INDYCAR: DIXON WINS AT MID-OHIO AFTER PALOU'S COSTLY MISTAKE

Scott Dixon made history once again at Mid-Ohio, claiming his 59th career IndyCar victory with a performance built on intelligence, consistency, and flawless execution. Over a year since his last win — at the 2024 Detroit Grand Prix — the veteran New Zealander returned to the top step of the podium, capitalizing on a rare misstep from teammate Alex Palou and executing a perfect two-stop strategy to take control in the final stages of the race.

The event began on a relatively uneventful note but sparked to life thanks to an internal showdown within the Ganassi team. Palou appeared to be in full control, but two uncharacteristic errors from the championship leader opened the door for Dixon to seize a hard-fought and deeply satisfying win.

Despite the disappointment, Palou still came away with valuable points — his title rivals failed to capitalize, allowing him to maintain a solid lead in the standings. He remains the man to beat, though a seventh win this season will have to wait.

Christian Lundgaard completed the podium after starting from the front row, but he never truly looked like a contender for the win. Running the same strategy as Palou, the Danish driver lacked the pace in crucial moments. His teammate, Pato O’Ward, told a different story — the Mexican staged an impressive comeback drive after a difficult qualifying session and finished fifth, just behind Colton Herta, who lost ground due to a pit stop issue late in the race.

Felix Rosenqvist also went for a two-stop strategy and delivered a solid performance to finish sixth. Marcus Armstrong followed in seventh, reinforcing Meyer Shank Racing’s steady form and growing consistency in the top ten. A tough race for Kyle Kirkwood saw him finish eighth, a result that keeps him second in the championship, though now trailing Palou by over 110 points.

One of the day’s standout performances came from Rinus VeeKay, who charged from 26th on the grid to ninth, thanks to an aggressive and well-timed strategy. Right behind him, Kyffin Simpson finished tenth after being handed a drive-through penalty for accidentally striking a crew member during a pit stop — fortunately, with no serious consequences.

It was a weekend to forget for Team Penske. Scott McLaughlin was the highest finisher in 23rd, completely off the pace. Josef Newgarden crashed out in the first corner of the opening lap, while Will Power retired due to technical issues — a disastrous showing for the American powerhouse.

On the brighter side, Prema Racing showed signs of progress. Callum Ilott worked his way up to 13th after a tough qualifying, while Robert Shwartzman finished 21st, salvaging what he could from a difficult weekend.

The race featured two full-course cautions. The first came on lap one when Newgarden went off track, collecting Graham Rahal in the process and ending both of their races. The second caution came on lap 30, triggered by Christian Rasmussen pulling off with engine troubles, prompting the safety car one lap later.

In a race where strategy mattered more than outright speed, it was once again Scott Dixon — the master of consistency — who delivered the decisive blow and wrote the final chapter at Mid-Ohio.

© Cavalieri Garage & Co.