It was 85 degrees with a 14 mph wind.
Graham Rahal started from pole. Devlin DeFrancesco started in 5th and had an amazing
start, taking the lead in Turn 1! As the field went through Turn 7, Marcus Armstrong spun and
sat sideways in the turn. As Scott Dixon slowed to avoid him, Romain Grosjean hit him from
the rear, spinning him into the grass and Grosjean's car was stopped by Armstrong's car.
Dixon and Grosjean were able to get going and rejoin the field, but not before Josef
Newgarden came along and crashed into Armstrong, his car came to a stop on top of
Armstrong's car. The caution came out and by the time Newgarden and Armstrong were
extricated, they had lost 2 laps and would both finish 2 laps down. Colton Herta suffered a
tire puncture and had to pit and finished in P13 on the lead lap. Benjamin Pedersen also had
some problem and had to pit, finishing in last place 6 laps down.
Graham Rahal started from pole. Devlin DeFrancesco started in 5th and had an amazing
start, taking the lead in Turn 1! As the field went through Turn 7, Marcus Armstrong spun and
sat sideways in the turn. As Scott Dixon slowed to avoid him, Romain Grosjean hit him from
the rear, spinning him into the grass and Grosjean's car was stopped by Armstrong's car.
Dixon and Grosjean were able to get going and rejoin the field, but not before Josef
Newgarden came along and crashed into Armstrong, his car came to a stop on top of
Armstrong's car. The caution came out and by the time Newgarden and Armstrong were
extricated, they had lost 2 laps and would both finish 2 laps down. Colton Herta suffered a
tire puncture and had to pit and finished in P13 on the lead lap. Benjamin Pedersen also had
some problem and had to pit, finishing in last place 6 laps down.
| Summary of each IndyCar Race in 2023 By Dan Vielhaber |
| 2023 INDYCAR RACE REVIEWS |
Copyright © 2023 IndySpeedway.com All Rights Reserved
| APR 30 GP of Alabama BARBER MOTORSPORT PARK BIRMINGHAM AL - 90 LAPS |
| MAY 13 GMR GP INDY MOTOR SPEEDWAY R/C INDIANAPOLIS IN - 85 LAPS |
| APR 02 XPEL 375 TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY FORT WORTH TX - 248 LAPS |
| MAR 5 Grand Prix of ST PETERSBURG FLA - 100 LAPS |
Firestone GP of St. Petersburg
PPG 375 at Texas Motor Speedway
Acura GP of Long Beach
Honda GP of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park
GMR Grand Prix at IMS
Indianapolis 500 at IMS
Chevrolet Detroit GP on the Streets of Detroit
Sonsio GP at Road America
Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio
Honda Indy Toronto
Hy-Vee Homefront 250 at Iowa Speedway
Hy-Vee One Step 250 at Iowa Speedway
Music City GP in Nashville TN
Gallagher GP at IMS
Bommarito 500 at WWT Raceway
GP of Portland at Portland Int'l Raceway
Firestone GP of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
PPG 375 at Texas Motor Speedway
Acura GP of Long Beach
Honda GP of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park
GMR Grand Prix at IMS
Indianapolis 500 at IMS
Chevrolet Detroit GP on the Streets of Detroit
Sonsio GP at Road America
Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio
Honda Indy Toronto
Hy-Vee Homefront 250 at Iowa Speedway
Hy-Vee One Step 250 at Iowa Speedway
Music City GP in Nashville TN
Gallagher GP at IMS
Bommarito 500 at WWT Raceway
GP of Portland at Portland Int'l Raceway
Firestone GP of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
| INDEX |
| MAY 28 Indy 500 INDY MOTOR SPEEDWAY INDIANAPOLIS IN - 200 LAPS |
| JUNE 04 Chevrolet Detroit GP Street Race DETROIT, MI - 100 Laps |
| JUNE 18 REV Group GP ROAD AMERICA ELKHART LAKE, WI - 55 LAPS |
| JULY 02 Honda Indy 200 MID-OHIO LEXINGTON, IL - 80 LAPS |
| Points Leader - Marcus Ericsson - 51 |
| August 06 Music City Grand Prix Streets of NASHVILLE, TN - 80 LAPS |
| August 12 Gallagher Grand Prix IMS Road Course - 85 LAPS |
| August 27 Bommarito Auto Group 500 WWT Raceway ST LOUIS - 260 LAPS |
| September 03 Grand Prix of Portland Portland Int'l Raceway PORTLAND OR - 110 LAPS |
| September 10 Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey WeatherTech Raceway CA - 90 LAPS |
| APR 16 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach LONG BEACH CA - 85 LAPS |
| JULY 16 Honda Indy Toronto TORONTO CANADA - 85 LAPS |
| JULY 22 Hy-Vee Homefront 250 Iowa Speedway NEWTON IA - 250 LAPS |
| JULY 23 Hy-Vee One Step 250 Iowa Speedway NEWTON IA - 250 LAPS |
| Points Leader - Pato O'Ward - 82 |
| Points Leader - Marcus Ericsson - 110 |
| Points Leader - Marcus Ericsson - 130 |
| Points Leader - Alex Palou - 174 |
| Points Leader - Alex Palou - 219 |
| Points Leader - Alex Palou - 273 |
| Points Leader - Alex Palou - 324 |
| Points Leader - Alex Palou - 377 |
| Points Leader - Alex Palou - 417 |
| Points Leader - Alex Palou - 442 |
| Points Leader - Alex Palou - 477 |
| Points Leader - Alex Palou - 513 |
| Points Leader - Alex Palou - 539 |
| Points Leader - Alex Palou - 565 |
| Points Leader - Alex Palou - 618 |
| 2023 IndyCar Champion - Alex Palou - 656 |
Coming into the race, the many accidents that occurred during practice and qualifying seemed an
omen that the race would not be trouble-free like last year.
The Andretti cars had proven quick over the weekend and they put Romain Grosjean on pole with
teammate Colton Herta starting beside him. Starting in 5th was their new driver, Kyle Kirkwood.
omen that the race would not be trouble-free like last year.
The Andretti cars had proven quick over the weekend and they put Romain Grosjean on pole with
teammate Colton Herta starting beside him. Starting in 5th was their new driver, Kyle Kirkwood.
| DeFrancesco's car flips into the air after being hit during the pile-up on the first lap of the race |
| Herta's car jumping over the wrecked VeeKay and Harvey |
| Grosjean and McLaughlin end up in tire barrier while fighting for the lead |
TURN 3 - A multi-car accident happened in
the middle of the field on the first lap knocking
5 drivers out including both MSR drivers
(Helio Casatroneves and Simon Pagenaud)
as well as Santino Ferrucci. As Andretti
driver Devlin DeFrancesco sat helplessly
sideways on the track, rookie Ben Pedersen
then t-boned him hard, sending the Andretti
car high into the air and spinning it 180-degrees!
No one was injured.
Most drivers started on the alternate tires,
and would switch to the better primaries at
their first stop.
TURN 9 - On lap 37, Conor Daly got tapped
from behind and spun, bringing out the 2nd
caution. Scott Dixon was in the process of
pitting from the lead, but 4 drivers crossed
the blend line first and Dixon fell back to 5th.
TURN 4 - After the race went green again,
Rinus Veekay didn't make it through the turn
and ended up in the tire barrier. He then got
slammed by Jack Harvey. Kirkwood then hit
the back of Harvey, launching his car into the
air and over the two cars. Kirkwood's car was
repaired, but he lost 3 laps. Harvey was hurt
and was later taken to the hospital for further
evaluation.
By the middle of the race, the marbles were
bad everywhere, making any pass a
dangerous proposition.
TURN 8 - As Dixon passed Marcus Ericsson
for 4th place, Herta's pass on Will Power
ended with Herta in the tire barrier and out of
the race. Power later received a penalty for
avoidable contact.
TURN 4 - On Lap 71, Grosjean pit from 2nd
place. He came out just in front of leader
Scott McLaughlin, last year's winner. They
fought hard and both ended up in the same tire
barrier! Grosjeans' day was over and he was
obviously very disappointed as he had a good
chance for his first IndyCar victory.
McLaughlin's car was pulled out and restarted.
He was at fault and had to serve a drive-
through penalty. He would finish in 13th - a lap
down. By this point, 9 cars were now out of
the race.
the middle of the field on the first lap knocking
5 drivers out including both MSR drivers
(Helio Casatroneves and Simon Pagenaud)
as well as Santino Ferrucci. As Andretti
driver Devlin DeFrancesco sat helplessly
sideways on the track, rookie Ben Pedersen
then t-boned him hard, sending the Andretti
car high into the air and spinning it 180-degrees!
No one was injured.
Most drivers started on the alternate tires,
and would switch to the better primaries at
their first stop.
TURN 9 - On lap 37, Conor Daly got tapped
from behind and spun, bringing out the 2nd
caution. Scott Dixon was in the process of
pitting from the lead, but 4 drivers crossed
the blend line first and Dixon fell back to 5th.
TURN 4 - After the race went green again,
Rinus Veekay didn't make it through the turn
and ended up in the tire barrier. He then got
slammed by Jack Harvey. Kirkwood then hit
the back of Harvey, launching his car into the
air and over the two cars. Kirkwood's car was
repaired, but he lost 3 laps. Harvey was hurt
and was later taken to the hospital for further
evaluation.
By the middle of the race, the marbles were
bad everywhere, making any pass a
dangerous proposition.
TURN 8 - As Dixon passed Marcus Ericsson
for 4th place, Herta's pass on Will Power
ended with Herta in the tire barrier and out of
the race. Power later received a penalty for
avoidable contact.
TURN 4 - On Lap 71, Grosjean pit from 2nd
place. He came out just in front of leader
Scott McLaughlin, last year's winner. They
fought hard and both ended up in the same tire
barrier! Grosjeans' day was over and he was
obviously very disappointed as he had a good
chance for his first IndyCar victory.
McLaughlin's car was pulled out and restarted.
He was at fault and had to serve a drive-
through penalty. He would finish in 13th - a lap
down. By this point, 9 cars were now out of
the race.
O'Ward now took over the lead, followed by Ericsson, Dixon, Alex Palou and Josef Newgarden.
With 4 laps to go, Newgarden's car broke and he returned to the pits with the left rear on fire, but
the race stayed green.
O'Ward's tires were wearing out and the drivers behind him had twice the push-to-pass time left,
but he had managed to stay out in front. With 3 laps to go, his car suddenly suffered a strange
plenum problem that shut his engine off for a moment, enabling Ericsson to pass him for the lead.
O'Ward was able to hold on to second place, but he was very disappointed. Dixon came through
in 3rd.
The biggest mover of the race was Callum Illot, who improved 17 positions and finished in 5th -
his and Juncos-Hollinger Racing team's best IndyCar finish ever.
