INDYCAR: PALOU WINS AGAIN AT ROAD AMERICA

After two winless weekends, Alex Palou returned to victory lane in dominant fashion at Road America — one of his favorite hunting grounds. It was his third career win at Elkhart Lake, adding to his triumphs in 2021 and 2023. The ninth round of the IndyCar season was anything but straightforward: five caution periods and constant strategic shakeups tested the nerves and precision of everyone on track. But amid the chaos, the championship leader stayed cool and calculated — and took it all.

The turning point came with just two laps to go. Palou’s teammate, Scott Dixon, who was leading, was forced to pit for a quick splash of fuel after running critically low. That opened the door for Palou to snatch the lead at the perfect moment.

But it would be unfair to reduce Dixon’s race to a miscalculation. The veteran Kiwi — starting all the way back in 25th after a qualifying penalty — put on a masterclass of racecraft. Thanks to a bold strategy call to stay out during the third caution while most of the field pitted, and by capitalizing on the many interruptions, Dixon clawed his way to the front. He ultimately finished ninth — a result that doesn’t reflect the brilliance of his drive, but adds another page to his legendary résumé at 44 years old.

Behind Palou, the podium was completed by a blazing-fast Felix Rosenqvist and a solid Santino Ferrucci. For Rosenqvist, it was his first podium in over a year, while Ferrucci confirmed his strong form after finishing second in Detroit. Kyle Kirkwood, winner of the last two races, finished fourth, doing well to stay in the lead pack through a race full of surprises.

Meyer Shank Racing had plenty to smile about, with Rosenqvist’s podium and Marcus Armstrong claiming fifth. He was followed by Kyffin Simpson in sixth and David Malukas in seventh — an impressive recovery after spinning into the gravel on the opening lap following contact with Christian Lundgaard. Malukas triggered the first caution but managed to rejoin the race without losing a lap and fought his way back into contention thanks to the race’s stop-and-go nature.

Eighth went to Nolan Siegel, the top McLaren finisher. Rinus Veekay and Louis Foster rounded out the top ten — a disappointing result for Foster, who had started on pole but couldn’t convert it into a top finish.

Things went from bad to worse for Team Penske. Their best result was a 12th-place finish by Scott McLaughlin, with Will Power down in 14th. Josef Newgarden’s race ended prematurely on lap 30 when he lost control and slammed into the barriers — another blow in an already difficult season.

Robert Shwartzman was also forced to retire after just three laps due to a heavy crash. A tough break for the Russian-Israeli driver and the Prema team, which at least saw the checkered flag with Callum Ilott in 15th. It was a steady, clean race for the Brit — a rare calm in an otherwise unpredictable and caution-filled GP at Road America.

This race was another reminder that in IndyCar, nothing is guaranteed until the very end. And when chaos reigns, the usual names still find their way to the front. Palou strengthens his grip on the championship, Dixon proves once again that age is just a number, and the title fight is far from over.

© Cavalieri Garage & Co.