Alex Palou has etched his name into the annals of IndyCar history by securing his third series championship in a thrilling season finale at Nashville Superspeedway. The Spaniard clinched the title with an 11th-place finish after 206 laps on the 1.33-mile oval on Sunday, as his closest competitor, Will Power, encountered misfortune when his seat belt came loose, leading to a disappointing 24th-place finish, eight laps down.
Palou reflected on his strategic approach during the race, stating, “At the beginning I had to go for it. I had to take some chances on the start trying to make up some room. Just starting so far back, we needed to gain. Everything was working right. Up to 15th or 16th, something like that, which was already a good step. Then I saw the 12 going into pit lane. At first I was like, ‘Oh, what strategy are they going to pull off?’ Unfortunately, that’s not the way you want your biggest competitor to go down on the season finale. At the same time, that’s what happened to us two weeks ago, so… Yeah, it’s racing. It’s motorsport. That’s what makes this sport so hard. After that, we were doing our own race, obviously keeping an eye on the No. 12 car, but just trying to move forward.”
Palou’s victory marks his second consecutive championship win, a feat not achieved since Dario Franchitti’s three-peat from 2009-2011. At 27 years, five months, and 14 days old, Palou becomes the second-youngest driver to claim three championships, with Sam Hornish Jr. holding the record as the youngest at 27 years, two months, and eight days in 2006. This triumph also underscores the dominance of Chip Ganassi Racing, who have now secured 16 titles, including four in the past five seasons.
While Palou basks in the glory of his third title, this particular victory holds special significance as it is his first championship as a father. Reflecting on this dual joy, Palou expressed, “They say winning is the best thing in life, which I agree. They say being a dad is the best thing in life, which I double agree. But when you do both in the same year, it’s really super special. It’s been an amazing year of learning, obviously. Maybe sleeping a little bit less. Not being able to be on the simulator as much as I used to at home, playing video games. It’s been amazing. I wouldn’t change anything that I’m living at the moment. It was the best thing to have her at my first win this year at the Indy road course, to have her today celebrating.”
Palou also revealed that he sought counsel from Franchitti, a pivotal figure at Chip Ganassi Racing in a driver coach role. “Yeah, he still reminded me that he did it once more,” Palou chuckled. “So, I still have one more year to catch him. Hopefully, we can.”
Subheadings:
Palou Triumphs in Thrilling Season Finale
Alex Palou clinches his third IndyCar championship at Nashville Superspeedway.
The Spaniard’s strategic approach and victory over Will Power. Historic Achievement for Palou and Chip Ganassi Racing
Palou becomes the second-youngest driver to secure three championships.
Chip Ganassi Racing’s continued dominance in IndyCar with 16 titles. Palou’s Unique Triumph as a Father
The significance of Palou’s first championship win as a father.
Palou’s reflections on balancing fatherhood with professional racing and success.
Palou becomes the second-youngest driver to secure three championships.
Chip Ganassi Racing’s continued dominance in IndyCar with 16 titles.