16 cars were running at the end, while 11 cars did not finish, 9 of which were due to contact.
With 4 laps to go, Newgarden's car broke and he returned to the pits with the left rear on fire, but
the race stayed green.
O'Ward's tires were wearing out and the drivers behind him had twice the push-to-pass time left,
but he had managed to stay out in front. With 3 laps to go, his car suddenly suffered a strange
plenum problem that shut his engine off for a moment, enabling Ericsson to pass him for the lead.
O'Ward was able to hold on to second place, but he was very disappointed. Dixon came through
in 3rd.
The biggest mover of the race was Callum Illot, who improved 17 positions and finished in 5th -
his and Juncos-Hollinger Racing team's best IndyCar finish ever.
16 cars were running at the end, while 11 cars did not finish, 9 of which were due to contact.
MAR 5
APR 2
APR 16
APR 30
MAY 13
MAY 28
JUN 04
JUN 18
JUL 02
JUL 16
JUL 22
JUL 23
AUG 06
AUG 12
AUG 27
SEP 03
SEP 10
APR 2
APR 16
APR 30
MAY 13
MAY 28
JUN 04
JUN 18
JUL 02
JUL 16
JUL 22
JUL 23
AUG 06
AUG 12
AUG 27
SEP 03
SEP 10
Marcus Ericsson
Josef Newgarden
Kyle Kirkwood
Scott McLaughlin
Alex Palou
Josef Newgarden
Alex Palou
Alex Palou
Alex Palou
Christian Lundgaard
Josef Newgarden
Josef Newgarden
Kyle Kirkwood
Scott Dixon
Scott Dixon
Alex Palou
Scott Dixon
Josef Newgarden
Kyle Kirkwood
Scott McLaughlin
Alex Palou
Josef Newgarden
Alex Palou
Alex Palou
Alex Palou
Christian Lundgaard
Josef Newgarden
Josef Newgarden
Kyle Kirkwood
Scott Dixon
Scott Dixon
Alex Palou
Scott Dixon
WINNER
Felix Rosenqvist put his McLaren Chevy on the pole, but he was passed by Scott Dixon on
the 1st lap.
Josef Newgarden soon took the lead and led most of the first half of the race while Pato O'Ward
was hot on his tail, followed by Alex Palou and Romain Grosjean. Meanwhile, Dixon lurked just
behind.
The first caution period came on Lap 48 when Takuma Sato, who is driving only ovals this year
for Ganassi, lost it in a turn, hit the wall and ended his race. While exiting his pit stall, Alex Rossi
collided with the incoming car of Kyle Kirkwood. Rossi was then stuck in the pits as repairs were
made, then receiving a drive-through penalty just added insult to injury. Kirkwood would later DNF
due to a mechanical failure and Rossi finished 7 laps down.
Furious racing took place at the front once the race went green.
By Lap 129, O'Ward took control of the lead and held on to it through much of the 2nd half of the
race. He too, was hounded by Palou and Grosjean in addition to Newgarden.
O'Ward lapped 5th-place Dixon on Lap 154.
Rosenqvist fell back to 9th and on Lap 177, got into the marbles in Turn 4 and wrecked. The
subsequent caution period allowed most of the drivers to get back on the lead lap.
the 1st lap.
Josef Newgarden soon took the lead and led most of the first half of the race while Pato O'Ward
was hot on his tail, followed by Alex Palou and Romain Grosjean. Meanwhile, Dixon lurked just
behind.
The first caution period came on Lap 48 when Takuma Sato, who is driving only ovals this year
for Ganassi, lost it in a turn, hit the wall and ended his race. While exiting his pit stall, Alex Rossi
collided with the incoming car of Kyle Kirkwood. Rossi was then stuck in the pits as repairs were
made, then receiving a drive-through penalty just added insult to injury. Kirkwood would later DNF
due to a mechanical failure and Rossi finished 7 laps down.
Furious racing took place at the front once the race went green.
By Lap 129, O'Ward took control of the lead and held on to it through much of the 2nd half of the
race. He too, was hounded by Palou and Grosjean in addition to Newgarden.
O'Ward lapped 5th-place Dixon on Lap 154.
Rosenqvist fell back to 9th and on Lap 177, got into the marbles in Turn 4 and wrecked. The
subsequent caution period allowed most of the drivers to get back on the lead lap.
| Josef Newgarden, Alex Palou and Pato O'Ward furiously battled. |
Newgarden won the Texas race for the 2nd year in a row. He also won the race in 2019.
O'Ward, the 2021 Texas winner, has now racked up two 2nd-place finishes this year and
is the IndyCar points leader.
Palou finished in 3rd and David Malukas (Dale Coyne Racing) finished 4th!
After ther race, Malukas said he had a lot of fun racing today and referred to this race as
"beautiful chaos!"
Juncos Hollinger Racing had a good day as Callum Ilott finished in 9th and their rookie
Agustin Canapino in 12th. This was his first oval race!
O'Ward, the 2021 Texas winner, has now racked up two 2nd-place finishes this year and
is the IndyCar points leader.
Palou finished in 3rd and David Malukas (Dale Coyne Racing) finished 4th!
After ther race, Malukas said he had a lot of fun racing today and referred to this race as
"beautiful chaos!"
Juncos Hollinger Racing had a good day as Callum Ilott finished in 9th and their rookie
Agustin Canapino in 12th. This was his first oval race!
On Lap 220, Devlin DeFrancesco had a damaged front right
tire and skidded across the apron and back onto the track in
front of oncoming traffic. Unable to avoid him, Graham Rahal
hit DeFrancesco's rear tire which launched the front of Rahal's
car into the air. They both hit the wall. Luckily, neither driver
was injured.
tire and skidded across the apron and back onto the track in
front of oncoming traffic. Unable to avoid him, Graham Rahal
hit DeFrancesco's rear tire which launched the front of Rahal's
car into the air. They both hit the wall. Luckily, neither driver
was injured.
Furious racing resumed at the front when the race went green, as the lead was swapped between
between O'Ward, Newgarden, Palou, Grosjean and Colton Herta. Just as Newgarden grabbed
the lead back from O'Ward, with 2 laps to go, Grosjean crashed and the race ended under yellow.
between O'Ward, Newgarden, Palou, Grosjean and Colton Herta. Just as Newgarden grabbed
the lead back from O'Ward, with 2 laps to go, Grosjean crashed and the race ended under yellow.
| Newgarden Wins Texas Again! |
Kyle Kirkwood, in his second year in IndyCar, and his 3rd race with Andretti Motorsports,
captured his first pole. He held on to the lead at the start of the race.
Helio Castroneves crashed in the first turn on the first lap. He came into the pits and got
a new front wing and rejoined the pack a lap down. The race returned to green on Lap 4.
captured his first pole. He held on to the lead at the start of the race.
Helio Castroneves crashed in the first turn on the first lap. He came into the pits and got
a new front wing and rejoined the pack a lap down. The race returned to green on Lap 4.
| Winner Kyle Kirkwood and Michael Andretti |
On Lap 20, Pato O'Ward, in 7th, made a late
dive inside of Scott Dixon approaching turn 8,
and bumped him square with his tires. That
sent Dixie head first into the tire barrier.
Dixon was able to get going again, but fell to
the back of the grid. (He would retire 14 laps
later with a mechanical problem.) This was
ruled a racing incident and no penalty was
leveled at O'Ward. Dixon wasn't happy and
O'Ward didn't apologize.
Dixon's wreck brought about a 5-lap caution
period and everyone took the opportunity to
pit except backmarkers Agustin Canapino
and Castroneves. This would place them at
the front on the restart.
Callum Illot had pit after the others and he
came out on cold tires, just in front of the
entire field, right as the race went green!
Things then happened quickly on this lap.
Josef Newgarden, on sticky tires, got around
Kirkwood.
O'Ward had got by Romain Grosjean and
came charging in too hot in the inside of turn
8 as he chased down Marcus Ericsson.
He slightly hit the rear of Ericsson, then spun
around and backed into the tire barrier while
blocking half the track!
Although O'Ward quickly got out of the tires
and turned in the right direction on his own,
many cars passed him and he fell back to
13th as he got going again. (After lap 50,
O'Ward lost pace and would finish 17th,
relinquishing the points lead he had coming
into the race.)
As the true leaders got by the slower Juncos
Hollinger Racing cars of Ilott and Canapino,
Ericsson was passed by Scott McLaughlin,
Colton Herta, and Alex Rossi. Newgarden
was now in the lead, followed by Kirkwood
and Grosjean.
Newgarden would lead until Kirkwood took it
back during the final pit stops. Newgarden
would then begin to fall back and would finish
9th.
Romain Grosjean had a good race, running
in 3rd until Newgarden began to fall off, where
he then moved up to 2nd. He couldn't catch
Kirkwood though, who won his first IndyCar
race.
Ericsson was able to recover some positions
and finished 3rd.
dive inside of Scott Dixon approaching turn 8,
and bumped him square with his tires. That
sent Dixie head first into the tire barrier.
Dixon was able to get going again, but fell to
the back of the grid. (He would retire 14 laps
later with a mechanical problem.) This was
ruled a racing incident and no penalty was
leveled at O'Ward. Dixon wasn't happy and
O'Ward didn't apologize.
Dixon's wreck brought about a 5-lap caution
period and everyone took the opportunity to
pit except backmarkers Agustin Canapino
and Castroneves. This would place them at
the front on the restart.
Callum Illot had pit after the others and he
came out on cold tires, just in front of the
entire field, right as the race went green!
Things then happened quickly on this lap.
Josef Newgarden, on sticky tires, got around
Kirkwood.
O'Ward had got by Romain Grosjean and
came charging in too hot in the inside of turn
8 as he chased down Marcus Ericsson.
He slightly hit the rear of Ericsson, then spun
around and backed into the tire barrier while
blocking half the track!
Although O'Ward quickly got out of the tires
and turned in the right direction on his own,
many cars passed him and he fell back to
13th as he got going again. (After lap 50,
O'Ward lost pace and would finish 17th,
relinquishing the points lead he had coming
into the race.)
As the true leaders got by the slower Juncos
Hollinger Racing cars of Ilott and Canapino,
Ericsson was passed by Scott McLaughlin,
Colton Herta, and Alex Rossi. Newgarden
was now in the lead, followed by Kirkwood
and Grosjean.
Newgarden would lead until Kirkwood took it
back during the final pit stops. Newgarden
would then begin to fall back and would finish
9th.
Romain Grosjean had a good race, running
in 3rd until Newgarden began to fall off, where
he then moved up to 2nd. He couldn't catch
Kirkwood though, who won his first IndyCar
race.
Ericsson was able to recover some positions
and finished 3rd.
| O'Ward's attempt at dive bombing into Turn 8 did not turn out as well the second time. |
With Colton Herta finishing in 4th, the Andretti team had 3 cars in the top 4.
