Rahal set a new track record of 1:13.9681 in the morning qualifying run 2017-06-03 and secured the pole. However qualifying wasn‘t that simple Helio Castroneves from Team Penske had an even faster time that appeared to give him the new record and pole start. However a penalty for failing to adhere the local yellow flag cost him dearly giving the pole and record to Rahal.

Pole Sitter Graham Rahal dominated the 70 lap first race of the weekend doubleheader at Belle Isle with 6.1 seconds ahead of second place and current points leader Scott Dixon. Third place was secured by James Hinchcliffe.