A lex Palou dispatched a perfectly executed strategy to win the Grand Prix of Portland and capture his second IndyCar title in three seasons. With the win, Chip Ganassi Racing star Palou wrapped up the title with one race remaining, becoming the first driver in 16 years (Sebastien Bourdais, 2007) to clinch the Astor Challenge Cup before the season finale.
“It’s been an amazing season,” acknowledged Palou. “We just had fast cars everywhere, and we’ve been able to maximise our results even on the bad weekends, and to finish here at Portland with a win feels amazing.”
With the title tucked away, he goes into this weekend’s round at Laguna Seca, a track he dominated in 2022, with zero pressure. “We have one race left that we won there last year, so I’m feeling pretty confident,” Palou added. “And clinching the championship makes you feel a little bit more relaxed.” He also provided team owner Chip Ganassi with a 15th title in North America’s premier open-wheel championship, while also becoming the fourth multi-time title winner for the organisation, joining an elite list that features Scott Dixon (six championships),