Graham Rahal was the biggest mover of the day, starting 24th and finishing 12th.
There were only 7 caution laps, compared to 52 in Texas and 26 in St Pete.
Graham Rahal was the biggest mover of the day, starting 24th and finishing 12th.
There were only 7 caution laps, compared to 52 in Texas and 26 in St Pete.
It was a pleasant day in Alabama; mostly sunny, 70-degrees and breezy.
Romain Grosjean started from pole and led the first 71 laps, fending off challenges from
Pato O'Ward, Alex Palou and Scott McLaughlin during the first half of the race.
There were two strategies for the race - a 3-stopper and a 2-stopper - where drivers would
have to manage their tires and fuel.
Andretti Autosport chose the 2-stop while Team Penske chose to run a 3-stop race.
There was only one caution in the race, when Sting Ray Robb ended up stalled in the grass
on Lap 38.
On Lap 72, Grosjean ran wide into Turn 5 allowing McLaughlin to pull along side him.
With no push-to-pass left, Grosjean could not stop McLaughlin from taking the lead.
McLaughlin then cruised to the win.
The biggest mover of the race was rookie Marcus Armstrong, who moved up 15 spots to
finish in 11th.
Romain Grosjean started from pole and led the first 71 laps, fending off challenges from
Pato O'Ward, Alex Palou and Scott McLaughlin during the first half of the race.
There were two strategies for the race - a 3-stopper and a 2-stopper - where drivers would
have to manage their tires and fuel.
Andretti Autosport chose the 2-stop while Team Penske chose to run a 3-stop race.
There was only one caution in the race, when Sting Ray Robb ended up stalled in the grass
on Lap 38.
On Lap 72, Grosjean ran wide into Turn 5 allowing McLaughlin to pull along side him.
With no push-to-pass left, Grosjean could not stop McLaughlin from taking the lead.
McLaughlin then cruised to the win.
The biggest mover of the race was rookie Marcus Armstrong, who moved up 15 spots to
finish in 11th.
Driver
Scott McLaughlin
Romain Grosjean
Will Power
Pato O'Ward
Alex Palou
Chris Lundgaard
Scott Dixon
Scott McLaughlin
Romain Grosjean
Will Power
Pato O'Ward
Alex Palou
Chris Lundgaard
Scott Dixon
Finish
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
# of Pitstops
3
2
3
2
2
2
2
3
2
3
2
2
2
2
| Race Winner Scott McLaughlin with teammate Will Power who finished 3rd. |
| Romain Grosjean - 2nd Again |
Christian Lundgaard of RLL Racing captured his first IndyCar pole to start this race on a hot,
overcast day.
Differences between the primary and alternate tires seemed to be more pronounced at Indy and
play a large role in the race stratetgy.
While there were no spectacular crashes into Turn 1 at the start of the race, several cars made
contact afterward resulting in some shuffling around. Graham Rahal faired the worst, with a
punctured tire. No caution came out.
Alex Palou, starting on the softer red tires, took the lead away from Lundgaard, who was running
primaries, by the end of the first lap.
On the next lap, Romain Grosjean and Sting Ray Robb raced too hard into Turn 7. While
Grosjean went wide and into the grass to escape, Robb clipped teammate David Malukas in the
rear and spun him. Both Dale Coyne cars were now out of the race! This brought out the first
and only caution of the race.
Jack Harvey had a big lock-up into Turn 1 which flat-spotted his tires. That would drop the
3rd-place starter down a few positions. By lap 15 he'd fallen back to 9th and he pit. He was in
13th on lap 31 when he spun the car in the back field, but kept going. He pit and did not return to
the race.
Other than Harvey, the top 6 drivers who started the race from the front would manage to stay
and finish at the front.
Palou led the most laps by far and won the race. Pato O'Ward led a few and would take over
2nd place on lap 57, where he would end up finishing - for the 3rd time this year! Lundgaard led
the second most laps (13) and finished 4th. Two drivers who also led and came from behind to
finish in the top 10 were Scott Dixon and Rahal. Rahal had qualified 8th, however, with his tire
puncture on the first lap, he ended up at the end of the field. He then worked his way up to finish
10th. He was technically the biggest mover of the day, though it was awarded to Alex Rossi
who started in 10th and finished in 3rd.
overcast day.
Differences between the primary and alternate tires seemed to be more pronounced at Indy and
play a large role in the race stratetgy.
While there were no spectacular crashes into Turn 1 at the start of the race, several cars made
contact afterward resulting in some shuffling around. Graham Rahal faired the worst, with a
punctured tire. No caution came out.
Alex Palou, starting on the softer red tires, took the lead away from Lundgaard, who was running
primaries, by the end of the first lap.
On the next lap, Romain Grosjean and Sting Ray Robb raced too hard into Turn 7. While
Grosjean went wide and into the grass to escape, Robb clipped teammate David Malukas in the
rear and spun him. Both Dale Coyne cars were now out of the race! This brought out the first
and only caution of the race.
Jack Harvey had a big lock-up into Turn 1 which flat-spotted his tires. That would drop the
3rd-place starter down a few positions. By lap 15 he'd fallen back to 9th and he pit. He was in
13th on lap 31 when he spun the car in the back field, but kept going. He pit and did not return to
the race.
Other than Harvey, the top 6 drivers who started the race from the front would manage to stay
and finish at the front.
Palou led the most laps by far and won the race. Pato O'Ward led a few and would take over
2nd place on lap 57, where he would end up finishing - for the 3rd time this year! Lundgaard led
the second most laps (13) and finished 4th. Two drivers who also led and came from behind to
finish in the top 10 were Scott Dixon and Rahal. Rahal had qualified 8th, however, with his tire
puncture on the first lap, he ended up at the end of the field. He then worked his way up to finish
10th. He was technically the biggest mover of the day, though it was awarded to Alex Rossi
who started in 10th and finished in 3rd.
| Winner Alex Palou with Chip Ganassi Racing |
The weather was nice - a little warm and cloudy.
Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing, started from Pole with the fastest 4-Lap Average in history -
234.217 mph. Starting beside him was Rinus VeeKay from Ed Carpenter Racing. These two
fought back and forth for the lead on laps 1 - 63.
Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing, started from Pole with the fastest 4-Lap Average in history -
234.217 mph. Starting beside him was Rinus VeeKay from Ed Carpenter Racing. These two
fought back and forth for the lead on laps 1 - 63.
McLaren teammates Pato O'Ward and Felix
Rosenqvist fought back and forth for the lead on
laps 64 - 131.
On Lap 91, Sting Ray Robb crashed in Turn 1,
bringing out the first yellow flag. During this caution,
Palou got clobbered in the pits by VeeKay. Palou
would have to return to the pits for repairs and that
dropped him from 6th to 24th. Palou fought his way
up to 4th over the next 100 laps. If not for this
mishap, Palou may have won the race.
Rosenqvist fought back and forth for the lead on
laps 64 - 131.
On Lap 91, Sting Ray Robb crashed in Turn 1,
bringing out the first yellow flag. During this caution,
Palou got clobbered in the pits by VeeKay. Palou
would have to return to the pits for repairs and that
dropped him from 6th to 24th. Palou fought his way
up to 4th over the next 100 laps. If not for this
mishap, Palou may have won the race.
More pit stop problems happened on lap 133. Colton Herta was released from his box by his
Andretti Autosport team, just as his teammate, Romain Grosjean, came into the pit ahead of him.
Heavy contact was made. Herta had been in 6th place and Grosjean in 12th before the pit stop.
Now they were at the back of the field.
On lap 149, Grosjean slammed into the Turn 2 wall, ending his day and bringing out the 2nd
caution period. Herta would go on to finish the race in 9th.
Marcus Ericsson, last year's winner, led most of the laps between 133-156.
Santino Ferrucci, driving for A.J. Foyt Racing, led laps 159-168.
On Lap 182, O'Ward passed Ericsson. It was technically for the lead, as the three cars ahead
(Ryan Hunter-Reay, Callum Ilott and Augustin Canapino) would have to pit for fuel.
Andretti Autosport team, just as his teammate, Romain Grosjean, came into the pit ahead of him.
Heavy contact was made. Herta had been in 6th place and Grosjean in 12th before the pit stop.
Now they were at the back of the field.
On lap 149, Grosjean slammed into the Turn 2 wall, ending his day and bringing out the 2nd
caution period. Herta would go on to finish the race in 9th.
Marcus Ericsson, last year's winner, led most of the laps between 133-156.
Santino Ferrucci, driving for A.J. Foyt Racing, led laps 159-168.
On Lap 182, O'Ward passed Ericsson. It was technically for the lead, as the three cars ahead
(Ryan Hunter-Reay, Callum Ilott and Augustin Canapino) would have to pit for fuel.
| VeeKay Hit Palou in the Pits |
With just 7 laps to go, the red flag was thrown again!
The cars tried a restart with 5 laps to go. Immediately, cars in the back of the field crashed,
including Ed Carpenter, Christian Lundgaard, Benjamin Pedersen and Graham Rahal.
The leaders were still on the front straight.
As the field carefully worked their way through the carnage on the next lap, a third red flag
was thrown! Race control was determined to have this race finish under green.
Race control determined that Ericsson was in the lead over Newgarden and Ferrucci when
the track went yellow.
The race was restarted on lap 199. As the cars flew down the back straight, Newgarden
passed Ericsson for the lead, and held on to win his first Indy 500 (And Roger Penske's 19th).
After the win, Newgarden parked on the middle of the track, ran to the outer wall and ducked
through a hole in the fence. He made his way into the stands to celebrate with the fans - an
Indy 500 first.
The cars tried a restart with 5 laps to go. Immediately, cars in the back of the field crashed,
including Ed Carpenter, Christian Lundgaard, Benjamin Pedersen and Graham Rahal.
The leaders were still on the front straight.
As the field carefully worked their way through the carnage on the next lap, a third red flag
was thrown! Race control was determined to have this race finish under green.
Race control determined that Ericsson was in the lead over Newgarden and Ferrucci when
the track went yellow.
The race was restarted on lap 199. As the cars flew down the back straight, Newgarden
passed Ericsson for the lead, and held on to win his first Indy 500 (And Roger Penske's 19th).
After the win, Newgarden parked on the middle of the track, ran to the outer wall and ducked
through a hole in the fence. He made his way into the stands to celebrate with the fans - an
Indy 500 first.
On the next lap, Rosenqvist went wide into Turn 1
and brushed the wall hard, breaking his steering.
He spun into turn 2 out of control. Kyle Kirkwood
was unable to avoid him completely and Rosenqvist's
car sheared the left rear wheel off of Kirkwood's car,
hurtling it over the catch fence and thankfully not
hitting anyone. Kirkwood then made contact with
the wall, flipped and slid along upside down. Both
drivers were ok.
