INDYCAR: PALOU CLAIMS LONG BEACH AS WELL
- Cavalieri Garage Magazine
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Long Beach once again falls into the hands of Alex Palou, who delivered yet another standout performance in the NTT IndyCar Series. The Spanish driver finally claims a win at one of the most iconic tracks on the calendar, building his success through clarity and perfect timing. A race managed with intelligence, decided in the key moments.
For much of the race, however, the spotlight was on Felix Rosenqvist. The pole-sitter controlled the pace effectively, keeping the Ganassi driver behind him until the decisive phase of the race. Everything changed during the final round of pit stops, which came with fewer than 30 laps remaining after a brief caution caused by debris on track.
That’s when the decisive move happened: Meyer Shank Racing lost the lead in the pits, handing the advantage to the #10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. From that point on, Palou took full control of the race, setting a pace no one else could match. In the closing laps, there was no contest—Palou simply managed the gap and pulled away to the checkered flag.
Rosenqvist had to settle for second place, still a solid result, ahead of Scott Dixon in the sister Ganassi car and Kyle Kirkwood for Andretti. A podium that highlights the outstanding competitive level of Ganassi.
Behind them finished, in order, Pato O’Ward, Scott McLaughlin, David Malukas, and Graham Rahal, in a race where strategy and tire management proved crucial.
This victory puts Palou back at the top of the championship standings, further strengthening his title bid. It marks his 22nd win in 103 starts—numbers that are beginning to define a top-tier career.
The series now heads into the second weekend of May with the Indianapolis Grand Prix, a key step on the road to the Indy 500. A transitional round on paper, but a crucial one for building momentum toward the most important race of the season.
© Cavalieri Garage & Co.
