Alex Palou Targets First IndyCar Oval Win in Iowa
Indianapolis – Alex Palou, the current IndyCar championship leader, has set his sights on winning his first IndyCar race on an oval track in the upcoming event in Iowa. After a strong qualifying session, Palou secured second place for the second race, behind poleman Colton Herta of Andretti Autosport.
Better Than O’Ward and Power
The Spaniard made the most of the opportunity that came with being the championship leader, gaining information about his teammates during qualifying. Palou could not beat the records set by Herta and Scott McLaughlin of Penske, but he is confident about other aspects. Iowa may be his best chance to win on an oval track, given what has been seen in classification. He outperformed his two toughest rivals for the title, O’Ward and Will Power, who qualified sixth and seventh and fourth, respectively.
Overtaking Will Be Challenging
Palou’s strategy and use of the hybrid system in the race could be factors that favor him. The track’s new asphalt makes overtaking more complicated, which could work to the Spaniard’s advantage. Degradation will be a key factor, and Ganassi is well-equipped to handle it. As Palou has less experience and confidence than Penske and Andretti drivers, he could be at an advantage.
Hybrid System Problems
The first experience on ovals with the hybrid system was anything but successful. Several drivers, including Jack Harvey, experienced problems, and Alex Rossi was allowed only one attempt due to hybrid power issues. Colton Herta, despite problems, secured pole position for the first race and fourth place for the second.
Power and Newgarden’s Fiasco
The big surprise was the fiasco of Penske drivers Josef Newgarden and Will Power, both of whom qualified poorly. Power will start 22nd in the first race and 14th in the second, while Newgarden starts 22nd in both races.
Starting Grid for the Hy-Vee 250 from Iowa
Here is the starting grid for the Hy-Vee 250 from Iowa:
I. First Race:
- Colton Herta (Andretti) – 187.665 mph.
- Scott McLaughlin (Penske) – 187.526 mph
- Alex Palou (Ganassi) – 186.841 mph.
- Will Power (Penske) – 186.328 mph.
- Scott Dixon (Ganassi) – 186.208 mph
- Duck O’Ward (McLaren) – 186.074 mph.
- Alexander Rossi (McLaren) – 186.039 mph
- Santino Ferrucci (AJ Foyt) – 185.405 mph.
- Marcus Armstrong (Ganassi) – 185.337 mph
- Marcus Ericsson (Andretti) – 185.271 mph
II. Second Race:
- Scott McLaughlin (Penske) – 188.248 mph
- Alex Palou (Ganassi) – 187.582 mph.
- Scott Dixon (Ganassi) – 187.162 mph
- Colton Herta (Andretti) – 186.980 mph.
- Felix Rosenqvist (Meyer Shank) – 186.835 mph
- Alexander Rossi (McLaren) – 186.029 mph.
- Duck O’Ward (McLaren) – 185.857 mph.
- Graham Rahal (RLLR) – 185.690 mph
- David Malukas (Meyer Shank) – 185.595 mph
- Augustin Canapino (Reeds) – 185.212 mph
Follow the Hy-Vee 250 from Iowa
The Hy-Vee 250 from Iowa will take place on Saturday and Sunday, with live coverage on Movistar Sports at 2:00 PM (IST) and 10:00 PM (CET), respectively.