This accident brought out a red flag.
The first attempt to go green on Lap 191 was waved
off as the leader, O'Ward, was going to slow. On the
next lap the race went green and as Ericsson inched
ahead of O'Ward at the Starting Line, Josef
Newgarden suddenly flew by both cars to take the
lead. As the cars raced down the back straight,
Ferrucci was able to get by Alex Rossi for 4th.
Then O'Ward made a move on Ericsson going into
turn 3, but Ericsson came down and O'Ward was
forced onto the apron and perhaps the grass. This
caused him to spin into the turn 3 wall. This may
have caused a chain reaction as some drivers
checked up. Scott McLaughlin ran into the back
of Simon Pagenaud, sending him into the wall.
Canapino also hit the wall, which broke his steering.
Canapo tried to slow down, but without steering,
ran into the back of O'Ward's stopped car.
Canapino's car then popped a big wheelie.
and brushed the wall hard, breaking his steering.
He spun into turn 2 out of control. Kyle Kirkwood
was unable to avoid him completely and Rosenqvist's
car sheared the left rear wheel off of Kirkwood's car,
hurtling it over the catch fence and thankfully not
hitting anyone. Kirkwood then made contact with
the wall, flipped and slid along upside down. Both
drivers were ok.
This accident brought out a red flag.
The first attempt to go green on Lap 191 was waved
off as the leader, O'Ward, was going to slow. On the
next lap the race went green and as Ericsson inched
ahead of O'Ward at the Starting Line, Josef
Newgarden suddenly flew by both cars to take the
lead. As the cars raced down the back straight,
Ferrucci was able to get by Alex Rossi for 4th.
Then O'Ward made a move on Ericsson going into
turn 3, but Ericsson came down and O'Ward was
forced onto the apron and perhaps the grass. This
caused him to spin into the turn 3 wall. This may
have caused a chain reaction as some drivers
checked up. Scott McLaughlin ran into the back
of Simon Pagenaud, sending him into the wall.
Canapino also hit the wall, which broke his steering.
Canapo tried to slow down, but without steering,
ran into the back of O'Ward's stopped car.
Canapino's car then popped a big wheelie.
| Kirkwood After Contact with Spinning Rosenqvist |
| So Near to Winning, O'Ward Ended up in the Wall |
| After 12 Attempts, Josef Newgarden Won The Indianapolis 500! |
IndyCar arrived in Detroit to race on a new downtown street circuit instead of the course on
Belle Isle where they have been racing since the early 1990s.
The new course is 1.645-miles long. Seven of the nine turns are 90 degrees. The pits were
divided into two sides, with a stripe painted down the middle to keep the cars pitting on one side,
separated from the other. Drivers had to rely on spotters as the cars racing and the cars exiting
the pits could not see each other.
Belle Isle where they have been racing since the early 1990s.
The new course is 1.645-miles long. Seven of the nine turns are 90 degrees. The pits were
divided into two sides, with a stripe painted down the middle to keep the cars pitting on one side,
separated from the other. Drivers had to rely on spotters as the cars racing and the cars exiting
the pits could not see each other.
The final restart was on lap 95 and the leaders were:
1. Palou
2. Rossi
3. Power
4. Rosenqvist
5. Dixon
6. Kirkwood
7. Armstrong
8. Ericsson
9. McLaughlin
10. Herta
Herta went wide into the first turn, giving up 10th
place to Newgarden. Power got by Rossi in Turn 4.
Then Rossi and teammate Rosenqvist were fighting
back and forth through the rest of the lap. There
was furious racing among the top ten drivers
throughout these final 5 laps.
On Lap 98, Rosenqvist gave Rossi a tankslapper
to get by and was followed by Dixon. McLaughlin
moved up to 7th.
1. Palou
2. Rossi
3. Power
4. Rosenqvist
5. Dixon
6. Kirkwood
7. Armstrong
8. Ericsson
9. McLaughlin
10. Herta
Herta went wide into the first turn, giving up 10th
place to Newgarden. Power got by Rossi in Turn 4.
Then Rossi and teammate Rosenqvist were fighting
back and forth through the rest of the lap. There
was furious racing among the top ten drivers
throughout these final 5 laps.
On Lap 98, Rosenqvist gave Rossi a tankslapper
to get by and was followed by Dixon. McLaughlin
moved up to 7th.
The finish was exciting and Palou held on to win. He had led most of this race.
Herta was the big mover of the day, having started 24th and finished 11th.
Despite all the cautions, 19 cars finished on the lead lap, three were 3 laps down and five drivers
did not finish.
Herta was the big mover of the day, having started 24th and finished 11th.
Despite all the cautions, 19 cars finished on the lead lap, three were 3 laps down and five drivers
did not finish.
| Alex Palou Won |
| Alex Palou Led From The Start On This New Street Course |
| Double-Sided Pit Lane |
The course was very bumpy, cracked and uneven, as one would expect on city streets in the Midwest.
The weather was nice - 75-degrees and sunny.
Alex Palou started on pole. The first attempt at a start was waved off as the field was not bunched
up. On the first lap, Callum Ilott ran into the back of Kyle Kirkwood, bringing out a CAUTION.
Kirkwood had to get a new rear wing and fell a lap down, but Ilott was out of the race.
Also during this first lap, Josef Newgarden got into the rear of Scott Dixon, but no damage was
apparent. Graham Rahal, Colton Herta and Devlin DeFrancesco pit to switch from the softer green
tires to the black primaries.
There would be 7 Cautions for 32 laps during this 100-lap event.
The weather was nice - 75-degrees and sunny.
Alex Palou started on pole. The first attempt at a start was waved off as the field was not bunched
up. On the first lap, Callum Ilott ran into the back of Kyle Kirkwood, bringing out a CAUTION.
Kirkwood had to get a new rear wing and fell a lap down, but Ilott was out of the race.
Also during this first lap, Josef Newgarden got into the rear of Scott Dixon, but no damage was
apparent. Graham Rahal, Colton Herta and Devlin DeFrancesco pit to switch from the softer green
tires to the black primaries.
There would be 7 Cautions for 32 laps during this 100-lap event.
The race restarted on Lap 7. Romain Grosjean passed Scott McLaughlin for 2nd, as Palou led.
Palou's car was fast and by lap 15, he held a 7-second lead over Grosjean. Numerous drivers pit
as they were eager to get onto primary tires, but Palou stayed out on his alternates until Lap 30.
When he pit, Will Power took over the lead, but when he pit, he came out behind Palou.
Marbles had already built up heavily on the track.
Pato O'Ward exited the pits on lap 35, but did not make it out and had to be pushed back as his left
rear wheel did not have the nut holding it on. That delay cost him a lap. He drove furiously to try
and avoid being lapped again, but on lap 42, he came in too deep, attempting to pass Ferrucci in
Turn 9, and smashed into the wall, ending his race and bringing out a 2nd CAUTION.
The race resumed on Lap 49 and went yellow for the 3rd time when Sting Ray Robb ran into the Turn 3
run-off area and had to be turned around and restarted. While under CAUTION, Graham Rahal
inexplicably didn't make a tight turn and just drove into the wall! He had started last and been running
at the back. After four cars made the turn and avoided him, Benjamin Pedersen came along and
ran into him. Pederson would limp on to finish three laps down, but Rahal was out. What a terrible
day for Rahal. This was counted as the 4th CAUTION
The race returned to green on Lap 56 and Power passed Palou for the lead at the end of the straight
and began to pull away.
On lap 59, Agustin Canapino was handed a penalty for blocking Herta. He damaged Herta's front
wing slightly in the process. Herta moved into 11th, but that damage would come back to haunt him
by the end of the race.
On Lap 65, Power's alternate tire advantage had disappeared and Palou was on his tail. Palou
forced him into an error in the hairpin and was able to pass him for the lead.
On Lap 66, Dixon pit from P3. This caused the top-3 (Palou, Power, Felix Rosenqvist) to pit on
the next lap. Palou and Power came out in front of Dixon. Alex Rossi then pit from the lead. He
got out in front of Rosenquvist and behind Dixon.
The top 3 were now Newgarden, Kirkwood and Ericsson. By lap 77, all three had pit and the real
leaders were now Palou, Power, Dixon, Rosenqvist, and Rossi.
Palou had built up a 5-second advantage over Power when Grosjean, in 7th, clipped the inside of
turn 4 and was deflected to the apex wall on Lap 80. This ended his race and brought out the 5th
CAUTION.
The race resumed on Lap 86 and David Malukas immediately crashed in Turn 9, bringing out the
6th CAUTION.
The race resumed on Lap 90. Power attempted a pass on Palou into a turn. He was on the outside,
then suddenly cut left to the inside, but Dixon had just put his nose in. That upset Power's car, tossing
the left side into the air and activating his anti-stall for a moment. This created a sudden flurry at the
front. Rossi passed three cars in the turn to take over 2nd. Power quickly got back on it and took
over 3rd place, with Rosenqvist and Dixon behind him.
As the battle at the front was getting underway, the 7th and final CAUTION flew after just 1 lap of
green flag racing. Robb and Santino Ferrucci touched wheels and ran deep into a turn. Robb
ended up in a run-off area (again) and in need of a jump. Ferrucci too had stalled. Both cars would
resume and finish three laps down.
Palou's car was fast and by lap 15, he held a 7-second lead over Grosjean. Numerous drivers pit
as they were eager to get onto primary tires, but Palou stayed out on his alternates until Lap 30.
When he pit, Will Power took over the lead, but when he pit, he came out behind Palou.
Marbles had already built up heavily on the track.
Pato O'Ward exited the pits on lap 35, but did not make it out and had to be pushed back as his left
rear wheel did not have the nut holding it on. That delay cost him a lap. He drove furiously to try
and avoid being lapped again, but on lap 42, he came in too deep, attempting to pass Ferrucci in
Turn 9, and smashed into the wall, ending his race and bringing out a 2nd CAUTION.
The race resumed on Lap 49 and went yellow for the 3rd time when Sting Ray Robb ran into the Turn 3
run-off area and had to be turned around and restarted. While under CAUTION, Graham Rahal
inexplicably didn't make a tight turn and just drove into the wall! He had started last and been running
at the back. After four cars made the turn and avoided him, Benjamin Pedersen came along and
ran into him. Pederson would limp on to finish three laps down, but Rahal was out. What a terrible
day for Rahal. This was counted as the 4th CAUTION
The race returned to green on Lap 56 and Power passed Palou for the lead at the end of the straight
and began to pull away.
On lap 59, Agustin Canapino was handed a penalty for blocking Herta. He damaged Herta's front
wing slightly in the process. Herta moved into 11th, but that damage would come back to haunt him
by the end of the race.
