute, 10.3176 seconds with his best lap, shattering the mark of 1:10.7371 set in 2023 by current NTT INDYCAR SERIES race winner Christian Rasmussen. De Tullio’s second-best lap of 1:10.3885 also was good enough for the top spot in Race 2.

The season's first doubleheader weekend takes place around the 17-turn, 2.3-mile road course of Barber Motorsports Park. The 35-lap opening race is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET today, with the second race, a 30-lapper, at 11 a.m. ET Sunday. Live coverage of both races will be provided by FS1, FOX One, the FOX Sports app and INDYCAR Radio powered by OnlyBulls.