The INDY NXT by Firestone track record at Barber Motorsports Park has a very short remaining shelf life, if practice Saturday morning is any indication.

Series rookie Nolan Siegel led 12 drivers under the official track record in the final session before qualifying for the INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of Alabama, turning a best lap of 1 minute, 10.6303 seconds in the No. No. 39 HMD Motorsports with DCR machine.

The track record is 1:11.5149 by Linus Lundqvist during qualifying in 2021 on the 17-turn, 2.3-mile road course. Track records can only be set in qualifying or a race.

SEE: Practice Results

“This is one of my favorite tracks,” Siegel said. “I’ve been on pole every time I’ve been here (in other series), so looking to keep that streak going this afternoon. Really happy with the car and really happy with all the progress we’ve made since yesterday.”

Qualifying is next at 2:20 p.m. today (INDYCAR LIVE and the INDYCAR Radio Network). The 35-lap race is scheduled for 12:55 p.m. Sunday (live on Peacock, INDYCAR Radio Network).

Christian Rasmussen, quickest in practice Friday at 1:11.4618, was second today at 1:10.7030 in the No. 6 HMD Motorsports with Dale Coyne Racing entry. Danial Frost, winner of the season opener at St. Petersburg, was third quickest at 1:10.8493 in the No. 68 HMD Motorsports with DCR car in a strong recovery from mechanical problems Friday.

Kyffin Simpson slotted in fourth at 1:10.8569 in the No. 21 HMD Motorsports with CGR machine, with Hunter McElrea rounding out the top five at 1:10.9006 in the No. No. 27 Smart Motors car fielded by Andretti Autosport.

Qualifying could be an even more important session than usual, based on the series history at this picturesque facility. In 17 INDY NXT by Firestone races at Barber, the pole sitter has won 14 times.