On Lap 65, Power's alternate tire advantage had disappeared and Palou was on his tail. Palou
forced him into an error in the hairpin and was able to pass him for the lead.
On Lap 66, Dixon pit from P3. This caused the top-3 (Palou, Power, Felix Rosenqvist) to pit on
the next lap. Palou and Power came out in front of Dixon. Alex Rossi then pit from the lead. He
got out in front of Rosenquvist and behind Dixon.
The top 3 were now Newgarden, Kirkwood and Ericsson. By lap 77, all three had pit and the real
leaders were now Palou, Power, Dixon, Rosenqvist, and Rossi.
Palou had built up a 5-second advantage over Power when Grosjean, in 7th, clipped the inside of
turn 4 and was deflected to the apex wall on Lap 80. This ended his race and brought out the 5th
CAUTION.
The race resumed on Lap 86 and David Malukas immediately crashed in Turn 9, bringing out the
6th CAUTION.
The race resumed on Lap 90. Power attempted a pass on Palou into a turn. He was on the outside,
then suddenly cut left to the inside, but Dixon had just put his nose in. That upset Power's car, tossing
the left side into the air and activating his anti-stall for a moment. This created a sudden flurry at the
front. Rossi passed three cars in the turn to take over 2nd. Power quickly got back on it and took
over 3rd place, with Rosenqvist and Dixon behind him.
As the battle at the front was getting underway, the 7th and final CAUTION flew after just 1 lap of
green flag racing. Robb and Santino Ferrucci touched wheels and ran deep into a turn. Robb
ended up in a run-off area (again) and in need of a jump. Ferrucci too had stalled. Both cars would
resume and finish three laps down.
Road America has been repaved, resulting in an ultra-smooth surface, but it's newness
presented some slick spots resulting in many off track excursions during the weekend.
Race day weather was a nice 72-degrees and partly cloudy. Colton Herta started from pole.
On the first lap, Kyle Kirkwood ran into the back of Pato O'Ward and spun out at the first turn
Kirkwood could not get his car restarted in time and the first caution came out. About 10 cars
decided to pit to get off of the alternate tires.
Back to green, the fighting was fierce. O'Ward hit Santino Ferrucci and received a blocking
penalty, forcing him to give up two positions. Josef Newgarden hip-checked Christian
Lundgaard, sending him off track and Felix Rosenqvist went off after being hit by Rinus
VeeKay.
On Lap 12, Romain Grosjean got stuck in the gravel and a 2nd caution came out. Newgarden
beat Marcus Ericsson out of the pits to take over 3rd. Marcus Armstrong and VeeKay were
both charged with unsafe release penalties.
No sooner had the race gone green, than Jack Harvey ended up in the gravel and the 3rd
caution came out.
On Lap 23, Newgarden shoved his way past Alex Palou to take over 2nd.
David Malukas car died on the next lap, bringing out the 4th and final caution.
Herta had been leading to this point, but Palou and Newgarden beat him out of the pits.
By Lap 33, Herta was leading again. Unfortunately for him, his team had him pit on Lap 40,
while Palou and Newgarden stayed out for one additional lap. Due to the long 4-mile circuit
length, Herta had to watch his fuel consumption, while those who pit on lap 41 did not.
With 7 laps to go, Herta began to get passed and he finished in 5th.
Palou won the race, followed by Newgarden, O'Ward and Scott Dixon. Dixon, who had
started the race in 23rd, was the biggest mover of the race.
presented some slick spots resulting in many off track excursions during the weekend.
Race day weather was a nice 72-degrees and partly cloudy. Colton Herta started from pole.
On the first lap, Kyle Kirkwood ran into the back of Pato O'Ward and spun out at the first turn
Kirkwood could not get his car restarted in time and the first caution came out. About 10 cars
decided to pit to get off of the alternate tires.
Back to green, the fighting was fierce. O'Ward hit Santino Ferrucci and received a blocking
penalty, forcing him to give up two positions. Josef Newgarden hip-checked Christian
Lundgaard, sending him off track and Felix Rosenqvist went off after being hit by Rinus
VeeKay.
On Lap 12, Romain Grosjean got stuck in the gravel and a 2nd caution came out. Newgarden
beat Marcus Ericsson out of the pits to take over 3rd. Marcus Armstrong and VeeKay were
both charged with unsafe release penalties.
No sooner had the race gone green, than Jack Harvey ended up in the gravel and the 3rd
caution came out.
On Lap 23, Newgarden shoved his way past Alex Palou to take over 2nd.
David Malukas car died on the next lap, bringing out the 4th and final caution.
Herta had been leading to this point, but Palou and Newgarden beat him out of the pits.
By Lap 33, Herta was leading again. Unfortunately for him, his team had him pit on Lap 40,
while Palou and Newgarden stayed out for one additional lap. Due to the long 4-mile circuit
length, Herta had to watch his fuel consumption, while those who pit on lap 41 did not.
With 7 laps to go, Herta began to get passed and he finished in 5th.
Palou won the race, followed by Newgarden, O'Ward and Scott Dixon. Dixon, who had
started the race in 23rd, was the biggest mover of the race.
| Alex Palou - Winner |
The track was moist in areas after an earlier rain during the morning warm up.
It seemed dry by race time. It was overcast with temperature in the 70s.
On the first lap, Marcus Ericsson came in too fast and went wide into a turn, running atop of
Felix Rosenqvist's car, wrecking both cars. Ericsson broke his steering rod and was out of
the race. Unlucky Roseqnvist plugged along in last place the rest of the race. That accident
brought out the only caution during the race.
It seemed dry by race time. It was overcast with temperature in the 70s.
On the first lap, Marcus Ericsson came in too fast and went wide into a turn, running atop of
Felix Rosenqvist's car, wrecking both cars. Ericsson broke his steering rod and was out of
the race. Unlucky Roseqnvist plugged along in last place the rest of the race. That accident
brought out the only caution during the race.
| Winner Alex Palou with Ganassi Teammate Scott Dixon, 2nd. |
Colton Herta started on pole and was followed by Graham Rahal, Kyle Kirkwood and Alex
Palou. On Lap 18, Palou passed Kirkwood, causing him to spin. Kirkwood lost some positions
falling back to P9.
Herta led the first 26 laps and then pit. Four laps later Palou pit and came out in the lead. He
had been saving fuel and he saved time in the pits as he did not need as much fuel. Scott Dixon
and Will Power pit and appeared to have the same strategy as Palou. While they came out in
front of Herta, they could not keep him behind them on their cold tires.
Rahal and Herta both suffered problems in their final pit stops and fell out of contention. Rahal
finished 7th and Herta finished 11th. Kirkwood finished back in 17th.
Pato O'Ward had spun during qualifying and started the race back in 25th. He worked his way
up to finish in 8th and was the biggest mover of the race.
Palou won by 5 seconds over teammate Dixon. Further back, Power brought it home in 3rd.
Palou. On Lap 18, Palou passed Kirkwood, causing him to spin. Kirkwood lost some positions
falling back to P9.
Herta led the first 26 laps and then pit. Four laps later Palou pit and came out in the lead. He
had been saving fuel and he saved time in the pits as he did not need as much fuel. Scott Dixon
and Will Power pit and appeared to have the same strategy as Palou. While they came out in
front of Herta, they could not keep him behind them on their cold tires.
Rahal and Herta both suffered problems in their final pit stops and fell out of contention. Rahal
finished 7th and Herta finished 11th. Kirkwood finished back in 17th.
Pato O'Ward had spun during qualifying and started the race back in 25th. He worked his way
up to finish in 8th and was the biggest mover of the race.
Palou won by 5 seconds over teammate Dixon. Further back, Power brought it home in 3rd.
| Marcus Ericsson Ran Into Felix Rosenqvist |
Rain had surprised the teams during the middle of qualifying yesterday.
Sophmore Christian Lundgaard put his RLL Honda on pole (his second of the year) while points
leader and defending champion Alex Palou qualified 15th, behind Andretti driver Colton Herta.
It was sunny and 76-degrees by race time and the track was dry.
There were two tire strategies - start on primaries and run as long as possible, or, start on the green
alternates, make it to at least lap 17, pit and run to the end. Lundgaard started on greens.
Will Power and Marcus Ericsson started on primaries and both would have to pit for fuel on the
2nd to last lap and fall out of the Top 5!
Sophmore Christian Lundgaard put his RLL Honda on pole (his second of the year) while points
leader and defending champion Alex Palou qualified 15th, behind Andretti driver Colton Herta.
It was sunny and 76-degrees by race time and the track was dry.
There were two tire strategies - start on primaries and run as long as possible, or, start on the green
alternates, make it to at least lap 17, pit and run to the end. Lundgaard started on greens.
Will Power and Marcus Ericsson started on primaries and both would have to pit for fuel on the
2nd to last lap and fall out of the Top 5!
That accident resulted in the retirement of Jack Harvey, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Benjamin Pedersen
and Tom Blomqvist (making his IndyCar debut filling in for injured Simon Pagenaud.)
Alex Rossi and Santino Ferrucci were caught up in it and also stranded, though they suffered little
damage and would finish the race, though off the lead lap.
Graham Rahal was also involved. He ran into the back of Pedersen, Having started from the back
meant he didn't have to worry about any cars behind him, so he quickly put the car in reverse and
drove backwards until he reached a overshoot run-off lane through the Princess Gate, where he
could escape the blockage and rejoin the field. (The whole field would take that same lane to
circulate under caution while the cars blocking the track were removed.) Rahal would go on to finish
P9 and be the biggest mover of the day, having started last in 27th.
The race restarted on Lap 9.
On Lap 42, Romain Grosjean didn't make it through Turn 10 and crashed hard straight into the wall,
claiming a mysterious mechanical issue. That brought out the 2nd caution. Herta, Palou and six
other cars chose to pit.
As soon as the race returned to green on Lap 45, Helio Castroneves was spun by Kyle Kirkwood.
He ended up up stalled on the track bringing out the 3rd caution. Castroneves was not able to drive
away and exited the car. The incident resulted in Palou slightly damaging the right side of his front
wing, brushing the wall and losing several positions. As the last half of the race wore on, Palou's
wing would become worse, finally almost dragging on the ground. None the less, Palou raced hard
to the end.
On Lap 49, still under caution, Lundgaard and ten other cars pit.
The restart was on Lap 51 and the race would stay green until the end.
Scott McLaughlin, Dixon and Rinus VeeKay did not pit and were now leading the race.
Following behind them in order was Kirkwood, Herta, Palou and Lundgaard.
Kirkwood had to return to the pits to serve a stop-and-go penalty for hitting Castroneves.
Palou passed Herta for 4th place, and would be in position to lead the race once the leading trio pit.
