Alex Palou Becomes First Spaniard To Win IndyCar Championship

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Alex Palou. Photo: Courtesy of IndyCar

Alex Palou has reached glory, winning the NTT IndyCar Series Championship on Sunday after finishing fourth at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Palou is the first Spaniard to win the championship and the second straight Chip Ganassi Racing driver to win.

Palou, 24, is also the first NTT IndyCar Series champion uncer 25 since current teammate Scott Dixon in 2003. Palou is the seventh-youngest champion in IndyCar Series history.

“What a race, what a year, what a season,” Palou said. “This team is amazing. I’m super proud to be a part of Chip Ganassi Racing. I’m super proud to be a champion and for the opportunity these guys gave me.”

Palou had a dominant lead in the standings before the second half of the season kicked off in Nashville for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. He had three wins all season and finished with 549 points just ahead of Nashville native Josef Newgarden who finished second in the standings with 511 points.

“Ladies and gentlemen, you’re seeing a young man that’s going to set a lot of records in this business, and he’s already starting,” said team owner Chip Ganassi. “What a great year we’ve had. I’ve got to be honest with you: It has surprised us when he came in the door and the job he’s done. My hat’s off. Congratulations.”

Palou needed to finish 11th or better to win the championship, so finishing fourth was the icing on the cake. Colton Herta won the Long Beach Grand Prix with Newgarden finishing second and Dixon finishing third.

Steven Boero
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