Palou Dominates Ovals, Eyes Nashville Showdown
Milwaukee, WI – Alex Palou solidified his stature as a formidable contender in the IndyCar Series, leading 194 of 275 laps to clinch victory in the second Iowa Speedway race. This performance followed a strong showing at Milwaukee, where he led 199 of 250 laps but ultimately finished second.
Despite leading only 14 laps during the Indianapolis 500—crucial ones that secured his triumph—Palou’s performance on ovals marks a significant evolution for the Chip Ganassi Racing driver. In the five oval races this season, Palou has commanded approximately 32.6% of all laps led, a significant leap from previous seasons.
However, his recent outings exposed a vulnerability in short oval racing. Entering the Iowa doubleheader with a 48-point lead, he emerged with a reduced margin of 35 points after a spin and crash during the first race. He managed to rally, finishing second in the second event, though the overall performance indicated a net loss.
The Milwaukee doubleheader presented further challenges with electrical issues, leading to a decrease in his points lead from 54 to 33 by the event’s conclusion. Recognizing the need for improvement on short ovals, Palou focused on refining his performance in these critical races.
“I think honestly, this was the best (performance). Iowa was 50 percent there. This was much, much better, at least from my point of view,” Palou reflected, pointing out the gradual progress in his short oval capabilities.
After gaining 16 points over his closest competitor at Iowa, Palou now possesses a 15-point lead following his runner-up finish in Milwaukee. His trajectory indicates a notable improvement in short-oval racing strategies over the past year.
Looking ahead to the Nashville Speedway, where he previously qualified 24th and finished 11th during his title run, Palou expressed optimism. “I’m feeling more confident,” he stated. "The car is really good. It’s allowing me to do everything I need, and that’s the most important thing.”
Overall, Palou has led 411 laps on ovals this season, a dramatic increase from 103 the prior year. With Nashville on the horizon, the racing community eagerly anticipates how these statistics will evolve as he continues his championship quest.