However, as Dixon headed to the pits, Lundgaard passed both Herta and Palou for the lead!
The race would finish in that order - with Lundgaard claiming his first IndyCar victory, Palou coming
in second and Herta third. This was Herta's first podium finish of 2023.
and Tom Blomqvist (making his IndyCar debut filling in for injured Simon Pagenaud.)
Alex Rossi and Santino Ferrucci were caught up in it and also stranded, though they suffered little
damage and would finish the race, though off the lead lap.
Graham Rahal was also involved. He ran into the back of Pedersen, Having started from the back
meant he didn't have to worry about any cars behind him, so he quickly put the car in reverse and
drove backwards until he reached a overshoot run-off lane through the Princess Gate, where he
could escape the blockage and rejoin the field. (The whole field would take that same lane to
circulate under caution while the cars blocking the track were removed.) Rahal would go on to finish
P9 and be the biggest mover of the day, having started last in 27th.
The race restarted on Lap 9.
On Lap 42, Romain Grosjean didn't make it through Turn 10 and crashed hard straight into the wall,
claiming a mysterious mechanical issue. That brought out the 2nd caution. Herta, Palou and six
other cars chose to pit.
As soon as the race returned to green on Lap 45, Helio Castroneves was spun by Kyle Kirkwood.
He ended up up stalled on the track bringing out the 3rd caution. Castroneves was not able to drive
away and exited the car. The incident resulted in Palou slightly damaging the right side of his front
wing, brushing the wall and losing several positions. As the last half of the race wore on, Palou's
wing would become worse, finally almost dragging on the ground. None the less, Palou raced hard
to the end.
On Lap 49, still under caution, Lundgaard and ten other cars pit.
The restart was on Lap 51 and the race would stay green until the end.
Scott McLaughlin, Dixon and Rinus VeeKay did not pit and were now leading the race.
Following behind them in order was Kirkwood, Herta, Palou and Lundgaard.
Kirkwood had to return to the pits to serve a stop-and-go penalty for hitting Castroneves.
Palou passed Herta for 4th place, and would be in position to lead the race once the leading trio pit.
However, as Dixon headed to the pits, Lundgaard passed both Herta and Palou for the lead!
The race would finish in that order - with Lundgaard claiming his first IndyCar victory, Palou coming
in second and Herta third. This was Herta's first podium finish of 2023.
| Bobby Rahal, Christian Lundgaard and Mike Lanigan The First Win for RLL since 2020 |
| Lundgaard Leads the Start |
| First Lap Melee |
A sudden shower delayed qualifying an hour this morning. Since this is a double-header, the first lap of
qualifying determines the start for the first race and the second qualifying lap determines positions for
tomorrow's race. Will Power easily won pole for both races, followed by his Penske teammates Scott
McLaughlin and Josef Newgarden. That racked up 70 IndyCar poles for Power!
The weather was sunny and 81-degrees.
At the start, Ryan Hunter-Reay took a high line and passed four cars.
The field was 2 or 3-wide during the first laps and then becomes mostly single file and spread out
as the drivers try avoid dirty air from the car in front of them.
Jack Harvey was penalized for causing the wreck at the beginning of the last race and was docked
nine positions on the grid for Iowa. Consequently, he started 26th today. He finished in 18th.
By lap 17, the leaders had already caught the back of the field around this fast little oval.
Colton Herta had qualified 6th. He pit early on lap 42, and a problem with attaching his front left
wheel resulted in a slow stop of 43 seconds. While that sent him to the back of the field in 28th,
he managed to work his way up to 19th by the end of the race.
After the first round of pit stops on lap 62, Newgarden got his car adjusted perfectly. By Lap 95,
he passed McLaughlin for 2nd.
Power's tires started going away and Newgarden passed him for the lead on lap 121.
On Lap 146, Power got a little too high exiting Turn 4 and brushed the wall. It didn't stop him, but
it slowed him long enough for McLaughlin and Pato O'Ward to get by him.
Kyle Kirkwood, who had started 18th, was in 6th and the last car on the lead lap. He went on to
finish 7th and was the biggest mover of the race.
On Lap 152, Graham Rahal hit the wall and came down onto the apron, his day over. He said the
car was terrible. This brought out the only caution of the race. Eleven cars were able to get back
on the lead lap with the wave around.
The race went green on lap 166. By Lap 205, nine cars were still on the lead lap.
During the next green-flag pit stop, Benjamin Pedersen got released from his AJ Foyt Racing pit
box too soon and hit the Andretti car of Devlin DeFrancesco who was coming in. Pedersen
received a penalty, not that it mattered, as he was already at the back. However it cost
DeFrancesco 3 or 4 positions.
After that pitstop, Marcus Ericsson passed Power for P4.
Newgarden never let the lead slip out of his hands and won his 5th race at the Iowa Speedway.
He was followed by McLaughlin and O'Ward for the podium.
qualifying determines the start for the first race and the second qualifying lap determines positions for
tomorrow's race. Will Power easily won pole for both races, followed by his Penske teammates Scott
McLaughlin and Josef Newgarden. That racked up 70 IndyCar poles for Power!
The weather was sunny and 81-degrees.
At the start, Ryan Hunter-Reay took a high line and passed four cars.
The field was 2 or 3-wide during the first laps and then becomes mostly single file and spread out
as the drivers try avoid dirty air from the car in front of them.
Jack Harvey was penalized for causing the wreck at the beginning of the last race and was docked
nine positions on the grid for Iowa. Consequently, he started 26th today. He finished in 18th.
By lap 17, the leaders had already caught the back of the field around this fast little oval.
Colton Herta had qualified 6th. He pit early on lap 42, and a problem with attaching his front left
wheel resulted in a slow stop of 43 seconds. While that sent him to the back of the field in 28th,
he managed to work his way up to 19th by the end of the race.
After the first round of pit stops on lap 62, Newgarden got his car adjusted perfectly. By Lap 95,
he passed McLaughlin for 2nd.
Power's tires started going away and Newgarden passed him for the lead on lap 121.
On Lap 146, Power got a little too high exiting Turn 4 and brushed the wall. It didn't stop him, but
it slowed him long enough for McLaughlin and Pato O'Ward to get by him.
Kyle Kirkwood, who had started 18th, was in 6th and the last car on the lead lap. He went on to
finish 7th and was the biggest mover of the race.
On Lap 152, Graham Rahal hit the wall and came down onto the apron, his day over. He said the
car was terrible. This brought out the only caution of the race. Eleven cars were able to get back
on the lead lap with the wave around.
The race went green on lap 166. By Lap 205, nine cars were still on the lead lap.
During the next green-flag pit stop, Benjamin Pedersen got released from his AJ Foyt Racing pit
box too soon and hit the Andretti car of Devlin DeFrancesco who was coming in. Pedersen
received a penalty, not that it mattered, as he was already at the back. However it cost
DeFrancesco 3 or 4 positions.
After that pitstop, Marcus Ericsson passed Power for P4.
Newgarden never let the lead slip out of his hands and won his 5th race at the Iowa Speedway.
He was followed by McLaughlin and O'Ward for the podium.
Race day was sunny and 82-degrees. Note: IndyCars lap this oval track in 21 seconds.
Marcus Ericsson and Pato O'Ward had good starts, going high and passing several cars each.
Will Power started from pole and led the first 30 laps. Then he began struggling with the car and
began to get passed. He pit on lap 52 from P6.
Josef Newgarden, had started 6th and took the lead on Lap 31.
The race was green until Lap 87 when Juncos Hollinger Racing driver August Canapino brushed
the wall. There did not appear to be any damage to his car. The sweeper trucks took the
opportunity to clean the track. The leaders pit and came out in the same order they had went in.
The race restarted on Lap 106 with Newgarden leading, followed by Scott McLaughlin and Scott
Dixon. Within two laps, Power passed Dixon and now the Penske cars were 1-2-3.
Shortly after the next round of green-flag pit stops (around Lap 149,) the same cars were leading,
but Pato O'Ward had moved ahead of Dixon.
The caution came out on Lap 157 when a wheel off the car of Sting Ray Robb's rolled out onto the
track. Several cars barely missed it! Robb's Dale Coyne Racing team had released him from the pit
box when a wheel lock came off his car. Instead of telling him to stop, they had let him run around on
the apron. This was obviously a dangerous decision and IndyCar disqualified the car.
Several drivers, including McLaughlin, O'Ward, Alex Palou and Kyle Kirkwood took the opportunity
to top off their fuel. This allowed Power to move into P2.
Having started in 16th, Felix Rosenqvist had slowly been working his way up through the field. After
the final green-flag pit stop (around lap 196), Rosenqvist moved ahead of Power and into P2. Palou
had also been moving up and was now in P5.
On Lap 239, Ryan Hunter-Reay, driving for Ed Carpenter Racing, got high and clipped the wall,
bringing out the 3rd and final caution.
McLaughlin was in P4. His team told him to stay out and he said he had to pit or he would crash.
The lapped cars were brought down pit lane so as to get the cars on the lead lap grouped together.
Sadly for McLaughlin, IndyCar did not open the pits and the race went back to green with 4 laps to
go. He was passed by Palou and then by lapped cars as his pace slowed.
Rosenqvist got passed by Power for P2, then by Palou for P3. He finished in 4th and was the
biggest mover of the race, having improved 12 places. Callum Ilott also did well, impoving 10
positions during the race.
Newgarden won his fifth oval race in a row. Only A.J. Foyt and Al Unser have accomplished
that feat.
Marcus Ericsson and Pato O'Ward had good starts, going high and passing several cars each.
Will Power started from pole and led the first 30 laps. Then he began struggling with the car and
began to get passed. He pit on lap 52 from P6.
Josef Newgarden, had started 6th and took the lead on Lap 31.
The race was green until Lap 87 when Juncos Hollinger Racing driver August Canapino brushed
the wall. There did not appear to be any damage to his car. The sweeper trucks took the
opportunity to clean the track. The leaders pit and came out in the same order they had went in.
The race restarted on Lap 106 with Newgarden leading, followed by Scott McLaughlin and Scott
Dixon. Within two laps, Power passed Dixon and now the Penske cars were 1-2-3.
Shortly after the next round of green-flag pit stops (around Lap 149,) the same cars were leading,
but Pato O'Ward had moved ahead of Dixon.
The caution came out on Lap 157 when a wheel off the car of Sting Ray Robb's rolled out onto the
track. Several cars barely missed it! Robb's Dale Coyne Racing team had released him from the pit
box when a wheel lock came off his car. Instead of telling him to stop, they had let him run around on
the apron. This was obviously a dangerous decision and IndyCar disqualified the car.
Several drivers, including McLaughlin, O'Ward, Alex Palou and Kyle Kirkwood took the opportunity
to top off their fuel. This allowed Power to move into P2.
