Ganassi Goes 1-2 as Palou Secures His 12th Career Win
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Alex Palou era in IndyCar shows no signs of slowing down. The reigning series champion put on yet another clinic, executing a flawless race to capture the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding on Sunday. The victory marked Palou’s 12th career win and his first behind the wheel of the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.
While the 100-lap event lacked action for much of the day, the usual street course chaos erupted early. A multi-car crash on the opening laps briefly raised the heart rate, but once the field settled in, strategy took center stage. Teams split between tire compounds, attempting to outlast each other in what turned into a battle of patience and precision.
As the race neared its conclusion, Palou’s mastery became clear. Managing his tires with surgical precision, he fended off a charging Scott Dixon to lead Ganassi to its first 1-2 finish since Mid-Ohio in July 2023. Dixon, the six-time series champion, brought his No. 9 PNC Bank Honda home in second, while Josef Newgarden salvaged a podium for Team Penske in third.
Fox Sports debuted its new IndyCar broadcast package, introducing advanced telemetry and race car graphics that provided deeper insights into tire degradation, fuel strategy, and throttle application. But even the enhanced visuals couldn’t mask what was, for large portions of the event, a processional affair. However, the final 10 laps delivered, as Palou had to keep Dixon at bay while navigating lap traffic.
With a third consecutive championship in his sights, Palou’s St. Pete victory sets the tone for what could be another dominant campaign. IndyCar may have a new broadcaster, but Sunday’s race made one thing clear—the reigning king isn’t ready to give up his crown just yet.
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IMAGES: IndyCar
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