Having started in 16th, Felix Rosenqvist had slowly been working his way up through the field. After
the final green-flag pit stop (around lap 196), Rosenqvist moved ahead of Power and into P2. Palou
had also been moving up and was now in P5.
On Lap 239, Ryan Hunter-Reay, driving for Ed Carpenter Racing, got high and clipped the wall,
bringing out the 3rd and final caution.
McLaughlin was in P4. His team told him to stay out and he said he had to pit or he would crash.
The lapped cars were brought down pit lane so as to get the cars on the lead lap grouped together.
Sadly for McLaughlin, IndyCar did not open the pits and the race went back to green with 4 laps to
go. He was passed by Palou and then by lapped cars as his pace slowed.
Rosenqvist got passed by Power for P2, then by Palou for P3. He finished in 4th and was the
biggest mover of the race, having improved 12 places. Callum Ilott also did well, impoving 10
positions during the race.
Newgarden won his fifth oval race in a row. Only A.J. Foyt and Al Unser have accomplished
that feat.
Rain on Saturday delayed qualifying until the evening, which cancelled the warm-up session that
had been planned. Scott McLaughlin won the pole position.
The first two races held on this course yielded a lot of carnage, with 9 cautions in 2021 & 8 in 2022.
Consequently, many crashes were expected in the race, but instead, it was pretty clean.
The first caution were laps 12-13 when David Malukas suffered a mechanical problem,
stranding him on the track. He had to retire which was a shame as he had qualified P5.
All but ten cars took the opportunity to pit and get onto primary tires.
Leader McLaughlin stayed out.
On the restart, Colton Herta suffered a lot of hits as cars passed him, and he pit for new tires.
McLaughlin finally pit on Lap 25 during green flag racing. After others had pit over the next nine
laps, McLaughlin ended up in 4th, behind Alex Palou, Kyle Kirkwood and Romain Grosjean.
Everyone was now on primary tires, except for Scott Dixon.
Palou pit from the lead early on Lap 45.
Alex Rossi and Rinus VeeKay were running side by side, fighting for 6th, when they made
contact. Rossi's car was damaged and he would finish a couple laps down. VeeKay received
a drive-through penalty and finished in 14th.
As the rest of the field pit on laps 52-53. Palou now found himself in 3rd, behind Kirkwood and
McLaughlin.
Josef Newgarden was behind Palou and needed to get in front of him to close the points gap
for the lead of the championship. While Palou had more push-to-pass time, Newgarden had
five laps more fuel, though all the leaders were driving to save fuel. It appeared certain that
Palou would have to pit and Newgarden would finish in 3rd and close the points gap.
With ten laps to go, the 2022 INDY NXT champion Linus Lundqvist, didn't make a turn and
crashed into the tire barrier bringing out a caution. Lundqvist was making his IndyCar debut,
filling in for Simon Pagenaud in the No. 60 Meyer Shank car. Lundqvist had done very well
up till then and had been in P13. He had also qualified P11. Everyone was impressed.
In addition, the air scoop fell off of his car early on. This is a mandatory part that provides
cooling air to the driver - something that was drastically needed during this hot race!
On the restart, with seven laps to go, Felix Rosenqvist couldn't make a turn and crashed into
a tire barrier. Behind him, Benjamin Pedersen and Augustin Canapino could not avoid running
into the back of him and all three cars ended up piled on top of each other.
That brought out a red flag which was most fortunate for Palou. He had enough fuel to finish
the race when it returned to green on Lap 77 and so he was able to finish ahead of Newgarden.
Kirkwood led 34 laps including the last 26, capturing his and Andretti Autosport's 2nd win of the
season. McLaughlin finished in 2nd for Team Penske. Marcus Ericsson was the biggest mover
of the race, going from 20th to 7th.
had been planned. Scott McLaughlin won the pole position.
The first two races held on this course yielded a lot of carnage, with 9 cautions in 2021 & 8 in 2022.
Consequently, many crashes were expected in the race, but instead, it was pretty clean.
The first caution were laps 12-13 when David Malukas suffered a mechanical problem,
stranding him on the track. He had to retire which was a shame as he had qualified P5.
All but ten cars took the opportunity to pit and get onto primary tires.
Leader McLaughlin stayed out.
On the restart, Colton Herta suffered a lot of hits as cars passed him, and he pit for new tires.
McLaughlin finally pit on Lap 25 during green flag racing. After others had pit over the next nine
laps, McLaughlin ended up in 4th, behind Alex Palou, Kyle Kirkwood and Romain Grosjean.
Everyone was now on primary tires, except for Scott Dixon.
Palou pit from the lead early on Lap 45.
Alex Rossi and Rinus VeeKay were running side by side, fighting for 6th, when they made
contact. Rossi's car was damaged and he would finish a couple laps down. VeeKay received
a drive-through penalty and finished in 14th.
As the rest of the field pit on laps 52-53. Palou now found himself in 3rd, behind Kirkwood and
McLaughlin.
Josef Newgarden was behind Palou and needed to get in front of him to close the points gap
for the lead of the championship. While Palou had more push-to-pass time, Newgarden had
five laps more fuel, though all the leaders were driving to save fuel. It appeared certain that
Palou would have to pit and Newgarden would finish in 3rd and close the points gap.
With ten laps to go, the 2022 INDY NXT champion Linus Lundqvist, didn't make a turn and
crashed into the tire barrier bringing out a caution. Lundqvist was making his IndyCar debut,
filling in for Simon Pagenaud in the No. 60 Meyer Shank car. Lundqvist had done very well
up till then and had been in P13. He had also qualified P11. Everyone was impressed.
In addition, the air scoop fell off of his car early on. This is a mandatory part that provides
cooling air to the driver - something that was drastically needed during this hot race!
On the restart, with seven laps to go, Felix Rosenqvist couldn't make a turn and crashed into
a tire barrier. Behind him, Benjamin Pedersen and Augustin Canapino could not avoid running
into the back of him and all three cars ended up piled on top of each other.
That brought out a red flag which was most fortunate for Palou. He had enough fuel to finish
the race when it returned to green on Lap 77 and so he was able to finish ahead of Newgarden.
Kirkwood led 34 laps including the last 26, capturing his and Andretti Autosport's 2nd win of the
season. McLaughlin finished in 2nd for Team Penske. Marcus Ericsson was the biggest mover
of the race, going from 20th to 7th.
| Kyle Kirkwood Won |
| No. 27 Andretti Autosport Honda |
| First Lap Accident Left Newgarden Stranded Atop Armstrong's Car |
The race restarted on Lap 7 and remained green until the end.
Rahal and Alex Rossi passed the leader, DeFrancesco, 2 laps later. DeFrancisco began
falling back through the field and would finish in 19th, 1 lap down.
Pit stops were scattered during the first third of the race. Rahal was leading, followed by
teammate Christian Lundgaard, then Dixon, Pato O'Ward and Rossi.
Dixon pit again on Lap 59; everyone else waiting until laps 61-63. Dixon came out in the lead,
followed by Rahal, O'Ward, Lundgaard, Rossi and Alex Palou.
Felix Rosenqvist had been running in 10th when his McLaren suffered what appeared to be
transmission trouble and he dropped out on Lap 69, the only retirement of the race.
As the laps wound down, Rahal was closing the gap to Dixon. They were both slowed by
having to pass other drivers. Rahal at one point was just a half-second behind Dixon. The
closing laps were very exciting, and it was obvious Dixon's tires were gone, as his car
skittered around when he got on the power. Dixon was able to hold him off and win his first
race of the season.
This was Dixon's 49th win. He broke his own record - having won every year for 19 seasons in
a row. This was Dixon's 319th-consecutive start, which broke the record by Tony Kanaan.
To top it off, Dixon was the biggest mover of the race, having started back in P15.
Rahal and Alex Rossi passed the leader, DeFrancesco, 2 laps later. DeFrancisco began
falling back through the field and would finish in 19th, 1 lap down.
Pit stops were scattered during the first third of the race. Rahal was leading, followed by
teammate Christian Lundgaard, then Dixon, Pato O'Ward and Rossi.
Dixon pit again on Lap 59; everyone else waiting until laps 61-63. Dixon came out in the lead,
followed by Rahal, O'Ward, Lundgaard, Rossi and Alex Palou.
Felix Rosenqvist had been running in 10th when his McLaren suffered what appeared to be
transmission trouble and he dropped out on Lap 69, the only retirement of the race.
As the laps wound down, Rahal was closing the gap to Dixon. They were both slowed by
having to pass other drivers. Rahal at one point was just a half-second behind Dixon. The
closing laps were very exciting, and it was obvious Dixon's tires were gone, as his car
skittered around when he got on the power. Dixon was able to hold him off and win his first
race of the season.
This was Dixon's 49th win. He broke his own record - having won every year for 19 seasons in
a row. This was Dixon's 319th-consecutive start, which broke the record by Tony Kanaan.
To top it off, Dixon was the biggest mover of the race, having started back in P15.
| Winner Scott Dixon |
| Devlin DeFracesco Leads on First Lap into Turn 7 |
Rain washed out Saturday afternoon activities. Practice was delayed to Saturday
night and qualifying was postponed to Sunday morning.
Will Power and Marcus Ericsson suffered heavy damage when they collided during
practice; no fault of their own. Their cars were rebuilt overnight, but they had to
qualify untested cars.
Pole sitter Scott McLaughlin, along with 5 other drivers, including Scott Dixon and
Alex Palou, were given 9-position grid penalties for unapproved engine changes.
Josef Newgarden, who had qualified 2nd, started from pole.
The weather Sunday was overcast, 74-degrees with a 10 mph wind.
For the first time at St Louis, an alternate soft red tire was being used. IndyCar
required that each driver run them for at least two laps during the race.
The yellow flag waved as soon as the race started, bringing out the first of two
caution periods. Benjamin Pedersen got hit in the right rear by Ed Carpenter as he
was about to go into turn 1. Pedersen instantly spun 180-degrees and slid backwards
into the turn 1 wall. His race was over and Carpenter received a "Stop and hold for
30 seconds" penalty which cost him several laps.
night and qualifying was postponed to Sunday morning.
Will Power and Marcus Ericsson suffered heavy damage when they collided during
practice; no fault of their own. Their cars were rebuilt overnight, but they had to
qualify untested cars.
Pole sitter Scott McLaughlin, along with 5 other drivers, including Scott Dixon and
Alex Palou, were given 9-position grid penalties for unapproved engine changes.
Josef Newgarden, who had qualified 2nd, started from pole.
The weather Sunday was overcast, 74-degrees with a 10 mph wind.
For the first time at St Louis, an alternate soft red tire was being used. IndyCar
required that each driver run them for at least two laps during the race.
The yellow flag waved as soon as the race started, bringing out the first of two
caution periods. Benjamin Pedersen got hit in the right rear by Ed Carpenter as he
was about to go into turn 1. Pedersen instantly spun 180-degrees and slid backwards
into the turn 1 wall. His race was over and Carpenter received a "Stop and hold for
30 seconds" penalty which cost him several laps.
For the first 100 laps, Newgarden led while Colton Herta, Pato O'Ward and David
Malukas vied for 2nd.
Starting back in 13th, Dixon used his superior fuel-saving abilities to outlast everyone
else and not pit until Lap 65, which was 3 or more laps more than anyone else. He
resumed in 13th.
As other cars pit again, Dixon sailed on and inherited the lead on lap 113.
On Lap 122, Takuma Sato hit the wall bringing out the second caution. Dixon pit for
the 2nd time and retained his lead. So far, he had just one green-flag pit stop while
everyone else had two. This was a defining moment for the race.
The race resumed on Lap 135. Dixon was followed by Newgarden, O'Ward and
Alex Rossi.
The race ran green for the remaining 125 laps.
Dixon continued his amazing fuel savings throughout the rest of the race. He would
only make one more pit stop (Lap 196), while everyone else were forced to make
two more! Dixon inherited the lead back on Lap 221 and would not relinquish it.
With 14 laps to go, Newgarden, striving to get past slower traffic, lost it in the
marbles, hit the wall and damaged his car. He made it back to the pits, but a broken
toe-link meant his race was effectively over, as well as his championshiop hopes.
O'Ward inherited 2nd place and Malukas 3rd, rounding out the podium at the finish.
Dixon was the biggest mover of the race, improving 12 positions.
Malukas vied for 2nd.
Starting back in 13th, Dixon used his superior fuel-saving abilities to outlast everyone
else and not pit until Lap 65, which was 3 or more laps more than anyone else. He
resumed in 13th.
As other cars pit again, Dixon sailed on and inherited the lead on lap 113.
On Lap 122, Takuma Sato hit the wall bringing out the second caution. Dixon pit for
the 2nd time and retained his lead. So far, he had just one green-flag pit stop while
everyone else had two. This was a defining moment for the race.
The race resumed on Lap 135. Dixon was followed by Newgarden, O'Ward and
Alex Rossi.
The race ran green for the remaining 125 laps.
Dixon continued his amazing fuel savings throughout the rest of the race. He would
only make one more pit stop (Lap 196), while everyone else were forced to make
two more! Dixon inherited the lead back on Lap 221 and would not relinquish it.
With 14 laps to go, Newgarden, striving to get past slower traffic, lost it in the
marbles, hit the wall and damaged his car. He made it back to the pits, but a broken
toe-link meant his race was effectively over, as well as his championshiop hopes.
O'Ward inherited 2nd place and Malukas 3rd, rounding out the podium at the finish.
Dixon was the biggest mover of the race, improving 12 positions.
| Pedersen Out At First Turn Of Race |
| Scott Dixon Won Using Fuel Strategy |
| Rahal & DeFrancesco |
At the start, some cars went 3-wide into Turn 1, but that didn't work out for a group at the back
of the field. An incident left six cars stranded on track and brought out the first caution.
of the field. An incident left six cars stranded on track and brought out the first caution.
| Winner Josef Newgarden |
| Winner Josef Newgarden |
Graham Rahal started from pole.
On the first lap, a big cloud of dust got thrown up as some cars went off track. Upon
reentering the course, Romain Grosjean got hit in the blinding cloud and had to pit for
repairs. He fell ten laps behind.
On Lap 3, Will Power slid off the track into the grass and stalled it. That brought out
the first caution.
Colton Herta had a drive-through penalty for exceeding the pit lane speed limit early in
the race. He fell from 4th place to the back of the field. He worked his way up to 8th,
but with 3 laps left to go, he spun and stalled the car, was able to bump start it and
continue, but fell back to finish 13th.
Alex Palou inherited the lead on Lap 22 when Rahal pit. Palou easily held on to the
lead for the remainder of the race. Scott Dixon and Felix Rosenqvist fought for 2nd
place the rest of the race while Pato O'Ward hung around in 4th.
Rookie Marcus Armstrong was running in 7th when an error on the pit lane caused
his wheel to come off. After he was pushed back and the wheel reattached, he
rejoined the race at the back and would finish in 19th, a lap down. The incident looked
fortunate for Augustin Canapino, who could move ahead of Armstrong in points for
Rookie of the Year honors, however Canapino slid off track a minute later, ending his
day.
Canapino's accident brought out the 2nd yellow flag, however IndyCar delayed
throwing it until Rosenqvist could pit. This allowed Rosenqvist to retain P2. Dixon was
not happy with that decision as it cost him that position.
After the race went green, Alex Rossi made contact with the rear tire of Marcus
Ericsson as he tried to pass him for P7. Rossi went off into the grass and had to pit,
which put him a lap down.
Palou won his 5th race of the season, clinching the championship. This is Palou's 2nd
IndyCar championship and Chip Ganassi Racing's 15th.
The biggest mover of the race was David Malukas. He improved 15 positions, starting
23rd and finishing 8th.
Rinus VeeKay started 10th and finished 6th, giving Ed Carpenter Racing their best
finish of the year.
On the first lap, a big cloud of dust got thrown up as some cars went off track. Upon
reentering the course, Romain Grosjean got hit in the blinding cloud and had to pit for
repairs. He fell ten laps behind.
On Lap 3, Will Power slid off the track into the grass and stalled it. That brought out
the first caution.
Colton Herta had a drive-through penalty for exceeding the pit lane speed limit early in
the race. He fell from 4th place to the back of the field. He worked his way up to 8th,
but with 3 laps left to go, he spun and stalled the car, was able to bump start it and
continue, but fell back to finish 13th.
Alex Palou inherited the lead on Lap 22 when Rahal pit. Palou easily held on to the
lead for the remainder of the race. Scott Dixon and Felix Rosenqvist fought for 2nd
place the rest of the race while Pato O'Ward hung around in 4th.
Rookie Marcus Armstrong was running in 7th when an error on the pit lane caused
his wheel to come off. After he was pushed back and the wheel reattached, he
rejoined the race at the back and would finish in 19th, a lap down. The incident looked
fortunate for Augustin Canapino, who could move ahead of Armstrong in points for
Rookie of the Year honors, however Canapino slid off track a minute later, ending his
day.
Canapino's accident brought out the 2nd yellow flag, however IndyCar delayed
throwing it until Rosenqvist could pit. This allowed Rosenqvist to retain P2. Dixon was
not happy with that decision as it cost him that position.
After the race went green, Alex Rossi made contact with the rear tire of Marcus
Ericsson as he tried to pass him for P7. Rossi went off into the grass and had to pit,
which put him a lap down.
Palou won his 5th race of the season, clinching the championship. This is Palou's 2nd
IndyCar championship and Chip Ganassi Racing's 15th.
The biggest mover of the race was David Malukas. He improved 15 positions, starting
23rd and finishing 8th.
Rinus VeeKay started 10th and finished 6th, giving Ed Carpenter Racing their best
finish of the year.
Alex Palou Winner
| Race Start |
The Laguna Seca track has been repaved, providing tremendous grip to the race cars in
the groove. However, it is also extremely slick a few inches out of the groove. This
resulted in many cars spinning off the track all weekend, in both IndyCar and Indy NXT.
A thick layer of fog appeared over the track in the morning that delayed and shortened
IndyCar warm-up. By race time, the temperature was 62-degrees and the sky partly
cloudy.
Felix Rosenqvist, in his last race for Arrows McLaren, started from pole.
Between the slippery track and very aggressive drivers going 3-wide into turns with but 1
lane, collisions and spins were very frequent from the opening lap onward. All together,
20 cars were involved in 8 full-course yellows with a 1/3rd of the race ran under caution
(35 of 90 laps.) Last year, on the old pavement, there was just 1 caution in the race.
There were more penalties handed out in the race than probably the entire season
combined too. This was a confusing race to try to follow.
Alex Palou took the lead on Lap 7 and looked ready to run away with the race.
When the 5th caution came out on lap 58, Pato O'Ward had just pit from P2. He took the
lead when Palou pit a few laps later. But after a late pit stop on Lap 76, O'Ward went
backward in the field and would finish in 9th. Meanwhile, Palou was able to work his way
up and finish in 3rd.
Early on, Scott Dixon had to serve a drive-through penalty for avoidable contact, though
that call was controversial. The penalty moved him to the back of the field. Through
some good pit stop timing, he took the lead on lap 76 as cars in front of him pit. He was
able to maintain his position to the end and capture his 3rd win in the last four races!
Scott McLaughlin also had a topsy-turvy race. At the mid point, he was in the back but
managed to finish 2nd.
While Dixon pit 3 times, once under green and McLaughlin pit 4 times, once under green,
Palou only had 2 pit stops, both under caution. None the less, Palou finished behind
them in 3rd.
Colton Herta, Graham Rahal and Tom Blomqvist all wrecked out of the race.
the groove. However, it is also extremely slick a few inches out of the groove. This
resulted in many cars spinning off the track all weekend, in both IndyCar and Indy NXT.
A thick layer of fog appeared over the track in the morning that delayed and shortened
IndyCar warm-up. By race time, the temperature was 62-degrees and the sky partly
cloudy.
Felix Rosenqvist, in his last race for Arrows McLaren, started from pole.
Between the slippery track and very aggressive drivers going 3-wide into turns with but 1
lane, collisions and spins were very frequent from the opening lap onward. All together,
20 cars were involved in 8 full-course yellows with a 1/3rd of the race ran under caution
(35 of 90 laps.) Last year, on the old pavement, there was just 1 caution in the race.
There were more penalties handed out in the race than probably the entire season
combined too. This was a confusing race to try to follow.
Alex Palou took the lead on Lap 7 and looked ready to run away with the race.
When the 5th caution came out on lap 58, Pato O'Ward had just pit from P2. He took the
lead when Palou pit a few laps later. But after a late pit stop on Lap 76, O'Ward went
backward in the field and would finish in 9th. Meanwhile, Palou was able to work his way
up and finish in 3rd.
Early on, Scott Dixon had to serve a drive-through penalty for avoidable contact, though
that call was controversial. The penalty moved him to the back of the field. Through
some good pit stop timing, he took the lead on lap 76 as cars in front of him pit. He was
able to maintain his position to the end and capture his 3rd win in the last four races!
Scott McLaughlin also had a topsy-turvy race. At the mid point, he was in the back but
managed to finish 2nd.
While Dixon pit 3 times, once under green and McLaughlin pit 4 times, once under green,
Palou only had 2 pit stops, both under caution. None the less, Palou finished behind
them in 3rd.
Colton Herta, Graham Rahal and Tom Blomqvist all wrecked out of the race.
| Scott Dixon Winner |